WDW & Star Wars: What's Next?

[lockedoutlogic]

I love how people say Episode 1-3 were a "flop". Episode I grossed like 1 Billion Dollars worldwide.

I don't think anybody ever said "flop"

What I and many say is that they are TERRIBLE...

Which by and large they are. Since you brought up money I equate it to a casino not only loosing with house money...but also burning it down in the process.

They only had to be decent stories...not spectacular. They were awful...terrible dialogue interlaced with a plot that was all over the place based on the most simple premises...loose ends all over that made no sense...
And new characters that were so bad... I honestly don't remember any of their names.

Money doesn't equate to a good film all the time. Can a thing be successful and still be awful?

Well...if you had asked me in may of 1999 or 2002...I would have thought that question didnt really need to be answered.
Found out the hard way that it did.

 

[JoWiJo]

I think Disney would be better off spreading Star Wars around multiple parks, like Universal has done with Harry Potter.

First of all, building a new park involves creating a whole new infrastructure, so I think they'd want to avoid that.

Secondly, if you spread the new stuff across multiple parks, it gives people reason to go to all the different parks, which requires park hopping tickets at least, and probably multiple days.

I could see a big Star Wars "Galaxy" with an e-ticket ride or two at DHS, but then perhaps a Cantina and a smaller ride / exhibit at another park, or something like that.

Or the way Disney does with Mickey sightings Shhh don't tell any kids!

I agree about the infrastructure of a full park. I actually had that in mind while I wrote that post, but didn't want to bother with that argument. It's kinda there in my second paragraph.

Anyway, maybe it's just me, but I don't feel like SW belongs in the MK except on special occasions. Or in Tomorrowland. Although, SW "took place" a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away -- which really isnt tomorrow. And I don't see SW in AK unless they add Ewoks there.

I could easily handle split attractions between the other two parks. I'd prefer a single location, but I'd be ok with it split.

I love how people say Episode 1-3 were a "flop". Episode I grossed like 1 Billion Dollars worldwide.

Actually, I didn't mind the movies as much as a lot of people do. But realize that many people were so craving to see a new SW movie, they would have gone to see Episode I regardless of reviews of critics or even best friends. That kind of interest goes a long way toward the gross.

 

[beer dave]

I have a secret pet theory about that too. DVC has been having a big push lately to put DVC properties at all the deluxe resorts, especially those on the monorail. This is a good idea, because being on the monorail is a big draw - it makes getting to MK and Epcot fun and easy (if not necessarily fast and reliable). However, if AvatarLand at AK is a big hit and they put Star Wars at DHS, then suddenly being on the monorail isn't going to be as important. So, you might as well try to sell out the monorail resorts while they're still a big draw, before moving on to other DVC projects. If they build StarWarsLand at DHS and added a DVC resort within walking distance of DHS, it would undoubtedly be a big seller.

I like the theory, but I think the real problem is that AK is not connected to any other park or to any resort with anything but buses. Any alternative transportation system from AKL to AK and to either HS or Epcot would complete the transportation loop. AK, in my book, would get more traffic if you could get there on a boat from the epcot area. Use the central lagoon in AK and exit through the waterway between EE and Nemo.. connect to AK and the epcot waterways. Then you would see more people in the AKL and more people in AK.

 

[skier_pete]

I like the theory, but I think the real problem is that AK is not connected to any other park or to any resort with anything but buses. Any alternative transportation system from AKL to AK and to either HS or Epcot would complete the transportation loop. AK, in my book, would get more traffic if you could get there on a boat from the epcot area. Use the central lagoon in AK and exit through the waterway between EE and Nemo.. connect to AK and the epcot waterways. Then you would see more people in the AKL and more people in AK.

This would be a good idea except that it would take an hour or more by boat (as standard Disney boat speed) I do think that it's a shame they didn't tie AKL to DAK by anything but buses. They are SOOO close together, they could've at least had some sort of savannah tram.

 

[JoWiJo]

I like the theory, but I think the real problem is that AK is not connected to any other park or to any resort with anything but buses. Any alternative transportation system from AKL to AK and to either HS or Epcot would complete the transportation loop. AK, in my book, would get more traffic if you could get there on a boat from the epcot area. Use the central lagoon in AK and exit through the waterway between EE and Nemo.. connect to AK and the epcot waterways. Then you would see more people in the AKL and more people in AK.

Out of curiosity, how would you pull that off? Looking at satellite maps, the only clean way to connect to AK that I can see would be to go around DHS to the south and enter that port from the east. Repeat, east. All the other options I see either involve extensive or complicated tunneling, or the razing of something. That, or connecting to EPCOT from the north, placing the EPCOT port near the Disney busses, and bypass DHS altogether.

