Another Strange Refurb for Backlot Tour? Oh, and Goodbye Herbie...

[IWant2GoNow]

So I always hate quoting Screamscape because I know a lot of people on here consider it a salt farm most of the time. But this seems legit to me...

General Park News - (5/12/11) Walt Disney World has confirmed that in June 2011 Herbie: The Love Bug will be retired from use in the Lights, Motor, Action stunt show and replaced by a guest appearance from Lightning McQueen, sporting his all new look from Cars 2. I was guessing that this was bound to happen very soon anyway after McQueen was added to the same show at Walt Disney Studios Paris earlier this year. (see video below)
In other news, Screamscape sources tell us that the Backlot Tour is slated to close for a lengthy rehab in mid August. For now, no one is quite sure what’s may be fixed, changed, or modified… though personally I think I’m ready for the backlot tour to just close down for good, as it seems rather pointless to me anymore. Lets reuse the property for some new attractions… like a copy of Radiator Springs Racers.

I'm in total agreeance that they just need to close the Backlot Tour. However I don't agree with them ever putting Carsland there. Let DCA have something no one else has. So what could POSSIBLY be needing rehabing AGAIN at Backlot? It's ridiculous to me that they are shutting it down again without just closing it all together. Capacity or not, it just needs to go until they can find something better and new to do with the area.

PS- I am greatly saddened that Herbie will be taken out of LMA. Although it was kind of weird seeing him in the show and then also seeing him on the Backlot Tour sitting there like a pile of junk.

 

[rsoxguy]

I hate to sound glib, but in this case, any change is better than no change.

 

[psuchad]

Closing the backlot and making it a cars land extension of pixar land and changing Lights Motor Action to a cars themed comedy stunt show is a no brainer in my opinion.

 

[jakeman]

Mayhaps they are doing some heavy survey work and infrastructure evaluation during the "refurb"?

 

[lebeau]

Swapping out Herbie for Lightning McQueen seems like a no-brainer.

As for Backlot, I'll believe it when I see it. But almost any change would be welcome. Just so long as they don't shut it down and replace it with seed and mulch, that is.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Mayhaps they are doing some heavy survey work and infrastructure evaluation during the "refurb"?

I think that this could be the possibility here. Back in January the backlot tour and the HISTK Play area were both supposed to be closed for the month. Back then I sugguested that they were going to do survey work to start preparing for new offerings. I can't believe that a Pixar Land expansion won't find it's way into all that valuable territory. In its current form, the backlot tour really has no place in the park. They are really trying to make believe that the original concept of the park is stil ongoing and no one believes it anymore. It's somewhat unfortunate, but progress is inevitable.

 

[IWant2GoNow]

Closing the backlot and making it a cars land extension of pixar land and changing Lights Motor Action to a cars themed comedy stunt show is a no brainer in my opinion.

I'll give you the comedic Cars stunt show, but only if they still explain how the action shots are made. I think the explanation of everything is VERY educational for those who have never seen it and it fits the "behind the scenes" theme of DHS fairly well.

However, recreating Carsland would be a waste to me. They wouldn't be able to exactly duplicate what they are doing in DCA. DHS would get a scaled down version and then these boards would be filled with "TDO dropped the ball on Carsland" threads. The reason Disney is investing the money for Carsland into DCA is because DCA needs something to draw people in from everywhere. The east-coasters want to experience Carsland so if they're motivated enough will plan trips out west to see it. Let's not cheapen what DCA is doing just so we don't have to travel as far.

If they used Backlot Tour for Pixar related things, I think some sort of Incredibles ride/area would be in order as well as maybe create a walkthrough of the house from Up. I'm sure many other things could be done but I feel the full Carsland and all of its rides should stay out west.

 

[IWant2GoNow]

I think that this could be the possibility here. Back in January the backlot tour and the HISTK Play area were both supposed to be closed for the month. Back then I sugguested that they were going to do survey work to start preparing for new offerings. I can't believe that a Pixar Land expansion won't find it's way into all that valuable territory. In its current form, the backlot tour really has no place in the park. They are really trying to make believe that the original concept of the park is stil ongoing and no one believes it anymore. It's somewhat unfortunate, but progress is inevitable.

