DHS Soundstage 1 Project

[Joben]

next... what do you think the odds of getting a Monsters dark ride in the sound stage. not the roller coaster people have been drooling for, just an all ages friendly, themed ride through of the doors scene.

Once again I keep going back to that two year building permit, and I think about how long it takes Disney to build anything. To me it seems it would be something on the smallish side.

I don't think a TSMM expansion is out of the question, but I hope, that instead of expanding TSMM they put something in next to it that will cause capacity to shift.

 

[rteetz]

next... what do you think the odds of getting a Monsters dark ride in the sound stage. not the roller coaster people have been drooling for, just an all ages friendly, themed ride through of the doors scene. Once again I keep going back to that two year building permit, and I think about how long it takes Disney to build anything. To me it seems it would be something on the smallish side. I don't think a TSMM expansion is out of the question, but I hope, that instead of expanding TSMM they put something in next to it that will cause capacity to shift.

That is one of the rumors. also the monsters inc door coaster has been brought back up. there are plans for it but it was halted during the financial crash. I have heard from several insiders that a TSMM expansion is part of this larger pixar expansion. Two years could get a good ride in there. It shouldnt take two years to build a 3rd track to TSMM.

 

[Joben]

That is one of the rumors. also the monsters inc door coaster has been brought back up. there are plans for it but it was halted during the financial crash. I have heard from several insiders that a TSMM expansion is part of this larger pixar expansion. Two years could get a good ride in there. It shouldnt take two years to build a 3rd track to TSMM.

Don't they have an 18 month permit for what may basically a layover of Maelstrom. I know we haven't gotten any details of what is going to be done, but I think most think it will be minimal, using the same layout and boats that are already there. So quite possibly all they are doing is changing the theme and look of the ride. My point is 18 months for that means that 2 years for the sound stage conversions leads me to think they are not doing anything that would require any new technology. maybe I'm reading too much into the two year permit

 

[rteetz]

Don't they have an 18 month permit for what may basically a layover of Maelstrom. I know we haven't gotten any details of what is going to be done, but I think most think it will be minimal, using the same layout and boats that are already there. So quite possibly all they are doing is changing the theme and look of the ride. My point is 18 months for that means that 2 years for the sound stage conversions leads me to think they are not doing anything that would require any new technology. maybe I'm reading too much into the two year permit

You are correct. Also another interesting point is the same company is on both projects Whiting Turner.

 

[rteetz]

Here is something notable. The project manager or lead Imagineer for Carsland was also pictured at DHS...

I'm also hearing this is getting board level approved spending. That means big money. If the board of directors for disney is getting involved this could be DCA level makeover which is something DHS needs.

 

[ell13]

this could be DCA level makeover which is something DHS needs.

I'm really excited that more and more this seems to be the case. Between the shutdowns, the bigwigs, and the permits... it all seems to add up to something big for a least a third of the park.

 

[Disco]

BTW, adding a third track to TSMM is one of the stupidest rumors I've ever heard in all the years I've been following rumors. I would eat my hat if that happens.

Everything Disney does is to increase revenue. Adding another track would cost $50 million, increase operating costs, and do almost ZERO to increase revenue. It makes NO sense at all.

How do you market that?
"Disney's Hollywood Studios! Now with 50% shorter lines on one attraction! Plan your vacation today!"

Oh, and I'll point out it wouldn't actually result in 50% shorter lines, because of the popularity combined with faster loading would just mean more people would get in line, so you'd just have more customers in the line for the same amount of time. That would be brilliant!

Dumbo?
Maybe Disney has figured out that they are loosing money everytime their parks reach capacity and they have to lock people out? Not that DS has a real problem with that but maybe it will once Star Wars land is added? Having multi tracks on any ride/attraction will make them more flexible in any event.
That being said I hope it isn't just a TSMM expansion. Two years does sound a little long but not by much.

 

[rteetz]

Dumbo? Maybe Disney has figured out that they are loosing money everytime their parks reach capacity and they have to lock people out? Not that DS has a real problem with that but maybe it will once Star Wars land is added? Having multi tracks on any ride/attraction will make them more flexible in any event. That being said I hope it isn't just a TSMM expansion. Two years does sound a little long but not by much.

There is more too this than just a TSMM a expansion.

 

[skier_pete]

Dumbo?

Oh come on, the Dumbo "expansion" was more than just moving a ride and doubling it's capacity. It was part of a HUGE overall of Fantasyland. They created an entire new themed area around it.

They wouldn't have just plopped a second dumbo next to the existing one.

