Imagination: New Dark Ride

[New2WDW]

In seeking ideas from members of this website for a new dark ride, member Edeyore said it would be neat to see a new MK dark ride featuring Disney Animated movies (and gave examples). Taking that I have worked with many sequences and now have decided to start on the one shown below. Edeyore also specified an overhead track like Peter Pan's Flight and a ride like The Great Movie Ride. So, here is sequence 01 of Ride Design No. KB001: Imagination, with a list of scenes to start. As all thread ideas this will be a work in progress aiming at storyboard artworkfor each and if time allows some finished video files. I would love to have your opinions as I go along and possibly integrate them.

DESIGN HAS EVOLVED....REFER TO POST 28

A Opening Scene: Belle in Library
B Beast's Castle Hall (characters greeting with "Be our Guest")
C Dalmation Escape
D Cruella's Trap
E Jungle Greeting (featuring Jungle Book Characters)
F Robin Hood Intervention
G Hakuna Matata (sp?) (Simba, TImon & Pumba)
H Undersea adventure (Ariel & friends)
I Pocahontas Encounter
J Notredame Entrance (featuring Esmerelda)
K Notredame Exit (featuring Quzimoto & gargoyles)
L Alladin's challenge
M Agrabar obstacle course
N Boo's room (with Sulley & Mike)
O Andy's Room (with Toy Story characters)
P Stitch demolition
Q Pinnochio's Dream
R Closing Scene: Belle in Library

I will eventually change the size and shape of rooms as they are designed but for now I had to have a sequence to work with. Sounds, scripting and effects will arise out of each individual scene creation and we will see how they work in the overall design. Also, so of the above scene ideas may not make the cut.
Any and all comments are appreciated. I will post images as they are created.

 

[Pongo]

Just as a comment, the order of the rooms should folow some sort of logical pattern IMO.

Eg. How are you going to switch from Agrabah to Boo's room smoothly and without a jarring "what's going on?" reaction from the guests?

 

[stitchcastle]

I personally love the concept! although Pongo's right. The scenes should have a sort of order. I really really love the whole Belle In A Library thing, you can have the scene transitions be like flipping pages of a storybook ala Winnie the Pooh.

This is a kind of attraction which i think deserves to be housed inside the castle.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

Hmmm, not sure how I feel about this. It sounds like ti could be a good Idea, but not they way you want to do it. Some of the Transitions are odd as already stated, but even worse you have scenes that could make much better transitions split up!

For example, you go from Cruella's Trap (which, i'm assuming, would be outside in the snow where there is a woods nearby - there always seems to bein 101 Dalmations), then you go into the Jungle (Jungle Book), then into a woods (Robin Hood), then into a Jungle again (Lion King Hakuna Matata), then underwater, then a woods again (presumaby, considering it's Pocahontas)! Wouldn't it transition better if you went outside in the snow then into the woods, where you would see Robn Hood, then you continue further on into the woods, where you see Pocahontas, then the woods slowly becomes a Jungle, where you see te Jungle Book characters, and then as you move futher on you see Timon, Pumbaa and Simba walking along that log , then you pass under that log and into a waterfall, where you see the characters from the Little Mermaid. From there are still many awkward transitions, but I think i will adress the main problem.

LACK OF ORIGINALITY.

Yes, there is a story, and I kinda like it (the Idea of Belle reading all these stories), but this ride is too much like not only the Great Movie Ride, but you seem to try to include too much to broaden the popularity or something. Also, sadly, some of the movies you plan to include, while us Disney freaks may love them, just didn't go over that well with the general public, which this ride is being built for. I'm not saying not to include something for Disney freaks too, but it has to be something that both the general public and the freaks will appreciate. Otherwise, there will always be a group (either the Public or the freaks) that hates your attraction. For example, I like the Hunchback of Notre Dame, but it wasn't exactly a favorite among movie goers. Most little kids today would not know who Quasimodo or Esmerelda are. Same goes for Robin Hood, Pocahontas, and maybe even 101 dalmations and Pinocchio (sadly, these are great films, but they just don't get the recognition from today's generations that they deserve).

