New Al Lutz: DCA Attendance Records, Removal of Nemo Subs?, New 3rd Marvel Park?

[Patrick in Oregon]

Unfortunately, if they did anything with Marvel, it would almost HAVE to be its own park. It wouldn't fit in either park right now theme-wise. The other bad thing though is I feel like they would struggle to make an entire park based around it.

 

[Thundergod]

I can't imagine it ever having that Disney magic, which is the reason I visit.

exactly!

 

[DisneytheKid]

Completely agree. Autopia just seems like a pollution center. If they turned them into electric cars, then maybe I would feel better about it.

Electric cars would be interesting.

I agree with everyone saying a Marvel park wouldn't be that exciting to me. I mean I'm sure if they built it, I'd check it out and probably even enjoy it - but I can't get excited about it in advance, and I can't imagine it ever having that Disney magic, which is the reason I visit.

Very good point. I'm sure they could make it nice but I think you hit the nail on the head about the possible lack of Disney magic...

 

[cgh]

I'd be really disappointed if they ditched autopia-I think an update is surely warranted, but the drive your own car thing for the underage kids is really so nice. I know our son really liked it, and I have very fond memories or doing it when I was a kid. Does it need all that space? Perhaps not. The current cars are always stalling too so an update would definitely be nice.

 

[bakerudall]

I agree with everyone saying a Marvel park wouldn't be that exciting to me. I mean I'm sure if they built it, I'd check it out and probably even enjoy it - but I can't get excited about it in advance, and I can't imagine it ever having that Disney magic, which is the reason I visit.

I agree with this. It is hard to envision it or get too excited about it. The Marvel park would be great, though, and Disney could make it everything that Magic Mountain wishes it were--clean, family-friendly, professional, better food, etc. I'm sure they will find some way to work Disney decor into the park and develop some hybrid character costumes like IronMickey or Thorfy.

 

[StephNJer]

I guess I'm in the minority, but a Marvel themed park really excites my family. But then again, we're kind of comic book nerds, so....
I would love to see a Tomorrowland revamp. I personally would not be the least bit sad to see Autopia and the Subs go away, but we don't ever visit those attractions when we go.

 

[Zbugz]

Its funny you mention this. I think this ride is a perfect example of 20th century technology being used on a ride that could do so much with updated 21st century technology! Well, heres to hoping!

How about some kind of maglev vehicle?

 

[milan15]

I guess I'm in the minority, but a Marvel themed park really excites my family. But then again, we're kind of comic book nerds, so....
I would love to see a Tomorrowland revamp. I personally would not be the least bit sad to see Autopia and the Subs go away, but we don't ever visit those attractions when we go.

My family loves the Marvel stuff. I don't consider myself a comic book nerd, but I've loved each and every one of the Marvel movies and such. My wife has a huge thing for Thor... not sure if that is a good or bad thing to discuss

I disagree with the sentiment that Marvel would simply have to be its own park. Look at Disneyland, in a mere matter of feet you go from indiana jones to big thunder railroad to peter pan. I think it could be done so long as the new land wasn't so radically different in terms of structure.

I'm perfectly fine with tomorrowland getting gutted save space. I've never even rode the submarines as they have zero appeal to me and the one time I rode the cars I was curious as to why I just spent an hour in a cheap go cart.

 

[taaren]

Glad I got my Cozy Cone cup last week since they're sold out now!

I remember reading that ?Iger had previously announced there would be no more West Coast DVC, which probably means no more West Coast Disney owned hotels since it seems that building timeshare units and getting members to pay for the maintenance is more profitable and cheaper for them than building new hotels, so I don't buy that bit.

A new park would be great but a Marvel Park? Not sure there's enough there for that. A Marvel Land would seem just right to me (and we are comic book people).

While its great that attendance is up, I was there on Tuesday and we had to leave halfway through the day because we were feeling positively claustrophobic (and that was everywhere from Paradise Pier to Critter Country). If that's the kind of numbers they want, they're going to need more space/attractions so people aren't constantly elbowing each other and ending up with guests in fist-fights between the heat and lack of space.

I'd be sad so see Nemo go. We went on it this last trip and I forgot just how lovely it was, but as slow-loading/low-capacity as it is, it makes complete sense.

Thanks for posting the concise version Skiingfast. I never know if I want to read Lutz's ramblings until I read your bullet points.

 

[kristenm514]

I've been to a Marvel-themed park. It's called Islands of Adventure.

I don't think it's a wise move for Disney to do the Marvel thing, as it's already being done by someone else, and feels much more suited to Universal or Six Flags.

 

[MommyLove]

An entire park for Marvel doesn't thrill me either. ...It feels so Six Flag and UnDisney to me.

I totally agree with you!

 

[Vexorg]

To me, the whole Marvel thing sounds like more like a convenient theme for a more thrill ride oriented park than anything, but even with the various popular movies these days I just don't see a whole Marvel-based theme park working out all that well. I could see them using the space for a thrill ride park and could see some Marvel-themed rides working well there, I just couldn't see them getting a whole park out of it without it looking too much like an Islands of Adventure clone.

