Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout announced for Disney California Adventure

[Deleted member 107043]

What does it say about Disney that they sat on creating a Marvel attraction until 2016?

You realize that Guardians of The Galaxy came out in 2014, right? That means that it'll take them roughly 3 years from the release of the film to the opening of the theme park attraction. In comparison it took Disney 21 years from the time The Little Mermaid premiered until they built a ride at Disneyland Resort. So yeah, I guess MB was "rushed", but given what their business objectives are (to get the attraction open in time for the sequel this summer) it's understandable.

 

[Earl Sweatpants]

You realize that Guardians of The Galaxy came out in 2014, right? That means that it'll take them roughly 3 years from the release of the film to the opening of the theme park attraction. In comparison it took Disney 21 years from the time The Little Mermaid premiered until they built a ride at Disneyland Resort. So yeah, I guess MB was "rushed", but given what their business objectives are (to get the attraction open in time for the sequel this summer) it's understandable.

No, I get that its a short turn-around for GOTG, but it boggles my mind why Disney's first foray into US-Marvel attractions would have been GOTG instead of, oh, I don't know...The Avengers.

Also too, let's contrast their treatment of Marvel with that of Star Wars. Granted yes, they're both getting their own lands, but SWL is being built all at once while the property simultaneously dominates a dying land inside the park. Marvel (which frankly has much more involved in it) gets a rushed overlay and a proposed land sometime in the future. I'm not saying Disney is playing favorites...but the contrast between executions of both properties is a bit of a head-scratcher.

 

[SSG]

No, I get that its a short turn-around for GOTG, but it boggles my mind why Disney's first foray into US-Marvel attractions would have been GOTG instead of, oh, I don't know...The Avengers.

Also too, let's contrast their treatment of Marvel with that of Star Wars. Granted yes, they're both getting their own lands, but SWL is being built all at once while the property simultaneously dominates a dying land inside the park. Marvel (which frankly has much more involved in it) gets a rushed overlay and a proposed land sometime in the future. I'm not saying Disney is playing favorites...but the contrast between executions of both properties is a bit of a head-scratcher.

Well, I’ll say it; Disney IS playing favorites. Understandably though. The popularity and cultural impact of Star Wars is far greater than Marvel. While the Marvel based attractions will be popular, IMO it will seem minor league compared to the frenzy SWL will create.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

I'm not saying Disney is playing favorites...but the contrast between executions of both properties is a bit of a head-scratcher.

Maybe it is, but Star Wars already has a very popular E ticket attraction, and it's arguably a more popular franchise than GoTG.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

You realize that Guardians of The Galaxy came out in 2014, right? That means that it'll take them roughly 3 years from the release of the film to the opening of the theme park attraction. In comparison it took Disney 21 years from the time The Little Mermaid premiered until they built a ride at Disneyland Resort. So yeah, I guess MB was "rushed", but given what their business objectives are (to get the attraction open in time for the sequel this summer) it's understandable.

Here's a brief synopsis of what went down.

Chapek comes in, replacing Staggs. Chapek knows nothing about theme parks, takes some time to try and get to know the business unit (despite what some people think of him, he has made legitimate effort to understand his domain unlike say COUGH Jay I-Hate-Theme-Parks Rasulo). Once he rolled around to reviewing projects in WDI's pipeline, he had a very valid question for everyone - why have they been sitting on the hugely popular Marvel Cinematic Universe? Disney has owned Marvel since 2009 and despite some close calls, no major attractions had been greenlit.

It did not make sense to Chapek that WDPR had been so slow to capitalize on Marvel. Coming from merch, he understands the big brands so he emphasizes IP-based attractions.

So Chapek asks for proposals - quick ones - to get some Marvel breathed into the resorts where it can be added (DLR in particular). GOTG TOT was drawn up some time mid-last year very quickly, as part of Chapek's directive was to make use of existing infrastructure where possible. This attraction was very much a rush job that stunned everyone when it was approved, and yes, Chapek wanted it in WDW too (this has since changed and will hopefully stay that way).

So compared to the average attraction design and build time, GOTG was definitely rushed. That does not mean the end product won't be good - in fact, I'm positive the ride will be a blast. The exterior I'm not sold on.

Chapek was also amazed and flabbergasted that WDI was allowed to be so reckless with budgets; spending whatever they pleased and taking forever to do anything. He wisely removed Vaughn, who was the worst, and Weis is a far better leader. WDI needs to be more nimble than they had become, so his organizational changes there were good ones.

 

[tikiphil]

I get that its a short turn-around for GOTG, but it boggles my mind why Disney's first foray into US-Marvel attractions would have been GOTG instead of, oh, I don't know...The Avengers.

