What would Disney's answer be to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

[Disney Padawan]

Not going to hold my breath... at the same point I certainly wouldn't complain if Disney did decide they wanted to blow my mind. Do like that the current buzz is about adding stuff, not replacing the old. Some of us LIKE the old. Hey, I even love that old treehouse, archaic as it is! Just not sure how they'll add anything to MJM and make it findable ... how is it that the smallest park is the only one I ever get hopelessly lost in? Hey, if they do add to MJM then maybe, to continue the mind-blowing theme, they'll do something to make the place comprehensible to get around. THAT'S my dream!

I agree with the adding new & keeping the old, it's nice sometimes to have a mix. I'm so anxious to hear their announcement I wonder what it'll be? If anyone has any info, PLEASE POST!

 

[ChrisFL]

screamscape is reporting about some MGM changes, but none of them seem groundbreaking

 

[freakylick]

screamscape is reporting about some MGM changes, but none of them seem groundbreaking

I agree that it's nothing groundbreaking, but I have a feeling that this:

He says that they are going to carve out an enormous chunk of Disney/MGM and add an entirely new section.

was really in reference to this:

from Screamscape
Over at the Toy Story Mania area of the park, that entire back area will be renamed Pixar Place.

And apparently there is already talk of an attraction to go into the area where the old Mickey Meet 'N Greet was...and that was certainly not enough for an entire land.

In regards to Disney and their efforts to build HP World...they did have a chance to get the rights, but JKR is very demanding and wanted quite a bit out of this. And considering the initial investment that Disney would have to put in, they would not get enough return out of it. Universal could offer considerably more because they wouldn't have to put in as much capital up front since they already had a "land" that they could just convert to HP Land....Disney has no such thing.

Disney also has a couple of big franchises that it can try to capitalize on right now (Pixar, Narnia, POTC)...granted none of those are quite as large as HP, but it's not like their cupboard is bare. Thus they probably didn't see a need to "overpay" for HP. Also (and this is pure speculation on my part) they are already facing questions of overpaying for Pixar...I don't think they wanted to add HP to that list.

 

[EUROPACL]

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Disney also has a couple of big franchises that it can try to capitalize on right now (Pixar, Narnia, POTC)...granted none of those are quite as large as HP, but it's not like their cupboard is bare. Thus they probably didn't see a need to "overpay" for HP. Also (and this is pure speculation on my part) they are already facing questions of overpaying for Pixar...I don't think they wanted to add HP to that list.

I'm not sure how much more Pixar can be jammed down our throats at this point. As for POTC that ship has sailed...so to speak. This last money dump of a film killed off any big plans for that in the parks. Heck for what they spent on the last movie they could have added another park.

Now for Narnia...maybe. The other books are not as well known as The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe so this next film may just be another money dump and if that is the case I don't think you will be seeing much of Narnia after that. Anyway building anything close to what it would take to do Narnia jusice would require a land and they just turned that down for a better know series by todays kids. (HP) Disney has now cheaped out and lost Harry Potter twice and by two different managment teams.

 

[Disney Padawan]

I agree that it's nothing groundbreaking, but I have a feeling that this:



was really in reference to this:



And apparently there is already talk of an attraction to go into the area where the old Mickey Meet 'N Greet was...and that was certainly not enough for an entire land.

In regards to Disney and their efforts to build HP World...they did have a chance to get the rights, but JKR is very demanding and wanted quite a bit out of this. And considering the initial investment that Disney would have to put in, they would not get enough return out of it. Universal could offer considerably more because they wouldn't have to put in as much capital up front since they already had a "land" that they could just convert to HP Land....Disney has no such thing.

Disney also has a couple of big franchises that it can try to capitalize on right now (Pixar, Narnia, POTC)...granted none of those are quite as large as HP, but it's not like their cupboard is bare. Thus they probably didn't see a need to "overpay" for HP. Also (and this is pure speculation on my part) they are already facing questions of overpaying for Pixar...I don't think they wanted to add HP to that list.

I agree, except for the last part. Then again, who knows, I wish I had 7.2 Billion!

I'm not sure how much more Pixar can be jammed down our throats at this point. As for POTC that ship has sailed...so to speak. This last money dump of a film killed off any big plans for that in the parks. Heck for what they spent on the last movie they could have added another park.

Now for Narnia...maybe. The other books are not as well known as The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe so this next film may just be another money dump and if that is the case I don't think you will be seeing much of Narnia after that. Anyway building anything close to what it would take to do Narnia jusice would require a land and they just turned that down for a better know series by todays kids. (HP) Disney has now cheaped out and lost Harry Potter twice and by two different managment teams.

