TCM teams up with Disney to refresh Great Movie Ride

[Phineas]

Now if only they'd rewrite the awful script and get rid of the dated 90s jokes, we'd be all set.

Even if they just removed "I see dead people.", the script would be better. I cringe every time.

 

[MonorailMan]

I was scared for a while that this would be next to go. But now I'm really excited for the changed to GMR. Even though it's just to the pre-show and finale, it's a step in the right direction for this ride. Now will GMR be closed for refurbishment to make these changes or will they happen overnight?

 

[alphac2005]

If nothing else, the fact that what were staples of Vault Disney programming will actually be aired again is outstanding.

 

[Seabasealpha1]

I wouldn't mind seeing Tarzan pulled or severely updated. The horror section needs some kind of update or something as well... and it has always bothered me that the Fantasia section is so dull...lots of opportunity for some coolness... its also too bad that we couldn't see a third scenario past the gangster/cowboy storyline.

AND it would be really nice if they would update the ride audio so we can more clearly hear the dialog and storyline of those scenarios w/the cast member...seems like strain to hear it with stuff going on...

 

[SJN1279]

They should get the Turner guy to narrate the ride, and get rid of the lame ride hosts that were a big thing in 90's.

 

[sshindel]

I think it would be surprising how much an updated preshow, updated finale, and a freshened up script (and motivated CMs) would impact the ride itself. This feels like it could be a nice, cheap (their favorite!), way to refresh the ride that will once again be front and center in the park, not hidden in the shadow of the massive eyesore.

 

[FettFan]

Even if nothing great happens, this is still great news to me because it means the Great Movie Ride is not going away.

I do hope that the AA's all get facelifts though. No more plasticky rubber skins.

 

[RandomPrincess]

They should get the Turner guy to narrate the ride, and get rid of the lame ride hosts that were a big thing in 90's.

I read somewhere the TCM guy would be included.

 

[JEANYLASER]

This is awesome news! I can't wait!

 

[RandomPrincess]

Didn't the trailers/clips in the preshow reference the movies showcased on the ride? I haven't had to wait more than 5ish minutes for as long as I can recall, so cribbing a list from a post elsewhere,

Doesn't eliminating them remove the remote chance of educating people somewhat about the scenes they will see? Especially for something like Footlight Parade? While I agree that it is due for an update, I'm curious to see how it gets handled.

I don't think I every saw this preshow, every time I have been there was no line we walked straight to the loading area.

 

[Jon81uk]

I think it would be surprising how much an updated preshow, updated finale, and a freshened up script (and motivated CMs) would impact the ride itself. This feels like it could be a nice, cheap (their favorite!), way to refresh the ride that will once again be front and center in the park, not hidden in the shadow of the massive eyesore.

The thing with getting motivated Cast Members is that the heavy speilers in GMR & Jungle Cruise are paid the same as those who work It's a Small World or Toy Story Midway Mania where all they have to do is usher people onto rides (I know there is more to all roles if there is an evac etc). Unless they pay these roles that involve "acting" at least a little more you'll struggle to get great motivation.

 

[Bocabear]

Turner owns The Wizard Of Oz rights... with this partnership could they actually delete the minor Fantasia room and put in the missing Tornado sequence that was originally designed for the space?...That would help that little bit of narrative...

 

[bunnyman]

I'm just as happy about the "valut Disney" aspect for shows to air on TCM. I miss the days of the Valut Disney block on the Disney Channel when they aired the old stuff.

 

[MKCP 1985]

Turner owns The Wizard Of Oz rights... with this partnership could they actually delete the minor Fantasia room and put in the missing Tornado sequence that was originally designed for the space?...That would help that little bit of narrative...

See, posts like this are why I keep coming back to these forums. Somehow, I never heard about the original design including a tornado sequence. Even if the Fantasia scene is left alone, it is good to learn a little background into how the somewhat awkward presentation of Sorceror Mickey on a screen in a windy segment came about. Thank you for posting this, @Bocabear

 

[sshindel]

The thing with getting motivated Cast Members is that the heavy speilers in GMR & Jungle Cruise are paid the same as those who work It's a Small World or Toy Story Midway Mania where all they have to do is usher people onto rides (I know there is more to all roles if there is an evac etc). Unless they pay these roles that involve "acting" at least a little more you'll struggle to get great motivation.

Shouldn't have to pay someone more to do their job. It's part of the job description for that role. I've never really had issues at the Jungle Cruise either. I think that there are likely ways they could address the motivation factor without having to give them a raise. Since I don't know the logistics of how those cast members are assigned/rotated/moved around during the day, etc, I don't feel educated enough to make suggestions as to how best to do it, but I am sure that methods exist that could help improve it. Refreshing the script I think would help.

 

[Blairnicol]

I find this to be really exciting and insightful news. I love TCM and I think they are a perfect fit for GMR. I hope this is a glimpse of things to come for DHS. I even wonder if this sheds some light on the direction they intend to go with the re-boot of the park as a whole. One can only hope, but I think it's a very promising step, anyway you look at it.

 

[DocMcHulk]

If this is just pre/post show stuff, I am a little disappointed. The actual ride needs some love.

 

[MonorailMan]

If this is just pre/post show stuff, I am a little disappointed. The actual ride needs some love.

A general refurbishment of GMR will probably happen when they are making the changes to the pre-show and finale scenes. I would imagine that to make these changes, they would have to close the ride and that the rest of the ride will get some TLC if the ride is down to make the changes.

 

[Atomicmickey]

If this is just pre/post show stuff, I am a little disappointed. The actual ride needs some love.

Ah, don't be disappointed. We need to celebrate that the HAT is going, you're going to be able to see the theatre again, the ride is staying. I'm going to take a 'wait and see' attitude to the scenes. One can only imagine that the script could change, and that the AA's and scenes will get some dusting and cleaning, etc.

This one's OK. Remember we were thinking it might be gone for good. Could be worse. Could be OLAF popping up in every scene!

 

[DocMcHulk]

A general refurbishment of GMR will probably happen when they are making the changes to the pre-show and finale scenes. I would imagine that to make these changes, they would have to close the ride and that the rest of the ride will get some TLC if the ride is down to make the changes.

I am talking about replacing scenes with different movies. Maybe incorporating new tech, or new ideas. Maybe even rethink the whole concept of the ride. If it is mainly dusting the props, some new paint, and replacing a few AAs... that is disappointing.