Disney waited for Star Wars: The Force Awakens to proceed with theme park plans

[doconeill]

http://wdwuntangled.com/2014/12/10/star-wars-theme-park-presense-to-take-from-upcoming-movies/

“I slowed it all down so what we come forward with will have a blend of the past, present and maybe the future,” [Iger] said. “Now we have a sense of what’s in Star Wars 8 and what some of the standalone films will have in them.”

 

[Whatsthegoodword]

...and glad they're treating it like the "jewel" that it is!

 

[Twin Dad]

That makes perfect sense. I just wish he'd said that a bit sooner. Everyone was getting worked up over Avatarland proceeding and nothing on the new Star Wars Land. I would personally like to see a walk though exhibit showing different props and models used and maybe even a documentary in a small theater.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Iger continues to at least say the right things...


But the park strategy is a little more calculated than just "giving art house filmmakers time"

At least he didnt say "big things are coming..."
If I had a nickel for that

 

[Twin Dad]

Sounds like Star Tours will get an Episode 7 mission next year. I'll post the link when I'm on my PC.

 

[emldrl]

I know I am asking for speculation, but do you think they might open parts of it at a time, or wait and open it all at once? We'd love to have more Star Wars stuff open when we go in 2016!

 

[doconeill]

I know I am asking for speculation, but do you think they might open parts of it at a time, or wait and open it all at once? We'd love to have more Star Wars stuff open when we go in 2016!

We have no idea what they are even going to do yet, or when.

 

[wallrock]

Once again there is no indication that Orlando is getting a Star Wars 'Land'. The article states that the presence will be global, and thus far spending on the parks has been everywhere except in Florida. That said I do think that we'll get something, just nothing massive (think themed restaurant and hard ticket events).

What doesn't make sense is that Iger is supposedly implying that they're waiting until episode 8 and/or a spin off or two to emerge. I'm not sure why when they've already got a wealth of material that they can use right now, and that they know which elements from the six films they can and can't use. The point being made is that I doubt we'll see a 'turtletalk with Jar Jar' type of attraction given that he's universally despised and I doubt that Lucas and company foresaw the distaste of that character. Since similar unknowns exist for episode 7, 8 and any of the spin offs I doubt that we'll see anything until 2020 or 2021 as Disney will want to wait and see what material scores big with the fan base and develop attractions off of that.

 

[rteetz]

Once again there is no indication that Orlando is getting a Star Wars 'Land'. The article states that the presence will be global, and thus far spending on the parks has been everywhere except in Florida. That said I do think that we'll get something, just nothing massive (think themed restaurant and hard ticket events).

What doesn't make sense is that Iger is supposedly implying that they're waiting until episode 8 and/or a spin off or two to emerge. I'm not sure why when they've already got a wealth of material that they can use right now, and that they know which elements from the six films they can and can't use. The point being made is that I doubt we'll see a 'turtletalk with Jar Jar' type of attraction given that he's universally despised and I doubt that Lucas and company foresaw the distaste of that character. Since similar unknowns exist for episode 7, 8 and any of the spin offs I doubt that we'll see anything until 2020 or 2021 as Disney will want to wait and see what material scores big with the fan base and develop attractions off of that.

I do think WDW will get a themed restaurant but there will be more as well. Several sources I mean like pretty much every source out there has at least one attraction Star Wars themed coming to DHS. Jim Hill just said a full on Death Star and ewok village. Disneyland is supposed to get a Star Wars land where toontown is. DLP will get Star Wars 2 like DHS and a themed restaurant and Tokyo is supposed to get a Star Wars expansion. That being said I do agree that we won't see anything until 2020.

 

[JZCubed]

Once again there is no indication that Orlando is getting a Star Wars 'Land'. The article states that the presence will be global, and thus far spending on the parks has been everywhere except in Florida. That said I do think that we'll get something, just nothing massive (think themed restaurant and hard ticket events).

What doesn't make sense is that Iger is supposedly implying that they're waiting until episode 8 and/or a spin off or two to emerge. I'm not sure why when they've already got a wealth of material that they can use right now, and that they know which elements from the six films they can and can't use. The point being made is that I doubt we'll see a 'turtletalk with Jar Jar' type of attraction given that he's universally despised and I doubt that Lucas and company foresaw the distaste of that character. Since similar unknowns exist for episode 7, 8 and any of the spin offs I doubt that we'll see anything until 2020 or 2021 as Disney will want to wait and see what material scores big with the fan base and develop attractions off of that.

My take on Mr. Iger's comment is that none of us should expect a Star Wars Land (or even an announcement of one) any time soon.

I have three observations about Star Wars:

1.) With so few rides inside Hollywood Studios, the stand-by time for this slow-filling space adventure should be indicative of a first-rate attraction. I wonder, is Star Wars a draw to children? Anecdotally, our child, afraid of Haunted Mansion, has a new favorite in Tower of Terror because her friend liked it. No mention of Star Wars.

