- In the Parks
- No
Ultimately, great IP can't distinguish a mediocre ride. Do all those DC Comics brands slapped on Six Flags' coasters and carnival spinners really make a difference in our enjoyment of them? But a mediocre IP can inspire a wonderful theme park attraction. Universal Studios Hollywood's Waterworld stunt show has entertained far more fans than ever saw the Kevin Coster film that inspired it. And Disney's Splash Mountain is far more beloved that the often cringe-worthy South of the South that Disney has buried in its vault.
Not only is IP itself in question by many, but where Disney is placing that IP seems to be even more controversial..
Specifically in Epcot‘s case, many (including myself) question how all of this fits into the theme of that theme park. Epcot was originally envisioned as a living and working community of tomorrow by Walt himself. As built in 1982, Epcot Center was intended to be a permanent world’s fair, showing off futuristic ideas in Future World and celebrating nations around the world in World Showcase. Today, Epcot has fallen from that as it has lost corporate sponsors and suffers to keep up with the ever-changing future. Frozen Ever After took over the Norwaypavilion in 2016. Many were upset with this move, including myself, and felt this property would be better represented in Fantasyland or Hollywood Studios. Moving forward, we now have Ratatouille coming to France, Guardians of the Galaxy coming to Universe of Energy, and possibly another IP coming to the United Kingdom.
Looking at Guardians of the Galaxy specifically, I question whether the theme of Future World matters today to Disney. The Universe of Energy pavilion has certainly struggled in past years with popularity, but it was a high-capacity attraction that helped celebrate the world’s fair theme. Does a Guardians of the Galaxy family coaster do that? In my opinion, no. This summer we even have a Guardians of the Galaxy dance party coming to the American Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. Does Gamora and Starlord with an alien band showcase what America has to offer? Again, I don’t think so. Had Disney put this in Tomorrowland or even Future World it could have worked better. Thematically, this IP doesn’t fit in World Showcase.
All of these latest attractions illustrate the fact that Disney just isn’t that interested in opening original-storied attractions anymore. I can’t say with any absolute certainty why that is. It could be merchandising — people are more likely to buy products at the end of the attraction gift shop if they are already familiar with the characters, like Anna and Elsa or Darth Vader. It could just be easier for imagineers to come up with story lines that already exist. Could this also mean that our favorite non-IP Disney attractions might be in trouble? Is it possible that Disney parks might want to change the old favorites into IP-driven attractions? I honestly wouldn’t be that surprised if Disney went this way.
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Rather or not you are for or against specific IP's making their residence in Disney parks, few would argue that the future of Disney looks like it's headed into solid IP representation for their newest attractions and makeovers. I wanted to pick everyone's brains on what your stance is with this new direction Disney is headed in (especially keeping in mind that parks had merged with consumer products).
Is thematic integrity still being considered? Are the quality of these attractions on par with our vision of the parks? It's difficult to paint these changes with a broad brush - would you consider Mission Breakout at DCA as high quality when compared to Frozen Ever After, or what is so-far understood with SWGE offerings? Was Hyperspace mountain created to enhance the rider experience, or to advertise more Star Wars and their newest movies / merchandise? Does Dinosaur really need the IP Dinosaur? Should we even begin to mention TSL?
Here is ultimately what I like to keep in mind:
1. Does the ride relay too much on the IP, and the rider's familiarity with it?
2. Does IP severely limit the creative ability of the imagineers to work their magic? (excluding budget worries)
3. Does IP even matter? If the ride is good, it's good. If it's bad, it's bad. Though it may be a ding on the franchise
4. Are there still ideas out there that would work on their own, without any tie ins?
Some of the greatest Disney park attractions are IPs. Splash Mountain, ToT, Indiana Jones Aventure (DL), . I'd personally argue that the IP isn't the reason why, but the quality of the ride experience. You can ride those attractions without knowing the namesake program and understand what is going on in their completely immersive environments. I do think we need a healthy mix of non-IP E-tickets too, but DL and WDW simply aren't getting them. I don't know how many of you would really argue if some concept with the quality of Mystic Manor or TDS ToT made its way over. Anyway, let's discuss.
