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