Narnia2 and it's sequel have to do spectacular for Disney to make something big out of it. And yeah, I hate when they get cheap.

 

[minijeanie]

THey already turned the AL at Hong Kong DL into PL and the new ride are you talking about the Toy Story ride

If they put the new are in at AK i have been waiting for that

I am kinda mad that Universal got the Harry Potter deal instead of Disney

Quite the contrary , I am very happy that US got the HP deal. They needed it!. our family loves US & IOA. US is not anything like WDW nor does it try to be. That is why we love going to both places.

Plus US won't cave and pull a show/ride after a few months because parents complain it is too scary for their kids even though there are huge warnings not to bring their young children into the show...(ie...Alien)

In my perspective:
WDW has the magic that US will never have

but US has Spiderman....Disney has nothing close to that.
US has Halloween Horror Nights which is spectacular (but clearly for teens and older) Plus they have great resorts. I for one can't wait to go back

 

[Disney Padawan]

O.K. now word around the Disney campfire is that the next big announcement is a 5th gate for WDW! I know this rumor has been floating around for years now but I can't help but wish that it would be true. It is stated to be opening sometime in 2009/2010. Of course, this info has been provided by the Disney Bus drivers, so nobody get out the champagne and noise makers just yet. Then again, they have been known to be right, from time to time. Here's hoping.

 

[EUROPACL]

O.K. now word around the Disney campfire is that the next big announcement is a 5th gate for WDW! I know this rumor has been floating around for years now but I can't help but wish that it would be true. It is stated to be opening sometime in 2009/2010. Of course, this info has been provided by the Disney Bus drivers, so nobody get out the champagne and noise makers just yet. Then again, they have been known to be right, from time to time. Here's hoping.

...so Disney won't spend the money for HP but they are going to build a whole new park..is that what you're saying? And they are going to break ground and open it in the next two years?

 

[Disney Padawan]

...so Disney won't spend the money for HP but they are going to build a whole new park..is that what you're saying? And they are going to break ground and open it in the next two years?

Yes, I heard it's going to be a huge Park, with 5 continents each based on a Pixar movie! J/K.

Disney won't spend the money on HP probably because of JKR. Who really knows, I wasn't there.

I'm simply pointing out what someone else had said, this is not coming directly from me.

It does sound pretty illogical that a new park will be built in two years, maybe three? Well, I'm just hoping, that's what I'm saying.

 

[EUROPACL]

Disney won't spend the money on HP probably because of JKR.

Why? They will spend over a billion on Jerry Bruckheimer but not JKR?

I'm simply pointing out what someone else had said, this is not coming directly from me.

It does sound pretty illogical that a new park will be built in two years, maybe three? Well, I'm just hoping, that's what I'm saying.

Well let me point out what the CEO has said...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18789791/from/RS.4/

Iger said Disney has no plans for another theme park in Orlando, Florida. "We have no plans at this point to open a (fifth) gate or (fifth) park there. We have four already. While we continue to invest in those, those four are doing just fine."

 

[Disney Padawan]

EUROPACL, I wish I knew the real answer to your first question. All I keep reading about is Disney wanted things their way, she wanted things her way, so in the end, she went somewhere else, to have more control.

As for the second part, the link didn't work, but I'm curious how long ago Iger said this. It's true in a way that the 4 parks need some work but I've always hoped for a fifth gate by 2010. Maybe the bus drivers are always told to tell fibs to keep us on our toes. Maybe they're doing it themselves without being told to. All I know is sometimes when many repeat the same things over a good period of time, it's usually true. Does that mean I'm a true believer, no, but that doesn't keep me from hoping.

Which brings up the main reason for this thread, if not a new theme park, then what?

 

[EUROPACL]

EUROPACL, I wish I knew the real answer to your first question. All I keep reading about is Disney wanted things their way, she wanted things her way, so in the end, she went somewhere else, to have more control.

As for the second part, the link didn't work, but I'm curious how long ago Iger said this. It's true in a way that the 4 parks need some work but I've always hoped for a fifth gate by 2010. Maybe the bus drivers are always told to tell fibs to keep us on our toes. Maybe they're doing it themselves without being told to. All I know is sometimes when many repeat the same things over a good period of time, it's usually true. Does that mean I'm a true believer, no, but that doesn't keep me from hoping.

Which brings up the main reason for this thread, if not a new theme park, then what?

Sorry I just noticed how long you've been here and may not be up on the current Disney. I was trying to lead you down the path on your own but....Disney sees the parks as a money funnel for their other units. They aren't going to be putting any big money into parks any time soon...unless you count DVC and that is more of a money making scheme then an investment in the parks.


