What new park developments are you most excited about from #D23?

[jade1]

I'm OK with IP, but then again-I'm OK without IP.

But I do wonder how often Disney Movie Story Boards being pitched, have conversations about a possible Them Park Attraction if successful.

I have to believe it comes up when they show Zootopia Lands/Scenes, The Coco scene is legendary, Moana, The Encanto House and they had to be desperate to get a Marvel attraction in WDW.

It actually seems logical to me to start with a movie to gauge popularity to a worldwide audience, instead of start with a ride confined to one park on earth and then the movie if desired.

So at times it seems the line is a bit blurred when something is a new attraction idea, or a spinoff of a movie. It still coming form Disney Imagineers ideas.

 

[Grasshopper2016]

For what it's worth, I'm not entirely opposed to integrating IP into the parks. It makes good business sense; and it makes Disney fans happy. But, to me, the IP has to fit with the general theme of the park, and with the narrow theme of the area. The Lion King fits in well with Africa in AK. PPF fits in perfectly with Fantasyland. Etc. Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land work because they are fully immersive, self-contained areas fitting generally within the movie theme of the park as a whole. (DHS, and MGM before it, used to be more about the making of movies and the Hollywood scene than about the movies themselves. But that ship has sailed.)

I could see, for instance, an Encanto attraction fitting in nicely in a new South America area of AK. And I wouldn't have any problem with that. I just don't like the idea of using IP in lieu of general park theming, rather than integrating it into the broader theme.

 

[lugnut33]

The reliance on IP has eliminated the possibility of using the world outside IP to create attractions.

 

[jade1]

The reliance on IP has eliminated the possibility of using the world outside IP to create attractions.

I do agree with this. However when a Non IP movie is pitched/accepted-it's literally removing that idea to be a new Non IP attraction.

I contend the new Non IP movie AND possible new Non IP attraction are pitched at the same time.

I'm fine with somebody saying "were going direct to a Park with this new idea instead of a Movie first, and if the ride is popular-we can always make it a movie later", I just don't see that happening very often (if ever) anymore.

Def agree to try and match IP with current theming whenever possible though.

 

[Jrb1979]

The reliance on IP has eliminated the possibility of using the world outside IP to create attractions.

I agree. I would have loved them to continue with keeping IP out of Epcot. Finish World Showcase as planned with things like the Mt. Fuji coaster and the German River cruise.

 

[DisneyFive]

I doubt Zootopia and Moana at Animal Kingdom will fly, especially since they defeat that park's purpose. Better options instead would be South America, Australia, the Polar Caps, and North America, complete with new animals. Possibly a resurrected Beastly Kingdom as well. DinoLand can be transformed into Prehistoricville, which would celebrate both dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals.

I don't care what they do with DinoLand but please get rid of it completely, the carni vibe never fit (yeah, I know the backstory with Walt etc...) It is just SO out of place. I remember our first visit back in 2010, walking up to that area and thinking... "this doesn't seem very Disney at all" Felt cheap and out of place.

Of the 4 parks, AK definitely needs the most love right now IMO. EP has substantial work going on still and two brand new big attractions recently opened. I remember when people were constantly saying HS was a 1/2 day park.(we never felt that way) Not anymore, now it's the #2 behind MK with the addition of Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story land, and MMRR. MK still reigns supreme with the quantity and overall quality of attractions.

Not referencing the post I quoted, but in general...
I'm no Disney apologist but I think they've done pretty well the last 5-6 years with new lands and attractions.

Dan

 

[DisneyFive]

I agree. I would have loved them to continue with keeping IP out of Epcot. Finish World Showcase as planned with things like the Mt. Fuji coaster and the German River cruise.

I agree, the attraction doesn't need Disney IP for me to like it. (not that I'm apposed to Disney IP) A new attraction just needs to stand on it's own. The hugely popular Test Track and Soarin attractions at EP are prime examples. BTMRR, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion at MK. Rockin Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror at HS. Expedition Everest at AK.


Dan

 

[Jrb1979]

I agree, the attraction doesn't need Disney IP for me to like it. (not that I'm apposed to Disney IP) A new attraction just needs to stand on it's own. The hugely popular Test Track and Soarin attractions at EP are prime examples. BTMRR, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion at MK. Rockin Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror at HS. Expedition Everest at AK.


Dan

In a lot of cases those rides are much better then a lot of the IP based ones.

 

[tgropp]

Let’s not also disregard ongoing staffing issues and the impact this has on everything. Some restaurants still have not reopened, mousekeeping is still not back to daily, there’s no room service, some attractions (Belle in MK, Ariel’s Grotto). Tron will require increase in cast members… this will take time to find CMs, and train them. They really can’t take the leap into building entire new lands when they can’t even staff their existing areas.