Here's four reasons:
1.“Marvel” cannot be in any Disney park
2. Mission Breakout cannot be advertised via commercials, print ads, etc. anywhere but in Disneyland’s backyard
3. Universal owns the rights to Marvel “in perpetuity”
4. None of the Avenger's can be used by Disney east of the Mississippi

http://www.themeparktourist.com/new...n-t-realize-about-universal-s-marvel-contract

 

[mickEblu]

Here's a brief synopsis of what went down.

Chapek comes in, replacing Staggs. Chapek knows nothing about theme parks, takes some time to try and get to know the business unit (despite what some people think of him, he has made legitimate effort to understand his domain unlike say COUGH Jay I-Hate-Theme-Parks Rasulo). Once he rolled around to reviewing projects in WDI's pipeline, he had a very valid question for everyone - why have they been sitting on the hugely popular Marvel Cinematic Universe? Disney has owned Marvel since 2009 and despite some close calls, no major attractions had been greenlit.

It did not make sense to Chapek that WDPR had been so slow to capitalize on Marvel. Coming from merch, he understands the big brands so he emphasizes IP-based attractions.

So Chapek asks for proposals - quick ones - to get some Marvel breathed into the resorts where it can be added (DLR in particular). GOTG TOT was drawn up some time mid-last year very quickly, as part of Chapek's directive was to make use of existing infrastructure where possible. This attraction was very much a rush job that stunned everyone when it was approved, and yes, Chapek wanted it in WDW too (this has since changed and will hopefully stay that way).

So compared to the average attraction design and build time, GOTG was definitely rushed. That does not mean the end product won't be good - in fact, I'm positive the ride will be a blast. The exterior I'm not sold on.

Chapek was also amazed and flabbergasted that WDI was allowed to be so reckless with budgets; spending whatever they pleased and taking forever to do anything. He wisely removed Vaughn, who was the worst, and Weis is a far better leader. WDI needs to be more nimble than they had become, so his organizational changes there were good ones.

Curse the anonymous person that quickly drew up the TOT proposal! Was one requirement of the new Marvel attraction that it had to be in DCA? Did they know they were going to create a Marvel Land at point? If not, replacing Star Tours would have been my recommendation. Especially since it's not moving to SWL and will probably close after a few years. I think most fans would have been ok with that. After all,the Falcon ride is supposed to be a new and improved Star Tours. It also would have been even quicker and cheaper than retheming the Tower. Not to mention, lend itself better to the IP.

Really could of been a win win for all. TL probably won't be renovated for 10-15 years so it wouldn't interfere with whatever grand scheme they have for TL (whatever that is, we re probably still all dreaming) short term at least. Also, I don't see why all Marvel IPs have to be in Marvel Land. Disney, Pixar and Star Wars can be found in both parks/ various lands.

That would of been my pitch. Anyway I'm guessing Temporary Star Wars land (SOTF) was the reason that didn't happen or was not considered. How could they release Force Awakens and promote Star Wars in the parks with Star Tours closed? Classic case of tryin to do too much. They based their decision off of short term gains unfortunately. Not what was best for the park or even the GOTG IP.

 

[MisterPenguin]

So compared to the average attraction design and build time, GOTG was definitely rushed. That does not mean the end product won't be good - in fact, I'm positive the ride will be a blast. The exterior I'm not sold on.

How DARE you take such a moderate tone on this board?!!

It did not make sense to Chapek that WDPR had been so slow to capitalize on Marvel. Coming from merch, he understands the big brands so he emphasizes IP-based attractions.

So that's why there's not only no Superhero Land in DLR, but not even the announcement of one yet?

Here, Disney, take my eyes; you roll them, I'm too tired.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Curse the anonymous person that quickly drew up the TOT proposal! Was one requirement of the new Marvel attraction that it had to be in DCA? Did they know they were going to create a Marvel Land at point? If not, replacing Star Tours would have been my recommendation. Especially since it's not moving to SWL and will probably close after a few years. I think most fans would have been ok with that. After all,the Falcon ride is supposed to be a new and improved Star Tours. It also would have been even quicker and cheaper than retheming the Tower. Not to mention, lend itself better to the IP.

Really could of been a win win for all. TL probably won't be renovated for 10-15 years so it wouldn't interfere with whatever grand scheme they have for TL (whatever that is, we re probably still all dreaming) short term at least. Also, I don't see why all Marvel IPs have to be in Marvel Land. Disney, Pixar and Star Wars can be found in both parks/ various lands.

That would of been my pitch. Anyway I'm guessing Temporary Star Wars land (SOTF) was the reason that didn't happen or was not considered. How could they release Force Awakens and promote Star Wars in the parks with Star Tours closed? Classic case of tryin to do too much. They based their decision off of short term gains unfortunately. Not what was best for the park or even the GOTG IP.

