WDW & Star Wars: What's Next?

[redpeacoat]

Star Wars is huge with kids. Always the first books to fly off the shelves at the library. My son has been to more Star Wars birthday parties than any other. Lego Star Wars are the toy of choice for many little boys (and girls!) I think it is a very safe bet that this generation of preschoolers would be very psyched to see a Star Wars land! Just look at Jedi training at HS...booked in less than an hour!

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Changes at WDI focus on Star Wars franchise. Could this mean additional SW attractions finally coming to the Disney parks?
http://www.wdwmagic.com/other/walt-disney-company/news/25apr2014-imagineering-move-scott-trowbridge-to-new-dedicated-star-wars-studio-at-wdi.htm

Do you really trust the blogey?

 

[db57me]

Do you really trust the blogey?

This news, regarding several changes at WDI, has been reported on various news and blog sites.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

This news, regarding several changes at WDI, has been reported on various news and blog sites.

The changes perhaps...but not the intent, plans, or goals

TTS

 

[Figmentforever24]

The changes perhaps...but not the intent, plans, or goals

TTS

Yea cause he was placed in this new spot not to do anything. Once again like on the Epcot threat, eventually Star Wars land is going to happen. It might not be as huge as people think but one day it is going to come. Disney will not pass up the chance

 

[DPCummerbund]

There's a lot of discussion in this thread (and others) about how "popular" Star Wars is when compared to other franchises, especially Avatar and Harry Potter. It's hard to make an "apples to apples" comparison, but I finally think I've run across a fair way to do it. I got the idea from a movie (whose name escapes me right now) - just compare how many copies of the movie my local library system owns. Libraries are pretty good about listening to requests, and library usage (as opposed to actual sales) tells you what's currently circulating / popular, rather than what people may have bought years ago but no longer really watch. FYI, this is the city of Columbus, Ohio, with a population of over a million people, so I think it's a pretty big sample size.


For ease of comparison, I added up all the different version (Blu-Ray, DVD, extended editions, etc.)

Avatar: 39

Harry Potter #1: 64
Harry Potter #2: 62
Harry Potter #3: 60
Harry Potter #4: 74
Harry Potter #5: 72
Harry Potter #6: 62
Harry Potter #7A: 75
Harry Potter #7B: 97
Harry Potter total: 566

Star Wars
Episode 1: 35
Episode 2: 39
Episode 3: 52
Episode 4: 46
Episode 5: 47
Episode 6: 43
Episodes 1-3 boxed set: 15
Episodes 4-6 box set: 14
All 6 episodes: 5
Lego Star Wars (all combined): 104
Clone Wars (all): 173
Star Wars total: 573


So, in summary... Avatar is just one movie. Sure, more are due out, and it may turn into a big franchise. But right now, it's just one movie, and both Harry Potter are almost 15 times more popular than Avatar.

 

[jamarmiller]

hollywood studios needed both star wars land and cars land. Its sickening to me to see some 44 some ride attractions at Magic kingdom and so few at Hollywood studios

oh well its why I skip that park every year and only giving it a try once every five

 

[twebber55]

Star Wars is huge with kids. Always the first books to fly off the shelves at the library. My son has been to more Star Wars birthday parties than any other. Lego Star Wars are the toy of choice for many little boys (and girls!) I think it is a very safe bet that this generation of preschoolers would be very psyched to see a Star Wars land! Just look at Jedi training at HS...booked in less than an hour!

I would say it s huge with the under 10 crowd...teen agers have kind of moved on but I do think it can be a huge hit at DHS as long as its done properly... hardest thing would be what particular land would you build for star wars since the universe is so vast

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Yea cause he was placed in this new spot not to do anything. Once again like on the Epcot threat, eventually Star Wars land is going to happen. It might not be as huge as people think but one day it is going to come. Disney will not pass up the chance

Right...cause every time they shuffle one of their legion of upper middle execs...

It can only mean major capital construction. These people change titles more than underwear.

I'm not saying that there's not something going on...
But sure as heck can't draw that conclusion from that.

Remember last year when the head of the Carsland construction got transferred to wdw?

