Sounds good to me!

So in the future, the only way to enjoy the park will be to bring your cell phone, hair dryer, and a geiger counter with you. Here's the technology Disney Co needs to focus on: build rides and attractions that the whole family can experence together. If you want cutting edge technology, let's introduce the "prohibitively expensive" talking rubber head characters into the park that have been in the touring shows for the last few decades. That would be far more magical than watching a hand held computer screen light up.

My problem with Pal Mickey was that, in the words of "Meet The Robinsons", I'm just not sure how well that plan was well thought through.  (Master?)

First, as Jim mentioned, the little bugger was overpriced. I'm not sure why they did away with the rental option, unless people weren't bringing 'em back or somebody just got greedy.

Second, Mickey is the wrong size - too big to carry around on the clip, too small for you to want to allow your kid to want to carry around without potentially losing it and for that kid (or you) to give it a big hug.  

Third, depening on the number of people around you, not loud enough to hear unless you have it right up against your ear or so loud it makes your cell phone ring seem easy to ignore by comparison (a volume control would have been nice, guys).

Maybe the next time WDI wants to do an interactivity thing, they might want to consider selling a really-for-real version of the "Personal Disney Assistant" toy - a PDA that allows Disney to transmit messages like wait times or Disney trivia and games to, that allows you to check seating at a restaurant or make an ADR or even request a FASTPASS, that can have sound capability by attaching an earpiece to the device (the messages can be Mickey "calling" you to mention what's going on), and can vibrate or play the first few notes of Zip-A Dee-Doo-Dah" or whatever to notify you to check the PDA for updates.  {WDI, if you're interested, call me! :) }

Okay, so it wouldn't be cute and cuddly like Pal Mickey, but it might be more useful...

I don't know.... seems to me that something like Nintendo DS is something you spend time doing when you can't make it to a Disney theme park. It’s kind of anti-climatic I think to go into a theme park to play around with a handheld video game.

Just about EVERY other idea mentioned in this article is better than this.

They need to focus on what the park has to offer....

For instance..... Imagine the possibilities in bringing back something like say.... The Country Bear Playhouse.... with an interactive twist.  Or something like America Sings ... takes requests. Interactive TIKI room?  Hall of Presidents?

As for the DS thing.  Send a big rig to malls arround the country or something.

Why not build a Wacky Laundry mat in Toontown and invite people to bring their laundry? Color changing washers and dryers anyone?

How about you bring your IPOD to the park... plug it into your ride seat .... and download a realtime recording of the ride soundtrack, mixed in with the sounds you make.

I'm not for anything that mixes the mundane every day things of life with a day inside the magic place.

I know... i'm weird.

I agree with curmudgeon. I don't know, I think Disney is just going about this the wrong way. I care more about attractions and shows than I do about Jack Sparrow being able to utter my name as I pass by. I think kids would feel the same way if they were given the choice. It sounds like a lot of work, and yes, it might slightly improve the experience (though talking back-and-forth Mickeys sounds a tad creepy, if not annoying), but not like rides and shows are able to.

This made me think of ET over at Universal and the fact that he does greet you by name at the end... which I've never been able to catch: it's too loud in there. Also, any non-standard (ie not in English) name will innevitable be mis-pronounced, losing a bit of magic there.

I agree that spending more on the rides and park characters would be more magical than walking around with a Nintendo DS. Especially if I don't want to buy one of those things, have no need for them and would feel almost discriminated if I had to have one to experience the magic. It's expensive enough to get into the parks, do I now have to buy additional expensive technology to experience it more fully?

To me, visiting themeparks means leaving the everyday world outside and entering another realm. Taking my game computer with me interferes with the experience I hope to have. The magic lies in how different the places you can visit in the parks are from the outside world. Why bring this outside with you? Of course I would encourage venturing new technologies but they should be tested on a smaller scale. Technological progress for the individual can only enhance the experience when it fits seamlessly with the existing facilities, not when you have to think about it, how to use it, where to stand, what to bring with you. These things mean stress. Which is the last people want from a day in a magical world.

I realize this is not an "in-park" deal, but while on the subject of giving away technology for free, why on earth are they still making people pay $10 for a 24 hour period of internet in their hotel room? If you can go to a Motel 6 and get free wifi, but get charged for it at the Polynesian...something is wrong.

