Small World Christmas in LA Times

[Lt. D'Amato [Andrew Rich]]

http://www.latimes.com/HOME/COMMUN/NEWS/ZONE04A/t00009094539.html

Featuring some insipid comments by Michael Maines about how Asia is "not
Asia is not necessarily a Christian continent." (what was your first
clue?), and noting that 10,000 lights will be used on the outside, along
with a giant Santa hat on the clock.

Here's hoping this bombs as much as LM did and this guy gets a new job.
--
Lt. D'Amato (Andrew Rich) damato [at] project [dash] insomnia [dot] com
Return email altered: make obvious changes to reply. ICQ 4161631
Backstage at Disneyland: http://www.project-insomnia.com/backstage/
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bobCode Generator: http://www.project-insomnia.com/bobcode/

[Judi Lane]

Al Lutz wrote:

> Lt. D'Amato [Andrew Rich] wrote:
> >Here's hoping this bombs as much as LM did and this guy gets a new job.
>

> Andrew,
>
> I guess we have to wait and see on Small World Christmas - but some comments
> made by Maines were amazingly arrogant. Here in a nutshell is what they are
> doing: [quoting from the article, my comments in brackets such as these]
>
> [Begin quotes] "Basically, we will be adding a Christmas overlay to the
> existing ride," said Michael Maines, director of entertainment creative
> development. The attraction will be closed for the alterations and general
> maintenance until the opening of the revamped version Nov. 25. It will
> remain through Jan. 4, Maines said.
>
> [Rumor has it they may NOT make the opening date. Things have been
> additionally been complicated by a major mechnical breakdown that ended up
> getting the ride closed earlier than planned. Isn't this what happened with
> "Light Magic" too?]
>

what a surprise, right?

> Planned enhancements to the 12-minute ride, originally designed especially
> for small children, include choirs singing "Jingle Bells" and "Deck the
> Halls" instead of "It's a Small World" and exhibits from various countries
> illustrating traditional children's games and crafts. Animal topiaries will
> be outfitted with Santa Claus hats and red bows. The 30-foot clock at the
> entrance to the ride will have a giant-sized Santa hat.
>

Let me see if I've got this straight.

Guests will be listening to and singing along with songs about installing
indoor holiday botanical decorations while wearing happy (or alternative
lifestyle) clothing and galloping some poor horse through cold winter weather,
all while inside a tiny boat floating past scenes depicting Muslim, Hindu, and
Buddhist cultures, in an air-conditioned building in southern California?

Yeah, this pretty much puts the entire Christmas season into perspective for
me. I had no idea what I've been missing all these years!

> [How much do they pay this guy to come up with Candy Cane Lane type ideas
> like this? Did they get all the stuff on sale at Pic N' Save?]
>
> The building facade also will be lighted "like a giant marquee with tens of
> thousands of Christmas lights," Maines said. He would not disclose how much
> Disneyland will spend on the enhancements.
>

"Like a giant marquee"? Danger, Will Robinson! =8^O

I, for one, do not wish to associate Christmas, Chanukah, or any holiday with a
Times Square atmosphere, save New Year's. Perhaps they should have turned Small
World into one big "New Year's Celebration" instead. At least most of the
cultures being represented have some formal recognition of a "new year." That
theme would have been easier to spin, and keep unique cultural perspectives
intact. Heck... they could have even placed Mulan references in Asia, for
advanced publicity.

> [Those lights tacked up everywhere on every edge are HUGE. As several
> people have noted they make the whole thing look perforated. Anyone wanna
> guess how much they are going to spend on this? If they advertise this as a
> major holiday event, can they accomodate the expected crowds on what has to
> be one of the slower loading boat rides in the park?]
>

I am not looking forward to seeing these later today. Maybe I can just glance
away while heading up to ToonTown? (Yeah, I know. That's like not noticing the
Matterhorn while driving I-5.)

> Maines called the decision to make the change "an inevitable evolution" as
> part of a promotional campaign to "expand our Christmas program."
>

I don't understand why depicting only one holiday in an attraction representing
cultures with a myriad of holidays is "an inevitable evolution." This does not
maintain the original "universal" theme, and pretty much destroys the main
purpose of the attraction. Christianity is not practiced by the majority of the
world's population, and shouldn't be represented so heavily in something that's
multiculturally-themed. Something like "New Year's Around the World" would have
been far better.

