Building trends: Immersive lands vs. single attractions

[Lord_Vader]

I would disagree that just because kids don't know the story that the story in the ride is then rendered useless and non-entertaining. Take Splash Mountain, for example. The ride is based on a movie which almost no one has heard of (Song of the South) because Disney cancelled the production of it shortly after release due to concerns about racial issues, yet it remains a very popular ride (when working) to this day.

Disney did not cancel production, they proudly rolled out the red carpet for its premier. It wasn't until much more recently that they decided to hide its existence in North America while selling copies of it on DVD (PAL format) in Europe and Asia.

 

[Mater_Disney]

Disney did not cancel production, they proudly rolled out the red carpet for its premier. It wasn't until much more recently that they decided to hide its existence in North America while selling copies of it on DVD (PAL format) in Europe and Asia.

Thank you for the correction; however it does not change the fact that few in America have knowledge of the film and therefore my point remains valid.

 

[Lord_Vader]

Thank you for the correction; however it does not change the fact that few in America have knowledge of the film and therefore my point remains valid.

And that is the way Disney wants it, keep it hidden as much as possible. Song of the South is a really neat movie where the slaves (especially Uncle Remus) are depicted as smart and help teach a slave owners son life lessons.

 

[DisneyJunkie]

On one hand having an entire land based around a single idea sound appealing, but it kind of limits what you can do there. Then you have to wonder whether that idea behind the entire land is one that will have longevity to it. For AK's new Avatar-land, for example, I'm just not sure once the movies are finished that it'll be something people decades down the line will be overly nostalgic about, like many of the other older attractions throughout WDW. You also have the possibility of them adding in attractions just to add something new, whether it fits in with the theme of the land or not (i.e. Tomorrowland Speedway).

 

[morningstar]

I'm in agreement with the notion that an attraction based on a movie can remain popular even if that movie fades from memory. I couldn't think of an example until now. Does anybody remember the Swiss Family Robinson movie? The Swiss Family Treehouse is still a cool attraction (not amazing, but it's not intended to be an E-ticket).

 

[DinoInstitute]

I agree. Disney (and Uni too for that matter) should make more "classic" rides. I mean, sure, you can't tell if a ride will in the future become a classic, especially if there is no directly-linked nostalgia, but how many modern ride do you think can stand the test of time? Little mermaid, probably--side note, this is perfect in terms of what I'm saying with modern + classic, but anyways-- but I honestly fear that 7DMT will run its coarse and be gone in say 20-27 years. I know most of you will disagree, and I'm probably wrong about my predictions, but its just me.

But, throughout all these words that most of you probably wont get because I'm having trouble trying to understand the point I just typed even though I know it in my head, some ride are just too innovative to be classics. And classics I do/will miss.

 

[Lord_Vader]

I agree. Disney (and Uni too for that matter) should make more "classic" rides. I mean, sure, you can't tell if a ride will in the future become a classic, especially if there is no directly-linked nostalgia, but how many modern ride do you think can stand the test of time? Little mermaid, probably--side note, this is perfect in terms of what I'm saying with modern + classic, but anyways-- but I honestly fear that 7DMT will run its coarse and be gone in say 20-27 years. I know most of you will disagree, and I'm probably wrong about my predictions, but its just me.

But, throughout all these words that most of you probably wont get because I'm having trouble trying to understand the point I just typed even though I know it in my head, some ride are just too innovative to be classics. And classics I do/will miss.

An attraction becoming a classic is a certain amount of luck, even with the best planning and attention to detail sometimes it won't connect with its intended audience.

As for 7DMT, who knows if it will become a classic but time will tell.

 

[loveofamouse]

I like both. Some rides don't need an entire immersive enviroment, like Winnie the Pooh or HM. While I like the way the circus area looks, it seems like a bit much just for Dumbo so I see your point on whole areas for small rides. I haven't done HP at IOA yet, but I like how they have the comic book rides all together then the JP area etc. I like that Disney is trying to do it but agree that it should be for more than one ride.

 

[The Crafty Veteran]

I'm more concerned about the trend of relying on the current flavor of the month IP. I hope the days of a new Pirates, Haunted Mansion, or Soarin' are not completely gone in favor of a new animated movie hit that needs a quick and easy attraction. This thinking is what we should be worried about.

 

[DinoInstitute]

An attraction becoming a classic is a certain amount of luck, even with the best planning and attention to detail sometimes it won't connect with its intended audience.

As for 7DMT, who knows if it will become a classic but time will tell.

Thats true, because you honestly can never tell how the audience will respond. *dang it I just had a good example too and i just forgot!*