Originally Posted By Bob Paris Just checked out our old buddy TDLFAN's pics in the latest Miceage Weekend Update and saw a photo of a very large tv monitor sitting to the right of the hub(near Tomorrowland entrance). According to TDLFAN, these screens are there to show live coverage of the Games. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS. Now, I KNOW the WDC cares less and less about theming every day, but I am pretty damned sure there were no six foot high plasma screens in turn of the century Main Streets - and no, don't give me that "there weren't any castles or rocket ships either" argument - if you are erading this it's because, on some level you care about the cohesiveness of Disney theme parks so the whole "hub as the plaza of the realms" thing is a given. Most of us go to Disney theme parks because we want to escape reality - not be caught up in, of all things competitive sport. I'll bet they are so desperate they also put this tv in the guide map as an attraction.
Originally Posted By Mr X Not too surprising. In fact, I'd wager it wasn't even Disney's idea at all, but rather orders from the Polit Bureau!
Originally Posted By barboy Whoever is stopping to look at those screens needs to go home and watch TV. They don't deserve to enter a Disney park if that is their attitude. This takes the cake in extreme stupidity. Somewhat related and just as (if not more) asinine: on 9-11 of 2002 we sat on Main St. enjoying a noon meal in Dl Anaheim and some non-thinking, idiotic Disney decision maker(s) thought it was a good idea to play a Bush speech throughout the park honoring or remembering the previous year's event. I wanted my money back but I didn't pursue it. Disney even had the audacity to shut the attractions down for a spell just because of 9-11.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris I actually thought of something similar. WHat if there was a terrorist attack during the current Olympics? You are there at HKDL with your kids and suddenly the swimming is interruoted by images of carnage, death and destruction. That'd be a lovely thing for the kids to take away from DL, wouldn't it?
Originally Posted By barboy ///In fact, I'd wager it wasn't even Disney's idea at all, but rather orders from the Polit Bureau!/// That crossed my mind too with the way those Chinese officials shove Olympic pride down their countryman's throat. China is the Andre Agassi of nations wherby "image is everything". But Hong Kong enjoys a great amount of 'contemporary salutary neglect' or political autonomy so I'm not so sure here. I think how Hong Kongers as a whole view themselves might give us insight to the Olympic screens...... If they do collectively think of themselves as part of China and ultimately Chinese then I'm sure that they would welcome the screens. But Hong Kong is one diverse society/melting pot so maybe not.
Originally Posted By Mrs ElderP I know the equestrian events are being held in Hong Kong, and supposedly they have quite the Olympic spirit there, or at least the equestrian spirit!!
Originally Posted By Mr X ***I actually thought of something similar. WHat if there was a terrorist attack during the current Olympics? You are there at HKDL with your kids and suddenly the swimming is interruoted by images of carnage, death and destruction. That'd be a lovely thing for the kids to take away from DL, wouldn't it?*** Yes, having a Disney day ruined by a terrorist "interruption" would be right up there in terms of importance. <--rolls eyes.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris Your sarcasm aside, it would still be an undesireable situation and one that would needlessly not have to happen were tv screens not placed at the centre of the park. I know most people on these boards spend a lot of time at the parks but for some visitors, it is an extremely rare experience. The aim of DL was originally to provide a respite from the hassles and drudgery of life. Now I am not rquating a terrorist attack to an inconvenience but I sure as hell would not want to be greeted by images of carnage and talking heads consoling each other with empty platitudes in the hub.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Your sarcasm aside, it would still be an undesireable situation and one that would needlessly not have to happen were tv screens not placed at the centre of the park.*** Well it's an entirely unlikely and hypothetical idea anyway, the odds are probably just as good terrorists would target the park itself instead. ***I sure as hell would not want to be greeted by images of carnage and talking heads consoling each other with empty platitudes in the hub*** Just a guess here, but they'd probably turn the things off in that case. The park would probably be closed as well.
Originally Posted By Malin Whats the problem here, Hong Kong is co hosting some of the games so why shouldn't it celebrate the highlights here. The Olympics in Bejing are a one off event and should be celebrated as such. Also the tv screens are being used as part of a new show named Mickey Presents Dream Sports Moments. The show features a number of dance numbers and guest interaction, featuring performers and dancers. I see absolutely nothing wrong with this and its not the first time a Disney park has placed up tv screens in a park, take Disneyland's 50th on July 17th 2005, where tv screens were placed up all over both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure to capture the days events. This topic is a big deal about nothing.
