SYWTBAI Season 18 - Round One: Team Next Gen Brainstorming Thread

[Sharon&Susan]

Watched Fellowship of the Ring today for the first time, really good movie. Gave me some good ideas.

I've got a rough map (done on MS PAINT) of the festival area with 2 restaurants and 2 shops, 2 spots for the flatrides and a theater.

@Disneylover152 for the entrance could you please have a gradual upwards elevation change for the entrance? I want the Festival area to be at a lower elevation than Bilbo's house (and possibly use the space underneath the house as back of house facilities). I don't think the water level is high enough for the festival area to be under ground level.

EDIT: I'll just add it the map here for completeness sake:

 

[Disneylover152]

Watched Fellowship of the Ring today for the first time, really good movie. Gave me some good ideas.

I've got a rough map (done on MS PAINT) of the festival area with 2 restaurants and 2 shops, 2 spots for the flatrides and a theater.

@Disneylover152 for the entrance could you please have a gradual upwards elevation change for the entrance? I want the Festival area to be at a lower elevation than Bilbo's house (and possibly use the space underneath the house as back of house facilities). I don't think the water level is high enough for the festival area to be under ground level.

Yes! Do you mind sending the rough map?

 

[goofyyukyuk]

@Sharon&Susan so excited to see what you do with that area!

 

[DashHaber]

While I'm still working on the proper ride descriptions and names, I thought I'd mention some of the ideas I've had in regards to flat rides in the Shire and see if folks have any thoughts about them.

I have thought about a "spinning teacups"-style ride like had been mentioned earlier, but I don't see basing it around the One Ring. I really have trouble seeing the hobbits building a ride that uses imagery of such a cursed item, so I thought of a way to make it more celebratory. The ride vehicles themselves will resemble mugs, spinning around the ride's centerpiece: a trio of statues, depicting Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. It almost looks like as if we are toasting these three, as an example of how men, elves, and dwarves came together to help fight against the forces of Sauron.

Similar to that celebratory approach, I can see something like that for a Dumbo-style flat ride centered around the great eagles. In the case of this ride, the great eagles would be flying around a statue of Gandalf, fixed with a sharp gaze over the land. There would also be a little backstory that Radagast has helped out with this particular ride, as a way to pay tribute to this ally and make some amends for being an unwitting pawn of Saruman.

As for @goofyyukyukyuk17 and his idea of a family coaster for the Shire, perhaps there might be a little backstory about Merry and Pippin adding a little of their own adventures for the Festival? In this case, a family coaster designed to feel like the heavy step and tread of the Ents.

 

[goofyyukyuk]

While I'm still working on the proper ride descriptions and names, I thought I'd mention some of the ideas I've had in regards to flat rides in the Shire and see if folks have any thoughts about them.

I have thought about a "spinning teacups"-style ride like had been mentioned earlier, but I don't see basing it around the One Ring. I really have trouble seeing the hobbits building a ride that uses imagery of such a cursed item, so I thought of a way to make it more celebratory. The ride vehicles themselves will resemble mugs, spinning around the ride's centerpiece: a trio of statues, depicting Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. It almost looks like as if we are toasting these three, as an example of how men, elves, and dwarves came together to help fight against the forces of Sauron.

Similar to that celebratory approach, I can see something like that for a Dumbo-style flat ride centered around the great eagles. In the case of this ride, the great eagles would be flying around a statue of Gandalf, fixed with a sharp gaze over the land. There would also be a little backstory that Radagast has helped out with this particular ride, as a way to pay tribute to this ally and make some amends for being an unwitting pawn of Saruman.

As for @goofyyukyukyuk17 and his idea of a family coaster for the Shire, perhaps there might be a little backstory about Merry and Pippin adding a little of their own adventures for the Festival? In this case, a family coaster designed to feel like the heavy step and tread of the Ents.

That sounds wayyyyyy better than my initial ideas haha! Looking forward to seeing you continue to develop it!