What's interesting about the change to Dumbo is they not only doubled its capacity, the reduced interest in the ride. The old location often had 90 minute waits. Now, I've never seen a wait of more than 15 minutes. That isn't just capacity increased, that's reduction of guest interest. (Including me, who thinks part of the fun of Dumbo was the view of Fantasyland.) I wonder if there is disappointment that they actually increased capacity and shifted interest away from a ride.

Back to the topic at hand, if you are arguing that increasing capacity of TSMM is part of a larger project that will also bring in new attractions, then MAYBE I would believe that, but even so I have my doubts.

 

[rteetz]

Oh come on, the Dumbo "expansion" was more than just moving a ride and doubling it's capacity. It was part of a HUGE overall of Fantasyland. They created an entire new themed area around it. They wouldn't have just plopped a second dumbo next to the existing one. What's interesting about the change to Dumbo is they not only doubled its capacity, the reduced interest in the ride. The old location often had 90 minute waits. Now, I've never seen a wait of more than 15 minutes. That isn't just capacity increased, that's reduction of guest interest. (Including me, who thinks part of the fun of Dumbo was the view of Fantasyland.) I wonder if there is disappointment that they actually increased capacity and shifted interest away from a ride. Back to the topic at hand, if you are arguing that increasing capacity of TSMM is part of a larger project that will also bring in new attractions, then MAYBE I would believe that, but even so I have my doubts.

I don't know I'm hearing that disney is getting ready to do big things at DHS. You don't just close the backlot tour, and move wandering Oakens out of sound stage 1 for no reason. I'm hearing name change, and DCA style investments in a park that desperately needs it. John Lasseter doesn't come out for nothing he's very much a disneyland guy.

 

[luisov]

Oh come on, the Dumbo "expansion" was more than just moving a ride and doubling it's capacity. It was part of a HUGE overall of Fantasyland. They created an entire new themed area around it.

They wouldn't have just plopped a second dumbo next to the existing one.

What's interesting about the change to Dumbo is they not only doubled its capacity, the reduced interest in the ride. The old location often had 90 minute waits. Now, I've never seen a wait of more than 15 minutes. That isn't just capacity increased, that's reduction of guest interest. (Including me, who thinks part of the fun of Dumbo was the view of Fantasyland.) I wonder if there is disappointment that they actually increased capacity and shifted interest away from a ride.

Back to the topic at hand, if you are arguing that increasing capacity of TSMM is part of a larger project that will also bring in new attractions, then MAYBE I would believe that, but even so I have my doubts.

That's true. Even though the ride is more efficient than ever before, Dumbo suddenly lost some of its 'iconic ride' status when it moved. Interesting thing.

So anyways, with 3 out of 4 parks getting important updates right now, I do wonder what is their plan for the following couple of years, or at least until we get something at all. MK is fuller than ever, and the remaining 3 parks are losing attractions even though they are considered by many as half-day parks.

I recognize that once this group of projects is ready, WDW will look fantastic. In the meantime, I'm afraid that things may get a little messy. No wonder they are finding any ocassion to create hard ticket events.

 

[Aurora0427]

Oh come on, the Dumbo "expansion" was more than just moving a ride and doubling it's capacity. It was part of a HUGE overall of Fantasyland. They created an entire new themed area around it. They wouldn't have just plopped a second dumbo next to the existing one. What's interesting about the change to Dumbo is they not only doubled its capacity, the reduced interest in the ride. The old location often had 90 minute waits. Now, I've never seen a wait of more than 15 minutes. That isn't just capacity increased, that's reduction of guest interest. (Including me, who thinks part of the fun of Dumbo was the view of Fantasyland.) I wonder if there is disappointment that they actually increased capacity and shifted interest away from a ride. Back to the topic at hand, if you are arguing that increasing capacity of TSMM is part of a larger project that will also bring in new attractions, then MAYBE I would believe that, but even so I have my doubts.

I'm confused. We rode Dumbo about 100 times last visit with our 3 year old, and it has amazing views of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. You don't see 90 minute waits anymore because of the increased capacity and the playground. We saw waits of 40 minutes when we were there in February. Maybe there are people sans kids who don't ride Dumbo anymore bc it moved, but the main reason the waits aren't 90 minutes anymore is because of increased capacity.

 

[vandy]

I'm confused. We rode Dumbo about 100 times last visit with our 3 year old, and it has amazing views of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. You don't see 90 minute waits anymore because of the increased capacity and the playground. We saw waits of 40 minutes when we were there in February. Maybe there are people sans kids who don't ride Dumbo anymore bc it moved, but the main reason the waits aren't 90 minutes anymore is because of increased capacity.

I think he meant views of the old Fantasyland, not the new. Dumbo was right in the middle of all the original Fantasyland rides and attraction, plus right behind the Castle.

