Disney Announces New Star Wars Lands for DL and DHS

[rteetz]

So there are some fascinating rumors going around the internet about the exact placement and content of Star Wars land. I stress rumors. So it may never have been true, if it was true it may not be true any more. But hey we have to do something to occupy the next 5 years!

So the person claims their source says that Star Wars land will go from Echo Lake back to where Star Tours and Tatooine Traders currently are. All the current buildings in that area will be used just re-themed to fit and the "source" goes on to say they aren't sure about the 2nd ride, that it could just be a re-themed Star Tours not actually a third ride in the area. The notion being that this approach would be quicker and cheaper.

That rumor sounds like about the worst of all possible worlds. It does fit in with the minimal facts that we have so far in terms of what has already closed, but it would be highly disappointing. I'm expecting a rant from lockedoutlogic any second now and if it's what they do I don't think I'd have any rebuttals for him.

However, just a rumor. Wild speculation. Nothing more.

Based on what was announced I don't think it will use star tours as the second ride.

 

[Eoghann]

Based on what was announced I don't think it will use star tours as the second ride.

That certainly wasn't how I interpreted it. But the announcement was skillfully vague on just about everything.

 

[rteetz]

That certainly wasn't how I interpreted it. But the announcement was skillfully vague on just about everything.

Star tours was announced to be getting an update. They also said two attractions, driving the falcon and a battle attraction. Star tours doesn't fall into either. Star tours you're riding on a ship with several other people.

 

[TwoMisfits]

It's sad that Disney Studios is down to 18 attractions (INCLUDING the seasonal Frozen fireworks and the street entertainment like Mulch, Sweat, and Shears) and it will be 16 by next month when One Man's Dream likely closes and the Frozen Fireworks are gone...and they are most likely looking to add back TWO in the next 5 years...that's a net 15% decrease from just 12 months ago...

On another board, it was suggested that people complain we don't get enough e-tickets. I'd contend people are discontented we don't get enough attractions, period. At both EPCOT and Studios, there are less attractions now than 5 years ago and there are no Disney plans to change that...that is sad at a time when other Florida parks are in a net-add mode (as an example, Universal has always opened at least as many attractions than they've closed in every recent build, Sea World and Legoland the same)...

 

[Eoghann]

Star tours was announced to be getting an update. They also said two attractions, driving the falcon and a battle attraction. Star tours doesn't fall into either. Star tours you're riding on a ship with several other people.

So... devil's advocate here... adding a few new scenes to Star Tours is relatively inexpensive and would tide people over for the next 5 years. It doesn't preclude a complete retheming of that ride. And while currently Star Tours doesn't fit the description of the two rides, given its simulator nature it's not impossible it could be turned into something that broadly matched the vague descriptions we have been given.

I remain optimistic that's not the intention, but I also have to acknowledge that Disney have cut or shrunk projects after announcement previously and that a cheap in place upgrade of that section of DHS isnt' completely out of character for them.

Again, all just rumors and speculation.

 

[Eoghann]

On another board, it was suggested that people complain we don't get enough e-tickets. I'd contend people are discontented we don't get enough attractions, period. At both EPCOT and Studios, there are less attractions now than 5 years ago and there are no Disney plans to change that...that is sad at a time when other Florida parks are in a net-add mode (as an example, Universal has always opened at least as many attractions than they've closed in every recent build, Sea World and Legoland the same)...

You're comparing parks that have to expand in order to gain market share with a park that merely has to maintain market share. The rules are different. I guarantee you that Universal will eventually hit a balance point too where their corporate overlords no longer see the ROI in building ride after ride.

The only way you'll get a massive growth from WDW is if their attendance/revenue dips.

Does that suck if you're a Disney fan who wants to see that sort of expansion? Yeah, but life's not fair.

 

[TwoMisfits]

If Disney replaced 1 for 1, that would be one thing...but to lose 15% of attractions overall for the next 5-6 years (and over 25% of attractions for a minimum of 12 months, and more likely 24-36 months while waiting for TSL to finish) is not maintaining...it's slipping...badly.

