The dirt behind Disney

The entertainment company we all know and love has taken many turns over the past ten years, but could it be losing it’s magic?

Aja Ward, Lancer Express Editor in Chief

Disney began in 1928 when animator Walt Disney created the current mascot and notoriously known character, Mickey Mouse. From this point on the company has grown to develop an international television network known as, “Disney Channel,” and begin a chain of amusement parks titled, “Disneyland or DisneyWorld,” that are considered “the happiest places on Earth,” too many throughout the world. However recent changes have caused long term Disney lovers to lose interest, could this bring the 88 year phenomena to an end?

“The characters used to have such good chemistry, and I don’t feel that today. Now it feels fake, and it seemed real back then,” sophomore Gordy Nipper said.

Recently, Disney and its outer branches altered the traditions that the millennial generation had recognized as Disney trademarks. For example, Disney Channel is currently working on High School Musical 4, yet sadly did not invite the old cast to return to the classic. Disney also released new changes coming to Disneyland with the Tower of Terror switching to a Guardian’s of the Galaxy theme, and other renovations revolving around the popularity Star Wars drew during Christmas time. This shocked long term pass holders due to their love for the original company and their thoughts that change for Disney is unnecessary.

“In my opinion, as an annual pass holder, I don’t like it at all. I don’t think we need this many changes happening, but I do understand that [the company] is making changes for the people who come visit from around the world,” freshman Maya Alexander said. “I also understand that there are a large group of Star Wars fans, so I think this specifically is a good choice for Disney.”

While the overall company has continued to grow, Disney Channel has lost viewers since 2008. Many said this was due to loss of creativity in the newer show’s plots, and the absence of life lessons at the end of the story. Other fans explained that certain shows were altogether uninteresting, and did not have room for growth of characters.

“I believe that Walt Disney Pictures continues targeting messages, but not Disney Channel because they are more focused on money,” said Nipper. “It started to go downhill when Austin and Ally and Dog with a Blog first aired.”

Even with the evolution of Disney, it has managed to bring thousands of people to the parks each day and has received millions of high-level ratings on each major motion picture. This has brought current Disney lovers to continue their everlasting love for the company, and hold high hopes for Disney’s future.

“Losing Disney would be like losing a family member; it gives so much hope and faith. It provides a better tomorrow,” said Nipper.