News 'Encanto' and 'Indiana Jones'-themed experiences at Animal Kingdom

[doctornick]

First off, people have said that Dinoland should be rethemed for literal years

I don't want to generalize, but I've mostly heard people complain that Dinorama needed to be changed - the roadside attraction themed area. It didn't seem to me that many people had any problem with Dinosaur the ride or the idea of dinosaurs in the park. I think if they had replaced Dinorama with an Excavator coaster that it would have pleased most everyone who had any concerns.

 

[doctornick]

The amount of money being spent is designed to help better theme one of their best themed parks to a more consistent level of theming. Also you are not going to tell me that Primeval Whirl had the same capacity as this huge looking Encanto Dark Ride or the carousel. Afaik expanding at AK is hard without taking up some of the animals spaces. There are a few expansion plots but they can also kinda close other ideas off. (Pandora expansion plot which I assume they will wait until Avatar 3/4 do well before deciding how to continue) While they have space, the logistics become a lot more difficult when you're playing with backstage/roads.

1. We are also losing the Boneyard
2. We are also seeing money spent to lose a perfectly quality ITTBAB show for a lateral move to Zootopia
3. Sure, adding Encanto is an improvement over the current Dinorama including and increase in capacity. But that would be true with almost anything they would have built there including (for example) putting something themed to dinosaurs like the Excavator coaster
4. There's tons of expansion land in DAK that can be used without touching any animal enclosures. There's a massive plot north of Asia that could fit multiple lands if desired. But even short term, they could add stuff to Pandora or Africa or even the current Dinoland or Asia without closing existing attractions. They are just choosing not to do that but instead replace. As has been typical for WDW for years. sigh

 

[peter11435]

2. We are also seeing money spent to lose a perfectly quality ITTBAB show for a lateral move to Zootopia

Bugs rarely fills shows anymore

 

[doctornick]

I’d love 3/3 expansion but I’ll happily enjoy 1.75/3 expansion.

I would agree that this will make the park better. My question would be if this is the best use of the time and money being invested versus options that actual expand the park. I just think that it is being inefficient and not guest friendly.

Given the option, I'd rather see Dinorama continue to exist and keep ITTBAB and spend the same money on adding a third Pandora ride and a TLK ride elsewhere in the park. Do that first, then you have much more capacity to be able to withstand closing Dinoland and replacing (if that really much occur). You can even add in a night time show replacing RoL once you have that additional capacity to justify longer hours.

 

[WorldExplorer]

From asking cast members around Dinoland to guest services, I’ve not run across anyone who seems even slightly excited about this change. Of course they won’t outright criticize it, but you can tell there’s no enthusiasm there. Read the room Disney, people don’t want you to get rid of Dinoland. Stop shooting yourself in the foot with controversial, poor decisions such as this, potentially getting rid of Muppets, Rivers of America, even Tiana hasn’t worked out well so far. Stop removing everything that people love. Just put money into Dinoland, make it even better, use original ideas.

I know it won’t happen but it’s kind of amazing to me that they think this is what people want.

I've been bringing up Dinoland in a neutral context where the other person has no reason to not mock the thing a lot for the past few years, before they were officially killing it, and yeah, my impression is that it doesn't really have the poison reputation a lot of people think it has. The worst I've gotten is saying they only like Dinosaur.

Whenever Disney does something stupid nowadays and people on here complain about it people chime in to tell us that we're in a minority and normal guests don't care about sightlines/thematic integrity/etc. and are just going to take whatever they're given so long as it has a thing they already like on it. I don't see why it's so unrealistic that that same "normal people don't care" logic would apply to Dinoland; it has dinosaurs on it and so people like it.

 

[James Alucobond]

Whenever Disney does something stupid nowadays and people on here complain about it people chime in to tell us that we're in a minority and normal guests don't care about sightlines/thematic integrity/etc. and are just going to take whatever they're given so long as it has a thing they already like on it. I don't see why it's so unrealistic that that same "normal people don't care" logic doesn't apply to Dinoland; it has dinosaurs on it and so people like it.

You’re combining a ton of different opinions from a wide range of people to make it sound like everyone who doesn’t share your level of negativity is an inconsistent Disney devotee with poor taste and no thematic literacy. Yes, some people defend everything, but others are more deeply concerned with aesthetics, others with consistency, others with mood, others with attraction content, etc.

 

[bwr827]

I've been bringing up Dinoland in a neutral context where the other person has no reason to not mock the thing a lot for the past few years, before they were officially killing it, and yeah, my impression is that it doesn't really have the poison reputation a lot of people think it has. The worst I've gotten is saying they only like Dinosaur.

