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[Spokker]

I agree with you about Small World. The Small World thing was weird in the sense that people see short lines at Small World and think, "Oh, people don't like it." The actual numbers that got leaked from time to time before the changes suggested otherwise. It's simply a high capacity attraction. You don't compare lines between Small World and the Submarine Voyage, for example, and draw any conclusions from that alone. I don't think anything about that ride was irrelevant.

I dislike the Pirates changes, on the other hand, because they inject plot/story into what was an otherwise incredible experience.

This pretty much encapsulates my thoughts on that: http://imagineerebirth.blogspot.com/2006/11/myth-of-story.html

Also relevant is the problem with story as it applied to contemporary Disney theme park attractions: http://imagineerebirth.blogspot.com/2007/04/one-of-our-dinosaurs-is-missing.html

 

[2th]

Now this is interesting.

 

[Anticitizen One]

I agree with you about Small World. The Small World thing was weird in the sense that people see short lines at Small World and think, "Oh, people don't like it." The actual numbers that got leaked from time to time before the changes suggested otherwise. It's simply a high capacity attraction. You don't compare lines between Small World and the Submarine Voyage, for example, and draw any conclusions from that alone. I don't think anything about that ride was irrelevant.

I dislike the Pirates changes, on the other hand, because they inject plot/story into what was an otherwise incredible experience.

This pretty much encapsulates my thoughts on that: http://imagineerebirth.blogspot.com/2006/11/myth-of-story.html

Also relevant is the problem with story as it applied to contemporary Disney theme park attractions: http://imagineerebirth.blogspot.com/2007/04/one-of-our-dinosaurs-is-missing.html

I actually agree with you on the pirate changes but we seem to be in the minority as it seems that most fans and the general public seem to enjoy the changes made to pirates. I think it would have been better (although probably too weird) was to have a seperate Pirates of the Caribbean attraction for the movies.


Reimagineering is a fantastic blog I used to read it daily but they haven't posted a new article in some time and it seems like Disney pays attention to that blog as some of the complaints (the wand on Spaceship earth, tiki room under new management, overall ride quality) have been adressed in recent years by Disney.

 

[Tron 2.0]

But like I said, we've been hearing these things forever. The last rumor for the People Mover was the "Incredipod" concept based on The Incredibles.

Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Incredipods was never seriously considered.

There was a Tron attraction being prepped for Tomorrowland, and a separate Tron attraction for Magic Kingdom at WDW. The WDW iteration would have been a clone of the coaster going into Shanghai and placed kind of where the Carousel of Progress is now. Neither of those got the greenlight, but it's still being built in China.

There is definitely a plan for Tomorrowland, but no money has been allocated for it. I would be shocked if it's talked about tomorrow.

Something major is being planned for Frontierland as well.

California Adventure has received all the love for the past few years. Attention is turning back to Disneyland.

Sad to see guys like this forced out. They screwed over Bruce Gordon and I'm convinced that killed him, though he was also very fat.

They've screwed over quite a few magnificent Imagineers in the past few years. Tim Delaney being let go was a tragedy. HR at WDI is all kinds of fucked up. Ugh, don't get me started.

Anyway, Baxter is being completely wasted. He's being paid an insane salary to essentially twiddle his thumbs. Sure, he's allowed to do small-scale projects like attraction enhancements, but don't try to tell me Bob Weiss is a better pick to oversee Shanghai than Tony Baxter.

Speaking of Shanghai, don't believe what you read about it. Especially not from one Al Lutz. In general, don't believe Al Lutz.

There are rough plans for Frontierland at Magic Kingdom in WDW as well. But after New Fantasyland, I think they're done investing in MK for a few years.

 

[Tron 2.0]

Any D23 members on GAF?

Is it worth the $75?

I'm not a member, but unless you live in So Cal (where all the events seem to be) I can't imagine it's worth it. Definitely not worth it to me.

The magazine is slick but I acquire it elsewhere.

Sorry for the double post. Meant to edit the post above.

 

[Zaraki_Kenpachi]

Roy was the major player behind the Treasures series.

Sales dropped off dramatically after the first wave. Once Roy passed, and with all home video sales off a cliff, there was no impetus to continue.

But you're right, they were excellent.

Makes me sad, I love their cartoons and there are still a bunch they haven't released or released on dvd. I even bought the D23 exclusive set of the treasures DVDs.

Any D23 members on GAF?

