New Attractions

[DisneyGeek]

What is the latest word on new attractions coming to DLR or WDW? Anyone heard if the economy is delaying or canceling any projects?

I'm particularly interested in:

Anything @ WDW

and

DCA's new Cars Land and wondering if it might be open in mid. Oct. 2010 when I am hoping :fingerscrossed: to stay @ VGC for my BD...

[ghost1000]

I've seen both 2011 and 2012 for Carsland, most likely 2012. So it won't be open in 2010. Sorry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cars_Land

We got to see the layout of Carsland in Imagineering on the ABD Backstage Magic Tour, but no pictures were allowed.

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Tomorrowland may be getting a new Turkey Leg Stand.

[DisneyGeek]

I've seen both 2011 and 2012 for Carsland, most likely 2012. So it won't be open in 2010. Sorry.

I didn't think it would be yet but I was trying to be optimistic. I couldn't remember what the projections were... As long as their Space Mountain and the Matterhorn are open I'll be a happy Geek. :p I'll probably go again in 2013; either Feb. or right after Thanksgiving. Hopefully it will be open then!

[TimK]

I don't think there have been any indications that the DCA plans will be delayed. I guess anything could happen but quite a few projects are already under-way or have seemingly reached the point of no return.

The WDW queue is pretty empty right now but, despite the economy, some rumor mills have been active lately. Atop the list is a Monster's Inc, family-friendly coaster for Hollywood Studios. It would go into the building between Toy Story Mania and the Backlot Tour. This one is all but a certainty--it's more a question of "when" than "if."

And Space Mountain is set for the 8-9 month refurb later this year.

Beyond that things are looking hazy. Lots of rumors keep popping up but we need to wait and see.

I don't know how Disney's cash flows are looking but what's really hurting now is their P&L. It seems to me that they should be able to use some creative bookkeeping to keep under-construction attractions from hitting the books a couple years before they open. So really the time to start building is now. Cheap labor, cheap materials and they better position themselves to reap the rewards when people are traveling in greater numbers a couple years down the road (we hope!)

[Niki]

I heard they were thinking of cutting down the park hour or days per week open. If, big if, that is true, how are they building anything?
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[DisneyGeek]

I heard they were thinking of cutting down the park hour or days per week open.

I sure hope that is NOT going to happen! :mad: I would be, well, upset is putting it far too mildly!!! :oweye:

[TimK]

I believe park hours have already been cut. If you can find hours from Feb and March 2008, it wouldn't surprise me to find that each of the parks is closing an hour or two earlier than last year.

As for closing a park, there was some talk a couple months back but it didn't seem to be more than idle chatter. I think when Disney is faced with challenges like this every few years, they have to consider MANY options. But they also dismiss many options quite quickly.

I'm probably not in the majority but I don't think rotating park closures would be the worst thing in the world. My problem with Disney's current approach to these financial downturns is that they keep chipping away at the product from every angle. Parks close early. Fantasmic doesn't show as often. Rides run with fewer operators. Live performers are let-go. Buses don't run as often. There are probably reduction in maintenance staff and expenditures. Meanwhile we all continue to pay the same ticket prices and have less to show for it.

I often wonder if we wouldn't be better off with three fully-functional parks rather than 4 parks running at a fraction of their true capacity. :scratchchin:

It probably will never happen, though. Disney could never afford to close the Magic Kingdom and even Epcot would be a stretch. That leaves DHS and DAK. And closing each of those for one or two days per week would be admitting that they are sub-standard parks. Oh, and it's pretty difficult to market the likes of Toy Story Mania, American Idol, Everest and the Nemo stage show when the park hosting the attraction is closed for the day.

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

If WDW did close a park-a-day, would the competition follow suit or would they seize upon the opportunity to advertise "open seven days a week" ? They may look at it as an opportunity to gain customers from WDW guests unwilling to spend a day at a park that is artificially crowded due to a closure.

Personally, I think they'll continue to chip away.

[ghost1000]

I heard (a rumor) that the Little Mermaid ride, originally slated for the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, was put on hold. But I don't know if it's because of the economy, or whether they just decided not to build it. It was supposed to be similar to the ride that Disney is building at DCA.

