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

[lazyboy97o]

The idiots at Disney are really that clueless and disconnected from their products, I see.

Remember, theme parks are a stupid form of entertainment that only stupid people enjoy.

 

[FigmentJedi]

Oh goddammit...

I'm admiring that commitment to story in Star Wars Land though.

 

[NearTheEars]

Ugh.

 

[Magic Feather]

I would like to reinstate a point brought up before in this thread, and that I have stated before. Plans are constantly in flux and any of this could change in an instant. Last I heard, it did seem that the pendulum had swung back towards DH_ but not inherently towards tower. Expect a good amount more of plan changes before it is set in stone. Demolition begins in 1 year and about 2 months. What will be demolished/ rethemed/ built up? Stay tuned.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Mission Breakout is comparable to Frozen Ever After. The quality of the ride is nearly irrelevant to our distaste of the idea. By all accounts, I trust Disney's ability to make a solid attraction. But ignoring appropriate theming in deliberately built areas is problematic. It has been the historical approach taken by Universal with a handful of exceptions.

I totally buy the storyline for Mission Breakout and if Tower of Terror didn't exist, and it wasn't being put in a park called Disney California Adventure or in a Hollywood section of Disney's Hollywood Studios I may even buy the placement.

This is a bad idea. Tower of Terror at DHS is a sacred attraction.

 

[jt04]

So what happens when that "feigned outrage on a few message boards" turns into guests out the door of Guest Relations angry that their favorite attraction, hell DHS' park icon, is gone?

You can take your troll act elsewhere JT.

Guest relations just needs to remind people of the wait times for GotG. Because it will be extremely popular. Twilight Zone IP has always had a limited shelf life within the Disney universe.

 

[Absimilliard]

Before we move onto what this might mean to Disney's Third Gate MAGICal Theme Park, some tidbits on both US Towers.

Sometimes, well most of the time, plans are made without thought for logistics at Disney. You see this in everything from making pyro spectaculars that use castles as showpieces to designing major attractions that have far smaller capacity that rides created in the 60s-80s.

Let's bring that to the present Tower conversion.

The plan to enclose the openings at the top of the elevator shafts for a projected finale' show scene in Anaheim has been scrapped. I'll let someone with more intimate knowledge pick up the tale. "It's been discovered that DCA's existing structure can't handle the load required to extend the building out far enough for an enclosed room and also meet California's strict earthquake building codes in time for a May '17 opening. The upper doors will flash open to a view of the resort much like they do now, and the show has now been rewritten with dialogue that mentions Disneyland being on the horizon before the doors close and the elevator drops again. The concept of an enclosed show scene at the top of the shafts may make it to Florida's version, only because the building codes are easier to work with in Florida. The DCA crew is already taking notes on what will and will not translate to Florida's version of the ride."

The opening date at DCA is now pegged as Saturday, May 27th, with a big celebrity party the day before and CM previews the third week of May. Plans to host a star-studded movie premiere at DCA a few weeks before the ride's opening are still being gone over and may or may not happen. As expected, Bob Iger and Chappie think this is a swell idea. Others, less so. But the Guardians actors will be at DCA next spring for press events and the marketing will tie the movie and the ride together very closely. The execs at the Studios love doing movie premieres down at DL after so many successful Pirates events that get them great media buzz, and they hope to recreate that movie MAGIC with Guardians.

TDA management is less into it, even if they get to dance with Groot and rub elbows with Star Lord just due to all the inherent operations hassles that setting up, hosting a premiere and then striking the area take. Will be interesting to see where this goes.

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.

 

[jt04]

I was considering the fact that Iger may be entirely making over DHS and 'erase' Eisner's footprint (like the ancient Roman emperors used to do - damnatio memoriae).

It is not just at the Studios where this is happening. And it isn't everything, just the bad ideas. For instance Soarin' remains. And a few others. But yes, most are being reimagined. Thankfully.

 

[doctornick]

One more quickee (because fanbois know Spirited ones are the best kind!):

Remember when Disney had to pay Coke a boatload of money after Shendi on its own went out and decided that Pepsi would be the official beverage supplier of SDL?

Well, Disney's Legal department just finished paying off Coca-Cola to the tune of tens of millions of dollars because Coke products won't be sold in Star Wars Land, since Coke isn't available in that Galaxy, Far, Far Away. (I always assumed it was RC Cola with maybe some Faygo and Snapple thrown in ... you know, whiny brat Kylo loves his Snapple!) I get and appreciate that Disney wants to copy UNI and the WWoHP. But that worked because all of those drinks and treats and even candies were things that JK Rowling had created. They existed.

First Order burgers with black buns are just plain lame (and they sound and look disgusting, so I will not go near that stuff). This is just dumb. Because there isn't a galaxy of SW treats that people know, love and associate with the films. I am guessing Iger has called in the cast of The Chew to create items. Of course, this also sets a bad precedent because it makes people think that the SWE is different or more special than plain, old DL.

