Part 3/8:
The Backlash and Withdrawal
The negative reception was swift and severe. Disney's efforts to promote the hotel included promotional videos that, due to the fandom's condemnation, were soon pulled from circulation. Despite the company spending an estimated $1 billion to develop the project, interest waned. The hotel was plagued with cancellations, even though Disney reportedly deployed paid reviewers or "shills" to generate positive buzz—yet this could not stem the tide of discontent.