Outbound's Reviews
From the moment I saw the custom green “neon” intro artwork, I knew I was in for a treat. First off, I adore the retro “Miami Vice” aesthetic the moment your team brought it up. It gives the land such a cool feel, I wish something like this happened to actual Disney Springs. From the opening description on the forum post (leading into the website) I could tell that you have addressed your mistakes from last round and improved. Your website is even better than last time.
The crazy thing about Team Green is how active everyone is. There isn’t anyone on this team that hasn’t put something great into this project. I mean, you guys had a rough-draft map on the first day. My one suggestion is to not decide on a theme so quickly, because you might completely look over an even better idea. I’ll return to that topic in the Team Red review.
General
Your map is great, although I have a few minor nitpicks on certain locations (the quiet Alcove next to the Sports Stadium). I imagine the green area is blocked off from public view with facade?
The Muppet Radio Show is a fantastic idea! It adds a ton of character to the district as a whole. I also appreciate how you separated the day description from the night. The night-life sounds awesome in this area.
Concerning the PowerPlay, I love how creative you took this! You really went above and beyond with the design. Video game urinals might be a tad unrealistic even for a “quality” bathroom, but at the same time, I’m really happy you included it just so I now know it exists.
Stores
All these stores fit the Lights District like Cinderella's shoe. They definitely deserve to be here. But...
The Lights District risks turning the mall into a pure entertainment complex. Disney Springs has always dabbled in this, but the Lights District goes a bit overboard in this regard. I’d suggest giving some space for well-known franchises to be used, tying losing into the Lights / Retro theme. Morphe is the only store not owned by Disney. And the Tesla, but I don’t think the average consumer is buying a Tesla on their trip to the Lights District. So maybe something simple, such as an Orlando-centered fashion store (similar to what you did with the Pub-Sub Hub).
One other thing I’d like to mention, I really like how you worked to appeal to Millennial despite this being a Retro Area. This feels like a place both the old and new will enjoy.
Restaurants
Wow. Not only did you create six detailed restaurants, but everyone has a detailed menu. I am very impressed. The custom-made menus have great hidden pieces… the Drink from the Other Side, etc. I love all of them… although I’m unsure about Johnny Rockets.
I get what you mean about 50’s nostalgia in the 80’s, but it gets a tad confusing when you have the district based off 80’s nostalgia, and use 50’s nostalgia. Nostalgia-ception? I think Johnny Rockets may be better suited for the “50’s area” not far away.
But beyond that, amazing job on the Restaurants!
Clubs
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one! Each club is so distinct from the other. Even on certain days, a club will be a different experience. This adds a whole new layer to the district. I especially like the Latin American club. Also, the inclusion of the “masked singer”. I’ve never seen the show, but I’ve seen enough ads to understand the concept and think it would perfect in a Disney setting! For the family-friendly game, would the “masked singer” be Disney Characters, like Goofy?
Attractions
Alrighty… I have a confession to make. I’ve never seen Tron, classic or reboot. But from the pictures I have seen, it has a really cool, retro aesthetic that works perfectly for the theme established. And a DJ at the center of laser tag is just awesome.
The Muppets mini-golf course is a really fun idea. I love the creativity in each course, it totally captures Gonzo’s antics!
Then there's Disney’s Dreamscapes.
@tcool123...I don’t know if I should applaud you or cower in fear. You went into precise detail on every scenario! It made me feel as if I were playing the game, rocket raccoon jokes and all. Even the seasonal parts, you just had to make Kingsman and Nightmare Before Christmas. All 5 escape rooms have a slightly different trick to them, and Kingsman, in particular, sounds very challenging. I am a bit concerned if so many escape rooms are that realistic- but I’m not going to knock points off for putting in the extra effort. Spectacular job.
The Sugar Rush Raceway is another smart inclusion, although it might be too much. I think you should have decided on just 2-3 of these attractions, and used the space to build more shops and dining. But despite my initial fears, you’ve managed to get a race-track indoors smartly using advanced technology. This sounds like a really fun experience, and even though it starts a film released in 2013, I think it fits the retro theme like a glove.
Entertainment
I have a few questions.
How exactly does a sports stadium fit into Disney Springs? I think this may be stretching it. Does the stadium connect up with facades? The Distadium came up on the first day as a “cool idea” and I do agree it is cool, but I don’t think it is well executed in the context of the rest of the land. In fact, I worry adding it might make the Springs to crowded on sporting events and concert nights.
The community theater, on the other hand, compliments the Lights District. I think the Distadium might just be too much for this expansion.
Miscellaneous
It is great to see such thought put into the more mediocre areas, like parking lots and transportation. Good job.
Conclusion
As a whole… I love it. Although it could use more standard shops and restaurants, this is a mistake almost every Imagineering Project makes, so don’t take it too hard. The attractions and entertainment got a bit out of hand, but they are all so good it is hard to dislike them. The clubs are the highlight for me. Their inclusion is superb. Overall… I want to go to the Lights District NOW!
And thanks for the reading music. I nearly finished.. got to an hour and 40 minutes just reading and typing this.