Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:50:45 GMT

Why didn't they just kill Zac Efron off in the 2nd one? Kind of a Romeo & Juliet scene. The second movie of the trilogies are typically the sad ones anyway right? Then Corbin Bleu can come in and save the day and take his rightful place as the new king of the High School Musical empire.

Hey, is that what happened with Hillary Duff? I recall something about Duff and her mother giving Disney a hard time when they were doing Lizzie Macguire, and now it seems like Hillary hasn't gotten a decent acting job anywhere. Did I read about this on this site? I recall a similar article Jim wrote basically saying "Don't eff with Disney."

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 02:14:33 GMT

Gotta watch your back with those “studio insiders.” They wanna take Lasseter down a peg, and can’t wait to “humble” Efron. Maybe these studio insiders are ex-wrestlers from the WWE. I don’t know much about Sir Elton, but how greedy can a diva be that does as much charity and benefit work as he does each year?

I am (thankfully) not in the target market for HSM, but as I recall girls are drawn to guys that they agree are “hot”, not guys that are clean cut, personable, and professional. May not be fair, that’s just how it works. So Zac, make all the demands you want while you can – I’m pretty sure the studio insiders would make twice the demands if given the chance.

I’ll trust the consensus on Weis, but it doesn’t sound automatically fantastic to me. His design credits include a ferris wheel, a wooden roller coaster, a raft ride, and a farm area. Um, ok. Was he designing while waiting on a bench at Knott’s Berry Farm? He also designed MGM Studios – a park that has had flow problems and a lack of attractions since day one. Since then he’s been freelancing designing museum attractions. So fingers crossed – hopefully he’s the guy for the job. Just odd that out of the tens of thousands employed by Disney Co, he’s the one that can fix DCA. At least I don’t have to worry – if Weis doesn’t fix DCA appropriately, I know “studio insiders” are waiting to power slam him to the mat.

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 03:10:32 GMT

Jim, this is the first articlein days that actually has some real truth to it (i am refering to the aweful trash about pixars ratatoouille you have written recently).

I have friends that work for disney channel and they have commented on the problems with Zac and his diva attitude. They have mentiioned that they had not seen such a problem with one of their actors since hilary Duff. The difference is that with Hilary duff it was not her that was problematic. The problem with Hilary duff was actually the constant rude behavior and demands of her Mother. It was Hilary's mom that eventually caused them to have issues and eventually break away from their contract. It was not a hard decision for disney at the time since they had a very succesful rising star with Ravene Symone.

This time around it is Zac which feels like disney owes him everything and has a big ego.

As for Toy story Mania, i had also heard that WDI is not happy with the animation and was hoping to push back the opening. What i had heard though is that only WDW would be the one that would had to push back the opening since it was already scheduled to open about 4 months before the one at DCA. Construction in WDW is much more advanced because of the re-use of the Millionare building.

I personally tought that it was being done on purpose to force WDW to open at a later date which would place it closer to DCA's opening since the attraction was originally DCA's original concpet and seemed unfair that WDW was pushing to beat Anaheim in debuting it

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 07:47:31 GMT

I'd love it if Corbin Bleu would be in "Aida"- I'm a huge fan of his. I don't know much about the story, though- he wouldn't be playing Beyonce's love interest, would he? Also, Jim mentioned that Corbin is African-American...but he's actually Jamaican/Italian- American...

If HSM3 gets pushed until early 2009, what will they have in the meantime, between the 2nd and 3rd movies? I know that there'll be an ice show and a stage show, but the HSM actors from the movies aren't in those. Do you think there will be another HSM concert tour? Disney will need something to keep people interested...some people will still be interested, but kids are fickle.

Since you mentioned the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, I think, if there's any way possible, that Disney should move that attraction to Disney-Pixar Studios. It fits in there a lot better than it does in Tomorrowland.

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:30:37 GMT

I know I said this last time, but once again. High School Musical...I just don't care.

I'd also be a little concerned about the guy who designed MGM, my least favorite park in Orlando.

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 12:59:09 GMT

I really dug Disney-MGM in its early days....I'm a sucker for the old idealist versions of a 30's-40's Hollywood. The problem that quickly emerged at the Studios (And why not just call it the park Disney Studios or Disney's Hollywood Studios...anyways) the park is a hodge podge. It felt like there was a master plan at the beginning but it got tossed out the window......