I hope you are absolutely correct on this and that soon (within a year or two) we'll hear an announcement about what they are going to do with that area. Thanks for your insight. :wave:

 

[cowanfamily]

They can leave Herbie in a scrap heap as far as I'm concerned. My boys love LM. I am looking forward to taking them to the show now.

As far as BT goes. A bathroom would be better than what they currently have.

 

[rsoxguy]

As far as BT goes. A bathroom would be better than what they currently have.

Where do you think the water for Catastrophe Canyon comes from?

 

[lebeau]

I'll give you the comedic Cars stunt show, but only if they still explain how the action shots are made. I think the explanation of everything is VERY educational for those who have never seen it and it fits the "behind the scenes" theme of DHS fairly well.

I hate when they attempt to make it seem like we're on a real movie set! :fork:

Any illusion of a live studio that may have been there once upon a time is gone now. It just pushes the limits of my suspension of disbelief. There's nothing "behind-the-scenes" at DHS anymore. I'd rather they give that angle up and just celebrate the movies (and apparently any other form of entertainment they can license).

Any time they act like they are actually filming something, it just comes across as sad.

 

[rsoxguy]

I hate when they attempt to make it seem like we're on a real movie set! :fork:

Any illusion of a live studio that may have been there once upon a time is gone now. It just pushes the limits of my suspension of disbelief. There's nothing "behind-the-scenes" at DHS anymore. I'd rather they give that angle up and just celebrate the movies (and apparently any other form of entertainment they can license).

Any time they act like they are actually filming something, it just comes across as sad.

We are kindred spirits on this topic. I once saw one of the hosts of "Millionaire" play the director at the LMA stunt show. It was just a few weeks between appearances. Lame.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I'll give you the comedic Cars stunt show, but only if they still explain how the action shots are made. I think the explanation of everything is VERY educational for those who have never seen it and it fits the "behind the scenes" theme of DHS fairly well.

However, recreating Carsland would be a waste to me. They wouldn't be able to exactly duplicate what they are doing in DCA. DHS would get a scaled down version and then these boards would be filled with "TDO dropped the ball on Carsland" threads. The reason Disney is investing the money for Carsland into DCA is because DCA needs something to draw people in from everywhere. The east-coasters want to experience Carsland so if they're motivated enough will plan trips out west to see it. Let's not cheapen what DCA is doing just so we don't have to travel as far.

If they used Backlot Tour for Pixar related things, I think some sort of Incredibles ride/area would be in order as well as maybe create a walkthrough of the house from Up. I'm sure many other things could be done but I feel the full Carsland and all of its rides should stay out west.

I agree. While some duplication is not a bad thing (TSMM, Mermaid), I don't believe everything big should be duplicated. If you create enough cookies from the same mold you are just going to get Disney East and Disney West, and I personally can't see the win in that business plan. While I am sure Radiator Springs Racers will be incredible and I will miss being able to see it on my regular WDW trips, I will be happy if it stays as a CA exclusive.

I hate when they attempt to make it seem like we're on a real movie set! :fork:

Any illusion of a live studio that may have been there once upon a time is gone now. It just pushes the limits of my suspension of disbelief. There's nothing "behind-the-scenes" at DHS anymore. I'd rather they give that angle up and just celebrate the movies (and apparently any other form of entertainment they can license).

Any time they act like they are actually filming something, it just comes across as sad.

I agree with this as well, although I do find it somewhat unfortunate. I liked that original theme of the studios, but it is hard to pull off today. I just hope that they don't destroy the streets of america when they finally decide that we are no longer trying to convince people they are in the movies themselves.

 

[dave&di]

I like The Backlot tour, yes, it could do with something new, but I like the history of it, I know it has down graded over the years, my BF has been going to WDW longer than me and said it used to have used film sets and the Psycho motel? Why did this change? Money?

So if The Backlot tour was in theory to be scraped what about Catasprophy Canyon? Surely this is the best part, but is it worth keeping it on its on?

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I like The Backlot tour, yes, it could do with something new, but I like the history of it, I know it has down graded over the years, my BF has been going to WDW longer than me and said it used to have used film sets and the Psycho motel? Why did this change? Money?

So if The Backlot tour was in theory to be scraped what about Catasprophy Canyon? Surely this is the best part, but is it worth keeping it on its on?

