Originally Posted By TDR_Fan So it's been a few years since I've been back to Tokyo or even browsed the forums and was surprised to see the upcoming changes to TDS. First of all, Turtle Talk. I like what they've done with the theming, yet something still doesn't sit well with me about a Pixar character in American Waterfront. Then I see Toy Story Mania confirmed for the New York area and can't help but wonder why the park is heading on a path of cloning instead of building original attractions. And now I'm reading that World of Color will be coming (I don't see an official release for this, so I'm hoping it's not true). Not only is this supposed to be DCA's flagship show, I frankly don't even see how they could even incorporate the show fully into TDS without significant construction. And if that wasn't enough, some people are still saying that the next major attraction after Toy Story Mania will be a Soarin' attraction using the new film going into DCA and Epcot. I'm hoping that the OLC will shift the focus from cloning successful attractions (especially Pixar ones) and return to the path of creating original and imaginative attractions for the park. I am looking forward, however, to the unique offerings being built for HKDL (Mystic Manor looks stunning). Don't get me wrong. I deinitely do think that TDS needs to expand its selection of family attractions. I'm just hoping that the rumors for World of Color and Soarin' aren't true.
Originally Posted By Mr X <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnJ-YTPBHqs" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...-YTPBHqs</a> I have NO idea how that's going to fit in with the theme of Mermaid Lagoon (and I'll really miss the show it's replacing, too!), but who am I to question the decisions of DisCo?
Originally Posted By Malin *** Then I see Toy Story Mania confirmed for the New York area and can't help but wonder why the park is heading on a path of cloning instead of building original attractions. *** I don't see anything wrong with cloning if the attraction's are actually good. Also I don't see this as a way to clone more attractions but instead an escuse to add more Characters to the park. *** And now I'm reading that World of Color will be coming (I don't see an official release for this, so I'm hoping it's not true). Not only is this supposed to be DCA's flagship show, I frankly don't even see how they could even incorporate the show fully into TDS without significant construction. *** Yeah this one puzzles me a bit. I attended Steve Davison's recent presentation at the D23 Expo on World of Colour. And I just don't see how the show will work out in Tokyo. So either its going to be named World of Colour but offer a differnt kind of show or the rumours are not true. Also you have to look into how Guest will end up viewing the show. DCA's World of Colour show is going to be presented from across Paradise Pier while TDS viewing area is located all around the Med habour. DCA's show will include jets of water shooting thousands of feet into the air. I just don't see how this would be a possibility at TDS where the park often gets hit by wind conditions. *** And if that wasn't enough, some people are still saying that the next major attraction after Toy Story Mania will be a Soarin' attraction using the new film going into DCA and Epcot. *** Here's my problem with adding Soarin I think its to much like Storm Rider and I would much prefer if the next attraction after Toy Story Mania was that new Little Mermaid dark ride being built in DCA. I do question however if Mermaid Lagoon has enough available space, for such an attraction.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan If they are going to be bringing World of Color to TDS in any other format other than the grand fountains at DCA, I would much rather they keep BraviSEAmo instead. Having World of Color in a water parade ala Mythica with barges is not something I want as a nighttime spectacular. Although BraviSEAmo is not a favorite of some Disney fans, it does make very nice usage of an elegant soundtrack, pyro, fountains, fireworks, and amazing visuals with grand results. And I agree that Soarin' would be a bit similar to Stormrider being a film attraction and all. I'm not sure what other attraction could potentially fit into the space in Mediterranean Harbor though. Looking at overhead maps, there does seem to be a bit of space in backstage areas behind Mermaid Lagoon if a dark ride was ever desired for that area. The most obvious space is the parcel of land beside Lost River Delta and above Port Discovery. There is at least enough space for 2-3 attractions there, which I'm guessing will be used to expand Port Discovery and/or add another major attraction to Lost River Delta.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< And I agree that Soarin' would be a bit similar to Stormrider being a film attraction and all. >>> Actually, I think they're quite different. One important distinction is that Soarin' is something that almost every guest can enjoy, whereas Stormrider is something that people with certain ailments, such as back problems, need to avoid.
Originally Posted By barboy ///why the park is heading on a path of cloning instead of building original attractions/// A) far, far cheaper to build B) TDR's isolation/few foreign guests C) Tokyo's emulation/fascination/adoration with USA D) virtually no risk since Crush and Toy Story have a devout preexisting following. Why trailblaze when one can travel a paved path. People call cloning sound business practice but I call it cowardice.
Originally Posted By Mr X Um, you just outlined the many logical benefits of it and then you label it cowardice? Hmm...
