DHS Construction update thread (Read Post 1) Updated 8/21/19

[rteetz]

Oh my, just as I expected that the backlash would be flaming and unreasonable. I never commented it would not be a gold mine for Disney -- it was just some opinions I had and those of others I know. They will make tons from both the fans and the curious. Sometimes on these boards an opinion can't just be an opinion or a question of curiosity.

Enough has been said and I think it's time to move on. Thanks anyway.

I appreciate your comments and respect your opinions. I think you are on a board where there are a lot of Star Wars fans and think the land will be an instant hit. You have every right to question it and not be interested in it. I'm a Star Wars fan but not easy about it in the sense that I would be there in line on opening day waiting for hours on end.

 

[soniam]

I'm going to get zapped for this -- but while I know Star Wars is a big franchise, making the whole park over to accommodate a huge section just for that makes me wonder how profitable that will be in the future. I personally, at work and among my friends and family, don't know anyone who even cares about Star Wars, the movies or the merchandise. I love the original 3, but don't care about any of the movies made since.

I just wonder what the Imagineers are thinking -- between tearing up Animal Kingdom for another movie that no one cares about anymore, and now tearing up HS and taking out some great stuff to put in Stars Wars makes one wonder if they are still over-reacting to Universal getting Harry Potter Time will tell

Do you and your family/friends live in a hole Just joking. It's huge and will be huge for a very long time. I am not speaking just as a fan.

Does everyone love Splash Mountain because of Song of the South? Is Tower of Terror fantastic because you adore the Twilight Zone?

I do. Yes. However, I have been afraid to ride both of them. My love for both of these will probably overcome my fear though I might be the only one for Song of the South though

 

[rteetz]

Do you and your family/friends live in a hole Just joking. It's huge and will be huge for a very long time. I am not speaking just as a fan.



I do. Yes. However, I have been afraid to ride both of them. My love for both of these will probably overcome my fear though I might be the only one for Song of the South though

Definitely ride both they are worth it at least once.

 

[rteetz]

Walts Plane has apparently left the backlot on a flatbed

https://twitter.com/kentloika/status/730251352174145540

 

[skier_pete]

Calm down, skier_pete. I knew my comments would catch fire, but I wasn't trying to make my opinion the only view. I was just curious what other's thought. I know that everyone I talk to who takes two trips a year down there were really torn up about losing the Osbourne lights for one. But everyone has their opinions.

I'm not being short-sighted in what I stated -- I'm telling you that all my co-workers and friends who travel to Disney more than once year have zero interest in anything Star Wars -- and they are all age groups. Oh well, Disney will be fine and we all know that, but some of us will miss some of what they are throwing away. It's just a nostalgic view and I'm sure they are doing this for the next generation of Disneyites.

No sweat I don't take it personally. I agree Osborne lights is a major blow - but that was a 8 weeks of the year type thing - and something that could still return in some form. The rest - no loss in my view.

I tend to get defensive when people say what I perceive to be : "Disney is stupid, because they are building something I don't like." Disney is looking to please 50 million people and also get new guests to come - they don't exist JUST to appeal to you. Star Wars is clearly popular, it is probably the most popular IP in existance at the moment, and dismissing it out of hand because your friends don't like it is amusingly non-sensible.My daughter is already 13 and a new Toy Story Land is not going to be the highlight of any near-future trip for us - but I can say that "DHS is in need of more family friendly rides, and this makes the park a better park."

In addition, dismissing the land as being not worth your time without actually seeing it is just as bad. Cars is by far my least favorite Pixar properties and I could care less about Cars 3 coming out. But Carsland in DCA is AMAZING!


How about a couple of ways to look at it that are more positive:
"We are not fans of Star Wars - but will wait and see what comes of it."
"Disney World is getting at least 7 new rides in the next 4 years - more than have been added in the last 10. This is great news."
"If nothing else - bigger draws at DAK and DHS will likely REDUCE crowds at Magic Kingdom, and allow me to experience more attractions on future trips."

 

[rungoofy]

No sweat I don't take it personally. I agree Osborne lights is a major blow - but that was a 8 weeks of the year type thing - and something that could still return in some form. The rest - no loss in my view.

And for only part of the park day... an "attraction" that was probably "operating" less than 250 hours per year.

 

[DanBoris]

I continue to be impressed by the rate of demolition. Disney does things sooooo slowly most of the time. (See the 5+ year project that is Disney Springs.) Looks to me like one large building still to go - the costuming building? - and then start work on in park stuff like LMA. I expect to start seeing construction work on TSL in the next few months.

At least some of the costuming building is staying, there was a recent permit for an interior refurb.

 

[SJMajor67]

"If nothing else - bigger draws at DAK and DHS will likely REDUCE crowds at Magic Kingdom, and allow me to experience more attractions on future trips."

This. This x1000.