Is it worth the $75?

Honestly, I will say absolutely not unless you live in California and can go to their D23 events. I was a member for two years and they give you 4 "magazines" talking about different things with Disney that are kind of nice and they give you a yearly gift. I think I got a special edition poster that looked nice and some pins I think? I forget what the other gift besides the poster was. I did it mostly to buy the special edition treasures collection for D23 members and see if it's any good since I've always been a really big fan of Disney. They spend you cool emails and links to other emails where people ask their "expert" different facts which was interesting but nothing I think that justifies the $75 they charge for it. I can't go to any of the events since they are all in California but if it was cheaper I'd probably do it just to be a member.

Edit: This year is a mickey watch... Hmm...

I'm not a member, but unless you live in So Cal (where all the events seem to be) I can't imagine it's worth it. Definitely not worth it to me.

The magazine is slick but I acquire it elsewhere.

Sorry for the double post. Meant to edit the post above.

Where do you get your magazine out of curiosity?

 

[Spokker]

Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Incredipods was never seriously considered.

I didn't believe it. I was simply pointing out that it was a rumor. I don't actually believe the current rumors about Tomorrowland either. But rumors are fun to read about.

California Adventure has received all the love for the past few years. Attention is turning back to Disneyland.

Disneyland was never wanting for attention. I felt that they were fixing things that weren't necessarily broken though.

Speaking of Shanghai, don't believe what you read about it. Especially not from one Al Lutz. In general, don't believe Al Lutz.

It's not about believing Al Lutz or taking everything he says as gospel. But if you are going to deal in rumors, that is the man to read. Jim Hill is another one I have read. Doesn't mean I think the guy is a Disney deity.

Kevin Yee is another good Disney parks writer, but he covers Disney World. I also like Blue Sky Disney for the very optimistic, pro-Disney point of view. He is way different than my cynical ass, but he's a good guy.

There are rough plans for Frontierland at Magic Kingdom in WDW as well. But after New Fantasyland, I think they're done investing in MK for a few years.

What I'm hearing from the WDW purists is that Disney is more interested in big brother-esque tracking and social media schemes than actually investing in the resort. But I only skim that topic from time to time.

 

[Tron 2.0]

Where do you get your magazine out of curiosity?

I know one of the contributors, so I usually get a copy passed on from him.

I've seen it at Barnes & Noble, though.

 

[Anticitizen One]

WDW seems to be soley focused on building more timeshare units and their big brother projects where each person will get an RFID wristband that will have their itenerary programmed in for "their convenience" while they spy/monitor your vacation and collect data. The project is codenamed "NEXT GEN" and they may even announce it tomorrow. I WISH I was making this stuff up.

 

[Zaraki_Kenpachi]

I know one of the contributors, so I usually get a copy passed on from him.

I've seen it at Barnes & Noble, though.

I hate you...

 

[Xyrmellon]

Also hoping that Marvel's 2 mystery 2014 films will be named.

This. Rumors are running wild with everything from another Hulk to Luke Cage.

 

[NoRéN]

Will be there all weekend. Free park entry and $10 admission to the expo. Doesn't get any better than that.

 

[Anticitizen One]

This. Rumors are running wild with everything from another Hulk to Luke Cage.

The main contenders are:

Ant-Man
Dr.Strange
Black Panther
Guardians of the Galaxy

 

[aparisi2274]

these are supposed to get announced at D23:

http://dizfanatic.com/DizTech012.aspx

These wristbands are supposed to replace the following:

Room keys
Photpass
Fastpass
Disney Dining
and supposedly there are going to be wrist bands that will offer extra special features, like if you go on Pirates, Davey Jones will speak your name as you go under the misty waterfall.

 

[Anticitizen One]

these are supposed to get announced at D23:

http://dizfanatic.com/DizTech012.aspx

These wristbands are supposed to replace the following:

Room keys
Photpass
Fastpass
Disney Dining
and supposedly there are going to be wrist bands that will offer extra special features, like if you go on Pirates, Davey Jones will speak your name as you go under the misty waterfall.

Jesus what's next? An authentic concentration camp experience? Starting to remind me of grant morrison's Seaguy

 

[Spokker]

these are supposed to get announced at D23:

And they are also perfect for organizing the end of the night rainbow party in your Disneyland Hotel room.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

Okay those wristbands are cool. Here's hoping that's available in Fall 2012 but I ain't holding my breath.

