The Lasseter Effect: DCA Upgrades and Other Great News

[HydroGuy]

One thread has already been started about Tom Sawyer Island, but I was really excited by Al Lutz's article today - www.miceage.com/allutz/al100306a.htm

It appears that the stars have lined up for some great makeovers at DL, DCA and the DL resort at large. I see four events that have all occurred in a short time span that appear to have opened the floodgates:

1. Disney got a new CEO, Robert Iger within the last year

2. Disney bought Pixar earlier in 2006 (the creators of Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and other hit animated movies), whereby they inherited John Lasseter, one of the creative forces at Pixar. Lasseter has brought a creative spark to Disney which has been lacking in recent years. (For more info on Lasseter read an article from June www.miceage.com/allutz/al062006a.htm)

3. The 50th celebration at DLR exceeded already high expectations for attendance and profit

4. The POTC movie franchise has reached super-blockbuster status, and breathed new life and ideas into Disney (see the Tom Sawyer Island transformation topic in Al's column, and newfamilyman's thread on TSI here www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1240957)

Without all of these events coinciding, I doubt we would be seeing all of these exciting plans being put forth.

Here are some highlights from Al's article:

- The original budget for DCA was a meager $1.4 billion, with about half that spent just on the Grand Californian Hotel and the other half on DCA itself - see Al's article on page 2 here www.miceage.com/allutz/al100306b.htm

- The new budget to revamp DCA is projected to be of the same level as the original budget - $650 million - to be spent over the next four years in preparation for DCA's 10th anniversary in 2011

- Almost everything at DCA will get a makover - including adding 2 new E-ticket rides

- Tom Sawyer Island will go the way of extinction, replaced by a Pirate themed island - reportedly to happen before the POTC 3 movie premiere in May 2007

- Another report of the POTC ride refurb #2 in Spring 2007 (see POTC Ride Down For Refurb #2 - Possibly Feb-May 2007 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1222667)

- Philharmagic coming to DL!

- Updates and hints on the Tomorrowland revitalization - fixing many of the problems created in the 1990's by clueless execs who are thankfully no longer with the company

- Building a new hotel at DL, and demolishing the DLH and PP Hotel.

 

[lilallybean]

What...I love Tom Sawyer island!!!

 

[TheZue]

There are only a few things I hope they keep in DCA that weren't mentioned in that article. I hope they keep the bug's life area if not expand it a little; there is a ton of wasted space in there. I hope they keep King Triton's Carousel; I think the fish and sea creatures on it are truly beautiful. The other stuff I love there I can't see them scrapping...screaming, monsters, grizzly river run, tower of terror shouldn't be going anywhere since they are already assets to the park.

 

[HydroGuy]

There are only a few things I hope they keep in DCA that weren't mentioned in that article. I hope they keep the bug's life area if not expand it a little; there is a ton of wasted space in there. I hope they keep King Triton's Carousel; I think the fish and sea creatures on it are truly beautiful. The other stuff I love there I can't see them scrapping...screaming, monsters, grizzly river run, tower of terror shouldn't be going anywhere since they are already assets to the park.

I saw no mention of Bugs Land, but IMO it does not fit the California theme as currently implemented. It may be fun for little ones, but Disney can do better.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Wow, so much going on. I'm really excited about the changes planned for DCA. I about fell out of my chair when I read they want to put in transportation. I've been saying it needed something for years.

Not thrilled with the changes to TSI, just because its a classic that Walt built. But, I know it needs some serious updating, and it needs something to draw people out there. So, I'll live with the changes.

I'm not happy to hear about the hotel changes either. Three new hotels would be great. But, I'm afraid we are going to end up with 3 more expensive hotels that none of us can afford. I hope that they build at least one affordable property.

