Making Memories vs. Paying the Bills - What the Future Holds for Disney Parks

Disney's business has been making money off of nostalgia and "remembering the magic" tugging on tear ducts as we remember our first time visiting the vacation kingdom(s). That feeling when you experience Peter Pan's Flight for the first time or hear the trumpeting fanfare of the Main Street Electrical Light Parade with anxiety and curiosities through your child's eyes even though you have seen it dozens of times. 

We all have our favorites but at what point is it time to say goodbye? Surely no one is thinking that Disney is expected to keep all shows and attractions operating as they were on October 1, 1971? Right? Can you imagine how boring that would be? 

There definitely is some discord with fans and guests with some of the recent announcements and rumors going around regarding the future of Disney theme parks. Let's take a look at some of these projects and see how people feel about them.

Current Attraction: THE TWILIGHT ZONE TOWER of TERROR 
Location: DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE   
Will Become: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY -  MISSION: BREAKOUT!
GUEST REACTION: HOT and WARM but cooling
 

Copyright Disney

 

When the rumor/news originally broke on WDWMagic.com by WDW1974, about this refurbishment for the Tower in Florida, people were outraged. Disney denied it and the attention quickly shifted focus to California (and eventually Paris) to concert their Tower attraction into Guardians of the Galaxy. When it was realized that the entire area around the Tower of Terror will be re-themed around Marvel then it makes sense. The California and Paris versions of Tower of Terror pale in comparison to the Florida and Tokyo versions so this actually may be a welcomed change. People are still upset but tempers are cooling as this refurb plays part of a much bigger project including a RnR-coaster/Cap America refurb plus more.

Current Attraction: THE TWILIGHT ZONE TOWER of TERROR 
Location: DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS   
Will Become: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY -  MISSION: BREAKOUT!
GUEST REACTION: NUCLEAR

Since Universal has the lock on 99.9% of all Marvel properties in the East Coast this does not make sense for Disney to pursue since "GotG" would stick out like a sore thumb at the end of Sunset Blvd.. Unlike DCA, this would not become a Marvel themed area and if it did would be pretty minimal. You may have heard this idea is dead...it is not.

Current Attraction: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Location: Epcot   
Will Become: Disney - PIXAR Attraction Based on "Coco"
GUEST REACTION: UNKNOWN

  
It appears Donald & Co. will be waiting for their eviction notice in the form of box office totals once "Coco" is released in theaters Fall 2017. No details other than what you can currently dig and find from "Marni1971" and friends on WDWMagic.com. 


Current Attraction: The Great Movie Ride
Location: Disney Hollywood Studios   
Will Become: The Great Mickey Ride
GUEST REACTION: Split - Happy & Confused

 

 "If you are not going to update it, then put it out of it's misery" seems to be the sentiment of many online. Sure "The Great Movie Ride" will be missed but guests will be wowed with a new ride system (rumored to be borrowed/based off of the new Star Wars ride next door) based on the main mouse himself. This rumor has been bouncing around for years and seems to be finally materializing faster than the Wicked Witch of the East in Munchkin-land...or at least for now anyway. There is excitement in that they are FINALLY building a ride around Mickey Mouse but at the cost of a Disney classic. We will see what happens but I feel people will be ok with this one once they see what they come up with.

 

Current Attraction: The Universe of Energy
Location: Epcot   
Will Become: Guardians of the Galaxy
GUEST REACTION: Confused & Mad 

If the Tower of Terror (DHS) to Guardians of the Galaxy overhaul is nixed...this is "Plan B." How does this make any kind of sense for Future World much less Epcot? Anyone? Anyone? Please, if you have a sound reason or theory of how this fits we will be more than happy to publish your theory of how this supports the vision of Epcot.

So....what are your thoughts? Good? Bad? What are they thinking?  

Drop us an email at DisneyCastBlast@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

Ho'ohuhu

© Walt Disney Company

"Ho'ohuhu" is the latest hurdle faced by the Walt Disney Company with the upcoming release of "Moana." Reports coming out (http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2016/07/06/rocks-husky-polynesian-god-disneys-moana-gets-mixed-reviews-165048) has Disney under the microscope for portraying Polynesian demi-god "Maui" as a stereo-typically obese. 

Over the years Disney has portrayed characters in various forms that have met criticism (see "Aladdin," Princess and the Frog" and "Pocahontas"). Looking at this a little closer, how much of a big deal is this? Is Disney really trying to offend people? 

This is a tough call. I can see how some may be offended but I see the flip side where this movie could bring attention to a lesser-known culture. I know it is just an animated film, and not a documentary, but hopefully it may inspire some to want to learn more about the legends and culture of these great people.

