Star Wars Universe Dream Park or Star Wars Land

[Rumors Rocks]

For the most part, I have never felt that Disney needed a fifth gate-until now. I'm beginning to feel that Star Wars may be too grand of an IP for a simple "land" locked within the confines of DHS. Perhaps an expansion, starting at the former Back Studio Tour lot entrance extending across S Studio Dr would be better.....Studio Dr can be rerouted to circle around the expansion.

Or, a fifth gate right across from DHS on the opposite side of World Drive. The only major drawback I can see resulting from a Star Wars fifth gate is the price. Just how much more would guests be willing to pay? Iger stated that there will be an "expanded presence of Star Wars" in Disney Parks. And frankly, I don't want to see Star Wars butchered and chopped into little pieces to be sprinkled here and there in every park, like Toy Story and some of the other IP's. I would much prefer to be fully immersed in the Star Wars Experience.

The map above is the fine work of former Lucasfilm and Star Wars artist Tom Hodges - who is quoted as saying, “I always thought this was something that should’ve been done a long time ago,” Hodges says. “But I found out when I was doing the map that Disney had a contract with Lucasfilm that they could not put a Star Wars theme park in a country that has a Disney park. But now that Disney owns LucasFilm, the sky is the limit.” You can see a detailed close up of the map by scrolling over it here - http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/10/31/star-wars-dreampark-art/5/

Artist Tom Hodges — who has worked for Lucasfilm on the Clone Wars comics — dreamt up this amazing theme park for the Star Wars Celebration based off an old 1966 Disneyland Map. And we wouldn't change a thing.

"Look at the amazing detail: Kamino Cloning Facility, Death Star Trench Run, Kashyyyk Family Treehouse, and Hoth: Escape from Echobase - The Ride! I'm pretty sure we would burst into tears inside a real-life Mos Eisley Cantina. Make this happen, Mickey." http://io9.com/5957753/this-is-the-new-star-wars-theme-park-were-looking-for

 

[jon18uk]

My way of thinking is, would I pay to visit a Star Wars park? Probably not.
Would a big Star Wars Land (at least on scale of Cars Land) make me spend longer in DHS? Yes.
Maybe I just don't have a great love for Star Wars, if Universal had made Harry Potter a third gate then I think the boy wizard would be enough of a draw for me. But I might skip USF park to spend more time there, so i don't think they would have gained much more by making it a separate park.
Obviously there are others who would love to visit a Star Wars park but don't care about Harry Potter or even Mickey Mouse.

 

[Suger Mag]

My way of thinking is, would I pay to visit a Star Wars park? Probably not.
Would a big Star Wars Land (at least on scale of Cars Land) make me spend longer in DHS? Yes.

This is how I feel. if I was there I would go, but like HP, I will not go JUST for that...

Expnding DHS is really needed, putting in a 5th gate will create more of an issue for DHS rather than helping by pulling visitors away from DHS. Between the (hopefully BIG and HUGE) new land at DHS... by adding in unique SW related attractions at other parks around the globe, they can capitalize and get more from SW than from putting all their eggs in one big glorious 5th-gate basket.

 

[Twin Dad]

The seven year old in me would probably move to Florida if they did a fifth gate. (Or at least go yearly.) The adult in me just doesn't see it as being practical. The start up time and the costs would be incredible. If they did a large Star Wars Land at DHS it would be done faster and for a lot less.

 

[skier_pete]

Sorry, a Star Wars only theme park is in my view a terrible Idea. (As I would think of a Marvel Theme park, or a Cars Theme Park, or a Pirates of the Carribean theme park.)

Yes, Star Wars is a broad concept, but not broad enough to sustain an entire theme park. And what if someday it falls out of favor. Then you are totally screwed.

In addition, Disney doesn't NEED a 5th gate. While I am all for new rides/expansion, why in the world do I need an entire new park. As a Disney fan, I don't have time to do everything I want there in 10 days as it is. Adding a 5th gate wouldn't make me add time to my vacation, it would mean I'd have to spend less time at existing parks. And that's not better for me, and certainly not better for Disney.

