Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
GameScope 2014 Year in Review
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Thoughts on Theme Parks and Alcohol
I enjoy alcohol and drinking at Universal and Disney parks. I’ve had Krakatoas Trader Sam’s, Martinis Carthay Circle, Carls’ Combo at Rose & Crown, Duffs at Moe’s, and Dragon Scales while watching a performance of Tales of Beadle the Bard. There’s a cognitive dissonance held when alcohol is discussed with theme parks, especially the ‘Magic Kingdom’ style parks. When it was rumored Disneyland was going to get a limited access restaurant with alcohol and Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest at dinner was going to have alcohol there were several people complaining about the decision. But why, and who are supporting this change?
When opened in 1955, Walt Disney did not sell alcohol in Disneyland to the general public. Club 33, a private venue for corporate sponsors and entertainment elite, did, but that did not open till 1967. How American culture views alcohol in 1955 is vastly different than it is today. Repeal of prohibition occurred in 1933, 22 years before the opening of Disneyland. To give some context, that’s the same distance between today in 2014 and the opening of Aladdin in theaters. In reverse, cigarette advertising was allowed on TV and radio was allowed up till 1971, while ‘distilled spirits’ advertising on the same mediums was banned until 1997. The climate of acceptance has advanced the 60 years since Disneyland’s founding, and as such the park should adapt to those changes.
Disneyland is designed as an escape from the reality and burdens of society. For some, one of these stresses is alcohol. Not limited to those who’re on a path to sobriety, alcoholism is a disease that affects many. And not just alcoholics can take in too much, but regular guests can abuse the drug too. Here are several tweets from Chad, aka ExTrashcan on Twitter, who said it better than I ever could.
People act like alcohol in the parks isn't a big deal, and for most people, that's the case. But for some it is.
— Chad (@ExTrashcan) December 12, 2014
People who've grown up in famililies or been in relationships with alcoholics have an uncomfortable relationship with alcohol.
— Chad (@ExTrashcan) December 12, 2014
Having previously worked in Epcot and DTD, I've seen the worst behavior from irresponsible guests under the influence.
— Chad (@ExTrashcan) December 12, 2014
Though obviously the extreme, I've seen women physically/verbally threatened and clearly intoxicated guests peeing in bushes at Epcot.
— Chad (@ExTrashcan) December 12, 2014
Not to mention the one time I saw two young kids bawling their eyes out telling their intoxicated parents to stop drinking.
— Chad (@ExTrashcan) December 12, 2014
J Hench said, "We program out all the negative, unwanted elements & program in positive elements."
For some, alcohol's an unwanted element.
— Chad (@ExTrashcan) December 12, 2014
That said, intoxicated guests will not be an issue if it is only served with a meal at an upscale restaurant, like Be Our Guest.
— Chad (@ExTrashcan) December 12, 2014
My point is that, for a minority, the persence of alcohol in the park will bring an unwanted, negative element that adds... (1/2)
— Chad (@ExTrashcan) December 12, 2014
...an unnecessary level of discomfort in a place that was intended to be an escape. (2/2)
— Chad (@ExTrashcan) December 12, 2014
Many think there is nothing wrong with alcohol being served anywhere in the parks. To get over it. Yet, they haven't seen what I've seen.
— Chad (@ExTrashcan) December 12, 2014
In my opinion, these comments don’t really reflect the state of Disney’s treatment of alcohol. My issue is Disney does not respect the adult nature of alcohol. Take a look below, a snap shot of the Disney Parks blog:
Two alcoholic mixed drinks, with foam and glow cubes, ‘themed’ around the movie Frozen. How is this appropriate? How can it stand where Cast Members are not supported to cut guests off from alcohol sales? Any other business that doesn’t respect alcohol and the effects it has on people cannot function, so how can Disney? Can you actually call someone a guest if you do not look out for their well-beings? Are you a host or an enabler with open cash registers?
My trouble point and question to Disney and Universal is how does alcohol fit in a theme park? Is it through sweet drinks with glow cubes? Black coolers or carts set outside of attractions full of the major beer options? I do not think these are the answer. While I am not against alcohol sales, any sort of fantasy element to it or backing of cast/team member cannot happen. I do not have the answers and won’t pretend to, what I want to do is ask why are people against these changes. What are your thoughts?
Thursday, December 18, 2014
3.16 - Ten Days or Whatever of Kwanzaa
Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
3.15- Universal vs Disney: The Unofficial Guide with Sam Gennawey
Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
UOR Permit Update: More Water Park News
First I want to apologize for the incomplete nature of this post. I'm having a hard time getting pictures up through Blogger right now, but Mike will be updating this post ASAP with the documents in question.
This post has more to do with the water park, which is quickly coming into view as more and more permits are found. The newest update comes as an addition to our previous report on the water park. More documents have been added to the original, giving us more insight into the water park project. According to the updated permit, the water park construction will disturb 53 acres of land, and will have a construction period of 11/20/2014 - 11/20/2016. That's interesting, as it's seems to be only two years to build and complete the park.
As always, keep an eye on Parkscope for more details.
This post has more to do with the water park, which is quickly coming into view as more and more permits are found. The newest update comes as an addition to our previous report on the water park. More documents have been added to the original, giving us more insight into the water park project. According to the updated permit, the water park construction will disturb 53 acres of land, and will have a construction period of 11/20/2014 - 11/20/2016. That's interesting, as it's seems to be only two years to build and complete the park.
As always, keep an eye on Parkscope for more details.