 

[DanBoris]

I'm going to get zapped for this -- but while I know Star Wars is a big franchise, making the whole park over to accommodate a huge section just for that makes me wonder how profitable that will be in the future. I personally, at work and among my friends and family, don't know anyone who even cares about Star Wars, the movies or the merchandise. I love the original 3, but don't care about any of the movies made since.

I just wonder what the Imagineers are thinking -- between tearing up Animal Kingdom for another movie that no one cares about anymore, and now tearing up HS and taking out some great stuff to put in Stars Wars makes one wonder if they are still over-reacting to Universal getting Harry Potter Time will tell

I would bet Imagineers are loving this. If you look at some of the very cool stuff being done with Avatarland I would think they Imagineers would be thrilled to be working on this, this is the kind of stuff Imagineering has always received praise for doing. I also would bet you that there are a lot of Star Wars fans amongst the imagineers. I agree that Avatar hasn't held on to much cultural relevance (but I don't think this makes the land a bad idea), but Star Wars is still one of the most culturally significant movie franchises of all time. You might not personally know anyone who is a fan, but it's hard to deny that the fan base for it is massive.

 

[Phicinfan]

I'm going to get zapped for this -- but while I know Star Wars is a big franchise, making the whole park over to accommodate a huge section just for that makes me wonder how profitable that will be in the future. I personally, at work and among my friends and family, don't know anyone who even cares about Star Wars, the movies or the merchandise. I love the original 3, but don't care about any of the movies made since.

I just wonder what the Imagineers are thinking -- between tearing up Animal Kingdom for another movie that no one cares about anymore, and now tearing up HS and taking out some great stuff to put in Stars Wars makes one wonder if they are still over-reacting to Universal getting Harry Potter Time will tell

Wow, great question, My point of view may differ from many here....

First I am like you, the first three were incredible, and all those after were severely lacking. Except the last, which to me is almost a reboot. Not quite though.

Why I think it will be popular though, and will continue to be a success though is it gives something WDW and Disney doesn't have right now....

A futuristic area that is believable, with characters that are developed and well loved. Lets face it, Tommorrow land isn't, and won't be for some time. This franchise will reach to all - those like you and I that loved the original, and those that are young that are going in droves to see the new. They have done a fantastic job of keeping the original in just enough, to entice you and I, but with enough new to hook those who are new to the franchise.

Assuming this "world" will be fully developed and immersive as Cars Land and Avatar(seems to be.....) will be able to let all really escape into a future and enjoy it. As for taking up most the park.....not really it for now will be in one corner, and right next to the other main new attraction area of TSL.

To me the excitement is the rumor that a 3rd land is still on the books. With TSL, leaning to draw the really young, SWL leaning to draw those who love the franchise or looking for a future land.....I can't wait to see what direction they go for the 3rd world. Personally I hope they go a "hero's" direction to draw more young men...with Incredibles, and maybe Indy mixed in.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'm going to get zapped for this -- but while I know Star Wars is a big franchise, making the whole park over to accommodate a huge section just for that makes me wonder how profitable that will be in the future.

That tactic seems to have worked out very well for Cars Land in Disney's California Adventure.

 

[RedSox68]

Since Disney redid a lot of Magic Kingdom not long ago, are adding to AK and redoing much of HS, do you think they will ever expand the World Showcase and add any countries?

 

[rteetz]

Since Disney redid a lot of Magic Kingdom not long ago, are adding to AK and redoing much of HS, do you think they will ever expand the World Showcase and add any countries?

Id rather not get that discussion going here but they need to fix future world before adding to world showcase.

 

[skier_pete]

First I am like you, the first three were incredible, and all those after were severely lacking. Except the last, which to me is almost a reboot. Not quite though.

This is another point to the popularity of Star Wars - Lucas put out three consectutive TERRIBLE movies, yet it didn't diminish the fanbase in any way, it only grew.

Star Wars is right now one of the surest bets and Iger was genius to snatch it up. It's 40 years old, yet it is still HUGE. It captures both nostalgia and the young generations. It is 10x greater than Frozen or Pirates or Toy Story in that is has almost ever expansive room to grow. Pirates for instance is so tied to Johnny Depp it can't survive without him. Frozen I think has oversaturated itself, and Disney would be wise to be aware of this. Lord of the Rings doesn't have the breadth of Star Wars.

Actually, it's still Harry Potter that leaves the door open to "can something compete". The "Magical Beasts" movie is the true test....can Harry Potter work without Harry Potter? If Magical Beasts makes an impact beyond initial ticket sales, then HP might become what Star Wars already is.

 

[Phicinfan]

This is another point to the popularity of Star Wars - Lucas put out three consectutive TERRIBLE movies, yet it didn't diminish the fanbase in any way, it only grew.

Star Wars is right now one of the surest bets and Iger was genius to snatch it up. It's 40 years old, yet it is still HUGE. It captures both nostalgia and the young generations. It is 10x greater than Frozen or Pirates or Toy Story in that is has almost ever expansive room to grow. Pirates for instance is so tied to Johnny Depp it can't survive without him. Frozen I think has oversaturated itself, and Disney would be wise to be aware of this. Lord of the Rings doesn't have the breadth of Star Wars.

