The Magic Kingdom is way overdue for a "WOW" E-ticket, on the same scale as Splash Mountain. Not to take away from Pooh, PhilharMagic or Buzz Lightyear, all of which are welcome additions for various targeted groups, but something BIG is way overdue for the same market the Disney Channel goes for - the "tween-agers."
The various likely additions have been told to us by Lee and Corrus (thanks guys!), and some of what has been suggested would be awesome.
But since this thread asks what WE think, I'm going to offer a suggestion which will go nowhere, but it what I would like to see go in:
MKCP's Proposal for an E-Ticket Thriller:
Hercules
This E-ticket combination of coaster and dark ride illustrates the story of the Disney feature film from 1997. The queue area is themed around Mount Olympus, because the ride will ascend for early scenes and descend towards its finale. As you wait in line, you are introduced to the story line and meet the main characters beginning with Hercules, and including his trusty winged horse, Pegasus, his trainer Phil, his love, Megara "Meg," and his foe, Hades (along with the flunkies Pain & Panic).
Mount Olympus is a Kodak Picture Spot - another great Mountain within the Magic Kingdom (land of mountains!)
The loading area (inside the Mountain, of course) resembles the home of Zeus and Hera. Most of the ride is indoors. You board an inverted coaster in rows of four, shaped like the flying horse, and assume the identity of Hercules. Your head rests against a formed head piece with stereo speakers, as there will be music from the film accompanying you through the entire ride, and perhaps some dialogue in key scenes.
Early scenes briefly depict Hercules leaving Mt. Olympus, being humbled in the village of his youth, being trained by Phil and defeating various foes such as the Hydra while Hades looms in the background, disapproving of Hercules' successes. You go through these scenes at a slow to moderate pace. These scenes are well lit and have the appearance of being daytime events.
Midway through the experience, Hercules is a stud, battling and defeating the Titans and thwarting Hades' attempts to kill him. Meg is at his side. The pace has picked up considerably. The scenes continue to be well lit. Some of this portion could even occur outside around Mount Olympus.
The ride turns dark and begins a descent when Hades gets the upper hand as Megara's soul is taken to the underworld where Hercules must risk everything to go and save his lost love. The ride really kicks it up a notch here as Hercules descends into a smoky, scary environment where he encounters the Moerae who cut the thread of life, a three headed dog, and finally a climatic showdown with Hades himself, his hair blazing with pyrotechnic effects, black light and strobe effects and whatever else can be conjured up for excitement. In these scenes, the ride is moving at full throttle and includes 360 degree loops during the fight scenes, simulating the battle's effects on Hercules himself.
Hercules wins, Hades is thrown into the river of the dead, and after an eight and one half minute ride, Hercules and Meg triumphantly depart the underworld to the unload area showing their happily ever after life together.
So, I know nothing like this will ever be built. Too much money, and Hercules may not be considered by all to be a classic. I think a ride like this could be better than the movie itself, and it would solidify the Disney brand on Fantasyland. Yes, some scenes would be scary for small children, but those tall enough to ride should mostly be able to handle it. Anyway, I'd like to see this or something like it.
:wave:
