Mouse Extra

Not that long ago, I wrote a piece about my favorite queues in all of Walt Disney World. Now, I want to give you a list of the 5 attractions I think should be a part of the NextGen of queues. That is, which queues should become interactive like Haunted Mansion. The rides I picked are not necessarily ones that are bland and boring, but are ones that are bland and boring and are usually popular, like the already reworked Winnie the Pooh and Soarin’.

5. Maelstrom: To me, Disney could really get creative here. I would rework the rather bland queue into a little forest populated by trolls and vikings. Interactive elements would be easy to add, perhaps “find the troll.” And who wouldn’t want to be a viking battling it out with frost giants. I wonder if Disney could use the Marvel character, Thor, in some manner.

 4. Test Track: This one may already be in the works. Rumor has it that the attraction is going down for an extended overhaul early next year. There are photos on the web on a new vehicle being tested (pardon the pun). Currently, the queue is not too terribly boring, but this attraction screams interactive queue.

3. Kilimanjaroo Safari: The line is looooooonnnnng. And frankly, misused. There are a couple of spots where you watch animals (colobus monkeys for one) while waiting in line, but this should be greatly expanded. You could easily add exhibits for small animals like insects and reptiles that guests can view while waiting on the line. Plus, interactive computer screens could be used to enhanced the guests understanding of the critters they are looking at.

2. Peter Pan: This one is probably gonna get done and its sorely needs it. The line is always lengthy and there is absolutely nothing to do or see. Neverland lends itself to some interactive games for kids. Mermaids, tinkerbell and some lost boys could be a mess of fun. Plans are underway to move the bathrooms next to this attraction which in theory would open up plenty of space for a fun filled queue along the lines of the Pooh attraction just down the path.

1. Big Thunder Mountain: I love this ride. I really do. Its one of my favorites in the entire Mouse. But the line can be daunting. The switchbacks are often hidden so just when you think you are there. Bam. Another room with more lines. I know thats true with a lot of Magic Kingdom attractions such a the Jungle Cruise (which nearly made my list). But what makes this one worse is the heat. The closed confined building can be intolerable in the summer humidity. Help, may actually be on the way here. Big Thunder is getting a major refurb starting in January and it won’t reopen until Memorial Day. The ride is getting serious help with the track but rumors state that the queue will be interactive. Lets hope so. The back story of the mining town is rich in details and can be turned to gold by imagineers I am sure. In fact, I think this ride has the greatest potential for its queue.

Disney recently announced some upcoming refurbishments for WDW. One eye opener was the rather extensive closure of a classic, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The coaster is shutting down as of January 9th. It will not reopen until Memorial Day, May 28th. Thats a whopping near five month shutdown.

Space Mountain closed for nearly the same length recently. Clearly, like Space Mountain before it, Big Thunder will be getting a new track. But what else- if anything- will change? Some suspect there will be added special effects in the ride. Perhaps better bats? a more realistic falling boulder? We will see.

There is one thing I would like: an interactive queue. I recently listed my 5 favorite queues in Disney World. Soon, I will list the 5 I think most need an interactive element. Big Thunder will be on that list. The Big Thunder queue is frankly dull. This is one attraction that could really benefit from a more themed line. The possibilities for the old Western town are exciting and I am sure imagineers would love to take a crack at it. A shooting gallery style game? A bank robbery? Can can dancers? Ok, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea.

It would be a hoot.

On June 11, 2010, Disney’s California Adventure opened to the public. By June 12th, the question became where to put this in Walt Disney World. I don’t think the question has ever been if this night time event come to Florida, but when.

For those who don’t know, the Wonderful World of Color is a show consisting of over 1,200 fountains with lights, lasers, fire, fog and amazing mist projections (not unlike those at Fantasmic only better). Since it opened, the show has been handed nothing but the highest of praise.

The Wonderful World of Color

There have been all sorts of rumors as to where this show will eventually be placed in Disney World. I have heard rumors that it will eventually be placed in the lake at Downtown Disney (although in a much smaller and cheaper form) or even replace Illuminations or Fantasmic. The most logical place, however, is Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Lets be honest, Disney has been looking for a day capping event at the Animal Kingdom for awhile. The long rumored lantern light parade being the most frequently talked about to address this need. But the Wonderful World of Color just makes the most sense. There is plenty of space to build an ample lagoon with seating although you may have to keep it as far away from the Safari and jungle treks possible. You could move the Lion King to where belongs in Africa and build your ampitheatre there.

And the theme fits right in. Whats more colorful than the planet Earth. The story could easily be retooled to fit that kind of theme.

And Disney’s Animal Kingdom would finally have its day capping event.

Today’s posting is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra

The World Showcase at Epcot has become one of the more stagnant areas of Walt Disney World. Sure, we now have an updated Mexico boat ride that features the three caballeros. Martin Short now hosts the Canadian films. Big deal. What the area really needs is a new pavillon or two.

During its infancy, there were many grand plans for the World Showcase. I still recall the signs indicating the future sites of pavillons dedicated to Spain and Israel. And how many of you recall the Danny Kaye CBS special that went into detail as to the Equitorial African pavillon. Other plans had Venezuela, Costa Rica, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates all located around the World Showcase. And let us not forget that Italy was to have a gondala ride, Germany was to have a rhine river cruise, and there have been all sorts of rumors about a Japan attraction.