 

[LittleDreamer]

Now I'm thinking side thoughts. How badly do you think Disney wanted Star Wars to be at DCA but couldn't find the room?

 

[adam.adbe]

You're comparing parks that have to expand in order to gain market share with a park that merely has to maintain market share. The rules are different. I guarantee you that Universal will eventually hit a balance point too where their corporate overlords no longer see the ROI in building ride after ride.

The only way you'll get a massive growth from WDW is if their attendance/revenue dips.

Does that suck if you're a Disney fan who wants to see that sort of expansion? Yeah, but life's not fair.

I agree with you, but I think that's foolish of them. Obviously the theme park operators can't enter a limitless arms race, and they need to be a little strategic, but given the time it takes to roll out a major e-ticket, by the time Disney spot that attendance is dropping, they're already three to four years out from turning the tide, and that's assuming no competitors are further along in their own e-ticket cycle.

The old rule also still applies: it's easier to keep customers than to recover them.

 

[Mouse of Mystery]

So... devil's advocate here... adding a few new scenes to Star Tours is relatively inexpensive and would tide people over for the next 5 years. It doesn't preclude a complete retheming of that ride. And while currently Star Tours doesn't fit the description of the two rides, given its simulator nature it's not impossible it could be turned into something that broadly matched the vague descriptions we have been given.

I remain optimistic that's not the intention, but I also have to acknowledge that Disney have cut or shrunk projects after announcement previously and that a cheap in place upgrade of that section of DHS isnt' completely out of character for them.

Again, all just rumors and speculation.

The new land is 14 acres. One new ride and a retooled Star Tours would result in a tremendous amount of... nothing. It's highly unlikely. They did address adding scenes to Star Tours separately from the descriptions of the two new rides, so there's also that.

Toy Story Land concept art shows two new rides and an inclusion of TSMM in a smaller footprint than Star Wars Land. And I also I hope they come up with a better name than Star Wars Land.

 

[rteetz]

Now I'm thinking side thoughts. How badly do you think Disney wanted Star Wars to be at DCA but couldn't find the room?

I really don't think they did want it there

 

[lockedoutlogic]

It's not based on Ep. 7, it's a neutral 'new planet' unrelated to any others in the universe. Brilliant move, IMO.

Also, based on concept art and soundbytes from the presentation it looks like there'll be plenty of full immersion to offset the lack of attractions. I'm as excited for this as I am for everything else but I can't help but giggle knowing exactly where that particular strat comes from.

"If you eliminate the impossible... Whatever remains - however unlikely - must be the truth"

-s. Jones

What it doesn't look like is 4-6...and does bear resemblance to 1-3.

It is very much a risk. Because all the boot clinging BS aside - the original movies are the core and what can sell the franchise to a market that is now entering its 50's and 2 generations after.

This is consumer economics. The longterm value of star wass isnt the kids - its that inside of 20 nearly all of the planet will be of age to have direct fandom. But the money...is gonna be at the top. I don't want a direct ride out of a 1977 movie...but to leave star tours and the facade - if it even stays that way - as the only direct link to the story of the backbone seems odd.

It is possible (optimist alert) that details are sketchy waiting for the reception this december...

I hope I'm not giving misplaced trust there...

But likely am.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

So there are some fascinating rumors going around the internet about the exact placement and content of Star Wars land. I stress rumors. So it may never have been true, if it was true it may not be true any more. But hey we have to do something to occupy the next 5 years!

So the person claims their source says that Star Wars land will go from Echo Lake back to where Star Tours and Tatooine Traders currently are. All the current buildings in that area will be used just re-themed to fit and the "source" goes on to say they aren't sure about the 2nd ride, that it could just be a re-themed Star Tours not actually a third ride in the area. The notion being that this approach would be quicker and cheaper.