Actually, it's still Harry Potter that leaves the door open to "can something compete". The "Magical Beasts" movie is the true test....can Harry Potter work without Harry Potter? If Magical Beasts makes an impact beyond initial ticket sales, then HP might become what Star Wars already is.

Totally disagree with you on Lord of the Rings, the characters are so inviting and the battle of good vs. Evil is so well done, Tolkien is an incredible author, and if done well, the world of inner earth could be spectacular in a theme park environment. I agree on Pirates, as to Frozen...meh, it is hugely popular with young girls which is a big target area for Disney.

As for Harry Potter...... I have been to Uni and been to only the original addition, so have not been since expansion. That said, the books will end up being a long term classic, for young folks to read. If nothing else, I think adding to this is a mistake by Rowling, as it could potentially drive older readers off. Still, any "world" that allows for magic, imagination and strong characters will always do well in this type of theme park.

 

[aidancar]

Now that wants plane is out of the way of LMA, I'd assume they plan to start clearing it out soon

 

[rteetz]

Now that wants plane is out of the way of LMA, I'd assume they plan to start clearing it out soon

Yep should be coming down in the next week or two.

 

[jbish]

I'm going to get zapped for this -- but while I know Star Wars is a big franchise, making the whole park over to accommodate a huge section just for that makes me wonder how profitable that will be in the future. I personally, at work and among my friends and family, don't know anyone who even cares about Star Wars, the movies or the merchandise. I love the original 3, but don't care about any of the movies made since.

I just wonder what the Imagineers are thinking -- between tearing up Animal Kingdom for another movie that no one cares about anymore, and now tearing up HS and taking out some great stuff to put in Stars Wars makes one wonder if they are still over-reacting to Universal getting Harry Potter Time will tell

Not going to flame a fellow Red Sox fan!

When this was still speculation years ago, I remember a "wish list" thread where someone posted an idea to make a Star Wars theme park and I, for one, would not have been happy about that. We were not Star Wars fans and to devote an entire park to one property in the entire Disney universe seemed so short-sighted to me. Would I have enjoyed a Star Wars-themed ride or two? Sure, why not? Just like I'll enjoy Pandora, even though I've never seen Avatar. But we wouldn't have gone out of our way to visit a theoretical "fifth gate" devoted to something that wouldn't be of interest to me and my family. That's just us.

However, now that we know it will be a Star Wars Land in a portion of a park that is in desperate need of attractions and entertainment to fill up a day's worth of touring, I could totally get on board with that. There will also be a Toy Story Land that includes rides for the entire family. So it's not that they are "making the whole park over to accommodate" Star Wars. They got rid of some stuff that wasn't enough of a draw into the park itself. I could see our family actually getting a day's worth of admission at HS now. Likewise, I look forward to Pandora at AK. (I would disagree that they are "tearing up" AK for Pandora - construction walls, sure. But perhaps the "tearing up" of AK is more about making this into an all-day park by adding Rivers of Light, etc.)

Having said all of that, just within the last six months, my kids have now watched all 7 movies, basically memorized the Encyclopedia of Characters, and are fully indoctrinated in the Star Wars saga. So if there was an entire park devoted to SW, now my kids would never leave. So that tells me that the future of this franchise is VERY strong.

P.S. If you liked the original 3, have you seen Force Awakens yet? I thought that was true to the original and thoroughly enjoyable.

 

[RedSox68]

Not going to flame a fellow Red Sox fan!

P.S. If you liked the original 3, have you seen Force Awakens yet? I thought that was true to the original and thoroughly enjoyable.

Thank you -- and they are killing it this year for sure!

I was all ready and happy to see the new one -- until I found out the twist. Then, as far as my DH and I were concerned, we were done. It wasn't that they did it -- it was the way they got rid of him. But I'm sure it was good to the plot -- I just know my daughter and her friends did not like the last 1/4 of the movie, but did think it was true to the original three (we all out hated the 3 remakes -- ugh!). Glad Disney took it away from Lucas LOL. Anyway, we will eventually see the new one -- but wait until it's on demand.

 

[rteetz]

Thank you -- and they are killing it this year for sure!

I was all ready and happy to see the new one -- until I found out the twist. Then, as far as my DH and I were concerned, we were done. It wasn't that they did it -- it was the way they got rid of him. But I'm sure it was good to the plot -- I just know my daughter and her friends did not like the last 1/4 of the movie, but did think it was true to the original three (we all out hated the 3 remakes -- ugh!). Glad Disney took it away from Lucas LOL. Anyway, we will eventually see the new one -- but wait until it's on demand.

Can't you just rent it on Itunes or something. Wouldn't that be just as expensive or cheaper than on Demand.