Wizard of Oz - The Ride

[epcotisbest]

I love the Wizard of Oz. Never saw it as a kid because of a drunken dad who would not let his kids watch it for whatever reason. I was an adult out on his own and married before I ever experienced this wonderful piece of movie history. With Oz The Great and Powerful coming out in March, it seems to me a Wizard ride would be something wonderful...
Who needs Avatar when you have OZ?
Being based on an all time classic, it would fit right in at DHS or I think just as easily at AK...heck, stick it in Epcot where WOL used to be even.
It just seems like it would be an instant success, drawing Harry Potter type crowds if the theme was presented as well as HP.
Is it just me because of my fondness of OZ or are there others who would like to see some flying monkeys at WDW?

 

[Genie of the Lamp]

There was talk about incorporating Oz into the Frontierland in Disneyland as an expansion to that Frontierland. That was going to depend on the box office numbers of Oz. It was to be headed by Mr.Tony Baxter but since he aint with WDI on a full time basis, the plans got dropped. It can still happen though and I forget the name of the site I saw it at. I would love Oz over Avatar but both can be visually stunning and provide great attractions with Avatar more heavy on the thrills side and Oz being on the more exciting side. Give me some flying monkey's but only the good and smart ones. If done right it can come close to HP crowds. I would put Oz in the MK as my first choice where the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway is but I would be fine with it in DHS. Prolem is DHS is the smallest WDW Park and with it seemingly more likely to see a Carsland and Star Wars land there, I just wouldn't imagine them finding enough room to squeeze in an Oz land there. But I would definitely want one.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

Yes we love the Wizard of Oz as well! Always loved it in the Great Movie Ride and kind of wish they had always done more with riding through it and experiencing Oz.

 

[Californian Elitist]

This is supposedly an idea for a land at Disneyland. I'm not sure if the idea is still being considered or not.

 

[Genie of the Lamp]

This is supposedly an idea for a land at Disneyland. I'm not sure if the idea is still being considered or not.

At the moment I don't think it's considered, but if the box office proves this to be a success, I would think they would strongly consider giving this franchise some prescene in the parks be it an Oz land.

 

[bsiev1977]

Definitely great potential from the Oz universe.
Does anyone know the exact situation as far as who owns what rights? Does Disney own rights to the entire Oz universe? Or is it a situation where they have limits in what they can use in the parks?

 

[Mammymouse]

My favorite all time movie. Although, that tornado scene has terrified me since I was a kid. The special effects were so good and they did such simple things to make them - amazing!

 

[Genie of the Lamp]

Definitely great potential from the Oz universe.
Does anyone know the exact situation as far as who owns what rights? Does Disney own rights to the entire Oz universe? Or is it a situation where they have limits in what they can use in the parks?

Check this out:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/wizard-of-oz-disney-warner-bros-289305

 

[Californian Elitist]

At the moment I don't think it's considered, but if the box office proves this to be a success, I would think they would strongly consider giving this franchise some prescene in the parks be it an Oz land.

Apparently it's either this or Lone Ranger, whichever does better. I always say, I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[Genie of the Lamp]

Apparently it's either this or Lone Ranger, whichever does better. I always say, I'll believe it when I see it.

Completely agree. Out of the two me personally, I would perfer Oz but that's just me. However Lone Ranger would blend with Fronteirland making that transition from Frontierland into Lone Ranger land effective.

 

[bsiev1977]

Check this out:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/wizard-of-oz-disney-warner-bros-289305

I read it, and must confess to being a little confused. Too much legal talk. I understand the book being in the public domain, but how does Warner's position affect Disney's ability to possibly expand the presence of classic Oz stuff in the parks.

 

[FettFan]

Wizard of Oz - The Ride

Not likely. Remember, MGM still owns the rights to what we know and love as "The Wizard of Oz".

This James Franco movie? Meh. I can't see anything major coming of it. It looks to be as big a dud as Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Completely agree. Out of the two me personally, I would perfer Oz but that's just me. However Lone Ranger would blend with Fronteirland making that transition from Frontierland into Lone Ranger land effective.

Oz would make a better land, but Lone Ranger would probably be better for attractions. Like you said, it transitions way better than Oz.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

This James Franco movie? Meh. I can't see anything major coming of it. It looks to be as big a dud as Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

But it will still probably make a trillion dollars.

I would like to see them do something with the Thunder Ranch and surrounding area. In my opinion, it's a dead area of Disneyland. Whatever history is there, I say ditch the petting zoo and replace with this:

Well, you know, circa 1985.

 

[Genie of the Lamp]

I read it, and must confess to being a little confused. Too much legal talk. I understand the book being in the public domain, but how does Warner's position affect Disney's ability to possibly expand the presence of classic Oz stuff in the parks.

I don't think Disney would give a rats behind about Warners position if they were to put in it the parks hence they counter filed their trademark registration.Think of as how Disney and Uni handle the situation know when it comes to the Marvel characters. Disney could build an Oz land but essentially the Mouse would fork over to WB a hefty paycheck for using their characters. So it seems like if they were to merchandise this either through a park land or clothes, backpacks, school supplies,etc. showcasing the characters, WB would not be okay with this (even with money acceptance) since they filed applications to the 8th federal circut court stating these concerns they have.

 

[FettFan]

But it will still probably make a trillion dollars.

Thanks, Smykowski.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Maybe they could repurpose the Rainbow Corridor for something of this sort and it could be your means of going over the rainbow. I'm not kidding, but I'm also not holding my breath.

Seriously though,with the movie coming out and how strong the marketing impact has been on my children...I think it would be a decent idea to do something Oz-ish.

 

[RandomPrincess]

I read it, and must confess to being a little confused. Too much legal talk. I understand the book being in the public domain, but how does Warner's position affect Disney's ability to possibly expand the presence of classic Oz stuff in the parks.

Warner's owns all the things special to their movies and not in the books. Like the Ruby Slippers - Silver in the book. The exact costume, sets, props etc they designed for their film is all covered.

There are a Ton of Oz books and Disney Made "Return to OZ" in the past. There is tons of Oz material to use without going into the actual book The Wizard of Oz as well.

I hope this movie does well enough to see more Oz movies in the future.

 

[FettFan]

I also have to say that I am not a James Franco fan, and would have preferred to see Robert Downey Jr. as Oz. I mean it's no comparison...quirky genius beats out goofball pothead any day of the week.

Unfortunately, RDJ is more than a little tied up these days, between the Marvel Cineverse and the green-light-at-any-moment Sherlock Holmes 3. (which, according to Jude Law, is in the writing stages right now)

 

[stevehousse]

Return To OZ is one o my favorite kids movie and I so wish thy would make a ride out of it! If u have never seen it and are an OZ fan, you need to see it! I still can't believe how "scary" and dark te movie is when it was intended for children! I still get extremely creeped out every time I see the wheelers!!