Where can we stick an indoor rollercoaster.....hey plop it down right here and paint the giant building to look like a soundstage....that's Hollywood-ish right??....and toss a huge guitar out front..the people will love that.

Now where can a Playhouse Disney show go? Eh just gut a restaurant and through it in there...new attraction...perfect....

They people seem to like the giant guitar so lets add a giant hat at the end of the old Hollywood looking Blvd...it wont blend but it better than throwing a tarp over the Chinese Theater...hummmm what other random things can we toss in the park.......sigh

Hopefully the Pixar Place will have a sense of cohesive theme and blend in with its surrounding neighbors....

http://www.raymation.net

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:03:40 GMT

If Zac Efron is really so vain, greedy, fickle, and making constant demands of Disney Management - why isn't he posting on JHM discussion boards with the rest of us? ; )

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:00:04 GMT

-Zac Efron/Corbin Bleu: Don't care.

-As for the imagineering thing:

I went to Anaheim in 2003 (My first and only trip to the DL property so far), and I didn't think California Adventure was *AS* bad as it was made out to be. Now, I was only 15 at the time, but I went expecting it to be a complete worthless experience, and it wasn't. That being said, I can see how it needs an overhaul. How do you guys fell it should be revamped? I think the faux-MGM area should be totally redone, same with the Bug's Life farm. I actually like Paradise Pear's idea, but I wouldn't mind it changing.

BTW, I've always enjoyed MGM, and while I don't like the hat, I've always thought the Rock & Roller Coaster fit well...

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:10:43 GMT

I'm awaiting the return of the teenage fangirls who materialized the last time this story ran--the ones who called everyone here a bunch of jealous old fogeys or somesuch.

I think they, however, would know the difference between "hot" and "whiney", and girls usually don't get all lathered up over guys doing their own version of Luke Skywalker wanting to go to Toschi Station to pick up some power converters. But maybe Efron is pushing PAs around, demanding that they buy him beer and cigarettes--who knows?

And though it might feel comforting to know that jerky behavior will bring about his downfall, look at how long the studios have put up with Ms. Lohan--another Disney diva. (What is it about that place?) She's fading fast, however, and she lost out on a quality role by refusing to have Ms. Knightley as a chaperone.

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:43:26 GMT

I'm not getting why designing MGM and DCA is considered a credit on your resume.

MGM? Yeah, it had some charm at one time. It was horribly underbuilt when it had that charm, but maybe that was out of Weiss's control. But the layout was still bad and only got worse as it expanded to what is still an underbuilt park.

DCA was a relative disaster when it opened and it still is.

It's not that you can't have any fun there, it's just that being better than getting poked in the eye with a sharp stick isn't exactly what the Disney standard should be. The design of Paradise Pier, Condor Flats and the Bountiful Farm are hardly highpoints in Imagineering history.

Maybe Weiss will produce better results under different management... who knows? But his history doesn't exactly warrant breaking out into "For he's a jolly good fellow..."

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:03:41 GMT

Maybe I'm missing something...

What's wrong with the layout of MGM?

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:09:20 GMT

MINDERBINDER SAID - "Looking at your posts, you certainly come off as someone with an axe to grind and nothing useful to say."

Wow, don't beat around the bush, there MB...gee, I'm sorry you feel I am so unworthy...I must not be a very good writer...have to work on that...maybe some night classes at the local JC...perhaps an online course, "How To Write Useful Posts."

Now, as far as "an axe to grind" you couldn't be further from the truth...I enjoy playing around on this site (I thought that's what it was for). In truth, I will tell you I am very fortunate to be in the entertainment industry...( working, not-bitter, much to be happy about, version). I absolutely do not have any dislike , or "axes" to grind with any studio, (they have all given me a terrific life), so, I feel I have a pretty good unbiased "take" on many things "Showbiz"...I think it's called perspective...But, I wish you well, as, per your request, I will now retire my "useless" musings... to people who pay me for them:)

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:36:06 GMT

Zac Efron - Seriously you guys, this kid has just let it go to his head. Disney is very smart, very very smart to keep up with the demands of this kid, I would.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3 - Seriously people, don't shrug this off as a fad, its not. It's amazing, I'm 16, about to be a senior, all of MY friends LOVE IT, my two sisters LOVE IT. They especially love Zac Efron, because ladies and gentleman, as we should all know, Zac Efron is like the Jack Sparrow of High School Musical, without him, there would be nothing. I personally wouldn't watch a High School Musical without him. neither would half of High School Musical's other fans, it would just stink.

