It is official afterall. Star Wars Land and Cars Land at DHS!

[murmkc]

I have always speculated that a star wars land would eventually be added to DHS. When Disney purchased Lucas film, I figured it was a no brainer.

I would be shocked if it did not happen soon.

 

[brertoad]

I hope they don't destroy the Muppets 3D. I <3 the Muppets.

 

[DPCummerbund]

I remember being pretty excited when I read the article over on themeparkinsider.com a few days ago.

I was even more excited when I saw the thread here that Disney had made the news official! Woohoo! I couldn't wait to read all the details.

Then I saw that it wasn't official after all, but merely a repost of the themeparkinsider post.




I got really bummed.




You all can say what you want about trolls and such, and argue about the use of the word "official". All I want to say is that when I hear that something is official, I expect to see an announcement from Disney, probably with at least some level of detail. I'm always sad when that turns out not to be the case.

I guess I'll just have to learn to live with the idea that "official" has one meaning in the real world and another one on the DIS.

 

[StephyDee]

I guess I'll just have to learn to live with the idea that "official" has one meaning in the real world and another one on the DIS.

Sadly, I have come to realize this too. Still doesn't stop that split second reaction of "OMG WHAT?!?!?!?! " before you read to find out the details. I know better, but it still bothers me.

 

[OklahomaTourist]

I actually think they need to expand the actual size of the park as well, as it's currently very cramped. A slight detour to the car park entrance road would free up some space behind Star Tours and the Muppets. This might allow them to free up other areas of the park (and hoepfully move the hat away!).

I also hope they don't get rid of all the old school Hollywood attractions. Universal Studios did this, and the park has lost virtually all its charm. I don't want DHS to become a place that is good for rides, but has nothing to see.

I understand where you're coming from, but the problem is the theming was part of the original, production-oriented nature of the park when it opened. Unless I"m mistaken, they produce nothing at DHS anymore, and don't intend to - they found the dual problems of production and crowd management to be impossible to reconcile, just as I think Universal did. I think MGM saw this coming miles away, which is why they (and even Disney) didn't want their name attached to the park from several years ago.

Disney has really neglected DHS IMO, doesn't really know what to do with it, and the only thing that makes sense now is something big on the scale of a Star Wars Land or Cars Land. The Backlot Tour takes you on a tour of nothing anymore. LMA was, to me, dated when we went five years ago. I remember on our last visit in 2011 the wait queue for Backlot Tour was showing clips from "Pearl Harbor" and its cutting edge effects...really?!?

The NY city/forced perspective streets are fun the first couple of times you see them, but after that, there's not much point. When we went through them last week, there was nobody there. Once you get past TSMM, people seem to be ignoring the Backlot Tour and LMA in droves. Indy is still packing people in, but I can't help but wonder what percentage of that is nostalgia...its one of my personal favorites (and I've gotten picked from the audience a couple of times), but even I have to admit it feels really, really stale. And even my mother, my 77-year-old movie-loving, AMC-watching mom, thinks the Great Movie Ride was lame.

All this is to say that keeping the theming of DHS is missing the point - movie production is long since in the park's rear-view mirrors. They might reserve some of that in an overhaul, I suppose, but going forward, I just can't see how Disney can justify keeping the place in the status quo with so many opportunities to leverage newer features at their fingertips.

 

[mm1971]

Good article. Hope it all comes to fruition. By 2018, my children will be well into their teens, but we'll find a way to enjoy it!

 

[TJSkinner]

With Tower of Terror and the Rock n Roller Coaster Hollywood Studios began to have some real appeal to guests. The Great Movie Ride needs revamping with some newer movies added, and since Disney owns the Marvel characters and Star Wars franchise these would be great additions. As well as adding Great and Powerful Oz before The Wizard of Oz scenes. I agree with so many others that the backlot tour and downtown America sections are a waste of real estate, but with the new Pixar Planes coming out, maybe a tie in to Cars/Planes would be even better than just a Cars land. Planes could bring about a ride similar to Soaring, and a roller coaster along the lines of Rockin Roller Coaster. Star Wars has too many opportunities to even begin to discuss, although something touring all the planets, etc. would be interesting.

 

[bigAWL]

With Tower of Terror and the Rock n Roller Coaster Hollywood Studios began to have some real appeal to guests. The Great Movie Ride needs revamping with some newer movies added, and since Disney owns the Marvel characters and Star Wars franchise these would be great additions. As well as adding Great and Powerful Oz before The Wizard of Oz scenes. I agree with so many others that the backlot tour and downtown America sections are a waste of real estate, but with the new Pixar Planes coming out, maybe a tie in to Cars/Planes would be even better than just a Cars land. Planes could bring about a ride similar to Soaring, and a roller coaster along the lines of Rockin Roller Coaster. Star Wars has too many opportunities to even begin to discuss, although something touring all the planets, etc. would be interesting.

They could call it "Star Tours!"

