Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<The new ride sounds like a lot of fun and just the type of family friendly attraction the parks need. Great technology, guest interaction, and different ride experiences each time.>> That is my take on it. It sounds like the kind of attraction Disney should be doing. A true family one. <<That said, is this going to be the model for the future - that whatever one park gets the other park has to get? I didn't mind the occasional clone moving from coast to coast. But if they're just going to morph into cookie cutter copies of each other, what's the point?>> That is either another good point by my second-fave Texan or I am coming down with a bad case of malaria ... maybe both. There's been far too much cloning, far too much borrowing the same design specs/elements. I think the epitome of this is the HKDL Winnie the Pooh ride that even includes the picture of Toad handing the deed over to Owl. It makes perfect sense as a tribute at WDW, but why would you ever include it in a new park? Ultimately, that's my biggest concern about Disney's overseas expansion push. They aren't doing anything new or groundbreaking or even improving existing concepts (like DLP). Seeing ToT sprouting up at the DSP made me wonder if they've lost all ability to come up with new ideas.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >>That said, is this going to be the model for the future - that whatever one park gets the other park has to get? << <<It sure looks that way. WDW did get Everest and M:S, but I think they are at a point now in the planning stages, under Jay no less, that when they can they will try to spread the rides out globally. More times than not. The minority of time when they choose to address a specific circumstance like the 20K footprint in MK, that I think, is when we will have a better chance for something unique.>> Not just attractions, Mike. Jay and crew want to export entertainment offerings from park to park. Trade parades and such. Now having recently seen the top-flight shows at DLP, I would love to see that kind of entertainment at WDW. But the thought of snowglobes on parade being exported is kind of scary. And Labuda, DCE=Disney Creative Entertainment.
Originally Posted By leemac DCE=Disney Creative Entertainment; it is technically a department within WDI but is run pretty autonomously by Anne Hamburger.
Originally Posted By Labuda Thanks for the clarification, 74 & lee. Pity Ms. Hamburger's parents couldn't spell.
Originally Posted By ChiMike >> I think the epitome of this is the HKDL Winnie the Pooh ride that even includes the picture of Toad handing the deed over to Owl. It makes perfect sense as a tribute at WDW, but why would you ever include it in a new park?<< I didn't know that! That is really pathetic. Great example! >>Now having recently seen the top-flight shows at DLP, I would love to see that kind of entertainment at WDW.<< Sure, but would it then maintain it's top-flight nature. >>Pity Ms. Hamburger's parents couldn't spell. << Pity Ms. Hamburger hasn't been given her walking papers yet.
Originally Posted By danyoung >That is either another good point by my second-fave Texan or I am coming down with a bad case of malaria...< Hey, Labuda ain't all that! (OK, she really is . . .) >Ultimately, that's my biggest concern about Disney's overseas expansion push. They aren't doing anything new or groundbreaking or even improving existing concepts...< I don't so much mind it with the overseas parks, as I'll most likely never get to them. But within the U.S. of A., how bout going for a little more diversity and originality?
Originally Posted By leemac The Pooh ride was lifted in its entirety to HKDL down to the smallest detail. The only issue was the additional fire code regulations that HK has which made the show building considerably larger.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >> I think the epitome of this is the HKDL Winnie the Pooh ride that even includes the picture of Toad handing the deed over to Owl. It makes perfect sense as a tribute at WDW, but why would you ever include it in a new park?<< <<I didn't know that! That is really pathetic. Great example!>> yep. is that not amazing? Now most people won't notice or have a clue, but it just shows you to what extent Disney does a 'lift and paste' job nowadays. It's a freaking little dark ride. You couldn't change a few scenes? Maybe add some new technology or effect? >>Now having recently seen the top-flight shows at DLP, I would love to see that kind of entertainment at WDW.<< <<Sure, but would it then maintain it's top-flight nature.>> I doubt it. We all know WDW is the cash cow and Disney execs in Orlando don't think they need to put on major productions. Maybe this new Nemo show will change that? I hope so. >>Pity Ms. Hamburger's parents couldn't spell. << <<Pity Ms. Hamburger hasn't been given her walking papers yet.>> I like the woman personally, so I can't agree. But she has had some positive and negative effects on Disney entertainment. I still love the Aladdin show at DCA and I've probably seen it 25 times.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Hey, Labuda ain't all that! (OK, she really is . . .)>> She really is all that ... well, except for the tonsils!
Originally Posted By ChiMike Nothing personal. I simply don't think her idea of entertainment has any place within the Disney theme park empire. It's like putting a square peg in a round hole. I rather see her talents, which she obviously has, in the real theater community.
Originally Posted By leemac <<I simply don't think her idea of entertainment has any place within the Disney theme park empire.>> Why is that Mike? I personally think that the new split between DCE and local entertainment works well. Leave DCE for the bigger stuff. I think they have more hits than failures personally. I'm excited about the Finding Nemo musical too. Add Mythica and Snow Queen for TDS into the mix and it is going to be a good year for DCE.
Originally Posted By leemac I think there is a place for shows like Aladdin and Finding Nemo in the Disney universe as much as the kid-friendly stuff. I personally think Aladdin is perfect for DCA as caters for both kids and adults.
Originally Posted By ChiMike ^^ I do too. But what about Snow White, what about Steps in Time? I just don't think she gets it. Anyone who wouldn't realize that you couldn't do Snow White, at Disneyland of all places, without staying true to the dwarfs animated look, I think will never understand why people spend a lot of money to visit a Disney theme park. I'm all for what you said, I just think there are plenty of people out there in the talent pool would could achieve that, what Anne tries to do, and at the same time "get it".
Originally Posted By leemac Personally I think the biggest issue is the Fantasyland Theater. Having it almost open-air is just ridiculous. I don't think I've seen a decent show there since Pocahontas and even that was typical theme park fare. I really like the direction DCE is moving. Trying to bring a more theatrical element to the shows. Those venues are crying out for shows like Aladdin and not Mickey's Detective School which belong as streetmosphere.
Originally Posted By leemac Everyone has failures. Snow White is definitely one. However DCE's strike rate is pretty good. The shows at HKDL are excellent and the new stuff (like the FN musical at DAK and Snow Queen at TDS) are perfect additions to the theme parks. I would like to see smaller venues being used for character-based shows like the Club Buzz Stage etc. But it seems there just isn't the stomach for that anymore.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN GOOD RIDDANCE GOOD RIDDANCE!!! Buhbye Faux Millionaire show, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Only pin traders will miss you.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>The shows at HKDL are excellent and the new stuff (like the FN musical at DAK and Snow Queen at TDS) are perfect additions to the theme parks.<< Shock! I am surprised you like the HKDL shows that much because I feel their are your standard (but nice) theme park fare as well, especially Golden Mics. As for Snow Queen to be a perfect addition to the theme park roster...that remains to be seen. I wonder how many patrons at TDS will remain awake thru a show that is plot driven and without your usual rubberheads.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I am sad WWTBAMPI is going. I really enjoyed this attraction and it was one my MIL was really looking forward to. Oh well. A dark ride is probably more family friendly in the long run!
Originally Posted By leemac <<As for Snow Queen to be a perfect addition to the theme park roster...that remains to be seen.>> It can't be any worse than the snoozefest that was Encore! Always nice to escape the extreme temperatures into the Broadway for a nice nap. <<I am surprised you like the HKDL shows that much because I feel their are your standard (but nice) theme park fare as well, especially Golden Mics. >> I think HKDL has a nice balance. The FoLK is not a traditional theme park show but Golden Mickeys is.
