Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I like the fact that people have a long History with the Disney Corporation, and have worked with each other on numerous projects.<<< Exactly. It's more of a homegrown feel.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I believe there is little doubt that it has been a total success so far. The question still remains can it hold the publics attention long term?<<<< If they expand, you bet it will.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I think all of the new attractions at Universal Studios Singapore had outsourced creative - and that hasn't worked out at all.<<< Care to enumerate?
Originally Posted By Bob Paris 1 "Hmm. I see that gushing fans aren't confined to the Disney theme parks alone...!" People want immersive and highly themed attractions and environments. It's not their fault that when they get them they are a little bit effusive with their praise. On the other hand, the Rat has been underperforming and underdelivering for YEARS. I think you'll find, at the core of MOST people's criticism of Disney is a massive desire for seeing them do the best people KNOW they are capable of doing. Pin tading, vinylmation and "CELEBRATE!!!"(c) banners just don't cut it anymore
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>People want immersive and highly themed attractions and environments. It's not their fault that when they get them they are a little bit effusive with their praise. On the other hand, the Rat has been underperforming and underdelivering for YEARS. I think you'll find, at the core of MOST people's criticism of Disney is a massive desire for seeing them do the best people KNOW they are capable of doing. Pin tading, vinylmation and "CELEBRATE!!!"(c) banners just don't cut it anymore<<< Post of the Decade, Bob.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<WDI's legacy won't die. WDI will still be the people coming up with the concepts. They'll just have people doing the implementation.>> I disagree, Skip. WDI has been an amazing dream factory for over half a century now. The idea that it can be just a shell that oversees others may make sense with a Power Point, and when looking at how irresponsibly funds have often been spent. But if you are a company all about creating themed entertainment ... you can't simply use the services of others (even many former WDI guys/gals) and not lose a significant part of what made you special. If WDI has spent unwisely, then one would suggest the execs in charge and the ones who greenlit those expenditures should be looking for employment elsewhere. The idea that Disney is better without folks like Baxter, Rohde, Delaney, Rothschild, the Kirks etc is lunacy.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Just heard a couple days ago.... Forbidden Journey came in at just UNDER $90mil. Between $220-$240mil did the whole thing. And...in just around three months of operation...it's paid for itself. Phase two is on the way.>> <<FJ was under $90mil? Holy crap.>> That is the word that is leaking out. But I have some serious doubts, although the number is still very low for an attraction that raises the bar. Take a look at Radiator Springs Racers, which is well over $200 million (and watch it cost $300 when all is said and done, which would be far and away the costliest theme park attraction ever built). <<Ad phase 2? This makes me very, very happy.>> This is a given. But they're now starting to talk about it ... I'd be saying my good-byes to most of what is remaining of Lost Continent in the next year.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Spirit needs to come up with a Uni equivalent of "clutching the plush." Everything that comes to my mind involves the term "wand," and it might just be better if I don't attempt it.>> We all know that fanbois love wands ... they love to play with them ... and often they share their wands with other fanbois in magical play. What exactly is wrong with that? Sure beats playing coloring with the princesses ...
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Concept, back-story, and theming are done in house at Universal Creative, from what I understand.>> <<Nope - they do outsource some creative. There are plenty of firms like Thinkwell, Hetema Group, BRC Imagination Arts etc. that have all supplied attractions to Uni Creative. I think all of the new attractions at Universal Studios Singapore had outsourced creative - and that hasn't worked out at all. >> Yep ... UNI-Singapore has been an absolute disaster ... coaster seats flying off Galactica before opening, using materials that aren't fire resistent in attractions with real fire (Mummy) ... areas that are such disasters (Madagascar) that they still haven't opened. That's the other side of letting others do the work. I sure don't want to see that in Shanghai or anywhere else.
Originally Posted By leobloom >> We all know that fanbois love wands ... they love to play with them ... and often they share their wands with other fanbois in magical play. << Does this happen in public restrooms?
Originally Posted By Bob Paris 1 "Yep ... UNI-Singapore has been an absolute disaster ... coaster seats flying off Galactica before opening, using materials that aren't fire resistent in attractions with real fire (Mummy) ... areas that are such disasters (Madagascar) that they still haven't opened." You know I was pissed off around this time last year when we were planning our yearly March(Summer here)holiday and could find NOTHING regarding the opening date for USS. I REALLY wanted to check it out but there was absolutely NOTHING around. We went to Tasmania instead and had a WONDERFUL time, including two VERY unusual experience at the Port Arthur ghost tour!!! *shudders* Anyway, just last weekend I was checking things on Tripadvisor and decided to look up USS. Seems people are QUITE displeaed with the place, especially since BSG and the Madagascar boat ride STILL have not yet opened! I would not bother with this place for a couple of years.....which ties in VERY nicely with some plans we are making. : )
Originally Posted By skinnerbox <<Sure beats playing coloring with the princesses ...>> That's what Imagineers do when they get bored with their wands. But riding on neat little deep pile flying carpets... now that's some powerful magic. And you don't need no stinkin magical bathroom to do it, either. 8^P
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>If WDI has spent unwisely, then one would suggest the execs in charge and the ones who greenlit those expenditures should be looking for employment elsewhere.<<<< Agreed, however, I think WDI's over spending can be curtailed without having to consolidate them.
Originally Posted By leemac <<Take a look at Radiator Springs Racers, which is well over $200 million (and watch it cost $300 when all is said and done, which would be far and away the costliest theme park attraction ever built).>> Guess again.
Originally Posted By leemac <<"Yep ... UNI-Singapore has been an absolute disaster ... coaster seats flying off Galactica before opening, using materials that aren't fire resistent in attractions with real fire (Mummy) ... areas that are such disasters (Madagascar) that they still haven't opened.">> That is only half of it - the Jurassic Park ride is littered with mechanical failings - the list is almost endless. Still no word on when Madagascar will open as far as I understand.
Originally Posted By leemac RSR is the most expensive attraction ever designed and built by the Walt Disney Company. It is 9 figures away from the current title-holder. RSR is THAT expensive.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer Oh. Dumb me thought you said Far FROM the costliest ride built... Sorry.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper That's ridiculous. The ride better be better than Potter. because if it's not... In my best Desi Arnaz, "WDI got some splainin' to do!"