I understand all these issues. All the while Disney profits have RISEN 70% for the third quarter of 2022. Why would Disney want to bring/open up anything with these results. Maybe some more price increases and cutbacks will get everyone feeling sorry for Disney even more.

 

[jade1]

I agree, the attraction doesn't need Disney IP for me to like it. (not that I'm apposed to Disney IP) A new attraction just needs to stand on it's own. The hugely popular Test Track and Soarin attractions at EP are prime examples. BTMRR, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion at MK. Rockin Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror at HS. Expedition Everest at AK.


Dan

Yep same.

I think they have seen how popular the IP attractions have become.

Guardians, Rise, FoP, SDD, 7DMT and soon Tron. Heck I admit those are all on top of our list over the others.

I really don't think its because they are IP. I think they do stand on their own, but convincing Disney will be a tough sell IMO.

 

[jade1]

Even further, if IP is the only way we get new attractions (like at US/IOA)-I'll take it gladly.

 

[tofubeast]

I am most excited about the Figment meet only because maybe...just maybe...this limited-time meet will be the icing on the cake that Disney needs to re-imagine Journey. And bring back DreamFinder, too! I hope the meet-and-greet line is long, showing Disney (yet again) the demand for this beloved purple guy. Now if they'd just do the same with the Orange Bird.

I'm optimistic that mentioning new lands beyond Big Thunder shows they are genuinely thinking about expanding. I just hope it is sooner than later.

I'm disappointed we did not get a nighttime parade announcement. That's the one I thought we'd hear something about. I may be in the minority here, but I am glad it seems like perhaps we won't get the MSEP as I'd like to see us get something brand new.

 

[ChristmasJay83]

I doubt Zootopia and Moana at Animal Kingdom will fly, especially since they defeat that park's purpose. Better options instead would be South America, Australia, the Polar Caps, and North America, complete with new animals. Possibly a resurrected Beastly Kingdom as well. DinoLand can be transformed into Prehistoricville, which would celebrate both dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals.

based on what I have read from insiders on another site, the Animal Kingdom bluesky concept is very close to green-lite, if not officially green-lite internally. Moana first, then Zootopia after that.

 

[imbelle]

Ok, only half kidding, I'm going to rehash the idea of a 5th gate at WDW; Yesterland. Instead of demolishing the old rides to make way for the new, move them to Yesterland. It would be less costly than a new park from scratch, spread guests out, and retain nostalgia. Plenty of people would like to revisit Maelstrom, Horizons, The Great Movie Ride, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Snow White's Scary Adventure, etc.

 

[HopperFan]

based on what I have read from insiders on another site, the Animal Kingdom bluesky concept is very close to green-lite, if not officially green-lite internally. Moana first, then Zootopia after that.

Would not surprise me at all.

Zootopia has been on the AK drawing board since it came out, not that it is it's only demographic but it could be a huge success among the youngest guests. I often hear parents say they will skip AK ~ the zoo ~ because they can see animals at home. Many think Everest, Flight of Passage and right there we've lost the youngest kids.

I think Moana as a character was a bigger hit than they anticipated. There was hardly any merchandise because I think they feared "the Pocohontas effect" and Maui was loved by everyone and there was a "guy" character for boys. I just don't think they knew how to incorporate it, an attraction would be a difficult design. What they are doing in EPCOT is great for the IP, fit in EPCOT? But I do think they could make a good fit in AK. Again, younger guests will love it as well as older.

I think we all know that when Beastly Kingdom got the boot for Pandora that the park's beginning intentions were tossed in the back of the drawer. Add the success they had in moving guests to EPCOT with Frozen ride ... and now Remy, Guardians, Moana ....in EPCOT? Going forward Disney is using their own IPs because that is money in the bank.

Disney is going to be competing with Universal for dollars when EPIC opens - with IPs that young kids will like. SeaWorld adding another coaster, food festivals, adult Halloween nights ... SW is positioning themselves for older guests not just kids there to see dolphins. Budgets are mostly finite and Disney needs to use what it takes.

Ok, only half kidding, I'm going to rehash the idea of a 5th gate at WDW; Yesterland. Instead of demolishing the old rides to make way for the new, move them to Yesterland. It would be less costly than a new park from scratch, spread guests out, and retain nostalgia. Plenty of people would like to revisit Maelstrom, Horizons, The Great Movie Ride, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Snow White's Scary Adventure, etc.

BUT .... you would have to build them all from scratch because they are gone. You might have a few AAs from GMR somewhere, surely the Witch is in protective custody. And ... I believe it was a completely innocent oversight on your part but MR. TOAD! and Mickey & Minnie's houses, Alien Encounter was loved by many ... and If You Had Wings!!