That rumor sounds like about the worst of all possible worlds. It does fit in with the minimal facts that we have so far in terms of what has already closed, but it would be highly disappointing. I'm expecting a rant from lockedoutlogic any second now and if it's what they do I don't think I'd have any rebuttals for him.

However, just a rumor. Wild speculation. Nothing more.

I'm intentionally not ranting...because I'm a FAN of Star Wars...and the artist formerly known as Walt Disney world...

So I don't want worst case scenario after 5 years of publicity. If I want hype without delivery...I can watch my beloved/hated Penguins.

It's a bad "rumor"...no doubt.

It's more disbelief...that the "one and done" strategy can be rewarded with things like this. This is completely a "one and done" approach...fantasyland and avatar blazing the trail.

I can tell you (employee alert!) that the "repeat customer" strategy of the Eisner era was 100% better. To retain a captive, but demanding audience.

That was the audience for the height of wdw to this point...don't believe in coincidence.

Ok...rant over

 

[lockedoutlogic]

If Disney replaced 1 for 1, that would be one thing...but to lose 15% of attractions overall for the next 5-6 years (and over 25% of attractions for a minimum of 12 months, and more likely 24-36 months while waiting for TSL to finish) is not maintaining...it's slipping...badly.

And only the customers can fix that...

By marching their army somewhere else.

This is ...as
Our dear departed champion roy e Disney ( the "idiot nephew" and possibly the most important Disney counselor ever...) said...this publically traded, stock driven company may just be "rapacious and soul-less" yet

I'll be called a nut for bringing it up 48 hours after they "gave us all this stuff!"

But I'll accepting that and let time simmer my stew.

We'll see how it tastes at dinner time...

 

[Josh Hendy]

All the current buildings in that area will be used just re-themed to fit and the "source" goes on to say they aren't sure about the 2nd ride, that it could just be a re-themed Star Tours not actually a third ride in the area. The notion being that this approach would be quicker and cheaper.

That may be bleaker than the reality, but the reality is already bleak enough. Or maybe "vague enough" is the right expression.

Just between you and me, I think that they have no idea what they're going to build, or whether it's going in between Echo Lake and Indiana Jones, or on top of the Muppet Show, or just to the left of Pizza Planet.

The artwork is so vague, it looks like something that was painted for set designers and storyboard artists to use for the upcoming movie. No ride building, cantina, retail or anything else is apparent. I see tree stumps and little buildings on top of them. I see M. Falcon parked in front of the tree stumps. Where is the theme park? Where are the entrances to the rides, the restaurants and the retail. With a sign or something. Like in every theme park. To get pumped for a theme park, you need to visualize yourself walking into the scene and doing stuff. The ride descriptions are so vague as to not be ride descriptions at all ... not even story descriptions. Something battle. Drive the Falcon. Whaaa ? In how many years will you tell me what you're actually building, and also tell me when I might think of booking a holiday so I can experience it?

 

[rteetz]

That may be bleaker than the reality, but the reality is already bleak enough. Or maybe "vague enough" is the right expression.

Just between you and me, I think that they have no idea what they're going to build, or whether it's going in between Echo Lake and Indiana Jones, or on top of the Muppet Show, or just to the left of Pizza Planet.

The artwork is so vague, it looks like something that was painted for set designers and storyboard artists to use for the upcoming movie. No ride building, cantina, retail or anything else is apparent. I see tree stumps and little buildings on top of them. I see M. Falcon parked in front of the tree stumps. Where is the theme park? Where are the entrances to the rides, the restaurants and the retail. With a sign or something. Like in every theme park. To get pumped for a theme park, you need to visualize yourself walking into the scene and doing stuff. The ride descriptions are so vague as to not be ride descriptions at all ... not even story descriptions. Something battle. Drive the Falcon. Whaaa ? In how many years will you tell me what you're actually building, and also tell me when I might think of booking a holiday so I can experience it?

