STANZA FIVE
This was the best project so far. Nate had the tremendous challenge of completing this project, and Team SEA excelled. This is the best project of the season, at least so far.
The flipbook is an excellent presentation. I love all the subtle additions, like the ads and barcodes. Then the writing itself is framed within the trip storyline. It’s hard to tell when one person’s work begins and another ends. This is a huge accomplishment.
The only point I think you guys kinda overdid it. It doesn’t really matter. It is more a different interpretation of the challenge -- you took it as very blue sky, whereas we had been obsessing over the limited money.
ALTON TOWERS
First off, I love the focus on British culture. CS Lewis, Roald Dahl, and Peter Rabbit fit perfectly within a British setting. I read all the Roald Dahl books as a kid, so I was kinda disappointed for such a small area but you make up for it with Narnia.
Sonic the Hedgehog is a more surprising move, but it still fits. You guys didn’t just throw him in either, you really thought that part through, and it makes for a good opposition to Universal’s Nintendo World.
Again, the only issue is this suffers a bit from the “blue sky”, in the real world, this is way too much for 250 million. But I don’t think Alton Towers would care about spending extra to have this.
EFTELING
Ah, the final mission for the TMNT! Not.
The attention to realism here is amazing. You guys went in a totally different direction budget-wise than Alton. Maybe some of your left-overs to help em’ out there. But really, you’ve shown a fundamental understanding of what makes this park loved and used it.
The other changes here include a family coaster and a dark ride that looks and sounds coincidentally like Robin Hood. Again quite small but sticking to what already works. A great job!
PHANTASIALAND
I like this expansion a lot. The tagteam of Doug and Dad was great to watch. You’ve taken the creativity of Alton and combined it with the realism of Efteling. It may go just a tad off-budget, but it’s worth it.
I had to open up a copy of the real map just to pick apart what was old and new! Very good job!
The land is also clearly German, which is a nice touch. Both Rookburg and Munchausen Palast are wonderfully original. Add this with the other changes made, and this is probably my favorite of the four, not that the other parks weren’t all successes as well.
PORTA ADVENTURA
I like taking on the second park. “Ferarri Land” is a really dumb idea and turning it into a transportation-themed parked in an excellent concept. Especially getting more sponsorship to ease on the budget.
I also liked the smallness of the other lands, at least for the time being. Three major lands the size of Ferrari Land would have been crazy overkill. Keeping it to an attraction per land is a smart move. I expect several years down the line Porta Adventura would expand each area to its full potential.
CONCLUSION
Overall, I'm really impressed. Everyone pat yourself on the back.
Both the site and video tricked me for a while -- they look so real! Big Kudos to Doug and Nate for making these in under two days. And of course, the 48-hour prompts are always a challenge so credit must be given as deserved to mickeyfan.
Your activities list is all solid. You've added some variance between each location, despite Samoa being relatively small.
But concerning countries. Samoa is certainly a fan favorite pick for Polynesia. I mean, have you seen
Hobbs and Shaw?
This sorta leads me to my biggest disappointment. It’s not a flaw, more an “I wish this was bit more wacky”. You originally pitched this as the home of the Rock and Moana. I kinda wish you had tied some of these in. Maybe not Moana, because Disney doesn’t like IPs. BUT Disney is releasing the Jungle Cruise movie this year and the Rock is in a starring role. This might be a good place to plug it? It’s not something normal Adventures by Disney would do, but this is the SAU.
Now, of course, you don't want to go over the top. You still want to respect the culture, etc... I just wish this had more jazz.
Still, this is a commendable project. There are no real issues, remarkable for such a limited timeframe. And nearly everyone did their best to contribute (
@orlando678- where r u?). This is a fantastic first round for the New Team Yesterday!
This is another solid effort by Team Tomorrow, although it was really just three players (Disneypugs and Ace mainly, with DisneyDad supplying the artwork and itinerary) participating. The others did communicate, which is much appreciated (expect
@kmbmw777 who was uncharacteristically absent, r u ok?). This is fine for the shortest and possibly most confusing of the Act 2 Stanzas. Just make sure to be back at it tomorrow.
Finland is a cool pick. Unfortunately not the
motherland. But I’ll forgive you for that realistic map.
I have mixed feelings about the EPCOT tie-in. On one hand, I feel it distracts a lot from the focus of the prompt, but on the other hand, it tries something fully original. It’s not about Finland, it’s about the larger experience with Finland just Phase One.
PerGron does make a good point on EPCOT appealing to only a small group of the normal target audience. I'd suggest this not be the full extent of your marketing campaign. Maybe build these advertising areas in DisneyStores and do something on DisneyPlus. BUT for a single way to make some more awareness, the World Showcase is a great fit!
I just wish you had added one extra picture communicating the different activities in the itinerary. I have unfortunately never been to Finland, so I don’t know much about it besides snow. Having looked up the different activities, I can confirm this would be a good trip. I just wish it was hinted at more in the presentation.
But you know what? It's a close call, but I'm leaning towards this one. It goes outside the box. A bit rough around the edges, but the idea pulls it through. Great work Pugs, Ace, and DisneyDad!