Originally Posted By SuperDry In my opinion, the screens themselves are not that big a deal - it's the content. I don't think that people visiting a Disney park, and especially a Magic Kingdom, should have the outside world broadcast to them while in the park. It spoils the mood and detracts from the environment. But this may be an exception. I do realize that the Olympics are a huge matter of national pride in China, so perhaps for the majority of guests (many of which just don't "get" the MK concept anyway) it's appropriate. The thing that does grate on me a bit is the whole notion that live sports somehow overrides the normal rules of decorum. Many casinos in Las Vegas now have flat-screen TVs in the gaming pits so that people don't have to miss "the game." In my opinion, themed environments should take you away from the regular day-to-day world, rather than bring it in.
Originally Posted By Malin But the difference is Hong Kong Disneyland is using the screens to show guest the highlights. The way some on here are creating such a big deal you would think the park was boardcasting live coverage though out the entire day which is not the case. The screens are part of a Olympic theme show being staged daily in the Castle fourcourt area. Here is a video of the show that someone over at YouTube has posted. Sadly you don't see the screens in action but it will give you an idea. Part 1 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghFxu_Jvvrk" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...xu_Jvvrk</a> Part 2 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHzfF58r2Cs" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...fF58r2Cs</a> Part 3 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g6Joc_CEc8" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...Joc_CEc8</a> Part 4 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ2QmvTsR-o" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...QmvTsR-o</a>
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost Judging by the number of posts accumulated in two days, I would say that no one else sees it as a big deal either. It's the Olympic for heavens sake, not Saturday morning cartoons. Many people are interested, especially Chinese people. I see it as not even note worthy. And I would guess most everyone else as well. If you're going to be in the entertainment business one needs to entertain. In a few days the Olympics will be over, the screens gone and life will continue, as normal. In the meantime, how about those silly Russians.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< It's the Olympic for heavens sake, not Saturday morning cartoons. Many people are interested ... I see it as not even note worthy. And I would guess most everyone else as well. If you're going to be in the entertainment business one needs to entertain. In a few days the Olympics will be over, the screens gone and life will continue, as normal. >>> Replace "Olympics" with "Super Bowl" in the above. The same arguments could be made - do you still agree?
Originally Posted By SuperDry BTW, I was over at someone's house last week to watch the Opening Ceremonies. I was surprised it lasted 4 hours (4.5 hours including the "pre-show"), at least on US network TV. There was talk about inviting the neighbors over, but someone commented "Oh no, they'd be bored. They only like to watch sports!"
Originally Posted By Malin <<< Replace "Olympics" with "Super Bowl" in the above. The same arguments could be made - do you still agree? >>> Interesting you bring the Super Bowl up as I seem to remember the I'm going to Walt Disney World comercials, and the special parades with the NFL player marching down Main Street. Is this any different?
Originally Posted By barboy ///It's the Olympic for heavens sake, not Saturday morning cartoons. Many people are interested, especially Chinese people./// I don't care if Emeril Lagasse is showing us how to build a pizza on screen--- it doesn't belong in a Disney park. If you want current events STAY HOME or leave the park and fire up your laptop.
Originally Posted By barboy /// the I'm going to Walt Disney World comercials/// Who gives a rip since it is done 'outside' and doesn't affect guests at the park--- so I don't know why you bring that up. ///the special parades with the NFL player marching down Main Street. Is this any different? /// That too needs to stop. I don't want NFL, MLB or Pres. Bush (unless at the Hall Of Pres.) or any outside, non-Disney related distractions in the park.
Originally Posted By barboy ///If you're going to be in the entertainment business one needs to entertain./// True, and if one is in the *theme park* business one needs to keep the theme intact. I'm just saying there is a proper context for just about everything and Olympics(current events) don't belong at any Dl. I could *almost* swallow it if it were playing in EPCOT since the world showcase is there, but that sure is stretching things. Now, if this were in the US play the games and standings in the ESPN Club, bar or whatever its called in Downtown Disney--- no problem, actually it would be a great fit there. Just keep it out of the parks.
Originally Posted By jdub >> If you want current events STAY HOME or leave the park...<<< Or, since the installation has already taken place, if it's that big a problem--STAY HOME or go to another amusement park. The supermarket I used to go to put up television screens all over--produce section, every checkstand; even if I looked away, I couldn't get away from the noise, noise, noise noise-- --so I stopped going to that supermarket. I made one complaint, so my voice would be heard, and then I stayed away, because it offended my admittedly delicate sensibilities.
