A Terror-rific Spirited 13th (ToT fans have lots to fear)...

[The Empress Lilly]

I think that line is the best thing you have ever written here!

I just know you intended to add "...and to think it is up against some pretty stiff competition!", but probably got pressured for time when miss Bayern appeared on your Skype.

We haven't spoken for so long, so let me briefly bring you up to speed. I visited the MK this month. And was heartbroken. The endless onslaught, the decline by degrees, had hit its breaking point. The magic had been beaten out of it.
I now consider your opinion of TWDC's management magnanimous, your writing style restraint tiptoeing around possible sore spots, and your attacks against anybody responsible or defensive of current TDO mere calm and friendly exchanges of pleasantries.

 

[Sped2424]

There will be a significant Marvel component to the new Bob Iger IP Land MAGIC Park (yeah, I renamed it again!) and, NO, I am not saying Disney is 'making' UNI give up its Marvel characters (as near as I can tell that will never happen). But DIS is going to use whatever characters and properties it is allowed and is going to (talks have already happened ... or at least 'overtures' as I've been told) about Disney giving up certain assets (don't think theme parks here) to possibly be allowed a limited use of Marvel IP in O-Town, while UNI keeps using everything it can for decades to come ...

I do believe this is another reason why this project is being pushed ahead slowly (beyond the PR backlash). Pixar moves in first, Lucas moves in second, some new Disney stuff moves in third and then ... then ... Marvel has a home at Disney's resort in the swamps.

So big hero 6?

 

[Quinnmac000]

There will be a significant Marvel component to the new Bob Iger IP Land MAGIC Park (yeah, I renamed it again!) and, NO, I am not saying Disney is 'making' UNI give up its Marvel characters (as near as I can tell that will never happen). But DIS is going to use whatever characters and properties it is allowed and is going to (talks have already happened ... or at least 'overtures' as I've been told) about Disney giving up certain assets (don't think theme parks here) to possibly be allowed a limited use of Marvel IP in O-Town, while UNI keeps using everything it can for decades to come ...

I do believe this is another reason why this project is being pushed ahead slowly (beyond the PR backlash). Pixar moves in first, Lucas moves in second, some new Disney stuff moves in third and then ... then ... Marvel has a home at Disney's resort in the swamps.

Hmm the only assets not theme park related I can see DIS giving up and Universal wanting is certain film rights. I'm really curious to know what was valuable enough to trade.

 

[csmat99]

My money is on STK to be first

It won't be the first one to close. STK is vary careful with where they open their restaurants and they are fully committed to make it work long term.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

Or those people that bought Walt's original LA Bungalow and plotted to tear it down for condos or some crap like that.

Those folks didn't even know the property's history.

 

[Herbie]

So basically DHS' new name will contain the word Magic...?

 

[csmat99]

MK's pirates is still a classic....nice try though

you are sure upset about my opinion, aren't you?

MK pirates in it's current form is not a classic. Ever since they put jack sparrow in it and all the other cheap effects like the projection smoke that never works. Disney has proven since iger took over they will take whatever the latest and greatest IP is and shove it up our ....

The way Disney is going and I hate to say this is going the way of pigs get fat hogs get slaughtered. Espn within 10 years won't exist in it's current form and most likely will be surpassed by company that is smaller and can fill the niche with all the cord cutters. Football ratings are falling and they killed monday night football when they made decision to move it from ABC to ESPN. NBC has the premier football game which leads me to the company that will be the one to speed up Disney's fall. Comcast is going to build an Avengers ride, add third park, hotels, etc.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Here's the thing...we need to take action if we want to save Tower of Terror, and we need to make it work so they can justify it.

First, griping on social media does no good. We need to sign official letters and petitions.

Everyone needs to buy ToT merchandise. It can be found on Disney's online store. We need to go around the parks wearing it, not our Marvel t-shirts. If ToT stuff can sell outside of the current demand in California, it will prove to be a huge cash cow for them.

Boycott GoTG. Don't see the movie in May. Don't buy the merchandise. Don't ride the new ride in California. Let's hope it gets bad reviews so this one gets reconsidered.

Here's another thing to consider: Guardians in Energy was an all but foregone conclusion in August. Things can change between now and 2018 when they feel they can make a change. It may be something we do, it may be something they do, but we need to rally EVERYONE together to take action...and not just the .05% of Disney tourists who exist on this forum.

If we can get enough of the population fired up and taking action beyond a bunch of whiny social media complaints, perhaps we can get into the heads of the Bobs and show them that tradition, landmarks, and classics are more important than trying to put a superhero franchise into a classic.