And if Efron's "Hairspray" fails at box office, then I would understand if Disney backed off. But as of right now, I'm fully confident in Hairspray, and I know that High School Musical 2 will definitely break some Disney Channel Ratings, like BIG TIME, the Number 1 CD for 2007? High School Musical 2 ladies and gentleman, I'm sure.

Disney's California Adventure - I'd love to see lasseter fix it, which I'm sure he is going to have some kind of say in it. But yeah, just hope it gets to become an awesome park like Disneyland!

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 22:33:24 GMT

HSM isn't my thing- my little sister is big on Efron, looking forward to Hairspray and his signing in Times Square next week... But isn't it basically the same type of thing the company's been doing since the Mickey Mouse Club?

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:50:37 GMT

MGM was originally intended as a sort of "half-park" like Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. THAT is why it has struggled with being under-sized and having fewer rides, it has nothing to do with the designer. He did an amazing job with what he was given so I'm excited to see what he'll do at DCA.

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 18:09:57 GMT

I was not a fan of the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (even though they read my text-messaged joke -- probably the only one they got!). I would be glad if they moved it out of Tomorrowland and threw in something a little more "futuristic."

While they're at it, gut the Stich's Great Escape thing, too! Put something cool in there and give me an excuse to renew my annual passes!!

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 21:47:33 GMT

OK, so I understand the problems with Toy Story Mania...that's not wonderful news, but whatever. What really makes me curious when you say "not all the news out of Glendale is great" is--is there any more word these days about the changing quality of the work environment there? I haven't heard much since the "shake-up", when most of the talk was speculation about how good things *might* get and how happy many Imagineers were about the *possible* upswing in things. So what's the latest on the prevailing attitudes over at WDI? Do those on the inside have any tangible feeling about the place (positive, negative, status quo) to report?

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:00:12 GMT

I'm just not all that confident in anything themepark related these days. If all these theme parks are now is a massive marketting tool for DVD, Movie tickets, and Itunes downloads.... then count me out. From a corporate standpoint.... why poor money into real estate, material goods and construction when you can flood the market with digital products that people can pay for in their pajamas at 2:AM? And with all these theme park acidents lately ... is it all really worth a risk anymore?

Its good to know that if Toy Story Mania is delayed due to technical difficulties .... it means they are at least trying to create something new and state of the art. I say let them take all the time they need to make it right.... rather than cutting corners to turn it into something just slightly more interesting and entertaining than a WII or PS3 game in order to get it out on time.

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:04:36 GMT

The layout problems of both MGM and Animal Kingdom are that unless you've memorized the place, you literally need a map in your hand to navigate the place. And even if you have only a halfway-decent idea of where everything's at you still might get stuck in dead ends. At least Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are circular in design, with MK a very easy to traverse wagon wheel.

But then maybe the designers of the newer parks--Universal's included--really do want to get their guests lost and sidetracked. Perhaps it'll make the ride lines shorter.

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:07:56 GMT

Thanks Jim, enjoyed this week's Why For Installment! I like to hear behind-the-scenes stuff.

re: Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management?

Jim Hill — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:21:29 GMT

Hi :) I'm new to this board! Uh...I jst read the article. I've heard rumours that Zac was acting up a little, and it wouldn't surprise me I always thought he was a little too good to be true. I'm not surprised about Corbin also, everytime I hear people say that they've met him or something they always say he's really nice and sweet. I think Zac has got to big for his boots. He seems to think that he is convinced that he is only reason that HSM (when he wasn't even singing in it, it was Drew Seely). But if Zac keeps on acting up don't worry. He won't get very far. After Disney he won't have very much because eventually the looks will fade then what will he rely on? His acting? Which is ok but not amazing. I mean I wouldn't say he was the best actor in Hairspray. Where as Corbin is going to get far if he keeps on being a nice guy. If he doesn't get many film offers (which I highly doubt) then I say he should go into theatre. I think he'd be excellent in roles such as Billy Flynn in Chicago, Fiyero in Wicked even Simba in Lion King. Zac had better watch himself becuase once HSM is over Disney can be done with him. I only hope he won't go and influence people like Corbin, Ashley or Vanessa to become big headed prima donnas with even bigger egos.