Anyway, now Legal is working on Visa because WDI doesn't want the Visa logo visible on any SWE cash register or restaurant bill folder, despite Disney's sponsorship contract that says Visa gets that branding privilege. WDI is really taking the story and theme that seriously, no matter the cost. Some might say they are taking things way too seriously.

I know you are framing this as a negative, but I for one am thrilled over this tidbit, at least. If Disney is so serious about an immersive experience that they are willing to send millions to their corporate partners to make it happen, then it can only mean good things for how the Star Wars area is developed.

It'll be interesting to see how Disney handles the food for SW. Since they seem to be going for totally in theme, it will provide a neat opportunity for WDI to get really creative with novel concepts.

 

[FigmentJedi]

Well, they didn't exist, which is kind of why people wanted to see what they tasted like.
Speaking of which, what 40-something kid doesn't still wonder what blue milk tastes like?

Don't forget Jogan Fruitcake

And lifestylers will be all over Meiloorun Fruit Swirls

 

[wdwmagic]

Let's get right to the heart of things here: the GotG attraction that was planned for ToT and then pushed aside by Georgie K over capacity issues at a theme park that, frankly, should have been shuttered while undergoing a rebuild that is truly unprecedented in scale and scope (but will still leave the park with a smaller footprint than it had a decade ago) and turned into another chance to rip more flesh from the corpse of EPCOT has changed direction yet again.

And chances are you aren't going to like this anymore than I like telling you. BUT ... that direction has led right back to ...

WDI has been actively going over show elements from the DCA GotG: Mission Make Chappie Look Good To The Weatherman that can be used in ... you have to know where this is going, right? ... WDW's ToT.

That's right. What I first reported that stirred up a hornet's nest/bitchfest everywhere from TDA to Disney Twitter, from TDO to Michael Colglazier's head is, indeed, the current choice for bringing Marvel's lovable rapscallions (do you know how much I have wanted to use this word in a post?!?) to WDW is the original one.

It is happening. Not today, not tomorrow and not in 2017 either. But soon, say sometime in 2018 after the truly pathetic Toy Story Land adds a few nicely themed carnie rides to Disney's Third Gate MAGICal Theme Park (my new name for the park until the unveiling), the Tower will close (probably in similar fashion to DCA) and Marvel will, indeed, be in WDW (whether DIS will be able to use its own Marvel name is something that lawyers will hammer out as they currently can't, but may toss something UNI's way to get the allowance).

As for the EPCOT plans, something will go into the Energy pavilion that should debut right in time for WDW's 50th if they can stay on time and on budget and who are we kidding? It will open at some point! A few ideas are being tossed around (yes, even the ridiculous Tron concept has some basis in fact), none that I am aware of that employ the concept of energy and/or AA dinos.

The Guardians were definitely headed there. They really were. But when the price tag of the project went over, by a considerable margin,the cost of Radiator Springs Racers (the most expensive theme park attraction ever built) the whole thing went back to the drawing board and during that period, WDI just kept working on a WDW Tower redo. BTW, as near as I can tell, much of the meat of this attraction was going to be similar to the mega-E-Ticket Captain America coaster hybrid planned for DCA.

As for the bad PR, I've been told "If we don't change directions again, they are confident they can mute most of the negative attention by showcasing all of the new stuff, particularly Pandora to show the New Disney can knock socks off. They also think all the positive talk that is bound to come out after DCA's version opens might help as well. Builds up anticipation. Much like having Star Wars debut years before Florida and then opening the exact same things in, as you would say, the swamps."

Is this subject to change? I have no idea. You can never trust Disney. They always lie. Please recall their responses when people called, emailed and wrote Disney about any plans for a Guardians Tower to start with.

But what does this mean for Disney's Third Gate MAGICal Theme Park and its future? And that Mickey Mouse project? And DCA? And even SDL?

Stay tuned. More to follow.

Let's see how long this takes to be picked up, reworded, and published on every website and blog out there. Because as you know, NONE of them read the WDWMAGIC forums.

 

[Rteetz]

Let's see how long this takes to be picked up, reworded, and published on every website and blog out there. Because as you know, NONE of them read the WDWMAGIC forums.

I have posted the details elsewhere but I give credit where credit is due.

 

[doctornick]

The park, when the massive rebuild is done (and right now the only thing moving quickly on the project involves the new cloverleaf and entrance and exit infrastructure), will mostly resemble Bob Iger's IP Kingdom. The focus of the park will be very largely on Lucasfilm, Pixar, Marvel (yes, I said that and I know the contract far better than the vast majority of people who talk about it online) and Disney (last, but certainly least) IP. Think Kylo Ren and Chewie, Indy and ... and ... his walker, any Marvel property that Disney can actually use (and while UNI isn't giving anything up, they may be gaining something in order to loosen the reigns so that Disney might be able to use a smidge of its highly-pricey IP in the park ... could UNI be getting a new huge Avengers attraction about 3-4 years before Disney builds an attraction based on a few of those characters itself?) and Elsa and Olaf and Moana and whoever else is in that film etc. This park will be all IP and will be all very current IP.

