[Chat] How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

[yoyoflamingo]

So a group of us were in the Magic Kingdom today, which happens to be Walt's birthday. We decided to head over to the hub to watch the castle lighting show, and when we get to the hub we see that the Partners statue has been covered by a tarp! I have pictures on my camera that I can post later this week, but we were aghast at what a slap in the face it seemed to have a cheap blue tarp, for whatever reason covering Walt on his own birthday.

Happy Birthday Walt.

[MarkTwain]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

So a group of us were in the Magic Kingdom today, which happens to be Walt's birthday. We decided to head over to the hub to watch the castle lighting show, and when we get to the hub we see that the Partners statue has been covered by a tarp! I have pictures on my camera that I can post later this week, but we were aghast at what a slap in the face it seemed to have a cheap blue tarp, for whatever reason covering Walt on his own birthday.

Happy Birthday Walt.

:rant:

...

At least Roy is still in Town Square, so there's some Disney family representation... oh wait, they removed him so they could install Christmas decorations. :bang:

[yoyoflamingo]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

Good news is Roy is there; he is just moved to outside City Hall. I noticed him last night.

[MarkTwain]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

Good news is Roy is there; he is just moved to outside City Hall. I noticed him last night.

:thumbup:

Classy move Disney.

Hopefully Walt is just "down for refurbishment" or something... although the timing was incredibly poor..

[aimster]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

They might have moved the Partners statue because they were filming the Christmas parade this weekend. Just a thought.

[Disney Magic]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

^^ Yes that is what it was. When I was at the MK on the 30th they had the hub area roped off and a red circular stage was built up all around the statue, though Walt and Mickey were still poking out a cut out in the middle. There was a small sign at the entrance to each spoke of the hub saying that they were making preparations for the upcoming parade taping. It is just a coincidence that Walt's birthday is in early Dec and they film the parade at the same time, and I believe this new staging area at the hub has never been set up for previous tapings. I certainly wouldn't consider it a sign of disrespect cause the Partners statue was unavailable on his birthday, just a coincidence.

On a side note however...I wouldn't even be too surprised if it most of those involved had any clue when Walt's birthday was. I asked a manager on Main St standing 20 feet away from the hub what the stage was going to be used for, and he looked completely dumbfounded and said he didn't even know that anything had changed in the hub, then tried handing me a times guide for the shows playing at the MK that day.

[boogiechillen]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

When I asked at information, I was told that nothing had been planned for his birthday. That was disappointing.

I was also pretty appalled about the statue being covered on his birthday. I was told that the cast members were pretty upset about it as well.

[Coheteboy]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

Ugh! I know it shouldn't affect me the way it does but when I read that it was akin to being rejected by the hottest girl in town. (disappointing but somewhat expected)

[kcnole]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

I've never minded being rejected by the hottest girl if town if I can somehow turn it into being accepted by her really cute best friend.

How that relates to Walt I don't know.

[Disney Magic]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

When I asked at information, I was told that nothing had been planned for his birthday. That was disappointing.

I don't recall them every doing anything specifically for his birthday. Except for what would have been his 100th back in 2001, with the 100 Years of Magic promotion. An with that the typical guest I don't think even knew that it was supposed the be in honor of his 100th year. Most guests probably assumed the Walt Disney Co. was turning celebrating it's 100th anniversary.

Again I don't really see it as a sign of disrespect just a coincidence however unfortunate it was. But then even if this had happened anyother time of the year, there would always be some fans who would take offensive to it. Then there are others who complain about the fact that there is even a statue to begin with.....

[ti2gr]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

There wasn't even a mention of Walt's Birthday where I work at EPCOT

[NeverNeverland]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

The CMs at MK had the "I'm Celebrating" buttons with mention of Walt's birthday (pre-printed). They were not availbe to guests, though.

As of monday, the bench was still off to the side, even though filming was over. I can totally understand moving it for filming, but put it back when you are done!!

[Coheteboy]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

Let's see the pics!

[NeverNeverland]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

Let's see the pics!

We're trying lol Jeff will post them whenhe gets home from work

[yoyoflamingo]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

Finally got a chance to upload it. This is the view from the hub, at about 6:30 the day of Walt's birthday. I think you can guess what the big blue tarp is.

[ORD84]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

wow is that ugly now that filming is over they should remove it right now it's just an eyesore

[Mouse princess]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

Yeah- they were filming when we were there on Thursday, 12/3. We got to see some of that. But by 12/6 they should have removed the tarp. Disgrace!

[daydream diva]

Re: How WDW celebrates Walt's Birthday.

This is so increadibly sad, and slightly disrespectful, that the parks do not celibrate Walt's birthday in some way (beside CM buttons)! I had posted something on a myspace group if anyone knew about his birthday.....nothing. I have a pin I wear each year. It is a heart shaped locket with Walt's signature on the front and a picture and his birth date on the inside.