News 'Beyond Big Thunder Mountain' Blue Sky concept revealed for Magic Kingdom

[UNCgolf]

FotLK does what Main St theater was supposed to do, bring you a mini broadway show

I don't think it's anything like a mini-Broadway show -- it's more like a circus acrobat show with some singing. A mini-Broadway show would be a good representation of the IP.

 

[FigmentFan82]

I don't think it's anything like a mini-Broadway show -- it's more like a circus acrobat show with some singing. A mini-Broadway show would be a good representation of the IP.

I mean, it's mostly all singing with choreographed dancing and acrobatics and a little audience participation thrown in for good measure. I'd argue it shares more on common with a pro broadway show than it doesn't.

 

[UNCgolf]

I mean, it's mostly all singing with choreographed dancing and acrobatics and a little audience participation thrown in for good measure. I'd argue it shares more on common with a pro broadway show than it doesn't.

Broadway shows generally have a plot and the songs exists to further the plot.

Festival of the Lion King doesn't really have a plot. I'm not saying that makes it a bad show -- just that it's not similar to what I think of (or what I've attended) as a Broadway musical.

 

[doctornick]

I strongly disagree that it's a significant representation of the film. It has songs, and that's about it. The character representation is superficial.

The show doesn't need the Lion King songs or characters; they could be replaced with generic characters and other songs and it would have very little effect on the show. Which is probably a good thing from a show design standpoint, but a bad thing for representing the IP in any meaningful way.

Admittedly, I don't think Festival of the Lion King is entertaining or interesting (I saw it once and have no desire to see it again), so I'm sure that's part of my issue, but the Lion King is one of my favorite Disney films. I'd like to see it represented in a way that actually showcases the characters instead of being almost entirely about the soundtrack.

Aren’t Timon, Pumba and Simba all part of the show? I mean that’s the pretty much the main characters of the film. You have Pumba and Timon doing their schtick and the show centers on the animals in Africa (that whole “circle of life” thing) - I don’t really see how it’s not a significant utilization of the IP.

Now if you don’t like it, you don’t like it. I get that. And I can see wanting or preferring a ride or more substantial attraction for TLK. but I just can’t see how it could be considered an IP that isn’t used at WDW.

Of note, we also had the Circle of Life movie at Epcot for quite some time.

Edit: I’d also say that when it comes to popular IP that has an attraction that woefully undersells the source material, that Aladdin and the stupid flying carpets is much egregious than Lion King IMHO.

 

[UNCgolf]

Aren’t Timon, Pumba and Simba all part of the show? I mean that’s the pretty much the main characters of the film. You have Pumba and Timon doing their schtick and the show centers on the animals in Africa (that whole “circle of life” thing) - I don’t really see how it’s not a significant utilization of the IP.

Now if you don’t like it, you don’t like it. I get that. And I can see wanting or preferring a ride or more substantial attraction for TLK. but I just can’t see how it could be considered an IP that isn’t used at WDW.

Of note, we also had the Circle of Life movie at Epcot for quite some time.

Edit: I’d also say that when it comes to popular IP that has an attraction that woefully undersells the source material, that Aladdin and the stupid flying carpets is much egregious than Lion King IMHO.

I almost mentioned that Aladdin is another example of something without much representation, although they do have a meet and greet in addition to the carpets -- it's not good representation, but I think it's more representation than Lion King currently has.

And while yes, those characters are technically part of the show, I think it's completely superficial. They're not a major or important part of the show. It's an acrobat show with a Lion King facade rather than something actually connected to the plot or characters of the movie itself. Those characters are there as a way to reuse parade floats -- you could replace them with Jungle Book characters, edit a handful of lines, and it would have almost no effect on the show.

I know/accept I'm in the minority with this opinion, though.

 

[Incomudro]

I actually think at least the Coco/Encanto stuff will happen (less convinced about the Villains) simply because it’s the type of “inclusive” attractions that Disney is zeroing in on these days. It’s pretty fair to point out that Disney has not had much Latino representation (I mean the Mexico ride focuses on cartoon ducks) and it’s a reasonable portion of the fan base/guests. And Coco and Encanto are both very popular and well regarded films that adding them to the parks is quite sensible.