© Walt Disney Company

 

It is hard to give a full opinion, based on a preview and not seeing the entire movie. 

Do you think Moana has unfair characterizations of heritage and culture based on the certain depiction of a demi-god? Will you ignore the "outrage" and see the movie anyway?

Drop us an email at DisneyCastBlast@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

R.I.P. EPCOT Center/Epcot '94/Epcot '95/Epcot

Picture by "Justin at EPCOT" - http://justinatepcot.blogspot.com/2016_03_01_archive.html

By now you have probably heard the rumors of "new and exciting" additions coming to the Experimental Proto...aw hell who are we kidding...Epcot. On one hand the new additions excite me, replacing old stale attractions that need to be updated more than being replaced. It was once said:

To all who come to this place of joy, hope and friendship, welcome.

Epcot Center is inspired by Walt Disney's creative genius. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, the wonders of enterprise, and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all.

May Epcot Center entertain, inform and inspire. And, above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere. —E. Cardon Walker, October 24, 1982 

 Epcot is quickly becoming Magic Kingdom 2.0 with a bar and all you can eat buffet (for a price). With Donald and friends moving in at the Mexico pavilion and Elsa converting a pavilion based on a real nation into a fictitious land goes against everything Epcot stands for. Nemo at the Seas? It is cute but by no means gives you the excitement of our seas and what the depths of our planet have to offer.

Enter the latest rumors of converting one or more Future World pavilions into "Guardians of the Galaxy." It does not fit. It does not make sense. It does not celebrate human achievement through the "wonders of enterprise." The only place this ever could have fit within Epcot was when the "Great Movie Ride" was planned to be built next to the Journey into Imagination pavilion. 

 

But the Universe of Energy is old and boring and needs to be replaced. Yes you are correct...it does. Not at the expense of the concept and them of Epcot. You can't tell me with innovators like Elon Musk that human vision and ingenuity cant be expressed in new shows and attractions throughout the park. There is no reason Guardians of the Galaxy should be considered unless all options of the true spirit of Epcot have been exhausted. 

Society may be to blame. People no longer care about the nostalgia, history, vision and heritage of what the Imagineers and Walt Disney set out to do. I understand Walt did not have direct input on the theme park Epcot, however his ultimate vision of EPCOT led to the development of the theme park known as EPCOT Center/Epcot '94/Epcot '95/Epcot. People want quick thrills and no longer have the patience for story and dialogue that have made Disney (and Universal) attractions special. 

Putting Guardians in Future World is as bad as putting a Circus in the middle of...oh wait...nevermind. Not exactly the best fit.

Am I against the "Disney-fication" of Epcot? No. I do remember a time when Epcot had no characters except a few robots and a small dragon with his friend that found dreams. It wasn't until the outcry of guest feedback that led to the Fab 5 to enter the Future and the showcase of culture from other lands. I am willing to bet that there has never been an outcry by guests to add Guardians of the Galaxy.

Sure the new additions may be entertaining but doesn't exactly offer "hope to people everywhere."  

What are your thoughts? Will they eventually change the Epcot Dedication Plaque as Epcot continues to make changes away from its original vision?

Drop us an email at DisneyCastBlast@gmail.com

 

When Reality Sets In

 Photo by Izzy's Squiggles

 

At this point we are all aware of the tragedy that struck a family visiting Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort & Spa last week. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved.

 

As you begin reading this post you may think the picture above was a poor choice associated with the current topic. The intention of this post is not to criticize the family or Disney, but to shed some light on a few realizations that many guests do not realize when visiting the most magical place in the world. It appears that Disney has started removing mentions of alligator jokes (Jungle Cruise) and other mentions of alligators in marketing and promotions across property. Out of respect for the family this is probably a great idea however not a solution to the problem.  

 

Walt Disney World has had an alligator problem for years and unfortunately not much has been done over the years to prevent the gators from infiltrating guest areas...in my opinion of course. Take for example years ago, prior to the Magic Kingdom opening for the day, a large alligator was found in a restroom in Tomorrowland. As hard as it is to believe, it is true. Many wonder how on Earth could that happen?  What many people probably do not realize is that many parts of Walt Disney World property are connected with small canals, waterways and retention ponds. No you won't see boats traveling these waterways and they are not intended for transportation. They exist to assist in drainage and are part of the infrastructure required to support the build-out of the numerous theme parks and resorts across property.

 

Why is this important? In a way these canals act as a funnel for water and wildlife including turtles, fish and alligators. Who lived there before the Dole Whips and Mickey Premium ice cream bars? Animals. 

