Hollywood Studios Lacking Theme

[Pseudonym]

1. I highly disagree with you here. DHS is still an extremely enjoyable experience and The Citizens of Hollywood and TOT make it worth the trip alone.

2. I was a massive LOST fan since the very first episode. But even I realize that the show will never translate well into an attraction. It had it's moment on tv but it's far from being a property that will live on for years to come.

3. "Disney is lacking the modern hits that will attract people today." Do you think that's why people go to Disney World, because they are seeking out modern attractions from "modern hits"? If that's the case then I have a feeling you have completely missed out on the untouchable magic and wonder of WDW...

People go to Walt Disney World to share the magical time with their children that they had when they were a kid. Disney is successful due to so many different aspects. Except Disney lacks to attract the worlds thrill seekers because of it's ability to not have an abundance of modern rides. If Disney was to have this abundance of modern rides, I would argue that the thrill seekers throughout the country would consider going to a Walt Disney Park rather then a Six Flags, Busch Gardens, or Universal Park more then previously considered. You need both ends of the spectrum....A little of the new, a little of the old. Not just old.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

while I can agree that there are a few things with HS that got messed up, I wouldn't call the park a disaster. The park is about movies. I see that everywhere. The only problem I have with HS is the FLOW. IMO it doesn't flow well. You have Sunset BLVD that is themed 1930s Hollywood that ends at ToT....Ok but then BatB and RnR are next to it....um doesn't match. TSMM is pixar place but pizza planet by Muppets. The only thing IJ and SW has in common is George Lucas lol. With both being right next to AI. I do think the Indiana Jones Stunt Show needs a make over. Either completely update the "stunts" or bring us a version of the IJ ride everyone else gets. Honestly, I'd rather have the ride. How many times can you watch a stunt being done? Once you've seen the explanation once, you've seen it.

When comparing HS to US, I'd hate to say it but US is tied, if not surpassing, HS. US has very clear areas for each attraction. They also seem to be doing more updating than Disney.

My head hurts from the abbreviations. Is it that hard to write the name, or at least the first name of the ride? I don't mind WDW, or something like that, but these abbreviations drive me nuts

 

[Walt Disney1955]

People go to Walt Disney World to share the magical time with their children that they had when they were a kid. Disney is successful due to so many different aspects. Except Disney lacks to attract the worlds thrill seekers because of it's ability to not have an abundance of modern rides. If Disney was to have this abundance of modern rides, I would argue that the thrill seekers throughout the country would consider going to a Walt Disney Park rather then a Six Flags, Busch Gardens, or Universal Park more then previously considered. You need both ends of the spectrum....A little of the new, a little of the old. Not just old.

For sure Harry Potter is a success at Universal. It has made headlines. But let's not get too wrapped up in the heat of the moment. This happens all the time with these parks. Something new and unique always get the attention, a knee jerk reaction is not needed.

We don't know the success that the Fantasyland expansion will bring. It could go beyond our imagination. I say let's wait a bit first.

As for Disney not producing the great movies anymore you have to remember that if a movie came out in 2011 how will it be viewed in 2031? Last time I checked Pirates of the Caribbean was a mammoth success and the 4th installment is coming out this summer. Disney still can chime out the great movies. Pirates will be popular in 20 years as well. If Disney made a ride out of every movie they did then we'd have more Stitch attractions that are more than likely to not withstand the test of time.

I mean look at Snow White. 74 years after the movie is made and a 5 year old would be able to tell you who she is at a character greeting. The 7 Dwarfs? The same thing. I know it seems like every movie AT THE TIME will be revered in 20 years but the truth is it won't. Ever heard of Star Search? It was practically American Idol 30 years ago with Ed McMahon. An attraction like that wouldn't draw flies today. In 20 years will American Idol get the same treatment? Or Hannah Montana?

 

[menamechris]

For sure Harry Potter is a success at Universal. It has made headlines. But let's not get too wrapped up in the heat of the moment. This happens all the time with these parks. Something new and unique always get the attention, a knee jerk reaction is not needed.