2.) Was original Star Wars trilogy about the plot or the effects? Does original Star Wars trilogy have staying power for the next generation? Would youngsters today be as impressed with the effects of original trilogy or do these look hockey (like those of us who are old enough who regularly viewed black & white movies)?

3.) Jedi Training Academy is a good idea that seems to be in high demand. I enjoy Disney offering these varied hands-on/interactive opportunities for children. But I believe that Jedi Academy would be successful even without the ride.

 

[doconeill]

Once again there is no indication that Orlando is getting a Star Wars 'Land'. The article states that the presence will be global, and thus far spending on the parks has been everywhere except in Florida. That said I do think that we'll get something, just nothing massive (think themed restaurant and hard ticket events).

They ARE spending in Florida..."Avatarland" is currently being constructed (finally!), and several rumors focus on Star Wars coming to DHS in lieu of the planned Cars Land duplicate.

What doesn't make sense is that Iger is supposedly implying that they're waiting until episode 8 and/or a spin off or two to emerge.

I didn't see that implication - in fact, what he states is that they "now have a sense" of what will be in the movies beyond 7. Those movies have already been through pre-production and the first interstitial movie should be entering production soon.

I do think WDW will get a themed restaurant but there will be more as well. Several sources I mean like pretty much every source out there has at least one attraction Star Wars themed coming to DHS. Jim Hill just said a full on Death Star and ewok village. Disneyland is supposed to get a Star Wars land where toontown is. DLP will get Star Wars 2 like DHS and a themed restaurant and Tokyo is supposed to get a Star Wars expansion. That being said I do agree that we won't see anything until 2020.

If nothing else, just from Disney's history lately on building anything WDW. Avatar was announced in 2011. They finally broke ground earlier this year. And it won't open until 2017.

My take on Mr. Iger's comment is that none of us should expect a Star Wars Land (or even an announcement of one) any time soon.

I have three observations about Star Wars:

1.) With so few rides inside Hollywood Studios, the stand-by time for this slow-filling space adventure should be indicative of a first-rate attraction. I wonder, is Star Wars a draw to children? Anecdotally, our child, afraid of Haunted Mansion, has a new favorite in Tower of Terror because her friend liked it. No mention of Star Wars.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by the first sentence. Are you talking about Star Tours? It's hard to use the wait time of that attraction as it has a large top capacity and is variable based on crowd levels and staffing requirements.

Plenty of children are familiar with Star Wars itself, if that's what you are referring to. My kids loved <i>Star Wars: The Clone Wars</i>. There are kinda "meh" on <i>Star Wars Rebels</i> so far though. And they LOVE Star Tours, especially since the update, and it was a goal for both of them to become the Rebel Spy (and they were)

2.) Was original Star Wars trilogy about the plot or the effects? Does original Star Wars trilogy have staying power for the next generation? Would youngsters today be as impressed with the effects of original trilogy or do these look hockey (like those of us who are old enough who regularly viewed black & white movies)?

Pretty subjective question, but I know several people 15 and under who actually prefer the original trilogy.

3.) Jedi Training Academy is a good idea that seems to be in high demand. I enjoy Disney offering these varied hands-on/interactive opportunities for children. But I believe that Jedi Academy would be successful even without the ride.

But doesn't this also indicate that Star Wars is a draw for younger children?

 

[kbelle8995]

I personally would love a Mos Eisley Cantina bar in the park but that's me.

As for kids yes Star Wars is still out there and if the Convention I attended is any indication yes they are out there as well.

Saw many children dressed up and having fun.

 

[Lee Matthews]

Sounds like Star Tours will get an Episode 7 mission next year. I'll post the link when I'm on my PC.

Thats pretty cool. Star Tours is one ride they can easily modify to incorporate new films.

I hope that Studios is what gets all the Star Wars additions. I don't want to see Endor in Animal Kingdom for example.

 

[wallrock]

My take on Mr. Iger's comment is that none of us should expect a Star Wars Land (or even an announcement of one) any time soon.

I have three observations about Star Wars:

1.) With so few rides inside Hollywood Studios, the stand-by time for this slow-filling space adventure should be indicative of a first-rate attraction. I wonder, is Star Wars a draw to children? Anecdotally, our child, afraid of Haunted Mansion, has a new favorite in Tower of Terror because her friend liked it. No mention of Star Wars.

2.) Was original Star Wars trilogy about the plot or the effects? Does original Star Wars trilogy have staying power for the next generation? Would youngsters today be as impressed with the effects of original trilogy or do these look hockey (like those of us who are old enough who regularly viewed black & white movies)?

3.) Jedi Training Academy is a good idea that seems to be in high demand. I enjoy Disney offering these varied hands-on/interactive opportunities for children. But I believe that Jedi Academy would be successful even without the ride.

I think your item 3 answers items 1 and 2. The Jedi Academy has kids lined up whose parents weren't even around when the first film came out. Star Wars has been around for nearly 40 years and countless numbers are waiting patiently for December 2015.

 

[wallrock]

They ARE spending in Florida..."Avatarland" is currently being constructed (finally!), and several rumors focus on Star Wars coming to DHS in lieu of the planned Cars Land duplicate.

