Disney to Reveal Ambitious Star Wars Plans

[FoozieBear]

If these announcements aren't made on May the 4th, I would bet a large amount of money that they'll announce it at the D23 Expo.

But then of course there's the Star Wars Celebrations in April...but I still think D23 is more likely.

 

[CarlFredricksen]

I learned as much new info reading that as I did reading Josh Gordon's letter:

"I messed up.
I messed up again.
I messed up.
I messed up again.
I messed up.
I messed up again"

 

[StageFrenzy]

The DHS plans are supposedly bigger than the ones for DL. I have no details though.

So a bigger gift shop in DHS?

 

[BrianV]

"He also has said whatever new attractions are announced, they will be based on future films in the series, as well as its spinoffs."

This is depressing, to me. I want to see the places and people in Star Wars, the empire strikes back and return of the Jedi. But I suppose they'd any to tie in with their new movies to optimize marketing opportunities.

 

[JLipnick]

If these announcements aren't made on May the 4th, I would bet a large amount of money that they'll announce it at the D23 Expo.

But then of course there's the Star Wars Celebrations in April...but I still think D23 is more likely.

What about star wars weekends? I would think that would be a perfect time to announce something. then again, i am hopeful as i will be there for the first two star wars weekends this year

 

[tirian]

Iger has been whipping up Wall Street for Star Wars attractions for over a year, at this point he has to deliever or Wall Street is going to hold him personally accountable.

Considering the company successfully spun New Fantasyland as the "biggest expansion in Magic Kingdom history"—an outright lie—Iger doesn't need to worry. Marketing will make anything look great.

 

[roj2323]

So a bigger gift shop in DHS?

no they're just going to replace 5 and dime with a magic band shop ;P

 

[roj2323]

Considering the company successfully spun New Fantasyland as the "biggest expansion in Magic Kingdom history"—an outright lie—Iger doesn't need to worry. Marketing will make anything look great.

while you can polish a turd, (mythbusters proved it) it's still a turd. I just hope they don't give us a turd and tell us it's greatest thing since Wizarding world unless that's actually the case.

 

[jensenrick]

"He also has said whatever new attractions are announced, they will be based on future films in the series, as well as its spinoffs."

This is depressing, to me. I want to see the places and people in Star Wars, the empire strikes back and return of the Jedi. But I suppose they'd any to tie in with their new movies to optimize marketing opportunities.

Yup, this has "huge disappointment " written ALL over it.

 

[olinecoach61]

I really hope for a significant Star Wars land in dhs. It needs the help and I love Star Wars. Of course if they put it in dl maybe I would finally go out there

 

[doctornick]

The DHS plans are supposedly bigger than the ones for DL. I have no details though.

They should be given the space each park has to work with and the needs of each.

 

[articos]

I notice that it says "Disney Parks"....I wouldn't hold my breath for too much in Florida.

Then you will likely be pleasantly surprised.

 

[marni1971]

He wouldn't really go on record to say "we're going to build something cheap and lacklustre".

 

[Progress.City]

From today's Variety -

http://variety.com/2015/biz/news/di...us-theme-park-plans-for-star-wars-1201422947/

Thanks for sharing!

"The plans are ambitious, so it’s going to take some time for them to be built and opened.”

Sounds like Avatar. In other words, it will be several years until it opens after they announce it.

Looks like Iger finally decided to focus on the theme parks. His style seems to be to keep these projects in R&D for a while and let them fester with tons of development work done in the planning stages before handing the blue prints over to the hard hats.

If I am correct, Iger will leave with a Big Bang of mega projects under way, making up for all the years of nothingness. Could be great!

 

[TP2000]

If these announcements aren't made on May the 4th, I would bet a large amount of money that they'll announce it at the D23 Expo.

But then of course there's the Star Wars Celebrations in April...but I still think D23 is more likely.

That's exactly what the Variety article that started the thread also speculates. The Star Wars announcement would come at either;

1. D23 Expo, Anaheim, August 14-16
2. Star Wars Celebration, Anaheim, April 16-19
3. May The 4th Be With You, Somewhere in our Galaxy, May 4

I'd bet a Star Wars sheet set (twin size, 100% polyester) that the announcement happens at D23 Expo this August at the Anaheim Convention Center, although some clumsily placed hints will happen at Star Wars Celebration in April, also at the Anaheim Convention Center.

 

[Progress.City]

They should be given the space each park has to work with and the needs of each.

But that's boring! If I was an executive and a manager said that to me, I would fire that person on the spot. Great things were handed down to us because the creators dared to try something different. Look at all the big projects people undertook during the 1960's, for example, without powerful computers. Today, even with the computer tools to make things easier, no one thinks big any more. Everyone looks for safe and easy solutions instead of the risky and innovative ones.

I would tell my managers to start with a clean slate and to let their imaginations go wild and then look at what we have to work with and see how to make everything fit. The other way stunts creativity and makes everything business as usual. Business as usual is boring and doesn't attract nearly as many people. Attracting people is good business and generates long term profits.

Sorry for the rant. I'll pass the mic over to whoever wants it. Thanks for listening.

 

[kap91]

To all the people already anticipating a flop...really?

By most accounts of people who actually know anything the word is the plans are extremely ambitious. And for a project that for all intents and purposes IS Disneys real answer to potter there's reason to believe them. At the very least can we wait till Avatar opens (and see if it's the turd everyone insists it will be) or they release concept art before we start the Poo pooing cycle?

Also... Half of DHS is completely shuttered and you really think all they've got planned is a gift shop?

I'm calling August for any major details and possibly annoucement at all. Star Wars weekends would be good---but just imagine the crowd and press reaction they could get at a d23 event if they manage to truly make a "surprise" annoucement.

 

[Progress.City]

He did say we'll see more specifics this year...finally.

He said the same thing last spring that there would be an announcement "in a few months". Didn't happen.

 

[Progress.City]

Just announce something already. Even if it's just announcing the day they will make an announcement.

Or even a vague Avatar-style announcement!

 

[Mike S]

To all the people already anticipating a flop...really?

By most accounts of people who actually know anything the word is the plans are extremely ambitious. And for a project that for all intents and purposes IS Disneys real answer to potter there's reason to believe them. At the very least can we wait till Avatar opens (and see if it's the turd everyone insists it will be) or they release concept art before we start the Poo pooing cycle?

Also... Half of DHS is completely shuttered and you really think all they've got planned is a gift shop?

I'm calling August for any major details and possibly annoucement at all. Star Wars weekends would be good---but just imagine the crowd and press reaction they could get at a d23 event if they manage to truly make a "surprise" annoucement.

Actually I think SWW would be more of a surprise since I think everyone expects it at D23.