For the money they're spending on Small World, I would have rather seen more
decorations for Main Street and other choice locations (perhaps Christmas
lights all over TS Island? that would look interesting), more carolers and
musicians, perhaps offer traditional Christmas foods and desserts, including
international favorites, throughout the park... spread the holiday theme more
evenly than simply concentrating it at Small World.

> [Not if the visitors hate it. Then maybe his tenure at the park will
> inevitably evolve to its long overdue conclusion. Nothing is inevitable if
> it is bad for the park, even "streetaculars."]
>
> Maines said the company consulted with experts to accurately reflect the
> holiday traditions of represented countries. The entire continent of Europe
> will be illuminated by candles. Scandinavia will have "a large acrylic
> Grandfather Frost embedded with hundreds of Christmas lights," he said.
> "There will be ice sculptures."

Sounds beautiful. This part might work. But I think a continuity problem is
about to be exposed...

> Recognizing "that Asia is not necessarily a
> Christian continent," he noted that "we are emphasizing a celebratory aspect
> of the holidays in that part of the world." People will see "New Year's
> fireworks and rockets" in those regions, not religious symbols. [End
> quotes]
>

Duh!

Why couldn't they have done this for the entire attraction? And stayed away
from "religious symbols" altogether?

> Sigh... Judi was right. It IS like dumping catsup all over a lovely
> souffle.

Thanks, Al.

> Why isn't this man in Las Vegas where these kinds of ideas are not
> only welcomed but enhanced? Plus he could add tassles too. ;)
>

I think those can-can dancers from France could use a few more feathers, too.
;^)

> I guess we have to wait and see. But with Maines in charge, and Pressler's
> continuing lack of understanding of what makes the park so special, I have
> little hope it will be any kind of tasteful exercise in holiday decoration.
>

"Taste" is indeed the operative word here. And this mostly sounds pretty
tasteless.

> You know, I did check into employment opportunites with Sigfried and Roy for
> him. Maybe they could do "Light Magic" at the Luxor with Tigers!. No
> recorded taps though for the Pixies - it makes the kitties nervous. ;)
>

I still say turn him over to David Copperfield. Or better yet, Penn and Teller!

Oooh-wee! Penn Gillette and pixies? I'd give up two dinners at Blue Bayou to
see that one! ;^)

> Al
> [Who living in Hollywood near Hugh Grant's favorite pick-up spot has seen
> hookers at Christmas and is not sure he wants to relive that unique
> experience this holiday season at "the happiest place on earth."]
>

Well, the corner of Harbor and Katella stands nearby. It does give one pause.

Judi
-who thinks the play, "A Tuna Christmas" makes a better holiday tradition!

[Al Lutz]

Lt. D'Amato [Andrew Rich] wrote:
>Here's hoping this bombs as much as LM did and this guy gets a new job.

Andrew,

I guess we have to wait and see on Small World Christmas - but some comments
made by Maines were amazingly arrogant. Here in a nutshell is what they are
doing: [quoting from the article, my comments in brackets such as these]

[Begin quotes] "Basically, we will be adding a Christmas overlay to the
existing ride," said Michael Maines, director of entertainment creative
development. The attraction will be closed for the alterations and general
maintenance until the opening of the revamped version Nov. 25. It will
remain through Jan. 4, Maines said.

[Rumor has it they may NOT make the opening date. Things have been
additionally been complicated by a major mechnical breakdown that ended up
getting the ride closed earlier than planned. Isn't this what happened with
"Light Magic" too?]

Planned enhancements to the 12-minute ride, originally designed especially

for small children, include choirs singing "Jingle Bells" and "Deck the
Halls" instead of "It's a Small World" and exhibits from various countries
illustrating traditional children's games and crafts. Animal topiaries will
be outfitted with Santa Claus hats and red bows. The 30-foot clock at the
entrance to the ride will have a giant-sized Santa hat.