We don't know the success that the Fantasyland expansion will bring. It could go beyond our imagination. I say let's wait a bit first.

I really hope the Fantasyland Expanson blows our socks off, but I am not holding my breath. I think it will be an excellent extension of what is already there. No average person will hear about the expansion and say "Well, NOW there is something for me at the Magic Kingdom!" If you enjoy the Magic Kingdom now, and already make trips there, it will enhance your trip with something new, but for individuals who do not particularly enjoy the park now (or won't make a special trip for it), this will not change their experience at MK.

I think this is the overall idea this thread is about. If HS was more focused and better laid out (and with certainly a few more attractions), it would be more of an immersive experience that could be enjoyed long after your first and second visit.

 

[janoimagine]

Hollywood Studios........A mess.....A disaster.....There's so many words I have for this park. I thought to myself why has the Wizarding World of Harry Potter been so successful?

Wow ... Hollywood Studios a disaster? I could not disagree with you more. The theming is incredible. Fantastic Art Deco design, and even the park entrance which pays homage to the late Pan-Pacific Auditorium, it's classic hollywood.

Do you really have to ask why the WWOHP is so successful? Seriously? Maybe because its based of a series of some of the most popular books and movies in our lifetime. Like it or hate it, people know who Harry Potter is. Of course it was going to be successful. :lol:

 

[wizards8507]

Lost??? Are you kidding me? At its MOST popular, it was something like the 10th most-watched show in the country, behind such cinematic masterpieces as American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, and CSI. Lost had a strong cult following, but nowhere near enough mainstream appeal to sustain its own "land" or even attraction. Other threads have debated if Lord of the Rings or Star Wars would compete at Pottermania levels, and even those franchises are questioned.

To the video game comment, Kingdom Hearts shipped 3.5 million copies worldwide. At $50 a pop, that's $175 million gross. Conversely, Toy Story 3 generated $1 billion AT THE BOX OFFICE, and another $175 million in DVD sales. That's over 10 million DVDs sold, with many more in the years to come.

I'd like all "Lost" and "video game" supporters to look up a word: esoteric. Just because you love something and think its great and life-changing doesn't mean that it's a smart business decision. Good business in entertainment is about appealing to the masses.

 

[zooey]

Lost??? Are you kidding me? At its MOST popular, it was something like the 10th most-watched show in the country, behind such cinematic masterpieces as American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, and CSI. Lost had a strong cult following, but nowhere near enough mainstream appeal to sustain its own "land" or even attraction. Other threads have debated if Lord of the Rings or Star Wars would compete at Pottermania levels, and even those franchises are questioned.

To the video game comment, Kingdom Hearts shipped 3.5 million copies worldwide. At $50 a pop, that's $175 million gross. Conversely, Toy Story 3 generated $1 billion AT THE BOX OFFICE, and another $175 million in DVD sales. That's over 10 million DVDs sold, with many more in the years to come.

I'd like all "Lost" and "video game" supporters to look up a word: esoteric. Just because you love something and think its great and life-changing doesn't mean that it's a smart business decision. Good business in entertainment is about appealing to the masses.

This. I love Lost, and while I wish it had a small presence at like the ABC commissary, it should in no way be made into an attraction.

 

[Testtrack321]

Lets sit down and think "what kind of ride would sustain interest based on Lost?"

Just because you like it doesn't mean a ride or land should be built around it. Lost is one of those.

Lost is a brand that deserves a different kind of adaptation, not a ride in an amusement park.

 

[cookiee_munster]

hmm... ok, so maybe not a whole ride dedicated to it. but what about little things hidden around the park within the shubbery like the Dharma van the slippers on a tree branch, hatches etc etc

its a bit like a hidden mickey. spot all the hidden LOST elements. obviously some people will get it. some people wont. no biggie really...

