Disney's Coney Island
Here's my concept. Sorry it's so long!
Since people are often complaining about the "lack of ride rides" at Disney, I think creating a park to cater to this would be the key. This obviously should not be the size or scale of a theme park, so a smaller offering would fit the bill nicely IMHO. Thus, I give you Disney's Coney Island, the fourth area of DTD Orlando.
The area would sit west of the West Side. The large area/parking lot beyond the Cirque tent would be turned into 25-ish acre island surrounded by the water. (at least on 3 sides). It would jut out a bit into the current lagoon and be surrounded with a new part of the lagoon. An additional area would be left between the road and where the island starts (i.e. still on the mainland). Coney Island itself would be free. The park would have an entry fee of between $25-30 (like a water park). It would be included as such in packages.
PHASE 1:
DISNEY'S CONEY ISLAND PARK:
This park would cover the 25 acre "island." The entry way would be a replica of the classic Luna Park entrance from the early 1900's on Coney Island, NY. The water would run in a canal under the entry (completing the "island" concept). The park would be a simple amusement park done TO THE T!. It would open after noon and remain open until late (anywhere from midnight to 2:00AM depending on season). Alcohol would NOT be served on the island, so this would be a more family-oriented destination. The park offerings would be as follows...
The Coney Island Cyclone - A faithful reproduction of the NY classic. This would be on the far third of the island
The Double Loop de Loop - A new train system. This ride looks like a classic loop de loop that has two loops next to each other, but the first half (i.e. first loop) is enclosed in a large building. Riders actually board at ground level (instead of in the air as a classic loop de loop). The ride is a launched ride, but the beginning has sound effects to make it seem like they are climbing a chainlift as they move forward. About a quarter up the hill, a "workman's" voice comes on saying the ride has stopped. He tinkers around, and the ride launches up hill and into a small vertical loop (all inside). You go up a small hill and go outside through the second loop. You enter the change shack, and this is a reversal point. You then switch to go backward, down the hill, through the other outside loop, and back into the building. You then exit through the building on the other side of the track and the track switches direction backstage. This switch actually provides a linear building under which the water runs, again completing the appearance of an "island."
The Spook House - This is a trackless attraction. It starts out as a very hokey spook house with a false steel track guide. During the first couple of scenes, short glimpses of monsters from Monsters, Inc are visible in the shadows (not hte main effects). You then round a corner and spot Sully. He runs away, and you follow him into the Monster Factory. From here it is a pretty typical AA dark ride where you are being a test crew for new scare tactics. You then exit back onto the "guide" rail and get a final good bye from the Monster's Inc crew.
The Tunnel of Love - This is like the classic attraction with large heartshaped backs and all. The difference, however, is that the boats are either four-seaters or couple-seaters (two separate lines with separate boarding sides ala Pirates originally). The boats are weighted to make sure they float at equal speeds.
Tilt a Whirl
Gazebo Swings (swing chairs done in white) right inside the gate
Grand Carousel
Whip
Giant Wheel
Scrambler
Dodgem's
Parachute Flyers (spinner)
Zephyrs (over the lagoon)
Parachute Tower - just like the Coney Island original (next to the Zephyrs)
Games of Chance
Classic Carnival Food
All of these would be DECKED in lights, and two CMs would be in charge of circling the park each day and night constantly checking for burnt out bulbs. They would have long poles and be able to change bulbs at any time. Attractions would be stopped momentarily to change bulbs along with a creative statement over the rides' PA.
DISNEY'S CONEY ISLAND:
The area just across from the park entrance (and attached to it along the west end). These would be city facades along the lines of NY Street in the Studios, but it would be a bit more sleek/modern/commercial. It would wrap to form a square with buildings around the west and south sides.
Stores & Restaurants:
Mouse and Tie - Professional wear and accessories for men and women
Plantet Hollywood On Location - Same as is currently in West Side (that location becomes Stacatto & the Eight Note Bar - a jazz music shop and bar)
Pooh's Corner - This is transported from the Marketplace, and the old location becomes Alice's Garden Spot (Disney garden, plant, and yard merchandise)
Mocha Beret - A two-story cafe with a patio on the second floor. It serves specialty coffee and desserts (open late).
Vinny's - A deli with classic subs. The CMs take on the role, speaking in rought NY-ese and tossing bread, puting on a show while making sandwiches, etc. This is tucked into an alley that sits between Pooh's Corner and Planet Hollywood on Location.
The Coney Island Historical Society. This sits right next to the Coney Island Park entrance and houses a large display of classic Coney Island memorabilia and photos (from NY). This is free of charge.
Two other locations would be left for future expansion.
PHASE 2:
DTD Party Line - A large Wedway people mover-like transport system would run the extent of DTD with stops at Coney Island, West Side (at the guitar shop), PI (@ planet Hollywood), and Marketplace (@ McDonalds). $3.00 would be charged for parking, but free use of the Party Line would be included. The parking would also be stacked with a one-tier parking garage-type structure over the current lots.
Elias Vineyard - This fine dining spot would sit next to Cirque and House of Blues. This mediteranean-type offering would have an extensive pier on the water that overlooks Coney Island Park as well as inside dining. It would offer Mediterranean cusine with some trendy perks. Immediately next door is the Vineyard Tasting Room where wines from around the country are flown in and available for samples. A tasting seminar is available for a nominal fee. (This would be marketed highly during the Food & Wine Festival).
PHASE 3:
Disney's Metropolitan Hotel - This would be Disney's first hotel, not resort, on property. Focused more on a young professional crowd, this 8 story hotel would be attached to the facades of Coney Island and extend to (and over) the current roadway. It would actually be incorporated into the facade line and one side of the hotel would overlook Coney Island Park. It would also sit over the backstage areas for Coney Island (which occupy the bottom 3 stories of the hotel). It would look almost office-building-like and offer sleek modern designs that are comfortable but definitely urban. The parking would sit across the road and connect via a moving skyway over the road. The hotel would be small compared to Disney standards, but the appointments would be top notch, making this still a deluxe property. The hotel's pool would be on the roof, surrounded on the west and south sides by 8 foot laurel bushes and iron gating all the way around (this would help skew the view from Epcot and othe resorts). The hotel would have two restaurants, a quick-stop cafe, and two lounges.
Ming's China Room - This would actually be the third story over the Coney Island facades. This would be an upscale Chinese restaurant that blends classic Chinese fare with modern twists (ala PF Changs).
Bugsy's - This would offer classic Italian food. It would also offer a dinner show 3 nights a week that is an audience-participation comical whodunit.
The MetroCafe - This is a quick stop coffee shop with the basics for breakfast and lunch (sanwiches, eggs, etc. you would find at a city diner)
The Flapper Lounge - Attached to Bugsy's, this is a Speakeasy reincarnated (without worrying about the cops). You do have to know the password to get in. (However, if they give you a hard time, but coatcheck person for Bugsy's will be more than happy to help - which covenienetly sits immediately next to the lounge)
Tinis - This is a trendy bar that sits on the top of the hotel, overlooking both the pool and Coney Island Park (along the West Tower).
OK. I know that was long, but thought it would be fun!