Also from what some insiders have written, I have a guess that Disney wants to develop the northern side of RoA for guest flow reasons if nothing else. They might be very happy with how that has played out at DL.

I essentially agree with you on Disney going for something like this due to their inclusion agenda.
This makes the omission of Pocahontas all the more comically glaring in my eyes.

 

[danlb_2000]

Broadway shows generally have a plot and the singing exists to further the plot.

Festival of the Lion King doesn't really have a plot. I'm not saying that makes it a bad show -- just that it's not similar to what I think of (or what I've attended) as a Broadway musical.

Yeah, FotLK is more like the street performers you see around Animal Kingdom. It's a great show, but it's not trying to tell a story.

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

I strongly disagree that it's a significant representation of the film. It has songs, and that's about it. The character representation is superficial.

The show doesn't need the Lion King songs or characters; they could be replaced with generic characters and other songs and it would have very little effect on the show. Which is probably a good thing from a show design standpoint, but a bad thing for representing the IP in any meaningful way.

Admittedly, I don't think Festival of the Lion King is entertaining or interesting (I saw it once and have no desire to see it again), so I'm sure that's part of my issue, but the Lion King is one of my favorite Disney films. I'd like to see it represented in a way that actually showcases the characters instead of being almost entirely about the soundtrack.

This I totally disagree with. It features the characters as part of the narration of the show, and with the floats/animatronics.

Also there is no way you could replace the show with generic characters and other songs, and not have a massive effect on the draw of the show/experience. The kids are there to experience what they know. While I wouldn't go as far as to call it a glorified sing a long (and that is not an insult, as I like the actual Frozen Sing along) a large part of the appeal, especially for younger kids is being able to know and sing along with the music. You are not going to get that with just random generic characters and songs.

The other issue I have on a macro level with talk about building new parts of the park with "established" IP, is as much as I, and people of a certain age love it its getting old. Lion King is almost 30year old IP. Sure there have been some attempts to "re-introduce" the brand through some direct to video sequels, the live action release, and from what my kids said, a pretty good Lion Guard animated series, it is still 30 years old. For adults in their 20-30s, the movie isn't even one from their childhood, its from their parents, so for the next generation of kids, its going to be even another generation removed.

That's why from a generational standpoint, new builds like Frozen Land, Moanna, CoCo, ect, make more sense. These are movies that adults now took their kids to, the next generation grew up with, and then in the future, will be showing their kids. While my kids love the Peter Pan ride and loved Winnie the Pooh when they were younger, they have no real emotional attachment to the story/rides/IP. Its one of the reasons that while there have been hits and misses, I understand and appreciate the attempt to reintroduce older stories in the live action model. It helps try and keep the fundamental stories fresh in the next generation.

 

[J4546]

A dedicated coco/encanto land would be chill imo. Both IPs I enjoy and lend themselves to cool new attractions. I would love to see Coco get repped in Pixar Pier more

 

[Touchdown]

Finding Nemo the Musical is a good mini Broadway example, ditto for Aladdin and Frozen at DCA. FotLK is more like an off brand Cirque show, both equally great examples to emulate but very different.

 

[Brer Panther]

(I mean the Mexico ride focuses on cartoon ducks)

One cartoon duck, a cartoon parrot, and a cartoon rooster, technically.

 

[doctornick]

One cartoon duck, a cartoon parrot, and a cartoon rooster, technically.

Good catch. Meant to say “birds”

 

[Dan Deesnee]

In addition to inclusion, I feel there is currently more buzz around both Coco and Encanto right now. Tangled was a big deal when it came out. It made twice as much as the Princess and the Frog and was ultimately what pushed Disney over the edge into permanently committing to CGI animated movies. However, I feel like once Frozen came out, it really overshadowed Tangled.