[How much do they pay this guy to come up with Candy Cane Lane type ideas

like this? Did they get all the stuff on sale at Pic N' Save?]

The building facade also will be lighted "like a giant marquee with tens of
thousands of Christmas lights," Maines said. He would not disclose how much
Disneyland will spend on the enhancements.

[Those lights tacked up everywhere on every edge are HUGE. As several

people have noted they make the whole thing look perforated. Anyone wanna
guess how much they are going to spend on this? If they advertise this as a
major holiday event, can they accomodate the expected crowds on what has to
be one of the slower loading boat rides in the park?]

Maines called the decision to make the change "an inevitable evolution" as

part of a promotional campaign to "expand our Christmas program."

[Not if the visitors hate it. Then maybe his tenure at the park will

inevitably evolve to its long overdue conclusion. Nothing is inevitable if
it is bad for the park, even "streetaculars."]

Maines said the company consulted with experts to accurately reflect the
holiday traditions of represented countries. The entire continent of Europe
will be illuminated by candles. Scandinavia will have "a large acrylic
Grandfather Frost embedded with hundreds of Christmas lights," he said.

"There will be ice sculptures." Recognizing "that Asia is not necessarily a

Christian continent," he noted that "we are emphasizing a celebratory aspect
of the holidays in that part of the world." People will see "New Year's
fireworks and rockets" in those regions, not religious symbols. [End
quotes]

Sigh... Judi was right. It IS like dumping catsup all over a lovely
souffle. Why isn't this man in Las Vegas where these kinds of ideas are not

only welcomed but enhanced? Plus he could add tassles too. ;)

I guess we have to wait and see. But with Maines in charge, and Pressler's

continuing lack of understanding of what makes the park so special, I have
little hope it will be any kind of tasteful exercise in holiday decoration.

You know, I did check into employment opportunites with Sigfried and Roy for

him. Maybe they could do "Light Magic" at the Luxor with Tigers!. No
recorded taps though for the Pixies - it makes the kitties nervous. ;)

Al

[Who living in Hollywood near Hugh Grant's favorite pick-up spot has seen
hookers at Christmas and is not sure he wants to relive that unique
experience this holiday season at "the happiest place on earth."]

--
Al Lutz -- (alw...@aol.com) -- FDC & TDC "Deluxe" Chrome Buzz Lightyear
Author of D-I-G - (Disneyland Info Guide) http://members.aol.com/alweho
PROMOTE PRESSLER! - http://members.aol.com/alweho/pressler/pressler.htm
"Strange how potent cheap music can be" (Noel Coward's "Private Lives")

[Kevind15]

Judi Lane <judi...@best.com> writes:

>Perhaps they should have turned Small
>World into one big "New Year's Celebration" instead.

It's surprising they didn't. There's an opportunity in that to use confetti.

-Kevin D
Guest of Honor 1984
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
INSIDE OUT CAN BE SAVED!!!!
http://members.aol.com/ChedderMJS/InsideOut.html
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[Nick Morgan]

Judi Lane wrote:

> > Recognizing "that Asia is not necessarily a
> > Christian continent," he noted that "we are emphasizing a
> celebratory aspect
> > of the holidays in that part of the world." People will see "New
> Year's
> > fireworks and rockets" in those regions, not religious symbols.
> [End
> > quotes]
> >
>
> Duh!
>
> Why couldn't they have done this for the entire attraction? And stayed
> away
> from "religious symbols" altogether?
>

Hmm, I was not aware that candy canes, lights, and Santa were "religious
symbols". You criticize the plan for having a "Christian" theme (among
other criticisms that I actually do agree with), yet the only changes I
read about in the post were the "commercial" aspects to Christmas-
Santa, lights, etc. Granted, the whole thing celebrates a Christian
holiday, but how many people associate the type of things they have
planned with Christianity? When you see the aisles of stores flooded
with red and green everything, and lights, and Santa items, do you think
"Christianity? Of course not.
If DL had choses to put crosses up all over the place, and a nativity
scene out front, then you would have a good point. But I did not see
any reference to any preference for any religion.

