Toy Story Mania & BLSRS

[Enchanted Tiki Bird]

I read about Toy Story Mania that is to open in MGM in 2008 on Allearsnet.

http://www.allears.net/tp/mgm/tsm.htm

I was wondering if they will shut down Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin as a result. Some of the elements of the new attraction seem similiar to BLSRS and both are based on the Toy Story movies.

What do you think?

 

[mrp4352]

They're in two different parks and Buzz is extremely popular. They have 3D movies in each park, so this (to me) wouldn't be any different.

Besides, they can't shut it down, I haven't broken 999,999 like my best friend yet!

 

[Enchanted Tiki Bird]

But the 3D movies are differently themed. This almost seems like a repeat to me.

 

[JWG]

I would guess yes, they will replace Buzz at Tomorrowland. Likely not immediately, but shortly thereafter.

While its popular, they don't necessarily need two of them. Its been awhile since there's been a major attraction change in Tomorrowland hasn't it? I don't count changing the Alien encounter (which I loved, but probably scared too many kids) to Stitch's Great Escape.

 

[daber]

I thought the story for the Midway Mania was that the Toy Story characters were upset that Buzz got a ride and they didn't.

Besides, if this logic went to it's conclusion, WDW would have to get rid of all but one of the following rides:
Dumbo, Astro-Orbitor, Aladdin's Carpet, Triceratops Spin

 

[Enchanted Tiki Bird]

Besides, if this logic went to it's conclusion, WDW would have to get rid of all but one of the following rides:
Dumbo, Astro-Orbitor, Aladdin's Carpet, Triceratops Spin

How do you figure?

 

[amw]

I don't think they have any plans of getting rid of Buzz. In DLR, the Toy Mania will be at DCA and Buzz is at DL, and there are absolutely no rumours of Buzz closing. Like a previous poster mentioned, they are in two different parks. Buzz is a space-game ride, and Toy Mania (at least at DCA) is supposed to be boardwalk-type interactive games. Different enough

 

[Another Voice]

As long as there are action figures and DVDs and toy guns to sell, 'Buzz Lightyear' is going to remain open. First rule at WDW is that any attraction the generates revenue (i.e., has a shop attached to it) gets more attention than "stand alone" attractions.

Disney will kill Big Thunder long before they close anything with a Pixar Character attached.

Which brings up the latest interesting whisper - a 'Woody' rethemeing of Big Thunder...

 

[daber]

All four rides are the same, you sit in the vehicle and go around the center point with the ability to move the car up or down. If WDW gets rid of Buzz because it is the same as Midway Mania, then three of these rides would also go.

 

[Enchanted Tiki Bird]

there are absolutely no rumours of Buzz closing

I didn't mean to suggest that there were any rumours about closing Buzz. I was just curious as to what everyone thought.

 

[Disneybag]

I know the concept art shows the contrary, but I really hope they have DL Buzz style cannons. The secured cannons at WDW are especially annoying after using the handheld at DL or on MIB at Universal.

 

[ChrisFL]

I know the concept art shows the contrary, but I really hope they have DL Buzz style cannons. The secured cannons at WDW are especially annoying after using the handheld at DL or on MIB at Universal.

Agreed, I thought I heard a rumor that they were going to change them to the DL version but it hasn't happened yet

 

[perdidochas]

I read about Toy Story Mania that is to open in MGM in 2008 on Allearsnet.

http://www.allears.net/tp/mgm/tsm.htm

I was wondering if they will shut down Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin as a result. Some of the elements of the new attraction seem similiar to BLSRS and both are based on the Toy Story movies.

What do you think?

Well, I think it's going to be fun.

 

[SoCalKDG]

I know the concept art shows the contrary, but I really hope they have DL Buzz style cannons. The secured cannons at WDW are especially annoying after using the handheld at DL or on MIB at Universal.

I believe you can't have the gun move. As you shoot your cannon you will see a 3D objects leave from your cannon. The cameras need to know exactly where your cannon is at all times for the 3D effects to happen. This is most easily obtainable with a stationary gun.

 

[SoCalKDG]

Which brings up the latest interesting whisper - a 'Woody' rethemeing of Big Thunder...

Haven't heard that one although it could be a variation of this rumor.

What I've read is an ongoing rumor for the area behind DL's Big Thunder. Woody's Roundup with a couple rides providing a transistion from Frontierland to Fantasyland. Half the area would be authentic western then slowly change to a cartoon looking western area.

Woody already hangs out in this area, I'd rather move him to his own area away from Big Thunder.

 

[Another Voice]

There's also an idea for the 'Woody Area' project that would incorporate a shopping mall roller coaster as a 'kiddie version' of Big Thunder as well. Everyone at WDI remains in a mad panic to plug a Pixar character into any project to save their job.

And the 'Woody Mountain' (stop snickering) project seems to have more support in Florida than it does out at Disneyland. Being next to 'Splash' it's more cartoony already, plus there more area outfron to build the shop and stage.

It's going to come down to how much the company is going to hype Toy Story 3. Iger doesn't have the deep gut hatred of the west that Eisner had so it's going to be easier to get Woody & Jesse projects approved, but the financial outlook for the parks between now and 2009 isn't all that rosey. It would be a battle to get the capital approved.

 

[MJMcBride]

but the financial outlook for the parks between now and 2009 isn't all that rosey. It would be a battle to get the capital approved.

why is that?

 

[EUROPACL]

why is that?

 

[Another Voice]

Yes, Mr. EUROPACL has once again brilliantly answered the question far better than I could have.

In words - Disney's domestic parks have hit their limits. WDW's peak attendance was in 2000, Disneyland's appears now to be 2005. Everyone that wants to see a Disney park now does so; there are no more "untapped" markets that can boast attendance. The only way Disney can grow the parks is by reducing the length of time between trips - and with Annual Passes, DVC and discounts they're nearing the limit of the annual trip goers as well. Animal Kingdom has shown the just adding stuff to WDW won't increase the length of stay; Disney refuses to invest the captial to make Disneyland a real multi-day destination. Prices are now so high that it's the primary reason people don't go to the parks (crowds and poor service being #2 and #3). Nornal people no longer believe a trip to WDW is a good value.

So Disney is face with either lowing prices (which will lower revenue), investing more capital (which will lower earnings) or doing nothing and live with the situation.

Disney's real good about doing nothing. The goal is to continue to cut costs faster while finding new sources of revenue from the people that still show up. Maybe they can squeak through some modest increases or at least keep stable.