[Niki]

I don't mind them cutting park hours if they just turn the lights back on at Epcot. A couple of trips ago, DH fell down the stairs in Japan because it was so dark at night. Also, we went into the Stave Church at night and it had no light. Close earlier, but LET THERE BE LIGHT!

As for new rides, I hope they do something with the boat in Norway. I heard they are closing it down, but what are they going to do with it? I think a great attraction would be a Viking meet & greet.:viking:(I just love this little smilie. Always looking for ways to use it. LOL)

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

I think a great attraction would be a Viking meet & greet.:viking:(I just love this little smilie. Always looking for ways to use it. LOL)

I prefer a Meat & Eat, but I can do Meet & Greets also.

[Niki]

I prefer a Meat & Eat, but I can do Meet & Greets also.

I would agree, but I really, really don't like Akershus. Can't there just be a Meet & Drink? In fact, I think that would be a great attraction in every park. Meet a face character for shots.:shots:

[DisneyGeek]

Can't there just be a Meet & Drink? In fact, I think that would be a great attraction in every park. Meet a face character for shots.:shots:


I wonder what Jasmine is like after a few too many... :D

Uh- did I actually type that out load? Muse be reading too many posts by Viking lately! ;)

[buzzwoody70]

why dont they just build the ride they had planned for Germany? The space is still there.....and I'm sure that ride would serve some brews before you boarded it:biggulp:

[DiZ NeE 08]

on my trip in dec i spoke to a group of cm's and they were telling me on the many things that they have heard or that were told that was going to happen but was canceled. the things that they told me that was for sure within 5-10yrs is expanding the pixar street with something else like the monsters inc. rollercoaster or something related with pixar. in mk supposdly there is supposed to be a change in all the rides in fantasylandas DL had done when it was at an anniversary. at ak something about night kingdom or beastly kingdom that was supposed to be created but more than likely wont be.

just like the the ride in germany was supposed to be built

[Niki]

I really wish they would build a coaster based on Monsters, Inc. I think it is a great opportunity for an inverted coaster based on the scene where they were riding on the doors.

What were they planning for Germany? If it is a thrill ride, they might want to have the beer steins after you depart the ride.

[djplong]

There have also been plans for a "Mount Fuji" ride in Japan. Reportedly, that idea was scrapped because of how the Japanese feel about Fuji - that it's akin to a religious icon and not something to be made into a rollercoaster.

Of course, if they ever did a Swiss pavillion, they'd HAVE to have the Matterhorn built there.

[DiZ NeE 08]

by the way is it just me or does anyone else want a real thrill ride!!! I love CRAZY!!! roller coasters.

[Niki]

by the way is it just me or does anyone else want a real thrill ride!!! I love CRAZY!!! roller coasters.

I AGREE!!!!

Disney could use at least one huge coaster, wooden or steele, just for the sheer joy of the ride. Sometimes Disney gets so lost in the theming of their coasters that something is sacraficed in the excitement and technology of the ride. RnRC is the only one that comes close to the coasters at Universal, Busch Gardens, or even Sea World. Get some German engineers in there and get on the thrills. Doesn't have to be an Xtreme coaster (would be nice, though) but a technologically advanced coaster that is not for the faint of heart.

I mean no offense to Disney here. EE, RnR, ToT and the Mountains are great. I know this type of ride might not be for all people. It is just the adrenaline junky in me. Don't we have a roller coaster smilie? or is that what this is :scared07: ?

[Zach Skellington]

I would LOVE to see more thrill rides too, but I don't agree with tossing aside the theming. That is what makes WDW special. Otherwise its just another amusement park. Something about a big steel or wooden coaster that would ruin the feel of Disney.

On the other hand, if they built a separate park with thrill rides and the room to build them with all of the theming, that would be great!!!

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Thrill rides exclude too many people for health,age and height restrictions. Add in the fear/nausea factor & even more are excluded.

Disney's success comes from being an all inclusive family park within definable safety & common sense limits.

There is a market for thrill rides and thrill parks which the Six Flags & IOA's of the world serve quite nicely. However, it's not by accident that their attendance numbers are always WAY behind those of the Disney parks.

Obviously those attendance figures aren't totally to do with the ride mix in the parks, but people of all shapes,sizes,ages and imfirmaties can always find more than enough to do in a Disney park.