 

[loveofamouse]

My head hurts from the abbreviations. Is it that hard to write the name, or at least the first name of the ride? I don't mind WDW, or something like that, but these abbreviations drive me nuts

yes, we'll all change our typing format for you. Please refer to previous abbr. thread.

 

[hurricanepat]

Listen, what DHS needs is a area themed to the Halo universe. According to my extensive calculations and weeks of research Halo is a rather profitable franchise and is extremely popular. I have already submitted my rough draft of what the area would look like and a budget report for expenses on building said land to TDO.

 

[ChrisFL]

For sure Harry Potter is a success at Universal. It has made headlines. But let's not get too wrapped up in the heat of the moment. This happens all the time with these parks. Something new and unique always get the attention, a knee jerk reaction is not needed.

HP had arguably the biggest opening day crowds of anything since Star Tours at DL in 1987, that hardly "happens all the time".

 

[MUTZIE77]

Because it's in Pixar Place, which means a "studio" and Toy Story is one of their creations. Don't be surprised (someday) if DHS gets divided into studio lands. They already have Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Muppets. It's my understanding the "studio lands" idea has been discussed before as a real possibility.

Yes I get that it's a "studio", but just because Toy Story is a Pixar creation, doesn't mean it fits thematically in the area.

 

[zooey]

Listen, what DHS needs is a area themed to the Halo universe. According to my extensive calculations and weeks of research Halo is a rather profitable franchise and is extremely popular. I have already submitted my rough draft of what the area would look like and a budget report for expenses on building said land to TDO.

Seriously?

 

[MickeyMind]

I see what the op is trying to say, but I disagree with the whole lost idea. It would never work now. Wouldve barely worked at the height of its success.

My ideas for dhs?

IT NEEDS MORE RIDES! DH HAS TOO MANY SHOWS! I think it has the most shows of any disney park, and shows have very little "re-ridability" very few people will come to dhs because they have a new "show" (look at idol) but people will come in droves for a new ride!

The show theatres take up a large amount of space, space that can be better utilized with brand new rides.

My ideas:

Clone 2 of dl's rides (yes I know alot of people have this big hang up about cloning rides in the parks but most people seriously dont care, in fact they excpect to be able to find the same rides in both parks)

Indy area:
-Get rid of indy and replace it with the indy ride in dl.

Backlot/pixar area
- Demolish lma and the backlot and bring in the cars ride, we dont need the whole land, just bring us the ride.
- A nightmare before xmas dark ride. or some other big people eater
-Monsters inc coaster
- Retheme histk to bugs life
-Ratatouille restaurant
-Pizza Planet
-Some kind of 4d movie for either wall-e or up

Star wars
- Something else can be done with this area, while not such a big fan, theres enough interest here that something else would be able to work, maybe not a dark ride, but a restaurant or something to add to the ride itself.

Muppet area
- A ride that introduces the muppets, showcases their history, something else to add to the 3d show.

Animation courtyard
- If they dont have any plans to replace toontown in mk, then by all means bring it to dhs! complete with the toon town virtual ride, or a ride that showcases all under utilized disney toons (especially mickey and the gang)

GMR
- Relocate the hat, update the gmr, Lotr, titanic, avatar, add scenes from the biggest movies in recent history.

Tot/rnr section. Something could be added in between these two attractions, I seem to recall a big plot of land available right in the middle of them on the other side of the park barrier, A new thrill ride here would make this section of the park the more thrilling side of it.

They could add a new water ride, I've said it before, I will say it again, each park should have some typs of water ride, you dont necessarily need to get drenched, but florida gets hot!, and a water ride is one of the best ways to cool down for a moment.

Batb theatre
Tough one, being that we removed lma and indy ride, I would say leave this theatre up for this show or any future show. But being that we still have the fantasmic amphitheatre, I say get rid of it, and give us a new ride.

Fantasmic
-I would love to see this show, but I have never wanted to wait in line and get hoarded like cattle into this theatre, make the show viewable in some other way the way they do it in dl, where you can just walk right up to it, and not have to sit in a theatre. Something akin to paradise pier, where people can just stroll up to and leave whenever they want, not such a formal type show where we would have to stand in line, wait for the theatre to get full, then wait another hour to exit it just because theres a million other people trying to exit it at the same time.