Let's all hope for the best here. ToT was almost gone this summer too, but it survived.

Meanwhile, clog up the ride next year. Go and ride it with everyone you know. Buy everything you can at the gift shop. Book your fast passes for it, get into the standby line, do whatever you need to do. Let's give it a 90 minute wait, sell out the gift shop, wear our HTH stuff with pride, and write some passionate letters, maybe even make some viral YouTube videos.

We can do this if we work together. Let's stop complaining and take action...so we can make sure the GoTG idea becomes nothing more than a lost thought, existing only in The Twilight Zone.

I'm putting the onus on Florida residents to get out, petition and get this as a question on the 2017 ballot.

 

[Ismael Flores]

That Epcot ride sounded good. If only there were space to take the same ride and add it to DHS without removing anything

Aren't the doors there to let the rushing air from the high speed elevator out of the building? I don't get it...

Uni building that Avengers ride is the best news in this whole thread. I'm guessing it's their next big ride to open with Infinity War and ride the hype train. Things sound really good for DL too barring the Tower destruction and SWE placement. Regarding WDW, I would probably be more mad if I wasn't currently riding the Nintendo hype wave to next March. I do hope the plans change again though. ToT might really be the final straw.

Just in time for my trip in July!!!

Damn. Talk about commitment. The food has me worried too. For HP not everything had to be "magical" to fit. Simple British food worked as well to transport you. Star Wars lacks that equivalent.

I wouldn't mind some pretty crazy food. The waterbugs, crickets, grasshoppers and tarantulas sauted in spices and chile peppers I had in Cambodia where delicious.

 

[The_Jobu]

Well, this thread was a depressing read...

I've no interest in entering the lively debates, just thinking that it looks like it's time I plan one last trip to the parks before they become unrecognizable shoehorned IP land (tm).

 

[RSoxNo1]

Does Disney have to pay to license the TOT theme? I wonder how much of that has to do with the push to convert it over.

In the grand scheme of things is inconsequential.

 

[Ismael Flores]

Sounds like they did not do their homework with the project... I figure checking the local construction code and loads for a project is a basic early step, no? I am curious about what it means for Walt Disney Studios Paris TOT though... Rumors over there have been pointing toward the "Backlot" (Rock n Roller Coaster, Armageddon, Moteurs Actions stunt show) being transformed into a Marvel Land, but no concrete evidence so far.

I also wonder how they didn't discover this problem during the design stage for the conversion or maybe they did but thought it could be corrected at a shorter timeline.

If they do change the one in DHS there is one big advantage which could make that version quite more entertaining. Aside from the fact that they can make the adjustments to the shafts they also have the large fourth dimension room to create quite an elaborate scene using aa's and projections. In theory they might finally be able to fix the issue they had when they first designed it and use projections instead of mirrors to create a room that looks like a never ending point in Space or a highly themed wherehouse filled with physical sets and aa's

 

[AEfx]

In the grand scheme of things is inconsequential.

Unless for whatever reason CBS either isn't interested in re-licensing it and/or is demanding some raised amount to continue. Given they have a few theme park-ready properties that currently aren't licensed, Twilight Zone (specifically the well-known theme music, which, lets face it, is nearly the entire brand) would add value to that package should they wish to license out the rights to various internally owned properties.

 

[ParentsOf4]

Now that this has had a day to simmer, it's time for a repost to fully realize what this potential travesty means ...

Tower of Terror is one of those special treats rarely found at theme parks. Even before entering Disney Hollywood Studios, you see it lurking in the distance, beckoning you.

At first you can't believe it's an attraction. It's just for show, right? But then you turn the corner onto Sunset Boulevard and, faintly, start to hear screams emanating from its pinnacle. You continue your stroll down the street with so many nearby distractions but, involuntarily, no matter where you are, you find yourself glancing up, always glancing up.

As you approach, your excitement builds. The gate doesn't look like an attraction entrance; it looks real, someplace frozen in time where something has gone horribly wrong. You meander through the queue, approaching the lobby. Even on the sunniest days, it's dark and foreboding. You finally enter the structure, so much to see, so much to absorb, and you know, just know, something special lies ahead.

I remember the first time I experienced Tower Of Terror in the summer of 1994, not too long after it opened. We stood in the line for about an hour, the longest we had ever waited at WDW up till that time. The queue was so rich and set such a mood that we didn't mind.

As soon as we got off, our reaction was "Wow, that was totally awesome!" No one questioned our decision to get back in line and wait another 60 minutes.

Sadly, the last time I felt that way about a WDW attraction was, well, Tower of Terror in 1994. Sorta been downhill ever since.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Disney's Hollywood Magic?

