Lots of rumors

[Luv2Roam]

And I don't know that any of those rumors are new. Say a rumor for enough years, and eventually it may come true.

 

[loopner67]

I'm looking at the Unofficial Guide right now and what it says is....

For the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse...."Given that Disneyland's Swiss Family Treehouse was rethemed back in 1999, Mouse House insiders suggest it will only be a matter of time 'til the MK's version also goes under the knife. The attraction can then be tied directly in with a more modern, more viable Disney franchise."

For the Jungle Cruise... "Following the successful introduction of water cannons and plastic piranhas to DL's JC, WDW's version is reportedly slated to follow suit. In the not-so-distant future, a trip through the jungle could leave you with a soaked shirt and/or missing a finger or two."

Not going to type this all up, but he says that DL has already shut down their version of Tom Sawyer's island due to costs associated with disabled-access issues and safety concerns, so it's only a matter of time before Tom Sawyer's island is also closed.

About the Pooh area.... "Sure, the recent addition of Pooh's Playful Place to the MK is a boon for parents with young kids. Just don't expect it to be around for very long. Disney is reportedly already eyeballing this portion of Fantasyland (and former home to 20,000 Leagues) as a possible expansion area. What sort of ideas are they talking about? Well, don't be too surprised if, over the next few years, nearby Ariels' Grotto undergoes a growth spurt and eventually emerges as a full-blown attraction".

He also talks about how, if the movie "Cars" by John Lassiter (Toy Story) does well, then maybe the Indy Speedway would be redone using the characters from this movie.

As stated already, these "quotes" are from the Unofficial Guide and are "Peeks behind the scenes with Jim Hill".

 

[MJMcBride]

There is still no point in 2 stunt shows. The indy will go eventually for a theme ride. There are a couple of different indy rides.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

There is still no point in 2 stunt shows. The indy will go eventually for a theme ride. There are a couple of different indy rides.

If the Indy stunt show starts playing to largely empty houses, Disney will develop a new show for the current Indy stunt show venue.

The venue is a valuable theater worth tens of millions of dollars.

It is not logical (from a business standpoint) to say that because the location now has an Indy show, it must remain an Indy location and will therefore become an Indy ride.

It is much more logical (from a business standpoint) to say that the valuable theater may someday house a new show, which would probably have nothing to do with Indiana Jones.

 

[raidermatt]

Its also not logical to say that they can't have 2 stunt shows.

Parks can have multiple stage shows, dark rides, thrill rides, roller coasters, etc, and certainly they can theoretically have multiple stunt shows. The question is what does the audience want.

Most of these rumors have been around for years now. The Movie Ride has been rumored to be doing everything from being torn down to becoming a "Villains" attraction. Camp Minnie/Mickey has been mentioned as possibly being replaced with an attraction or attractions.

We were hearing that the Indy show would be replaced with the Indy ride long before the auto stunt show was ever even mentioned.

The old 20k area has been rumored to have all kinds of things done over the years, and the playground hasn't really changed that. The treehouse was rumored to be changing as soon as DL changed its version.

Virtually every upcoming animated movie has attraction rumors tied to it based on how successful it is.

One note though, DL has not shut down its version of Tom Sawyer Island, unless it happened very recently. They did closed the fort on the island, but the island itself, along with the caves, treehouse, bridges, etc are still open. That said, the rumor that it will close completely or be replaced with something has been around for a long time as well.

A more recent rumor for MK is that the Liberty Belle will never float again and walkways will be built over to the island to replace the current barges, effectively ending all boat traffic on the river.

 

[iceskatejen]

Tom Sayer's Island at DL is very much open (I was there last weekend). Yes, the fort is closed (it's used for dressing rooms for the Fantasmic performers), but everything else is open on the island. As far as disabled access issues, I can see that trying to get a wheelchair around the island would be difficult at best and in areas, downright impossible, but so long as the island isn't closed down completely for anything other than a refurb (i.e. the island is closed down for a few years and reopened under a new name with new theming, etc..., sort of like with the Finding Nemo Subs at DL), it's not an ADA issue as the ADA rules only apply to new attractions and TSI was there before the ADA was and hasn't been closed. So long as it remains TSI, it's all good.

