Bus driver drops Tower of Terror bombshell?

[disneymom0104]

It continues to shock me that anyone at Disney would think taking down/rebranding one of the best rides ever is a good idea. I have SO many fond memories with my girls at ToT at both DL and WDW- it makes me sad that they would change it. There are so many mediocre attractions I just can't believe they are changing one of the best (I know WDW is still rumored at this point, but so was DL for quite awhile)

 

[HopperFan]

It continues to shock me that anyone at Disney would think taking down/rebranding one of the best rides ever is a good idea. I have SO many fond memories with my girls at ToT at both DL and WDW- it makes me sad that they would change it. There are so many mediocre attractions I just can't believe they are changing one of the best (I know WDW is still rumored at this point, but so was DL for quite awhile)

Exactly. I'm not saying don't overlay it on something ............ just makes NO sense to overlay on a popular attraction that isn't broke.

 

[rteetz]

- Maelstrom needed a complete makeover no matter what went in there.
- Disney found when A&E were in Norway the first time, families were finally going to Epcot.
- Two bird with one stone.
- I think we will see more and more "Disney" find it's way in to Epcot.
- And why not? It's Disney World. It gets families in there. It gets kids exposed to foods, shops, entertainment.
- Epcot was never built as Walt intended, it's in dire need of a re-imagining in Future World especially.

I went on the ride expecting to hate it based on what video etc I saw. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it.

World Showcase was never intended to be Fantasyland 2.0

 

[rteetz]

Exactly. I'm not saying don't overlay it on something ............ just makes NO sense to overlay on a popular attraction that isn't broke.

But that doesn't matter to Disney, its all about the immediate return.

 

[Hikergirl]

I think one item to remember, Twilight Zone is becoming more and more obscure as the years go by. More and more people are coming up that have never seen a show or a movie and haven't a clue what it is. I'm sure that's doesn't help with keeping the theme as it is

Idk, its not like Snow White is making a huge comeback with the current generation, and MK is filled with nostalgic attractions that kids today haven't grown up seeing but love.
I do get that however they theme it will be amazing, but I'm a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" kind of Disney fan. Tot is perfect they way it is, and they have a park that needs something new and exciting. They are just taking the cheap and easy way out when they re-theme an attraction. I know its great for their books, I just think its sad.

 

[Praying Colonel]

I thought this sounded familiar:

http://disboards.com/threads/universe-of-energy-out-guardians-in.3523072/#post-56024640

 

[HopperFan]

World Showcase was never intended to be Fantasyland 2.0

Never said it was.

If you go on the premise that Disney stories and characters belong in Fantasyland only then you have big problems in Animal Kingdom, DHS, the rest of Magic Kingdom, resorts and more. The entire resort is called Walt Disney World and no inch of it is safe from the Disney stories/characters that started it all. If they want to put Mickey Mouse on top of the American Pavillion they can.

And it does not matter what one thinks World Showcase was "intended" to be - Epcot is not the EPCOT Center that Walt planned. Epcot is and will be what Disney executives decide it will be.

But that doesn't matter to Disney, its all about the immediate return.

Again, missing the whole point here.

 

[rteetz]

Never said it was.

If you go on the premise that Disney stories and characters belong in Fantasyland only then you have big problems in Animal Kingdom, DHS, the rest of Magic Kingdom, resorts and more. The entire resort is called Walt Disney World and no inch of it is safe from the Disney stories/characters that started it all. If they want to put Mickey Mouse on top of the American Pavillion they can.

And it does not matter what one thinks World Showcase was "intended" to be - Epcot is not the EPCOT Center that Walt planned. Epcot is and will be what Disney executives decide it will be.



Again, missing the whole point here.

Imagineers have a thematic intention when they build something. ToT wasn't supposed to be changed when built. Maelstrom wasn't supposed to be a fantasyland attraction. Disney characters might go into a country but they do not always thematically represent a country. Where in Frozen do they talk about, or represent norwegian culture? It is all about the bottom line and making a buck. Of course epcot today isn't what it was intended to be but that doesn't mean we should just make it a hodge lodge of all things Disney either.

Personally I think its time for a change in management. Its like Eisner in the late 90s. Iger did great for movies, and TV, and acquiring properties but he has not been great for expanding the parks.

 

[BrianL]

I am fine with injecting Disney IP into EPCOT, as long as the property used makes sense there. Three Caballeros makes sense in Mexico, and Frozen makes sense in Norway. I hate to say it, but even Nemo makes sense at The Seas, even if I don't particularly like the execution on that one.

Future World is ripe for an overhaul. I don't mind if they use GotG there, though I'd like to see it fit in to EPCOT, perhaps with a post-show about real theories on interstellar travel and stuff. It could work, but only if they do it right.

 

[Atrain13]

So I've looked around online and skimmed this thread and haven't seen anything, but will ToT in DW still be open in late January?

 

[rteetz]

but will ToT in DW still be open in late January?

Yes

 

[Atrain13]

Yes

Thank you very much! Still sad news if this happens, but I'll be happy to get to ride it one more time.

 

[DVCcurious]

I heard one of the mousekeepers say ToT is the next DVC resort ...

We all wish that was true....

