DHS Expansion

[DizneyFreak2002]

I'm holding out any of my own thoughts until I attend the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Panel at the Disney D23 Expo, this August. That would be a good as any to make a big announcement!

What would you think if I told you people at D23 were ticked off these plans were leaked online because this pretty much stole their thunderous announcement????

Disney internal politics at its best (or worst)...

[PopPhan]

What would you think of the name Disney's Hollywood Adventure? Too close to Islands of Adventure? Unoriginal?

How about Disney's Audio Visual Experience....or more simply - DAVE!!

[Elias1901]

What would you think if I told you people at D23 were ticked off these plans were leaked online because this pretty much stole their thunderous announcement????

Disney internal politics at its best (or worst)...

The New Fantasyland announcement was no different. Except there was tons of revisions from the original concept presented. In terms of getting rid of all the princess houses, at least.

[DizneyFreak2002]

How about Disney's Audio Visual Experience....or more simply - DAVE!!

I know you are probably joking here about Universal creating screen based attraction... But in all honesty, I think I would rather screen based rides which take me into the ride, the action, rather than a ride based on show scenes with AAs that are always broke, never show ready, like the AAs in Splash are prone to do, and Yeti who has been in disco mode for 7 years now???

The New Fantasyland announcement was no different. Except there was tons of revisions from the original concept presented. In terms of getting rid of all the princess houses, at least.

Same thing here... this is one group inside Disney which, for some reason, has something against D23... Leaking the plans were a way to steal D23's thunder... I am not sure how well it worked though... Sure, the thunder of a surprising announcement is gone, but I think this is creating major anticipation this year, wanting to hear the announcement and the details which were not leaked... Though I have heard the ride is going to be a speeder bike coaster (using the Tron ride system going into Shanghai, which will be a light bike coaster)... D23 almost has to announce this now, or else this will be 2 failed conventions in a row, and could be the end of D23...

[DizneyRox]

I can't believe that D23 is still around...

They seem to be treated worse than the old red headed step child (The Disney Stores). I guess there's someone buying into it, they even created a new level for DVC ('free') and I couldn't be bothered to sign up.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Star Wars area will include an E ticket, possible C ticket (which will take over the Muppets theater), and food and beverage offerings which will replace Pizza Planet, Backlot Express, and Mam Melrose...

The Cars area will feature an E ticket and B ticket... Mater's Junkyard Jamboree will probably be cloned, but the E ticket will NOT be RSR or anything close to it... Plus, food/beverage/retail...

This project is scheduled to begin this fall... and continue through 2018... Kiss the back third of the park adios...

Don't freak out Muppets fans, Muppets will likely be staying, just not in the current location... I have a feeling Muppets will wind up taking over Voyage of the Little Mermaid.. I can't think where else it would go...

[Gator]

Man, just two weeks ago we were hearing how Disney would never do this. So I'm excited that details are starting to come out on this, because that means it's probably going to happen.

I guess the big question is this: why wasn't CarsLand being built yesterday? Everyone knew it would be a great idea when it started over at DCA. I know that Disneyland needed a nationwide-attractor. But with two years into making it in CA, WDW should've had this going at Christmas. That way, they could really get the smoke going on a 25th party for DHS at the end of 2014 - with new attractions and everything.

[DizneyFreak2002]

I can't believe that D23 is still around...

They seem to be treated worse than the old red headed step child (The Disney Stores). I guess there's someone buying into it, they even created a new level for DVC ('free') and I couldn't be bothered to sign up.

Some people are suggesting this year's expo is the last one... And honestly, the D23 membership is not worth it... Not for the magazine which you can pick up in Barnes N Noble if you really want it that bad...

As for this year's expo, no Disney Parks Upcoming Projects panel... Whether that means no announcement at D23 is yet to be seen... We may actually wind up with the announcement PRIOR to D23, and only models/concept art available for viewing at the expo...

Man, just two weeks ago we were hearing how Disney would never do this. So I'm excited that details are starting to come out on this, because that means it's probably going to happen.