 

[MJMcBride]

Its also not logical to say that they can't have 2 stunt shows.

Parks can have multiple stage shows, dark rides, thrill rides, roller coasters, etc, and certainly they can theoretically have multiple stunt shows. The question is what does the audience want.

Most of these rumors have been around for years now. The Movie Ride has been rumored to be doing everything from being torn down to becoming a "Villains" attraction. Camp Minnie/Mickey has been mentioned as possibly being replaced with an attraction or attractions.

We were hearing that the Indy show would be replaced with the Indy ride long before the auto stunt show was ever even mentioned.

The old 20k area has been rumored to have all kinds of things done over the years, and the playground hasn't really changed that. The treehouse was rumored to be changing as soon as DL changed its version.

Virtually every upcoming animated movie has attraction rumors tied to it based on how successful it is.

One note though, DL has not shut down its version of Tom Sawyer Island, unless it happened very recently. They did closed the fort on the island, but the island itself, along with the caves, treehouse, bridges, etc are still open. That said, the rumor that it will close completely or be replaced with something has been around for a long time as well.

A more recent rumor for MK is that the Liberty Belle will never float again and walkways will be built over to the island to replace the current barges, effectively ending all boat traffic on the river.

I'm not saying they can't have 2 stunt shows. I just find it unlikely 2 stunt shows would be popular. I feel most guest will see the new one and skip Indy.

Has anyone heard anything on a North American section to AK?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I'm not saying they can't have 2 stunt shows. I just find it unlikely 2 stunt shows would be popular. I feel most guest will see the new one and skip Indy.

Sea World has had a killer whale (orca) show and a dolphin show since day one. Both are top attractions at Sea World. Yet these shows are much more similar than "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular" and "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" at Disney-MGM Studios.

The Indiana Jones show has been around since the opening of Disney-MGM. But the show still draws big crowds. Perhaps, some day, that will no longer be the case. Then Disney will use the theater for a new show of some kind.

Has anyone heard anything on a North American section to AK?

I haven't heard that rumor. Then again, I'm not up on all the WDW rumors.

I don't doubt that Imagineers have drawn up concept artwork for Australia, South America, and North America. That's not the same as a new section actually being funded and built.

I don't expect to see any major expansion at AK with significant new animal habitats. After Expedition Everest, we'll get a new show to replace Tarzan Rocks. Then, every other year or so, they'll add or replace something — just enough to keep guests coming back.

 

[MJMcBride]

I haven't heard that rumor. Then again, I'm not up on all the WDW rumors.

I don't doubt that Imagineers have drawn up concept artwork for Australia, South America, and North America. That's not the same as a new section actually being funded and built.

I don't expect to see any major expansion at AK with significant new animal habitats. After Expedition Everest, we'll get a new show to replace Tarzan Rocks. Then, every other year or so, they'll add or replace something — just enough to keep guests coming back.[/QUOTE]

Actually, the Unofficial Guide mentions that Disney would love a major new animal habitat surrounding Grizzlies. I've heard they want to have a Grizzly mountian similiar to DCA.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Actually, the Unofficial Guide mentions that Disney would love a major new animal habitat surrounding Grizzlies. I've heard they want to have a Grizzly mountian similiar to DCA.

First, consider the source. The other speculation in the Unofficial Guide about future attracations seems to be little more than wishful thinking, Internet rumors, or (of lowest value) cast member rumors.

That said, it seems plausible that there are people within Disney who would love to see North America at AK, with a habitat for grizzlies. But what really matters is if there are decision-making executives within Disney who are willing to approve an investment of $150-300 million to add a new "continent" to AK.

By the way, Grizzly Mountain at DCA is a raft ride similar to AK's Kali River ride -- different theme, different layout, but essentially the same thrill experience with the same "you will get wet" concept. I wouldn't expect two such similar attractions at AK.

