HOW WOULD YOU REACT TO...

[Agent H]

That said, in this instance I feel it's less original park exceptionalism and more about other factors at play.

The most rational conclusion at this point in time, IMO, is that Fantasmic saved ROA. DLR is invested in keeping the show around because it is useful in spreading out evening crowds by offering an additional nighttime event apart from the fireworks (and, if applicable, a nighttime parade) in addition to the show being well-regarded by guests, and thus, everything utilized in and/or beneficial to the show is destined to stay in some capacity. They kept exactly enough of the river and its surroundings to perform Fantasmic without issue when they redid everything in 2016.

In particular, I'm convinced that there is NO way Columbia wouldn't have been scrapped during the Pressler era without its use in Fantasmic. It even had a high profile incident that could have been used to kill the ride off had they been so inclined (as happened with the Keelboats).

Another reason could be that there are no plans to drastically expand Disneyland anytime soon

 

[PiratesMansion]

Another reason could be that there are no plans to drastically expand Disneyland anytime soon

Or at the very least, they don't need that land to do so. With Disneyland Forward giving them new options to develop their property, DCA needing more help to maintain itself as a draw most of the year, and Fantasmic still popular, there's little reason for them to touch that land in the near future. Even if they do get to that point where all of the DLF plots are full, they also have the area around Autopia that could be utilized.

There's little to no reason to believe the river is in any danger, at least in the near future. Even then, it might well stick around past what many here might expect of it.

 

[Agent H]

Or at the very least, they don't need that land to do so. With Disneyland Forward giving them new options to develop their property, DCA needing more help to maintain itself as a draw most of the year, and Fantasmic still popular, there's little reason for them to touch that land in the near future. Even if they do get to that point where all of the DLF plots are full, they also have the area around Autopia that could be utilized.

There's little to no reason to believe the river is in any danger, at least in the near future. Even then, it might well stick around past what many here might expect of it.

I bet we will see new tomorrowland before a brand new land at Disneyland

 

[Misted Compass]

Another reason could be that there are no plans to drastically expand Disneyland anytime soon

In the last 10 years we had Galaxy's Edge placed directly next to the river, which counts as a pretty drastic plan. If Fantasmic didn't exist the whole river would probably have been filled in for it.

 

[Agent H]

In the last 10 years we had Galaxy's Edge placed directly next to the river, which counts as a pretty drastic plan. If Fantasmic didn't exist the whole river would probably have been filled in for it.

I meant in the future

 

[CaptinEO]

That said, in this instance I feel it's less original park exceptionalism and more about other factors at play.

The most rational conclusion at this point in time, IMO, is that Fantasmic saved ROA. DLR is invested in keeping the show around because it is useful in spreading out evening crowds by offering an additional nighttime event apart from the fireworks (and, if applicable, a nighttime parade) in addition to the show being well-regarded by guests, and thus, everything utilized in and/or beneficial to the show is destined to stay in some capacity. They kept exactly enough of the river and its surroundings to perform Fantasmic without issue when they redid everything in 2016.

In particular, I'm convinced that there is NO way Columbia wouldn't have been scrapped during the Pressler era without its use in Fantasmic. It even had a high profile incident that could have been used to kill the ride off had they been so inclined (as happened with the Keelboats).

In addition to this, the dining packages are the reason it remains.

Anything that doesn't have additional income such as lightning lane or dining packages will be on the chopping block.

 

[Rich T]

I would most likely never set foot in a U.S. Disney park again. I’ve already written off Post-RoA MK as a site I’ve no desire to visit.

For me, RoA and the Mark Twain are a vital part of what Disneyland means to me. I have no interest in visiting Bob Iger IP Land.

 

[Adventureland Veranda]

Here's my idea.

Goodbye ROA!

Time to fill that area in with a new DVC resort. Imagine a few immersive boxy towers that vaguely resemble the Mark Twain. The resort's theme would be... Disney! Add a few riverboat t-shirts and mugs to the gift shop and everyone wins. An Aladdin themed bar at the top of one of the towers would also be a great fit. Pick any recent Disney IP for the pool area and there you have it.

 

[Disney Irish]

Here's my idea.

Goodbye ROA!

Time to fill that area in with a new DVC resort. Imagine a few immersive boxy towers that vaguely resemble the Mark Twain. The resort's theme would be... Disney! Add a few riverboat t-shirts and mugs to the gift shop and everyone wins. An Aladdin themed bar at the top of one of the towers would also be a great fit. Pick any recent Disney IP for the pool area and there you have it.

A DVC Resort inside DL proper, that is a brilliant idea.... You're hired! Get started on drawing up the plans now, opening in 2028 just in time for the Olympics!

 

[Phroobar]

I would most likely never set foot in a U.S. Disney park again. I’ve already written off Post-RoA MK as a site I’ve no desire to visit.

For me, RoA and the Mark Twain are a vital part of what Disneyland means to me. I have no interest in visiting Bob Iger IP Land.

Can I quote you on that? I keep a list of people that have said similar things and almost all of them keep going no matter what happens to the park. A lot of them are there first day when the new thing opens they swore they would never venture into.