 

[anthony2k7]

Hmm the backlot tour area does look an interesting place for possible cars land - or maybe tie in with TSMM for a overall pixar land.

And if the rumours of TGMR as well are true then that are could be huge.

 

[skier_pete]

I'm confused. We rode Dumbo about 100 times last visit with our 3 year old, and it has amazing views of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. You don't see 90 minute waits anymore because of the increased capacity and the playground. We saw waits of 40 minutes when we were there in February. Maybe there are people sans kids who don't ride Dumbo anymore bc it moved, but the main reason the waits aren't 90 minutes anymore is because of increased capacity.

I agree that the main reason is the increased capacity (which I think was increased more than 100% because they actually put more vehicles on the spinners as well), but I do think there was a decrease in "must-do" level with the relocation, which accounts at least partially for the shorter lines. We went in November and the couple of times we were over there it was a walk-on with zero wait. The waits 2 years earlier in the old location the same week were frequently 60-90 minutes. And this was before the mine train was open, so there was really only the one extra ride open.

MK will conitnue to be crowded, but if in fact they do something big at DHS, once Avatar is open, Frozen in Epcot, and an major expansion in DHS, there would be much more distribution of guests. Us regulars may just have to be patient to see those crowds redistribute in 3-4 years.

 

[Disco]

Oh come on, the Dumbo "expansion" was more than just moving a ride and doubling it's capacity. It was part of a HUGE overall of Fantasyland. They created an entire new themed area around it.

They wouldn't have just plopped a second dumbo next to the existing one.

What's interesting about the change to Dumbo is they not only doubled its capacity, the reduced interest in the ride. The old location often had 90 minute waits. Now, I've never seen a wait of more than 15 minutes. That isn't just capacity increased, that's reduction of guest interest. (Including me, who thinks part of the fun of Dumbo was the view of Fantasyland.) I wonder if there is disappointment that they actually increased capacity and shifted interest away from a ride.

Back to the topic at hand, if you are arguing that increasing capacity of TSMM is part of a larger project that will also bring in new attractions, then MAYBE I would believe that, but even so I have my doubts.

True, but it sounds like they're probably planning a overhaul of DS. It would paint a picture of these expansions being rolled in with other park updates. So I would bet if they add another Soarin theater there will be other changes happening in Epcot.
Dumbo was in a more central location so it probably explains some of the loss of business. Kind of why it had to move LOL. That and I'm sure the Mine Train draws a little business... which would really underscore how clueless Disney can be. If you want to decrease the wait times at a popular attraction, build a new more popular attraction!

 

[Figmentforever24]

Dont be upset when the third track is built......it is very close to happening.

 

[rteetz]

Dont be upset when the third track is built......it is very close to happening.

I've heard its a done deal but it's part of more coming.

 

[Figmentforever24]

I've heard its a done deal but it's part of more coming.

More IS coming. With MyMagic finally turning a corner and with the neighbors down the street throwing money like Madi Gra what else can they do? Hollywood Studios needs some work and it doesn't take a super genius to understand that. Speaking of the guys down the road, it really does suck when your new expansion doesn't bring in the numbers that you wanted. Yea after spending money like that you can bet they wanted a little more of a return. No doubt attendance saw a very good bump, but unfortunately it just wasn't enough. Thank God the land itself is amazing because it is not the ride bringing them in. In fact it looks like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train isn't the only mediocre coaster in town.

Yet back to Disney they know things are getting a little dull so they plan to fix that. Disney Springs, Pandora, Rivers of Light, Star Wars, Pixar, Frozen and maybe more are all lining themselves up as part of the Walt Disney World family and you can believe that by the end of the decade things are going to be looking a lot different at the resort.

 

[rteetz]

More IS coming. With MyMagic finally turning a corner and with the neighbors down the street throwing money like Madi Gra what else can they do? Hollywood Studios needs some work and it doesn't take a super genius to understand that. Speaking of the guys down the road, it really does suck when your new expansion doesn't bring in the numbers that you wanted. Yea after spending money like that you can bet they wanted a little more of a return. No doubt attendance saw a very good bump, but unfortunately it just wasn't enough. Thank God the land itself is amazing because it is not the ride bringing them in. In fact it looks like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train isn't the only mediocre coaster in town. Yet back to Disney they know things are getting a little dull so they plan to fix that. Disney Springs, Pandora, Rivers of Light, Star Wars, Pixar, Frozen and maybe more are all lining themselves up as part of the Walt Disney World family and you can believe that by the end of the decade things are going to be looking a lot different at the resort.

I agree but I heard what uni wanted to see in terms of numbers was maybe too unrealistic and that's why they didn't meet those numbers. Crowds were definitely higher this summer for the opening of that. Hopefully huge things are coming to disney.