[LRTJS]

I am so bummed out over this being the last Super Soap Weekend. I have been for the past four years and have always had such a great time. All of you who know what goes on at Disney, does anyone know why they are not going to have it anymore?

[Dana]

I'm not sure Leslie. I know it will be missed my many.

[mickeysgirlz]

ORLANDO SENTINEL

Disney prepares for last Super Soap weekend -- promises fitting finale
posted by ScottPowers on Sep 29, 2008 1:55:49 PM

Who’s killing ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

It’s not Zach Slater, the sometimes bad boy on ABC’s All My Children played by Thorsten Kaye. He’s pledged to attend this year’s Walt Disney World ABC Super Soap Weekend, set for Nov. 15 and 16. Same with John McBain, the sometimes suspect One Life To Live character played by Michael Easton, and Carly Jacks played lately by Laura Wright on General Hospital. They’re both among the 30 or so ABC soap stars planning to join this year’s annual Walt Disney World festivities, which also features special soap-oriented entertainment.

Yet as Disney prepares for Super Soap Weekend, now in it’s 15th year, there’s a shocking end in sight: It won’t return in 2009. Healthy and popular in this episode - it'll be dead the next.

Surely it’s not Mickey Mouse’s fault. The biggest theme park resort in that character's corporate portfolio has spent millions of dollars in the past year renovating Disney’s Hollywood Studios to make it more hospitable for special events. For many years Super Soap has been one of the Studios' anchor events, along with ESPN The Weekend, and Star Wars Weekends.

No, Brian Frons, president of the Daytime Disney-ABC Television Group, appears to be the one to have written Super Soap out of the ABC script.

In a press release issued today, Frons said ABC wants to send its soap stars on a national promotional tour in 2009, rather than sponsor one big Super Soap Weekend at Disney World. “Our fans have told us they want us in their neighborhoods," he stated

“We thank Walt Disney World for being a wonderful host and partner and look forward to our plans to send Super Soap off with a bang,” Frons added.

Rilous Carter, Disney World’s vice president for Disney’s Hollywood Studios is promising that this year’s event would be a fitting finale.

Yet is there a chance that it might return in 2010 if the tour doesn't succeed? Stay tuned.


Here's the link: Orlando Sentinel - Disney prepares for last Super Soap weekend -- promises fitting finale on Tourism Central Florida

[LRTJS]

Thanks so much for the newslink. I think this is a horrible mistake. This weekend is so successfull. I just don't think people will go to a city just for this and they are usually just in large cities and won't be accessible to all. Disney Studios is a perfect place for something like this, great for the soap lover and gives their families something great to do too.

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by LRTJS

Thanks so much for the newslink. I think this is a horrible mistake. This weekend is so successfull. I just don't think people will go to a city just for this and they are usually just in large cities and won't be accessible to all. Disney Studios is a perfect place for something like this, great for the soap lover and gives their families something great to do too.

Oh, I don't know if this isn't a good idea for ABC to make it a tour and make stops at your local mall. Isn't that where most of the viewers will be?

I know a lot of people will miss that weekend, but they can definitely reach a whole lot more people with the new concept.

[LRTJS]

Originally Posted by Dopey

Oh, I don't know if this isn't a good idea for ABC to make it a tour and make stops at your local mall. Isn't that where most of the viewers will be?

I know a lot of people will miss that weekend, but they can definitely reach a whole lot more people with the new concept.

How can you replace the Disney Studio with a mall????? It probably would not bother me as much if I didn't love Disney so!

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by LRTJS

How can you replace the Disney Studio with a mall????? It probably would not bother me as much if I didn't love Disney so!

That's it in a nutshell. You are lucky enough to plan a trip to Disney AND to see the soap stars. Most others aren't so lucky. ABC wants to reach a much higher number of viewers and would-be viewers. It's all in the money.

I am sorry they're messing with your setup, Leslie.

[LRTJS]

Yes, you are right about money. They have had promotions before during the summer where they go to certain cities. It is just a few stars that go, not the 30 or so that go to SS. And you can get fast pass to actually talk and visit with your favorites as SS. They will not do that at city tours, it will be just a mob.

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by LRTJS

Yes, you are right about money. They have had promotions before during the summer where they go to certain cities. It is just a few stars that go, not the 30 or so that go to SS. And you can get fast pass to actually talk and visit with your favorites as SS. They will not do that at city tours, it will be just a mob.

So now I am thinking that a writing campaign from all you soap watchers might be a nice way to convey your feelings about this dumb move. Could they not do both? Go to the nearest mall and still have the weekend at HS?

On the other hand, is it possible that Disney broke the bond between ABC and themselves?

[LURK]

Originally Posted by Dopey

Could they not do both? Go to the nearest mall and still have the weekend at HS?

That's what I was wondering. Why can't they do both?

[LRTJS]

Seems like both should be a great idea! I have written to Brian Frons who is the daytime Pres. of ABC......I will be surprised if I hear anything back......