Not only is IP itself in question by many, but where Disney is placing that IP seems to be even more controversial..
Specifically in Epcot‘s case, many (including myself) question how all of this fits into the theme of that theme park. Epcot was originally envisioned as a living and working community of tomorrow by Walt himself. As built in 1982, Epcot Center was intended to be a permanent world’s fair, showing off futuristic ideas in Future World and celebrating nations around the world in World Showcase. Today, Epcot has fallen from that as it has lost corporate sponsors and suffers to keep up with the ever-changing future. Frozen Ever After took over the Norwaypavilion in 2016. Many were upset with this move, including myself, and felt this property would be better represented in Fantasyland or Hollywood Studios. Moving forward, we now have Ratatouille coming to France, Guardians of the Galaxy coming to Universe of Energy, and possibly another IP coming to the United Kingdom.
Looking at Guardians of the Galaxy specifically, I question whether the theme of Future World matters today to Disney. The Universe of Energy pavilion has certainly struggled in past years with popularity, but it was a high-capacity attraction that helped celebrate the world’s fair theme. Does a Guardians of the Galaxy family coaster do that? In my opinion, no. This summer we even have a Guardians of the Galaxy dance party coming to the American Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. Does Gamora and Starlord with an alien band showcase what America has to offer? Again, I don’t think so. Had Disney put this in Tomorrowland or even Future World it could have worked better. Thematically, this IP doesn’t fit in World Showcase.
All of these latest attractions illustrate the fact that Disney just isn’t that interested in opening original-storied attractions anymore. I can’t say with any absolute certainty why that is. It could be merchandising — people are more likely to buy products at the end of the attraction gift shop if they are already familiar with the characters, like Anna and Elsa or Darth Vader. It could just be easier for imagineers to come up with story lines that already exist. Could this also mean that our favorite non-IP Disney attractions might be in trouble? Is it possible that Disney parks might want to change the old favorites into IP-driven attractions? I honestly wouldn’t be that surprised if Disney went this way.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rather or not you are for or against specific IP's making their residence in Disney parks, few would argue that the future of Disney looks like it's headed into solid IP representation for their newest attractions and makeovers. I wanted to pick everyone's brains on what your stance is with this new direction Disney is headed in (especially keeping in mind that parks had merged with consumer products).
Is thematic integrity still being considered? Are the quality of these attractions on par with our vision of the parks? It's difficult to paint these changes with a broad brush - would you consider Mission Breakout at DCA as high quality when compared to Frozen Ever After, or what is so-far understood with SWGE offerings? Was Hyperspace mountain created to enhance the rider experience, or to advertise more Star Wars and their newest movies / merchandise? Does Dinosaur really need the IP Dinosaur? Should we even begin to mention TSL?
Here is ultimately what I like to keep in mind:
1. Does the ride relay too much on the IP, and the rider's familiarity with it?
2. Does IP severely limit the creative ability of the imagineers to work their magic? (excluding budget worries)
3. Does IP even matter? If the ride is good, it's good. If it's bad, it's bad. Though it may be a ding on the franchise
4. Are there still ideas out there that would work on their own, without any tie ins?
Some of the greatest Disney park attractions are IPs. Splash Mountain, ToT, Indiana Jones Aventure (DL), . I'd personally argue that the IP isn't the reason why, but the quality of the ride experience. You can ride those attractions without knowing the namesake program and understand what is going on in their completely immersive environments. I do think we need a healthy mix of non-IP E-tickets too, but DL and WDW simply aren't getting them. I don't know how many of you would really argue if some concept with the quality of Mystic Manor or TDS ToT made its way over. Anyway, let's discuss.