 

[Disneylover152]

Similar to that celebratory approach, I can see something like that for a Dumbo-style flat ride centered around the great eagles. In the case of this ride, the great eagles would be flying around a statue of Gandalf, fixed with a sharp gaze over the land. There would also be a little backstory that Radagast has helped out with this particular ride, as a way to pay tribute to this ally and make some amends for being an unwitting pawn of Saruman.

Rather than a Dumbo-style flat ride, which believe it or not, there are 7 of these ride systems in the Orlando area (including 2 already at Universal), may I suggest a more themed version of this ride (pic of Dollywood)? It has low capacity, so maybe we can have 2.

I've ridden it at Hershey Park and it's loads of fun, even for adults. Plus it offers a different type of flat ride that can actually be enjoyed by all ages.

 

[Outbound]

As for @goofyyukyukyuk17 and his idea of a family coaster for the Shire, perhaps there might be a little backstory about Merry and Pippin adding a little of their own adventures for the Festival? In this case, a family coaster designed to feel like the heavy step and tread of the Ents.

That's a great idea! One cool thing about Universal is these giant meet and greets with some pretty tall Transformers.

I wonder if we could create a similar kind of meet and greet, with some Ents "visiting" Hobbiton for the festival?

 

[Sharon&Susan]

I'm struggling to find a way to incorporate the standard American theme park food believably into the Tolkien universe. I think if nowhere in Middle Earth sells any of the standard stuff, there'll be plenty of complaints from the average tourist.

Would a BBQ restaurant be somewhat believable as somewhere Hobbits would dine? I do see that Hobbits eat chicken, beef, and fish, but are there any other hurdles I'm not considering to the lore?

 

[montydysquith-navarro]

I've managed to create a small backstory and overall guest experience for one of the Moria shopping experiences. Do let me know what you guys think of it.

The Mines of Moria - Retail #1
Sanir's Trinkets (Jewelry Shop) - For Kids and Adults
Backstory
Sanir’s expertise and craftsmanship in spinning treasures into priceless jewelry is unsurpassed. After the dwarves' return to Dwarrowdelf (Moria), she has decided to open her collection of jewels to curious visitors, as well as exhibiting her latest creations. Sanir has also decided to take on new apprentices, and this where you, the guest, come in. Under her watchful eye, you will be able to fashion existing treasures into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Guest Experience
Guests will be given a scroll depicting the types of jewelry they can make: a necklace, a charm bracelet, or a ring. As soon as they make their selection, they will be escorted into the workshop, where an Audio-Animatronic figure of Sanir will be sitting on her own workstation on an elevated platform, working on her newest creation while interacting with guests and commenting on their work (should they present to her, of course).

Upon arriving on their workstation, guests will be instructed by the shop assistant to personally select which findings and components (gold or silver setting, gems, etc.) they want for their custom jewelry through a “scroll” (cleverly-disguised touch screen embedded on the table). Upon confirmation of their selection, a “small mining cart” will arrive at their workstation carrying their selection (similar to those conveyor-belt restaurants found in Japan). The shop assistant will guide them through the creation/setting of their custom pieces. After the guests are satisfied with their work, they will be given a special jewelry box lined in dark blue velvet fabric where they can place their masterpieces until its next usage.

Those who opt to create rings will be given a slightly different experience. The workstations for the ring-makers will up against the wall of the workshop, where they can see several dwarves forging metals into rings and smithing them through large windows. Same as the other jewelry-making experiences, they will be given a “scroll” where they can select which ring design they would like. They can choose a design similar to the Seven Dwarf-Rings or even the Three Rings. Guests can also customize their design by changing the gem setting and metal used (gold or silver). For safety’s sake, they won’t be able to forge the metal ring itself (we’ll leave that to the dwarves), but they will still be able to set the jewels on it by themselves with the shop assistant guiding them.

 

[montydysquith-navarro]

I know I proposed an Armoury for the other Moria shop (where guests can buy replica weapons and armor), but for the life of me, I can't figure out a guest experience that will fit within the LotR context (think WWoHP's Ollivanders, where there's the "the wand chooses the wizard" ceremony) but wouldn't be similar to the one I proposed for the jewelry shop. Any ideas (or should I cut the experience and leave the shop as is)?