 

[skier_pete]

Interesting that just two days before this article we were touring Imagineering with the DIS Backstage Magic tour. I don't want to say too much about what they showed us, and they didn't show us ANYTHING that would indicate future construction - and believe me, I tried to peak around corners and such...

..but we were talking to the imagineers that were giving us the tour, trying to pry out information, and one other person on our tour brought up whether there was going to be any Star Wars stuff coming up. The imagineer basically said "I can't say anything about that, except that, well..Disney bought Star Wars." and he gave a little smile and a shrug. You really could take it for whatever you wanted, but my interpretation was that something's coming.

The other thing that I got a strong vibe out there from CMs and other folks as well as that big things are brewing for D23. They do not want a bust like the last D23.

 

[Lewisc]

The imagineer basically said "I can't say anything about that, except that, well..Disney bought Star Wars." and he gave a little smile and a shrug. You really could take it for whatever you wanted, but my interpretation was that something's coming.

The other thing that I got a strong vibe out there from CMs and other folks as well as that big things are brewing for D23. They do not want a bust like the last D23.

I have little doubt, although no facts to support this opinion, Disney has imagineers coming with ideas and plans for Star Wars and Cars "Lands" in DHS. Doesn't mean it will happen.

Assume both wind up being true.

Would people be happy if the additions for Star War Land was a new and improved gift shop, restaurant and signage?

If the main attraction for Cars Land is a 4 D movie replacing the existing Muppet movie? Of course a character restaurant and gift shops.

Isn't Radiator Springs Racers basically test tack with a different theme? Florida never got the Indy ride. Instead we got Dinosaur , using the same technology. One of the other sites said the decision has already been made not to put Radiator Springs Racers in Florida. Only a rumor but plausible.

 

[skier_pete]

Isn't Radiator Springs Racers basically test tack with a different theme?

If you think that, you haven't ridden it. RSR is to test track like Haunted Mansion is to Winnie the Pooh.

 

[doconeill]

If you think that, you haven't ridden it. RSR is to test track like Haunted Mansion is to Winnie the Pooh.

Well, I'd say more like Haunted Mansion is to Buzz Lightyear, or Under The Sea.

RSR is based on the same technology as Test Track, but it isn't the same ride at all. It isn't the same layout with a retheme, which was the case of Indiana Jones/Dinosaur, which is the exact same layout and technology, but with a different theme (ride motion, etc. may be altered, but it is the same vehicles and exact same track).

 

[JustinCB95]

Part of me would be excited for Carsland in DHS, but like others have said, it should be the signature attraction for DCA, and DCA only. Otherwise, there doesn't seem to be much of a reason to visit DCA. When Carsland was first announced, that's one of the reasons that actually intrigued me to visit (even though I haven't yet, but you know..it's not easy when you're on the East coast, I'll give you that).

Star Wars Land, on the other hand, I'm not too thrilled about. I'll be honest, I wasn't even too thrilled about Disney purchasing it. I just can't look at Star Wars and say "That's Disney", because really, it's not. I know there's some huge supporters of the Star Wars franchise, and the land itself, but I feel like it would make a better addition over at Universal, regardless of them being Disney's competition.

I definitely agree with DHS expanding its Pixar land. I would love to see a Monstropolis land, or something with the Incredibles (Where is Incredibles 2?!), and things like that. As long as it's DISNEY, and can be recognized as such, I'm all for it being added to DHS. Keep it unique, and Disney authentic.

 

[doconeill]

Where is Incredibles 2?!

Brad Bird has been thinking about it for a while, and still wants to do it if it makes sense, and has ideas but hasn't come up with a cohesive plot yet. He's currently busy on Tomorrowland.

Disney planned on making a sequel years ago without Pixar's involvement, before the acquisition of Pixar. Most plans at that point were tossed.

 

[Twin Dad]

According to this rumor, looks like Star Wars Land might be smaller than we originally thought.

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/TheDailySuperHero/news/?a=81750
I don't know how reliable this source is but I have a hard time believing that Mos Eisley Cantina would not be part of Star Wars Land.

 

[doconeill]

According to this rumor, looks like Star Wars Land might be smaller than we originally thought.

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/TheDailySuperHero/news/?a=81750
I don't know how reliable this source is but I have a hard time believing that Mos Eisley Cantina would not be part of Star Wars Land.

But it's posted on the internet, and comes from a "very knowledgeable source". Must be official.

I can't see them taking out the Backlot Express and NOT putting in a Cantina.

And I seriously doubt fans would accept just relocating JTA and putting in a kiddie ride...

Then again, this would be the perfectly underwhelming announcement they've done so far this year.

You know who seems to be quiet about all these rumors? Jim Hill...I don't recall him chiming in...

 

[mvk]

IF this does happen, what is everyone's wishlist for SW and Cars at DHS? Do you want them to replicate CarsLand exactly from DCA to DHS?

My thoughts -

CarsLand - I think it should be a bit scaled back, I'd be happy with just the town of Radiator Springs and the RSR attraction. Though I would want them to do the long rumored Monsters Inc attraction that is supposedly on tap for next to TSMM. I would think if that was in the cards, though, it would be opening soon, to coincide with Monstrous Summer and the prequel.