I'd pretty much not have to bring my wallet to the parks anymore.

 

[D23]

Heyy its me!!!

 

[Anticitizen One]

Here is a video of the new mine train ride for fantasyland from the exhibit: http://youtu.be/VTyOITQmpsg

The Theme park conference starts at 3:30 pst

 

[Morn]

What was the point of Disney acquiring them?

Access to FIVE THOUSAND characters.

Iger has been on a character initiative since he took over the company. The reason they bought Pixar was because every Disney character in the last decade has been created by them. That's what sparked his initiative. He says they're still in the same mood to buy companies, and there's a big rumor floating around that they're looking at a ranch in Marin County because those characters are already in Disney parks...

 

[Morn]

Here is a video of the new mine train ride for fantasyland from the exhibit: http://youtu.be/VTyOITQmpsg

The Theme park conference starts at 3:30 pst

lol they're using the system they designed for the Indy mine cart coaster that was never built in Disneyland.

 

[Mockingbird]

anyone at the expo? If so, can you check if any of this is left in-stock? Should be at the acme archives booth.

 

[Mockingbird]

Any D23 members on GAF?

Is it worth the $75?

No, unless you really like their D23 magazines and are able to take advantage of their exclusive offers. I live in Japan and joined the first year, renewed the second year as a Silver member, and will likely renew again because I'll be moving back to Cali next month and it'll retain my status as a Charter Member. With that said, I haven't been able to get anything out of my membership at all =( Next year I'll use it for the Expo for sure though.

 

[richiek]

Access to FIVE THOUSAND characters.

Iger has been on a character initiative since he took over the company. The reason they bought Pixar was because every Disney character in the last decade has been created by them. That's what sparked his initiative. He says they're still in the same mood to buy companies, and there's a big rumor floating around that they're looking at a ranch in Marin County because those characters are already in Disney parks...

Also, while Disney has been always appealed to the female demographic (ex. Disney Princesses and High School Musical), they have struggled with the male audience. Acquiring Marvel will go a long way to shoring up that weakness.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

Here is a video of the new mine train ride for fantasyland from the exhibit: http://youtu.be/VTyOITQmpsg

The Theme park conference starts at 3:30 pst

It's going to totally suck when they open this like a week after next year's visit. I see it now.

 

[Anticitizen One]

Access to FIVE THOUSAND characters.

Iger has been on a character initiative since he took over the company. The reason they bought Pixar was because every Disney character in the last decade has been created by them. That's what sparked his initiative. He says they're still in the same mood to buy companies, and there's a big rumor floating around that they're looking at a ranch in Marin County because those characters are already in Disney parks...

Disney purchasing Lucasfilm has always been inevitable. In the 80s they begged George Lucas to become President of the Walt Disney Company and after failing to recruit him, struck a deal to bring his charecters to the park and have him design various rides, shows, and attractions.

I wish there was some way Disney could acquire DC comics. I want them taken away from the horrible WB so badly.

It's going to totally suck when they open this like a week after next year's visit. I see it now.

Unfortunatly its probably not opening until 2013 since they greenlit this project so late. It was originally part of the plans then they removed it to have more princess meet & greeets then when that got a very poor reception from fans they quickly dropped the extra princess stuff and approved the mine train coaster. Out of all the fantasyland stuff, this is what im most excited about because I can finally live out my Donkey Kong Country fantasies.

 

[jamesinclair]

California Adventure has received all the love for the past few years. Attention is turning back to Disneyland.
.

What bothers me is that even though they make billions and billions (and billions) theyre so slow at adding stuff.

And the lines are always so long, turning the happiest place on earth into the most tedious.

Look at magic mountain, they have so many less people, they make so much less money....but they add a major attraction every damn year.

 

[FoneBone]

Also hoping that Marvel's 2 mystery 2014 films will be named.

I'm doubtful that they've actually decided what they both are this far in advance.

 

[Morn]

What bothers me is that even though they make billions and billions (and billions) theyre so slow at adding stuff.

And the lines are always so long, turning the happiest place on earth into the most tedious.

Look at magic mountain, they have so many less people, they make so much less money....but they add a major attraction every damn year.

And they seem to be close to bankruptcy every damn year.