If you look down the page here in "News and Rumors" you will see a post Will there every be a 5th theme park? that post and 25 others just like it covers all of rumors of a 5th park. In short It's not going to happen.

It has nothing to do with JKR and her control issues....Disney simply won't spend that kind of money on the parks anymore.

Yes Bus Drivers and Cast Members in General at Disney love to tell tails of new parks, rides or monorail plans...you would have better luck using a "Magic 8-Ball" and it would be right more often.

 

[mello]

DH and I have long wondered why they haven't done more with the whole Star Wars theme. I would think that franchise would be a gold mine because Star Wars, much like Disney, is absolutely a cultural icon that appeals to several generations, and it's popularity will likely endure much longer than HP or any other movie currently in vogue.

What they've done with SW at the Studios looks neat, but it could SO be expanded! When we first saw the Ewok village, we thought it would be cool if you could go in it! The store was insanely crowded when we were there in September on a weekday - I can only imagine what it must be like on a SWW. Wouldn't it be awesome to have a whole Star Wars "land" at the studios? We've read some great ideas (some of them may be on this thread - haven't read it yet), including a Cantina restaurant complete with the band, blue drinks, weird chess games and alien creatures - LOVE that idea! Somebody somewhere has mentioned a land speeder ride. There could be an Ewok village/tree house play area - something way better than Pooh playground at MK - maybe more like the Redwood trail one in California Adventure - it's more interactive for a much wider age range. They could improve on the virtual lightsabre thing at Disney Quest and move it over there when/if they close DQ. Somebody mentioned something along the lines of Space Ranger Spin. There could be Stormtroopers on patrol. R2D2 and C3PO could do pictures/autographs. They could surely come up with a thrill ride along the lines of Mission Space, only with some new idea that only George Lucas & the Imagineers could dream up. My kids said they'd love to do some pod racing, or participate in a space battle as an x-wing pilot, or ride speeder bikes through the forest!

It sounds like they're on the right track with making Jedi Training Academy permanent, and there's been talk for so long of Star Tours II. Dh read that George Lucas had originally conceived an idea of a reprogrammable ride, where the scenario would change (randomly?) so you would go to different places besides just the Death Star every time. That would be way cool.

Wow, we're getting excited just talking about it over here!!!

 

[mello]

Not going to hold my breath... at the same point I certainly wouldn't complain if Disney did decide they wanted to blow my mind. Do like that the current buzz is about adding stuff, not replacing the old. Some of us LIKE the old. Hey, I even love that old treehouse, archaic as it is!

ITA: I love the old tree house, I love Adventureland just the way it is, I love Carousel of Progress, and I sure as heck loved the submarines more than the Pooh playground! I hate to see them taking out classic attractions, especially to be replaced with inferior things.

Bring on the Mind Blowing, and make it something NEW!!!

 

[Disney Padawan]

Sorry I just noticed how long you've been here and may not be up on the current Disney. I was trying to lead you down the path on your own but....Disney sees the parks as a money funnel for their other units. They aren't going to be putting any big money into parks any time soon...unless you count DVC and that is more of a money making scheme then an investment in the parks.


If you look down the page here in "News and Rumors" you will see a post Will there every be a 5th theme park? that post and 25 others just like it covers all of rumors of a 5th park. In short It's not going to happen.

It has nothing to do with JKR and her control issues....Disney simply won't spend that kind of money on the parks anymore.

Yes Bus Drivers and Cast Members in General at Disney love to tell tails of new parks, rides or monorail plans...you would have better luck using a "Magic 8-Ball" and it would be right more often.

WOW, I didn't realize you knew so much!!! I appreciate you trying to lead me down the path....

It's true that I haven't been here that long but I did spend a long time reading, so I can stay current. I realize Disney views their guests as cash flow, and understand they probably don't want to spend too much money on their parks.

Yes, I have read most of the "News & Rumors" page. Being a realist, it's hard for me to fully believe what some post, but I remain hopeful.

I know that what you or I think is probably insignificant to Disney but I hope those who say that a 5th park won't happen are wrong. I know many don't want to see another gate at WDW but I'm not one of them, I'm still hoping to see one many, many, years from now.

 

[Disney Padawan]

 

[Disney Padawan]

DH and I have long wondered why they haven't done more with the whole Star Wars theme. I would think that franchise would be a gold mine because Star Wars, much like Disney, is absolutely a cultural icon that appeals to several generations, and it's popularity will likely endure much longer than HP or any other movie currently in vogue.