Anyway, it is a moot point. We all now it is a purely commercial ploy,
and a poorly conceived one at that. There are many other criticisms
that this IaSW-plan is open to.

Nick

--
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[Robert Niles]

Jon Nadelberg wrote:
>
>
> The Candlelight Procession is a totally Christian activity. I really
> enjoy that show, especially that they have a full orchestra playing
> during it.
>
> Before Mickey's Nutcracker, which some may recall, the Disneyland
> Christmas show played 4 or 5 times a day with a full orchestra.
>
> It really was an excellent show, much better than the Nutcracker,
> which I know a lot of people really enjoy.
>
> I think the Small World thing might be pretty neat. People should wait
> to see it before passing judgement.

I think that you miss an important point.

Sure, Disney has (and probably should) create shows that reflect the
Christian culture.

But the concept behind It's a Small World was the unification of the
world's many diverse cultures behind a common ideal - that, despite our
differences, this was a small world where we all could get along.

A Small World Christmas show utterly, totally and completely obliterates
that ideal. Now this attraction offers a celebration of one religion's
holiday - Christmas.

Never mind that a majority of the world's population is not Christian.
Never mind the original ideal of unifying the world's cultures around a
common ideal. The celebration of the birth of Christ is not common to
all the world's cultures, no matter how much you secularize it.
Disneyland Entertainment has ignored the theme behind this time-honored
attraction in order to create a holiday gimmick.

If Disney wants another Christmas themed attraction, fine. Build one. Or
convert another attraction whose theme would not be devastated by a
Christmas affiliation. (For example, I think that a Haunted Mansion
Christmas could be spectacular.)

I don't think that anyone cared when Disney introduced a Country Bear
Christmas show because there never was any great human theme behind the
Country Bear Jamboree. It was just a nice, entertaining show. But there
was a great, human theme behind Small World. And Entertainment's
obliteration of that theme simply confirms what many people on this
newsgroup have feared -- that current DL management doesn't understand
this park and what has made it great.

Robert Niles
Your host,
The Tom Sawyer's Island Appreciation Page
http://nilesonline.com/TSI/

[Jon Nadelberg]

In article <34491061...@yamerica.net>,
Nick Morgan <nmo...@yamerica.net> wrote:

>Judi Lane wrote:
>
>> > Recognizing "that Asia is not necessarily a
>> > Christian continent," he noted that "we are emphasizing a
>> celebratory aspect
>> > of the holidays in that part of the world." People will see "New
>> Year's
>> > fireworks and rockets" in those regions, not religious symbols.
>> [End
>> > quotes]
>> >
>>
>> Duh!
>>
>> Why couldn't they have done this for the entire attraction? And stayed
>> away
>> from "religious symbols" altogether?
>>
>

>"Christianity? Of course not.
>If DL had choses to put crosses up all over the place, and a nativity
>scene out front, then you would have a good point. But I did not see
>any reference to any preference for any religion.

[Nick Morgan]

Robert Niles wrote:

> Jon Nadelberg wrote:
> >
> >
> > The Candlelight Procession is a totally Christian activity. I
> really
> > enjoy that show, especially that they have a full orchestra playing
> > during it.
> >
> > Before Mickey's Nutcracker, which some may recall, the Disneyland
> > Christmas show played 4 or 5 times a day with a full orchestra.
> >
> > It really was an excellent show, much better than the Nutcracker,
> > which I know a lot of people really enjoy.
> >
> > I think the Small World thing might be pretty neat. People should
> wait
> > to see it before passing judgement.
>

> I think that you miss an important point.
>
> Sure, Disney has (and probably should) create shows that reflect the
> Christian culture.
>
> But the concept behind It's a Small World was the unification of the
> world's many diverse cultures behind a common ideal - that, despite
> our
> differences, this was a small world where we all could get along.
>
> A Small World Christmas show utterly, totally and completely
> obliterates
> that ideal. Now this attraction offers a celebration of one religion's
>
> holiday - Christmas.
>

