Jim Hill: Characters in Beastly Kingdomme

[DisneyAnole]

Jim Hill's reporting that Beastly Kingdom is on track again...this time with lovable Disney characters in tow.

Sounds like Fantasyland in the Jungle.

My favorite quote from his story: "And given that DAK is pretty light when it comes to rides, shows and attractions that prominently feature the Disney characters (To date, there's only seven of these in that entire theme park)."

Um...only 7 out of, what, 12 attractions? I think Disney characters are visible enough around the park, but I'm sure there's room for more.

And supposedly DAK's River of Lights parade is a dead idea now.

 

[mousermerf]

I'd heard the same thing bout Rivers of Light. It was such a nice concept too

 

[Fun2BFree]

My favorite quote from his story: "And given that DAK is pretty light when it comes to rides, shows and attractions that prominently feature the Disney characters (To date, there's only seven of these in that entire theme park)."

Um...only 7 out of, what, 12 attractions? I think Disney characters are visible enough around the park, but I'm sure there's room for more.

Yes, but you're thinking proportionally rather than numerically. By your reckoning, if DAK had only 2 attractions, with only one character-based attraction, that would be enough. But for the visitor, that's only one character to see, whilst MK offers more. As it stands, DAK may have a large proportion of character attractions, but not a huge number overall.

Although should this come to fruition (unlikely since it's JHM), part of me would hate the extra crowds as DAK is so tranquil and quiet, with the lack of guests becoming an attraction in itself.

*Steps off soapbox*

 

[DisneyAnole]

Yes, but you're thinking proportionally rather than numerically. By your reckoning, if DAK had only 2 attractions, with only one character-based attraction, that would be enough. But for the visitor, that's only one character to see, whilst MK offers more. As it stands, DAK may have a large proportion of character attractions, but not a huge number overall.

Although should this come to fruition (unlikely since it's JHM), part of me would hate the extra crowds as DAK is so tranquil and quiet, with the lack of guests becoming an attraction in itself.

*Steps off soapbox*

Good point. But if they're interested in giving people more characters in attractions and displacing those attractions across the 4 parks, maybe they should look at DHS (or Epcot), since they have the fewest "character attractions." Of course, TSM will help DHS with that, but there will still be far fewer character attractions than at MK.

 

[Shaman]

This is kinda up there with the DCA-like Pixarland rumor that was going around a couple of years ago for AK. I don't know...I like the Night Kingdom rumors more. :lookaroun:lol:

 

[NASAMan]

My recollection of the concept of Beastly Kingdomme was a place to encounter animals from fantasy, like the dragon and the unicorn. We now have a major attraction at AK that features the yeti that is tied to the Asia section of the park. The original concept and location (Camp Minnie-Mickey) for BK would now seem muddled with one of its 'stars' on the opposite side of the park. But what if Beastly Kingdom confined itself to those beasts and monsters found within the confines of Disney animated (or live) films? Populated with creatures from Narnia, a Malificent dragon encounter ala Disneyland Paris, or even a meet in greet with Mr. Bald Mountain himself, Chernabog. Even the Beast himself (minus his beautiful Belle) could find a home here.

I'm sure the Imagineers could develop much better concepts than I. I'm trying to say I don't see anything automatically bad in this news. This could be an extremely entertaining area and great addition to Animal Kingdom.

 

[PhilharMagician]

Jim Hill's reporting that Beastly Kingdom is on track again...

:ROFLOL::ROFLOL::ROFLOL:


:lookaroun

 

[WDWFigment]

Not to be one who simply discredits because it's Jim Hill, but has readership to JHM been down lately? Maybe that's why he just now "stumbled upon" this rumor because nothing else has even remotely suggested this concept be revived.

While I really hope it's true, I am really skeptical of this report.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

My recollection of the concept of Beastly Kingdomme was a place to encounter animals from fantasy, like the dragon and the unicorn. We now have a major attraction at AK that features the yeti that is tied to the Asia section of the park. The original concept and location (Camp Minnie-Mickey) for BK would now seem muddled with one of its 'stars' on the opposite side of the park. But what if Beastly Kingdom confined itself to those beasts and monsters found within the confines of Disney animated (or live) films? Populated with creatures from Narnia, a Malificent dragon encounter ala Disneyland Paris, or even a meet in greet with Mr. Bald Mountain himself, Chernabog. Even the Beast himself (minus his beautiful Belle) could find a home here.

I'm sure the Imagineers could develop much better concepts than I. I'm trying to say I don't see anything automatically bad in this news. This could be an extremely entertaining area and great addition to Animal Kingdom.

This may be the way to go now...although there really is only a handful of characters.

Here are some they should focus on if they don't go the "character" route.

