Halloween Event for MGM Studios in 2006?

[Mouse's Magic]

Not the most reliable source but a good rumor none the less. Screamscape is reporting that there is a rumor floating around about a new halloween event for the Studios. Here is the link and the information...

http://www.screamscape.com/html/walt_disney_world.htm

Park News - (2/4/06) I reported on this rumor last summer but a new internet survey is making the rounds suggesting that Disney may be ready to finally add a Halloween event for a slightly older crowd to the Studios this fall. The text from the survey describes the event as: “For the first time, Disney-MGM Studios becomes the host for all things that go bump in the night with an all new Halloween Celebration. Join Jack Skellington, the "Pumpkin King of Halloween Town" from A Nightmare before Christmas, and a horde of Disney's most popular villains as they set about turning the Disney/MGM Studios into a nightmare of 1000 screams. Visitors will enjoy the thrills and chills of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock 'n Roller Coaster, a colorful parade, and streets filled with ghouls and goblins. It's a Halloween party filled with Disney magic - only this time it's magic cooked up by the Wicked Witch herself.”

 

[Rosso11]

This rumor has been going around for a while now, but I really do not doubt it at all. Universal's horror nights it a huge money machine, that Disney is loosing out on. Sure they have the event at MK but this is a completely different market that Disney is missing out on and they know it. However, at this late in the game Disney would have to do something really spectacular to draw away the local crowds from Universal. I really hope Disney gives this a shot. If done correctly it could be pretty amazing.

 

[unkadug]

Aren't there actual un-used sound stages that could also be turned into "Haunted " areas ?

It could be quite neat !

 

[JROK]

But how could Disney market it for the teenagers and such? Universal is already under fire for not being scary enough for that crowd, how could Disney be scarier? I don't think it would work. Idk, maybe it's just me...

 

[Mecha Figment]

well i don't think the point is to scare ...just set a realy cool atmotsphere. besides the disney villans has quite a cult following... and as my manager says it's usualy the ones wearing all black and a ring in their lip.

 

[Delly]

I would love one at MGM, been to Universal horror nite twice and found it too scary for me, couldn't even go into the houses!!! (I am just a scardy cat though) Hopin to go to the MNSSHP this year for the first time, but would really love to go to the MGM one if it comes off:sohappy:

 

[Nicole]

I agree with Delly - I'd love something a little scarier than MNSSHP but not if it approaches the "horror" level that I've heard about at US. Disney has to know that even if they market it to older kids and adults there will inevitably be kids there (unless they don't sell tickets to kids under 12...unlikely) so I don't think those of us who lean toward wimpiness will have to miss out.

 

[M:SpilotISTC12]

I think they should do a Twlight zone type party at the TOT.

 

[Rosso11]

But how could Disney market it for the teenagers and such? Universal is already under fire for not being scary enough for that crowd, how could Disney be scarier? I don't think it would work. Idk, maybe it's just me...

Wow, thats the first time I heard that. I don't think I ever heard anyone say that Universal is not scary enough. I have been to a lot of Halloween events over the years and Universals has definitely been the best and scariest that I have ever been to. However I have been there when the park is just so over crowded that is looses its appeal.

 

[ThreeCircles]

I'm guessing that Disney could put together an outstanding event if they let WDI loose on it. And, why not?

Sure, Disney is marketed as a family company but that doesn't mean they don't and can't dream up some pretty scary stuff. If the event was marketed as a PG-13 event, just as HHN and Howl-O-Scream are, and designated as not being intended for young children, I'm sure they would have the turnout.

Also, I have a feeling that a Disney Halloween event would do quite well for several reasons:

1. Recently Disney has pushed to keep Guests on property for their entire length of stay. Magical Express, Magic You Way, Meal Plans, etc. have all been aimed at keeping the Guest from being distracted by those "other" Orlando attractions. So, during October, Disney could offer an adult Halloween event to keep Guests from having to be bothered with traveling to HHN.

2. As others have noted, they have the space, imagination, resources, and capital.

3. I think many people, especially area locals, visit more than one of these events. I first attended Howl-O-Scream in 2004. In 2005 I returned to Howl-O-Scream but also visited HHN for the first time. (This has been the only time I've been to Universal.) So, I'm guessing that many individuals would certainly add Disney into the bag if given the chance. And while some would disagree, I'm sure, these events don't have a whole lot of repeate value. Once you've been through the houses you know what to expect. That doesn't mean they're not fun but probably not "as much" fun as the first time through. So, with four weekends in October, Disney could certainly fill one of them for many.