 

[Smugpugmug]

Disney is going to be competing with Universal for dollars when EPIC opens - with IPs that young kids will like. SeaWorld adding another coaster, food festivals, adult Halloween nights ... SW is positioning themselves for older guests not just kids there to see dolphins. Budgets are mostly finite and Disney needs to use what it takes.

Not that I think Disney needs to attract the kid crowd away from Universal (as they're already doing that) but if I was a kid I would much rather go to the park that has Mario + Nintendo in it than Zootopia and Moana.

 

[Jrb1979]

based on what I have read from insiders on another site, the Animal Kingdom bluesky concept is very close to green-lite, if not officially green-lite internally. Moana first, then Zootopia after that.

Even if that's the case it's unlikely to be announced til next year at destination Disney and not built for 3-4 years.

My take away from D23 is maybe Disney just doesn't have the money to spend on major additions right now.

 

[HopperFan]

Not that I think Disney needs to attract the kid crowd away from Universal (as they're already doing that) but if I was a kid I would much rather go to the park that has Mario + Nintendo in it than Zootopia and Moana.

I don't think Disney has to attract the kid crowd away, I think they need to hold on to them for a full vacation.

And add How to Train Your Dragon which was a huge hit! and another Harry Potter land. Very wide age appeal.

I think you'll see more of split vacations. Whether someone stays put and does both parks OR moves resorts since Universal has some sweet hotels, some with Express Pass. I am firm that WDW and UO are apples and oranges but that park is a game changer, Disney has to know that. Disney dropping Magical Express and other perks, their slow return to full staffing at resorts ... I know lots of folks who moved offsite for the first time and have asked me about all the other parks.

 

[imbelle]

Would not surprise me at all.

Zootopia has been on the AK drawing board since it came out, not that it is it's only demographic but it could be a huge success among the youngest guests. I often hear parents say they will skip AK ~ the zoo ~ because they can see animals at home. Many think Everest, Flight of Passage and right there we've lost the youngest kids.

I think Moana as a character was a bigger hit than they anticipated. There was hardly any merchandise because I think they feared "the Pocohontas effect" and Maui was loved by everyone and there was a "guy" character for boys. I just don't think they knew how to incorporate it, an attraction would be a difficult design. What they are doing in EPCOT is great for the IP, fit in EPCOT? But I do think they could make a good fit in AK. Again, younger guests will love it as well as older.

I think we all know that when Beastly Kingdom got the boot for Pandora that the park's beginning intentions were tossed in the back of the drawer. Add the success they had in moving guests to EPCOT with Frozen ride ... and now Remy, Guardians, Moana ....in EPCOT? Going forward Disney is using their own IPs because that is money in the bank.

Disney is going to be competing with Universal for dollars when EPIC opens - with IPs that young kids will like. SeaWorld adding another coaster, food festivals, adult Halloween nights ... SW is positioning themselves for older guests not just kids there to see dolphins. Budgets are mostly finite and Disney needs to use what it takes.


BUT .... you would have to build them all from scratch because they are gone. You might have a few AAs from GMR somewhere, surely the Witch is in protective custody. And ... I believe it was a completely innocent oversight on your part but MR. TOAD! and Mickey & Minnie's houses, Alien Encounter was loved by many ... and If You Had Wings!!

Sorry Toadie, I was throwing a few examples out there and you do at least still exist in DL! Actually, I do realize that the aforementioned rides have been dismantled. My thought was that it would be cheaper to recreate a previously established, popular attraction than to go through the process of creating totally new, untested attractions.

 

[Jrb1979]

I don't think Disney has to attract the kid crowd away, I think they need to hold on to them for a full vacation.

And add How to Train Your Dragon which was a huge hit! and another Harry Potter land. Very wide age appeal.

I think you'll see more of split vacations. Whether someone stays put and does both parks OR moves resorts since Universal has some sweet hotels, some with Express Pass. I am firm that WDW and UO are apples and oranges but that park is a game changer, Disney has to know that. Disney dropping Magical Express and other perks, their slow return to full staffing at resorts ... I know lots of folks who moved offsite for the first time and have asked me about all the other parks.

I personally think Disney thought Epic Universe would more delayed then it is. All that blue sky what if announcements come across as a company in panic mode. Personally I think Disney is in for a rude awakening soon. Your last point about people moving offsite and checking out other parks is telling. Disney loyalists that are now moving out of their comfort zone checking out other parks is not a good thing.

What doesn't help is how they a running the parks now. A complete change of direction. Prior to Covid we had plans to visit Disney once my daughter was 3. All these changes and all the upcharges has made us change plans. We are back to road trips to regional parks across the country next summer