Well...when is the ribbon cutting?

The bloggers are reckless...they make assumptions of major projects rolling down the pipeline at about 10x the frequency that they do. Especially in wdw where the status quo makes gobs of money that fuels both the stock price and operating capital that allows cash to be thrown in dozens of other places.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

hollywood studios needed both star wars land and cars land. Its sickening to me to see some 44 some ride attractions at Magic kingdom and so few at Hollywood studios

oh well its why I skip that park every year and only giving it a try once every five

The intent of studios was not to be on the level of MK or EPCOT...and still isn't.

It's a feeder park...designed to both draw and throw customers to the other more retail heavy areas of the property. It carries a lower overhead/ operational cost...which is the advantage of not having a ton of stuff.

It also was done quickly to both establish the new ownership at TWDC and to counter universals entry into the market.

If one of the two lesser parks is really gonna get fleshed out...it is gonna be animal kingdom. Even if studios has more immediate potential.

 

[Figmentforever24]

Right...cause every time they shuffle one of their legion of upper middle execs...

It can only mean major capital construction. These people change titles more than underwear.

I'm not saying that there's not something going on...
But sure as heck can't draw that conclusion from that.

Remember last year when the head of the Carsland construction got transferred to wdw?

Well...when is the ribbon cutting?

The bloggers are reckless...they make assumptions of major projects rolling down the pipeline at about 10x the frequency that they do. Especially in wdw where the status quo makes gobs of money that fuels both the stock price and operating capital that allows cash to be thrown in dozens of other places.

You are referring to Kathy Magnum I believe and she came to oversee the Disney Springs project. I am not drawing any conclusions either. I didn't say "HEY A NEW GUY IS RUNNING THE STAR WARS DEPARTMENT! NEW RIDES COMING AT THE END OF THE YEAR!!" I simply said that a person is being placed in charge of the Star Wars division related to the theme parks. I mean like I said before Star Wars land WILL come. Its not a matter of if but when. Its to much a money maker for them to let sit on the shelf. They are not idiots.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

You are referring to Kathy Magnum I believe and she came to oversee the Disney Springs project. I am not drawing any conclusions either. I didn't say "HEY A NEW GUY IS RUNNING THE STAR WARS DEPARTMENT! NEW RIDES COMING AT THE END OF THE YEAR!!" I simply said that a person is being placed in charge of the Star Wars division related to the theme parks. I mean like I said before Star Wars land WILL come. Its not a matter of if but when. Its to much a money maker for them to let sit on the shelf. They are not idiots.

I here what you're saying...and I really hope that they have some big surprises in store for even me...

But they have to earn some trust back. I have not been Impressed with their management of SPECIFICALLY walt Disney world...from 2000 through the real estate crisis and out the other side. The rest of the empire has gone pretty well...but the east coast piggie bank has been taken for granted IMHO.

They've done far too much resting on laurels...and have really not been dedicated to EPCOT and animal kingdom - in particular - in my book.
I'm harsh...but that doesn't come from spite, malice, or lack of affection - quite the opposite. By I need more than slow poke 5 year construction schedules and a better return on Investment. That could actually make me a good consumer, no?

 

[Figmentforever24]

I here what you're saying...and I really hope that they have some big surprises in store for even me...

But they have to earn some trust back. I have not been Impressed with their management of SPECIFICALLY walt Disney world...from 2000 through the real estate crisis and out the other side. The rest of the empire has gone pretty well...but the east coast piggie bank has been taken for granted IMHO.

They've done far too much resting on laurels...and have really not been dedicated to EPCOT and animal kingdom - in particular - in my book.
I'm harsh...but that doesn't come from spite, malice, or lack of affection - quite the opposite. By I need more than slow poke 5 year construction schedules and a better return on Investment. That could actually make me a good consumer, no?