Worst of all, it seems to be the same Idea as Philharmagic. You travel through some of Disney's most timeless films (or in this case, some not so timeless, which I pointed out above).

It has some good points to it, but these points have already been done and are original. This attraction in this state would not only take away from the origiality of these attractions, but would seem to try to do too much with too little.

Maybe with some re-working it could be better, but the way it is, I just don't like it.

Yensid "hey-,-maybe-that's-just-me" tlaw1969

 

[New2WDW]

Just as a comment, the order of the rooms should folow some sort of logical pattern IMO.

Eg. How are you going to switch from Agrabah to Boo's room smoothly and without a jarring "what's going on?" reaction from the guests?

According to the original idea by Edeyore, to which I am working, this ride design was to be like the Great Movie Ride while using an overhead track system. You are very correct about the transitions and that will be the whole key to this ride. The Great Movie Ride (which I have only rode once) had no fluid transition except for a dark void between scenes. This transtion problem as well as the possible connection between scenes is the exact type of info I am looking for.

To answer your question about Boo's Room I would have to describe more of what is going on in Alladin's Challenge. The short of it would be a free release from the top of the Hunchback's exit scene down thru the clouds and streetscape of Agrabah. This portion would be a challange from Alladin for a race which would be like a coaster ride (which may stretch out much more). When this ride is over, the carrier would slow and connect to the track controlled system again. As this interchange takes place the Agrabah's streetscape will grow darker and actually blend into houses and the carrier will go up thru a window into Boo's room. Other transitions are on paper but until I design the rooms in sequence I will not know exactly how long each room will be and how the transition will take place.

I appreciate the concern and any ideas on transitions would be good! Also, the question & concerns you post are good because this is exactly why I have chosen to post this idea as well as turn it out so I can develop skills with handling clients. Also, because it is fun to work out problems as well as design. Thanks, again.

 

[New2WDW]

I personally love the concept! although Pongo's right. The scenes should have a sort of order. I really really love the whole Belle In A Library thing, you can have the scene transitions be like flipping pages of a storybook ala Winnie the Pooh.

This is a kind of attraction which i think deserves to be housed inside the castle.

StitchCastle! Thanks for the input on the image posting. Do you know the best way to post small videos?

To answer your question about order, the whole concept is indeed about Imagination, which Belle will prompt the guest about at the opening scene. As you proceed into your Imagination out of the Library you will go thru the bookcase (which will be an image cast onto a smoke/mist screen. This effect will be the transition from reality into imagination, thus starting your journey. As you move thru the ride it will be like a wild dream where every door you take or turn you make you will find yourself in a different world! Many of the characters you run into will be intermingled within other scenes. For example: putting Robin Hood in just past the Jungle Book area is just a transition in itself. The Jungle Greeting Scene will go from seeing Baloo, etc to a run in with Kaa mesmorizing you with his eyes and then as you turn away from him you see Tiger from Jungle book (name that I can not remember at this time). It is at this point that arrows spring forth into a tree next to the tiger bringing you past safely. These arrows of course come from Robin Hood who greets you with safe passing as you move into Simbas area. Again the whole effect is your Imagination flowing from one scene to another.

As far as this going in the castle....The location of a ride with such a hodge podge would be good but obviously not going to be feasible. It would be neat to have a ride inside of the centerpoint of the park for future park designs.

 

[New2WDW]

but this ride is too much like not only the Great Movie Ride, but you seem to try to include too much to broaden the popularity or something............ Also, sadly, some of the movies you plan to include, while us Disney freaks may love them, just didn't go over that well with the general public, which this ride is being built for............
(sadly, these are great films, but they just don't get the recognition from today's generations that they deserve).

I guess you did not comprehend the origin of this idea. To recap: this design was spawned from an idea from a member on this site which I am trying to achieve. I was seeking a hypothetical client for a hypothetical design.

