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[gingajen]

After reading the rave reviews of all of the Happenings that took place on the 12th April I have been wondering if there is a specific reason given as to why this level of entertainment can't take place throughout the year, or maybe through the warmer months if weather is one of the reasons.
I wouldn't have thought it would be due to cost as all of the cast members are already there as are the costumes etc. But I may be wrong.
Has there ever been an official reason given?
Or has anyone noticed an increase of live entertainment or happenings since the anniversary that could suggest a change?

[dagobert]

Money is the reason.

Each time ED SCA uses a character they have to pay licence fees to TWDC. That's why there are not as many characters around as in other Disney parks.

[thebritishfrog]

I'm afraid it is simply that... it is down to cost and cast.

The 12th was a special occasion as they had a guest who was paying a LOT more than the normal ticket prices ;-)

It is simply too expensive to do everyday and there is not enough people. The performers are not just waiting around with nothing to do, they are needed elsewhere in the park so when you see happenings like this, there are a lot of new castmembers to do these roles or replace the roles they would otherwise be doing.

When creating a show it is not as simple as just 'we have the costumes and the dancers lets do it'... each little show will take double or more castmembers to create than the ones who are seen.
Here's a few,
costuming (cleaners, dresser, maintenance), dance captains, stage managers, audio technicians, extra guest flow.. the list goes on.
The entertainment department almost doubles as the park stays open longer just so there is enough people to do the basic roles all day. If there were extra shows too, it would have to triple (not even mentioning the other departments who are also effected by shows).

Hope this clears things up a bit.
(I love seeing lots of little shows and it would be great to have)

[dagobert]

I don't know if that's true, but I read somewhere that Prince Alwaleed, he has a 10% stake in ED SCA, paid for the happenings with the characters on April 12th.

[thebritishfrog]

Money is the reason.

Each time ED SCA uses a character they have to pay licence fees to TWDC. That's why there are not as many characters around as in other Disney parks.

Yeah, that's partially true, except nearly all the characters are on a year+ license so once they are paid for they are not limited. The price of the license doesn't really effect anything, it's more the operational side..
:thumbs:

edit:
(it affects the range of characters not the quantity)

[thebritishfrog]

I don't know if that's true, but I read somewhere that Prince Alwaleed, he has a 10% stake in ED SCA, paid for the happenings with the characters on April 12th.

Yup afraid it is...
(source many years working in the entertainment dept in many positions)
Yes it was partially to do with the prince partly for press too.  

[gingajen]

Oh right. I thought/hoped the 12th was a sign of things to come. But what about the little live bands etc? Is that down to funding too? There seemed to be a reduction of these too the last couple of times I have been, I don't think I have seen a single live band whereas they used to be commonplace if I remember correctly. Of course, I could just be looking in the wrong places  :oops:

[davewasbaloo]

What is sad is the 12th birthday celebration happenings is still less entertainment than can be found in the other Disney resorts around the globe.

[dagobert]

Those live bands were very common during the 90ies. Older forum members can confirm that. I have been the first time in 2000 and back then we have encountered some bands throughout the park. In recent years some live entertainment returned, but not in the quantity of the early 90s. I'm pretty sure funding is the reason why there aren't more.

As for the characters, that explains why DLP relies so much on meet and greets when they pay once and can use them as often as the want.

[thebritishfrog]

It would be amazing if this was a sign of things to come. (we just need to cross our fingers that enough people come for this 20th!)

The little live bands have really stayed the same.
Must of the special event musicians are on a pay per day system.

However permanently:
 There is a large jazz band (studios) / They cross with a brass and (sometimes main street). a small country group and also 5/6 african percussionist.
I don't know exactly but I'd say there is a pool of roughy 40 musicians that mix and match.
They are always here, but like fairies just sometimes hard to see!

[davewasbaloo]

I often know where to find the musicians, but DLP has far fewer than the early 90's and far fewer than DL, WDW, TDL and HKDL. As for characters, I know they are popular, but my family could care less thankfully.

[dagobert]

I often know where to find the musicians, but DLP has far fewer than the early 90's and far fewer than DL, WDW, TDL and HKDL. As for characters, I know they are popular, but my family could care less thankfully.

It's nice meeting the characters once, but I would also prefer more bands and other live entertainment.

[elisje]

Oh right. I thought/hoped the 12th was a sign of things to come. But what about the little live bands etc? Is that down to funding too? There seemed to be a reduction of these too the last couple of times I have been, I don't think I have seen a single live band whereas they used to be commonplace if I remember correctly. Of course, I could just be looking in the wrong places  :oops:

On my last trip ( 17 to 20 april) I saw a chefs band in studio one, and a band of princes in front of the castel (fantasyland side). It was really wonderfull to see and listen. so they are stil there. But sadly not that frequently as I can remember in the 90's

[littlemermaid83]

Heres hoping the Prince is visiting during my trip LOL.

[thebritishfrog]

Heres hoping the Prince is visiting during my trip LOL.

lol! he should be there everyday! ... he can afford it! ;-)