1. Medusa
2. Dragon (Maleficent?Elliot?Mushu?)
3. Unicorn/Pegasus (Herc?)
4. Griffon
5. Pheonix
6. Basilisk (lizard with many legs)
7. Hydra (Herc?)
8. Centaur/Minotaur
9. Cerberus (3 headed dog)
10. Cyclops
11. Fairies (Nice tie in :lol: )
12. Kraken/Leviathon
13. Siren
14. Valkyrie
15. Werewolf
16. Will O the Wisp

 

[ilovejr71292]

I don't get the beastly kingdom. It's imaginary things? Thats dumb. AK is seeing real animals and riding crazy stuff (Dinosaur, EE, KS). If its called beaslty kingdom let me see dangerous animals (rattlesnakes, aka some deadly animals). I would rather see some pinguins and underwater animals than imaginary ones. Can someone please explain this beastly kingdom thing and why people would want to go there. Add an australia kindgom or something.

 

[George]

I don't get the beastly kingdom. It's imaginary things? Thats dumb. AK is seeing real animals and riding crazy stuff (Dinosaur, EE, KS). If its called beaslty kingdom let me see dangerous animals (rattlesnakes, aka some deadly animals). I would rather see some pinguins and underwater animals than imaginary ones. Can someone please explain this beastly kingdom thing and why people would want to go there. Add an australia kindgom or something.

Do you like EE? You know, the Yeti isn't real. I kinda like the idea of learning about real animals and ecosystems whilst having the oppurtunity to take a break and go on flights of whimsy.

However, I agree with your idea of upping the interaction quotient with real animals in the park. If the Night Kingdom rumor has merit, I think there won't be a lot of growth in the oppurtunities to interact with real animals in DAK, since I think they'll be a demand for zoological experience in the new park. Thus, more rides will probably be the backbone of any future DAK expansions.

 

[dxwwf3]

I hope that someone in WDI can convince the suits to let them build this thing the right way, without pre-existing Disney characters. Maybe they can use Expedition Everest as an example that originality can still bring people into the parks. It's fine to have character representation, but my gosh can't the Imagineers be allowed to come up with some things on their own occasionally? Now that Harry Potter is going to change the theme of Dueling Dragons at IOA, maybe they can reopen that whole theme again. It doesn't have to be a coaster, but I would love to see a dragon based attraction.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I doubt bvoth claims...Beastly Kingdom would be nice but I don't think we will be seeing those attractions in that type of venue.

Rivers of Light...I think it's happening.AK deffinatly needs a PM draw.Shame they can't have a Firework show over The Tree.

 

[Enigma]

I still say Narnial + a few original concepts would be the best way to revive Beastly Kingdomme. Obviously I think we are all fully aware the place wont be called Beastly Kingdom but im just using that title as designation to what eventually will be the fantasy section of the park.

 

[Lee]

Jim Hill's reporting that Beastly Kingdom is on track again...

Welll.....not quite yet.
I have heard of it being thrown around as a remote possibility....but not anywhere near greenlit or anything.

And supposedly DAK's River of Lights parade is a dead idea now.

Which is very surprising. The project was VERY far along to be pulled at this point. Sad, really. It was going to be a great addition, but I understand the concerns that lead to it's demise.

 

[jrriddle]

I still say Narnial + a few original concepts would be the best way to revive Beastly Kingdomme. Obviously I think we are all fully aware the place wont be called Beastly Kingdom but im just using that title as designation to what eventually will be the fantasy section of the park.

On a podcast a few weeks ago, Hill did mention that it would be Narnia based, he also mentioned that Disney was looking at the Hobbit franchise as well, but becuase of all the legal problems associated with that title Disney decided to do the easy thing and use a franchise they already had the rights to.

Having said all that I'll take Lee's word over Jim's any day.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Welll.....not quite yet.
I have heard of it being thrown around as a remote possibility....but not anywhere near greenlit or anything.



Which is very surprising. The project was VERY far along to be pulled at this point. Sad, really. It was going to be a great addition, but I understand the concerns that lead to it's demise.

So you're hearing the same thing, Lee? That ROL is being pulled? I was waiting to see what you had to say.

I thought various sources had said that a lot of the infrastructure had already even been put in place for it. :hammer:

 

[Thiger]

I doubt the Narnia theme unless the latest movie does really well. The reason I say this is that I've read in a few different areas that Disney is looking to pull the plug on the sequels if the performance/interest isn't there.

TO me it doesn't have to be Narnia. I mean EE is a perfect example of taking fiction and making it believable. Who needs Narnia or Middle Earth when they can just create a new 'world' to explore without anyone else's restrictions?
I'm sure the Harry Potter land will be neat, but when you go to visit, you already have preconceived notions on how it should be and that could easily lead to unmet expectations.

I'm at the point now that if they make a night kingdom or a beastly kingdom or anything I'll be happy. More rides/attractions featuring wonderful Imagineering will make me happy!

 

[imagineer boy]

Can anyone explain the rivers of light rumor to me? I've never heard of that before.

 

[Disneyfan1981]

I love EE and personally think that there are enough "real world" mythical creatures to go the same treatment as the Yeti and really give AK a nice diverse feel. I don't think characters from various films would necessarily need to be included.