 

True story. One day I was driving home from work traveling down World Drive and near the Osceola Parkway I quickly hit the brakes because there was a minivan parked halfway in the road off to the side. Being concerned that something was wrong I stopped to see if everything was ok. Before I opened my car door I noticed two people bending over with a camera trying to take a picture of an alligator. The gator was about four feet long and the tourists were closer than the length of the gator. I rolled down my window and explained they needed to get back in their car due to the danger. They laughed and continued to try to get the perfect picture explaining that it was just a small alligator. What they did not realize is that alligators are one of the fastest land animals in the world for short distances. I consider four feet (or less) a short distance. I shook my head, rolled up my window and drove off. This clip from "Jaws" immediately came to mind:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9AuBsvkZRw

 

With the knowledge of guests feeding the animals, I think there may be a bit of neglect on Disney's part in educating guests. If guests living in areas where alligators don't have no idea what to expect, then Disney should do a better job than just posting "No Swimming" signs on their beaches. See, when people enter Disney they enter a magical world where they feel safe. Why shouldn't they? They are paying premium rates for services that are known for "taking care of everything." The problem is how do you take care of nature? It is impossible for Disney to eliminate all gators off of property. It is not impossible for them to educate visitors on the "do's and dont's" when coming in contact with wildlife. 

 

What I hope does not happen is Disney eliminating content from the resort dealing with alligators ignoring the real problem. Does erasing "Ice Gator" and "Lagoona Gator" (pictured above) solve any problems? Does removing references of alligators from shows and attractions make it any safer? No. What does help is limiting the access, to the best of your ability, of alligators in guest areas while at the same time educating your guests on safety measures including areas to avoid and what to do in the event they come across one of these animals. How do you expect Disney to educate guests? They have done it in the past...

Copyright Disney

 

They could easily add another panel to this flyer exclaiming you should "respect" wildlife and other measures you may take to avoid unplanned animal encounters. Yes, Disney has erected a temporary fence at the Grand Floridian, but what will they do to keep them from funneling into the Rivers of America? or guest feeding them from the new Polynesian Bungalows? The fence is a public relations move respectfully, but gators can still get in guest areas. To fully prevent gators in the area they would have to build a fence from the edge of the Grand Floridian (closest to the Magic Kingdom) all the way around the Seven Seas Lagoon on BOTH sides of the resort. What? You mean to tell me there are gators by Shades of Green and golf courses? Yes. What about in EPCOT's World Showcase Lagoon? You mean the lagoon that is connected to the International Gateway and then travels all the way to the main entrance of Disney Hollywood Studios past woods and other non-guest areas? I wouldn't swim it. 

This blog post was not meant to try to scare anyone from going to Disney. Be smart. Be safe. If you see a gator, walk away and observe it from a safe distance.

 

What do you think? Should Disney do more to prevent potentially dangerous wildlife in guest areas? 

 

What are your thoughts? Drop us an email at DisneyCastBlast@gmail.com
 

 

 

Are You Ready for the "Tower of Groot?"

RUMOR TIME!

*DISCLAIMER*
First...before we begin...things that we have been told and that we know...

1. Disney cannot have Marvel properties in Florida 
2. Disney cannot have Marvel properties in Florida

and finally

3. Disney cannot have Marvel properties in Florida

This post is based on a news tip from poster "WDW1974" over at www.WDWMagic.com. It appears that this deal includes ONLY "Guardians of the Galaxy" and nothing more. It also involves the beloved "Twilight Zone Tower of Terror" on both the west and east coast Disney resorts. 

THE SCOOP


Seems as though there are plans in the works to convert both Tower of Terror attractions into "Guardians of the Galaxy" attractions to take advantage of the popularity of the (soon to be) franchise. Now you can blast the idea as nothing more than complete B.S. but remember Disney has done crazier things. Looks like California is pretty much a done deal however Florida has a few more hurdles and may be a little more problematic.

OUR TAKE

Probably not the best idea for a "redo" in recent theme park times. The "Twilight Zone Tower of Terror" is a timeless classic that is arguably one of the last true unique Disney attractions ever built. Why mess with it? To me it seems to only hurt the surrounding theme of the area. We are not sure how the new theme will fit into the surrounding area, in Florida or California, but it is going to take one hell of a storyteller to pull it off. We like the Tower of Terror the way it is...leave it alone.

YOUR TAKE?
 
What are your thoughts? Good idea? Bad idea?

What are your thoughts? Drop us an email at DisneyCastBlast@gmail.com