DHS to Get the DCA Treatment?

[BryceM]

I am not nearly as upset about the placement of RnR Coatser on Sunset Blvd. (it will eventually need to be repurposed anyways...Aerosmith will only become less relevant as time goes on)....but my problem is the simple, painted plywood sets inside the coaster. It's a shame. It looks cheap, tacky, and not immersive in the least. If you are supposed to be racing through LA to get to a concert - well...driving through a cut-out donut doesn't transport me into that story..

Yeah, but while I'm on it, I really feel like I'm rushing through the streets of LA because I don't think of them as plywood, I like to imagine it as the real deal. Though, the palm trees and little skyscrapers look incredibly fake... Blah.

Though I much prefer it to the one in Paris' seizure inducing lightshow and cardboard looking entrance.

 

[djlaosc]

Wait, the whole area is themed to 1939? I didn't know that! I thought that the accident in the Hollywood Hotel happened in 1939 and now we are exploring the abandoned hotel in present day.

But it would make sense for the whole area to be themed to 1939, the buildings look very "Old-Hollywood" which I guess is the point... Okay, I just confused myself.

I don't know whether Sunset Boulevard is themed to 1939 (ToT is themed to 1939), but I think that it is themed to somewhere in the 1920s/1930s/1940s (someone on here with a lot more knowledge than me will probably be able to correct this, or at least narrow down the time period)

 

[spacemt354]

my problem is the simple, painted plywood sets inside the coaster. It's a shame. It looks cheap, tacky, and not immersive in the least. If you are supposed to be racing through LA to get to a concert - well...driving through a cut-out donut doesn't transport me into that story..

At least for me, I'm not bothered by the plywood cutouts as much because I feel after the initial take-off, the ride is a caricature of LA. No streets in LA actually have corkscrews, loops, and such, so I wouldn't expect the scenery to be any more realistic. Plus when you are going by them so fast and in the dark, it would be difficult to pick up on the details. After the story aspect of going to the concert is established and you blast from 0-60mph into a loop, all of the realism of driving through the LA streets for me goes away, and I just enjoy the ride for the thrill that it is.

 

[BryceM]

At least for me, I'm not bothered by the plywood cutouts as much because I feel after the initial take-off, the ride is a caricature of LA. No streets in LA actually have corkscrews, loops, and such, so I wouldn't expect the scenery to be any more realistic. Plus when you are going by them so fast and in the dark, it would be difficult to pick up on the details. After the story aspect of going to the concert is established and you blast from 0-60mph into a loop, all of the realism of driving through the LA streets for me goes away, and I just enjoy the ride for the thrill that it is.

Exactly! I'm likin' the points you're making. It would almost be a waste to go over the top with theming while you're on the ride because you're moving so fast and won't even have time to be able to take in all the detail.

However, the queue, the exterior, the alleyway, the coaster trains, the exit and gift-shop are all themed extremely well.

 

[El Grupo]

Regarding RnR Coaster, seems like there have been multiple ideas tossed out over the years about potential changes with future updates. These included adding Mickey's Movieland in the space behind the Animation building and tying the coaster in thematically. Or possibly a '30s gangster-themed getaway ride (sort of a distant cousin to the Dick Tracy Crimestoppers attraction).

I have no idea if any of these have ever been given any serious consideration. But, they appear feasible if TDO was inclined to make a change.

 

[NoChesterHester]

Regarding RnR Coaster, seems like there have been multiple ideas tossed out over the years about potential changes with future updates. These included adding Mickey's Movieland in the space behind the Animation building and tying the coaster in thematically. Or possibly a '30s gangster-themed getaway ride (sort of a distant cousin to the Dick Tracy Crimestoppers attraction).

I have no idea if any of these have ever been given any serious consideration. But, they appear feasible if TDO was inclined to make a change.

Obvious why to speculate. Aerosmith becomes less relevant every year. Isn't Steven Tyler off American Idol now too?

Gangster idea is cool.

