What Disney can do to stem the Potter tide
Disney fans everywhere are anxiously awaiting Disney’s response to Universal’s recent announcement of a new area of their park dedicated to the phenomena of Harry Potter. Disney has been accused in the past of responding to competition with announcements of new attractions or parks they will say is unrelated to other theme parks. When Universal announced plans for its first Florida park, Disney threw together Disney MGM Studios. Many feel Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an attempt to lure visitors away from the similarly themed Busch Gardens and Sea World. Now, with its incredible popularity, the question is whether a new land at Islands of Adventure themed to ol’ Harry will have any effect on Disney’s bottom line. In all likelihood, it will have some effect for at least a short amount of time.
Still, Disney seemingly never responded to Islands of Adventure and as it turns out, didn’t really have to. Rumors were rampant that Disney was going to build its own park with the most popular being a park based on Disney villains loaded with thrill rides. But the competitor’s new park never really had any effect on Disney attendance and the Potter plan may be an attempt to boost poor attendance. Plus, Disney may have in actuality responded by constructing a few thrill rides like Mission Space and Expedition Everest. But will Disney respond now? And if so, how will they? Will they even need to? Rumors indicate that Mr. Potter will buy the farm in the last book of the series set to debut in July. If he does, that could have a major impact on the long-term viability of the character. Even if he lives, there is only two more movies left and the creator has no intention (at this time) to go back to the series. So we have no idea if the franchise will have any staying power.
If Disney does respond, they surely won’t do it in the form of the fabled 5th gate, i.e. a new park, at least, not one in Florida. Instead, any response would come in the form of a new attraction or even new land in an existing park. I would think that would mean some serious additions to MGM or the Animal Kingdom, which are often accused of being half-day parks. Whether that’s true or not, there is certainly less to do at those parks than at the older ones and the need for variety is great. I’ve already written about ideas on the Animal Kingdom as well as some ideas to expand the Star Wars area of MGM. Now, I’ll come up with some more ideas for Disney MGM Studios.
A rumor is going around that Disney is re-theming Mickey Ave. into Pixar Place with the upcoming Toy Story Mania ride as its centerpiece. I would also construct an Incredibles based ride. That movie has a ton of background that got limited play in the movie, specifically, the plethora of super heroes that got only quick references during the film or were featured in bonus materials on the DVD. I would throw them all into a dark ride. The plot: you’re Dash speeding through a battle between the heroes and evil robots (or aliens, or whatever). You would direct your vehicle through a series of fight scenes and have the ability to spin your car. Plus, the ride itself would move a bit faster that most dark rides. This section of the park might be a good home for a new restaurant, such as one based on Ratatouille.
The myth that this theme park is actually a working studio has been abandoned for quite some time. Its also time they abandoned the Backlot Tour which to me is a colossal waste of space (less so with the new Lights Motor Action Stunt Show). I would use the area for a new section of MGM and theme it much like the front of the park with its Hollywood at the the dawn of its glory days theme. Here, I would place Broadway, another great avenue of the entertainment industry, and place the theme somewhere in the past, perhaps the Roaring 20s. It would be a good spot for a Counter Service establishment, something sorely lacking at this park, as well as perhaps a nice lounge/bar with a Speakeasy vibe.
As for attractions, Disney could go in a few directions but I would certainly place a show or two. A stage show based on a Disney feature, Pixar or not, would be a popular choice. Perhaps an Aladdin show or one based on an old movie, like Sleeping Beauty or Pinnochio, movies often overlooked when considering new attractions. I know the Lion King has been converted to IMAX format so maybe an IMAX theater to show that and other Disney productions would be a fun option.
I would also get the rights to a franchise such as James Bond for a thrill ride. A coaster themed as a car chase through a city like New York, London or Monte Carlo is my idea. The guest/junior spy could dodge bullets, bad guys, explosions and oncoming traffic along the way. You could add a funny pre-ride show with John Cleese and a post ride gift shop to rake in the scratch. I would also love to see a real (that is scary) haunted house. Perhaps Disney could team-up with the master himself, Stephen King, even using some of his novel as a basis. Or, they could use the Nightmare Before Christmas franchise which would not be quite as terrifying. Either way, these ideas would be an interesting response to the Potter craze over at Universal. It would certainly be varied, enjoyable for all ages, not just the teen/young adult crowd.
Today’s Building My Imagineering Resume is from Mike, comtributing writer to Mouse Extra
Matt said,
July 5, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
I dont think Disney needs to respond. Universal is not an equal anymore when you look at their attendance figures. Right now Disney is setting the pace, not Universal.
Jon said,
July 5, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
Harry Potter doesn’t need to be kept alive in order to keep the franchise alive. Disney has proven that really old things can stand the test of time without being remade a million times over. Sleeping Beauty is a 50 year old movie, and yet, because they have a huge castle in the park, people remember the movie and watch it.
If they build this huge scale land for the sake of Harry Potter, its going to do well. Disney won’t really respond to this because they’re already beating Universal.
Your ideas are nice, but they don’t make sense. You just want to add things in to keep up with the Jones. Disney-MGM could make much better use of their Streets of America area as well as some much needed upgrades to the back lot tour.
Eric said,
July 5, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
I agree with Matt. No response is really needed. That’s not to say these, or other, changes wouldn’t be welcomed. Any park plussing would be great, especially to the Studios. I just wouldn’t want a lot of magic/mystical attractions being slapped together just to have a counter to HP.