Finally, Give us a nightime firework show! with 4 parks, and your paying the same amount for each park, EACH PARK should have their own "nightime spectacular" Give us something on the main street with the chinese theatre as the focal point.

Long list, but it would make this park comparable to epcot and mk. Then all we would have left to worry about is ak :lookaroun

 

[hurricanepat]

Seriously?

No, but a Halo section would be sweet.

 

[CaptJapan]

Kingdom Hearts? lol
1. The games never came close to out grossing Disney's Movies.
2. They're good games but a majority of the people who go to the parks know nothing about them or even heard of them.
3. The premise of the games is already all over the parks.
Now go back to school kid. :wave:

I love how a 19 year old is telling me, a 26 year old, that I'm a kid.
But then again I guess the majority know all about Song of the South, that's why Splash Mountain is so popular, right?
Also Kingdom Hearts 1 earned 480 million dollars, while Little Mermaid earned 211 million dollars.
But I guess that doesn't count since no one really has seen that movie, not like Disney made a ride based on it, right?

 

[Walt Disney1955]

yes, we'll all change our typing format for you. Please refer to previous abbr. thread.

To be honest, it wouldn't kill you or anyone else for that matter so that everyone knows what you are talking about

I really hope the Fantasyland Expanson blows our socks off, but I am not holding my breath. I think it will be an excellent extension of what is already there. No average person will hear about the expansion and say "Well, NOW there is something for me at the Magic Kingdom!" If you enjoy the Magic Kingdom now, and already make trips there, it will enhance your trip with something new, but for individuals who do not particularly enjoy the park now (or won't make a special trip for it), this will not change their experience at MK.

I think this is the overall idea this thread is about. If HS was more focused and better laid out (and with certainly a few more attractions), it would be more of an immersive experience that could be enjoyed long after your first and second visit.

No doubt the Studios is probably the park that needs the most attention to it. I agree, another attraction that would blow our socks off would help but who knows that could be the new refurb to Star Wars. 1994 is when Tower of Terror opened up and other than Animal Kingdom opening up in '98 I am not sure Disney has had an attraction that would lure someone to the park by an advertisement. Let's face it, Tower of Terror is worth the trip.

I've always felt the connection the Studios had to Star Wars was never used to its potential.

This is just throwing something out there, but it's been 13 years since Titanic was released and when is someone going to make an attraction based on that? Can you imagine a ride with that? Or an entire land (a la Harry Potter) dedicated to the Titanic? Tell me that wouldn't lure the casual person to the park

 

[wdwfan4ver]

Lost is a bad idea for DHS because the show already peaked.

I think Disney wouldn't think about a Lost attraction because what is happening to American idol Experience. American Idol already peaked by the time American Idol Experience opened.

American Idol Experience came at the wrong time for American Idol popularity. American Idol peaked in viewers around season 6 or 7. American Idol Experience opened during season during season 8. It is no coincidence that the amount shows American Idol Experience does a day has cut down since late last year or early this year.

Season 6 has the highest amount of viewers for Premiers during the History of American idol. It went down from 37.44 million viewers for season 6 premier to 26.1 million viewers for season 10 premier. It is going to interesting for how it would translate to American Idol Experience if the amount of Television viewers for American Idol continues to decline.

 

[menamechris]

This is just throwing something out there, but it's been 13 years since Titanic was released and when is someone going to make an attraction based on that? Can you imagine a ride with that? Or an entire land (a la Harry Potter) dedicated to the Titanic? Tell me that wouldn't lure the casual person to the park

Haha! I totally get your point, but I don't think an attraction would exactly be a good idea for that franchise. After all, the Titanic was a real event and people did actually die tragic deaths on it. It would be kind of difficult to find someone who would be interested in making light of a historical tragedy in an amusement park ride. But I get what you are saying...