As far as Pal Mickey talking with AAs in rides- that's not fair for anyone else...we're all enjoying a ride, and then the AA starts saying "Hi Billy, how's your day?"...who's Billy? we'll say.  Why does he get special treatment.  I don't like that idea at all.  If the costumed characters that you can meet had that ability, then that'd be cool, since that's a 1-on-1 experience, anyway.  But, I'd hope that all the children in a family had a Pal Mickey for that to happen, since Billy would be getting special treatment, but his brothers & sisters wouldn't be.  Maybe it's just not a good idea after all.

As a customer, I don't feel too bad about Disney losing so much money on these new technologies.  $199 for a cell phone, & up to $225 a month extra?  That's gross.  With a few failed attempts under their belt, Disney should learn not to price things so high.  

There's such a limited market for the "X-Marks-the-Spot" promotion that I just can't see it doing well.  Sure, there are a lot of POTC fans, but how many of them have a Nintendo DS, and how many of them will bring their DS with them to DL or WDW?  Or what about little girls with Nintendo DS systems who are into Princess and not Pirates.  Maybe Disney should cater to them as well...

I agree with curmudgeon on the focusing on attractions idea.  And, I think you're idea is great, pschnebs.  It'd probably be overpriced, too, but great idea!

RHeath2, Disney charges $10 for a 24 hour period of internet in their hotel rooms since they can.  People pay for it.  They love their money.  They'll continue to charge unless the number of people willing to pay greatly reduces.  Or else they'll not care about that and enjoy the $10 from those who would be still willing to pay.

It's not the price that turned me off of these items ... I actually bought a Pal Mickey and I thought it ended up being the most ANNOYING thing I ever owned! Have you ever tried to listen to the thing in a noisy theme park??? You've got to hold it up to your ear like a cell phone ... and then it vibrates every three seconds. You ended up being a slave to your stupid Pal Mickey instead of just enjoying the parks.

I'm with almost everyone else who responded here ... I don't think price is the issue. I think Disney is badly misreading their audience. I'm not interested in any of this garbage. Build some solid new attractions ... that's what I want.

The DS and iPod show up on property because whether a kid flies or gets driven to a park, they're probably using those devices on the way. Now I can't speak as to why these things wouldn't stay in the car or hotel room but I'm not a parent. The POTC DS thing does remind me of something Nintendo's done for years with Pokemon- having special characters available for one's Gameboy during Mall Tours and their NYC store.

As for interactivity, the first couple generations of any new technology are going to have bugs and heavier price tags that only get early adopters who care most about the latest. I think as the technology meets demand and prices drop, they might end up outfitting more and more plush this way. Generation-wise, I think they probably should have had some NBXmas options.

And what's with the past tense? Have they stopped selling MPM? I was kind of hoping to pick one up when I go this summer.

"If you want cutting edge technology, let's introduce the "prohibitively expensive" talking rubber head characters into the park that have been in the touring shows for the last few decades."

Those have now shown up on the castle stage at WDW. It freaked out my 8 year old son to see their mouths move, especially after several years of us parental units explaining to him that Mickey doesn't talk because if he did, he'd lose his voice very quickly, with all the kids he'd need to talk to.

I was really surprised to see these on stage, but my guess is that they'll be rolling them out more and more (I imagine that this is also the Iger techno-geek coming into play).

Harry Potter is going to Universal, Universal press release confirms it. Kudos to Jim for backtracking on his original story and getting the scoop. Universal just became much for formidable in Orlando again.

for me - Iger's vision is similar (to a fault) of other media and Internet executives who's personal and work lives revolve around technology - and they assume that the general public is on the same page. WOuld the common Disney park visitor REALLY have so much connectivity on their person?  Maybe a nintendo DS but it's not like they are connected 7x24 like most execs. It's too soon to do this and expect a wide acceptance and usage. I am glad they are trying something - but it's a 5 year journey to get people (the entire guest community) used to that..

This is a minor point compared to some of the things that have already been said that I agree with, but we parents are often cautioned not to put a child's name on his/her clothes so that unscrupulous people will not be able to address the child by name and gain his/her trust.  But Disney would encourage us to buy a toy and put the child's name in so that AA figures know the child's name!!??  Presumably that information would be available to anyone who knew the right frequency to interpret.  I personally do not think there are loads of molestors who would try to exploit this technology.  I just think it is ridiculous that Disney would develop a product that depends on violating standard warnings given to parents.  It's another way in which this whole line of thinking is very out of touch with what guests want and need.

On the technology in the parks thing: I haven't been a child for a long time, but I've brought an iPod into the parks with me on occasion - if I'm standing alone in a badly themed queue *cough California Screamin' cough*, I appreciate having the distraction. And just about every adult and most kids have their cell phones on and ready; I'd love to have a dollar for everyone who calls or text messages or plays games on their cell phones in the parks (so would Disney, I imagine).

arrowyn, you've got a valid concern, but wouldn't it follow that a child with a Pal Mickey would most likely be there with a trusted adult? Just sayin'...

Personally, the thought of an AA "talking" to me or Pal Mickeys talking to each other doesn't appeal to me all that much. ET saying my name was cute the first couple of times, but after that it's more of a detraction from the show than anything else.

Let's remember that the primary DS market is kids, folks. Kids won't find these instructions complicated at all, and they'll enjoy the treasure hunt aspect. Remember, kids don't fear technology like adults do and, consequently, they're usually much, much better at using it.

Also, I've seen lots of kids waiting in the increasingly barren queue designs, playing their handhelds rather than swinging on the queue bars and staring blanky at nothing while they wait. Of course, I'd love to have more intricate and intresting queues like in the old days, but with the exception of Everest, they're just not too popular on the list of necessary parts of an attraction, I guess.

That said, after all is said and done and the family is back home, the kids now have some really neat, exclusive bragging rights to show their friends and tell the story of how they hunted for these unlockable/downloadable treasures at Disney. If those kids go back and start working on their parents, maybe it will lead to a few more folks heading to the Mouse that might otherwise have not.

Don't be so afraid of something just because it's not your cup of tea. Kids today - and younger generations in general - tend to like mixing their gadgets into their life and vacation experiences. I say let them...if you don't want to do the same, then it shouldn't be a problem to just not do it, should it?

The PDA thing that someone mentioned is a pretty good idea.  I know that the Palm line of PDA's have Bluetooth and wi-fi capabilities (at least the new ones do).  It would be pretty neat to get updates via your PDA, but I guess the drawback is carrying that thing around.

The problem that I found with Pal Mickey (or at least my daughter had) was that you could barely hear the thing talk after it vibrated to let you know that it was going to tell you something.  The other thing that I thought hurt Pal Mickey was that a brand new one was introduced that had enhanced features, and there were a LOT of the old versions floating around that couldn't take advantage of it.  What probably could have helped would have been an exchange program whereby the owners of the old versions were able to upgrade to the newer version for a nominal fee.  Disney could have taken those traded-in Mickeys and donated them to a childrens' hospital or perhaps loaned them out.

Here's what WDI should do.... (WDC, if you're reading, no charge. :)

Forget hardware.... implement what ever you're planning as software...

There's enough horsepower on most cell phones to do all of this...

So you write the thing in Java ME have it talk Bluetooth and have it

interact with ride elements and "hot spots"... predownload the sounds over the internet... even w/ the names...

Minimal charge for the visitor (paying for the internet download

of the app), minimal expense for Disney.

Not super easy to do, but all the components exist.

It’s really interesting that Jim chose to write this article at this time.  I didn’t really know about the “X-marks-the-spot” hotspots, but the past few days, I’ve been thinking about how many interesting and beneficial things Disney could do if they embedded their theme park passes with RF transmitters.  I know, some big brother fearing types are already totally opposed to this idea, but I’m sure they could work out the details well enough that you would feel your privacy was secure.  

In any case, the benefits would be amazing.  First, it would be a huge boost to the “living character initiative”, by allowing characters, rides, or anything else address people by name (or utilize any other info people were willing to store on their ID), without the need for a live performer.  

They could also use it to track people’s preferences.  An example would be, if a pattern forms where a person regularly orders the same beverage, the automated ordering machines, can make that item more easily accessible, or even ask, “Hi (insert name here), do you want your usual (insert beverage here)?”  This would be even more beneficial to annual pass holders, who would have time to really have their preferences learned.

The card could even store information like priority seating times and such, which would not only help the cast run this aspect of the park, but could work with other technology to remind the guest that they need to head for the restaurant, based on how far away they are and travel times. This would be especially important in Florida, where you might be in a completely different park.

