I am going to be a defender of the Gees.
Why hate on them because they made millions off the company/intellectual property he worked hard to develop and sold to a company who valued it that much? Why are we so happy for lottery winners, but we begrudge people who earn their wealth? I mean selecting a random family to have this exact same experience would be like winning the lottery, right? You would be happy for them vs. the Gees?
Because of the money they earned, they are now free to travel. They have now made the business decision to vlog and use social media. As a result of good storytelling, editing, and hard work, they have developed a substantial audience and become influence marketers, which many large companies have begun utilizing. This is the present and future of marketing and advertising. It is a very smart decision on Disney's part. I'm confident that a vast majority of their followers are Disney's target market. And their followers are likely international, not just Americans...what a treasure trove!
When we were last at Disney, we were there when they were filming. By sheer coincidence, we rode with them on 7DMT. Then later that night our group was walking to Narcoossee's and they were outside being filmed. Then, after we were seated, they came in and were seated right next to us. I actually think that we are in some of their shots.
In some ways, this family is no different from reality show stars. They give up their privacy, and on occasion their personal preferences or freedom - like at Disney - in order to create their content. In the example above, look how, when, and where they were filming. And, I'm sure that is just a tiny window into their daily lives. I wouldn't be willing to go through that, would you? (And if you are, what's stopping you?!? Never has there been so much opportunity to create and distribute your own content with the opportunity to capitalize on it!)
The difference between them and reality shows is that the Gees' experiences within those parameters are mostly authentic. Also, no one sees the number of hours they may spend editing their content and interacting with their followers - and probably many other tasks. Now, I will concede that Disney may be handling the editing for this project, and Disney probably has more control over where they go and what they do. But, on a day-to-day basis, it is up to them.
I guess my point is that it is a paying JOB not just a free ride. Do they enjoy what they do? Absolutely! If only we could all be that way!
And finally, let's not forget that's Disney World DOES do a lot of good and charitable things, and that this family, from what I've read, also does charitable works. Some may feel it's not "enough," but then we get to the philosophical question, "What is enough?" And that is a question for another forum.
Ok - off my soap box.