 

[OKW Lover]

How about a choice that says:
We don't need no stinking Star Wars

Seriously, I'd love to see some more Star Wars stuff in the parks but not the level of a whole new park. I'm not even sure a whole "land" is in order. I'd take more than is currently at DHS but please no more "thrill rides".

 

[twebber55]

Sorry, a Star Wars only theme park is in my view a terrible Idea. (As I would think of a Marvel Theme park, or a Cars Theme Park, or a Pirates of the Carribean theme park.)

Yes, Star Wars is a broad concept, but not broad enough to sustain an entire theme park. And what if someday it falls out of favor. Then you are totally screwed.

In addition, Disney doesn't NEED a 5th gate. While I am all for new rides/expansion, why in the world do I need an entire new park. As a Disney fan, I don't have time to do everything I want there in 10 days as it is. Adding a 5th gate wouldn't make me add time to my vacation, it would mean I'd have to spend less time at existing parks. And that's not better for me, and certainly not better for Disney.

Totally agree...terrible idea...build a great/massive land in DHS...ther is a reason one IP parks arent around

 

[MrsBusDriver]

To the op thanks for the map and the link. Very fun to look at. I just can't see making SW an entire park, as others have said it would be a great addition to DHS.

 

[BarryS]

While Star Wars is enough of a draw for me to warrant its own park (and so I voted for the Dream Park in the poll), I certainly understand that for many people it is not enough of a draw - in fact there are people that would avoid this park entirely.

I would of course be very happy with a substantially increased Star Wars presence at DHS.

 

[luisov]

There isn't one individual franchise in this world that could justify the creation of an entire theme park based on it. Not Harry Potter, not Lord of the Rings, not Star Wars.

A Star Wars land works pretty well because you're already paying for other non-Star Wars related experiences, and you may as well visit the land while you're at DHS. A Star Wars gate, on the other hand, would rely way too much on big Star Wars fans. Casual fans? sure, they might help as well. People who are not fans of SW are not likely to pay 100 dollars to see characters they don't care about.

Not to mention the lack of enthusiasm between little girls, which is an important part of Disney's demographics. And let's be honest, this is not a matter of sexism, but reality. The number of little girls that enjoy Star Wars pales in comparison to that of girls interested on princesses. That's why we have a princess focused New Fantasyland instead of the very much needed refurbishment of Tomorrowland or even Adventureland's expansion.

 

[jcnewton]

Maybe a full park devoted to Star Wars would be too much of an undertaking, but the IP is far too big for just some integration here and there. It's bigger than a Cars or Avatar-type expansion. I'm not sure what kind of space can be arranged as far as adding on to the existing footprint of DHS (perhaps moving Studio Drive out wider and expanding?), but I'm interested to see what they finally announce.

 

[DPCummerbund]

Personally, I think the best thing to do would be to demolish most of DHS and remodel it as Star Wars. That way, Star Wars could be 2/3 to 3/4 of the park, but still leave room for other themes / properties. Then, over time, they could expand or contract the Star Wars elements as they see fit.

But on the other hand, people seem to plan their visits by the number of days it takes to see WDW. If they add a fifth gate, people would probably stay at WDW for longer.

 

[chris31997]

My Star Wars fans would love to see a fifth gate.

Looking at the map for DHS, it would be fun and posible if Disney would build out from the current place at DHS. Provided I am reading the maps right And wrapping it around DHS. Making DHS a bigger draw. Maybe some rides and a virtual zoo complete with the animals from Star Wars. I think we can give Disney all sorts of help

 

[Jasperkitty]

As much as I and my husband are looking forward to seeing more Star Wars presence, A 5th park would be a complete bust. It'd be limited to only attracting one sector of the Disney fan and tourist base. Lets face it, not everyone in the world is a Star Wars geek. Sad but true, I know.