 

[MJMcBride]

First, consider the source. The other speculation in the Unofficial Guide about future attracations seems to be little more than wishful thinking, Internet rumors, or (of lowest value) cast member rumors.

That said, it seems plausible that there are people within Disney who would love to see North America at AK, with a habitat for grizzlies. But what really matters is if there are decision-making executives within Disney who are willing to approve an investment of $150-300 million to add a new "continent" to AK.

By the way, Grizzly Mountain at DCA is a raft ride similar to AK's Kali River ride -- different theme, different layout, but essentially the same thrill experience with the same "you will get wet" concept. I wouldn't expect two such similar attractions at AK.

I agree with your observation about the 2 raft rides. Although apparently, the AK ride is much milder. Also, I understand the Unofficial Guide (which I like the best) is not the ideal source for info but...

I think they will have to add significantly to DAK and maybe even the Studios. Both of those parks have much lower attendance especially in 1 day sales. The reason for this, I think, is 2 fold: MK and, to a lesser extent, Epcot are more "Disney" than the other 2. They probably can't fix that since those parks have been around longer. The second reason is that MK and Epcot have a lot more to do. They can fix that.

I think for Disney to increase attendance as DAK and the Studios they need to a add some attactions. And not necessairly super headliners but more laid back rides to fill a day-passers day. DAK and the Studios need a few more smaller scale rides/attractions. The Studios in particular, needs some more kiddie rides.

 

[dbm20th]

I agree with your observation about the 2 raft rides. Although apparently, the AK ride is much milder. Also, I understand the Unofficial Guide (which I like the best) is not the ideal source for info but...

I think they will have to add significantly to DAK and maybe even the Studios. Both of those parks have much lower attendance especially in 1 day sales. The reason for this, I think, is 2 fold: MK and, to a lesser extent, Epcot are more "Disney" than the other 2. They probably can't fix that since those parks have been around longer. The second reason is that MK and Epcot have a lot more to do. They can fix that.

I think for Disney to increase attendance as DAK and the Studios they need to a add some attactions. And not necessairly super headliners but more laid back rides to fill a day-passers day. DAK and the Studios need a few more smaller scale rides/attractions. The Studios in particular, needs some more kiddie rides.

Also I think the current management has made it very clear that improvements to existing parks is the priority. That said, I think MJMcBride is correct to assume that DAK would be the logical choice for improvement, hence EE. Adding an entire "continent" if we take the current standard, really means nothing more than an animal exhibit and some sort of ride. If we assume that they will add that sooner or later, why not make it a new concept...like North America or Australia

 

[SueM in MN]

Tom Sayer's Island at DL is very much open (I was there last weekend). Yes, the fort is closed (it's used for dressing rooms for the Fantasmic performers), but everything else is open on the island. As far as disabled access issues, I can see that trying to get a wheelchair around the island would be difficult at best and in areas, downright impossible, but so long as the island isn't closed down completely for anything other than a refurb (i.e. the island is closed down for a few years and reopened under a new name with new theming, etc..., sort of like with the Finding Nemo Subs at DL), it's not an ADA issue as the ADA rules only apply to new attractions and TSI was there before the ADA was and hasn't been closed. So long as it remains TSI, it's all good.

Actually, retheming is called "cosmetic changes" and they would not come under the requirements of the ADA just for making cosmetic changes. They would have to do more than that.

 

[MJMcBride]

Also I think the current management has made it very clear that improvements to existing parks is the priority. That said, I think MJMcBride is correct to assume that DAK would be the logical choice for improvement, hence EE. Adding an entire "continent" if we take the current standard, really means nothing more than an animal exhibit and some sort of ride. If we assume that they will add that sooner or later, why not make it a new concept...like North America or Australia

A new continent may not be as expensive as some earlier quotes. I volunteer at a world renown zoo that recently added a state of the art zoo exhibits that cost about $30 million. Its in the northeast which requires much of it to be indoors which ups the price tag.

I would think a North America that would include a major zoo exibit, an E-ticket ride and some lesser attractions could be considerably less than $300 million.