The positive from this is that at least it sounds like more "stuff" will be coming to DHS beyond the known (Toy Story, Star Wars, Mickey replacing GMR). Even accounting for GotG taking over ToT, there's so few things at DHS to even "replace" that inevitably some new things would actually need to be built. The park needs an overhaul, so hopefully more is coming beyond what has been reported to date.

You specifically mention Indy, so I hope that means a full fledged attraction for that property (not just a tired old stunt show) might be on the way someday to Florida.

And many of us would welcome a significant Marvel presence in WDW. No, not replacing ToT -- that's stupid -- but if they built a land centered on whomever they could use plus even some other "heroes" (like the Incredibles and whatnot), that would be a good addition to the offerings already in the park. Note I said "addition" though.

 

[NobodyElse]

...and wish Disneyland never existed...

If I show you how things would have turned out, do I get my wings?

 

[doctornick]

Don't forget Jogan Fruitcake

And lifestylers will be all over Meiloorun Fruit Swirls

It would only be known by the more obsessive fans, but I've got to think that among the vast Star Wars Expanded Universe (um, er, I mean Legends) that there is some food items that could be adapted to the parks. Even if that stuff isn't actual canon anymore, it's a reasonable starting point.

 

[mickEblu]

DCA is another matter.

Guardians Tower is the first step toward Marvel Land or maybe they'll call the land Pomona to keep the CA theme and all. Disney and Chappie not only want but have to spend loads of $$$ to keep their no-tax on tickets as per an agreement with the city of Anaheim. That deal does NOT include the SWE or the Tower redo, so lots of projects are going to be added at a pace not seen since the Disney Dec...OK, not really ever seen. That means you should be teased with future Marvel projects by next summer's D23 Expo.

I'm pretty sure I am misreading this but are you saying that Star Wars land does NOT count towards Disney's agreement with Anaheim to spend 1.5 billion over xxx years? If so...WOW. I was pretty sure the Tower retheme didn't count but Star Wars land!? So what does count? The new hotel, Frozen attraction/ FL expansion, Marvel land and possible Downtown Disney re-do?

Are you able to share if the FL expansion at DL includes anything substantial other then the Frozen attraction? Is Toontown gone? Also, is there another attraction planned for Marvel land at DCA other than the Cap coaster? Other than GOTG

Sorry, you ve been gone for a while and I have lots of questions.

Super bummed about the TOT news in Florida. Looks like I have to plan my first trip to WDW before 2018.

 

[MUTZIE77]

Time to irritate "Stephen" from Georgie K's office again.

 

[doctornick]

And how does Shanghai fit in?

Well, Disney was successful (thus far) in not adding a giant helipad in the middle of Wishing Star Lake so important Communist officials could fly into the resort whenever they wanted where they would be greeted by high speed boats (no, not kidding) and whisk them to the park or resorts. But the CCP isn't the best business partner and they want expansion and quickly. BTW, if Disney were running this park, they wouldn't even complete TSL, based on the first four months of operation. Park is doing well, generally, but not that Grand Slam homer that Lying Iger promised. And DisneyTown has tenants who are almost ready to pull out.

Since whatever is put in DCA will be cloned for SDL, as far as Marvel, there is added pressure on all the Bobs to get this done quickly.

Since Disney seems to love cloning these days (and you also indicated some Marvel stuff is coming to DHS beyond GotG), is there Marvel stuff being planned to go into both DL and WDW (and possibly Shanghai) besides GotG?

 

[aladdin2007]

ugg this mess just doesn't seem to go away does it, lets hope plans change yet again since they seem to every hour, for TOT's sake at least. they just dont get it. I wish iger and chapek would run off together and start their own company. It sounds like georgie k is not in their camp, have to applaud him for that much at least.

 

[wdwfan4ver]

I am not shocked WDW 3rd park is going to be largely on Lucasfilm, Pixar, Marvel, and Disney IP's.

What I have a problem with is they are putting GOTG replacing TOO back on the table and ruin Sunset BLVD from a theme standpoint along ruining one of WDW's Iconic attractions in the process. I just hope Disney charges their mind again by the time Toy Story Land opens.

Disney has to do something with Animation Courtyard and Echo lake after Star Wars Land opens even without counting the mess they could be doing with Sunset BLVD. Adding Sunset BLVD to the mix of issues isn't great idea since that land fine unless they have plans of turning Rock'n Roller into a Marvel attraction besides that Mission Breakout! attraction. Even if they turn Sunset BLVD into multiple Marvel attractions, they are making the budget more than it should be considering the amount of stuff is still needed to be done after Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land.

Echo Lake's problem is an easy one since Star Tours: The Adventure Continues is blocked by Muppet Courtyard. Animation Courtyard's issue deals with the location of Star Wars Launch Bay.