I guess the big question is this: why wasn't CarsLand being built yesterday? Everyone knew it would be a great idea when it started over at DCA. I know that Disneyland needed a nationwide-attractor. But with two years into making it in CA, WDW should've had this going at Christmas. That way, they could really get the smoke going on a 25th party for DHS at the end of 2014 - with new attractions and everything.

Cars Land did not happen and will not happen in the DCA form... Do NOT expect RSR... Tikiman, a well informed member here has stated why... However, the E-ticket will be a Cars dark ride of some sort... Mater's Junkyard Jamboree may wind up cloned...

[Katzateer]

Not from people who are trusted... Osbourne Lights, if removed from DHS, will not move to Disney Springs... Too much of a crowd control nightmare...

Epcot on the other hand...

EPCOT would be perfect - it has been a big let down as far as holiday lights for the last few years.

All these ideas for expansion at HS is making my head spin- hope they can make the park more interesting without getting rid of too much of the classic areas ( don't take away my Muppets and Sci Fi. ). If they are in the middle of areas needed, just relocate them.

[Goofy Fan]

This is all interesting news and I, for one, am very much looking forward to a Star Wars-themed land.

With that said, I've heard some disturbing rumors today on a Star Wars message board from someone who claims that this has come from a reliable source. Apparently it calls for Star Wars Land to be rolled out in two phases, with the second phase set to completely engulf the Echo Lake area and (this is what really worried me) an E-Ticket attraction to replace The Great Movie Ride and the Chinese Theater as a whole. It also went on to say that American Idol will remain untouched and dormant for this entire thing.

I was just curious about the validity of these reports. I have my doubts, but I guess you never know. I sure hope they aren't true!

[DizneyFreak2002]

This is all interesting news and I, for one, am very much looking forward to a Star Wars-themed land.

With that said, I've heard some disturbing rumors today on a Star Wars message board from someone who claims that this has come from a reliable source. Apparently it calls for Star Wars Land to be rolled out in two phases, with the second phase set to completely engulf the Echo Lake area and (this is what really worried me) an E-Ticket attraction to replace The Great Movie Ride and the Chinese Theater as a whole. It also went on to say that American Idol will remain untouched and dormant for this entire thing.

I was just curious about the validity of these reports. I have my doubts, but I guess you never know. I sure hope they aren't true!

Don't listen to that rumor.. Great Movie Ride and the Chinese Theater are not going to be swallowed up by any Star Wars expansion... Echo Lake on the other hand probably will be... Great Movie Ride is safe, other than maybe some updates (which it needs)...

Muppets and Mama Melrose probably will be as well...

[Goofy Fan]

Cheers! That put my mind at ease! Getting rid of the park icon and such a classic attraction would've really ticked me off. Although, I do agree - it does need to be updated. That's something I will be looking forward to.

Thank you for all of your information so far!

[DizneyFreak2002]

Cheers! That put my mind at ease! Getting rid of the park icon and such a classic attraction would've really ticked me off. Although, I do agree - it does need to be updated. That's something I will be looking forward to.

Thank you for all of your information so far!

Just remember, these are all rumors... Until the land/attractions are built and open, anything is open to change or being cut or not happening at all... And you are all welcome for the information... Anything I hear or read I will continue to bring to the members here...

[CaptSmee]

There's not a lot of broom for expansion here unless they move the parking lot, or fill in the lake. I'm all for some re-imagining, but not if it involves losing Muppets or The great movie ride. There are other movies other than Pixar one's

[DizneyFreak2002]

There's not a lot of broom for expansion here unless they move the parking lot, or fill in the lake. I'm all for some re-imagining, but not if it involves losing Muppets or The great movie ride. There are other movies other than Pixar one's

The park will not be losing Great Movie Ride...

Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Lights, Motors Action, Back Lot Tour, Sounds Dangerous, Mam Melrose, Pizza Planet, Muppets (MAYBE), Sci Fi Dine In Theater, Echo Lake will be what gets the chop to make way for:

Star Wars Land consisting of an E ticket attraction based on the speeder bikes from Return of the Jedi (the bikes Leia and Luke rode when chasing the Storm Trooper through the forest on Endor), a C ticket show which will go in the Muppets theater, Mos Eisley Cantina, an indoors Jedi Training Academy...