Whenever Disney does something stupid nowadays and people on here complain about it people chime in to tell us that we're in a minority and normal guests don't care about sightlines/thematic integrity/etc. and are just going to take whatever they're given so long as it has a thing they already like on it. I don't see why it's so unrealistic that that same "normal people don't care" logic doesn't apply to Dinoland; it has dinosaurs on it and so people like it.

I agree that “normal people don’t care” applies on both ends of the spectrum, but I suspect it’s present less strongly with the viewpoints of negativity.

It’s more “normie” to say, “Oh cool!” than to say, “OMG this is a disaster.”

 

[WorldExplorer]

You’re combining a ton of different opinions from a wide range of people to make it sound like everyone who doesn’t share your level of negativity is an inconsistent Disney devotee with poor taste and no thematic literacy. Yes, some people defend everything, but others are more deeply concerned with aesthetics, others with consistency, others with mood, others with attraction content, etc.

No, I'm saying this is an arguement we see regularly for other things and that same logic applies here.

And I really love Dino-Rama, which is the thing being called a thematic disaster.

 

[James Alucobond]

And I really love Dino-Rama, which is the thing being called a thematic disaster.

It is the one area in the parks themed to something that people are culturally programmed to avoid. Yes, it’s tongue-in-cheek about it, but it’s not a mystery as to why people might be excited about a different option for the space.

 

[doctornick]

It is the one area in the parks themed to something that people are culturally programmed to avoid. Yes, it’s tongue-in-cheek about it, but it’s not a mystery as to why people might be excited about a different option for the space.

Sure. But that doesn't mean it has to take Dinosaur/Boneyard/Restaurantasaurus down with it.

People love dinosaurs. There's absolutely room for attractions involving dinosaurs at DAK. It's unfortunate to lose that simply because there is no good IP that Disney owns that features such majestic creatures.

 

[Brer Panther]

Y'know, a South America land at Animal Kingdom DOES have potential, preferably one that doesn't replace Dinoland. You could have some sort of Amazon river attraction with jaguars, sloths, river dolphins, etc., maybe something related to Up, something that really lets you explore the wildlife and culture of the continent.

But nope, instead we're getting Indiana Jones and "WE DON'T TALK ABOUT BRUNO NO NO NO".

 

[WorldExplorer]

It is the one area in the parks themed to something that people are culturally programmed to avoid. Yes, it’s tongue-in-cheek about it, but it’s not a mystery as to why people might be excited about a different option for the space.

I know there are good reasons to be excited about something else. That chunk of land was a compromise and not meant to last decades so while I enjoy it a lot and am very sad to lose it, I get it.

I would be sad to see it go but excited for something different, too, if it was continuing dinosaurs. I think they're throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

 

[James Alucobond]

Sure. But that doesn't mean it has to take Dinosaur/Boneyard/Restaurantasaurus down with it.

People love dinosaurs. There's absolutely room for attractions involving dinosaurs at DAK. It's unfortunate to lose that simply because there is no good IP that Disney owns that features such majestic creatures.

Of course. But what’s happening is happening, and it’s okay (and not inherently inconsistent) for people to weigh the losses and benefits differently.

 

[Starship824]

I'm sad about losing dinosaur and dinosaurs at DAK but everything I'm seeing out of Tropical America's looks great and I'm very excited about it. Dinosaur (the ride) is good but I've been on Indy at DL. There's really no comparison. If they can make it as good or better than Indy at DL while keeping in theme with the park (which it seems they are) I'm all on board.

 

[Consumer]

From asking cast members around Dinoland to guest services, I’ve not run across anyone who seems even slightly excited about this change. Of course they won’t outright criticize it, but you can tell there’s no enthusiasm there. Read the room Disney, people don’t want you to get rid of Dinoland. Stop shooting yourself in the foot with controversial, poor decisions such as this, potentially getting rid of Muppets, Rivers of America, even Tiana hasn’t worked out well so far. Stop removing everything that people love. Just put money into Dinoland, make it even better, use original ideas.

I know it won’t happen but it’s kind of amazing to me that they think this is what people want.

Dinoland sucks. I'd be happy with this change even if it was being replaced with rubble and ash.