4. HHN and Howl-O-Scream are great events and a lot of fun but both have PLENTY of room for improvement!!! If Disney steps up they could take a well-established idea and improve upon it.

I'm all for it and hope it happens!!!

 

[ThreeCircles]

Wow, thats the first time I heard that. I don't think I ever heard anyone say that Universal is not scary enough. I have been to a lot of Halloween events over the years and Universals has definitely been the best and scariest that I have ever been to. However I have been there when the park is just so over crowded that is looses its appeal.

Well, I think it's how you look at it. I mean, I seriously doubt that many people are actually "scared" at the event. I mean, to jump when something startles you is one thing but being truly scared is something totally different.

 

[clarkstallings]

Aren't there actual un-used sound stages that could also be turned into "Haunted " areas ?

There aren't any unused soundstages. Mickey meet and greet takes up stage 1. Millionaire uses Stages 2 and 3. Narnia is in the other stage. I can't remember if it is 4 or not.

 

[DisneyDellsDude]

I think they should do a Twlight zone type party at the TOT.

That would be interesting!

TOT has such a great story. I feel that they could do a little more with it on Halloween.

Especially that the tower was hit with lightning on Halloween night.
Anyone up for a major special effect?

 

[speck76]

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=66645

 

[Legacy]

There have murmuring on this for a few years now, including a discussion I had had with Universal managers in 03 about the possibility of Disney doing a mature Halloween event. I would love to see it. I think the Magic Kingdom would be a better home for it, but Disney could do well.

The is one major flaw with it though and that is parents. Anybody who has gone to HHN or Howl-O-Scream has seen those parents who bring their children because they don't expect the event to be scary. It's not so much a problem, but more a public relations liability. Doing an event at Disney however, would make it a problem. No matter how much they advertise it as "Not For Kids" there will still be hundreds of children who are too young at the event. And given how Disney guests are given to complaining more than Universal guests... I get a feeling the Guests Relations desk will be swamped with angry parents.

Look at AE.

 

[speck76]

There have murmuring on this for a few years now, including a discussion I had had with Universal managers in 03 about the possibility of Disney doing a mature Halloween event. I would love to see it. I think the Magic Kingdom would be a better home for it, but Disney could do well.

The is one major flaw with it though and that is parents. Anybody who has gone to HHN or Howl-O-Scream has seen those parents who bring their children because they don't expect the event to be scary. It's not so much a problem, but more a public relations liability. Doing an event at Disney however, would make it a problem. No matter how much they advertise it as "Not For Kids" there will still be hundreds of children who are too young at the event. And given how Disney guests are given to complaining more than Universal guests... I get a feeling the Guests Relations desk will be swamped with angry parents.

Look at AE.

Then again....they do offer the "not-so-scary" party at MK.....so an alternative is available, and marketed......not the same with AE

 

[Legacy]

Then again....they do offer the "not-so-scary" party at MK.....so an alternative is available, and marketed......not the same with AE

Every other attraction at MK was an alternative. Everything surrounding AE assisted in it being a scary attraction, even its sub-title had the word "Terror" in it. It didn't stop parents from taking their children on the attraction. Disney could call the new event "Disney's Very Very Scary, Blood Trenched, Nightmare Inducing, Child Traumatizing Halloween Money Sponge" and parents would still be like, "Let's take Junior to see Mickey at the Halloween thing over at the Studios. It will be fun." If they associate a character with it (Jack Skellington) they are only inviting more problems. I think Disney would do well with it... but I really don't know how long term the event would be.

Parents are surprised when an event called Halloween Horror Nights is scary, despite a murderous caretaker and snuff-film director being used as Mascots. What is Disney going to suffer through?

 

[speck76]

Every other attraction at MK was an alternative. Everything surrounding AE assisted in it being a scary attraction, even its sub-title had the word "Terror" in it. It didn't stop parents from taking their children on the attraction.

But put yourself into the shoes of the average "idiot tourist with a high feeling of entitlement" for a moment.....I paid $60 to get into the park today, and THEY are telling me I can't take my kid on this attraction.....whine/complain/grumble.....

THAT was the problem with AE... many guests feel like they do not "get their money's worth" if they don't ride everything....which is pretty dumb IMO.

 

[Sledge]

I would love to see something done with Nightmare Before Christmas. I always wondered why they didn't have anything for it at Disney World. Getting them involved would be awesome.

 

[ThreeCircles]

Disney could call the new event "Disney's Very Very Scary, Blood Trenched, Nightmare Inducing, Child Traumatizing Halloween Money Sponge"

That is sheer brilliance! :lol: