12 Hollywood Studios Rumors (A Disney Rumors video is on pg. 1) and (an update is on pg. 16)

[DDLand]

ADA doesn't apply retroactively to building that are already open, and there was an elevator available for use. Horizons was opened and closed sporadically over 2-3 years before it was closed permanently, so even if there was a sinkhole, that would have been a fairly cavalier approach to personnel and park attendee safety. Not sure I completely buy that rumor.

That being said DDLand, I think you and I are just going to have to agree to disagree. We have different perspectives of what goes on, and presumably still enjoy the parks regardless of our perspective on this issue. We can continue to look forward to whatever they are doing, and hopefully we will all be pleasantly surprised with their future plans.

I'm not finding exactly why that closed, and you're right about ADA. I heard a reasonable sounding explanation once that I'm forgetting.

The sinkhole was a real thing according to several sources.

You're right. We should just agree to disagree. With that said I don't think it's a strong grievance. Disney's history is just really limited on that front. Now if you wanted to argue the value has gone down then I can agree with you.

As an aside, MK has (had) one example. The skyway existed for long after closure with no replacement.

 

[DDLand]

And that's why instead of adding a third theater or track to existing rides they should be turning those spaces into something.

Yeah, I agree. With that said it just hasn't happened that much in recent history. There too few examples to make blanket statements like Disney closes attractions with no replacements. That is an extreme rarity.

Though I still don't understand why you don't want a shorter line on Soarin.

 

[rteetz]

Yeah, I agree. With that said it just hasn't happened that much in recent history. There too few examples to make blanket statements like Disney closes attractions with no replacements. That is an extreme rarity.

Though I still don't understand why you don't want a shorter line on Soarin.

I would like a shorter line at soarin but let's say they put a new attraction somewhere else in Epcot, crowds are going to go there because it's new and people want to see it. I think when the frozen attraction will attract a good amount of people and soarin waits will go down a little bit. So therefore new rides also have the possibility of shortening lines as well.

 

[DDLand]

I would like a shorter line at soarin but let's say they put a new attraction somewhere else in Epcot, crowds are going to go there because it's new and people want to see it. I think when the frozen attraction will attract a good amount of people and soarin waits will go down a little bit. So therefore new rides also have the possibility of shortening lines as well.

The flip side is what if this new Frozen ride drives attendance? Increased attendance means that there will be greater stress on existing infrastructure.

It's true that it will be offset by the increased foot traffic going to Frozen. However the Frozen attraction can only handle so many people. Those visitors are going to need a place to go when they're not waiting in lines or they're spending their time elsewhere. That's where Soarin, World Showcase, and the rest of Future World come in.

Here's the great inconsistency with this argument. We look at Universal that has driven attendance with new rides and attractions. We look at DCA which has driven attendance with new rides and attractions. These new guests put strain on the entire park. Good strain that creates a greater profit. Rides like Grizzly River Run and the Jurassic Park Flume are getting more riders then before because of those draws. Those new rides did the opposite of decreasing ride times. By inviting millions more in they actually increased wait times.

These improvements are only for the purpose of reducing strain on these attractions. We'll get the desired outcome for sure. Disney also can rest assured that these beloved attractions aren't going to be ill received. This is only made better because they can use existing infrastructure to save $.

Ironically the scenario you're proposing is the worst possible situation Disney can be in. Why would they spend money to build an expensive brand new ride that will just cannibalize existing offerings? That just leaves them stuck paying the bills for two rides splitting the same crowd that one was handling just fine. That's the same reason we haven't seen any movement on a 5th Park.

I'm suspecting that the reason these two are getting upgrades are twofold:
1) They've been a source of customer complaint, and dissatisfaction. This is a way to put them to bed.
2) Disney wants these popular rides to be able to handle more people as they begin taking more rides offline in comings years, and as attendance increases.

This also benefits us the guests with shorter lines.

 

[rteetz]

The flip side is what if this new Frozen ride drives attendance? Increased attendance means that there will be greater stress on existing infrastructure.

It's true that it will be offset by the increased foot traffic going to Frozen. However the Frozen attraction can only handle so many people. Those visitors are going to need a place to go when they're not waiting in lines or they're spending their time elsewhere. That's where Soarin, World Showcase, and the rest of Future World come in.

