I've been one who since the new player was put in place hasn't been able to view the watering hole.  I tried something tonight that worked for me.  I reloaded WMP 11 and now I can view the watering hole! 

Before I would be able to watch the intro and then my screen would be black with the "ready" button showing.  If you are having the same problem, give it a try.  I worked for me!