 

[TheZue]

It totally could do better, but they do need some sort of land for little ones and it does fit in the farm area that it's in, or it you view it as being in the lawn area of the tower of terror which looks huge while you are in there. But it definately needs to be filled out A LOT. This time my four year old was only interested in one ride in that area and didn't ask to go back. I don't think it needs more space; but you look that it has three water parks and a permenantly closed ride, and the character statues taking up well over half it's room it could be done really really well in the space they have.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

very interesting read...Im so happy about the DCL coming to cali...I have wanted to do that cruise for years but I was thinking I was going to go in 2009 but I may not have to go out to FL at all

 

[disney-super-mom]

I am just thrilled to hear about all this. For me, it's exciting to hear of these changes, and I can't wait to see what actually transpires over the next few to several years!

 

[eatmypixiedust]

I like Pirates but getting rid of Tom Sawyer's Island is a bummer! I feel the same way about how they got rid of the Country Bear Jamboree and replaced it with the Pooh ride.

 

[eatntae]

- Philharmagic coming to DL!

YES!!!

 

[JosephTNielsen]

- Updates and hints on the Tomorrowland revitalization - fixing many of the problems created in the 1990's by clueless execs who are thankfully no longer with the company

Any word if the People Mover is gonna make a comeback? I seriously hope so! It looks so sad with just the track there and nothing on it.

- Building a new hotel at DL, and demolishing the DLH and PP Hotel.

I'm sorry, but that is the most stupid idea I have ever heard of. They just build PP not too long ago, and DLH is iconic with the resort. I can see them merging the two together with a mini-monorail like Luxor and Excalibur in Las Vegas, but not demolishing both for one huge hotel. Then again I have been proven wrong before. Anyway...

...Joe...

 

[JosephTNielsen]

Okay, I was wrong. I went back and reread the entire article. The changes are actually quite good. I actually kind of got a tear in my eye because I'm so happy that DCA is FINALLY going to get the recognition and changes it rightfully deserved a long time ago! So yes, I was wrong. :uts tail between legs and cowers away:: LOL

...Joe...

 

[HydroGuy]

Any word if the People Mover is gonna make a comeback? I seriously hope so! It looks so sad with just the track there and nothing on it.

So far only rumors that it will be back at some point, similar to rumors that they will move the Astro Orbiters back up above Tomorrowland Terrace where they belong - and freeing up the road block entering Tomorrowland that exists now.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Gosh from your mouth to God's ears! These are the two exact changes that i think would make the most difference in the current Dl experience.

 

[JosephTNielsen]

Gosh from your mouth to God's ears! These are the two exact changes that i think would make the most difference in the current Dl experience.

I AGREE!!!! The revamp to Tomorrowland in the late 90's was horrible! Rocket Rods were the worst!

...Joe...

 

[Judy from Boise]

Do I have an "Amen"!

....and the change was so useless!

 

[HydroGuy]

I AGREE!!!! The revamp to Tomorrowland in the late 90's was horrible! Rocket Rods were the worst!

...Joe...

Having never been a People Mover fan, I much preferred the Rocket Rods - as did all four of my kids. However, Rocket Rods was ill-conceived for the current track design. In general I heartily agree that what was done to TomorrowLand was a travesty. It is so good to see it recovering now under new leadership.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Thanks for the updates. It's nice to read that some "good" changes are going to continue to happen. I was kind of worried when Matt left.

 

[mystic_path]

I cant believe they are doing away with the Muppets 3D!!! IM ANGRY NOW!!! I LOVE THE MUPPETS!!! I saw that show so many times when I was there. I loved it.

 

[tinkermell]

I cant believe they are doing away with the Muppets 3D!!! IM ANGRY NOW!!! I LOVE THE MUPPETS!!! I saw that show so many times when I was there. I loved it.

I kind of agree with you. BUT Mickey's Philharmonic is WONDERFUL!!!! Went to WDW for the first time last year, and that was the only attraction that I really wished they would bring out here. Sure I liked Mission to Mars and Test Track, but over all this was my pick for best family attraction. It is so Disney and the 3-D was so great! I really think that Honey I Shrunk the Audience is more out dated than Muppets, so that would be my pick for a replacement. I just don't know if it is big enough for the stage and screen of Philharmonic. It was huge. Anyways, time will tell.