What they've done with SW at the Studios looks neat, but it could SO be expanded! When we first saw the Ewok village, we thought it would be cool if you could go in it! The store was insanely crowded when we were there in September on a weekday - I can only imagine what it must be like on a SWW. Wouldn't it be awesome to have a whole Star Wars "land" at the studios? We've read some great ideas (some of them may be on this thread - haven't read it yet), including a Cantina restaurant complete with the band, blue drinks, weird chess games and alien creatures - LOVE that idea! Somebody somewhere has mentioned a land speeder ride. There could be an Ewok village/tree house play area - something way better than Pooh playground at MK - maybe more like the Redwood trail one in California Adventure - it's more interactive for a much wider age range. They could improve on the virtual lightsabre thing at Disney Quest and move it over there when/if they close DQ. Somebody mentioned something along the lines of Space Ranger Spin. There could be Stormtroopers on patrol. R2D2 and C3PO could do pictures/autographs. They could surely come up with a thrill ride along the lines of Mission Space, only with some new idea that only George Lucas & the Imagineers could dream up. My kids said they'd love to do some pod racing, or participate in a space battle as an x-wing pilot, or ride speeder bikes through the forest!

It sounds like they're on the right track with making Jedi Training Academy permanent, and there's been talk for so long of Star Tours II. Dh read that George Lucas had originally conceived an idea of a reprogrammable ride, where the scenario would change (randomly?) so you would go to different places besides just the Death Star every time. That would be way cool.

Wow, we're getting excited just talking about it over here!!!

Sorry about the double post earlier.

Those are cool Ideas!! They could probably make an entire park out of the Star Wars Universe, I know I'd go.

 

[EUROPACL]

WOW, I didn't realize you knew so much!!! I appreciate you trying to lead me down the path....

Ummm..

I know that what you or I think is probably insignificant to Disney but I hope those who say that a 5th park won't happen are wrong. I know many don't want to see another gate at WDW but I'm not one of them, I'm still hoping to see one many, many, years from now.

You're kind of missing the point Disney dosen't want a 5th park AK was a disaster on a huge scale as far as attendance goes and DCA and Paris Studios really put nails in the coffin....on the other hand who knows 20 years from now so keep your fingers crossed.




"Star Wars idea"..... If you guys think that JKR was/is hard to deal with Lucas makes her look like a puppy dog with pink ribbions in her hair. Thats why there hasn't been even a new film for Star Tours. Disney is never going to pay Lucas what it would take to make a Star Wars Land....or even a new film.

 

[Rence]

Disney likes to cross promote - Disneyland in one sense was simply a huge advertisement for the companies movies. The movies, TV shows, parks etc. all cross promote.

Disney doesn't get as big of a bang for its buck when it builds attractions themed around someone else's movies. Sure there is some advantage in terms of attendance at the theme parks, but Star Tours promotes non-Disney films, Indiana Jones promotes non-Disney films.

It is worth it to a point to have these attractions, but it doesn't give Disney the value that an attraction based on a Disney film would.

JK Rowlings was very particular and any attractions based on her movies was going to be costly. If Disney had done the movies, they probably would have spent the money to put the attractions in the parks, as the attractions would promote the films and the merchandise and Disney would have had a piece of every pie.

But spending a lot of money on a Harry Potter attraction which promotes a Warner Brothers film doesn't make as much sense.

 

[Disney Padawan]

Ummm..



You're kind of missing the point Disney dosen't want a 5th park AK was a disaster on a huge scale as far as attendance goes and DCA and Paris Studios really put nails in the coffin....on the other hand who knows 20 years from now so keep your fingers crossed.




"Star Wars idea"..... If you guys think that JKR was/is hard to deal with Lucas makes her look like a puppy dog with pink ribbions in her hair. Thats why there hasn't been even a new film for Star Tours. Disney is never going to pay Lucas what it would take to make a Star Wars Land....or even a new film.

1- Opps, I realize now how that sounded a little sarcastic. I've been reading some of your other posts/threads & I meant what I said.

2- How Am I missing the point? I know about AK & some of their other parks aren't doing as well as they should. Spending that much money on a project and then having attendance issues is a real blow for Disney. I know it put a stop to many of their future plans. Until they can get things better off, in all their parks, we won't see a fifth gate. This, however, doesn't stop me from wanting to see another Disney park in Orlando. Understanding & hoping are two entirely different things.

3- I'm a huge Star Wars, dare I say, geek. (I've got the curio to prove it.) But, much to my regret, I've almost lost all hope with Lucas. I like hearing ideas from people but know that they'll never happen. Lucas & Scrooge McDuck have a lot in common, I don't hold my breath when it comes to waiting for him. I know many feel the same way about Disney too.