Would a Doctor Who attraction be popular in the Studios?

[Ralphlaw]

Okay, so for New Year's Day, we 're going to have "Who Year's Day". Wear your Dr. Who gear and come to Epcot. My family and I way would all wear Dr. Who t-shirts one day at Epcot, and lots of people thought it was great. Even some of the CM's pointed out that we shouldn't blink in Italy (weeping angels) and when you go to Mission Space, "Don't drink the water."

By the way, there's a bunch of Dr. Who merch in one of the back UK shops, along with Beatles, Monty Python, etc . . .

Seriously, we'll be there all in Who gear on New Year's day. See you then.

 

[slappy magoo]

Even if Disney expressed interest and was able to acquire the rights, the one thing you'd have a problem with is continuity. Namely, by the time you were able to develop an attraction based on the current incarnation of Dr. Who, there would probably be a new Dr. Who. Unless you could create some kind of "interactive adventure" where LITERALLY ANYONE RIDING THE ATTRACTION could be Dr. Who, there would be an immediate buzzkill if Who du jour is replaced before the attraction opens, and I doubt they'd spend the dough re mi to keep updating the attraction with the new Who.

Or maybe the interactive adventure could involve footage or CGI representations of all the different actors who've played the Doctor, and your adventure would vary based on which Doctor you picked for your experience.

 

[Ralphlaw]

Actually, a Dr. Who weekend would be fun. With Tardises hidden all over, and people dressed as different Doctors or aliens. It could be similar to the Star War's weekend, and thus perhaps better suited to Studios in that respect (although with a corresponding loss of ambience).

Of course, you could also have a BBC weekend, with Monty Python people, Sherlock people, Downton Abbey people, etc . . . Oh yeah. Book it now.

 

[SugarMagnolia75]

Even if Disney expressed interest and was able to acquire the rights, the one thing you'd have a problem with is continuity. Namely, by the time you were able to develop an attraction based on the current incarnation of Dr. Who, there would probably be a new Dr. Who. Unless you could create some kind of "interactive adventure" where LITERALLY ANYONE RIDING THE ATTRACTION could be Dr. Who, there would be an immediate buzzkill if Who du jour is replaced before the attraction opens, and I doubt they'd spend the dough re mi to keep updating the attraction with the new Who.

Or maybe the interactive adventure could involve footage or CGI representations of all the different actors who've played the Doctor, and your adventure would vary based on which Doctor you picked for your experience.

I don't think that would really be a problem. Time Lords can go anywhere in time, so the Doctor's timeline doesn't move in a linear fashion. And Whovians would be happy to see an attractions showcasing any of the Doctors. I think even just having a Tardis in the UK would be pretty awesome.

 

[jloucks]

Firstly I have never heard of any ideas of a Doctor Who attraction being built at Disney, it's just something I thought about before we have 100 pages of arguments .

Coming from the UK, Doctor Who has been something I remember from being a small child over 40 years ago. One thing I've noticed in America in recent years however is that Doctor Who seems quite popular there now too. I saw quite a few Tardis tee shirts last year and my wife was asked about the latest tv series by two different people when they spotted her Doctor Who purse.

But out of curiosity does anyone think that it would ever be popular enough to have it's own attraction (again I've heard nothing about this happening)? A dark ride featuring the various Doctors with the tardis appearing or disappearing in different scenes. Daleks, cybermen possibly Davros animatronics and it could be quite fun. But is Doctor Who popular enough over in the states?

It would be super popular. My daughter (13 yrs old) is way into it right now. A lot of them are. She even joined a jewely of the month club that caters to fans.

 

[doctornick]

I don't think that would really be a problem. Time Lords can go anywhere in time, so the Doctor's timeline doesn't move in a linear fashion. And Whovians would be happy to see an attractions showcasing any of the Doctors. I think even just having a Tardis in the UK would be pretty awesome.