Pretty sure Sunset Boulevard is set in the 1940's. Most of the buildings are from the Art Deco era of the 1930's.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

Obvious why to speculate. Aerosmith becomes less relevant every year. Isn't Steven Tyler off American Idol now too?

Gangster idea is cool.

Pretty sure Sunset Boulevard is set in the 1940's. Most of the buildings are from the Art Deco era of the 1930's.

Sunset is definitely set in the 40's. When the street first opened, the attractions were ready but the stores weren't, so they had WWII-related signs put up in the windows implying that the stores were closed while the owners were fighting.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Absolutely not. Let me clarify;

I want things designed specifically for the studios and the studio's environment. Tower of Terror is masterfully designed both in theme and in ride. Rock-n-Rollercoaster is fun, but not thematically excellent.

My point was not that things should be designed for the studios that are different than other parks, but rather that the studios should get specific designs for HS not clones from other places.

We discussed this recently on our show. Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard are seemingly constructed as a build up to Tower of Terror. It's more impressive how well this works considering that Tower of Terror and Sunset Boulevard weren't original to the park. It totally represents the Hollywood that Never was moreso than any other aspect of that park.

I don't know whether Sunset Boulevard is themed to 1939 (ToT is themed to 1939), but I think that it is themed to somewhere in the 1920s/1930s/1940s (someone on here with a lot more knowledge than me will probably be able to correct this, or at least narrow down the time period)

My understanding was that Hollywood Boulevard was late 20s into the 30s, Sunset Boulevard was meant to be late 30s into the 40s, and Echo lake was 40s into the 50s.

Regarding RnR Coaster, seems like there have been multiple ideas tossed out over the years about potential changes with future updates. These included adding Mickey's Movieland in the space behind the Animation building and tying the coaster in thematically. Or possibly a '30s gangster-themed getaway ride (sort of a distant cousin to the Dick Tracy Crimestoppers attraction).

I have no idea if any of these have ever been given any serious consideration. But, they appear feasible if TDO was inclined to make a change.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is tricky to change. An option is to re-do the Animation Courtyard into something like "Production Central" and have the entrance to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster changed. If they open up the Animation Courtyard area it opens up a much larger area for expansion so a transition can be made much easier into the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster area. Another approach would be to change the theme of the ride to music specific to that period. Perhaps something based on the Rat Pack early on could work?

 

[GrumpyFan]

Screamscape posted this today, kind of on the subject being discussed here. I know many around here don't give much credibility to Screamscape, but I've found them to be as credible as anybody on here at times.

Disney - (8/6/12) Now that the multi-year renovation for California Adventure has come to an end, and two thirds of the Hong Kong expansion complete, Disney is said to be looking into new ideas for the future for their parks all around the globe. This goes beyond the projects already under way like Shanghai Disneyland, the Avatar land at Animal Kingdom, the rebuild of Disney World’s Fantasyland or the rumored Ratatouille ride at Disney Studios Paris. From what I’m hearing, Disney is now looking into an even bigger picture. Bigger than just adding a new ride, they are now looking into adding whole lands (Marvel anyone?), renovating existing lands (hello Tomorrowland), and even taking a serious look into adding on entire extra theme parks to all of their resorts around the world, taking into consideration what would work best in each location, and not just trying to clone old ideas all over again. With a critical eye on the bigger picture once again, Imagineering is attempting to tie in themed retail and food selections into each project as well, as we’ve seen at Cars Land this year. It’s not enough to just Visit Disney anymore. They are looking into new ways so that every guest wont just see Disney, but eat it, buy it, wear it, smell it, live it, love every minute of it and take a piece of it home with them that will only make them want to come back for more.

He didn't mention the source, but if true, which based on what they just did with Carsland at DCA, I'm apt to believe it is, we may be start to see some of what he mentioned here over the next few years, possibly starting with Avatar at DAK.

Regardless of whether you believe this or not, you have to admit that Carsland appears to be a huge success, at least for now. But, take it further and look at what they did there with the immersiveness of the theme. Then compare that to what Universal has done with Harry Potter and the guest response. Also, look what was done at the newly opened Art of Animation and the level of detail they went to for a hotel. I think it's safe to say we're entering a new era in theme park design and themeing taking it to a whole new level!