Here's the great inconsistency with this argument. We look at Universal that has driven attendance with new rides and attractions. We look at DCA which has driven attendance with new rides and attractions. These new guests put strain on the entire park. Good strain that creates a greater profit. Rides like Grizzly River Run and the Jurassic Park Flume are getting more riders then before because of those draws. Those new rides did the opposite of decreasing ride times. By inviting millions more in they actually increased wait times.

These improvements are only for the purpose of reducing strain on these attractions. We'll get the desired outcome for sure. Disney also can rest assured that these beloved attractions aren't going to be ill received. This is only made better because they can use existing infrastructure to save $.

Ironically the scenario you're proposing is the worst possible situation Disney can be in. Why would they spend money to build an expensive brand new ride that will just cannibalize existing offerings? That just leaves them stuck paying the bills for two rides splitting the same crowd that one was handling just fine. That's the same reason we haven't seen any movement on a 5th Park.

I'm suspecting that the reason these two are getting upgrades are twofold:
1) They've been a source of customer complaint, and dissatisfaction. This is a way to put them to bed.
2) Disney wants these popular rides to be able to handle more people as they begin taking more rides offline in comings years, and as attendance increases.

This also benefits us the guests with shorter lines.

Disneyland sees much more attendance wise than Epcot does. Epcot is a much larger park in size. Disneyland has a lot more attractions than Epcot does. Disneyland doesn't see the wait times that some Epcot attractions see. While there will always be attractions that get big draws such as RSRs, space mountain, splash mountain. I think if Disney did put some more attractions in Epcot, and DHS some wait times would go down. I'm not saying a lot but maybe 15 minutes or so. I agree with number 1 but number 2, why would they take more attractions offline f the are only going to keep increasing attendance? What else would they take down? The only logical one that could still go is LMA.

 

[DDLand]

Disneyland sees much more attendance wise than Epcot does. Epcot is a much larger park in size. Disneyland has a lot more attractions than Epcot does. Disneyland doesn't see the wait times that some Epcot attractions see. While there will always be attractions that get big draws such as RSRs, space mountain, splash mountain. I think if Disney did put some more attractions in Epcot, and DHS some wait times would go down. I'm not saying a lot but maybe 15 minutes or so. I agree with number 1 but number 2, why would they take more attractions offline f the are only going to keep increasing attendance? What else would they take down? The only logical one that could still go is LMA.

I agree with that. Disney doesn't have any incentive to push wait times down. That's one of the reasons I think they're going after the big attendance gains with the Hollywood Studios expansion.

This is very longterm stuff. Epcot could see work over the next decade. I think more could go offline then we expect.

As for Hollywood Studios, interesting. You said LMA which seems logical. A 50th update in the works for GMR has been talked about. Several years away, but that's on the radar.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see Muppet Vision get the axe. Purely my own speculation but especially in light of Most Wanted bombing I think it makes sense to start removing them permanently. Especially if they want to make Hollywood Studios a flagship park. Pixar and Star Wars don't mix with Muppets. Happened in DCA.

In between the two parks I'd say we could see a number of other attractions cease operation. However my point was in conjunction with attendance and more attraction closures it makes sense. Just one part of the puzzle.

 

[sachilles]

This just a thought. LMA being closed does free up a large amount of space. However, I think that space could be turned around relatively quickly for some sort of live action Star Wars attraction. Sort of a stop gap and teaser all at once. Save the stadium seating, change the set. Then again CGI isn't really a live action friendly concept. Is Star Wars really Star Wars without some sort of CGI enabled fantasy?

 

[rteetz]

I agree with that. Disney doesn't have any incentive to push wait times down. That's one of the reasons I think they're going after the big attendance gains with the Hollywood Studios expansion.

This is very longterm stuff. Epcot could see work over the next decade. I think more could go offline then we expect.

As for Hollywood Studios, interesting. You said LMA which seems logical. A 50th update in the works for GMR has been talked about. Several years away, but that's on the radar.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see Muppet Vision get the axe. Purely my own speculation but especially in light of Most Wanted bombing I think it makes sense to start removing them permanently. Especially if they want to make Hollywood Studios a flagship park. Pixar and Star Wars don't mix with Muppets. Happened in DCA.