 

[prberk]

Now that this has had a day to simmer, it's time for a repost to fully realize what this potential travesty means ...

Tower of Terror is one of those special treats rarely found at theme parks. Even before entering Disney Hollywood Studios, you see it lurking in the distance, beckoning you.

At first you can't believe it's an attraction. It's just for show, right? But then you turn the corner onto Sunset Boulevard and, faintly, start to hear screams emanating from its pinnacle. You continue your stroll down the street with so many nearby distractions but, involuntarily, no matter where you are, you find yourself glancing up, always glancing up.

As you approach, your excitement builds. The gate doesn't look like an attraction entrance; it looks real, someplace frozen in time where something has gone horribly wrong. You meander through the queue, approaching the lobby. Even on the sunniest days, it's dark and foreboding. You finally enter the structure, so much to see, so much to absorb, and you know, just know, something special lies ahead.

I remember the first time I experienced Tower Of Terror in the summer of 1994, not too long after it opened. We stood in the line for about an hour, the longest we had ever waited at WDW up till that time. The queue was so rich and set such a mood that we didn't mind.

As soon as we got off, our reaction was "Wow, that was totally awesome!" No one questioned our decision to get back in line and wait another 60 minutes.

Sadly, the last time I felt that way about a WDW attraction was, well, Tower of Terror in 1994. Sorta been downhill ever since.

Completely agree. A completely immersive, well-themed attraction that still works, as does the theme around it. I brought a 16- and 20-year old (both males) there a few months ago for their first trip, and the completely loved it, theme and all... the whole park. The 16-year-old answered a phone call and told a friend back home, "I'm in Hollywood." He thought it was great. And, yes, they liked the Star Wars stuff, too, and the Indiana Jones Stunt Show and Toy Story Mania; but they were impressed with the ToT and how well-themed it was.

It still resonates. It still impresses.

And, like Splash Mountain, you can really enjoy it without having seen the show that inspired it -- but in the case of The Twilight Zone, it is still iconic and well-known. And will still be so in 20 years, when the Guardians have died out.

 

[GoofGoof]

Now that this has had a day to simmer, it's time for a repost to fully realize what this potential travesty means ...

Tower of Terror is one of those special treats rarely found at theme parks. Even before entering Disney Hollywood Studios, you see it lurking in the distance, beckoning you.

At first you can't believe it's an attraction. It's just for show, right? But then you turn the corner onto Sunset Boulevard and, faintly, start to hear screams emanating from its pinnacle. You continue your stroll down the street with so many nearby distractions but, involuntarily, no matter where you are, you find yourself glancing up, always glancing up.

As you approach, your excitement builds. The gate doesn't look like an attraction entrance; it looks real, someplace frozen in time where something has gone horribly wrong. You meander through the queue, approaching the lobby. Even on the sunniest days, it's dark and foreboding. You finally enter the structure, so much to see, so much to absorb, and you know, just know, something special lies ahead.

I remember the first time I experienced Tower Of Terror in the summer of 1994, not too long after it opened. We stood in the line for about an hour, the longest we had ever waited at WDW up till that time. The queue was so rich and set such a mood that we didn't mind.

As soon as we got off, our reaction was "Wow, that was totally awesome!" No one questioned our decision to get back in line and wait another 60 minutes.

Sadly, the last time I felt that way about a WDW attraction was, well, Tower of Terror in 1994. Sorta been downhill ever since.

Amen

ToT is the closest thing to perfect that we have at WDW. It's not just a great ride with a great queue and a great theme but it's a park icon that anchors a whole section of the park. Doing this not only ruins a perfect ride it ruins the theme of an entire land. Just foolish.

 

[brb1006]

I think we need to start another Save Disney Campaign.

 

[Kylo Ken]

Took this pic tonight and I can't begin to imagine how GotG fits. It's just an awful idea. I dare the most positive of pixie dusters to try and spin this yarn. All I can say is Save the Tower! Save the Tower! (would've said save the clock tower but I don't think a lot of you would get it )

 

[RSoxNo1]

Unless for whatever reason CBS either isn't interested in re-licensing it and/or is demanding some raised amount to continue. Given they have a few theme park-ready properties that currently aren't licensed, Twilight Zone (specifically the well-known theme music, which, lets face it, is nearly the entire brand) would add value to that package should they wish to license out the rights to various internally owned properties.

I could be mistaken but I believe Florida's Tower of Terror has a Marvel in Florida type deal (something that exists in perpetuity) while other versions have annual contracts (or at least termed contracts). Not sure if any of our experts know for sure.