 

[TDLink]

The main contenders are:

Ant-Man
Dr.Strange
Black Panther
Guardians of the Galaxy

My money is on Ant Man before any of the others considering we know the script for that is actually through a few drafts already. After that I'd say a toss up between Dr. Strange and Guardians of the Galaxy. I don't think Black Panther is happening anytime soon.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

Unfortunatly its probably not opening until 2013 since they greenlit this project so late. It was originally part of the plans then they removed it to have more princess meet & greeets then when that got a very poor reception from fans they quickly dropped the extra princess stuff and approved the mine train coaster. Out of all the fantasyland stuff, this is what im most excited about because I can finally live out my Donkey Kong Country fantasies.

Well, to be fair I meant New Fantasyland in general.

 

[Morn]

I'm doubtful that they've actually decided what they both are this far in advance.

The Incredible Hulk Returns and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

 

[Morn]

Unfortunatly its probably not opening until 2013 since they greenlit this project so late. It was originally part of the plans then they removed it to have more princess meet & greeets then when that got a very poor reception from fans they quickly dropped the extra princess stuff and approved the mine train coaster. Out of all the fantasyland stuff, this is what im most excited about because I can finally live out my Donkey Kong Country fantasies.

It wasn't because of poor reception from fans. Jay Rasulo announced it as the princess thing before he even had approval for the funding, but both Staggs and Iger thought that was stupid. So when Rasulo got the boot from Parks & Resorts, Staggs immediately nixed the Princess plans.

 

[Jme]

Here is a video of the new mine train ride for fantasyland from the exhibit: http://youtu.be/VTyOITQmpsg

The Theme park conference starts at 3:30 pst

I know this is a 'kiddie' coaster but fuck that looks fun.

 

[jamesinclair]

And they seem to be close to bankruptcy every damn year.

But the customer doesnt care about their balance sheet. We just have an awesome time.

Isnt that what a theme park should be all about?


(And their money problems may have more to do with the (awesome) $29.99 admission vs ~$89 at disney)

 

[Jme]

Okay those wristbands are cool. Here's hoping that's available in Fall 2012 but I ain't holding my breath.

I'd pretty much not have to bring my wallet to the parks anymore.

I go to WDW frequently, and just got back from a trip to Great Wolf Lodge, where they have RFID wristbands for room key/room charges. I never carried my wallet with me once and the whole time I thought to myself WHY ISNT DISNEY DOING THIS.

 

[Anticitizen One]

It wasn't because of poor reception from fans. Jay Rasulo announced it as the princess thing before he even had approval for the funding, but both Staggs and Iger thought that was stupid. So when Rasulo got the boot from Parks & Resorts, Staggs immediately nixed the Princess plans.

Well I was in the audience when Jay Rasolu announced it and at first everyone was cheering and then when he said "now you can spend even more time with your favorite pricesses!" all of the applause literally died and some people even started chuckling and booing they thought it was a joke.

Later in the day during a Q & A they even got grilled with questions about how exactly the expansion will benefit young boys and adults and Jay Rasolu and the imagineers were kind of shitfaced.

Im hearing from sources that the only big "surprises" today is that George Orwell wristband program for WDW and a possible Tony Stark attraction for Disneyland. I really hope there is more than that.

 

[Tron 2.0]

Disney purchasing Lucasfilm has always been inevitable. In the 80s they begged George Lucas to become President of the Walt Disney Company and after failing to recruit him, struck a deal to bring his charecters to the park and have him design various rides, shows, and attractions.

No, that's not how it happened at all. And Disney has no interest in purchasing Lucasfilm.

What bothers me is that even though they make billions and billions (and billions) theyre so slow at adding stuff.

And the lines are always so long, turning the happiest place on earth into the most tedious.

Look at magic mountain, they have so many less people, they make so much less money....but they add a major attraction every damn year.

There's a huge difference between adding a $5 million dollar steel behemoth to an amusement park and the kind of attractions Disney is known for.

It wasn't because of poor reception from fans. Jay Rasulo announced it as the princess thing before he even had approval for the funding, but both Staggs and Iger thought that was stupid. So when Rasulo got the boot from Parks & Resorts, Staggs immediately nixed the Princess plans.

Well I was in the audience when Jay Rasolu announced it and at first everyone was cheering and then when he said "now you can spend even more time with your favorite pricesses!" all of the applause literally died and some people even started chuckling and booing they thought it was a joke.

Later in the day during a Q & A they even got grilled with questions about how exactly the expansion will benefit young boys and adults and Jay Rasolu and the imagineers were kind of shitfaced.