I think your BF is getting this confused with the Backlot tour at Universal Hollywood. Disney never had the rights to the psycho motel, it was always with them. Back in the earliest days of the tour you used to take the tram through New York street (wasn't open to foot traffic), down residential street (destroyed for LMA), and through more movie areas since the park was an actual filiming studio. There was also a walking component, which was later seperated from the tram tour that took you to a number of soundstages to see production in progress.

It evolved over time as the studios started to do less and less production work. Once they ceased shooting anything at all the tram tour became what we know it as today and Millionare (now TSMM) was built where the walking parts were. If they were to get rid of the tour, expect catastrophe canyon to go with it. There would really be no purpose to that set if there was no tour.

 

[dave&di]

I think your BF is getting this confused with the Backlot tour at Universal Hollywood. Disney never had the rights to the psycho motel, it was always with them. Back in the earliest days of the tour you used to take the tram through New York street (wasn't open to foot traffic), down residential street (destroyed for LMA), and through more movie areas since the park was an actual filiming studio. There was also a walking component, which was later seperated from the tram tour that took you to a number of soundstages to see production in progress.

It evolved over time as the studios started to do less and less production work. Once they ceased shooting anything at all the tram tour became what we know it as today and Millionare (now TSMM) was built where the walking parts were. If they were to get rid of the tour, expect catastrophe canyon to go with it. There would really be no purpose to that set if there was no tour.

It must be me getting confused, he's never been to Hollywood, he was probably telling me about that version and I presumed he meant WDW! I think I'm thinking of the old King Kong ride??? :hammer: I think it would be a shame if CC went, the tour may be disposable but not CC!

 

[rodserling27]

I hate when they attempt to make it seem like we're on a real movie set! :fork:

Any illusion of a live studio that may have been there once upon a time is gone now. It just pushes the limits of my suspension of disbelief. There's nothing "behind-the-scenes" at DHS anymore. I'd rather they give that angle up and just celebrate the movies (and apparently any other form of entertainment they can license).

Any time they act like they are actually filming something, it just comes across as sad.

Yes! I for one cannot STAND when they are pretending like they are filming something. Tell me why on earth they would have to re-shoot scenes from a movie that is nearly 30 years old? (Raiders of the Lost Ark). Sure, maybe it was believable and magical when the attraction first opened, but it's kind of pathetic now.

Same goes for the LMA show. I'm getting really tired of the fake camera crews acting like they are actually making footage for a movie. just go with it and pretend that you're just there to entertain the audience. Long gone is the STUDIO aspect of DHS, they need to put more emphasis on the PARK that it is.

I agree. While some duplication is not a bad thing (TSMM, Mermaid), I don't believe everything big should be duplicated. If you create enough cookies from the same mold you are just going to get Disney East and Disney West, and I personally can't see the win in that business plan. While I am sure Radiator Springs Racers will be incredible and I will miss being able to see it on my regular WDW trips, I will be happy if it stays as a CA exclusive.



I agree with this as well, although I do find it somewhat unfortunate. I liked that original theme of the studios, but it is hard to pull off today. I just hope that they don't destroy the streets of america when they finally decide that we are no longer trying to convince people they are in the movies themselves.

Hmm. I don't really care for the streets of America. They are such a huge waste of space. An empty backlot? No thanks, give me something to do there, maybe turn some of those facades into street vendors that actually sell something, or perhaps fruit/hot dog stands! Anything to make what they have now even better.

 

[Hot4Hudgens]

Hmm. As much as I liked the Backlot Tour growing up (and still do), I wouldn't be opposed to a major change, even if it's a phasing-out of the attraction altogether. I mean, of all the parks, you can't really argue that DHS is the most outdated and could use some fresh blood. TSMM was a good start. If this turns out to be true, this isn't a bad spot to continue.

 

[Thurp]

It must be me getting confused, he's never been to Hollywood, he was probably telling me about that version and I presumed he meant WDW! I think I'm thinking of the old King Kong ride??? :hammer: I think it would be a shame if CC went, the tour may be disposable but not CC!

Universal Orlando did have the Pyscho (Bates) motel a long time ago.... but no backlot tour.

In other news, they've actually been doing some work in the backlot tour for a few weeks now, but I'm not quite sure as to what, so I can't expand on it.

 

[NewfieFan]

I for one will be glad to see this attraction go! It's just plain sad now!

DHS needs another family attraction anyway! Give us Monsters Inc., or Incredibles, or something... anything!

And I want a new restaurant and counter service while they're at it!