 

[djlaosc]

My understanding was that Hollywood Boulevard was late 20s into the 30s, Sunset Boulevard was meant to be late 30s into the 40s, and Echo lake was 40s into the 50s.

That's what I thought about Hollywood & Sunset (I had no idea about Echo Lake), but just thought I would ask for confirmation!

 

[djlaosc]

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is tricky to change. An option is to re-do the Animation Courtyard into something like "Production Central" and have the entrance to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster changed. If they open up the Animation Courtyard area it opens up a much larger area for expansion so a transition can be made much easier into the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster area. Another approach would be to change the theme of the ride to music specific to that period. Perhaps something based on the Rat Pack early on could work?

I would really miss the RnRC pre-show if the ride got changed (it's one of the shows we quote at home - "Na Hah", along with "We're not gonna make it! We're not gonna make it!" from Dinosaur) - maybe they could put it in the music store that I said that I thought they should build here - maybe they could make multiple videos with various artists and have them all play every so often (or it could have played on the American Idol screen before Steven Tyler left.)

The problem with RnRC is that it was built in the wrong place because it wouldn't fit where it would thematically fit (Echo Lake - even though it wouldn't be 40s-50s, it would still be with the other music/sound attractions (American Idol/Sounds Dangerous/Monster Sound Show)

 

[djlaosc]

Screamscape posted this today, kind of on the subject being discussed here. I know many around here don't give much credibility to Screamscape, but I've found them to be as credible as anybody on here at times.

Imagineering is attempting to tie in themed retail and food selections into each project as well

That is one thing that would help DHS out a lot. At the moment, some of the restaurants in do not seem to have any connection to the lands that they are in. Even the first two points below would help improve DHS theme-wise (although not attraction wise)

1. Implement a land/studio structure, so each area has a theme to work to (for example):

• "Hollywood Boulevard",
• "Echo Lake",
• "LucasFilm Studios",
• "Muppet Studios",
• "Backlot",
• "Pixar Studios",
• "Walt Disney Studios",
• "Sunset Boulevard"

2. Redo all the incorrectly themed restaurants:

• "Backlot Express" should become "Mos Eisley Cantina"
• "Pizza Planet Arcade" should be themed to "The Muppets"
• (There may be others that don't fit but I don't really eat in DHS - only been to the Sunset stands and ABC Commissary)

3a. Create new lands:

• 3D Cinema
• A new music/production land (move RnRC entrance here, when American Idol finishes, add further music/production attractions here instead of Echo Lake)
• Toontown

3b. Move/Retheme in attractions that don't fit in the other parks that they are currently in:

• Avatar (3D Cinema)
• Captain EO (3D Cinema)
• It’s A Bug’s Life Movie Set Adventure (Pixar Studios)
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Toontown)
• Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club (Pixar Studios)
• Stitch’s Great Escape (Walt Disney Studios)
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Walt Disney Studios)

3c. Add new attractions!

 

[HMF]

Screamscape posted this today, kind of on the subject being discussed here. I know many around here don't give much credibility to Screamscape, but I've found them to be as credible as anybody on here at times.



He didn't mention the source, but if true, which based on what they just did with Carsland at DCA, I'm apt to believe it is, we may be start to see some of what he mentioned here over the next few years, possibly starting with Avatar at DAK.

Regardless of whether you believe this or not, you have to admit that Carsland appears to be a huge success, at least for now. But, take it further and look at what they did there with the immersiveness of the theme. Then compare that to what Universal has done with Harry Potter and the guest response. Also, look what was done at the newly opened Art of Animation and the level of detail they went to for a hotel. I think it's safe to say we're entering a new era in theme park design and themeing taking it to a whole new level!

Well that was exceptionally vague.

 

[GrumpyFan]

That is one thing that would help DHS out a lot. At the moment, some of the restaurants in do not seem to have any connection to the lands that they are in.