That's not really how it happened. I don't have a lot of time now, but later today I'll try and fill in the details of this and the Lucasfilm thing.

 

[Anticitizen One]

That's not really how it happened. I don't have a lot of time now, but later today I'll try and fill in the details of this and the Lucasfilm thing.

Well I can tell you there was alot of disappointment at the presentation and the reaction from the fan community was pretty negative once all the information was available. I look forward to hearing the inside scoop from you later though!

 

[alphaNoid]

Mine train ride is for DisneyLAND? Oh shit! Also, what other changes are taking place to that park?

 

[AbsoluteZero]

Mine train ride is for DisneyLAND? Oh shit! Also, what other changes are taking place to that park?

Walt Disney World. New Fantasyland Expansion.

 

[Morn]

Im hearing from sources that the only big "surprises" today is that George Orwell wristband program for WDW and a possible Tony Stark attraction for Disneyland. I really hope there is more than that.

The Tony Stark attraction is the Star Expo replacement for Innoventions in Tomorrowland. The Disneyland "foamers" at MiceChat have been having mental breakdowns about putting Marvel in Tomorrowland, but it's apparently pretty far along and could go in as early as next year.

 

[JCreasy]

Walt Disney World. New Fantasyland Expansion.

FUUUUUCCK!!

so much rage right now

The Tony Stark attraction is the Star Expo replacement for Innoventions in Tomorrowland. The Disneyland "foamers" at MiceChat have been having mental breakdowns about putting Marvel in Tomorrowland, but it's apparently pretty far along and could go in as early as next year.

Stark Expo could be freaking awesome. Iron Man 2 made me a believe in that.

 

[alphaNoid]

Walt Disney World. New Fantasyland Expansion.

FML

 

[jamesinclair]

There's a huge difference between adding a $5 million dollar steel behemoth to an amusement park and the kind of attractions Disney is known for.

Honestly, I have no idea how much theme park rides cost.

But forgive me for assuming that Tatsu or X2 costs more to build than Mr. Toads Wild Ride.

In fact, a quick look at wikipedia shwos you also dont have a clue how much rides cost.

Tatsu:
Cost $21 million
X2:
Cost $46,000,000

Now, Im absolutely NOT saying Disney needs these kind of rides, because obviously the park aims for something else.

The point is, if Six Flags can hand over that amount of money for a new ride every other year....why can't Disney?


That being said, I do understand that the new California Adventure Cars ride will cost $200 million, but thats a different park.

And again, with the amount of money Disney brings in, compared to 6 flags, they should easily be able to afford a new $50m ride every damn year.

 

[Anticitizen One]

FML

Big deal. Disneyland (well california adventure but same thing) is exclusively getting Radiator Springs Racers which is currently the most expensive attraction ever built in the world with a budget of 300 million and rising.

The Tony Stark attraction is the Star Expo replacement for Innoventions in Tomorrowland. The Disneyland "foamers" at MiceChat have been having mental breakdowns about putting Marvel in Tomorrowland, but it's apparently pretty far along and could go in as early as next year.

Hey now im kindof a micechat foamer but im excited about seeing marvel attractions in the park (probably because im a big comic fan as well lol). Disney hasn't given 2 shits for appropriate theming in over a decade (finding nemo and toy story in Tomorrowland wtf?) so they can put random Marvel rides all over the place for all I care at this point.

Edit: pics of Carsland ride vehichles:

 

[Anticitizen One]

Live stream of the theme park presentation:http://wdwradio.com/d23expolive.html

its shitty quality but it will have to do. So far its basically Tom Staggs and Bruce Vaughn on stage killing time and focusing on the fantasyland expansion at WDW.

They showed some CG footage of the mine cart ride that looked pretty cool

 

[Spokker]

The Disneyland "foamers" at MiceChat have been having mental breakdowns about putting Marvel in Tomorrowland

They might as well put Stitch in Space Mountain at this point.

However, anything is better than Innoventions.

 

[Jeff Albertson]

Beastly Kingdom announcement please Disney!

Also the mine train looks sweet!

The Lightning McQueen car there reminds me of what I thought they could have rebranded Test Track to if they wanted to but I suppose Epcot isn't about the films.

 

[krypt0nian]

Is there a good site compiling this info as it happens or shortly after?

I have friends that are Disney nuts that would go apeshit.