Muppet Courtyard

[rteetz]

The fact the ratings were so strong out the gate suggests that the brand is still quite strong. The quality of the show on the other hand...

Yep. I watched for the first few episodes but never could get hooked.

 

[Irish_Mike]

The fact the ratings were so strong out the gate suggests that the brand is still quite strong. The quality of the show on the other hand...

Ratings still have to stay at a reasonable level for selling ad space and making a profit. Even with Muppets falling under the Disney/ABC corporate umbrella, it's ratings have gone fractional and quick.

As a summer show, it may stick around. But I really don't see it lasting beyond another full year contract, if it even gets that. Disney may want to preserve the brand by not tarnishing it with more episodes

 

[Eoghann]

Ratings still have to stay at a reasonable level for selling ad space and making a profit. Even with Muppets falling under the Disney/ABC corporate umbrella, it's ratings have gone fractional and quick.

As a summer show, it may stick around. But I really don't see it lasting beyond another full year contract, if it even gets that. Disney may want to preserve the brand by not tarnishing it with more episodes

I think you're missing my point. The issue was quality of the show, not the brand. If the brand was stale or old the ratings wouldn't have been so high at the outset.

While a blockbuster hit show would have bolstered the case for more Muppets in the park I think Disney has plenty of evidence that the characters appeal which is probably all that's required to do a quick restaurant re-theme and keep open an existing attraction.

 

[PuppyJonathan]

As much as I want to see Carsland for myself and even though Radiator Springs Racers is definitely on my list of "best rides Disney ever made" without actually riding it, I honestly don't want to see Carsland in WDW. It's not because I don't enjoy Cars (honestly out of all of the future Pixar movies in the pipeline, I'm most excited for Cars 3! Plus I really do enjoy both films), it's just something feels wrong about it. I keep thinking of it as "DCA needed Carsland" and I personally don't think Carsland could fit anywhere else because of how vital it was to DCA's turnaround. I feel like they need to do something a tad more unique than ride off of something that may have been helpful for DCA but maybe not as much for MGM

 

[HopperFan]

If they are going to start building this in the next couple year then they have to know what they are doing by now. Personally I'd much rather see something other than carsland. Leave that as a DCA exclusive draw.

The info I posted comes from a good source. Also many have just said echo lake area or LMA area. This was the first I've seen specifically state CM parking and Indiana jones. Disney can use the word expansion but that doesn't mean necessarily outside the park. You could expand into what is currently CM only or backstage areas and that would be considered expansion.

I said that because the guy who posted on Twitter posted what I said about CM parking and Indiana jones relatively quickly after I had posted it here on the dis. I'm also always looking at info and things on Twitter but I will say the vast majority of rumors or leaks don't come from there at least in my experience.

When SWL was announced the number one location speculated was the parking lot. Over and over it was the parking lot connecting with ST. Even though the new road/entrance from Victory has been opening discussed for three years, no one placed SWL on the forested land until the watershed permits started to show up. While that would take too long, it wouldn't take too long to turn it into parking if working at same time. Things quieted and everyone jumped on the SoA area with their color blocks, but Muppets was the roadblock there. All speculation that it would fill in Echo Lake was kinda dumb ... why block popular restaurants and firework viewing areas? Never believed any of that but can see Indiana going. While not as many predict the demise of Indiana in convos, there were other convos that felt it's time had come. They only need it now until close to the new WWoS venue opening.

Bottom line the parking lot options for SWL has been out there since last August when the land was announced. It's nothing new. Now maybe new rumblings have started from CMs or others to revive it but honestly I don't think it ever was off the table - just off the rumor mill. Below are photos posted LAST summer of predicted areas.

Here is some interesting reading in timeline format ... http://www.wdwthemeparks.com/rumors/2014/08/10/major-overhaul-coming-to-hollywood-studios

RED IS STAR WARS, showing Indiana GONE posted in October from credible source.