1. Implement a land/studio structure, so each area has a theme to work to (for example):
2. Redo all the incorrectly themed restaurants:
3a. Create new lands:
3b. Move/Retheme in attractions that don't fit in the other parks that they are currently in:
3c. Add new attractions!

Fantastic ideas, and something that's been discussed several times before, but probably too ambitious. The issue is a "not broke" mentality and "what we have is still leading the competition, so why change it".

I can't really see them re-doing too much at anything existing, but I would look for new highly immersive attractions for the future. That's not to say they might not "Plus" some of the existing attractions where they can squeeze it in, but those kind of things don't really stand out or draw too many more guests in, like something of the magnitude of a "Cars Land".

 

[djlaosc]

Fantastic ideas, and something that's been discussed several times before, but probably too ambitious. The issue is a "not broke" mentality and "what we have is still leading the competition, so why change it".

I can't really see them re-doing too much at anything existing, but I would look for new highly immersive attractions for the future. That's not to say they might not "Plus" some of the existing attractions where they can squeeze it in, but those kind of things don't really stand out or draw too many more guests in, like something of the magnitude of a "Cars Land".

Thanks for the praise!

I don't for one second believe that what I posted would actually happen, but it probably would help the park in the long-run solve its current problems! Even if they just did points 1 and 2 it would provide DHS with a better base to start building something new ( like DCA 2-0) than what they currently have (and would probably please lots of people on here)!

 

[culturenthrills]

I would argue that DHS most certainly has "lack of attractions" as it's main problem. It has some great E-ticket type draws, arguably the best overall at WDW, but a lack of "things to do" especially for the whole family. Getting a bunch of C-ticket rides to even things out and absorb the crowds would make a big difference.

And, furthermore, wouldn't an attraction themed to Monsters, Inc., a popular and cute movie make the park at least incrementally "more Disney"?

At the bare minimum they need a family friendly high capacity c or d ticket dark ride. Something parents and their kids are going to want to ride and that eats thru a lot of people. GMR needs to be updated. Even if it is 1 or 2 scenes from some modern classics. Something. The park is just so stale. LM and BATB need to be replaced with some other shows. Animation is what it is but it is time for it to be updated again. As far as an E ticket why they have never built the Indiana Jones ride is beyond me(besides money) That was my favorite ride at DL. It is an amazing ride and it should be here and don't give me any of the Dinosaur crap. Dinosaur sucks compared to the IJ ride.

 

[Fractal514]

I think that Hollywood Studios would work better to NOT have themed areas, but to do a much better job at really theming the buildings so each attraction is its own mini-world.

 

[wdwfan4ver]

3b. Move/Retheme in attractions that don't fit in the other parks that they are currently in:

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Toontown)

I created a pool based on your thought about Mickey's Philharmagic not belonging in Magic Kingdom. The census is Mickey's Philharmagic belongs in Magic Kingdom despite the fact there is comments that it would be a great fit for DHS. I voted it belong in MK also before anyone else did.

There is multiples reasons why it fits for MK. The spot Mickey's Philharmagic is always had a stage show or a film. The 2nd thing is Mickey Mouse is identified with the Magic Kingdom despite the fact he is at other WDW parks including DHS. Mickey's presence is felt the most at MK. Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland also have Philharmagic in Fantasyland. All three parks had a theater built for Fantasy land when the park open.

I do like a majority of your ideas though such as Pizza Planet Arcade being theme to the "Muppets". I thought Pizza Planet stood out like a sore thumb since Pixar Place opened.

 

[Adam5897]

What DCA has done is incredible, Espically the use of space and what they have really spent time improving is the quality and the deatails of the park. I think that WDW can learn from DCA Espically DHS. WDW is huge! Remember their are four parks to worry about in Orlando and DCA was really the main project. It will take a while for all of WDW to do what DCA has just done but when it is don't it will be great!

 

[Adam5897]

And I am confused why people are complaining about RnR I think it's an great idea being late for a concert Driving like a maniac to somehow make it on time