I agree that details and art is very vague but can you expect much less this early. However based on what was said I think this land will be different than any other it won't have that typical ride entrance. They have already said that all the cast will be part of the area they won't be wearing normal CM gear they will be in full Star Wars costume to play the part. I'd say you can book for 2021.

 

[Josh Hendy]

I agree that details and art is very vague but can you expect much less this early. However based on what was said I think this land will be different than any other it won't have that typical ride entrance. They have already said that all the cast will be part of the area they won't be wearing normal CM gear they will be in full Star Wars costume to play the part. I'd say you can book for 2021.

Alright, sounds cool with the people in SW gear. Unless the gear is terribly hot and uncomfortable I could see this land becoming the new Haunted Mansion in terms of popularity among CMs ... the Cosplay generation and everything.

The planetscape doesn't do anything for me but at eye-level I suppose there will be plenty of details to look at. In the grand tradition of Diagon Alley.

I feel pretty grumpy about the schedule and about the hype and speculation that we'll have to endure for 6 (count-em) years, and the endlessly teasing leaks and vague hints. It's so far in the future that I think I might as well just forget about it and pretend it's not happening.

It could be a lot worse though ... I could be a Marvel fan ...

 

[Azree]

Welp, bases on this thread I'm just gonna go ahead and advocate that WDW just craters DHS and plants a garden over it. According to the majority of posts, there is NO WAY that this will EVER be awesome, it will take 15 years to build, and the "only" two new rides will probably be a carny level Tunnel of Love and a Tilt-a-whirl painted like an X-Wing.

Sheesh, people. Some of us (and most of you) have been waiting for something like this for almost 40 years.

Enjoy the moment.


EDIT: Oh, and by the way - I'm not saying "don't talk about it." Have fun, speculate away! I'm just saying that the "Disney will blow this, too" attitude is a little over the top.

Here's my take - Harry Potter freaked the crap out of Disney, and they know it. They know they need a game changer, and this is it. They're gonna go all out. I'll bet there's a three year timeline, and I'll bet the plans are to make it every bit as immersive as Diagon Alley. WDW might never admit it, but they've learned a lot about how to do this from the Harry Potter success.

 

[ffcheff]

Welp, bases on this thread I'm just gonna go ahead and advocate that WDW just craters DHS and plants a garden over it. According to the majority of posts, there is NO WAY that this will EVER be awesome, it will take 15 years to build, and the "only" two new rides will probably be a carny level Tunnel of Love and a Tilt-a-whirl painted like an X-Wing.

Sheesh, people. Some of us (and most of you) have been waiting for something like this for almost 40 years.

Enjoy the moment.


EDIT: Oh, and by the way - I'm not saying "don't talk about it." Have fun, speculate away! I'm just saying that the "Disney will blow this, too" attitude is a little over the top.

Here's my take - Harry Potter freaked the crap out of Disney, and they know it. They know they need a game changer, and this is it. They're gonna go all out. I'll bet there's a three year timeline, and I'll bet the plans are to make it every bit as immersive as Diagon Alley. WDW might never admit it, but they've learned a lot about how to do this from the Harry Potter success.

I agree with all this, but I also believe that the success of cars land played a part also. The issue that Disney in my opinion ran into was they had to finish the other projects that they already committed to like the Disney springs and the hub upgrade at MK. I will for now until my dreams are definitely ruined will dream big.

 

[LittleDreamer]

Now I'm thinking side thoughts. How badly do you think Disney wanted Star Wars to be at DCA but couldn't find the room?

I really don't think they did want it there

Last attendance numbers we got DCA was almost half of DL in terms of guest, you don't think Star Wars would help even that out. I also think that Star Wars as a land doesn't quite fit in Disneyland. The only thing tying Star Wars to DL was Star Tours and I think we might have to consider Tours going away (or moving) once Star Wars Land is built. Also if they want Seasons of the Force to be a long term thing, placing it in DCA would of made it a two park event, which would be interesting.