Yeah, I don't think it would have to feature the "current" Doctor to be successful. Ideally, I would suggest an attraction that has 2 of the recent Doctors involved which would give it a more timeless vibe. (Actually, I'd love to have one modern and one original series Doctor, but the actors from the classic incarnation are just too old at this point to do a good portrayal in character; but man it would be awesome to have an attraction featuring Tom Baker.)

 

[Obi Walt Kenobi]

Well I doesnt seem impossible looks like Disney XD just signed a deal where the will be airing Doctor Who seasons 1-4.

 

[Eckert]

Imagine a World Showcase with rides! A Doctor Who ride in UK, Frozen at Norway, the Germany boat ride, and the crown jewel...THE FABLED MOUNT FUJI ROLLERCOASTER IN JAPAN.

I should run this company.

 

[slappy magoo]

Well…THAT was certainly prescient. Or creepy. Or Who-esque?
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/71126

BBC'S ICONIC SCI-FI DRAMA "DOCTOR WHO"
TO PREMIERE ON DISNEY XD BEGINNING MAY 9

-- Starring David Tennant, Seasons Two Through Four of the Global Family Action Adventure Hit to Air on Disney XD --


BBC's world-renowned science-fiction drama "Doctor Who" will premiere on Disney XD beginning SATURDAY, MAY 9 (9:00 p.m., ET/PT). Disney XD, home to other top-rated action-adventure programming, including Lucasfilm's "Star Wars Rebels" and Marvel Television's animated series, has picked up seasons two through four of the global sci-fi hit. The landmark series depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a time lord who travels through space and time in his TARDIS, combatting various enemies to save civilizations around the globe.

On Saturday, May 9, Disney XD will feature a preview airing of "Doctor Who" (season two, episode one - "New Earth"), following the Disney XD premiere of "Fantastic Four" (6:45 p.m., ET/PT). In "New Earth," the Doctor and Rose board the TARDIS for new adventures in time and space. But when they visit mankind's new home, far in the future, they find gruesome secrets hidden inside a luxury hospital. And an enemy thought long since dead, the paper-thin Cassandra, is out for revenge.

Season Two, "Adventures in time and space," will continue to rollout on Disney XD beginning Saturday, June 13. The special week-long programming event will give fans eight episodes, airing daily Saturday, June 13 through Saturday, June 20. Beginning June 14, episodes will also be available on the WATCH Disney XD app, which allows consumers to watch on tablets, phones, computers and connected TVs.

Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD said, "It has been a pleasure working with BBC, and we are thrilled that their hallmark drama series 'Doctor Who' is joining the Disney XD programming line-up. This iconic series features the high-quality, high-stakes action and adventure storytelling that our viewers love. The show headlines one of the most charismatic lead characters in television in the form of the Doctor and showcases a compelling rogues' gallery of villains from around the universe."

"Disney XD is recognized for its family-friendly programming, making the channel a great partner to introduce the David Tennant seasons of 'Doctor Who' to a new generation of viewers," said Matt Forde, EVP Sales & Co-productions, TV, BBC Worldwide North America.

"Doctor Who" originally ran on British television for 26 seasons between 1963 and 1989, before it was re-launched in 2005. Following the phenomenal success of the first season of the re-launched version that took British television by storm in 2005, the second installment is full of new thrills, new laughs, new heartbreak and some terrifying new monsters. Together, the Doctor and Rose (played by Billie Piper) travel back in time to the Highlands of Scotland to find Queen Victoria confronted by a terrifying Werewolf, and into the future where an evil team of humanoid-feline nuns hide a sinister secret at the heart of their hospital. A spaceship in the future holds a doorway to 18th Century France, where lethal Clockwork Droids stalk Versailles, and back on 21st-century Earth the human race is threatened by an army of emotionless Cybermen. The second installment was produced by BBC in association with CBC.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for kids age 6-11, hyper-targeting boys and transporting them into worlds full of humor, unexpected fun and inspiring action-filled adventures. Disney XD-branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser-supported network that reaches over 80 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. In total, there are 31 Disney XD channels available in 25 languages around the world.

BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) operating in the U.S. and Canada. The company exists to maximize the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the UK license payer and invests in public service programming in return for rights. The company operates channels, a production arm, consumer products and a digital business, in addition to handling sales & co-productions. Under these businesses fall two key brands in the U.S. – digital cable channel BBC AMERICA and BBC Worldwide Productions, the production arm responsible for the smash hit Dancing with the Stars.

 

[Becky]

Well…THAT was certainly prescient. Or creepy. Or Who-esque?
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/71126

BBC'S ICONIC SCI-FI DRAMA "DOCTOR WHO"
TO PREMIERE ON DISNEY XD BEGINNING MAY 9

-- Starring David Tennant, Seasons Two Through Four of the Global Family Action Adventure Hit to Air on Disney XD --


BBC's world-renowned science-fiction drama "Doctor Who" will premiere on Disney XD beginning SATURDAY, MAY 9 (9:00 p.m., ET/PT). Disney XD, home to other top-rated action-adventure programming, including Lucasfilm's "Star Wars Rebels" and Marvel Television's animated series, has picked up seasons two through four of the global sci-fi hit. The landmark series depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a time lord who travels through space and time in his TARDIS, combatting various enemies to save civilizations around the globe.

On Saturday, May 9, Disney XD will feature a preview airing of "Doctor Who" (season two, episode one - "New Earth"), following the Disney XD premiere of "Fantastic Four" (6:45 p.m., ET/PT). In "New Earth," the Doctor and Rose board the TARDIS for new adventures in time and space. But when they visit mankind's new home, far in the future, they find gruesome secrets hidden inside a luxury hospital. And an enemy thought long since dead, the paper-thin Cassandra, is out for revenge.

Season Two, "Adventures in time and space," will continue to rollout on Disney XD beginning Saturday, June 13. The special week-long programming event will give fans eight episodes, airing daily Saturday, June 13 through Saturday, June 20. Beginning June 14, episodes will also be available on the WATCH Disney XD app, which allows consumers to watch on tablets, phones, computers and connected TVs.

Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD said, "It has been a pleasure working with BBC, and we are thrilled that their hallmark drama series 'Doctor Who' is joining the Disney XD programming line-up. This iconic series features the high-quality, high-stakes action and adventure storytelling that our viewers love. The show headlines one of the most charismatic lead characters in television in the form of the Doctor and showcases a compelling rogues' gallery of villains from around the universe."

"Disney XD is recognized for its family-friendly programming, making the channel a great partner to introduce the David Tennant seasons of 'Doctor Who' to a new generation of viewers," said Matt Forde, EVP Sales & Co-productions, TV, BBC Worldwide North America.

"Doctor Who" originally ran on British television for 26 seasons between 1963 and 1989, before it was re-launched in 2005. Following the phenomenal success of the first season of the re-launched version that took British television by storm in 2005, the second installment is full of new thrills, new laughs, new heartbreak and some terrifying new monsters. Together, the Doctor and Rose (played by Billie Piper) travel back in time to the Highlands of Scotland to find Queen Victoria confronted by a terrifying Werewolf, and into the future where an evil team of humanoid-feline nuns hide a sinister secret at the heart of their hospital. A spaceship in the future holds a doorway to 18th Century France, where lethal Clockwork Droids stalk Versailles, and back on 21st-century Earth the human race is threatened by an army of emotionless Cybermen. The second installment was produced by BBC in association with CBC.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for kids age 6-11, hyper-targeting boys and transporting them into worlds full of humor, unexpected fun and inspiring action-filled adventures. Disney XD-branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser-supported network that reaches over 80 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. In total, there are 31 Disney XD channels available in 25 languages around the world.

BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) operating in the U.S. and Canada. The company exists to maximize the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the UK license payer and invests in public service programming in return for rights. The company operates channels, a production arm, consumer products and a digital business, in addition to handling sales & co-productions. Under these businesses fall two key brands in the U.S. – digital cable channel BBC AMERICA and BBC Worldwide Productions, the production arm responsible for the smash hit Dancing with the Stars.

 

[Becky]

I vote yes for a Dr. Who attraction BUT I would not put it in Epcot UK. Instead I would replace Stitch's Great Boring with it. You would enter the Tardis and travel with the Doctor. Over time the attraction would become very popular. Much more so that SGE.

 

[Britt]

Probably!

I was never able to get into the show (although I came in at a super weird episode), was never able to give it a second chance. LOL

 

[Obi Walt Kenobi]

I vote yes for a Dr. Who attraction BUT I would not put it in Epcot UK. Instead I would replace Stitch's Great Boring with it. You would enter the Tardis and travel with the Doctor. Over time the attraction would become very popular. Much more so that SGE.

Brilliant idea! The sort of attracttion would lend itself well to a Doctor who.

 

[FettFan]

I vote yes for a Dr. Who attraction BUT I would not put it in Epcot UK. Instead I would replace Stitch's Great Boring with it. You would enter the Tardis and travel with the Doctor. Over time the attraction would become very popular. Much more so that SGE.

It's kind of already been done. Due to a downswing in popularity, it was gutted for Monsters Inc.

God I still miss Robin Williams.

 

[Ralphlaw]

Imagine a World Showcase with rides! A Doctor Who ride in UK, Frozen at Norway, the Germany boat ride, and the crown jewel...THE FABLED MOUNT FUJI ROLLERCOASTER IN JAPAN.

I should run this company.

Not to burst your balloon too badly, but coming up with attraction ideas is fun, and relatively easy. The hard parts are:

1. Paying for them.
2. Convincing the bigwigs that they will be popular and profitable.
3. Engineering them, given space, budget and government restrictions.
4. Getting the right people on board and trained to design, build and run them.

My son wants to be an imagineer, so I encouraged him to redesign the Figment ride. He had all kinds of ideas, but then I told him that the next step was to fit the ideas inside the current ride's footprint, and bring it in without so many new bells and whistles that no Board that can count would reject it. That second part is very hard. We'd all love to have carte blanche authority and blank checks, but making them a reality takes a lot more than brainstorming.

With that being said, I love your ideas. I would also love a Dr. Who attraction of some sort. Maybe the bigwigs will listen, but I doubt that Dr. Who is popular enough to warrant an outside trademark agreement ala Twilight Zone, Indiana Jones or Star Wars.

 

[Sora_Keyblade]

I love the show and would love to see it have a presence in WDW, especially in the UK Pavilion. If it was a Star Tours like attraction, there could be a different adventure each time and it could easily be updated as the Doctor regenerates.
Epcot is in need of more attractions, and it would be great to see the World Showcase grow.

 

[blueboxdoctor]

Not sure. I'd love it, but I'm not sure if it has the popularity to work. They should have something with that (and Downton Abbey, oh and Luther, we need a meet and greet with Alice from Luther, actually, that alone will be just fine) in the UK section of EPCOT.

It's weird though, because how would they choose what to highlight? I'd argue the show really got big here with Matt Smith (that's when I noticed more stores carrying merchandise, more people wearing merchandise, and overall more exposure if it) but most people love Tennant (I think Smith is a lot better, even if the writing fell apart at the end) and now Capaldi has confidently taken over the role.

But I believe they are making some sort of BBC themed park over in England that is going to include DW, Sherlock, and Top Gear (well, maybe not Top Gear now, who knows what is happening there).

 

[LieutLaww]

Its not just BBC themed its Paramount's Entertainment Resort in the UK the BBC has signed a deal to have a BBC area.

 

[Foolish Mortal]

I would love and look forward to this idea if it was possible. Especially if it was able to include all of them. I'd have a lot more interest than the AK expansion.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

I am an American in my mid 40's

I can't believe that you've gone through 40 years and never heard of Dr Who