Disney confirms 'Frozen' makeover coming to Epcot's Norway Pavilion

[Matt_Black]

What this all says to me is that Disney is telling us:
"We make so many crappy movies these days that when one comes along that actually doesn't suck we have to shoehorn it into every possible location in our theme parks. You will be sick and tired of it in 2 years, but that's ok, because our shareholders And board of directors will be happy in the short term. Don't pay attention to any of our other IP...only Frozen."

Well, if we're talking strictly about films from WDAS animation, then there hasn't been a full on "suck" film in at least 6 years, since Lasseter took over. Heck, Tangled and Wreck-It Ralph were both critical successes and did very well commercially. Certainly, nothing since 2007 has reached the low point of Home on the Range.

 

[Kman101]

To be fair, they did push Tangled a bit ... we got amazing themed potties! And Disneyland got their Fantasy Faire princess grope area with a small Tangled tower.

But yeah, it's too bad Disney almost seemed to dismiss all of those movies. It's like they don't believe any of their movies are going to be a success.

It'd be nice to see Tangled, Princess and the Frog and Wreck it Ralph better represented. I find them to be all better movies than Frozen (ducks the Frozen fans throwing things at me ... lol).

 

[Matt_Black]

To be fair, they did push Tangled a bit ... we got amazing themed potties! And Disneyland got their Fantasy Faire princess grope area with a small Tangled tower.

But yeah, it's too bad Disney almost seemed to dismiss all of those movies. It's like they don't believe any of their movies are going to be a success.

It'd be nice to see Tangled, Princess and the Frog and Wreck it Ralph better represented. I find them to be all better movies than Frozen (ducks the Frozen fans throwing things at me ... lol).

On the flip side, they invested in some plans for rides based on Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and when that didn't exactly set the world on fire (though I liked it), all that time and money was wasted.

 

[kucarachi]

What this all says to me is that Disney is telling us:
"We make so many crappy movies these days that when one comes along that actually doesn't suck we have to shoehorn it into every possible location in our theme parks. You will be sick and tired of it in 2 years, but that's ok, because our shareholders And board of directors will be happy in the short term. Don't pay attention to any of our other IP...only Frozen."

I don't understand how they come up with what movies to make into rides...some of their most recent ideas were from movies 20 years old (Mermaid), 70 years old (Dumbo area), and 80 years old (Snow White). I'm just happy they are going with something less than a year old. They are classics for sure but today's kids might not even know 1 of those movies let alone all 3. They made a cars land and those movies didn't come close to what Frozen did. Avatar & Star Wars will make the boys happy, they really would be more criticized if they didn't do Frozen attractions.

 

[Kman101]

I never agree with the argument that kids might not know those movies. So? Show them those movies. Maybe seeing a ride about say ... Sword in the Stone, while not thrilling, would make them want to see the movie and give it new life?

Same thing with Great Movie Ride. Yeah the movies are "old" but at the same time, wouldn't that interest you in seeing a movie or learning more about it? I don't understand the lack of desire by today's generation to not give a hoot about the past and understand it and appreciate things about it. I'm younger but know so many old movies, old actors, appreciate older rides I never got to experience ...

 

[Mike S]

I never agree with the argument that kids might not know those movies. So? Show them those movies. Maybe seeing a ride about say ... Sword in the Stone, while not thrilling, would make them want to see the movie and give it new life?

Same thing with Great Movie Ride. Yeah the movies are "old" but at the same time, wouldn't that interest you in seeing a movie or learning more about it? I don't understand the lack of desire by today's generation to not give a **** about the past and understand it and appreciate things about it. I'm younger but know so many old movies, old actors, appreciate older rides I never got to experience ...

I agree. I recently started watching all the movies from the Great Movie Ride and the only one that really sucked was Tarzan. Just watched Casablanca for the first time a few days ago and I liked it. Now I think all that's left for me to see is Singin' in the Rain.

 

[HRHPrincessAriel]

I don't understand how they come up with what movies to make into rides...some of their most recent ideas were from movies 20 years old (Mermaid), 70 years old (Dumbo area), and 80 years old (Snow White). I'm just happy they are going with something less than a year old. They are classics for sure but today's kids might not even know 1 of those movies let alone all 3. They made a cars land and those movies didn't come close to what Frozen did. Avatar & Star Wars will make the boys happy, they really would be more criticized if they didn't do Frozen attractions.