The concept of the ride is using your imagination (read my previous post to StitchCastle) and the transitions are the tricky part. Some of the scenes, as I mentioned above, will not make the cut but I had to start with something so as to get feedback from members like you. As far as giving movies like these recognition....that is why they are included in this ride. A kid likes the the gargoyles and hunchback man in the ride - asks who they were - parents stop by the gift shop & purchase the characters - kid wants to see that movie they were in - parents buy that movie and they all know these characters from now on. When you have children you will understand this concept more! Anyway, I am working on design practice while also trying to produce something for someone else just for practice. You know it gets old sometimes designing office buildings, churches, houses, etc.

I will try to get more info and sketches started here soon!

 

[New2WDW]

Opening Scene: Belle in Library

Here is a mock up of the Library layout. It of course will be detailed a whole lot more and probably have a portrait of Walt on the wall.

The Mist curtain is to create the idea of transition from reality into Imagination. It will probably be a thick curtain of fog/mist/smoke as you go into the Beast's hall. Probably about 2 to 3 feet in depth with black doors at the end that open into the next scene so noise will not flood into the Library.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

Yes, I understood, I actually read your post in Chit Chat and was interested to see where you would go with it.

I realize what you are trying to do with the not so endearing movies, and I appreciate it, but these movies were not embraced by the public for a reason - they are just not what they want to see. All I was getting at was that the space taken up by these films could be much better used by something that not only did the public love, but by something considerably more timeless. Timelessness is key in Disney attractions. This helps them to be loved by people and loved for a long time. Otherwise frequent updating is needed, and while there is nothing wrong with updating things, it may get hasslesome to the point where the company would just rather shut down the attraction.

It's an interesting Idea though. I realize you are not done, but I'd definately say work on somme transitions, FAST. It started to turn me off about this idea and if other people do not realize that you just haven't gotten around to it they will shut you down. That or scrap the layout for now and work on what you wantscene-wise first. Then stitch it all together. The best way to make a quilt is to take all the finished sqares and lay them out how you like and then move them around to see what looks best. Then sew them together. If you have 2 squares done then sew those together, then add more and more and then make a square that would fit better somewhere else, you have to cut the thread anfd go back, stich it in, figure everything else out, athen sew it all back up. It's not only more of a hassle, but it takes longer and makes anyone who sees a work in progress see an ugly quilt. Sadly, first impressions tend to stick with people. if something doesn't look good from the beginning they will likely be turned off from it.


But keep working at it! May I ask, in what park would this be placed?


Yensid "scotch-tape-.-.-.-yes-,-yes" tlaw1969

 

[New2WDW]

Yensidtlaw, I must say that this last post was much more constructive! Thanks for the info and the sewing lesson.:lol: Seriously thou, I am making a transition from reality design concepts to fantasy. I understand fully about the individual scene concept which is what I am doing in storyboard fashion first, while working on the transition, etc. And I realize more than you know not to show the "ugly" parts first. It is better to show the finished product and then get feed back. But, in this case I do like your opinion on certain scenes not being included and I will make adjustments. If I would have put time into designing those scenes and received that input after it would have been a waste of time, but now without spending any time on them I can choose to cut them.

Now to specifics: In your opinion which scenes do you think should make the cut?

 

[stitchcastle]

I suggest cutting out the Robin Hood scene and keeping things on a one scene per movie ratio while incorporating more of the classic princesses.

how to upload videos? I guess you can try youtube.com or sharkle.com or 49media.com

 

[New2WDW]

I suggest cutting out the Robin Hood scene and keeping things on a one scene per movie ratio while incorporating more of the classic princesses.

how to upload videos? I guess you can try youtube.com or sharkle.com or 49media.com

Robin Hood can disappear...I was using him as a transition and not really a whole scene. I will rethink that one. More Princessess? I have Belle, Ariel, Jasmine with Alladin on carpet ride. I need to get in touch with Edeyore and run some of this by him and see what his thoughts were on the Disney animated films featured. These ideas could easily seperate into different rides.

Thanks again for the site into. I was running some mock up walk thrus of different spaces and wanted to know if I could post those when more finalized. Thanks!

