Siemens AG has ended its 12-year strategic partnership with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, the company confirmed Friday.
- Siemens will not renew corporate sponsorship with Disney
- Company sponsored attractions at Epcot
- Epcot to undergo major overhaul
Siemens became a Disney corporate sponsor in 2005, lending its name to several attractions including Spaceship Earth, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth in Epcot at Disney World and “it’s a small world” at Disneyland in California. The company previously sponsored the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights—which ended in 2015—and Innoventions at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.
"For the last 12 years, Siemens and the The Walt Disney Company have enjoyed an exciting marketing and technology alliance that has brought tremendous visibility to the Siemens' brand and joy to its employees," said a Siemens spokesperson in a statement. "The Siemens/Disney sponsorship has evolved with the company’s changing portfolio since 2005 and has exceeded expectations. The sponsorship will reach its mutually-agreed upon end date October 2017. This successful relationship has truly been a fusion of creativity and innovation between the two organizations.”
A Disney spokesperson said its contract with Siemens would expire in October.
"We appreciate their collaboration in helping create unforgettable memories for our guests at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort over the last 12 years," Disney told News 13.
The announcement has left many wondering about the future of the attractions Siemens sponsored.
Epcot is expected to undergo a major overhaul in the coming years. During a D23 event at Disney World last year, Parks and Resorts chairman Bob Chapek said the park has "a major transformation" in its future. Chapek said Imagineers were told to “dream big.”
So far, Disney has not released details about what those changes will be, although announcements are expected next month at the D23 Expo.
Once envisioned as a working city, Epcot features education-based exhibits (Innoventions), rides and the World Showcase.
No word yet on whether a new sponsor has been selected.
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