Deb Silhan, creator of the indispensable Focused on the Magic blog graciously extends the privilege of joining in with the delightful Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop. This week's theme is Unforgettable; where we revisit wonderful Disney photographic memories.
In the spirit, we would like to share our memories of Disneyland's still sorely-missed WEDway PeopleMover. This article originally appeared on the Disney Theme Parks Examiner page, Sept 8, 2014:
"Disneyland fans call for return of WEDway PeopleMover"
"Disney
knows a thing or two about marketing. The Company easily adopted the
use of social media, and now do so with a level of mastery Justin Bieber
would envy if he cared at all about his image. Every post draws waves
of likes and retweets, while often evoking enjoyable discussion. Today, a
simple inquiry posed on Facebook drew thousands of replies, and a groundswell of support for a beloved, retired classic.
The Disney Parks Blog and numerous Disney social sites thrill fans with daily real-time interaction. Universally popular are the posts asking guests about their favorite rides, meals and entertainment, etc. Today, on Disneyland's Facebook page, followers were invited to comment on their favorite Tomorrowland attraction. As ever, Space Mountain and Star Tours have their expected, earned level of supporters. But today, the dearly departed PeopleMover elicited a significant share of replies.
It was slow. It was quiet. Some, and this is blasphemy, viewed it as boring. It never had a line. While this last was a significant draw for loyal fans, it ultimately contributed to its decommissioning. The WEDway PeopleMover ceased operations in 1995, but it is surely, as evidenced in today's post, not forgotten.
Speckled within votes for the familiar suspects, and weighty backing of Autopia, Buzz Lightyear and the Monorail, the lost, elevated slow-train through Tomorrowland appears frequently, and garners multiple likes and replies. In addition to marketing, Disney knows a fair bit about customer service. A few comments on Facebook aren't going to bring back an entire attraction. But Disney makes these inquiries for a reason. They are entertaining, and spark debate, but they're also a fine barometer of visitor disposition. A company of Disney's awareness and brilliance does not ignore such things."
Make, share and cherish your own unforgettable memories..
The Disney Parks Blog and numerous Disney social sites thrill fans with daily real-time interaction. Universally popular are the posts asking guests about their favorite rides, meals and entertainment, etc. Today, on Disneyland's Facebook page, followers were invited to comment on their favorite Tomorrowland attraction. As ever, Space Mountain and Star Tours have their expected, earned level of supporters. But today, the dearly departed PeopleMover elicited a significant share of replies.
It was slow. It was quiet. Some, and this is blasphemy, viewed it as boring. It never had a line. While this last was a significant draw for loyal fans, it ultimately contributed to its decommissioning. The WEDway PeopleMover ceased operations in 1995, but it is surely, as evidenced in today's post, not forgotten.
Speckled within votes for the familiar suspects, and weighty backing of Autopia, Buzz Lightyear and the Monorail, the lost, elevated slow-train through Tomorrowland appears frequently, and garners multiple likes and replies. In addition to marketing, Disney knows a fair bit about customer service. A few comments on Facebook aren't going to bring back an entire attraction. But Disney makes these inquiries for a reason. They are entertaining, and spark debate, but they're also a fine barometer of visitor disposition. A company of Disney's awareness and brilliance does not ignore such things."
Make, share and cherish your own unforgettable memories..
Absolutely Beth. I love the nostalgia of seeing the PeopleMover track, and the old Fantasyland Skyway Chalet, etc., though yearn for their return..
ReplyDeleteThe People Mover is a classic favorite of mine at WDW along with the COP. Both bring back fond memories of the 1964 World's Fair. I can't imagine not being able to ride them.
ReplyDelete