 

[beer dave]

Out of curiosity, how would you pull that off? Looking at satellite maps, the only clean way to connect to AK that I can see would be to go around DHS to the south and enter that port from the east. Repeat, east. All the other options I see either involve extensive or complicated tunneling, or the razing of something. That, or connecting to EPCOT from the north, placing the EPCOT port near the Disney busses, and bypass DHS altogether.

I didn't intend to design it, just that it would be good. It looks like 2 bridges would have to be added to connect to the water that goes through Beach club.

 

[JoWiJo]

Gotcha.

I felt compelled to look at the maps when I read the suggestion of a waterway connection because of threads in the past. You see, whenever transportation threads have popped up involving monorail expansion or incorporating some other system, I've looked at the maps to see how well they'd work. And I've discovered that almost any system would be a mess to develop, given the layout of WDW Resort. So those little HUH??? bells went off when I read about a connection by boat.

I do agree, it'd be a fun way to go between the two points, but they'd also need boats that move a little faster.

 

[db57me]

Considering I started this thread, I feel comfortable reminding everyone that this is just a place to speculate, dream, and to wish what we would like to happen. It should not be a place where we need to explain or defend those ideas. Walt Disney created a place where magic and dreams come alive. Let's remember that as we post here.

 

[skier_pete]

Considering I started this thread, I feel comfortable reminding everyone that this is just a place to speculate, dream, and to wish what we would like to happen. It should not be a place where we need to explain or defend those ideas. Walt Disney created a place where magic and dreams come alive. Let's remember that as we post here.

I don't think anyone was being overly critical, I think it's natural to question the reality of good ideas. If someone mentions a Marvel park, its hard not to say "Good idea...but it can't happen."

There's lots and lots of options for what they could do with Star Wars. If Disney was really concerned about Universal drawing away their business, they would be fast-tracking something. Since they are not, it tells me that they are still not concerned even with Harry Potter around.

Since people are throwing out ideas, and the mention of hotels close to DHS, what about a Star Wars themed hotel? A value, but with diferent themed areas. Tatooine, Hoth, Endor and the Death Star.

In the Death Star section you could get people to pay to stay in the detention wing with small cramped rooms with metal tables for beds and no windows, advertize "Sleep like a Princess - Princess Leia!". The play area would just be a dumpster and they could call it the "trash compactor".

Oooh, and the Hoth section the beds could be themed as dead Tauntauns. As you are tucking your kids in you realize "Whew, I thought they smelled bad on the outside!" (You think I'm joking -> Click HERE )

 

[db57me]

Since people are throwing out ideas, and the mention of hotels close to DHS, what about a Star Wars themed hotel? A value, but with diferent themed areas. Tatooine, Hoth, Endor and the Death Star.

In the Death Star section you could get people to pay to stay in the detention wing with small cramped rooms with metal tables for beds and no windows, advertize "Sleep like a Princess - Princess Leia!". The play area would just be a dumpster and they could call it the "trash compactor".

Oooh, and the Hoth section the beds could be themed as dead Tauntauns. As you are tucking your kids in you realize "Whew, I thought they smelled bad on the outside!" (You think I'm joking -> Click HERE )

Love the idea.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Considering I started this thread, I feel comfortable reminding everyone that this is just a place to speculate, dream, and to wish what we would like to happen. It should not be a place where we need to explain or defend those ideas. Walt Disney created a place where magic and dreams come alive. Let's remember that as we post here.

Woah...

Walt Disney fought with his older brother when he was negotiating the sale of his NAME to a company...

That's doesnt exactly sound like a place where magic and dreams come alive.

Ease up...my advice.

 

[yitbos96bb]

An exanded StarWars land at DHS is not a question of "if" but "when". While rumors are pretty unreliable in general, it does seem they was a plan in the works to expand DHS that subsequently (temporarily?) got shelved. My guess is between the cost of Avartland and Disney Springs, there was a fear of getting too much going at once - basically Disney suits cheaped out. My guess is that it will be announced in 1 to 3 years.

The DLR retheming of tomorrowland was supposed to be up first, but there still haven't been any announcements there, so who knows if that's going to happen. That does seem the most logical place to expand DL.

As far as Marvel in WDW, forget about it.

They didn't cheap out... They just maximized their bonus potential ;-)

 

[goofyallday]

I want to see a new park that's half StarWars and half Marvel!!!! Maybe a 3rd land to be determined. I could see a whole super-hero cityscape kinda like Universal has going, but more immersive the way Disney can do it.