In between the two parks I'd say we could see a number of other attractions cease operation. However my point was in conjunction with attendance and more attraction closures it makes sense. Just one part of the puzzle.

I agree with everything except muppets I think that stays. DHS was built with muppets originally. DCA was not and it is currently a frozen snow fest. Suprisingly in most of the rumors muppets stays untouched or may even get an upgrade. Muppets most wanted didn't do well because it just wasn't that great of a movie to begin with.

 

[DDLand]

I agree with everything except muppets I think that stays. DHS was built with muppets originally. DCA was not and it is currently a frozen snow fest. Suprisingly in most of the rumors muppets stays untouched or may even get an upgrade. Muppets most wanted didn't do well because it just wasn't that great of a movie to begin with.

Interesting. I hadn't seen that rumor. That'd suggest Disney still sees potential in the Muppets. I thought they were just going to cut their loses and focus on bigger franchises. Well I misjudged their interest completely.

 

[George4]

I agree with everything except muppets I think that stays. DHS was built with muppets originally. DCA was not and it is currently a frozen snow fest. Suprisingly in most of the rumors muppets stays untouched or may even get an upgrade. Muppets most wanted didn't do well because it just wasn't that great of a movie to begin with.

There have been other recent successful Muppets movies too (even if not everyone claims to like them), so there is still a fanbase there to support an attraction. The question will be whether or not they can rebuild a movie audience, or whether it should rebuild the fans through the Disney channel (or similar). The ride is probably safe in the short term, but not if they can't develop more interest in the franchise. Part of the problem with the Muppets, in my opinion, is that they were created for adults originally, but now are geared towards children without altering the personalities or the frequent appearances the children need to get attached to products/shows/franchises. I did and do still love the Muppets, but my 4 kids are hit and miss with them. They loved the show at DHS , but I had to make them go because they didn't really know who the Muppets were - and I own all 3 seasons of the TV show. Kids need awareness to become fans.

 

[rteetz]

There have been other recent successful Muppets movies too (even if not everyone claims to like them), so there is still a fanbase there to support an attraction. The question will be whether or not they can rebuild a movie audience, or whether it should rebuild the fans through the Disney channel (or similar). The ride is probably safe in the short term, but not if they can't develop more interest in the franchise. Part of the problem with the Muppets, in my opinion, is that they were created for adults originally, but now are geared towards children without altering the personalities or the frequent appearances the children need to get attached to products/shows/franchises. I did and do still love the Muppets, but my 4 kids are hit and miss with them. They loved the show at DHS , but I had to make them go because they didn't really know who the Muppets were - and I own all 3 seasons of the TV show. Kids need awareness to become fans.

I agree, I am a muppets fan. I do know they have updated the preshow within the last year.

 

[anthony2k7]

Pleasure Island is free to enter. You're not really losing value there. I suppose you could make an argument about parking. Really you could make an argument that River Country doesn't qualify either but it did add value to the guests of Fort Wilderness so I put it up anyway.

Wasn't really talking about what was free to enter or lost value. I thought the point of the comment was about things Disney has shut and left empty for an extended amount of time. Pleasure Island definitely applied to that!

 

[DDLand]

Wasn't really talking about what was free to enter or lost value. I thought the point of the comment was about things Disney has shut and left empty for an extended amount of time. Pleasure Island definitely applied to that!

That effect guest value. He was saying in the face of rising ticket prices why should he expect a plethora of closed attractions without replacement. I pointed out there weren't very many.

If you're just talking about closed down things then yes, PI does count.

 

[anthony2k7]

That effect guest value. He was saying in the face of rising ticket prices why should he expect a plethora of closed attractions without replacement. I pointed out there weren't very many.

If you're just talking about closed down things then yes, PI does count.

ok maybe I misread the post or focused on the wrong aspect of it. I just his comment about old disney where when something closed walls went up and construction started the next day and how that just doesn't happen now. Things sit empty for months/years - pleasure island especially where the clubs sat empty for 5 years before anything really happened. They didn't even do much to hide the fact, and it wasn't an out of site out of mind scenario like River Country either! All those guests all day and night every day walking through what in park terms was basically a whole "land" that was shut and sat empty for years. Crazy.

