DISNEY=NOT EVIL. As a matter of fact I especially like Disney and I swear it has nothing to do withthe fact that I am a shareholder;). But as neat as it would be to have our own little FIRST building in which htye could have displays of what FIRST and Dean are about, It is highly unlikely they would build us such a place. Even if it would be cheaper in the long run.

Hmmm sure, its not evil


Read: FAST FOOD NATION

I still arg about Disney being evil. I don't care what a book says. Esiner, well, he's evil. He's down right 666ish. But Walt, well, he had good intentions. The only Disney haters I know are prechers who think that Disney is corrupting the minds of the youth and that one cracker guy who also hates Starbucks.

And Wide World of Sports will probably host it. It's gated, so they could charge admission.

It seems most people are pissed that nationals are not in Disney. I look at it as a very good thing. Disney never seemed too keen on promoting the nationals while I am sure while it is Houston there will be a lot of promotions to let people know it is there. Commercials on TV, radio, hey perhaps even billboards. I think the word will get out better and help make FIRST grow faster.

So you think a city that is straped for funds and has people complaining that not enough money is spent on this and that will advertise the Nats over a media giant?

Honestly, I don't think either venue does anything to support the event in the form of advertisement. I don't think they will, either.

But, it's all conjecture really. I haven't seen their advertising budgets, and I don't care to, really.

Disney offers one advantage over Houston in this regard, however. Leisure time. People at Walt Disney World are on vacation and may be more likely to amble over to our little village and check what's going on. Someone driving home from along the interstate is probably just a tad less likely to get off at the next exit, trek into the Astrodome complex, and take a gander.

With that said, though, I'm not really certain how many people stop by the event who don't have something invested in it to begin with. In 2000, my family travelled to Walt Disney World at the same time as Nationals. They wouldn't, however, travel to Houston for the same thing.

I disagree
 

Really? I don't agree. Many people are rejoicing. People have been harping to FIRST for years that the Epcot venue is not good, and we would like them to investigate a new Championships venue.

I am guessing that our team will save anywhere from $4-8,000 this year from not going to WDW.


Andy B.

Back to how much Disney has spent, the term "six-figure village" came up frequently at the team forum, which would imply a cost of under 1 million.

Disney is a company made to inspire and expand imagination. I could see them putting up a permanent structure for us. Our program seems to fit their mission statement.

Will we go back to Orlando?

Probably in my opinion

Will it be because Disney is some sort of great organization with a mission statement?

Probably not- it will be a business decision in the best interest of both Disney and FIRST.

What amazes me is that FIRST hasn't arranged for the Nationals five years in advance and that it took them to this past week to get their premier event finalized. They should already know where the 2006 event will be. I thought engineers were supposed to be sticklers for details about things like this? Hopefully this year taught someone a lesson and they will plan much farther in advance for the future.

WC