My 4 year old knows all 3 of those. Dumbo is hardly a new ride....

 

[Kman101]

I agree. I recently started watching all the movies from the Great Movie Ride and the only one that really sucked was Tarzan. Just watched Casablanca for the first time a few days ago and I liked it. Now I think all that's left for me to see is Singin' in the Rain.

Exactly. I also hate when people criticize someone for not experiencing Disney in it's heyday (I did, I was just very very very young). So someone can't appreciate older rides and the way the parks were if they didn't live through it? Especially in today's world with Youtube, etc. How can you NOT want to research this stuff?

I'm sort of surprised Disney hasn't replaced Tarzan with their 1999 Tarzan. I'd love to just hear the music playing as we pass through the scene. They could do so much with Great Movie Ride. Lion King and Tarzan have some fantastic music.

 

[Mike S]

Exactly. I also hate when people criticize someone for not experiencing Disney in it's heyday (I did, I was just very very very young). So someone can't appreciate older rides and the way the parks were if they didn't live through it? Especially in today's world with Youtube, etc. How can you NOT want to research this stuff?

I'm sort of surprised Disney hasn't replaced Tarzan with their 1999 Tarzan. I'd love to just hear the music playing as we pass through the scene. They could do so much with Great Movie Ride. Lion King and Tarzan have some fantastic music.

I would replace Tarzan with a Star Wars scene myself.

 

[kucarachi]

I never agree with the argument that kids might not know those movies. So? Show them those movies. Maybe seeing a ride about say ... Sword in the Stone, while not thrilling, would make them want to see the movie and give it new life?

Same thing with Great Movie Ride. Yeah the movies are "old" but at the same time, wouldn't that interest you in seeing a movie or learning more about it? I don't understand the lack of desire by today's generation to not give a hoot about the past and understand it and appreciate things about it. I'm younger but know so many old movies, old actors, appreciate older rides I never got to experience ...

I appreciate the older stuff too...heck I even liked food rocks and the old sunshine seasons pavilion over the new panera looking stuff they have going on. But you have to give new people a chance to shine, and new ideas a chance to grow. the great movie ride showcases MGM movies, I'm sure one day it will get a Buena vista makeover whether we like it or not

 

[Kman101]

I appreciate the older stuff too...heck I even liked food rocks and the old sunshine seasons pavilion over the new panera looking stuff they have going on. But you have to give new people a chance to shine, and new ideas a chance to grow. the great movie ride showcases MGM movies, I'm sure one day it will get a Buena vista makeover whether we like it or not

I agree about the Land pavilion. It's a mess and I miss that nice fountain they used to have inside the place. And that's another thing ... all of the fountains and water features they've removed over the years. Siigh.

I agree about giving new things a chance to shine. Their problem is they became so complacent that there's SO much that needs to fixed and updated now instead of them being smart about it and updating things as years go on.

 

[Kman101]

I'd also like to point out, as The View is having a Frozen merchandise segment, and the little girls start singing that song, that the little girls only have Frozen as THEIR Disney classic movie. It's one they were able to go and see in the theaters. Olaf is fun. The sister aspect appeals to a mass female audience, and the songs are memorable. Boom. Success. I mean, Princess and the Frog, Tangled, etc. were only several years ago, but children 3-6 probably only really know/remember Frozen. Just a thought. At least the older girl mentioned Rapunzel.

I'm really curious to see the lasting appeal of Frozen once another princess movie comes out. I'm fine with Frozen, and aspects of it. I just wasn't crazy about the writing for the movie and the need to have everything be Frozen. It could end up being overkill in the long run. Maybe not now but let's be honest, everything fades at least a little bit in popularity.

 

[Admiral01]

Well, if we're talking strictly about films from WDAS animation, then there hasn't been a full on "suck" film in at least 6 years, since Lasseter took over. Heck, Tangled and Wreck-It Ralph were both critical successes and did very well commercially. Certainly, nothing since 2007 has reached the low point of Home on the Range.

I totally agree with you. This is part of my problem with all this. There are many really good films that Disney has produced that are being ignored, while Frozen is being jammed into everything. Everything. Tangled got a bathroom, that's it. Tangled could have been Disney's jumping off point for a whole line of stove-top cookware that can double as a weapon!

