Sunday, August 9, 2009

Forty Years Of Fear For Foolish Mortals...

Foolish Mortals...



Forty years ago today Walt Disney's last remaining creation opened up...

The Haunted Mansion opened in 1969 almost six after it was announce, but it's popularity today is still a testament to Disney and his vision. When you think of a Disney park, it's almost incomprehensible to think of one without Pirates or the Haunted Mansion. These two last creations show you the power of a well crafted story/attraction and how it can be a permanent, iconic testament to quality. Something the Disney name is known for world wide (Too bad Eisner forgot this and Pressler never learned it).

Happy birthday HM, from all us foolish mortals...

12 comments:

DME Medical Supplies said...

Love the Haunted Mansion. Just did the refurbished one in Orlando in April, and loved it. Bless those grim grinning ghosts. However, I'm pretty sure Splash Mountain is Eisner era, and that one turned out pretty good. I love it, and it has consistently been the favorite ride of my young children. Or is there somebody else to credit for Splash Mountain?

Anonymous said...

How about the Imagineers that were working on it before Eisner was there?

Anonymous said...

You all need to remember that at the beginning, Eisner asically saved the company from "ruin". I believe Splash was being developed during his early golden years. He turned into a monster over time.

Tach said...

The unfortunate loss of Frank Wells hearlded the equally unfortunate decline in creativity at Disney. It's the dividing line between Disney and their "New Golden Age" and the subsequent quiet and head shakingly sad years for all aspects of the company.

Tim said...

Eisner and Wells made huge profits but actually ruined the company for the long run. They turned a unique enterprise into a big marketing / corporate money making machine out to shake every dollar out of the customer. (the old regime treated people as guests.) The previous company was out to actually educate us and influence the future of our world thru EPCOT Center among other endeavors. They really wanted to make a difference in their product - not just a buck. Eisner made this a children's oriented company and no different than other conglomerates. We are treated to tacky attractions like DCA and dinoland. Unthinkable before Eisner! He made that beautiful resort in Florida a big tourist trap with no real desire for the innovation and careful design we had before. No more achievements like the American Adventure or Horizons - or a Haunted Mansion - just Pixar characters for the children and thrill rides with no thought provoking messages to educate through entertainment. Walt Disney Productions went from a class act unique organization to a Walmart feel. Anyone born after 1980 won't understand this.
I won't even start on how they ruined the Disney channel. Disney was the "music maker". Now it just follows trends and customer surveys.

Anonymous said...

Bravo Tim!


Great points...especially about Disney World becoming a tourist trap.

My question: What would Orlando be if Eisner never arrived?

Anonymous said...

I disagree with Tim's assessments. He's obviously far too negative and pessimistic for his own good.

Get a life, Tim. GET A LIFE!!!

Tim said...

I did get a life - that is why I left Disney after 20 years. I would have stayed had they maintained Walt's values and business plan. It just saddens me so much to see Walt's 40 year effort building the company deteriorate year after year. Walt's projects originated from his desire to do something new, challenging and groundbreaking. He always gave the public something way beyond their expectations. The big bucks naturally follow. Today all their stale ideas start with Marketing figuring out the least they can spend for the biggest return. With all its problems at least the previous regime was always concerned with a long term investment in quality and preserving the culture Walt built.

Anonymous said...

Judging by what you're saying, Negative Tim, you have NOT gotten a life and you still need to get one immediately!

Quit your rhetoric and parroting! You're just as annoying as all those other Disney fanboys out there who need to get it through their heads that Disney STILL makes quality products no matter what and they STILL respect and honor Walt, no matter what!

The company's current ideas are not stale!

Walt's efforts, values and business plans have not deteriorated and they never will!!!

So, I reiterate--GET A LIFE AND QUIT YOUR GROUSING!!!

Tim said...

Anyone who believes Disney can do no wrong has got no life - falling for whatever the marketing people tell you.
I'm sure you loved DCA when it opened. Not to mention the Imagination Pavilion redo, WD Studios Paris, endless remakes and sequels, the list goes on and on...
Roy didn't get pushed a out few years ago because he supported management.
Remember when branding used to be for cattle - not Disney creations?

Anonymous said...

SHUT UP, TIM! YOU'RE WRONG AGAIN AND YOU KNOW IT!

END OF STORY, YOU HALF-WITTED TWIT!!!

Tim said...

Your insightful responses really made my case to all the intelligent readers out there - thank you. See you at the Pop Century resort.