 

[Consumer]

Can I quote you on that? I keep a list of people that have said similar things and almost all of them keep going no matter what happens to the park. A lot of them are there first day when the new thing opens they swore they would never venture into.

How many times I have returned to DCA since the closure of Tower of Terror?

 

[Rich T]

Can I quote you on that? I keep a list of people that have said similar things and almost all of them keep going no matter what happens to the park. A lot of them are there first day when the new thing opens they swore they would never venture into.

Absolutely you can quote me. MK is already my least favorite WDW park; its beautiful RoA was one of the few things I genuinely loved about it.

I grew up with Walt’s DL. That unique combo of fantasy, history, Americana and futurism is, for me, where the “magic” comes from. If DL ever loses Rivers of America and the Mark Twain, I’ll have no problem saying goodbye to the park because at that point, it would no longer be the place I loved.

Maybe there are fans out there who actually WANT the castle parks to become all cartoons everywhere all the time. That’s not me. I liked the unique “salad” created by Walt, Herb, Marc, Blaine, Claude, Mary, Alice, Robert, Richard, Tony and Bob Gurr.

Theme park-wise, I’m far more interested in what Universal and several European parks are doing these days. Rides based on Encanto and replacing American history with freakin’ CARS doesn’t even register on my list of things to spend my money checking out.

And I can still revisit the heart of what Disney Magic means to me anytime via the classic Walt-era films and music… which I already have and don’t have to spend money on.

 

[mlayton144]

Absolutely you can quote me. MK is already my least favorite WDW park; it’s beautiful RoA was one of the few things I genuinely loved about it.

I grew up with Walt’s DL. That unique combo of fantasy, history, Americana and futurism is, for me, where the “magic” comes from. If DL ever loses Rivers of America and the Mark Twain, I’ll have no problem saying goodbye to the park because at that point, it would no longer be the place I loved.

Maybe there are fans out there who actually WANT the castle parks to become all cartoons everywhere all the time. That’s not me. I liked the unique “salad” created by Walt, Herb, Marc, Blaine, Claude, Mary, Alice, Robert, Richard, Tony and Bob Gurr.

Theme park-wise, I’m far more interested in what Universal and several European parks are doing these days. Rides based on Encanto and replacing American history with freakin’ CARS doesn’t even register on my list of things to spend my money checking out.

And I can still revisit the heart of what Disney Magic means to me anytime via the classic Walt-era films and music… which I already have and don’t have to spend money on.

Universal …. LOL … where is the history and place making there?

 

[Rich T]

Universal …. LOL … where is the history and place making there?

Universal is its own thing. One of the reasons I find Universal more enjoyable and relaxing these days is the lack of emotional baggage: it’s easier to enjoy what’s done well without getting ticked off at corporate decisions killing off past treasures.

As far as place making goes, I’ll take most of IoA, Diagon Alley and what I’ve seen so far of Epic Universe over anything Disney’s done in the U.S. lately. Or even over Fantasy Springs. After 65 years of fandom, I think I’m just about finally Disney’d-out.

 

[Phroobar]

Universal is its own thing. One of the reasons I find Universal more enjoyable and relaxing these days is the lack of emotional baggage: it’s easier to enjoy what’s done well without getting ticked off at corporate decisions killing off past treasures.

As far as place making goes, I’ll take most of IoA, Diagon Alley and what I’ve seen so far of Epic Universe over anything Disney’s done in the U.S. lately. Or even over Fantasy Springs. After 65 years of fandom, I think I’m just about finally Disney’d-out.

I agree. You really don't want what was at USH back in the 70s & 80s. You basically waited for your tram ticket time by watching shows. Then the tram kept you for 2+ hours. USH is far superior to any previous incarnation of it.

However, I would still like to have this back though.

 

[Rich T]

I agree. You really don't want what was at USH back in the 70s & 80s. You basically waited for your tram ticket time by watching shows. Then the tram kept you for 2+ hours. USH is far superior to any previous incarnation of it.

However, I would still like to have this back though.

I worked at Universal (first on the tour, then in the movie studio) during that era. I was fortunate enough to see the Conan show progress from outdoor rehearsals during the theater renovation to opening day and then through its many tweaks and changes. It was fun to watch it evolve and improve into its tight, near-perfect final form. Through all its changes, one thing remained the same; that dragon head was spectacular.

And I spent many lunch breaks at the far railing of the park— I mean, “Entertainment Center”— where you could hear tram after tram of “foolish humans” get captured by the Cylons.

Back then, there were occasional days when the LA smog was so thick you could not clearly see the lower lot from the top of the hill.

 

[Hakunamatata]

...Disney filling in Rivers of America and destroying Tom Sawyer Island?

(I just want to see if there is a difference between coasts)

Move along.

 

[coffeefan]

It's not going to happen. A reason it's being done at WDW is to make the parks different.

 

[Disney Irish]

It's not going to happen. A reason it's being done at WDW is to make the parks different.

Is that “a” reason, sure maybe to a minor extent. Is that the primary reason, doubt it.

 

[coffeefan]

Is that “a” reason, sure maybe to a minor extent. Is that the primary reason, doubt it.