Originally Posted By MagicalNezumi Well, one negative thing coming up at TDS (and TDL) in the immediate future are lottery seat distribution for regular stage shows. Starting from Christmas, "Big Band Beat" and "One Man's Dream II" will utilize the lottery system that has been exclusively used for Castle forecourt shows and, currently, the Halloween stage show at TDS. Word is that the system will continue indefinitely. -- MagicalNezumi
Originally Posted By Malin *** If they are going to be bringing World of Color to TDS in any other format other than the grand fountains at DCA, I would much rather they keep BraviSEAmo instead. *** BraviSEAmo is the perfect show to hold in the Med Harbour and it reflects the mood and setting perfectly. It still appears to pull in the crowds so would it really be a bad idea to keep the show going while WDI and the OLC come up with an original concept that will make the most use out of the Harbours large space of water and unique viewing area. *** Actually, I think they're quite different. *** But are there differnt enough, both use Imax screens, and simulate flying. I agree both attractions have big differences, but both are still simulators at the end of the day. And does the park really need both of them. This also brings me to my next question while we are on the subject of TDS future and that involves Port Discovery. Its in my honest opinion and I don't think I share this that Port Discovery is the weakest land in Tokyo DisneySea. The theming and both attractions are from all accounts not that well recieved from the fanbase like Mysterious Island. Both Aquatopia and Storm Rider have a limited shelf life in my opinion too and I don't want to imagine visiting TDS in another 15 to 20 years to find both attractions still in operation in present form. So do you think the park would be in a better position to come up with a solution to Port Discovery instead of using any more backstage space for new attractions. Just a thought? *** One important distinction is that Soarin' is something that almost every guest can enjoy, whereas Stormrider is something that people with certain ailments, such as back problems, need to avoid. *** I don't actually recall seeing any health warnings for Storm Rider, but thats not to say the attraction doesn't have any. But Height Requirement for Soarin is 102 cm vs 90 cm for Storm Rider. Also while Soarin is a very gentle attraction its not for people who have a fear of heights. *** Well, one negative thing coming up at TDS (and TDL) in the immediate future are lottery seat distribution for regular stage shows. *** You beat me to this MN. I was going to start a new post on this, but may as well keep it in here now its been brought up. Here is what the official website says about the lottery <a href="http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/tdr/english/plan/schedule/topics/tds_bbb.html" target="_blank">http://www.tokyodisneyresort.c...bbb.html</a> Which does lead to more questions rather than answers I think!
Originally Posted By barboy ///you just outlined the many logical benefits of it and then you label it cowardice?/// Right--- because imitating/replicating is the safe route or cowardly approach to giving guests what they want. I can respect that strategy if we're talking about a McDonald's or Starbucks since I like my Big Macs and coffee to taste the same whether I'm in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong or Tokyo but not for a company such as Disney/OLC which prides themselves on product/service differentiation. I expect better from Mickey.
Originally Posted By Mr X I think you are anthropomorphizing a corporation far too much. There is no "bravery" or "cowardice" in what they do, only efforts towards improving shareholder value as much as possible. ***not for a company such as Disney/OLC which prides themselves on product/service differentiation*** Again with the anthropomorphizing. Pride doesn't enter into this equation. But I'm not even sure where you get the impression that product/service differentiation is important to them at all. Have you not seen the tons of generic princess crap they stock their shelves with? Or the plethora of "part 2", "part 3", "part 4" direct to video garbage on all the rental shelves? Going back even further, did you not notice that they copied Disneyland four times in four expansions instead of attempting to offer something completely new and unique? No, Disney is very much a "chain store" just like McDonalds and Starbucks is, don't mistake it for something it is not. ***I expect better from Mickey.*** Funny that you should have such high expectations given the recent and even not-so-recent track record of the company.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<This also brings me to my next question while we are on the subject of TDS future and that involves Port Discovery. Its in my honest opinion and I don't think I share this that Port Discovery is the weakest land in Tokyo DisneySea. The theming and both attractions are from all accounts not that well recieved from the fanbase like Mysterious Island. Both Aquatopia and Storm Rider have a limited shelf life in my opinion too and I don't want to imagine visiting TDS in another 15 to 20 years to find both attractions still in operation in present form. So do you think the park would be in a better position to come up with a solution to Port Discovery instead of using any more backstage space for new attractions. Just a thought?>> I agree that Port Discovery is probably the weakest land in TDS in terms of its offerings. Don't get me wrong. It is kinetic and quite retro-furistic not unlike what Discoveryland used to be. I wouldn't want them to change that vibe at all, but I would like to see them expand that area. The land itself is not that large of a footprint- I believe it's not much bigger than Mysterious Island. Adding another major attraction to Port Discovery would up its wow factor more on par with the other ports in my opinion. It definitely needs a very large-scale attraction to hold guests as neither of the current attractions are that repeatable. StormRider is fun and uses some nice show effects but being a simulator, it rarely gets riders to jump right back in line like they do at Journey or Indy. Either way, I do think that the plot of land that sits behind Port Discovery would be best used for its expansion.
Originally Posted By Mr X By "behind" do you mean directly behind (as in if you are actually facing Tokyo Bay and it's behind you)? If so, that area is pretty full of logistics zones which service not only Port Discovery but also Cape Cod, Lost River Delta, and even Mermaid Lagoon. So I'm not sure there's any realistic way they could turn that into onstage space. *shrug*
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan No, I was referring to the very large space to the left of Lost River Delta. Technically, I should have said above Port Discovery instead of behind.
Originally Posted By Mr X Oh, I see. Well in that case I suppose they could use it but it would change the area quite a bit (I always figured that'd be additional facilities for LRD).
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan There is enough space to accomodate a major attraction for both areas. I simply prioritized Port Discovery because it seems less "complete" than Lost River Delta, which already hosts a major show and 2 popular attractions. Either way, after Toy Story Mania, the next most likely candidate is the Soarin' in Mediterranean Harbor. From what I've heard, the OLC haven't completely rejected the idea. I'm still hoping for a dark ride in Mermaid Lagoon, though I'm not sure if there is room for a show building without demolishing the theatre.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan There is enough space to accomodate a major attraction for both areas. I simply prioritized Port Discovery because it seems less "complete" than Lost River Delta, which already hosts a major show and 2 popular attractions. Either way, after Toy Story Mania, the next most likely candidate is the Soarin' in Mediterranean Harbor. From what I've heard, the OLC haven't completely rejected the idea. I'm still hoping for a dark ride in Mermaid Lagoon, though I'm not sure if there is room for a show building without demolishing the theatre.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <a href="http://www.laughingplace.com/Latest.asp?I1=ID&I2=3601" target="_blank">http://www.laughingplace.com/L...&I2=3601</a> But as previously stated, the OLC has yet to confirm this so I'm hoping it is not true.