I think Star Wars is destined for DHS because DHS needs help without a doubt that is the next park that needs something new. MK I don't see Star Wars going there because Star Wars already has a presence in DHS. MK also just got an expansion. If it were to go to MK it would be tomorrow land and tomorrow land only not adventure land.

People keep bringing up a Star Wars only park. Disney would never do that. No single park is built off one movie franchise. Yes Star Wars has enough where you could do that but it just wouldn't go with the theme of WDW. It's only a matter of time before Star Wars becomes bigger in the park bob Iger has even said that.

The one big ongoing rumor for Disneyland is that their tomorrow land will be getting a large Star Wars presence and that would make sense. MKs tomorrow land would not see something like that.

I think you are wrong when you say that disney wouldn't build a park off one movie franchise. Disney already put that together is wizarding world of harry potter.

 

[JoWiJo]

A few ideas off the top of my head. Not too serious about them, they're just for fun. I already know some of you won't like what what I'd have removed, but people keep wanting to take out the things I like in the park, or bringing up rumors of their removal, so I don't mind suggesting them.

PHASE 1 -- Prepare for expansion.
Construct automobile entrance from Victory Way
Remove S Studio Dr. entrance.

PHASE 2 -- Develop area southeast of Star Tours to become Star Wars Land.
3720. An indoor coaster. Guests "dodge" asteroids as well as lasers fired by the Empire from behind. The coasters slow down and roll into a creepy, foggy area, with flying creatures inside. The cars then suddenly accelerate, rushing past a closing mouth full of teeth, dodge a few more asteroids, and then find their way to safety, defying the odds of successfully navigating an asteroid field of 3,720:1.

Tales of C-3PO. Great for the smaller kids, an omnimover-type ride based on Threepio's account of his story to the Ewoks. The vehicles ride past scenes briefly depicting Episodes IV-VI from his point of view, as he narrates to each car individually. The queue area will be the Ewok village.

Artoo's Revue. Much like the Tiki Room over at MK, but with droids and original music. R2-D2 takes the lead. Threepio or perhaps a CM interprets what Artoo says.

Nightmares from the Dark Side. Talk about dark rides! Guests will be in vehicles that slowly roll through various terrifying scenes. Seats will be rigged with guest-prodding gimmicks, which will be particularly annoying as guests will be forcibly secured in their seats as the various gizmos poke them from both behind and below. Yoda appears at the end of the ride, saving the day, rescuing the guests from the dark side. Just as the riders have relaxed, knowing they won't be poked anymore, Anakin does precisely that, saying, "Sorry, Master Yoda, I couldn't resist."

Flow of the Force. A ride like Splash Mountain. The theme is Yoda and/or some other Jedi(s) instructing how to use the Force.

PHASE 3 -- Reclamation
Change the Indiana Jones attraction to the Return of the Jedi. Luke battles his father in the classic light saber duel. The emperor goads Luke, only to be tossed over the side by Vader.
Completely redevelop the spot occupied by Backlot Express, turning it into the Mos Eisley Cantina, a QS food service with an animatronic band entertaining the guests. The exterior will have "wanted" posters depicting Artoo and Threepio.

---

I think you are wrong when you say that disney wouldn't build a park off one movie franchise. Disney already put that together is wizarding world of harry potter.

Welcome to the Dis Boards, but Harry Potter isn't Disney.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I think you are wrong when you say that disney wouldn't build a park off one movie franchise. Disney already put that together is wizarding world of harry potter.

Ummm....huh?

 

[rteetz]

I think you are wrong when you say that disney wouldn't build a park off one movie franchise. Disney already put that together is wizarding world of harry potter.

I'm confused by what your getting at here? Universal has Harry potter in one park, now they are expanding it to a second park. It's not it's own park. Neither Disney nor universal has one park on one single franchise both are very successful theme park companies. All of Disney's parks have an overall theme. Yes I think there is enough for a full Star Wars park but Disney will never do it. It doesn't fit the overall theme of WDW. Could I see Disney putting a little Star Wars in DHS and a little in MK sure but Disney is not going to build an entire 5th gate on only Star Wars. That park wouldn't get sufficient attendance for Disney standards. Yes there is a huge fan base but not enough to sustain 9+ million a year every year.

 

[thorp8]

PHASE 1 -- Prepare for expansion.
Construct automobile entrance from Victory Way
Remove S Studio Dr. entrance.

PHASE 2 -- Develop area southeast of Star Tours to become Star Wars Land.
3720. An indoor coaster. Guests "dodge" asteroids as well as lasers fired by the Empire from behind.

Tales of C-3PO. Great for the smaller kids, an omnimover-type ride based on Threepio's account of his story to the Ewoks.

Artoo's Revue. Much like the Tiki Room over at MK, but with droids and original music. R2-D2 takes the lead. Threepio or perhaps a CM interprets what Artoo says.