 

[PerGron]

Alright, good morning team, I’m glad to see we have most of the sections covered. We haven’t heard from @ThatGuyFromFlorida on their sections, but other than that, a lot of our bases are covered. I think we can fill some of the extra stuff with anyone who has time. Below is what is claimed/unclaimed.

The Shire:
- Land Description @Disneylover152
- Green Dragon Inn Restaurant @Pufflefan
- Festival-themed Flat Rides @DashHaber
- Various shopping and food stalls themed to festival celebrating the fall of Sauron @Sharon&Susan

Rivendell:
- Land Description
- High end themed restaurant, emphasis on immersion @Pufflefan
- Water ride through LOTR story @NigelChanning09 and @Outbound
- Shops

Moria:
- Land Description- @PerGronStudio
- Mines of Moria Thrill Ride- @PerGronStudio
- Dining
- Shops @montydysquith-navarro

General
- Land Writeup @goofyyukyukyuk17
- Map @PerGronStudio
- Presentation @Outbound
- Editing @Outbound

Unclaimed
In Progress
Completed

Also, I wanted to specifically suggest to @NigelChanning09 (and to a lesser extent @Outbound) that for your write up of the main ride, I think the most important part is your unique ride system. Give a sparknotes version of the ride through and focus on the ride system. I think this will benefit our score a bit more than just a regular ride through. After all, the most exciting part in the development of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was their patented swinging mine cars, not the ride itself. That’s just my suggestion anyway, it’s what I’ll be doing for the Mines of Moria ride (which I need help with a name of anyone has any suggestions.)

So far, I’m really enjoying the progress between @DashHaber, @Disneylover152 and @Sharon&Susan in the Shire specifically, and I’m excited to keep this going. Tonight I’ll have my Mines of Moria attraction first draft done and then I’ll work on the big map and some concept art.

I’m very impressed by how we’re coming along so far, but there’s still a lot to do, so I look forward to keeping it on!

 

[Outbound]

Also, I wanted to specifically suggest to @NigelChanning09 (and to a lesser extent @Outbound) that for your write up of the main ride, I think the most important part is your unique ride system. Give a sparknotes version of the ride through and focus on the ride system. I think this will benefit our score a bit more than just a regular ride through. After all, the most exciting part in the development of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was their patented swinging mine cars, not the ride itself. That’s just my suggestion anyway, it’s what I’ll be doing for the Mines of Moria ride (which I need help with a name of anyone has any suggestions.)

We finished our first draft: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gBfen7r1FRaNOwj9zPKYBBuNfeUBkw9AfuMb4GWZbPo/edit?usp=sharing

All feedback is much appreciated. Both this and the Moria ride are essential to get right because we're basing the rest of the land around these big attractions.

 

[Outbound]

I'm struggling to find a way to incorporate the standard American theme park food believably into the Tolkien universe. I think if nowhere in Middle Earth sells any of the standard stuff, there'll be plenty of complaints from the average tourist.

Would a BBQ restaurant be somewhat believable as somewhere Hobbits would dine? I do see that Hobbits eat chicken, beef, and fish, but are there any other hurdles I'm not considering to the lore?

I think a lot of items are on the table for Hobbits. Like you said, chicken, beef, and fish work fine but also potatoes, sandwiches, and dare I say even a themed burger or hot dog. Just make sure it's within the context of the Green Dragon Inn (that's where they ate) and as long as you theme it I think most food is acceptable to Hobbits.

 

[goofyyukyuk]

We finished our first draft: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gBfen7r1FRaNOwj9zPKYBBuNfeUBkw9AfuMb4GWZbPo/edit?usp=sharing

All feedback is much appreciated. Both this and the Moria ride are essential to get right because we're basing the rest of the land around these big attractions.

It looks awesome! My only question is will the inclusion of Moria in this attraction confuse guests or will the Moria attraction be distinctly different so as to avoid confusion?

I think a lot of items are on the table for Hobbits. Like you said, chicken, beef, and fish work fine but also potatoes, sandwiches, and dare I say even a themed burger or hot dog. Just make sure it's within the context of the Green Dragon Inn (that's where they ate) and as long as you theme it I think most food is acceptable to Hobbits.

