Eddie Sotto's take on the current state of the parks

[Lee]

The underlined section sort of surprised me. I don't know how that slipped through the cracks. :lookaroun:lol::lookaroun

Which cracks did it slip through?

 

[SirGoofy]

As moderator, the reason this thread exists is to focus on my "take on the parks", not WDI politics. It's tempting as emotions run high. Unless there are official statements, this stuff is mostly conjecture, bordering on damaging gossip, something I don't want any involvement in (and have been a victim of).

Of course, as those discussions and are relevant and important to some, I think they deserve their own editorial thread as not to continue here and muddy the waters, so we can get back to discussing parks again. I loved where we were headed with looking a the hub vs other planning ideas.

Thanks.

Here's a question for you Eddie. I asked a couple higher ranking WDI guys during my CP the same thing, but I'd like to hear your view on the subject.

Do you think that the future of the themed attraction is in screen technology or AAs, or a combination of both?

 

[WDW1974]

As moderator, the reason this thread exists is to focus on my "take on the parks", not WDI politics. It's tempting as emotions run high. Unless there are official statements, this stuff is mostly conjecture, bordering on damaging gossip, something I don't want any involvement in perpetuating (and have been a victim of).

Threads here tend to take on lives of their own, and I'm as much to blame as anyone. It's stream of consciousness and well ... creative.

I can understand why you don't want to get involved in a Glendale politics discussion since you are still in the business and it's pretty safe to say folks at WDI are reading this (although, I've learned they read a lot) and I have no problem taking the discussion to another thread ... provided it remains on this board and isn't buried on some other one that no one reads.

While your comments and this whole thread has been a fascinating look into the creative process, some of us are very concerned about the future of WDI.

And there's no way I'm getting involved in any corporate pixie dust spinning.

Of course, as those discussions are relevant and important to some, I think they deserve their own editorial thread as not to continue here and muddy the waters, so we can get back to discussing parks again. I loved where we were headed with looking at the hub vs other planning ideas.

Thanks.

Those were interesting topics. And I hope you can continue to get responses on them.

Right now, I'm more interested in who's going to be left to actually make the impossible, possible.

A note will be forthcoming later tonight.

 

[HMF]

Threads here tend to take on lives of their own, and I'm as much to blame as anyone. It's stream of consciousness and well ... creative.

I can understand why you don't want to get involved in a Glendale politics discussion since you are still in the business and it's pretty safe to say folks at WDI are reading this (although, I've learned they read a lot) and I have no problem taking the discussion to another thread ... provided it remains on this board and isn't buried on some other one that no one reads.

While your comments and this whole thread has been a fascinating look into the creative process, some of us are very concerned about the future of WDI.

And there's no way I'm getting involved in any corporate pixie dust spinning.



Those were interesting topics. And I hope you can continue to get responses on them.

Right now, I'm more interested in who's going to be left to actually make the impossible, possible.

A note will be forthcoming later tonight.

I have already started one.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=504357

 

[Eddie Sotto]

I have already started one.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=504357

Great. Thank you for your understanding. Everything has it's place...Go for it..

 

[Eddie Sotto]

Do you think that the future of the themed attraction is in screen technology or AAs, or a combination of both?

It's funny, since Pixar is a part of this we've seen the screen get center stage on Toy Story and Nemo. Star Tours 2.0 is up next as another media driven attraction. I think there is a fine line to watch as to the guest thinking they are watching a video. There is an art to how you use this stuff. Experiences are balanced systems of the senses, you want to find the right mix so you don't lean too much on the media. AA's don't seem to be lifelike enough and are tethered to the ground so it's hard for them to deliver in most cases. I like them best as supporting actors, as a combo with media not the only thing to lean on. The new Lincoln should be something to look to as to the next level. Live actors as part of the mix works for me too. look at the old Spirit Lodge show BRC did years ago. It just works.

 

[SirGoofy]

It's funny, since Pixar is a part of this we've seen the screen get center stage on Toy Story and Nemo. Star Tours 2.0 is up next as another media driven attraction. I think there is a fine line to watch as to the guest thinking they are watching a video. There is an art to how you use this stuff. Experiences are balanced systems of the senses, you want to find the right mix so you don't lean too much on the media. AA's don't seem to be lifelike enough and are tethered to the ground so it's hard for them to deliver in most cases. I like them best as supporting actors, as a combo with media not the only thing to lean on. The new Lincoln should be something to look to as to the next level. Live actors as part of the mix works for me too. look at the old Spirit Lodge show BRC did years ago. It just works.