Rumors don't equate to shovels moving earth.

I didn't see that implication - in fact, what he states is that they "now have a sense" of what will be in the movies beyond 7. Those movies have already been through pre-production and the first interstitial movie should be entering production soon.

Well, you're the author of the article so you know more about what was paraphrased (assuming you paraphrased) or excerpted from the Q&A than I do, but why focus on Iger's comment about episode 8? Was that all he said? If you highlight a comment around episode 8 and some of the stand alone films then I'm assuming that was the focal point of the CEO's remark. That tells me that Disney is looking to wait until episode 8 before they start doing anything. If you have Iger on the record saying "we're starting construction in January 2016 to take advantage of the success of episode 7", or something along those lines then I'd like to hear it.

 

[doconeill]

Well, you're the author of the article so you know more about what was paraphrased (assuming you paraphrased) or excerpted from the Q&A than I do, but why focus on Iger's comment about episode 8? Was that all he said? If you highlight a comment around episode 8 and some of the stand alone films then I'm assuming that was the focal point of the CEO's remark. That tells me that Disney is looking to wait until episode 8 before they start doing anything. If you have Iger on the record saying "we're starting construction in January 2016 to take advantage of the success of episode 7", or something along those lines then I'd like to hear it.

He didn't give any specific dates. First looks are expected next year, which would be ahead of the release of Episode 7, not 8. 8 isn't expected for release until 2017.

But, to requote: “Now we have a sense of what’s in ‘Star Wars 8,’ and what some of the standalone films will have in them."

That means they already have an idea of what will be included in the movies beyond 7, and can include elements from them without waiting further. If they keep waiting, they won't do anything until the fire has already died down - although, that is also a standard mode of operation for Disney.

 

[wallrock]

He didn't give any specific dates. First looks are expected next year, which would be ahead of the release of Episode 7, not 8. 8 isn't expected for release until 2017.

But, to requote: “Now we have a sense of what’s in ‘Star Wars 8,’ and what some of the standalone films will have in them."

That means they already have an idea of what will be included in the movies beyond 7, and can include elements from them without waiting further. If they keep waiting, they won't do anything until the fire has already died down - although, that is also a standard mode of operation for Disney.

They may have an idea of what episode 8 will look like (probably episode 9 as well), but they don't know what will or will not be received well by the audience until the film hits the theaters. Personally I think they will wait until the release of episode 9 before they do anything with the new material - at least I think that's the smart move. Additionally I don't think that Disney worries too much about the 'fire' of popularity. After all they made the flagship attraction of the Fantasyland expansion off of a film that was made 77 years ago.

Again they know what did and didn't work with the first six films, and there's plenty there to start working on things in the parks. If Disney rolls the dice and starts plugging in concepts from the new films that's a big chunk of change to gamble with. That's something that Disney doesn't typically do.

It's Star Wars, so there's a good chance that all of the parts will be received well by somebody, but again if they latch onto a Jar Jar Binks type of character or situation and plug it into a park before the majority of the world says they hate it Wall Street won't be too happy.

 

[Twin Dad]

Thats pretty cool. Star Tours is one ride they can easily modify to incorporate new films.

I hope that Studios is what gets all the Star Wars additions. I don't want to see Endor in Animal Kingdom for example.

Here's the link. All rumor at this point but it makes sense. This something that can easily be plugged into the ride.

I think your item 3 answers items 1 and 2. The Jedi Academy has kids lined up whose parents weren't even around when the first film came out. Star Wars has been around for nearly 40 years and countless numbers are waiting patiently for December 2015.

Thanks for making me feel old.

Disney has stated they were going to do the big announcement for the parks in 2015. They could do it at Celebration VII in April, which just so happens to be walking distance from DLR.

 

[wallrock]

Thanks for making me feel old.

Disney has stated they were going to do the big announcement for the parks in 2015. They could do it at Celebration VII in April, which just so happens to be walking distance from DLR.

I'm right there with you. We were in the parks a month and a half ago and as I looked around at the parents in the Jedi Academy area I was thinking about this. Then I figured that many weren't alive when The Empire Strikes Back came out. Shortly thereafter I had the same feeling about Return Of The Jedi. After that I just pondered going back to the room and drinking some Geritol.

 

[emldrl]

I'm right there with you. We were in the parks a month and a half ago and as I looked around at the parents in the Jedi Academy area I was thinking about this. Then I figured that many weren't alive when The Empire Strikes Back came out. Shortly thereafter I had the same feeling about Return Of The Jedi. After that I just pondered going back to the room and drinking some Geritol.

My mom took me to see Star Wars in 1977; I was a newborn! I have always loved the movies, and now my kids do. My son, even at 4, preferred the original trilogy, but we love them all. I read the article on theme park insider, and the tone of it made me think they will start work soon; I also think that might have played a part in all the closures at DHS. Of course this is just my opinion! I also understand they go at a very slow snail's pace with projects, but do they open things in stages, or wait til everything's complete?
At any rate, Avatarland, plus all the changes at DHS, just gives us a reason to go back again!