Seriously, though, where at WDW is Sleeping Beauty? Where is Mary Poppins? Where is Pinocchio? Where are the Rescuers? Where are the Dalmatians? There are lots of really great properties that have little or no representation, while Frozen is getting representation everywhere. When a company forces a brand like Frozen and ignores other things that are good, it makes those other good things seem less good in the eyes of the owners. Disney is diverse, but doesn't seem so today, as Frozen is being treated as its end-all-be-all of animated movies. I think it helps set all the rest up for failure.

 

[Beholder]

I would replace Tarzan with a Star Wars scene myself.

Keeping with the "classic" vibe, oh how I would love to see Nosferatu put in there somewhere. As far as I'm concerned, he could have an entire attraction to himself.

 

[Tim Lohr]

Seriously, though, where at WDW is Sleeping Beauty? Where is Mary Poppins? Where is Pinocchio? Where are the Rescuers? Where are the Dalmatians? There are lots of really great properties that have little or no representation, while Frozen is getting representation everywhere. When a company forces a brand like Frozen and ignores other things that are good, it makes those other good things seem less good in the eyes of the owners. Disney is diverse, but doesn't seem so today, as Frozen is being treated as its end-all-be-all of animated movies. I think it helps set all the rest up for failure.

I think Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, and Pinocchio would all be excellent candidates for dark rides, because they all have really simple episodic stories lines, really strong and memorable characters and visuals, and really great music. As far as "Where are WDW" I think it's more likely they'd show up at the France, UK, and Italy pavilions at Epcot now that Frozen is coming to Norway, although I'd personally rather see them at MK/Fantasyland

 

[Kman101]

Alice or Mary in the UK would be welcome by me. A flying ride starring Mary and an elaborate dark ride starring Alice. Sigh. If only.

 

[Matt_Black]

There are lots of really great properties that have little or no representation

Try being a Gargoyles fan.

Regarding Frozen, no one is calling it the be-all and end-all. It's just that there hasn't been a Disney animated film this successful on multiple levels (box office, soundtrack, merchandise) since the 90s. They'd be foolish not to try and capitalize on the success.

 

[jensenrick]

-

Meanwhile, at a certain studios' store out in sunny California....

....a new pin has been seen that is rather timely.

That's hilarious !

 

[Admiral01]

Try being a Gargoyles fan.

Regarding Frozen, no one is calling it the be-all and end-all. It's just that there hasn't been a Disney animated film this successful on multiple levels (box office, soundtrack, merchandise) since the 90s. They'd be foolish not to try and capitalize on the success.

Great example - Gargoyles. Another really great property. Why do we have frozen 30 different places at WDW right now but there is no room for other great properties that the fan base would enjoy?

I'm not saying they shouldn't capitalize on Frozen. Indeed they should. What I have a problem with is the manner in which they are capitalizing. Frozen is all over, and is displacing other things. There is no need for the displacement.

There are two points of view on this that I have, and that I've seen all over.
1) Frozen doesn't belong in a ride like Maelstrom. Frozen is an example of why the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland exists.
2) If such an incredible rousing success, why isn't Frozen worthy of a brand new attraction instead of a likely cheap overlay on an existing ride?

 

[Matt_Black]

Great example - Gargoyles. Another really great property. Why do we have frozen 30 different places at WDW right now but there is no room for other great properties that the fan base would enjoy?

I'm not saying they shouldn't capitalize on Frozen. Indeed they should. What I have a problem with is the manner in which they are capitalizing. Frozen is all over, and is displacing other things. There is no need for the displacement.

There are two points of view on this that I have, and that I've seen all over.
1) Frozen doesn't belong in a ride like Maelstrom. Frozen is an example of why the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland exists.
2) If such an incredible rousing success, why isn't Frozen worthy of a brand new attraction instead of a likely cheap overlay on an existing ride?

Aside from Maelstrom, what's been displaced? There wasn't anything in use in DHS where the Frozen show is now, to the best of my knowledge, and the Castle lighting show is for the holidays, and many agreed that it needed a bit of a change-up anyway. One COULD argue that Snow and Aurora were moved out of PFH, but the premise of PFH was, in theory, the roster could and would change periodically.