After attending once, how many folks would be drawn to going time and time again? Without a strong core of repeat customers and a growing pool of fans, it'd die out within 10 years of opening. Especially knowing that you'd have to compromise on what else you could fit into your vacation time.

Give up time at Magic Kingdom? Not likely. Epcot would be the same. Animal Kingdom, while its not everyone's thing, is far enough from the other parks that it would limit the desire to park hop already. And while HS needs some serious love, would I want to give up my Muppets and Fantasmic for a day of droids and wookies?

Maybe I would on the first trip. But I'd be less inclined to do so on the second trip. There's only so much Star Wars I can take in a day before burning out.

I suspect I'm not the only person who'd feel that way. And Disney is sure to be thinking about folks like me when they're making decisions.

If it was a park inspired by Lucas or Pixar, maybe I'd consider it, but otherwise, I'd vote for it as a themed area in HS with room to expand and enlarge the park as needed.

 

[tcufrog]

I would love a Star Wars safari style ride.

To me the MK skews young demographically. I think DHS needs to skew older demographically than MK and an emphasis on adventure and science fiction branding fits well at DHS if I revamped the parks. Anything related to princesses wouldn't happen at DHS but stuff that appeals to geeks, older boys and other groups typically under served by Disney parks would happen there. Basically an underutilized market would be retooled to cater to an untapped market, or at least a market with deep pockets the parks don't do a good job of reaching right now.

 

[rteetz]

Here are my thoughts.

Star Wars is a huge franchise and really can bring a lot to Disney parks.
Star Wars does have enough to make it's own park.

But, no Disney park around the world is based on a single franchise. No universal park is based on a single franchise. I don't think it would be a successful move in the long run. It may have good attendance at first but I don't think it would be up to par with even DHS.

That is why I think Disney should add onto DHS. That park has gotten stale over the years and really isn't a studios style park anymore or at least how it once was. DHS is the lowest performing park in terms of attendance in WDW. Adding Star Wars will really boost that. Avatar and new night time things at AK will boost that park. After DHS I think it's time to focus on Epcot. MK is fine a few small updates or rides will still get people in. MK doesn't need anything big right now. DHS, AK, Epcot they do.

 

[beer dave]

As much as I and my husband are looking forward to seeing more Star Wars presence, A 5th park would be a complete bust. It'd be limited to only attracting one sector of the Disney fan and tourist base. Lets face it, not everyone in the world is a Star Wars geek. Sad but true, I know.

After attending once, how many folks would be drawn to going time and time again? Without a strong core of repeat customers and a growing pool of fans, it'd die out within 10 years of opening. Especially knowing that you'd have to compromise on what else you could fit into your vacation time.

Give up time at Magic Kingdom? Not likely. Epcot would be the same. Animal Kingdom, while its not everyone's thing, is far enough from the other parks that it would limit the desire to park hop already. And while HS needs some serious love, would I want to give up my Muppets and Fantasmic for a day of droids and wookies?

Maybe I would on the first trip. But I'd be less inclined to do so on the second trip. There's only so much Star Wars I can take in a day before burning out.

I suspect I'm not the only person who'd feel that way. And Disney is sure to be thinking about folks like me when they're making decisions.

If it was a park inspired by Lucas or Pixar, maybe I'd consider it, but otherwise, I'd vote for it as a themed area in HS with room to expand and enlarge the park as needed.

This is a good point-- remember the adventurers club towards the end? A large core group of local regulars who get season passes and sit in the same seats day after day "occupying " the establishment. I think some people would take up residence in a star wars park.

 

[disnerdiest]

I for one am very excited to bring more Star Wars to all the parks. There are so many opportunities in each park to do something with the franchise. I'll rattle some ideas off that have been in my head:

Animal Kingdom: yes, Avatar Land is coming but something ENDOR related is a perfect fit for this park. Tear out that silly Dino-Land area and rip out our Dinosaur while your at it. Replace it with Speeder Run ride from Return of the Jedi. Add Ewoks and Chewbacca as regulars at Animal Kingdom - I would spend a whole lot more time there. More so than Avatar (zero interest in that franchise).