 

[stitchcastle]

you need more of the vintage princesses Cinderella, Snow White and Aurora.

 

[New2WDW]

I have put in an RFI for the client and waiting to hear what they have to say before I make a major push on this design. Also I have been getting computers up and running at the office and at home today. I had to out on one of many hats, hopefully this weekend I will be able to put some significant time in on this design.

P.S. Stitchcastle - do you think Snow White should be included in this design since there is already a ride specifically for her?

Stay tuned!

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I am writing this suggestion with hesitation, but here goes:

What if there was an overlay of a story. Here is my suggestion (bracing myself): What if the system used was similar to TDL's Pooh. Have everyone enter the library as you have planned, but, as she is picking a story to read, our illustrious little blue alien does what he does best. As the room is plunged into darkness from him knocking over the lamp, the books reappear ripped apart. You then join Belle to re-align the stories. Combine certain rooms together so that the story segments appear correct for a time but are quickly interrupted by a competing story ("Can't wait to be King" followed by Cruella hunting Nala and Simba for their "spotted" coats and other fractured mixes). The transitions could be Belle finding another story that needs fixing. Finally, end up in hte library with an exhausted Belle and the books repaired and reshelved. Right as you leave the library, a small corridor features the familiar laugh and a little shadow hopping above you. I realize this changes the concept a bit, but just an idea so that the transitions were more smooth.

The other idea I would have would be to have fewer scenes, use the Pooh system, and have the end of each room feature the cars facing/moving backward and then turn to face a large book that opens up to show the next segment.

Just some thoughts. Good luck!

 

[stitchcastle]

Epcot28Guy, I Love you

 

[New2WDW]

Epcot28Guy, I Love you

I sense no bias here! :lol:

 

[New2WDW]

What if there was an overlay of a story. Here is my suggestion (bracing myself): What if the system used was similar to TDL's Pooh. Have everyone enter the library as you have planned, but, as she is picking a story to read, our illustrious little blue alien does what he does best. As the room is plunged into darkness from him knocking over the lamp, the books reappear ripped apart. You then join Belle to re-align the stories. Combine certain rooms together so that the story segments appear correct for a time but are quickly interrupted by a competing story ("Can't wait to be King" followed by Cruella hunting Nala and Simba for their "spotted" coats and other fractured mixes). The transitions could be Belle finding another story that needs fixing. Finally, end up in hte library with an exhausted Belle and the books repaired and reshelved. Right as you leave the library, a small corridor features the familiar laugh and a little shadow hopping above you. I realize this changes the concept a bit, but just an idea so that the transitions were more smooth.

The other idea I would have would be to have fewer scenes, use the Pooh system, and have the end of each room feature the cars facing/moving backward and then turn to face a large book that opens up to show the next segment.

Just some thoughts. Good luck!

Neat idea! I am going to have to pass on the stitch craze! I will take your advice on the fewer scenes idea thou. I am going to stick with the overhead track system to create more of a floating effect and for some free release runs in the ride. After thinking about some of the previous posts I will probably incorporate more snipit scenes with Belle reading/talking about different stories to serve as transitions. Like I said before in other posts: It is difficult designing rides because there are so many avenues with which to run.

I am going to definitely take some advice from Yensid about starting with parts and tying them together. So to start I am going to stick with this ride being Belle's storytelling and love for imagination and design the loading area as well as the Library entry to start and then revise the sequence list to gain a better flow.

 

[srkingdom2]

Wow this ride sounds like a 10:sohappy: !! But would it have AA or will it incorporate much more movie scenes like in Splash Mountain the movie scene with Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox? And it would also be nice if the ride were sort of a suspended flying rollercoaster and it would use the Revenge of the Mummies system were it would stop for the show scenes and then it would become a roller coaster for the Flying Carpet scene where you have an enormous movie screen surrounding you as you "fly" around Agrabah...

Just my two cents...:lookaroun

 

[srkingdom2]

And it would also work with your idea cause its an over head coaster can you imagine how cool it must feels to swing around Agrabah in a flying rollercoaster?!?!?