 

[HopperFan]

I am fine with injecting Disney IP into EPCOT, as long as the property used makes sense there. Three Caballeros makes sense in Mexico, and Frozen makes sense in Norway. I hate to say it, but even Nemo makes sense at The Seas, even if I don't particularly like the execution on that one.

Future World is ripe for an overhaul. I don't mind if they use GotG there, though I'd like to see it fit in to EPCOT, perhaps with a post-show about real theories on interstellar travel and stuff. It could work, but only if they do it right.

Agree. Characters have cultural basis and there is no reason you can't include them to help kids make the connect and have interest in other countries, cultures .... as long as it is done well and with balance.

Future World makes no sense, it has nothing about the future there - Spaceship Earth is history; it is a mix-match of things and many dated things. Energy ..... no words needed; Mission to Space rides the line; Test Track is a fun speed ride but do you really learn anything about any thing?; Seas ........ so so sad, the glass is cloudy, the tanks look fake, Sea Life on I-Drive is way better; the Land - I love the boat but there is no line and well it's all about the now slanted Soarin'; Imagination - never a ride so far from what it is based on CREATIVITY of the imagination ........... and now the emptying of Innoventions. SAD SAD SAD. If it takes Guardians etc to bring it back to a destination instead of the area with a couple attractions then skip the rest, I am all for it. It's a huge park, with huge capacity and there is barely a dent.

 

[MolonLabe]

Well the latest says ToT will close in 2018 after toy story opens for the guardians redo.

This. 10-1 the bus driver was trying to make a joke with the "or Elsa castle..." bit and it fell flat. Sad to see the TOT go. We haven't done it in a year+ We rarely spend any time in DHS anymore, these updates are long over due. It's a shell of a park and neglected, just like EP. They should have left Malestrom alone. It was cute but common, it's a bandaid on the larger problem and everyone knows it. WDW spent all their money on the bands and neglected everything else. Horrible decision... but that's another story.

This TOT change is just one more "we'll cheap out and put on a new overlay and claim it's a brand new ride and hype everyone up on it..." type of thing.

 

[HopperFan]

I don't understand how you can say you aren't fans if you never saw the movies. I would encourage you to watch them. You might be surprised.

I've only seen the first one (opening day in theaters) and last one (opening day in theaters) and I still enjoy it all and learned characters and find it a refreshing creative story.

 

[ShyMiss]

...the whole cassette tape thing is a big part of GOTG, and would be a great tie in for RNRC.!

Ooo. You should email this ideal to someone in charge. lol. I only saw the movie once & barely remember it but now that you mention it- I remember the cassette tape. It doesn't seem like RR would change dramatically with a bit of a theming tweak.

Yet, I agree with other posters that pointed out the perfect theming at TOT.

TOT is my daughters favorite ride.

And I must admit that I LOVE the theming of TOT even though I am the chicken of the family & have never ridden it (and never will.) I actually love to wait with my family in that line because the theming is so cool. I even enjoy the spooky bellhops who walk me to the exit/chicken elevator. As another poster mentioned, I have found them all to be excellent actors.

So hoping they don't change the theme.

 

[HopperFan]

I agree that a Guardians overlay of RnRC makes more sense...the whole cassette tape thing is a big part of GOTG, and would be a great tie in for RNRC. I also agree that it's wasting money on TOT, since TOT is bringing in the crowds as it is. They really do need to do something about the empty buildings and/or rides that aren't popular at all...overlay those, not the ones that are already working well!

Ooo. You should email this ideal to someone in charge. lol. I only saw the movie once & barely remember it but now that you mention it- I remember the cassette tape. It doesn't seem like RR would change dramatically with a bit of a theming tweak.

Yet, I agree with other posters that pointed out the perfect theming at TOT.

TOT is my daughters favorite ride.

And I must admit that I LOVE the theming of TOT even though I am the chicken of the family & have never ridden it (and never will.) I actually love to wait with my family in that line because the theming is so cool. I even enjoy the spooky bellhops who walk me to the exit/chicken elevator. As another poster mentioned, I have found them all to be excellent actors.

So hoping they don't change the theme.

RIGHT?!?! It's just so obvious and the ride can be made to work theme wise and the whole Aerosmith thing can be behind them. This overlay makes perfect sense for DHS. The old Hollywood can be maintained in hotel, walk through the courtyard and BAM Guardians in your face.

 

[Hikergirl]

Ooo. You should email this ideal to someone in charge. lol. I only saw the movie once & barely remember it but now that you mention it- I remember the cassette tape. It doesn't seem like RR would change dramatically with a bit of a theming tweak.

Yet, I agree with other posters that pointed out the perfect theming at TOT.

TOT is my daughters favorite ride.

And I must admit that I LOVE the theming of TOT even though I am the chicken of the family & have never ridden it (and never will.) I actually love to wait with my family in that line because the theming is so cool. I even enjoy the spooky bellhops who walk me to the exit/chicken elevator. As another poster mentioned, I have found them all to be excellent actors.

So hoping they don't change the theme.

My dd wants to work ToT because she won't have to smile all day LOL. I'm the same as you, I have only ridden it once and that was enough. I love the waiting with the family though, to me that IS the attraction.

 

[drp4video]

My favorite ride. Don't mess with TOT!