Hollywood Studios: as many have said, there is plenty to work with here. Disney can go nuts here akin to Cars Land. More rides, characters, etc.

Magic Kingdom: Tomorrow Land, this practically writes itself. You could throw in anything Imperial-related here and it would fit right in. How pumped would you be to see Darth Vader hanging around Space Mountain?

Blizzard Beach: Add some Hoth, done.

Epcot: This is the only park that is a little troublesome. Maybe something with Innoventions (someone once mentioned the Stark Expo for these buildings which I will admit sounds fantastic). Gungan City replica at the bottom of The Living Seas? Eh on second though, maybe not a good idea.

Last note: if you haven't seen Kevin Smith discuss his visit to the Star Wars set form this year's Comic-Con go watch it. It's on YouTube but be warned, most of the talk is extremely not safe for work or for kids. But - you'll get an instant smile when you talks about stepping onto the Millennium Falcon and what a magical experience it was. It instantly made me think about the kinds of possibilities Disney could have in store with the franchise. The rest of his talk depends on how sensitive you are to his subject matter (and it gets very personal).

 

[Cold71]

Being a huge Starwars fan I would LOVE to see a fifth gate. The financial side of my brain agrees with some of the others on here as it wouldn't make long term sense and I'm sure Disney knows this. To make an entire park dependent on a single franchise is just financially irresponsible, no matter how large it is.

However... even knocking down half of HS and replacing it with Starwars I don't think would be large enough... I'm very interested to see how Disney handles this. Since it seems to me Disney's expansion over the past 5-10 years of WDW seems to be lackluster if you look at some of the other rides other Disney parks have been getting, i'm going in with very low expectations and hoping i'm surprised.

 

[ScottieMouse]

I for one am very excited to bring more Star Wars to all the parks. There are so many opportunities in each park to do something with the franchise. I'll rattle some ideas off that have been in my head:

Animal Kingdom: yes, Avatar Land is coming but something ENDOR related is a perfect fit for this park. Tear out that silly Dino-Land area and rip out our Dinosaur while your at it. Replace it with Speeder Run ride from Return of the Jedi. Add Ewoks and Chewbacca as regulars at Animal Kingdom - I would spend a whole lot more time there. More so than Avatar (zero interest in that franchise).

Hollywood Studios: as many have said, there is plenty to work with here. Disney can go nuts here akin to Cars Land. More rides, characters, etc.

Magic Kingdom: Tomorrow Land, this practically writes itself. You could throw in anything Imperial-related here and it would fit right in. How pumped would you be to see Darth Vader hanging around Space Mountain?

Blizzard Beach: Add some Hoth, done.

Epcot: This is the only park that is a little troublesome. Maybe something with Innoventions (someone once mentioned the Stark Expo for these buildings which I will admit sounds fantastic). Gungan City replica at the bottom of The Living Seas? Eh on second though, maybe not a good idea.

Last note: if you haven't seen Kevin Smith discuss his visit to the Star Wars set form this year's Comic-Con go watch it. It's on YouTube but be warned, most of the talk is extremely not safe for work or for kids. But - you'll get an instant smile when you talks about stepping onto the Millennium Falcon and what a magical experience it was. It instantly made me think about the kinds of possibilities Disney could have in store with the franchise. The rest of his talk depends on how sensitive you are to his subject matter (and it gets very personal).

AK - Do people really not like the Dinosaur ride? Personally I love it...I also hate the talk of taking out a ride at a park that only has 4.5 rides as it is (Tough to be a bug is pretty dated at this point).

To your other points I hope Disney doesn't see your ideas because I think that is what me and many other Star Wars fans are worried about. That the "big" Star Wars presence will be a few re-theme's of rides already around. It is simply too big of a franchise to do anything short of what Potter did over at Universal.