Streets of America at MGM

[jmuboy]

<!--StartFragment --> I asked this in another thread but then thought it deserved it's on thread. My questions - Why on earth has it taken nearly 2 years to rehab the Streets of America set and they STILL are not done yet?!?!? Expedition Everest has almost been finished in the same amount of time. Also, are they still doing a Chicago set? If so - where?

 

[TTATraveler]

I know it has been a while, perhaps they Streets of America is not a high priority at the moment.

 

[peter11435]

<!--StartFragment --> I asked this in another thread but then thought it deserved it's on thread. My questions - Why on earth has it taken nearly 2 years to rehab the Streets of America set and they STILL are not done yet?!?!? Expedition Everest has almost been finished in the same amount of time. Also, are they still doing a Chicago set? If so - where?

Well for one thing as TTATraveler said the project is not there top priority. Also they have to stop working on the project for months to install and display the spectacle of lights. Chicago will be constructed across from where they installed San Francisco. They also had planned all along to stop working on the project around the opening of LMAX.

 

[wdwmagic]

With the backlot being part of a "working studio", it does kinda fit to have that area in a constant state of change and construction. It shows guests what is reall ybehind those facades. I am sure this isnt the real intention for the slow progress, but fortuantely in this case it does work with the theme.

 

[SirNim]

That's a good, optimistic point, Steve.

I'm real curious to see the finished product, though...

 

[JLW11Hi]

I've been wondering just how much is going to fit in this Chicago area. If they are in fact building some sort of Chicago set across from the San Fransisco set, it will have to be pretty small in size. From what I remember, there isn't much space down that way. I am guessing it will have to be limited to a large 2D backdrop, with a few additions to the buildings on the side.

if you ask me, they should just re-do that entire corner of the park. It is extreemly confusing for people to find their way around, and there is a lot of unnessesary empty space, like back by Al's Toy Barn to the left of the San Fransisco backdrop (it seems to be nothing more than a big, empty, open area). They dont necessarily have to put an attraction in there or anything, just make it look nicer, maybe by continuing the big city themed buildings.

 

[Figment1986]

Well.. with redoing SanFrancisco's 2-D backdrop.... (looks nicer now...)

and being on the back burner of money... they don't need it finnish fast..

 

[imagineersrock]

I've been wondering just how much is going to fit in this Chicago area. I am guessing it will have to be limited to a large 2D backdrop, with a few additions to the buildings on the side.

You're probably right, I don't see much more being added to Chicago than what we see happening on the San Francisco facade--- but thats okay, because San Fran is actually starting to come along very nicely.

...there is a lot of unnessesary empty space, like back by Al's Toy Barn to the left of the San Fransisco backdrop (it seems to be nothing more than a big, empty, open area). They dont necessarily have to put an attraction in there or anything, just make it look nicer, maybe by continuing the big city themed buildings.

I totally agree. it doesn't have to be any thing special, but something needs to be done with that corner of the park... it is absolutely dead in regard to theming/eye candy.

I asked this in another thread but then thought it deserved it's on thread. My questions - Why on earth has it taken nearly 2 years to rehab the Streets of America set and they STILL are not done yet?!?!? Expedition Everest has almost been finished in the same amount of time. Also, are they still doing a Chicago set? If so - where?

I agree that it has been coming along very slowly, but I'm okay with that as long as it is a quality job when it finally is done, those who have said it probably isn't a top priority are correct, and Steve's remark was a good point (whether Disney did that intentionally or not.) Anyway, jmuboy- I'm pretty sure the entire project is supposed to be complete by October, so we're getting there!

 

[jmuboy]

I hope they add a forced perspective facade for Chicago like on the NYC end of the street. The view down the street where the Chicago street is supposed to be built (if they ever get around to building it) is a really ugly view. It will be nice to see this view improved.

 

[colliera]

Disney planners changed their minds.

According to the Show Designer in charge of the project the "Streets of America/Big City Streets" plan was changed on him when they decided to do LMAX and it encroched on some of the area planned for the streets. There were three of four other "streets/cities" he was going to do but when they were cut he had to go back and rethink the designs and figure out what he could fit into the space with which he was left. Nothing like changing goals in the middle of a project to slow things down.

 

[monorail_driver]

I really enjoy seeing the sets of the city, was really surprised on my last visit, as I didn't really know the city was being built. But, I was really confused, as it really didn't seem to serve any *covers head and hopes nobody hits him* purpose. Is there suppose to be a purpose for the scene, or is it just something to look at. (I know I'd love to rent it out for a day or two to make a movie!)

But really, what was Disney trying to create?? How was the idea presented?



I realized, though, if you go near park closing, no one is back there, and it seems like you've got a whole city to yourself! It felt awesome!

 

[bgraham34]

So what are they going to put in Chicago.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Mulch Sweat & Shears usually performs back there but I am not sure exactly which part of the Streets of America they are in exactly. They are on the left hand side if you are facing LMAX under the Chevrolet Sign. Take a look at these pics from Steve Soares website showing the usual performance location.
http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/st/photos/mulch/slideshow.htm
Belle

 

[Lennyg512]

Instead of adding more city ideas, Disney should have went all out with the New York theme. Add in some dining areas, maybe an attraction based on New York. Instead of Lights, Motors, Action!, they could have built a Madison Square Garden facade and put some type of show/attraction in it. Just my thoughts.