How is it celebrating Christianity? I hate to say this, but Christmas
is really not about Christianity anymore. It is troublesome as a
Christian to say that, but it is true. Christmas in this era is about
shiny gifts, Santa, candy, red and green decorations, and Christmas
trees. And I would argue that those symbols are universally
recognized.....not as symbols of Christianity, but as symbols of late
December.
DL is hardly embracing Christianity, rather they are cashing in,
something that is also universally recognized.
Beyond that, does the fact that something (even in IaSW) focuses on
religion automatically make it a bad thing? Nadelberg (gee, I hope I
spelled it right this time) was correct when he said that the
Candlelight Procession was great. That is the great thing about DL, you
just enjoy the presentation, and you are not put in a position to think,
"Oh, that favors one religion". You can just relax and enjoy it.
I wonder if people are going to speak out when the Mulan parade opens,
and say it is anti-American. Of course not, that would be silly. It is
just good entertainment. So why complain when DL commercializes IaSW
(except for the fact it is probably going to look cheap and not even
have that entertainment-value I spoke of)?

[JKirk64031]

In article <19971018171...@ladder01.news.aol.com>,
kevi...@aol.com (Kevind15) writes:

>>Perhaps they should have turned Small
>>World into one big "New Year's Celebration" instead.
>
>It's surprising they didn't. There's an opportunity in that to use confetti.

It's still not too late for the confetti, just make it all white and they
can make it snow, both inside and out.

-Jim Kirk - The MAGIC will never die
Visit my Disneyland web site at: (http://members.aol.com/jkirk64031/index.html)
Also visit Fantasy Theme Park at the same URL.

[Iksnamhcok]

>People should wait
>to see it before passing judgement.

First sensible comment I've seen in this thread.

[Iksnamhcok]

>I guess we have to wait and see.

Yes, I guess we will.

[Iksnamhcok]

>Here's hoping this bombs as much as LM did and this guy gets a new job.

Why do you want this to bomb? Why are you so sure it will be awful?

[Iksnamhcok]

> We all now it is a purely commercial ploy,

What in Disneyland ISN'T a purely commercial ploy?

[Jon Nadelberg]

In article <344993...@snipthisout-nilesonline.com>,

Robert Niles <rob...@snipthisout-nilesonline.com> wrote:
>Jon Nadelberg wrote:
>>
>>
>> The Candlelight Procession is a totally Christian activity. I really
>> enjoy that show, especially that they have a full orchestra playing
>> during it.
>>
>> Before Mickey's Nutcracker, which some may recall, the Disneyland
>> Christmas show played 4 or 5 times a day with a full orchestra.
>>
>> It really was an excellent show, much better than the Nutcracker,
>> which I know a lot of people really enjoy.
>>

>> I think the Small World thing might be pretty neat. People should wait

>> to see it before passing judgement.
>

>I think that you miss an important point.

Probably. I usually do.

>
>A Small World Christmas show utterly, totally and completely obliterates
>that ideal. Now this attraction offers a celebration of one religion's
>holiday - Christmas.

From what I've read, it's going to be not just Christmas, but of all
kinds of year end holidays and celebrations. The ride may retain
the same theming, but just have a holiday bent to it. It COULD
still have the same message if done well. We have to see.

>
>Never mind that a majority of the world's population is not Christian.
>Never mind the original ideal of unifying the world's cultures around a
>common ideal. The celebration of the birth of Christ is not common to
>all the world's cultures, no matter how much you secularize it.
>Disneyland Entertainment has ignored the theme behind this time-honored
>attraction in order to create a holiday gimmick.

Really, the ride is just a popular little thing with dolls for the
5 to 7 year old set. They're the ones whom Christmas is really
aimed at as well.

I don't think that it's going to be converting anyone over to
becoming born again by the time the ride is over. I don't think
we need to fear people getting themselves baptized in the ride's
water system. I don't think it's going to be that terrible.

I DO think that it should be given a chance, and if it's really
awful, then savage it horribly. If it's really truly awful,
then the press and public will join in.

>
>If Disney wants another Christmas themed attraction, fine. Build one. Or
>convert another attraction whose theme would not be devastated by a
>Christmas affiliation. (For example, I think that a Haunted Mansion
>Christmas could be spectacular.)

I want Abe Lincoln wearing a Santa's hat with a bell on it.