Nightmares from the Dark Side. Talk about dark rides! Guests will be in vehicles that slowly roll through various terrifying scenes. Seats will be rigged with guest-prodding gimmicks, which will be particularly annoying as guests will be forcibly secured in their seats as the various gizmos poke them from both behind and below. Yoda appears at the end of the ride, saving the day, rescuing the guests from the dark side. Just as the riders have relaxed, knowing they won't be poked anymore, Anakin does precisely that, saying, "Sorry, Master Yoda, I couldn't resist."

Flow of the Force. A ride like Splash Mountain. The theme is Yoda and/or some other Jedi(s) instructing how to use the Force.

PHASE 3 -- Reclamation
Change the Indiana Jones attraction to the Return of the Jedi. Luke battles his father in the classic light saber duel. The emperor goads Luke, only to be tossed over the side by Vader.
Completely redevelop the spot occupied by Backlot Express, turning it into the Mos Eisley Cantina, a QS food service with an animatronic band entertaining the guests. The exterior will have "wanted" posters depicting Artoo and Threepio.
---
Welcome to the Dis Boards, but Harry Potter isn't Disney.[/QUOTE]



So, I like several of these ideas, although I have watched all the movies many times, I can't remember all the names of everything.

I think moving the entry gate one way or another is a good idea. Although, I'm not sold on moving the primary entrance to Buena Vista Street is an excellent idea, might just cause unneeded traffic. My idea would be to swing the current S. Studio Drive more south, basically running east-west parallel. This opens up more room for expansion in the LMA show area (which will probably be removed). This would also allow a large expansion to the south east of the current "Star Wars" area (ST).
I also envision a couple different "lands" inside of the Star Wars area. Catina restaurant would be a must, and I love the idea of an animatronic band playing!

The C-3PO ride/story idea is a good one, remember, Star Wars reaches out to a lot of young audiences, so this will not just be thrill rides.

On a side note, although I think it makes the most sense to close Indy's Stunt show, I think that the franchise has a place, maybe instead of "Star Wars Land (lame)" it's more like "The World of Lucasfilms" or something. If not, maybe in 10 years expand Adventure Land at MK? Include more Indy? That would be pretty awesome actually. I don't see Disney giving up on Indy, they spent money on him too. There will be more movies to come.

Also, I think someone else mentioned... Star Wars themed Hotel? Absolutely, I'd be shocked if there aren't already some primarily sketches somewhere.


PS, HOPEFULLY! once Pandora is complete... HS gets major work, we all want it, and all feel it needs to be done. Maybe the Star Wars part would just be Stage 1 of a complete overhaul, which may take 10 years to complete.

 

[mill4023]

... Disney is not going to build an entire 5th gate on only Star Wars. That park wouldn't get sufficient attendance for Disney standards. Yes there is a huge fan base but not enough to sustain 9+ million a year every year.

I'm not going to argue with your conclusion. I don't see them doing it either.
But I don't agree with your last sentence at all.

Which fan base is it that supports the attendance at AK or Epcot?

Just like those parks, a Star Wars based park would not need fans of a certain franchise to make it successful. If you build great attractions and theming, it doesn't matter if people are big fans of the movies. They will still want to go.

 

[rteetz]

I'm not going to argue with your conclusion. I don't see them doing it either. But I don't agree with your last sentence at all. Which fan base is it that supports the attendance at AK or Epcot? Just like those parks, a Star Wars based park would not need fans of a certain franchise to make it successful. If you build great attractions and theming, it doesn't matter if people are big fans of the movies. They will still want to go.

My point I was trying to get at was Disney theme parks have a back story. Epcot was something walt wanted it didn't turn out how he wanted it but that is something he wanted and Disney went through with it as his part of his legacy. AK is only 15 years old and wasn't over budget and didn't get completed like it was supposed to be that's why they are just now doing something. Same could be said for DHS what fan base supports that, and MK. Each park has movie tie ins but nothing that is completely seen across the entire park. I'm not doubt that a Star Wars park could be made but could it really sustain 9 million a year 15-20 years from now? Could it get to the attendance size of Epcot and MK? In my opinion I don't think so.

 

[db57me]

Here's a different approach, change Disney Hollywood Studios to Disney Lucas Studios. With the purchase of Lucas Films, Disney has a wealth of material to use in reinventing DHS. Of course there would be a Star Wars Land. And, what about a Indiana Jones Land? A thrill, dark ride would use the mine train escape from Temple of Doom. There could be an American Graffiti land using all the 1950s themed things that already exists, like the Sci-Fi Drive-in.

What other movies would make great attractions or lands for the new DLS?