 

[Dfan79]

Dfan 79, I don't disagree with you at all. I just hate that they keep taking things out with nothing going back in their place.

I agree with you when it comes to taking out classic rides like World of Motion and Maelstrom. Test Track and Frozen could have gotten their own attractions. There's no reason why Disney should replace beloved rides when they have so much land. Frozen belongs in Magic or Hollywood anyways.

 

[disneysource]

I think Disney maybe ready to take its first step towards Hollywood's expansion. I've been hearing that they may make an announcement about Star Wars at D23. They just have to make sure they have all their ducks in order.

(Original Rumors) (see the end of the post for the New Rumors)

1. Crush Coaster (would replace the Backlot tour/Warehouse) - It will in fact be like the one in France. I’m still holding out hope that they do a Wall E or Up ride instead though.

2. Monsters Inc family ride (would replace the Backlot tour) This one is like the family one in California.

3. The Incredibles thrill ride (would replace the Backlot tour) This ride will be like Spiderman one in IOA. It sounds really cool.

4. Pizza Planet (replaces Studio Catering and Honey I Shrunk the Kids Play area) Finally a true version to what everyone has seen in the original Toy Story movie.

5. Indiana Jones ride (Dinosaur-like one) (replaces the stunt show) Is supposed to be like the California one. I’ve only seen videos of the ride, but it is a lot like Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom.

6. Indiana Jones ride (Rollercoaster) (replaces the stunt show) I’ve heard it would be an indoor version of the France one, but less scary.

7 Indiana Jones warehouse restaurant (replaces Backlot Express)

8. Star Wars Meet and Greet (replaces ABC sound studio)

9. Star Wars Muppet 3d show (replaces Muppet Vision 3d)

10. Mos Eisley Cantina (replaces old Pizza Planet and Mama Melrose)

11. Rebel Blaster ride (replaces set pieces on the left side of the park) it’s a cross between Toy Story and Buzz Lightyear.

12. Star Wars stunt show (replaces Lights, Motors)

(New Rumors)

Frozone treats - It would go where the coke bottles are currently in Pixar Place. I guess from the title, it will serve ice cream and other frozen treats.

Streets of America - I’ve heard that it may all be transformed into a giant Darth Mall like the ones they have during Star Wars Weekend. I’m guessing this will cut down on the cost of creating a Star Wars section. Because all they need is to do is put up walls in front of the current structures.

Ackbars Snack Bar - I’m not sure what they sell their, but this has been mentioned as a possible snack place in Lucas Land.

Dagobah swamp - Echo Lake would be changed to look like the swamp in Empire Strikes Back, complete with a half sunk x-wing.

Other’s that probably won’t happen that I’ve heard about recently

Aladdin Carpet Coaster
Frozen Show
Rapunzel Show

 

[rteetz]

the only thing I can agree with is the D23 announcement

 

[disneysource]

I heard recently that they are still deciding between Cars land and a Pixar Expansion. But there's a good chance they are going with the latter. Cars seems like an uncreative copy and paste maneuver.

 

[Josh Hendy]

One of the WEDway radio guys mentioned in a trip report in the latest podcast that cast members are talking up the "new Star Wars land". Like, his bus driver urged people to be sure to see Muppets 3D 'cause it'll be gone soon to make way for the new Star Wars Land.

Talk about the kiss of death. If that doesn't convince the most starry-eyed optimists that this thing is not happening anytime soon, then I don't know what will.

 

[rteetz]

One of the WEDway radio guys mentioned in a trip report in the latest podcast that cast members are talking up the "new Star Wars land". Like, his bus driver urged people to be sure to see Muppets 3D 'cause it'll be gone soon to make way for the new Star Wars Land.

Talk about the kiss of death. If that doesn't convince the most starry-eyed optimists that this thing is not happening anytime soon, then I don't know what will.

Muppets is supposed to be safe with any expansion. It seems that by the time anything happens I'll be retired. I haven't even started a career yet I'm 17...