>
>I don't think that anyone cared when Disney introduced a Country Bear
>Christmas show because there never was any great human theme behind the
>Country Bear Jamboree. It was just a nice, entertaining show. But there
>was a great, human theme behind Small World. And Entertainment's
>obliteration of that theme simply confirms what many people on this
>newsgroup have feared -- that current DL management doesn't understand
>this park and what has made it great.

I understand your wariness. The current management does seem to be
clueless beyond all previous incarnations. But since they're already
going ahead with it, I think trying to be optimistic and giving
it a chance to work first is the best thing to do. It MIGHT
be good!

[Jeff Peterson]

Al Lutz wrote in message <629sob$1...@bgtnsc01.worldnet.att.net>...

If they advertise this as a
>major holiday event, can they accomodate the expected crowds on what has to
>be one of the slower loading boat rides in the park

Wasn't the conveyance system for Pirates of the Caribbean patterned on "It's
a Small World"? While the capacity for Pirates has been increased with the
addition of larger boats several year ago (which are now too big for the
flume on tight curves), Small World should still accommodate close to 4,000
people an hour operating at peak capacity, which is close to twice what
other major attractions can handle.
--
Jeff Peterson
zeni...@cts.com

[FabDisBabe]

Remember, don't poke the Koch.

Merry Christmas, from your favorite Pagan,
Fab

The Fabulous Disney Babe, TDC Fabulous *FABULOUS* Disney Babe
TDC The Being Known as WonderGirl, and TDC Uh Oa, Hawaiian Goddess of Disaster.
"When you mess with Polynesia, the tiki gods will squeeze ya!"~Kevin Rafferty

[FabDisBabe]

To: ImJussaGirl
Remember when you asked what a Troll was?
note every single Kochnaminski Backwards post, and learn. :)

[Jon Nadelberg]

In article <62focd$1...@bgtnsc02.worldnet.att.net>,
Al Lutz <alweho...@aol.com> wrote:

>Jeff Peterson wrote:
>> Wasn't the conveyance system for Pirates of the Caribbean
>> patterned on "It's a Small World"?
>

>Same idea - but for some reason Small World is a mess loading-wise. Usually
>boats are backed up ten to twelve deep while a painfully slow loading and
>unloading process takes place. I don't know if this is because of the more
>akward seating heights and smaller boat sizes, or because the ride seems to
>pull in much larger amounts of elderly and very young passengers - which by
>their nature slows boarding down quite a lot. This is just from my
>observations on a regular basis with this attraction.

Huh? The boats on PoC are backed up starting at the bottom of the ramp,
and all the way around the treasure at the entrance...

It's got to be as bad or even worse on PoC.

[Chris Wade]

If the exit is any indication then the entire ride is to be remodeled for
christmas (you can see the exit from the train, all of the signs and
everythiong has been taken down.)
Jon Nadelberg wrote in message ...

[Annette Easton]

<MAJOR snips of Al's as-usual insightful post>

Al Lutz wrote:
> Sigh... Judi was right. It IS like dumping catsup all over a lovely
> souffle. Why isn't this man in Las Vegas where these kinds of ideas are not
> only welcomed but enhanced? Plus he could add tassles too. ;)

Y'know, I just can't envision Small World re-done like that.
Fortunately for me I'm not going to have to see it.

What I can envision though is a much more subtle holiday theming in
perhaps every ride in the park. Similar to "Bones" in Indy (which I
never did see BTW), they could strategically place something, say candy
canes or santa hats, in every ride. I'm not talking plastered
everywhere, I'm talking ONE. And maybe not in every ride. The Disney
Today pamphlet could mention that "throughout the attractions are hidden
38 candy canes, can you spot them all?" They could be as obvious as a
pirate holding one (or wearing a santa hat) or as discreet as one tucked
in a basket or a bottle. It would provide a little bit of holiday
flavor to the attractions without blatently obscuring the theming
(especially with something like candy canes, which are small enough to
be ignored by purists) and provide the same kind of fun that people get
looking for hidden Mickeys.

Of course, that's just my opinion.

--
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homepages:
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