As for the Subs and Autopia, I wouldn't expect them to disappear overnight (I could see Innoventions and the back part of Frontierland getting developed first), but in the longer term I suspect the space will just be too valuable to keep them around, at least in their current forms. On the other hand, I just can't see Autopia going away entirely, especially being one of the original 1955 attractions. Perhaps they could redo it as a dark ride?

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

I'm a little surprised that they are thinking of going with Marvel. Didn't people complain because DCA didn't have a "disney" feel? I don't think Marvel has that feel. I also don't think that Indiana Jones and Star Wars have a Disney feel either, but they go well with their respective lands. And Marvel would not fit in any existing land.

I guess you could have Marvel Land, or Comic Book Land, or Hero Land but it would stick out like a sore thumb at either park. Marvel could possibly fit in the Hollywood back lot, but since they revamped Hollywood land to look like the roaring 20s, it would stick out there. Plus the back-lot is already a hodge-podge with the muppets, Mad T and Monsters Inc. Unless they solidify a solid theme back there, it is going to become DLR's junk drawer.

Thus, concludes my dissertation on why a Marvel theme must have it's own park if Disney wishes to build it in California.

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

On the other hand, I just can't see Autopia going away entirely, especially being one of the original 1955 attractions. Perhaps they could redo it as a dark ride?

How about they revamp it as a Tron themed light-motorcycle race ride? Might be a little too close to TT or RSR as far as the racing rides are concerned. I've got the concept all mapped out in my head - if only I were an imagineer.

But i guess that pretty much gets rid of Autopia which is not what you were going for.

I hate to see the old rides go. I may not go on them, but they are a classic part of DL.

 

[Argento]

At least they've heard the calls for doing something with Tomorrowland. In its existing incarnation, it just falls flat. If they have to ditch the Subs and Autopia to get back that awe-inspiring thing, whatever it was, that had me fantasizing about the future when I was a kid, so be it.

 

[bakerudall]

It is interesting that California Adventure was originally advertised to be more of a thrill-ride park for older guests, but as we all know, it wasn't very successful until they added a ton of Disney and Pixar to it. Could they be repeating history by trying to get into that market again?

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

At least they've heard the calls for doing something with Tomorrowland. In its existing incarnation, it just falls flat. If they have to ditch the Subs and Autopia to get back that awe-inspiring thing, whatever it was, that had me fantasizing about the future when I was a kid, so be it.

I like this sentiment. I also like this discussion. C'mon DISboards! Our powers combined, we can be the best imagineer!

What is the "future" anymore? We don't have flying cars but that idea is dated (which is weird to think that a technology that doesn't exist is dated). Is space the future? A rocketship ride? You got ST and SM. Fighting aliens? You've got Buzz Lightbeer.

At the same time, Nemo/Voyage and Autopia really aren't and were never "future" rides were they?

 

[SilentFeline]

Very interesting updates! I do find it interesting that the frequent RSR breakdowns I've been reading about haven't affected the Intent to Return ratings. I guess CL really is just that great.

I'm a little bit upset about the possible removal of Autopia, but I can't see it as being something that I'll miss forever. As for the subs and Innoventions, I agree that they should be removed. It would be great to have the space for newer, better attractions.

I have little interest in a Marvel-themed park, except to say that I love thrill rides and it might be nice to have some more variety. However, why does it have to be in Anaheim? I think N. California is due for a Disney park of some kind. I'm sure there's a reason, it just wasn't addressed.

As always, thanks for the post, HydroGuy!

 

[4th Gen Disney Fan]

At the same time, Nemo/Voyage and Autopia really aren't and were never "future" rides were they?

Autopia was designed originally to give the sense of what the freeway system would be like. As we all know, it didn't turn out to be all that accurate. This ride is totally in need of either a remodel or just get rid of it. It no longer fits with the theme nor the reality of what driving is like. To get the full experience, just get in your car and hop on the Harbour Freeway!

The submarines on the other hand just take up way too much space. I remember when they drained the lagoon for the Nemo revamp and I was hoping that it was a sign it was going away for good. Maybe now this will finally happen.

Nevermind all the waterways that are still in existence from the old Motor Boat Cruise. What a waste of space that is at this point.

Innoventions.... I think we can all agree that this is on the lowest end of "Must See" right up there with the 3-D theater. We can all see 3-D movies any day of the week. Even from the comfort of our own homes. Totally outdated.

As far as the suggestion for a Marvel Land.... I've never been a supporter of making an entire land around one particular franchise. That's one of the reasons why I'm "meh" about Carsland. Toy Story has been a much stronger franchise. Why they didn't make a Toy Story land instead... I don't know.

Either way, I am EXTREMELY excited that some changes *may* be in store. Hopefully in time for the 60th Birthday.

 

[HydroGuy]

As long as no major renovations for July 2013. It will be finally our year to go to DL for the first time. We have been very patient We were planning on this July but decided no because the uncertain date of Carsland & crowds. I think we made the right decision.

As I have said before when you have posted about wanting to wait until 2013 to avoid Cars Land crowds, if you wait for a summer without new things or when crowds die down, you will never go...