Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer But to answer your question, Mousdad....Maybe both? I don't see them being too upset that things have to be cut because Staggs sees that it's all for the girlies.
Originally Posted By MousDad I'm sorry, what did you say about girlies? I was too distracted by the giagantor princess banner to the left of your post.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I'm sorry, what did you say about girlies? I was too distracted by the giagantor princess banner to the left of your post.<<< Wouldn't it be nice to have a TL banner? or a FrL banner?
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I have to believe that it's a little bit of both. We'd heard from the very beginning that they were planning on saving stuff for a later phase, so clearly budget was an issue. But having them go back on the attractions that were announced as part of the opening set, to the point that they may never happen, says that there was a concern about the actual product they were creating. No matter how much money you put into a coloring station, it will only be so successful. They really can do much to raise the bar to a point where it's the type of experience we expect from Disney. I'm hoping that they realized this (it sounds like Staggs figured it out), and they're working on a suitable replacement.
Originally Posted By NoChesterHester The project was phased over a three year period to spread out the cost (development, phase one construction, phase two construction). The "real" world does the same thing when doing a massive development. It is about capital expenditures. Often things get reexamined and I'm glad they are taking another look at this area. Keep in mind that we never actually saw a developed version of Pixie Hollow. We saw blobs, some trees, and what kind of looked like a kiddie ride. I haven't been around this board enough yet to develop the cynicism, but in my outsiders view the Potter success has definitely put the Mouse on notice. Also, this evening a new article by Garcia in the Orlando Sentinel confirms (directly from Staggs) that there is a retooling in progress. I also don't believe that Fantasyland can ever be considered the "Potter Swatter." MK is the most visited park in the world and I don't believe anything will change that. If Disney really wants to put together something to challenge Potter for the same audience it makes much more sense to invest in a new land, including multiple attractions, in either Animal Kingdom or the Studios. Those two parks are most likely to be hit negatively by siphoned visitors to IOA.
Originally Posted By NoChesterHester I'd also like to add that I really don't believe this retooling is a "cost cutting" measure. I know history can tell us otherwise, but in this case I believe now that we have a real challenger for the merchandising dollars they know that further investment is necessary.
Originally Posted By dshyates Disney speaks to the Orlando Sentinel about the changes to the Fantasyland Expansion changes: <a href="http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/08/disney-parks-chief-fantasyland-expansion-plans-are-being-redrawn/" target="_blank">http://thedailydisney.com/blog...redrawn/</a>
Originally Posted By MousDad Tom has met the challenge. Glad to see an executive with the stones to make an embarassing, difficult decision, and to go public with it. It's an optimistic day for Disney Parks.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: As far as my sisters and I are concerned, the article in the Orlando Sentinel is much ado about nothing. They're still planning to construct the Little Mermaid attraction, after all, and that was the main attraction they had been planning all along--the meat and potatoes of their plan. All these other items they intend to cut or add are only the 'side dishes' which don't mean as much as the lavish dark ride. ORWEN: (sigh) Well, I'm still gonna' miss the fancy meet and greet with Aurora. She doesn't have a place to hang her tiara there. Only in California does she have a home--well, I mean as far as the United States goes.
Originally Posted By brotherdave So now that "changes" to the new Fantasyland expansion has officially been announced, what does everyone think (or hope) it will encompass??? My thoughts: A possible "C-Ticket" dark ride (Wouldn't it be cool if Mr. Toad would come back in an updated format??? Or perhaps Alice in Wonderland coming to the MK???) Perhaps Capt. Hook's pirate ship/Skull Rock replacing Pixie Hollow??? From the sound of it, whatever is added may be more "gender neutral" and possibly more thrilling than just "meet & greets" to some of the original plans. Let's hope so!!! I'm beginning to see some new hope in this project!
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORGOCH: Wish we could say the same thing but there weren't nothin' ta really sink yer teeth inta with THAT report. Give a witch some meat 'n 'taters and THEN ask her what she thinks!!
Originally Posted By dshyates Maybe they will dust off the plans for the Seven Dwarves mine coaster and then add in a Snow White M&G.
Originally Posted By NoChesterHester I hope whatever they do works thematically with the "Fantasyland Forest" concept. I would love to see something like a mini Villans area with Malificent the Dragon, the witch from Sword an the Stone, and other baddies deep within the forest. From a marketing perspective think of all the knight and wizard costumes they could sell to the little boys.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> The project was phased over a three year period to spread out the cost (development, phase one construction, phase two construction). The "real" world does the same thing when doing a massive development. It is about capital expenditures. Often things get reexamined and I'm glad they are taking another look at this area. Keep in mind that we never actually saw a developed version of Pixie Hollow. We saw blobs, some trees, and what kind of looked like a kiddie ride. I haven't been around this board enough yet to develop the cynicism, but in my outsiders view the Potter success has definitely put the Mouse on notice. Also, this evening a new article by Garcia in the Orlando Sentinel confirms (directly from Staggs) that there is a retooling in progress. I also don't believe that Fantasyland can ever be considered the "Potter Swatter." MK is the most visited park in the world and I don't believe anything will change that. If Disney really wants to put together something to challenge Potter for the same audience it makes much more sense to invest in a new land, including multiple attractions, in either Animal Kingdom or the Studios. Those two parks are most likely to be hit negatively by siphoned visitors to IOA. << Excellent post, and I agree.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Maybe they will dust off the plans for the Seven Dwarves mine coaster and then add in a Snow White M&G. << Do you mean converting Goofy's Barnstormer over to that are building an entirely different attraction Dave?
Originally Posted By dshyates Building an entirely different attraction. An indoor/outdoor family coaster with some dark ride elements