[DiZ NeE 08]

I agree totally with you Viking Disney does have the theming and the fact that all rides can be ridden by everyone for example mission space on the fact that there was one ride before and now they made the intense and soft ride! which is the regular ride and the none G-force ride! and the Six flags & IOA's are definitely the thrill ride place!

[DisneyGeek]

On the other hand, if they built a separate park with thrill rides and the room to build them with all of the theming, that would be great!!!

Kinda' like most of California Adventure, especially the Paradise Pier area? :idea: Then again, the "old school amusement park" theme seemed a bit lame to me, but that is supposedly what they were going for and I think it was executed well for what it is.

[djplong]

The only thing missing from Paradise Pier is a statue of Walt sitting on a bench eating peanuts. And that is NOT a compliment.

[madoka]

Kinda' like most of California Adventure, especially the Paradise Pier area? :idea: Then again, the "old school amusement park" theme seemed a bit lame to me, but that is supposedly what they were going for and I think it was executed well for what it is.

I do think the theme was well-executed and I *love* California Screamin'! :goodvibes:

[shell045]

I do think the theme was well-executed and I *love* California Screamin'! :goodvibes:

I :love: California screamin' also. It is my favorite disney roller coaster.

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

I :love: California screamin' also. It is my favorite disney roller coaster.

It is a fun coaster. However ....

What story does it tell ? Excluding the recent surge in cheaper spinner rides, what other E-ride attraction tells no story.

Cal Screamin is a truely undisney ride. With the exception of a couple attraction, the entire DCA park is undisney.

[DisneyGeek]

Cal Screamin is a truely undisney ride. With the exception of a couple attraction, the entire DCA park is undisney.

I like the park overall, but I agree that some areas don't feel very Disney. The east half of the park doe to me, and right by the Grand Cal. entrance is OK but not screaming 'Dis. The south west (Paradise Pier) area all that really feels un-Disney to me. Then again, I'm not really a thrill ride person so I'm a little biased... I rode TSM & the Orange Stinger and that was about it back there.

[Niki]

I think Disney could have a really great coaster with a theme. RnRC has a theme and is a good coaster. I know I go on and on about a Monster's Inc. coaster, but I think it could be done. That scene where the monsters are riding along the floating doors just screams for an inverted coaster. It could be inside to allow for better theming. Just the ride itself would be technologically advanced and very cool.

I understand the comments about how a big boy coaster would turn some people off, but I think this next generation of youngins is more adventurous than some of us old farts. They expect more. That is why so many parks are coming up with extreme rides. Just my wish. Probably never happen.

Never been to DL. Really want to go to see California Screamin.

[madoka]

It is a fun coaster. However ....

What story does it tell ? Excluding the recent surge in cheaper spinner rides, what other E-ride attraction tells no story.

Cal Screamin is a truely undisney ride. With the exception of a couple attraction, the entire DCA park is undisney.

Yes, I agree it has no story and rather un-Disney in that regard. Personally though, since it's just DH and I, we get more personal enjoyment from Cal Screamin' and many of the other DCA rides than all the attractions in Fantasyland except the tea cups.

Ideally, if every Disney thrill ride could be at the caliber of Indy and ToT, then fabulous! But for me personally, I will take a generic but fun ride over a well-themed but boring one.

Obviously we value different things, but the best part of it all is that there is something for everyone in the parks. I'm often quite glad that while most visitors are crowding into DL, we can enjoy some leisurely laid back time in DCA. :p

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

I think Disney could have a really great coaster with a theme. RnRC has a theme and is a good coaster.

I think E:E, BTMRR and SE are great coasters with great theming. They also give you a nice long ride (3-4 minutes) as compared to most "thrill" coasters ( many less than one minute).

DL is 50+ years old. That's 50 years of new thrill seekers all wanting bigger & better. IMO, Disney has continued to supply the demand without forgetting it's core customer base or Walt's vision for what the parks should be ( that doesn't mean walt hasn't done a few flips & spins in his coffin in recent years).

