I think you just have to accept that currently American audiences want IP based attractions at domestic parks. Blame TV, blame the internet, blame the media, but that is just what they want at this point in Disney park history. And until Disney sees numbers to state otherwise, that is what we will continue to get. The wish and hope will have to be that tastes of American audiences will change and they will want more non-IP based attractions in the future. And then hope that Disney will listen and move in that direction.
Why blame anyone? It's a perfectly valid "want" to go to WDW and expect to see Disney characters rather than something generic. There is nothing inherent in a generic attraction that makes it of any better taste.
As for audience wanting IP, yeah, it does seem that way. But remember, the audience is also dumb and truthfully deep down, doesn't know what it wants. I am always reminded of the Henry Ford quote where he says if he had asked his audience what they wanted at the time, they would have said "a faster horse". Point is, sometimes what people think they want isn't really the best thing for them. Now, I know we're talking theme parks here, but I think Disney once used to pave the way for themed entertainment innovation and presented audiences with something they hadn't seen before, and couldn't get anywhere else. I feel like that identity is slipping, and Disney is just trying to keep pace with its competitors in terms of the "ride the movies" park mantra. Again, looking at DL, its most of the non-IP attractions that are the most popular. Certainly the longest surviving. And I just frankly don't think that's a coincidence. DL audiences know to expect some unique stuff at the parks. I don't get why Disney is so afraid to give it to them anymore. Actually, I do know why they're afraid...because they have a risk-averse, profit-minded CEO who wouldn't even cross the street unless he was sure there was a pot of gold on the other side.
This really comes off as arrogant. For the record, I agree the average American is not smart. If a "C" is an average grade, it doesn't take much to hit that achievement. Look at our recent election.
However, that has little relevance to enjoyment of a theme park. It's not a museum.
Perhaps other than some technological patents, Disney IP's are the only thing proprietary about a Disney theme park. This isn't 1959; they're not the only game in town. Technological advances, trained employees working elsewhere, and multi-billion dollar conglomerates make alternate theme parks of Disney level theming doable if the money and will are there. The only thing they couldn't do is use Mickey Mouse, et al.
Anyone can make an animatronic boat tour of children around the world. Why would they? What year is this again?
Disney was first to market in the theme park (not just amusement park) arena. They will benefit from that for years to come just like Band-Aid and Kleenex. They have brand loyalty and nostalgia it will take Universal decades to build up. If Walt had a "special something," that's not going to help any going forward. Someone can sing as well as Frank Sinatra without duplicating his success.
But if Universal and Disney both put their minds to a non-IP attraction focusing on butterflies by 2021, neither has an advantage.
If either of them makes a hit animated film about butterflies in the meantime, that company then has the advantage.
Yes Walt took risks and luckily they paid off.
And that may be a lightning in a bottle moment that won't be repeated in the same way.
I know from my own business: if I tried to start it today the way I started it 20 years ago, it couldn't have come together the same way. The circumstances that existed then don't exist now. Conversely, if I tried to create the current incarnation of my business 20 years ago as it is now, it would have failed spectacularly. You can't just pick a formula that worked years ago and apply it now and assume it will always work. It may; it may not.
All I'm fighting for is balance in the parks. Build SWL. Build Marvel Land. Build Pixar Pier. But also balance that out with something else. I don't get why that's asking too much.
Is anyone arguing against that?