Also in Florida, it would be a huge benefit for the bus system, as they would be able to track when people are waiting at a bus stop, as well as busses in transit and the amount of people on board, and adjust accordingly.

Behind the scenes, there would also be huge benefits.  It would allow for more accurately tracking guest movement throughout the park, and even allow for more automated ride systems that adjust to the number of people in line.  It would allow the time of wait signs to be far more accurate.  It could even help monitor if guest were doing stupid things that might get them, or someone else, hurt.

I guess what this all boils down to is, sure, these gimmicks aren’t doing so well, but the technology and applications could lead to some really incredible improvements both on the guest and cast side of things.  It may not make the mouse a lot of money, but it could save them money and improve guest experiences.

My big problem with this is the fact that when I take my family to a Disney Park, the whole point of it is to spend QUALITY family time together. In this hi-tech world, we seem to have lost so much of it already. We can't just take car trips and talk as a family... no, as soon as you get in the mini-van the DVD player has to come out so the kids can watch a movie. There are so many distractions now thanks to technology that aid in actually pulling the family apart.

So now Disney introduces this in the theme parks of all places, the place where Walt designed for families to bond and enjoy special time together. In order for my kids to use this technology they'd have to bring their video systems into the park with them. That also means, then that they'd want to kill time waiting in lines by playing their Nintendo.. and while waiting in restaurants for food. In other words, we risk all that family time and memories times that we get in the parks, as now the kids will have yet another place to play a video game. No thanks. Count me out. I have a hard enough time trying to get my kids off video games, the last thing I would want to do is encourage them to take in MORE places. Leave the video games at home.

First off, how many people own a Nintendo DS... probably quite a few, but then how many of those people bought a copy of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and on top of it how many of *those* people are going to remember to bring it with them to the park?  A small percentage.  I know I wouldnt want to tote mine around the park with me all day just so I could get a free download. Bad idea.

I think this interactive stuff at the oarks is very intriguing. This comming from a person who is still using windows 98 on a dial up connection! However I do wonder if WDI could improve the quality of their Imagineers buy requiring some reading before being hired or at least finishing the reading within a period of time and actually have everybody be tested on it as part of keeping their jobs. Why I say this is it seems that everybody is still figuring out what Michael Eisner would have done verses concentrating on what Walt would have done. Does anybody know if the company requires perspective employees to read the two recent Walt biographies or eveb better; to purchase and use the Computer CD that Walts family put out several years ago? I wonder if requiring WDI employees to do this would help people get a glimpse of the man whose shoes they are filling? Thus, they might end up with more sucsessful ideas?

Then again I'm just a wanna be Imagineer on the outside looking in.

dustindd: You're right, quite a few people own a DS. In fact, more than quite a few. Nintendo is cleaning up the video game market right now. DS is outselling PSP and Wii is outselling Xbox 360 (my personal favorite, though) and PS3. A LOT of people own a DS. To make this promotion effective, they need to market the heck out of it and expand it to other Disney titles.

However, Disney needs to look past the gamer market, because no matter how much money it makes it's a niche market. They need to look at devices that EVERYONE uses, such as portable music players and cell phones. A lot can be done with Bluetooth and many phones as well as Microsoft's Zune utilize that sort of technology. (Apple would be smart to include it in the next-gen iPod as well).

Universal's Harry Potter announcement (which has me totally geeking out, BTW) is a slap in the face to Disney. Come up with something cooler, guys!

Alex Dolce is right on this one folks.  when i read about this feature being offered, i immediately told my 15-year-old daughter.  we bought the game at Target on Sat. and stopped by the park on Sun. on our way home from The OC.   she brought the game and her DS with her, and she was able to download one of the three extras before we had to hit the road.  she never intended to play the game at the park, but she played it in the car on the way home and now she has the cool extras for anytime she wants.  we'll be back to get the other downloads another time.

All of these ideas suffer from similar problems.  When I go to the parks I don't even take a camera.  I don't want to carry around a plush doll or video game all day.  I'm there to enjoy the attractions!  And I don't want to interact with a box or a doll!  If the powers-that-be stopped thinking about this penny-ante stuff and got back to the sorts of Big Ideas that Walt had many decades ago they would get a better payoff.

Don't get me started!  Even when they do something big -- like putting in Disney's California Adventure next to Disneyland - - it's a watered down copy of a Six Flags park.  Where are the new Pirates of the Caribbeans or Haunted Mansions?  To be honest, the last decent new ride they opened at Disneyland was "Indiana Jones," and that was years ago.  A tepid Nemo ride will finally replace the original submarine attraction after a decade this summer... WHAT TOOK SO LONG?  (Yes, I know Jim already did a story on that.)  It's just... where are the BIG IDEAS??

Walt put the money on the table and it (eventually) paid off.  The timid folks at Imagineering and Disney Corporate are paralyzed and nothing happens but small stuff.  Adding music to Space Mountain.  Whoo-hoo.  I just hang on to a thin prayer that bringing in John Lasseter will kick start things.  My confidence, however, is not high.

Okay.  That's it.  Forgive me.  I apologize.  Rant over.  Taking a deep breath...

Well, I'm sure WDI had very little to do with this Nintendo DS/Pirates promotion at all.  

As an owner of a Nintendo DS and an avid gamer, I'm very aware of how these download "hotspots" work, and it's not as complex as you all may think.  Yes, I can see how the suits might be wandering around to see how well people are responding to it, but it's actually not very much effort put in behind the scenes.

All that is required is another DS system with a special game card that has the "bonus" content.  They turn that system on at the hotspot and it allows people to download the content to their own DS systems.  It's pretty low tech as far as the actual infrastructure goes.  There is no need for any WDI installed tech at all, which is why this promotion can be "free".  

Also, I can see the generation gap in these comments.  It's amazing how people look at technology when they don't understand it or use it.  The fact that somebody brings a Nintendo DS into the parks should not mean they are missing out on quality time.  It takes all of a few seconds to download whatever bonus content they are offering, and then you can save your game and turn off the system.  It's not like you have to sit there for hours playing your DS while you should be on attractions.  Nintendo does these kinds of promotions all the time.  Just this morning I was at the Nintendo World Store in New York City and pulled out my DS while waiting in line to pay for something, and checked for new downloads.  It took very little time at all.

I do agree that some people/kids need to play games in moderation, but I don't think they should be discouraged from playing or bringing their game systems to the parks.  When I've gone, there might be kids playing in line, but the majority of the time they are still enjoying themselves on attractions, shows, parades, etc.  I have yet to see a kid playing while actually riding.

Oh, and I have to say that you would be surprised at the actual demographic that owns and plays the Nintendo DS.  Many of you think it's for kids, but there are a lot of adults who play too.

I'm 27, and I'm thinking of buying a DS for "Brain Age" alone. :)

The Kim Possible idea is so good, but Disney is retarded for making people use some special device. Every kid ever now has a Nintendo DS. The DS can download software from the air and store it in resident memory. The technology is there, there is little up-front cost for the user, perhaps just a fee to play the game, hell they could even make it free if they wanted, and just limit it to X people per day.

Actually gurgitoy2 WDI had a lot to do with this. I don't understand what all the fuss is about, i think some of you need to do a bit of R&D before commenting. The nintendo DS is one of the hottest hand held gaming system on the market. I mean it outsold the PSP 6 to 1 last year. You guys need to stop judging and actually support the Disney company and the ideas behind what they do if you EVER want to see anything big and bold!!! I think the DS idea is brilliant. I mean kids waiting in lines can get annoying so giving them something interactive to do. . .it's a good thing. Yeah I know...why don't those kids enjoy the theming and atmosphere while waiting? Sorry to say but not all guests hold that to such high regards as some of us Disney Dorks. As for getting the word out to bring your DS and game into the park, if you actually support Disney and believe in the magic and bought the game, the back of the booklet has a big graphic reminding people to bring it into the park. Even if this concept fails like the others, I'm still supporting the idea and notion.  

"Actually gurgitoy2 WDI had a lot to do with this. I don't understand what all the fuss is about, i think some of you need to do a bit of R&D before commenting. "

Ok, please tell me how WDI had a lot to do with this Disney Interactive game, and the "hotspots" placed around the parks?  I suppose maybe the placement of the "X marks the spot" locations, but the tech behind these downloads has nothing to do with WDI.

I actually have three of those pins.

They're not that ugly looking, but they never worked.

As for the rest, interactive is cool, but I'd like to see more focus on rides.

