Some folks just aren't interested in moving past entertainment in its most basic form... And that's okay.
Correct but those were non-IP “throws” that struck out. When it comes to the now IP or bust mandate…they’re risking that spiral universal was (and arguably might still be) in. Cars may become timeless like Snow White. It may not. If not, if Disney in ten years sees data that it’s not as popular. Are they gonna commit the funds to a reskin, or leave it? Will every park in WDW being just random IP mish mash preserve the parks reputation as a thematic, lush theme park that’s different then the six flags and USF of this world? Who knows…we get to wait and see
I can spend several hours wandering around Isle of Berk and enjoying the atmosphere. The kinetic energy of the attractions, the animatronics, the puppetry. Add in a stellar show, a good family coaster, and a pair of fun filler rides and you have a good land.
Why do people tend to always talk down about today’s imagineers when they are just following directives set by management ?
If anything it has the opposite effect.
I absolutely agree with this 100 percent.
People tend to forgot how long DL has been around versus WDW. Amount of attractions that existed and closed is pretty long.
I mean look at the state of their Fantasmic and you can tell TDA doesn’t give rat’s a** about presentation.
Ok, let's pump the brakes before we keep broadening the statement wider and wider.
Because it is hot as balls.
You are absolutely right, I shouldn’t be painting with a broad brush the way that I did. Living within the Orlando/Disney bubble, I know several terrific Cast Members, some of which are in Imagineering.
Disney didn't pick something because they thought it would last 50years... they picked something they thought would be popular with broad appeal. The fact it's lasted 50years is a bonus... not a criteria they screen attraction choices with to start with.
Bigger topic of how one designs theme parks.. but company's survive on their commercial success, not their academic review.
I can't ride it without being bummed about how barren it is vs what it used to be. The special peak into the buildings and attractions is what always made it so unique to me as a engineering obsessed kid. Now it just feels like a shell of itself.. on a platform that isn't nearly as novel as it was 40 years ago.
I would argue the Disney experience is what helped elevate them above their competition…that in tandem with truly well built attractions. If thrill rides were all that people cared about, Universal would have way more market share then it currently has. To me, Disney is greater than the sum of its parts. You keep removing and replacing, and putting the current IP flavor of the day, E ticket dominant mentality for new “expansion” in the works; you run the risk of forgetting that it’s a thematic quality, consisting of A-E, experiences, visuals, shows etc that made Disney the best overall experience. I’m not a Disney doomer (although all “empires” fall, in principle, including economic). But I also have doubt about the directions they’re taking. The Republic of Cars is a symptom (despite positive developments with the project that make me feel a bit better but still not onboard completely) . Will be an interesting next ten years for WDW.
Magic Kingdom is NOT suffering; it's the number one theme park in the world!
Sure, but you're again focusing on hindsight and trying to make it into design criteria.
And ROA and TSI aren't trending the same... so congrats on pointless cites!
It also doesn't mean that it can only come in IP concepts only as well. It should be a mix of things, and IP should not be the only deciding factor on what makes a great attraction..... It seems like this thinking is getting us some pretty mish-mashed parks these days....
Hopefully, Fantasyland will be less slammed once people actually visit all those acres on the western side of the park.