How DARE you take such a moderate tone on this board?!!

So that's why there's not only no Superhero Land in DLR, but not even the announcement of one yet?

Here, Disney, take my eyes; you roll them, I'm too tired.

A Marvel land was already in the planning stages (and had been for some time - MiceAge reported on it, accurately, a while ago) for DCA. That can has been kicked down the road several times now, and before that, an Iron Man E-ticket (a real one, not Stark Tours like HKDL got) was planned to replace the Innoventions complex (obviously a ship that has sailed). There were even third theme park proposals based on Marvel pitched for DLR. But like so many things, no one was committing and they kept getting further down the line. Chapek wanted something ready, and wanted something ready now. Hence GOTG, the quickest possible thing WDI could come up with.

I think it's a real possibility that we'll get some future Marvel plans revealed at D23 this year. We were this close at last D23, and at the last minute they decided to hold off. If they can settle on WDW's Epcot GOTG thing before then, there could be a big Marvel push for WDPR at the expo.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

I hope the GotG project flops as Iron Man did in Hong Kong. Then maybe, we'll get a real first class Marvel attraction quickly.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

A Marvel land was already in the planning stages (and had been for some time - MiceAge reported on it, accurately, a while ago) for DCA. That can has been kicked down the road several times now, and before that, an Iron Man E-ticket (a real one, not Stark Tours like HKDL got) was planned to replace the Innoventions complex (obviously a ship that has sailed). There were even third theme park proposals based on Marvel pitched for DLR. But like so many things, no one was committing and they kept getting further down the line. Chapek wanted something ready, and wanted something ready now. Hence GOTG, the quickest possible thing WDI could come up with.

I think it's a real possibility that we'll get some future Marvel plans revealed at D23 this year. We were this close at last D23, and at the last minute they decided to hold off. If they can settle on WDW's Epcot GOTG thing before then, there could be a big Marvel push for WDPR at the expo.

Reminds me of the evolution of Videopolis, an attraction conceived and built in less than 200 days. According to what I've read Eisner felt the first big E tickets of his tenure - EO, Star Tours, and Splash Mountain - were going to take too long to deliver, so he put Videopolis on a fast track to completion as a way to fill the gap between Big Thunder and Captain Eo.

 

[britain]

Ah yes videopolis. Whenever I hear that word I think of George Burns and Gloria Estefan...

 

[Phroobar]

Ah yes videopolis. Whenever I hear that word I think of George Burns and Gloria Estefan...

That isn't what the area would look like if the castle disappeared. You would see the bright carousel and the side buildings.

The Pen Dragons were on a set and not in or outside the castle.

Wasn't Videopolis enclosed originally?

 

[MisterPenguin]

I hope the GotG project flops as Iron Man did in Hong Kong. Then maybe, we'll get a real first class Marvel attraction quickly.

If you want first class Marvel attractions, then hope that the GotG overlay is a success. Because:

1. It is highly unlikely they'll ever revert to Twilight Zone because of the expense.
2. It is highly unlikely, as a thrill ride, to ever truly flop... there will always be people lining up for it
3. If it does flop (as in universally panned even though it still gets lines), then that will only delay getting a superhero E-Ticket ride. A successful superhero attraction opens up the purse for more of the same
4. You ain't ever getting any E-Ticket ride "quickly". No such rides are ever built quickly. This will have to hold you over until that comes.

 

[NobodyElse]

Wasn't Videopolis enclosed originally?

It started out open-air.

 

[cheezbat]

This was poor planning from Disneyland all around.

If I was in charge, Tower would've stayed and just got random sequence updates. Star Wars Land should've been put in DCA. That would've really balanced crowds between the parks. If they had to have Guardians at the DL resort, I would've replaced Star Tours with it.

 

[HMF]

Here's four reasons:
1.“Marvel” cannot be in any Disney park
2. Mission Breakout cannot be advertised via commercials, print ads, etc. anywhere but in Disneyland’s backyard
3. Universal owns the rights to Marvel “in perpetuity”
4. None of the Avenger's can be used by Disney east of the Mississippi

http://www.themeparktourist.com/new...n-t-realize-about-universal-s-marvel-contract

Which is why the Marvel acquisition was an idiotic idea from the start.

 

[HMF]

I hope the GotG project flops as Iron Man did in Hong Kong. Then maybe, we'll get a real first class Marvel attraction quickly.

I hope it flops and they never even consider making another Marvel Attraction. Sell Marvel and get their priorities back to the Studios and Parks where it belongs.

 

[HMF]

Curse the anonymous person that quickly drew up the TOT proposal!

If I were his/her boss, I would fire him/her and do everything in my power to destroy his/her career and make sure he/she never gets a job in the themed entertainment industry again.

 

[MisterPenguin]

I really do think you need a hug.