Terrifying Thought

Interesting question. And yes, it does seem that Disney is creating products that are targeted either at pre-schoolers or tweens. Perhaps they think that their distribution of Pixar films IS their product for a "general" audience...?

Unfortunately, they're still cranking out lots of live action "family" films that aren't necessarily on the top of my list at the theater.

Luckily, I don't pay that much attention to the merchandise at WDW; I focus on the rides, resorts, food, dinner shows, hard ticket events, seasonal events like Food&Wine and Flower&Garden, etc. I couldn't care less that the front table of World of Disney is full of That's So Raven figurines... . And Disney has done a good job in keeping their events and rides centered around relatively long-lived (and generally enjoyed) concepts--Monsters Inc., The Little Mermaid, Winnie The Pooh, Toy Story, etc.

I'd be concerned about their judgement--and their sanity--if they created a long-term attraction based on something like Hannah Montana. She's a huge draw for the tweens, but she won't necessarily appeal to a general enough audience for Disney to bank on developing her into a ride.

Are they supposed to make those changes to IASW in WDW soon too, or just Disneyland?

It does trouble me somewhat that Disney has gone from making entertainment that the whole family can enjoy, to a lot of 'tween' focused productions that you couldn't pay most adults to watch. There's a lot of money there, but I doubt anyone is going to feel the same fondness for "Camp Rock" when they're older that I feel for Sleeping Beauty.

High School Musical parades, etc. is quite troubling. It is a brand that is very weak with all age groups except the tweens. Creating rides, parades, and attractions based on limited appeal brands isn't sustainable for Disney.

Well it's certainly contrary to their history. Generally they've been lauded for making films and entertainment that everyone can enjoy. I think as far as creativity goes right now they're largely riding off their last round of "classics" and Pixar movies. Everyone enjoys Sleeping Beauty and that's the kind of entertainment that made Disney famous. High School Musical has a very limited audience, and is generally not just "not good", but "unwatchable tripe" to most others.