Days of Disney Past: Videopolis at Disneyland

On this day in 1985, Videopolis opened at Disneyland. When the new team of Michael Eisner and Frank Wells took over the leadership of the Walt Disney Company, job number one for the duo seemed to be "Make Disney cool again". The concept art here certainly worked!

This super high technology dance club was the most quick and easy addition of the new projects. It brought the crowds into a little used space in Fantasyland, but it was only the first move in a succession of big time hit attractions. Captain Eo starring Michael Jackson would open in 1986 and the first ever attraction based on Star Wars, the incredible Star Tours, would open in 1987. The next big splash was the fan favorite Splash Mountain. With almost one new attraction a year for the first four years, it seemed as if the gifts from the suits and the Imagineers would never slow down. But it did. The next big attraction was the Indiana Jones Adventure (and I was there opening weekend).

Will Disneyland see another season of heavy investment under Josh D'Amaro? Here's hoping! 
 

The Nastiest Disney War

So a little vacation reading did include Disney War by Pulitzer Prize winning author James B. Stewart. It's a lengthy, in-depth, and eye opening report of the ascent of Michael Eisner and Frank Wells to the thrones of the Walt Disney Company- and then Michael's fall from grace with investors and insiders. I'd read both Eisner and Iger's books before picking up Disney War. In contrast to this one, Michael and Robert's accounts of their own stories come off as pure propaganda.

While I always deemed Eisner great for the theme parks and animated movies in his first decade, it was easy to see his success wasn't lasting for his second one. Lousy animated films, second rate direct to video movies, half baked parks such as California Adventure and Walt Disney Studios Paris, and poor quality television shows tarnished the Disney brand- all making the way for Eisner to be pushed out. (If like me, you're looking for a book rich with stories about the development of theme parks, attractions, and the battles and strategies behind them, this is not the book for you. There's a handful but nothing you can't find elsewhere.)

As hard as Stewart tries, he cannot help but come to some conclusions that remove the pixie dust from those readers wanting to stay happily in the Disney bubble of fantasy. Behind the scenes, Eisner's poor relationship skills with those he worked with and other non-Disney executives come to light- particularly Pixar's Steve Jobs. Eisner comes across as arrogant, narcissistic, backstabbing, paranoid, and unwilling to consider the input of others. He's certainly creative, but he's a man who lacks integrity and is dishonest as can be. Disappointing.

Although Robert Iger comes off as rather stiff creatively during these years, he is viewed as rather honest and likable overall. Certainly not  bad qualities to be viewed as poccessing in that fast paced cut throat world. Is that still him? I'm not sure. The quick switch of roles with Bob Chapek pre-COVID changing life in the States makes me think years at Disney changed him for the worse. I'd love to be proven wrong. Perhaps the story will be told in a Disney Wars sequel. And Stewart would be just the man to write it.

Two Important Birthdays

July 17, 1955. Fifty-nine years ago, Walt Disney and his team accomplished something the entire world has loved. In one year and one day, they built an entire theme park- the original Disneyland. Kings, Presidents, Hollywood starlets, and ordinary royalty of all kind came to love this beautiful, charmed filled, heart-strings tugged place.

Fast forward to just 25 years ago, and under the new leadership of Michael Eisner and Frank Wells, the Imagineers led by captain Tony Baxter, debuted the incredible Splash Mountain. Proving once again that a mediocre film (Song of the South), can be the basis for a great theme park attraction, a Disneyland classic was born.

These important park birthdays serve to remind us that 1- true creativity and risk taking produce great results, 2- Rome can be built in a (year and a) day, and 3- continuing to create guest pleasing experiences brings the revenue the suits look for.

In 25 years from today, may we be celebrating some attraction that is a new instant classic!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney's Mr. Incredible?

Robert Iger is certainly leaving his mark as CEO on the Walt Disney Company. Much like Michael Eisner before him, Mr. Iger is a man with a vision. But will he eventually be remembered as a villain or as a new century Mr. Incredible?

Here's just a few thoughts to consider before we start making our minds up. First, things do not always end as they start. Remember, Eisner was heralded as the savior of the company when he began, and he proved his interest, creativity, and wisdom in all things Disney during his first decade. Decade Two, well, you know the story. Not a happy ending.

Secondly, a great leader is backed up by a great team. Eisner had Frank Wells, who apparently kept the man in check. Iger looks like he has started well by bringing in John Lasseter into larger roles than just Pixar, but lately Bob seems to redirecting the company ship by heading down the wrong path by letting go of folks like Dick Cook.

Acquisitions are a big temptation and a potentially lucrative business decision for anyone leading a company with the resources of Disney. Pixar? Check. Marvel? Check. So far, seems like good moves on his part.

What other odds and ends? Oh yes, the parks. The bread and butter of the business along with the film division. Gotta give the man credit for his cajones in the forthright acknowledgement of the creative and financial failure of California Adventure. Then backing it up with a $1,000,000,000.00 plan worth of improvements. (Just count those zeroes!)

But balance that out by his involvement in the woefully dismal Hong Kong Disneyland, the increasing lack of maintenance and care of Walt Disney World, and how Shanghai Disneyland is being outsourced, and you just have to wonder what the guy is thinking. Long term or short term profits? A slippery slope balancing investor desires.

Mr. Iger's love of technology is well known, and his aggressive moves on making television web available is changing the industry. My hunch is this is only the beginning. The make up of the Board of Directors indicates my hunch will prove true.

As of right now, it is hard to tell how Robert Iger will be seen in the future. Let me give him this piece of advice- enjoy the successes and accept the failures as part of a learning process. Do what is best for people, be it giving them high quality entertainment options at fair prices or treating employees at all levels with respect and decent wages. In this, be full of integrity and honesty without greed. In doing so, you'll sleep well at night- and your legacy with the company will be one of honor.
(Art copyright Pixar/The Walt Disney Company.)

Roy E. Disney Passes Away

This is very sad news. In addition to being one of the last Disneys directly involved with the company, Roy had the position/gift/responsibility of influencing other leaders. Michael Eisner, Frank Wells, and Robert Iger particularly owe this man some gratitude for all his work. That includes us Disney geeks as well.