Cars/Pixar: Cars Land type area would take over LMA and part of the back lot tour which features Catastrophy Canyon and will feature dining (probably a clone of Flo's), A C ticket (probably Mater's Junkyard Jamboree), and an E ticket (no, not a clone of RSR, but a Cars dark ride), and merchandise, plus the possibility of another Pixar IP getting an attraction (maybe the long rumored but never started Monsters Inc Coaster which is set to be installed in DCA, maybe a clone of the Ratatouille ride going into DLP, or maybe an IP not used which deserves attention INCREDIBLES)...

[big blue and hairy]

I would be really sad if Muppet-vision goes away. I would be fine if it moved, but it is a classic. That said, I am stoked for the additions to DHS.

The one thing that should be brought back immediately, is the Magic of Disney Animation. It was by far my favorite part of the park. Now it could be two pronged, with traditional animation and computer animation. Disney and Pixar are the best at both. Bring it back!

And while you're at it, make the Robin Williams stuff from the old tour available somehow. What classics!

[Stu29573]

The sad thing is that they actually had it right when they opened. The idea of a working studeo that showed behind the scenes aspects of production was great. The Monster Sound Show, Superstar TV, The Animation Building were all wonderful. Then it completely lost focus. The place still doesnt know what it is supposed to be, and Im not convinced the expansion is going to help it in this aspect. Ok, it may make the place more entertaining, but without focus and an over arching theme, its doomed....

[DizneyFreak2002]

The sad thing is that they actually had it right when they opened. The idea of a working studeo that showed behind the scenes aspects of production was great. The Monster Sound Show, Superstar TV, The Animation Building were all wonderful. Then it completely lost focus. The place still doesnt know what it is supposed to be, and Im not convinced the expansion is going to help it in this aspect. Ok, it may make the place more entertaining, but without focus and an over arching theme, its doomed....

Disney, I don't think, cares about a cohesive theme for DHS... They are worried about the attendance figures and merchandise sales... DHS is the lowest performing park as far as merchandise sales go, and TEA really over estimated DHS attendance figures... DHS is ripe to be taken over by IOA and Uni by 2015 (if it hasn't already as some suggest has happened)... Disney knows this... That is why they want to put in Cars and Star Wars, two IPs which will sell merchandise by the boat loads and boost attendance... Of course, the park will also be rebranded, so I would assume the STUDIOS part will finally be put to sleep...

[Stu29573]

Disney, I don't think, cares about a cohesive theme for DHS... They are worried about the attendance figures and merchandise sales... DHS is the lowest performing park as far as merchandise sales go, and TEA really over estimated DHS attendance figures... DHS is ripe to be taken over by IOA and Uni by 2015 (if it hasn't already as some suggest has happened)... Disney knows this... That is why they want to put in Cars and Star Wars, two IPs which will sell merchandise by the boat loads and boost attendance... Of course, the park will also be rebranded, so I would assume the STUDIOS part will finally be put to sleep...

How about "Disney' s Misfit Park."
Or " Disney's Clueless Adventure"
Or just "Oops!"

I guess they could also accurately call it "The Park Stu Doesn't Bother With Any More" but that would just be confusing....

[Gator]

and TEA really over estimated DHS attendance figures... DHS is ripe to be taken over by IOA and Uni by 2015 (if it hasn't already as some suggest has happened

How do you come up with that statement, "overestimated". Internet bloggers, with no real evidence outside other bloggers, are the ones who say TEA and AECOM have grossly miscalculated numbers. And if the calculation process is wrong for Disney, it's probably miscalculated for anything Universal.

As far as IOA overtaking DHS, that's unlikely. There's a 2 million person gap. IOA would have to attract 5500 more people/day. And that's with DHS adding virtually nothing for years, and Universal pouring money into their parks. If DHS adds a Cars ride, or a fan-attracting-land like StarWars Land, expect them to jump past AK again, and leave Universal in the dust.