I see what you are saying and understand completely. It is hard to trust the future of Disney World when the last decade and a half have been rough for the property. We just have to believe that there are people who still care and are willing to invest their time into the parks. That's why this swap up is so important. The man in charge of the creative team loves Epcot and loved what it use to be. The Star Wars Studios is something new that will oversee the planning of in park star wars ideas. So hopefully something in the future will surprise you are remind you why Disney is the greatest to begin with.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I see what you are saying and understand completely. It is hard to trust the future of Disney World when the last decade and a half have been rough for the property. We just have to believe that there are people who still care and are willing to invest their time into the parks. That's why this swap up is so important. The man in charge of the creative team loves Epcot and loved what it use to be. The Star Wars Studios is something new that will oversee the planning of in park star wars ideas. So hopefully something in the future will surprise you are remind you why Disney is the greatest to begin with.

I don't doubt the dedication to the creative process from WDI...never doubted that...I doubt the Financial motivations for the property.

That starts from the top...have you noticed that while Iger is "slated" to retire...he and the board have begun to linger on... Just like nutty Michael did for his last 5-10 years?
He done well on several fronts...but I always worry about the VERY human impulse of such a person to be pulled more towards their WSJ legacy and the size of the parachute they are strapping on...rather than reaffirming what made them effective in the first place.

 

[Figmentforever24]

I don't doubt the dedication to the creative process from WDI...never doubted that...I doubt the Financial motivations for the property.

That starts from the top...have you noticed that while Iger is "slated" to retire...he and the board have begun to linger on... Just like nutty Michael did for his last 5-10 years?
He done well on several fronts...but I always worry about the VERY human impulse of such a person to be pulled more towards their WSJ legacy and the size of the parachute they are strapping on...rather than reaffirming what made them effective in the first place.

Very true and it makes me wonder what would Iger do if he was here any longer? Would he become like Eisner and do what he did during his last years? Hopefully as new management comes in things will begin to change. To me it seems Iger doesn't have to big a problem opening the purse as long as it is worth investing in. Epcot is something worth investing in since food and wine is only going to get them so far.

 

[db57me]

 

[db57me]

Well, a Star Wars Land is in the works.
http://www.****************/big-changes-coming-disneys-hollywood-studios/

 

[rteetz]

Well, a Star Wars Land is in the works. http://www.****************/big-changes-coming-disneys-hollywood-studios/

The only thing confirmed is American idol. Indiana jones closure is pure rumor CMs were not told of any closings. Yes Star Wars will obviously happen but it's just when where and how. American idol is closing because the contract has ended and disney does not want to renew for a show thats not going to last much longer.

 

[Mousetrooper]

The only thing confirmed is American idol. Indiana jones closure is pure rumor CMs were not told of any closings. Yes Star Wars will obviously happen but it's just when where and how. American idol is closing because the contract has ended and disney does not want to renew for a show thats not going to last much longer.

I would tend to believe the closure of Indy is coming soon to make more room for the SW expansion. The last Indy movie was a let down for many and the franchise isn't powerful like it used to be. SW is a major investment and they are surely going to take advantage of its selling power. There is also a rumour now that a value resort like AOA is being built with a SW theme too so only time will tell how it goes.

 

[rteetz]

I would tend to believe the closure of Indy is coming soon to make more room for the SW expansion. The last Indy movie was a let down for many and the franchise isn't powerful like it used to be. SW is a major investment and they are surely going to take advantage of its selling power. There is also a rumour now that a value resort like AOA is being built with a SW theme too so only time will tell how it goes.

Yes Indy will close but I can't see disney closing two things at a park that already has nothing and letting them sit until they build. What disney really needs to do is open this land in phases because the more you close the less attendance your going to see there. It's already disney worlds lowest performing park they don't need to make it worse. Stars wars is going to be disneys biggest success in a long time if done right. It will be the HP of WDW. I don't know where you found the rumor of a value being built right now because if there was ongoing resort construction right now it would be well known. AoA was built because they had the construction started but then 9/11 hit and years later they changed it to AoA instead of the legendary years like it was intended to be. Also disney would be stupid to build another value resort right now they don't sell like you think. The only resort related stuff disney is interested in building is DVC because that sells and guarantees guests for 50 years. If disney is going to build another resort it's going to be DVC or Deluxe with DVC and Star Wars doesn't fit the deluxe or DVC theme.