Comments on: The 12 Milestones in Disney World History part 12; the Pixar Merger http://www.mouseextra.com/2008/01/03/the-12-milestones-in-disney-world-history-part-12-the-pixar-merger/ Feeding the Disney fixation daily Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:31:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Raidermatt http://www.mouseextra.com/2008/01/03/the-12-milestones-in-disney-world-history-part-12-the-pixar-merger/#comment-2241 Raidermatt Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:12:20 +0000 http://www.mouseextra.com/2008/01/03/the-12-milestones-in-disney-world-history-part-12-the-pixar-merger/#comment-2241 Generally agree with "Anonymous". The newer moves seem more positive than most of the Eisner-lead park initiatives, but then that's not saying all that much. I do agree DCA should be a great test-case. They really had no choice but to make some massive changes/expansions. The question will be how they pull them off, and if they really do invest in them in the true Disney tradition, both in terms of cost and creativity. The plans announced and leaked so far leave me with some mixed feelings on the matter. We'll have to see how they turn out, whether things get cut or not, etc. On the mater of "Pixarization", I agree with Dave, not a problem. The Pixar films are at least in the ballpark with the best of Disney's animated films, and there is no good reason to keep them out of the parks. Especially with the lack of quality films being made by Disney's Feature Animation department. That said, I do have issues with where and how some of these character-driven attractions have been implemented, but that's a different issue. As is the somewhat uneven quality of the attractions. But as for whether using Pixar is the problem, nope, can't go along with that. Generally agree with “Anonymous”. The newer moves seem more positive than most of the Eisner-lead park initiatives, but then that’s not saying all that much.

I do agree DCA should be a great test-case. They really had no choice but to make some massive changes/expansions. The question will be how they pull them off, and if they really do invest in them in the true Disney tradition, both in terms of cost and creativity. The plans announced and leaked so far leave me with some mixed feelings on the matter. We’ll have to see how they turn out, whether things get cut or not, etc.

On the mater of “Pixarization”, I agree with Dave, not a problem. The Pixar films are at least in the ballpark with the best of Disney’s animated films, and there is no good reason to keep them out of the parks. Especially with the lack of quality films being made by Disney’s Feature Animation department.

That said, I do have issues with where and how some of these character-driven attractions have been implemented, but that’s a different issue. As is the somewhat uneven quality of the attractions.

But as for whether using Pixar is the problem, nope, can’t go along with that.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.mouseextra.com/2008/01/03/the-12-milestones-in-disney-world-history-part-12-the-pixar-merger/#comment-2233 Anonymous Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:40:10 +0000 http://www.mouseextra.com/2008/01/03/the-12-milestones-in-disney-world-history-part-12-the-pixar-merger/#comment-2233 You are an optimist. Generally, I think you're right some of the most recent efforts are superior to the end of Eisner tenure. Though I dislike the Nemo show, it is a big undertaking and certainly not a cheapo effort. You are an optimist. Generally, I think you’re right some of the most recent efforts are superior to the end of Eisner tenure. Though I dislike the Nemo show, it is a big undertaking and certainly not a cheapo effort.

]]> By: Brady Jensen http://www.mouseextra.com/2008/01/03/the-12-milestones-in-disney-world-history-part-12-the-pixar-merger/#comment-2232 Brady Jensen Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:23:41 +0000 http://www.mouseextra.com/2008/01/03/the-12-milestones-in-disney-world-history-part-12-the-pixar-merger/#comment-2232 Great way to end the series! It does make me think there's an 11.5 on your list: the over-due departure of Michael Eisner and the promotion of Bob Iger to CEO. Closing the studio at the Studios (number 11 on your list) is the proto-typical late-Eisner era move demonstrating a lack of creative vision combined with an emphasis on very-short term financial gain. (The lessons my mother taught me about the relationship between my nose and my face come back here.) It wasn't until Eisner had left that it became possible to repair the Pixar relationship, and it was Iger's bold step in seeking the acquisition, rather than simply a renewal of the distribution deal, that led to Lasseter's new position and influence. This deal removed lingering suspicions that Iger was simply Eisner-light. It was Iger, after all, who ultimately gave the green light to the re-making of California Adventure in a clear break with the recent Eisner era. While the DCA project may lead to some short-term starving of significant investments at WDW, I think we have to take this as a very favorable sign that the company understands the need to build parks of the highest quality; anything less is both a creative AND a financial failure. As I'm an eternal optimist (more Pooh than Eeyore), I think these developments are indeed a sign of positive things to come in the future of WDW. Great way to end the series! It does make me think there’s an 11.5 on your list: the over-due departure of Michael Eisner and the promotion of Bob Iger to CEO. Closing the studio at the Studios (number 11 on your list) is the proto-typical late-Eisner era move demonstrating a lack of creative vision combined with an emphasis on very-short term financial gain. (The lessons my mother taught me about the relationship between my nose and my face come back here.)

It wasn’t until Eisner had left that it became possible to repair the Pixar relationship, and it was Iger’s bold step in seeking the acquisition, rather than simply a renewal of the distribution deal, that led to Lasseter’s new position and influence. This deal removed lingering suspicions that Iger was simply Eisner-light. It was Iger, after all, who ultimately gave the green light to the re-making of California Adventure in a clear break with the recent Eisner era.

While the DCA project may lead to some short-term starving of significant investments at WDW, I think we have to take this as a very favorable sign that the company understands the need to build parks of the highest quality; anything less is both a creative AND a financial failure. As I’m an eternal optimist (more Pooh than Eeyore), I think these developments are indeed a sign of positive things to come in the future of WDW.

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