| # | Author | Message |
71
| Dabob2
Tue 4/29/2008 12:36p | <So if Don Quixote can be made into a child-like doll, I don't see why Cinderella can't also be (which is an argument I have seen put forth, that there cannot be adults portrayed as dolls.)>
There are two kinds of "dolls" in question here. The small world AA dolls that represent children, and then there are some motionless carved dolls that look like children's playthings. Don Quixote (and Sancho Panza) are the latter.
There are (currently) no small world AA figures that represent adults, nor should there be. |
72
| oc_dean
Tue 4/29/2008 12:47p | Well Dan if you feel that way (in your last sentence) ... Then lets change or adjust the makeup to any number of features or attractions throughout the park. Lets add on to Sleeping Beauty's Castle, okay? Lets change the makeup of Jungle Cruise to be The Lion King Jungle Cruise. Lets change Tiki Room to A Luau with Stitch. Lets change the make-up of Main St. to a "Bowler Hat Guy" theme from Meet the Robinsons.
There's a point where the 'Care Givers of Disneyland' sitting in offices in Burbank, TDA, and Glendale have to really think every idea out very well .. Or you end up with some possible creative missteps.
The way you respond with
>>Those that see the theme will continue to see it, and those that are too young to even realize what the theme is will have fun pointing out Alice and Stitch to their parents.<<
I get the impression that no one with the highest regard for Disneyland's longterm should matter .. and just let little kids "sort of" make the rules.
That's why we have long-standing executives such as the Tony Baxters who have a higher standard, and a fundamental understanding for what's best to Disneyland's future ... than just servicing the immediate "catch" for the day - such as kid's current fascination with Stitch. |
73
| mawnck
Tue 4/29/2008 1:24p | >>The only ones who will have a hard time are those who feel that the attraction's makeup should never be changed or adjusted in any way.<<
>>Those that see the theme will continue to see it, and those that are too young to even realize what the theme is will have fun pointing out Alice and Stitch to their parents.<<
The message of IASW is integral to the attraction itself. In fact, it's its whole reason for existing. Anyone can build a ride where you can "see" a theme. IASW goes deeper than that. It doesn't just show the theme, it **expresses** it in every aspect of the experience.
"Seeing" or "realizing" what's really going on has little to do with it. The attraction operates on two levels. The surface (boat ride past cute dolls) and the deeper, more meaningful level (celebrate our uniqueness but also the universiality of humanity). If you "adjust" the underlying meaning, then all you're left with is ...
A ride past cute dolls. Or in this case, a ride past Disney Characters with cute dolls around them.
That's not Disney. Didn't used to be, anyway. |
74
| danyoung
Tue 4/29/2008 2:23p | >Then lets change or adjust the makeup to any number of features or attractions throughout the park...Lets change the makeup of Jungle Cruise to be The Lion King Jungle Cruise.<
Y'know, if done right, that could be pretty cool! Heck, they radically changed the thrust of the JC way back in the 50's. When it first premiered it was with totally serious narration from the pilot. It didn't take them too long to figger out that that wasn't working very well, and they added the kitchy jokes. Totally changed the vibe of the ride, and I think most folks would agree that it's a better ride.
But I'm not really promoting anything like major change to every attraction. I think the fundamental difference between the two sides of this issue is whether or not the theme of iasw will change with the addition of characters. I don't think it will change in the least, and the characters will add an element that will make the ride more fun for many. You of course feel the addition of characters will ruin or at least change the theme. And I don't see either side anywhere close to convincing the other. I keep coming back to what I've said all along - let's wait and see.
|
75
| oc_dean
Tue 4/29/2008 2:39p | On the surface level Dan ...
your above points are well taken.
But the Disneyland experience is built on more than just "artificial/shallow" experiences. |
76
| oc_dean
Tue 4/29/2008 2:56p | ^^^
and to expand on that ... I think mawnck explains extremely well .. as the ride operates on two levels. |
77
| dshyates
Tue 4/29/2008 3:25p | "We interrupt you world cruise for this message from the Walt Disney Company...."
I think the original theme will remain intact, but it will just be interrupted ever 17 secs of a heart warming Disney commercial.
The consultanteers have determined that the 7.5 mins enclosed in the show building is 39 missed opportunities to get the product in our face. |
78
| danyoung
Tue 4/29/2008 6:14p | >But the Disneyland experience is built on more than just "artificial/shallow" experiences.<
Are you trying to say that because of your deep understanding and love of the iasw theme, you have a deeper experience on the attraction than I do? Believe me, sir, I have every bit of knowledge that you do of the attractions theme, history, and creators. And I do appreciate the theme of world brotherhood in the ride. But I don't come out of the attraction with a tear in my eye, deeply moved by what it's saying about love and peace. At the end of the day, no matter how cool its theme is, it's still just a ride. And that's not saying anything bad. It's a great ride, with a wonderful and rich history. But it's still just a ride that I enjoy maybe every other visit. And then I go on to ride the Matterhorn or sail with the Pirates or just enjoy the vibe on Main Street.
No, sir, your experience is not deeper than mine, nor are mine artificial and shallow.
|
79
| oc_dean
Tue 4/29/2008 7:03p | If 'it's a small world' means something more to you than just a random collection of dolls singing a song often made fun of ... that's cool.
I'm trying to figure out what the ride means to you ... as I get the feeling you think the ride's sub themes mean little .. and it's up changing - Just as long as "things seamlessly blend in".
But anyway .... I appreciate your post above. thanks. |
80
| oc_dean
Tue 4/29/2008 7:04p | darn!
EDIT:
"and it's up FOR changing" |
