Originally posted by Disneynutcase
I think half the problem of why Tomorrowland as a concept has become so weak is that most of what Imagineers come up with for attractions that could fit in Tomorrowland seem to be better fits for other parks.
Think about it.
A lot of Epcot's FutureWorld could be Tomorrowland attractions. Heck, Mission: Space is nothing more than a very sophisticated update of the old Mission To Mars, isn't it?
So when I'm reading all these suggestions for what to close, move to Epcot, or update, I'm left stumped for what to do. The Flying Saucers (if it's the ride concept I'm thinking of) is just bumper cars, isn't it?
In my humble opinion, I'm excited for the AE alteration. I think the lack of updating and alterations in Tomorrowland is what kills it. Their problem has always been three big show attractions in AE building, CoP, and the Circlevision theater. And the problem with all three is two-fold. First, by design they suck up a lot of guests which makes for mostly nice shorter waits in lines. Second, the shows become less and less exciting as you see them over and over again which creates diminished audiences, and Disney doesn't like that at all. That's why Timekeeper, fine and fun show that it is, is barely open anymore.
Then again, the sad part here is that both AE and Timekeeper aren't that old and both attractions are already begging for new shows or updates. But I say, bring 'em on!
As far as CoP goes, they could stand to redo it. The original concept was actually 1960's as the "modern" era, leaving the 1940's (or is it the '30's?) as the era preceeding it. A LOT has happened technology-wise between the '60's and now. And now the jump in time becomes almost 70 years from 2nd to last scene to last scene.
Just think about what they could do with a 70's or 80's scene with home computers. I remember my friend's family having a whole bedroom dedicated to their home computer and the thing was freakin' huge. Wouldn't that make a great joke? And what about Beta video recorders? And 8 track tapes? And Pong? There's so much to exploit that it blows my mind.
There is totally a way to redo CoP and make it equally as fun, interesting, and cutting-edge (as far as technology on display) as it was back when it debuted. And if Disney were smart they could even work some interest back into the attraction by promoting it as "not your parent's CoP."
Then again, isn't one of the problems w/ CoP something mechanical? I read somewhere a while back that the motor on the carousel was crapping out...or the bearings were shot...or something like that. Maybe it was just a rumor. But it was used to justify why it was closed so often AND why Disney was thinking of replacing it.
Overall, I think Disney needs to decide what Tomorrowland should be. If it's Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, then we need Journey To The Center Of The Earth, maybe a better time travel attraction than Timekeeper, stuff relating to old concepts of the future.
Or here's a concept...
Back before Star Tours there was an Adventure Thru Inner Space ride in TL at Disneyland. They could totally do a cool technologically advanced attraction with that one--and again create something that could thrill as well as educate.
And if they are going to go more character oriented, then commit in that direction and let's add TRON, Treasure Planet, and...er....what else?...Black Hole?
No...no...no...back in junior high when Black Hole was in theaters my friends and I used to joke "the Black Hole sucks...literally and figuratively"
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