Although, wouldn't a "walking tour podcast" be a cool idea?

encouraging guests to bring their DS and walk around all of Disneyland and Magic Kingdom with it is actually really dumb. I mean, it totally defeats the purpose of the parks, which is to make an escape from your everday life. Instead of enjoying the world Disney has created for you, you're just sucked into your DS.

Doesn't that sound stupid to you?

My Pal Uncle Remus would have made me pay that much for it.

Imagine walking into the Haunted Mansion ride queue and having the doll respond, "This ain't my laughin' place, naw'r is it yours. Run you stupid child! He he he he, now how's bout we go on them logs on Splash Mountain and give Brer Rabbit a visit. Huh? Zippity Doo Da, Zippity Ay

Get me outta this ride, or I'm runnin' away.

Plenty of sunshine, at the Splash Mountain Ride.

Zippity Doo Da Zippity Ay

Think about it.

<i>"There are so many distractions now thanks to technology that aid in actually pulling the family apart."</i>

That's the exact same thing that was said when cars were invented, when TV was invented, when radio was invented, and when the telephone was invented. And probably when books were invented. And, in a very similar form, when women were allowed to get jobs outside of the home. Your complaint is an echo of every previous generation's and will be proven just as inconsequential.

Perhaps TV, Radio, Telephone, Books, and Mom (as well as Dad) not being home more and more over several generations is the reason divorce rates, single parrenting, bankruptcy etc ... are at an all time high.

Inconsequential? I think not.

Also...

Those "Hot Spots" for the DS were probaly provided by NINTENDO.... not WDI. And

I don't see what the big deal is about a free game patch download.  FREE?  

"Mommy mommy please... take me to Disneyland so I can get a free download"

Ticket to Disneyland - $63.00

POTC At Worlds End DS Game - $29.99

Right.

You forgot the price of the DS itself. And that's something worth mentioning because all the video game companies sell gaming systems at a loss- making money back through selling the games themselves to consumers and rental companies for more than they cost to make.

"You forgot the price of the DS itself. And that's something worth mentioning because all the video game companies sell gaming systems at a loss- making money back through selling the games themselves to consumers and rental companies for more than they cost to make."

This may be true for Microsoft and Sony, but Nintendo does not lose on each console.  They've worked it out to a science.  This is why they don't have the "latest and greatest" that the PS3 or XBox 360 have, because those systems lose money.  The Wii and DS do not, because they are cheap enough to produce.  Nintendo may have had problems getting a decent user base with the N64 and Gamecube, but they ain't no dummies!  They still know how to turn a profit on console sales, as well as software.

Oh, and the "free" aspect of this promotion is just that.  It's something nice for those that already have a Nintendo DS, and the POTC game.  I suppose if you're going to run out and buy a system and game just for this, then you've got issues, but the download is still free.

(What's so great about a pin that lights up?)

Buying an expensive toy made specifically for use at Disneyworld would strike a lot of parents as a waste of money, and only a specific type of audience would carry around a Mickey plush. The DS thing is a good idea, because DSs work everywhere, and lots of people have them. Of course, I don't feel like buying that particular game just to get exclusive content while at Disneyworld. Maybe I'd like to try out demos of exclusive games that I can only try out at Disney. Maybe I'd be pleasantly surprised to find lots of games, including non-Disney, have an exclusive download nobody else has. Most DS games start at $30, but some start at $20. Maybe Disney could have an exclusive game for DS with content to download accross the park and, GASP, not charge that much for it...

Actually, Birdball, that's a great idea.  Nintendo already has DS Download stations where you can download upcoming and current game demos.  It's a great way to try out games you might be interested in, or otherwise not know about.  So, if Disney were to have their own DS download stations at the parks with Disney Interactive games, that would be great!  It would also not require software purchases.  They might even get creative and make exclusive mini-games that you can only download at the park.  The only problem with that is they are stored in system memory and once you turn the DS unit off, the download is lost forever...well, unless you download it again.  There is no way to save those downloads.  Anyway, it's a good idea, and one I hope Disney thinks about for alter.

Rluke1971 said: "Perhaps TV, Radio, Telephone, Books, and Mom (as well as Dad) not being home more and more over several generations is the reason divorce rates, single parrenting, bankruptcy etc ... are at an all time high."

Unless you have some statistically significant evidence to back up your claims, do yourself a favor and don't make them.