That food would work well I think... there isn’t much detail on what was served there, so it would work I think.

 

[NigelChanning]

It looks awesome! My only question is will the inclusion of Moria in this attraction confuse guests or will the Moria attraction be distinctly different so as to avoid confusion?



That food would work well I think... there isn’t much detail on what was served there, so it would work I think.

It will be distinct. The main antagonist of the Moria attraction is the Balrog so we purposely left out the Balrog in this attraction. I hope that makes sense.

 

[DashHaber]

I'm working on fuller descriptions of the flat rides at the moment, going into more description about the actual look for them, but I've got some small quick descriptions (like the sort you'd see in a theme park map). I thought I'd post them to see if people like the basic sound of them.

First, the tea cups-style flat ride:
Circle of the Fellowship
(Spinning cups flat ride)
Take a turn, and take a toast, as we all celebrate the defeat of Sauron and his dark forces! Climb aboard a mug and twirl to your heart’s content, as you spin around a trio of statues symbolizing the unity of man, elf, and dwarf in the face of darkness.

Rather than a Dumbo-style flat ride, which believe it or not, there are 7 of these ride systems in the Orlando area (including 2 already at Universal), may I suggest a more themed version of this ride (pic of Dollywood)? It has low capacity, so maybe we can have 2.

I've ridden it at Hershey Park and it's loads of fun, even for adults. Plus it offers a different type of flat ride that can actually be enjoyed by all ages.

View attachment 473247

This is actually a good idea, and would help to give something a little different instead of a Dumbo-like flat rider. It even offers a neat touch for giving a little element of influence on the great eagle you ride.

Now, the basic pitch here:
Flight of the Great Eagles
(Flying scooters flat ride)
Radagast has set up a tribute to the legendary Gandalf and has called upon the great eagles to help in his moment of celebration. As you climb onto a great eagle, you will take to the air and fly around a statue depicting the famous wizard, who so aided the world of Middle-earth in a time of darkness and danger.

That's a great idea! One cool thing about Universal is these giant meet and greets with some pretty tall Transformers.
View attachment 473249

I wonder if we could create a similar kind of meet and greet, with some Ents "visiting" Hobbiton for the festival?
View attachment 473250

I'm not sure if we're still including the family coaster, considering how it sounds like we're going more with classic flat rides and saving the bigger rides for Rivendell and Moria, but we could still do meet and greets with the Ents potentially. Perhaps they might be over by the forest-y portion of Hobbiton, around where the transition starts between Hobbiton and Rivendell.

 

[CookieMouse]

Alright, good morning team, I’m glad to see we have most of the sections covered. We haven’t heard from @ThatGuyFromFlorida on their sections, but other than that, a lot of our bases are covered. I think we can fill some of the extra stuff with anyone who has time. Below is what is claimed/unclaimed.

i think ill do the last land description slot. i had a great idea for a land we could have done instead, but now that were far ahead, we wont do it. a minecraft themed land with a heavy emphasis on exploration and interactive experiences. there would be many different pathways to take, with multiple ways to go somewhere. there would be some sort of wristband system like the one in snw, that would basically let you do the things that you can do in the game, like fighting mobs, building things, and gathering resources. it could possibly have AR glasses that you use throughout the land. it would basically be the mario kart ride's rumored vr technology but applied with an entire land.

 

[montydysquith-navarro]

We've been talking in a private conversation but @PerGronStudio suggested that I move the jewelry shop (Sanik's Trinkets) from the Mines of Moria section to the Rivendell section. I can change aspects of the storyline and experience to reflect more on the elves than the dwarfs (because let's face it, jewelry is more of the elves' thing than the dwarves; their thing is armory and weaponry). Would that be okay with you, @Outbound and @NigelChanning09? Rivendell has yet to have a shop anyway.

 

[goofyyukyuk]

I can take Moria dining if nobody else wants it!

 

[CookieMouse]

i'll take the rivendell land description. i said it before, but i just said it again to make it clear.