Epcot Christmas tree lighting will be a fully automated affair with no bus, no characters, no singers, no dancers. Just taped music and a taped countdown.

This is a CM rumor so give it whatever credence you want - although it does come from two separate people in different areas.
I'd say this could be true simply because it fits with some of the other cuts we're seeing. And it's a pretty large payroll expense for a very brief event with no obvious revenue payoff.

There you go - prop it up or knock it down.