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

I'm often quite glad that while most visitors are crowding into DL, we can enjoy some leisurely laid back time in DCA. :p

That sentence speaks volumes for the point I'm getting at. I'm not trying to discount what you like, but it's well documented that DCA was/is a failure of mamouth proportion. In this supposed age of kids demanding mega thrills, boring old DL is still the number one visited theme park in the world (based on first click of the turnstiles).

I'll be the first to admit that PotC is boring for the most part. But it seems I can always pick out some new detail about the ride that I missed before. I also appriciate the 30 minutes or so of air conditioning it provides on a hot afternoon.

[DisneyGeek]

I know I go on and on about a Monster's Inc. coaster, but I think it could be done. That scene where the monsters are riding along the floating doors just screams for an inverted coaster. It could be inside to allow for better theming. Just the ride itself would be technologically advanced and very cool.

I'm not if/when I'd get my nerve up to ride this thing, but I think it is a VERY good idea and I hope they do make it at some point! And as much as I repeat myself, I won't complain about you going on and on about this! ;)

[Niki]

I know it sounds stupid, but I actually dream about new rides for Disney. I dream about coasters alot. If only I had known that I could use math to develope these things when I was in high school, I might have become an engineer rather than a lawyer.

Now that I'm middle aged, I can only dream. Oh, and bug my DVC buddies about what cool rides I think Disney should develope.

[DisneyGeek]

I'll be the first to admit that PotC is boring for the most part. But it seems I can always pick out some new detail about the ride that I missed before. I also appriciate the 30 minutes or so of air conditioning it provides on a hot afternoon.

I have to say yes and no regarding "boring for the most part". It's true that some stretches are rather slow, but I look at that as being recovery time from the drops! Last Nov. I rode PotC twice. The first time I was by myself, and it caught me off guard; I hate falling and was expecting one small hill like @ WDW; not 2 larger ones! When we started going up the final BIG lift hill at the end I thought I was going to have a heart attack (figuratively) until I realized it was the end of the ride and no correspondingly large downhill afterward. But, I just braced myself and did OK on the second run when DW was with me...

FYI, I'm planning to try and do Splash Mountain with her next WDW trip if we have favorable weather, and probably try RnRC on my own. Since I like high speeds and posative Gs, I think I might like that coaster. Upside down doesn't bother me either as long as there is enough centripital acceleration that I don't feel like I'm falling. I love DL's Space Mountain & Matterhorn + both BTMRRs. WDW's Space Mountain seemed to have more dips to me, so I don't like it as much... E doesn't like spinning at all, but that's what I love. BTMRR is pushing her limits; she doesn't even ride Dumbo but is one of her favorite characters! Sooooo, slow dark rides are the the main ones we do together! :rotfl2:

[ghost1000]

I think E:E, BTMRR and SE are great coasters with great theming. They also give you a nice long ride (3-4 minutes) as compared to most "thrill" coasters ( many less than one minute).

I didn't realize that Spaceship Earth was a coaster. :viking:

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

I didn't realize that Spaceship Earth was a coaster. :viking:

It is. Just a slow motion one.

Actually, SE was supposed to be SM for Space Mountain.

[DiZ NeE 08]

I was reading about it online that SM was supposed to be inside SE and I was like that would have been cool but I dont think that it could sustain something that moves fast.

by the way isn't TSM in DCA?

[madoka]

I think Disney could have a really great coaster with a theme. RnRC has a theme and is a good coaster. I know I go on and on about a Monster's Inc. coaster, but I think it could be done. That scene where the monsters are riding along the floating doors just screams for an inverted coaster. It could be inside to allow for better theming. Just the ride itself would be technologically advanced and very cool.


Yes, yes, and YES! That would be totally and utterly awesome! :yahoo:

[DisneyGeek]

I was reading about it online that SM was supposed to be inside SE and I was like that would have been cool but I dont think that it could sustain something that moves fast.

Does that mean Space Mountain inside Spaceship Earth? Not sure I follow... Space Mountain already is an enclosed ride. :confused24:


by the way isn't TSM in DCA?Yes, the best item in the Paradise Pier area IMHO. It's underneath the big coaster, across from the Ferris (Mickey? Sun?) wheel...

The bakery with the Mickey loves was good too, that might also be considered PP. But not TSM good. Wish we would have tried one of those... Next time! :)