[mickey]

AT&T, which has sponsored Spaceship Earth since 1992, has said that they will not extend their initial contract.

Orlando Sentinel Article


AT&T, SpaceShip Earth will part ways after sponsorship deal expires
By Robert Johnson

The huge geodesic globe-shaped SpaceShip Earth ride at Walt Disney World's Epcot is losing its longtime sponsor: AT&T.

SpaceShip Earth is a popular slow-moving ride in which guests are transported through the history of human communications, from animatronic cave people drawing on dank underground walls to the latest high-tech gadgetry, also demonstrated by animatrons. It's the first attraction that Epcot guests encounter after passing through the turnstiles.

AT&T, which has sponsored the ride since Epcot opened in 1982, would not give a specific reason for snipping its tether to SpaceShip Earth. In an internal message to employees, the company said that the sponsorship "no longer meets the needs of the business."

Jacquee Polak, a Disney World spokeswoman, said, "We regret that the relationship has ended. It was mutually beneficial for many years. We wish them well."

Some industry observers said the decline in Disney World's attendance could have reduced AT&T's taste for continuing to sponsor the attraction. Epcot attendance slid 8 percent to 8.3 million in 2002, the largest decline among Disney World's parks, according to Amusement Business, a tourism industry trade weekly.

But AT&T's decision to drop its Disney World promotion could be just as much about its own problems as those of the theme parks. The telecommunications industry is suffering through a downturn that began in 2000.

Negotiations between Disney World and AT&T over whether the telecom giant would renew its sponsorship of SpaceShip Earth began last summer. Its 10-year, $50 million contract, which began in 1992, essentially makes the ride and the pavilion that contains it a huge advertisement for AT&T, whose logo is prominently displayed inside and outside the building.

The ride received major renovations in 1994, when actor Jeremy Irons replaced news commentator Walter Cronkite as the attraction's narrator.

Polak pointed out that sponsorships at many of its attractions have come and gone over the years and that it isn't unusual for rides and shows to have no sponsor at all. Polak would not comment on whether Disney World will seek another sponsor for SpaceShip Earth.

Last fall, after three years of sponsoring exhibits in the Innoventions pavilion at Epcot, Xerox and a nonprofit group decided to pull out in early 2003. They are being replaced by Whirlpool Corp. and Underwriters Laboratories.

[Michael Darling]

Everything I've heard about this points to Microsoft as being leading contender to take over the sponsorship, or to be the sponsor of the new attraction (which I'm still not totally in favor of).

[tigger]

Originally posted by Michael Darling
Everything I've heard about this points to Microsoft as being leading contender to take over the sponsorship, or to be the sponsor of the new attraction (which I'm still not totally in favor of).

If MS takes over sponsorship will we then be treated to blue screens of death during the frequent stops ;)

(sorry, couldn't help myself)

[PiratesFan]

I worry that this news is not an isolated incident of just a sponsor opting out. It seems that the current financial times are very fragile and without a solid backing of sponsors, I don't see how EPCOT can remain cutting edge.
I hope that the future sponsor will be able to keep the spirit of EPCOT alive. This was at the heart of Walt's original design, to secure sponsors in a World's Fair type setting to entertain, educate, and to provide inspiration for the future.
We can only hope that whoever takes the reigns in SE, they will spend some money to keep things fresh.

[Michael Darling]

Who (if anyone) was sponsor from 1982-1992 then?

[mickey]

Originally posted by Michael Darling
Who (if anyone) was sponsor from 1982-1992 then?

Actually, AT&T has been the only sponsor of Spaceship Earth. The article indicates that their contract started in 1992, but that would be their second 10 year long contract. The initial sponsor was the Bell Company (Ma Bell) for the construction and park opening, but by 1983 the sponsorship had been transfered to AT&T after the break up of Ma Bell was completed.

[WishUponAStar]

I am "zombie-ing" this thread b/c I thought it was appropriate with recent talk of the influence Seimens is going to have on Spaceship Earth, with the newly anounced sponsorship.

http://www.disneycentral.com/forum/s...679#post356679


"Both my Grandfathers were engineers with AT&T at bell labs in Holmdel NJ so it is hard for me to let go of what was the AT&T influence. I remember going to WDW in the 80's and they were SO proud of Spaceship Earth, even though they had nothing to do with it obviously, hehe, besides being AT&T employees. My grandfather died before AT&T dropped the sponsorship in the early 90's but I bet if he were STILL alive today he would STILL talk about it everytime we entered the park. [sniff sniff]

Oh well, I am sure Seimens will impress us, I hope!!!"

[ingamba]

Great job of waking up the Zombie, Wish!! Almost 3 years had elapsed since the last post in this thread to yours today, that could be a record.

Seriously, I can relate to your grandfather in that I am also an employee of the telephone company. Not AT & T, but another one that you've heard of. I've posted my thoughts on SSE and Future World in the other related thread on this topic.

[Boss Mouse]

I think a new, turbo-charged-caffine-driven upgrade would rock.

[chastmastr]

I'd like it to stay largely the same, with some possible upgrades -- not to make it a thrill ride at all but it's always good to keep things current.

[WishUponAStar]

I just read that Seimens will be sponsoring Illuminations too!!!! Oh my!
Discuss.

[tinkerbell]

well I havent looked it up yet ..but guess I will have to ..because I don't know what Seimens is

[Cavey]

Originally Posted by chastmastr

I'd like it to stay largely the same, with some possible upgrades -- not to make it a thrill ride at all but it's always good to keep things current.

I agree. I think advances in telecommunications require an upgrade while remaining true to the overall theme.

[chastmastr]

Originally Posted by tinkerbell

well I havent looked it up yet ..but guess I will have to ..because I don't know what Seimens is

Siemens,

headquartered in Berlin and Munich, is one of the world’s largest electrical engineering and electronics companies. Siemens provides innovative technologies and comprehensive know-how to benefit customers in 190 countries. Founded more than 150 years ago, the company is active in the areas of Information and Communications, Automation and Control, Power, Transportation, Medical, and Lighting.

[Dopey]

Yeah Siemens. I grew up with them. I'll go over to the other thread and read up.