I think the main reason Tangled isn't getting a ride is that the only ride system that would make sense is a boat ride, and Princess and the Frog is better suited for that.

I think Tangled would benefit more from a 30-minute stage show or a sit-down restaurant.

I remain perpetually annoyed that Tangled doesn't get as much recognition in Disney world. It's better than coco, encanto, and many other movies that Disney is making attractions of.

 

[MisterPenguin]

FotLK would be better classified as more of a Broadway Revue. One that celebrates the characters and music of TLK.

I love it. And I've never seen the theater not full for a performance, and I see it multiple times every trip.

 

[doctornick]

I remain perpetually annoyed that Tangled doesn't get as much recognition in Disney world. It's better than coco, encanto, and many other movies that Disney is making attractions of.

I really like Tangled and feel like it has become a bit overlooked, but Coco is IMHO peak level Pixar, in a group with a small handful of other elite animated films. It’s also such a beautiful film that would make for great scenery for a ride. I don’t really think particular IP “deserve” an attraction but to the extent that such a concept exists, Coco is absolutely one that would be in the class that deserves something.

OTOH I’m pretty meh on Encanto. It’s okay but nothing special as a film but it has catchy toons which is what I think has driven its popularity.

 

[RSoxNo1]

I strongly disagree that it's a significant representation of the film. It has songs, and that's about it. The character representation is superficial.

The show doesn't need the Lion King songs or characters; they could be replaced with generic characters and other songs and it would have very little effect on the show. Which is probably a good thing from a show design standpoint, but a bad thing for representing the IP in any meaningful way.

Admittedly, I don't think Festival of the Lion King is entertaining or interesting (I saw it once and have no desire to see it again), so I'm sure that's part of my issue, but the Lion King is one of my favorite Disney films. I'd like to see it represented in a way that actually showcases the characters instead of being almost entirely about the soundtrack.

The music is a driver of the movie though, so that in itself ties it to the IP. It's not a plot summary or really playing off the familiarity of characters that much, but it is playing off familiarity of the music. The music is effectively a character here.

 

[FigmentFan82]

surprised they didn't announce a new hotel in that corner as well

 

[JoeCamel]

surprised they didn't announce a new hotel in that corner as well

With the BLT precedent it would probably be announced about 3 weeks before opening, they weren't very forward about the GF addition either.

 

[DCLcruiser]

Some Villainsland ideas:

• Hades' HELLenic Bar & Grill
• Maleficent Dragon Coaster (indoor, maybe a mountain)
• Cruella Couture: Fashion to Die For
• Cave of Wonders: Featuring Jafar & Iago (trackless, or simulator, or something indoor ride...or is this just a gift shop?)
• Escape Neverland (indoor boat ride w/ drop)
• Ursula spinner
• Descendant's stage show

I swear Disney stole my idea haha. I think this leads us nicely into the villians land. Mirrorverse

Villains Haunt Disney Mirrorverse in October

Chills and thrills haunt Disney Mirrorverse this month! Check out all the wicked surprises in the Mirrorverse.

disneyparks.disney.go.com

 

[No Name]

So our divergence into discussing Latinx etc made me think a bit about the potential Coco and Encanto additions and got me to thinking: (possibly) adding those properties is surely significantly influenced by the efforts to increase diversity and inclusion, right? I mean they are great and popular films (well I’m just as high on Encanto as most but still it’s beloved) but there’s probably a reason they are being considered more than say Tangled. Probably the same goes for Moana.

And I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. The parks should have more diverse representation and these are worthy properties. I just hope that if and when stuff gets built, it is properly done and are high quality attractions. But in thinking about them from a lens of inclusion I do think it makes it more likely these projects actually happen.

I just hope they don’t call it Latinx Land.

You are definitely right. But the fact that Coco and Encanto are more recent, had larger audiences, and offer something non-princess in an increasingly princess-heavy park probably play a major role as well. With the PatF Splash redo nearby, I think Tangled is off the table regardless of race and ethnicity.

Also, as you are aware, Tangled already has a major presence within the park.