As for RSR, I would actually prefer for them to theme it more along the lines of Cars 2, just to give it a change from the original out in DCA. Granted, I've never been to DCA and the new attraction, but I think it would be nice to mix it up. I understand that Cars 2 is widely panned (I don't think its all that bad), but they have some great visuals to work with, with the Tokyo street scene, the Rainbow Bridge, Porto Corso and the Casino Bridge, and London in general with Big Bentley and everything else. They could use the different race cars from the movie as the ride cars, while still having Lightning and Mater alongside as props or whatever.

Star Wars Galaxy - I have given my plans elsewhere here, but it would include a large expansion and at this point, it isn't looking like that will happen. In lieu of that, I would definitely like to see the indoor Jedi Training Academy with the Turtle Talk technology (Yoda). I think a spinner ride is needed at DHS, and Star Wars provides the perfect fit, as there are many different types of ride vehicles they can use, whether its pod racers, speed bikes, x-wings, TIE Fighters, or even little versions of the Millenium Falcon. This would help address the lack of rides/attractions for the little ones who are under 40".

I agree the Cantina would be the logical choice for eatery, whether TS or QS, but I can see them going with a more general Star Wars theme. The Cantina wouldn't be quite the same without all of the aliens in it, and it would be difficult to create and maintain that many workable AA, and not exactly feasible to outfit CM's who are servers into the type of costumes needed to pull it off well. This would be another chance for them to incorporate the Millenium Falcon, as they can build out the facade of the restaurant to look like the great ship.

I have to think they'd want to add an E-Ticket ride in there as well, and X-Wing vs TIE Fighter attraction would be great, if they can come up with a good concept, or use the technology they patented for the wind-tunnel airplane attraction.

If what is coming out from the different sources is accurate, it doesn't seem like they are going to have separately themed areas for different planets, which is a disappointment. Would love to see a Tatooine area with Jabba's Palace, a PodRacer attraction, Mos Eisley Cantina, and M&G areas for Jawas, Tusken Raiders, Boba Fett, etc. A Coruscant area with the Jedi Temple (maybe the Sound Studio with a new facade) for the Jedi Training Academy, and Streets of America rethemed to Coruscant. A Naboo area with Theed Palace and Naboo Falls (E-Ticket ride similar to Matterhorn Bobsleds). The Death Star. An Endor area with a playground for kids to replace Honey I Shrunk the Kids area, and M&G's with various characters.

 

[Moxin]

According to this rumor, looks like Star Wars Land might be smaller than we originally thought.

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/TheDailySuperHero/news/?a=81750
I don't know how reliable this source is but I have a hard time believing that Mos Eisley Cantina would not be part of Star Wars Land.

"According to an amusement park source who is very knowledgable of the inner workings of the world's largest entertainment company, the following two changes are happening at the Orlando park that are Star Wars-related."

You'll have to excuse me if I don't quite believe that one.

 

[TexasMousEars]

The other thing that I got a strong vibe out there from CMs and other folks as well as that big things are brewing for D23. They do not want a bust like the last D23.

Well I went to the first Expo in 2009 and had a great time - a few hiccups but for the most part it was fun. And then went again in 2011 - and had an absoltuely wretched experience. Based on 2011, I am not planning on going this year. I spent a ton on funds to fly out there, get a hotel room, pay for parking at the airport, kennelling the dog. And for what? For 3 days I stood in line after line after line; I didn't get to see the Legends ceremony, didn't get into not ONE single seminar after spending hours sitting on the blue carpet. And don't even get me started on all the folks with "press" credentials who were able to waltz into what ever seminars they wanted - no waiting in line.

Based on that, I'm saving my money and staying home this year. I can sit on my own carpet for alot less money. I hope for those who are going - they have improved things but when I heard there were going to be even more people - I said NOPE, not doing it to me again.

Cristi

 

[Lewisc]

If you think that, you haven't ridden it. RSR is to test track like Haunted Mansion is to Winnie the Pooh.

I haven't ridden RSR. Another board, with detailed (but still rumor) information said RSR won't be part of DHS Carsland. I used the Indy Dinosaur analogy. Disney never officially gave us a reason why Indy never made it Florida. I don't think they'll give us a reason if RSR doesn't make it either.

The fact that RSR is something like the next generation test track technology doesn't necessarily mean it's coming to Orlando.

We don't know the cost to operate Lights...We don't know how popular it is. I have no idea who owns the theme park rights to Fast and Furious; changing the theme of Lights to Fast and Furious might be popular. I doubt that will happen, just an idea.

My speculation. "Cars Land" and "Star Wars Land" both offer opportunities for restaurants and gift shops. Logical to either or both might happen.

The Cantina wouldn't be quite the same without all of the aliens in it, and it would be difficult to create and maintain that many workable AA, and not exactly feasible to outfit CM's who are servers into the type of costumes needed to pull it off well.

Think of a character meal. Some of the aliens will be walking around for photos.