Originally Posted By AutoPost This topic is for Discussion of <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/Latest-ID-78707.asp" target="_blank"><b>Latest: Interactive unit "Cubot" to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios</b></a> <p>StudiosCentral.com reports Hollywood Studios will be testing a new mobile, interactive unit known as "Cubot" in the animation Courtyard on October 11 and 12. Here's a look from AttractionsMagazine.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="450" height="229" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PvnB7YFNsoU" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <p> </p>
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I don't get it. I understand that it must be part of the Living Character initiative, but this seems like a huge step backward from previous attempts. The technology behind it appears to be almost identical to Push, with some very limited interactive spinning elements. The interactivity here seems to actually hold it back. While the spinning segments are a nice gimmick, but it's really nothing more than a gimmick. Once one person has 'straightened out' the character, there's really nothing more that can be done. Since the segments need to be able to spin, the character can't have any moving features like Lucky, Wall-E, or the Muppet Mobile Lab. It seemed like the interactive touch element was added due to the apparent edict that everything for the parks must be interactive, which limits the variety of situations that can occur with guests. And having 4 sides with faces on it appeared to create a lot of confusion when it started talking to a different guest. When none of the mouths are moving and each side has a face that could potentially be talking, it just seems to create confusion. On the bright side though, at least they used generic characters instead of official Disney ones (though the cowboy does seem reminiscent of something from 'A Cowboy Needs a Horse'). Overall, it seems well intentioned, but doesn't really bring anything new to the game.
Originally Posted By leobloom And the Living Character crap just gets worse and worse. I'm not sure what the appeal is of this building block robot, either. Didn't see to have much potential for humor (unlike the Muppet mobile), it doesn't have a recognizable character (which the suits would love), and it doesn't have any impressive movement (like Lucky). So it's a stack of three building blocks. It's come to this? What a colossal waste of money the Living Character Initiative is. I'd say this looks as bad as the Cars 2 bit in LMA, and that's saying something.
Originally Posted By dagobert I don't know what to think about that. Honestly it looks a bit stupid. I liked Push the talking Trash Can in Paris, because people were so surprised when a trash can came over to talk to them. We loved their reactions when they were surprised that it talked to them. What happened to the Dinosaur, Wall-E and the Muppets? Are they still around?
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub I think the same people that asked for the new interactive HM Q asked for this CUBOT. Maybe Disney executives are required to waste time and money in each park.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Why, of why, can't they spend the money on refurbs, new proper (non synergy) attractions and human entertainment? At least it isn't another rubberhead I suppose.....
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I don't know what the pricetag is and that would affect my response. However reading all the time ( and agreeing with )- the fact that the streets need to be more alive - especially in DHS ( like they are during SWW) - I think this is a cute addition geared toward a younger crowd with some added background 'noise' for adults and the park in general. now like in another thread, if someone shows me a spreadsheet that shows they could have fixed the Yeti for this or something I'll agree with sentiments, but if this is off the shelf technology for the most part- no different than adding a second trash can etc. then I applaud 'plussing' the experience.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub I guess vbdad's comparing Cubot to another trashcan(which is probably needed) is something we can all agree to! Yes I would think that would be a cool looking trashcan.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub ...does it follow guests around and tell them to please place trash in the proper receptacle and don't forget to recycle? Now that is a good idea for Cubot!
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub I am embarrassed to admit I wasted 4 minutes watching this on my computer!. Seriously it is painful. Has anybody that has commented in the positive actually watched thisZ? Would you really stop to be entertained by this?Anybody?
Originally Posted By leobloom I can't imagine this being entertaining to anyone other than the parents of the kids who are spinning the blocks around. I'm astounded how poorly-conceived this is. Like a Disney knock-off that Six Flags would come out with.
Originally Posted By leobloom I'm with you, MMC. Probably the lamest bit of "entertainment" I've ever seen in the parks. What's more discouraging is the Living Character business is supposed to be getting better, not worse, right? And this is the next iteration of that technology?
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Thank you. How much would you have paid for this ? How much do you think Disney paid for it.
Originally Posted By leobloom I know I wouldn't waste my time in the park standing around watching this thing. But, then again, I wouldn't stand in line for eighty meet and greets, either. Maybe this is just what the average WDW visitor wants.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 would I spend 4 minutes on it- nope. Would a typical 7 year old- likely. again it's all about cost and intended target. I doubt very highly they targeted a 56 year old Disney addict with this.. that's it why I compared it to the talking trashcan..I have seen people watch that incessently- and follow it around. While I think it is cute it is a 30 second diversion
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer I really don't understand this. There's nothing special about it. I mean, even for a kid... it's just a talking block. At least something like Push is a shock to see a trash can come to life and follow you. That's the gimmick. This is just... talking, static pictures. That spin. Very amateurish.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<However reading all the time ( and agreeing with )- the fact that the streets need to be more alive - especially in DHS ( like they are during SWW) - I think this is a cute addition geared toward a younger crowd with some added background 'noise' for adults and the park in general.>> DHS is about the only place where the streets DON'T need to be more alive. The place has more streetmosphere than the other parks put together.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub My common sense is saying this Cubot is not worth discussing and yet I dislike it so much that I have decided to mention it over and over again. I actually think it is painful to hear and see online and hope it is removed by my late November trip. Unless Doobie shows us a video of his young one and entire family having 4 minutes of fun with Cubot. That would change my opinion and I will apologize for my grumpy attitude on LP and have my pic taken with Cubot at the meetngreet!
Originally Posted By vbdad55 "DHS is about the only place where the streets DON'T need to be more alive. The place has more streetmosphere than the other parks put together." should be at a fever pitch like during SWW_- it is supposed to be a studio atmosphere is it not ?