 

[AidenRodriguez731]

1. We are also losing the Boneyard
2. We are also seeing money spent to lose a perfectly quality ITTBAB show for a lateral move to Zootopia
3. Sure, adding Encanto is an improvement over the current Dinorama including and increase in capacity. But that would be true with almost anything they would have built there including (for example) putting something themed to dinosaurs like the Excavator coaster
4. There's tons of expansion land in DAK that can be used without touching any animal enclosures. There's a massive plot north of Asia that could fit multiple lands if desired. But even short term, they could add stuff to Pandora or Africa or even the current Dinoland or Asia without closing existing attractions. They are just choosing not to do that but instead replace. As has been typical for WDW for years. sigh

I agree the loss of the Boneyard is a bit sad, I would have liked to see a new playstructure or heck even implement another archaeology dig nearby Indiana Jones.

ITTBAB was a scarier show for kids that wasn't all that well liked. While I don't think Zootopia is a great replacement overall because I think Zootopia doesn't lend itself to a show as well as something like a ride, it makes enough sense to replace. If it was up to me I would replace the show as well but add in a Bug's Life Land to flesh out Animal Kingdom with a ton more flatrides + a high quality Bugs Life dark ride but that's just me.

As cool as Excavator coaster would be, it's not necessarily a great business decision due to its somewhat similarity to BTM, lack of IP, and imo somewhat lack of a wow factor. There's moments in a lot of the new Disney ride that like to build up to a particular "wow" moment or be hyper themed. Excavator doesn't have that imo since you're going through an old dig site + dino bones.

Great to hear theres expansion space the problem is getting people over to it was its currently blocked by stuff like Kali. I think they just want to focus right now in making the current stuff the best version it can be then working on expanding the parks. Again, ideal world would give us a ton of possible areas to put in Animal Kingdom. The problem is logistics. Since I wasn't a fan of Dinoland USA, I don't mind it going down completely. I liked Dinosaur but Indiana Jones looks so much better.

 

[KDM31091]

I agree the loss of the Boneyard is a bit sad, I would have liked to see a new playstructure or heck even implement another archaeology dig nearby Indiana Jones.

ITTBAB was a scarier show for kids that wasn't all that well liked. While I don't think Zootopia is a great replacement overall because I think Zootopia doesn't lend itself to a show as well as something like a ride, it makes enough sense to replace. If it was up to me I would replace the show as well but add in a Bug's Life Land to flesh out Animal Kingdom with a ton more flatrides + a high quality Bugs Life dark ride but that's just me.

As cool as Excavator coaster would be, it's not necessarily a great business decision due to its somewhat similarity to BTM, lack of IP, and imo somewhat lack of a wow factor. There's moments in a lot of the new Disney ride that like to build up to a particular "wow" moment or be hyper themed. Excavator doesn't have that imo since you're going through an old dig site + dino bones.

Great to hear theres expansion space the problem is getting people over to it was its currently blocked by stuff like Kali. I think they just want to focus right now in making the current stuff the best version it can be then working on expanding the parks. Again, ideal world would give us a ton of possible areas to put in Animal Kingdom. The problem is logistics. Since I wasn't a fan of Dinoland USA, I don't mind it going down completely. I liked Dinosaur but Indiana Jones looks so much better.

There’s also the fact that bugs in the tree trunk make perfect sense, whereas the Zootopia thing is a much looser fit.

 

[AidenRodriguez731]

There’s also the fact that bugs in the tree trunk make perfect sense, whereas the Zootopia thing is a much looser fit.

Its a giant tree, it can be simple as this is a symbol of life and togetherness which is what the show is about.

 

[ednamodedarling]

I wonder if maybe Moana is being reconsidered for DAK again? They continue to market Moana 2 as an adventure exploring the waters & encountering mysterious/unique creatures of the deep ... which I would not be mad at a Oceiana land/Moana attraction where Nemo currently sits.

I also wonder if UP could have a greater presence at DAK? Maybe some type of larger scale stage show to replace nemo or a Paradise Falls based attraction? They always are using Kevin as a mascot of sorts for the park.

 

[doctornick]

Of course. But what’s happening is happening, and it’s okay (and not inherently inconsistent) for people to weigh the losses and benefits differently.

Absolutely. I'd personally fall into the category of "Tropical Americas will make DAK a better park" and that's a positive. I just think it isn't the ideal plan as expansion elsewhere first would I think be better than taking Dinosaur and TS off line. But in general, I don't have a problem with Tropical Americas expect for the short term issues it would have with DAK.

I'd prefer dinosaurs be kept in the park, but wouldn't die on that hill.

I do think Zootopia replacing ITTBAB is a waste of resources though. But I love ITTBAB (easily my favorite 4D show at Disney or any park)

I have much more issues with the MK and DHS plans than with is slated for DAK. Removing the RoA and MuppetVision to me are not justifiable in the same way that removing Dinorama is.