Thanks!:wave:

Personally, I think a mix of mediums is best as well, and when I draw up an idea I tend to favor that line of thinking. However, if I had to pick one I'd go with animatronics. I personally they feel more lifelike than just screens, but that's just me.

 

[Eddie Sotto]

My open question as to the old hub discussion...

Did Walt break his own "rules" at DL by putting New Orleans Square on the edge of the river and not as a spoke off the hub?

 

[Eddie Sotto]

Thanks!:wave:

Personally, I think a mix of mediums is best as well, and when I draw up an idea I tend to favor that line of thinking. However, if I had to pick one I'd go with animatronics. I personally they feel more lifelike than just screens, but that's just me.

They can be yes. I used to try and invent shows that were sympathetic to what an AA can do. Example...Aliens defy comparison but can appear lifelike, convincing humans are harder.

 

[SirGoofy]

My open question as to the old hub discussion...

Did Walt break his own "rules" at DL by putting New Orleans Square on the edge of the river and not as a spoke off the hub?

In my mind, rule are meant to be broken(Within reason of course!:lol, and this is an example of great rule breaking. NOS is not on the Hub, which makes it something of a discovery, IMO. It's something guests stumble upon as they explore the park, and that's really cool.

Personally, I wish LS was more like NOS. Not that I don't absolutely love LS.

They can be yes. I used to try and invent shows that were sympathetic to what an AA can do. Example...Aliens defy comparison but can appear lifelike, convincing humans are harder.

True, not to mention those AAs that do pull off convincing humans are pretty pricey, which would make it difficult to fill an attraction with them.

 

[Eddie Sotto]

Threads here tend to take on lives of their own, and I'm as much to blame as anyone. It's stream of consciousness and well ... creative.

They sure do. I've derailed this one a few times myself! No worries.

 

[Eddie Sotto]

Not that I don't absolutely love LS.

I do too. So much potential. The details in that area are spot on and there is an intimacy to it. After watching that HBO John Adams series, I can't help but think there is some really rich story content there to be exploited. I'd love to see the History Channel sponsor something in there.

 

[HMF]

I do too. So much potential. The details in that area are spot on and there is an intimacy to it. After watching that HBO John Adams series, I can't help but think there is some really rich story content there to be exploited. I'd love to see the History Channel sponsor something in there.

They could also do a Kim Possible-style National Treasure thing.

 

[SirGoofy]

I do too. So much potential. The details in that area are spot on and there is an intimacy to it. After watching that HBO John Adams series, I can't help but think there is some really rich story content there to be exploited. I'd love to see the History Channel sponsor something in there.

Even as the huge Disney geek I was before working for the Mouse, I never knew about all the terrific theming of LS until my training in the area. Ever since that day it's been my second favorite land in the MK.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

My open question as to the old hub discussion...

Did Walt break his own "rules" at DL by putting New Orleans Square on the edge of the river and not as a spoke off the hub?

I'll stay away from the WDI Politics,seeing it's taboo...:lookaroun
But to the question:

:lol:

It bothers me that FLand in WDW doesn't have a hub bridge. Same with Toontown.

While it's not breaking a rule, persay, it does fee odd, though.

 

[SirGoofy]

They could also do a Kim Possible-style National Treasure thing.

Please no.

If anything, make it a mission for the Continental army to find something before the British if you really want to, but NT is a terrible film series, and full of historical inaccuracies I'd rather not see in LS

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

They could also do a Kim Possible-style National Treasure thing.

Waaayyy to small for that. And Nat.T would clash very badly, IMHO.

 

[SirGoofy]

Waaayyy to small for that.

LS is just as big as some of the WS pavilions.:shrug:

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Please no.

If anything, make it a mission for the Continental army to find something before the British if you really want to, but NT is a terrible film series, and full of historical inaccuracies I'd rather not see in LS

Beat me to it!


That has potential, though...Especially with all the espionage in the Rev. War....But where's the room?

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

LS is just as big as some of the WS pavilions.:shrug:

So? And just have one "thing" to find in there? Doesn't KP have a ton of steps?