I’d love to see the Studios get a huge makeover with not only a Pixar area, but a complete Star Wars area and Muppets area.
David said,
July 5, 2007 @ 7:11 pm
Jon, I won’t speak for Mike, but to me the Sleeping Beauty comparison doesn’t work. The question is whether Harry’s death hurts the future of the franchise. Many in the industry are speculating how future generations who haven’t started reading them yet, will embrace a character they know will eventually be killed. That’s a good question.
Would Star Wars have the same appeal for parents to present to their children, if the parent knows Luke Skywalker gets killed in the end?
Mike said,
July 5, 2007 @ 11:53 pm
The answer I believe to your question is no. I think a Potter death could have long term consequences myself. Plus, there is another distinction between Potter and Star Wars, where Lucas has embraced and cultiavated the franchise for 30+ years, Rowling seems to want to end it and is not interested in any real future projects. At least at this point
As for my ideas not making sense, perhaps. But I think they would be fun. Maybe the Potter thing would get Disney to do something with the park.
I do agree that Disney does not need to respond to Potter. I just hope they do
Kelly said,
July 6, 2007 @ 5:10 am
I think the rumor that Harry is to die is unfounded and based on hype rather than reality. Key characters will die, but it most likely will not be Harry (I’m a fan of the books, but not so much the film series). I’ve a good idea who will bite it, but won’t mention it as to not potentially spoil anyone. I’ve already had to contact Scholastic this week after some numskull left page scans on one of my blogs.
Even so, Potter has become akin to OZ, Star Wars and other bankable properties. Universal has no need to worry about Potter fandom dying down. It’s one of the biggest fandoms currently going and the movies will only fuel that for the next few years.
As for dead characters, Luke Skywalker lived. Yet, who is it that’s featured on pretty much every piece of SW merchandising? Darth Vader. 3D environments such as the upcoming Wizarding World are based on a piece of the universe they’re based upon being sort of frozen in time. Anyone could be up and walking around in these environments based upon that theory. Sort of like interactive fan fiction.
As for the idea of Mickey Avenue becoming Pixar Ave: Oh please don’t do this, Disney. I’m really tired of the Pixarization of the parks. Nemo at the Seas, Buzz Lightyear and Monsters Inc. in Tomorrowland, Nemo at AK and soon, Toy Story at MGM. This madness must end.
Disney needs to go back to more original concepts such as Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror and Rock N Roller Coaster. While the last two are branded, they’re still very much entities that can thrive on their own.
However, if Disney really wanted to “respond” (though I agree they don’t need to - this was something that Uni really needed as they had made some MAJOR flub ups in the last years), they could (and should, IMO) bank on their ongoing Narnia film series of which #2 is currently in production. While a lot of people complained about the set exhibit there on Mickey Ave., I thought it had lots of potential and a true Narnia exhibit would speak to more people than most would imagine. Many of us, myself included, grew up with the books and a fully immersive Narnia environment would be a dream come true.
Mike said,
July 6, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
As for Narnia, I wrote an article a few weeks back that Disney should adapt its Beastly Kingdomme ideas on the franchise. ‘course, just having Beastly Kingdomme is fine too
As for Potter’s bankability. At this point, it is a strong franchise. But we have no idea how popular it will be in 30 years and if it will have the staying power of Oz, Star Wars, or the Muppets.
David said,
July 6, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
And I think it is fair to question that staying power if in fact the climax of the franchise is the death of the protagonist.
Biblioadonis aka George said,
July 6, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
I hate to pull this off-topic:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=392634&in_page_id=1773
Quoted from the article:
J.K Rowling has given her strongest hint yet that she is planning to kill off the young wizard who has made her a multimillionaire.
Speaking yesterday, she suggested Harry Potter may die in the seventh and final book in the young magician’s chronicles.
Biblioadonis aka George said,
July 6, 2007 @ 5:45 pm
Also, as to the Pixarization…uh…Disney owns Pixar. So, Pixarization is just adding Disney characters. I do agree with Eric from MGW on this.
Eric said,
July 6, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
Thanks, George! I was just going to post asking Dave to set up a word censor for the term “Pixarization”. Arrggghh!!! Listen to our show #101 to hear me rant more about the topic.
David said,
July 6, 2007 @ 7:05 pm
Yeah, that was certainly a rant Eric. You were close to needing an adult beverage after that!!
biblioadonis aka George said,
July 6, 2007 @ 7:26 pm
I was glad to hear you mention your disgust of the P word on show 101.
It is just a fact of life! A good ride is a good ride no matter what! And I agree–if Disney had been creating great characters and films, we would see them all over the parks.
I love the idea of new intellectual properties (Everest, etc) but you have to admit that the new Disney characters (Nemo, Toy Story) have incredible draw. They are the movies that my kids are going to think of when they remember the golden age of Disney animation.
Mike said,
July 6, 2007 @ 8:25 pm
I agree even Pixar’s poorer films (like Cars) blow the other Disney animation out of the water. Home on the Range anyone?
Jon said,
July 12, 2007 @ 5:25 am
Killing off is a relative term. In the Harry Potter world, everyone is just one magic spell away from being brought back to life.
Mike said,
July 14, 2007 @ 3:29 am
I suppose you’re about as dead in Potter’s world as you are in comics