I would like to add two nations to the hit parade. Theoretically, there is room for more than two, but I don’t want the lagoon to feel too crowded. I like the little green spaces between some of the nations. But 2 additions would help rejunevate this area of the park. The question is what countries should join. There are many nations that have a rich history and a well-known culture/mythology that could appeal to park-goers, such as Greece, Egypt, Russia and India. There are nations like Australia and Ireland that appeal to the tourist industry. Other possibilities include Spain, Argentina, Poland, Korea, the Netherlands, etc. etc.

However, the one thing that sticks out about the current line-up is the absence of any South American countries. Africa, at least, has Morocco as well as its own land in the Animal Kingdom. And yes, I know Autsralia is a continent, as well, but I believe that some day it too will be a land at the Animal Kingdom (at least it should be). Therefore, for one of the pavillons, I propose Brazil, the continent’s largest nation. Brazilan cuisine (I know Brazilan barbeque is becoming popular) and shopping venues can be fully developed. Music and dance are an important part of the Brazilan culture and would be represented in a show. A sort of Carnival without the nudity.

An attraction could be lifted from the old African pavillon. The visitor could walk through a dark rainforest at night with sounds of the jungle all around you including a somewhat frightening jaguar. I had an idea awhile back for an American area of the Animal Kingdom that would include both the North and South continents. In the southern part, I would have an Amazon Jungle Cruise. The idea was you slide down a short, dark flume into a large greenhouse filled with amazonian birds, monkeys, turtles and fish. Assuming Disney decides against a South American area of the Animal Kingdom, that idea could be transplanted here. Another option (and my preference so we can keep animals in the Animal Kingdom) would be a massive IMAX presentation detailing the richness of Brazilan architecture, history, and geography.

For the second nation, I would choose Russia. Why you ask? Because I have heard some of the plans for a Russian pavillon and they sound great. St Basil’s onion domed cathedral was the be the centerpiece. There was to be a mixed media (read: AAs, live actors and animation) theater presentation on the history of the country. There was also going to be a ride based on the legend of Ivan and the Magic Pike. Throw in a restaurant and some shops and we are in business.

Finally, I would also add one more attraction to an existing pavillon. During construction, nearly every nation had an attraction to accompany it. Unfortunately, as with many subsequent Disney projects, the budget was too small and things got cut. Of the old pavillons that don’t have any attraction (Germany, Italy, Morocco, Japan and the United Kingdom) the one that needs some new life the most is Germany. The original rhine river cruise was to take the guests through a tour of Germany in minature. I think I would scrap that idea. Instead, we will use the rhine as a cruise through time exploring the “barbaric” tribes (like the Franks and Saxons) who formed the backbone of europe, the crowning of Charlemagne, through the turbulence of the dark ages and Martin Luther. It could explore some of the famous landmarks, as well. Perhaps, it could even include some mythological scenes. All accompanied by the music of Beethoven and Brahms.

These additions would spice things up in the World Showcase. I for one do not like the rumors of a thrill ride coming to this more adult-oriented area. I feel a bullet train ride in Japan or a log flume ride in Canada would be misplaced. Add another coaster to the Magic Kingdom or a log flume to the Animal Kingdom, but keep the World Showcase a little more sedate and focused on the art, culture and cuisine of the world’s nations.

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

Today’s Building My Imagineering Resume is the third and final part to Mike’s sweeping plan to revolutionize Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the minds of theme park fanatics.  

Now lets get back to the Beastly Kingdomme. Many believe that ship has sailed and I don’t really disagree. Frankly, many of the imagineers who developed it high tailed it over to Universal and helped create the Islands of Adventure park. Still, I would love to see a land dedicated to mythical animals and Disney currently has a franchise chock full of them- Narnia. So, I propose a land called “Narnia” at the Animal Kingdom, between the Camp Minnie Mickey and Africa areas. The land would be centered around the White Witch’s Castle which would be home to a flume ride. The premise: you are fleeing the castle chased by scary minotaurs, knife wielding dwarves and talking wolves, among more of the witch’s minions. It all culminates in a big drop.

We can integrate other ideas left over from the Beastly Kingdomme, as well. The Unicorn Maze would fit nicely. There was also a heavily imagineered Mother Goose shop that can be easily tweaked to fit the area. I would also add attractions for the younger crowd. Perhaps a ride in the air on griffons. A play area with audio-animatronic animals like beavers and foxes would be well received. Their real-life counterparts could be exhibited nearby, as well.

The big loss from the defunct Beastly Kingdomme was the loss of Dragon Tower. The idea was a fascinating one wherein the guests are a group of knights recruited by talking bats into stealing an evil dragon’s treasure horde. The set up was pure old-school Disney. However, it does not exactly fit into Narnia although the talking bats seem right out of the series, don’t they? And I know a dragon pops up in the series. Perhaps, the best course would be to make the ride only accessible from a boat trip off of Discovery Island, thereby making it part of that “land.” I don’t know, but it sure sounds fun.

Now, I’m not saying Disney has to build all of this, but one of my proposed lands would go a long way. Two and we’re no longer talking about Disney’s Animal Kingdom being a half day park. Three of them and this park may be one of the best there is. It can certainly lead to a big night ending event, like the rumored lantern light parade, and will keep those turnstiles going all day.