 

[Phicinfan]

As much as I want to see Carsland for myself and even though Radiator Springs Racers is definitely on my list of "best rides Disney ever made" without actually riding it, I honestly don't want to see Carsland in WDW. It's not because I don't enjoy Cars (honestly out of all of the future Pixar movies in the pipeline, I'm most excited for Cars 3! Plus I really do enjoy both films), it's just something feels wrong about it. I keep thinking of it as "DCA needed Carsland" and I personally don't think Carsland could fit anywhere else because of how vital it was to DCA's turnaround. I feel like they need to do something a tad more unique than ride off of something that may have been helpful for DCA but maybe not as much for MGM

I don't disagree. I have been to DL once, and WDW many times. I would much rather see HS get a totally new area, whether it be Monstropolis, Incredibles, Indy or a mixture of mini lands of each... than cars land repeated. I loved Cars land and loved the ride, but it seems to belong in DL , not here.

 

[Eoghann]

As much as I want to see Carsland for myself and even though Radiator Springs Racers is definitely on my list of "best rides Disney ever made" without actually riding it, I honestly don't want to see Carsland in WDW. It's not because I don't enjoy Cars (honestly out of all of the future Pixar movies in the pipeline, I'm most excited for Cars 3! Plus I really do enjoy both films), it's just something feels wrong about it. I keep thinking of it as "DCA needed Carsland" and I personally don't think Carsland could fit anywhere else because of how vital it was to DCA's turnaround. I feel like they need to do something a tad more unique than ride off of something that may have been helpful for DCA but maybe not as much for MGM

If I remember correctly there are operational issues with that ride and the Florida weather (yes it's basically Test Track from a technology perspective, but apparently they have these problems with Test Track). Which is why if it were to come to WDW it would most likely not be outdoors.

 

[rteetz]

When SWL was announced the number one location speculated was the parking lot. Over and over it was the parking lot connecting with ST. Even though the new road/entrance from Victory has been opening discussed for three years, no one placed SWL on the forested land until the watershed permits started to show up. While that would take too long, it wouldn't take too long to turn it into parking if working at same time. Things quieted and everyone jumped on the SoA area with their color blocks, but Muppets was the roadblock there. All speculation that it would fill in Echo Lake was kinda dumb ... why block popular restaurants and firework viewing areas? Never believed any of that but can see Indiana going. While not as many predict the demise of Indiana in convos, there were other convos that felt it's time had come. They only need it now until close to the new WWoS venue opening.

Bottom line the parking lot options for SWL has been out there since last August when the land was announced. It's nothing new. Now maybe new rumblings have started from CMs or others to revive it but honestly I don't think it ever was off the table - just off the rumor mill. Below are photos posted LAST summer of predicted areas.

Here is some interesting reading in timeline format ... http://www.wdwthemeparks.com/rumors/2014/08/10/major-overhaul-coming-to-hollywood-studios

RED IS STAR WARS, posted in October from credible source.

Yes you are correct. I think what's still up in the air is whether or not Indiana jones stays or not.

 

[jaxonp]

So if Jones stays put I could see Disney open a new path through the back lot express (raze it to the ground) into the parking lot and have the big reveal to Star Wars Land. They could tie Star Tours into it as the would be the entrance to the land. Now that makes a whole lot more sense when you stop thinking about how Muppets and Star Wars land fit together. Thoughts?

 

[PuppyJonathan]

I don't disagree. I have been to DL once, and WDW many times. I would much rather see HS get a totally new area, whether it be Monstropolis, Incredibles, Indy or a mixture of mini lands of each... than cars land repeated. I loved Cars land and loved the ride, but it seems to belong in DL , not here.

Honestly you probably worded it better than I did

If I remember correctly there are operational issues with that ride and the Florida weather (yes it's basically Test Track from a technology perspective, but apparently they have these problems with Test Track). Which is why if it were to come to WDW it would most likely not be outdoors.

True, I remember hearing that if we do get radiator springs racers it's going to be all indoors, or just the indoor segment

 

[eastendlights]

Understandable, but part of me is curious if Disney really has confidence in the Muppet brand. The latest TV show has sunk like a rock in terms of viewers and ratings, after starting out successful.

I dunno, part of this just feels like it's a temporary bandaid on HS until they get Toy Story and Star Wars close to being completed. I don't see Muppets lasting much longer than that.

You know, the show is really funny, smart and entertaining. I don't think people gave it enough time. It was a mistake to market it as a family show-the humor is absolutely for adults. We think it is hysterical. The story lines are great as is the writing and Miss Piggy is insanely funny. The show has gotten better each week.