News Round Up

[DDLand]

Thanks for the correction. I have no problem believing that J.H. is a little bit out of touch and/or out of date. I don't really blame him. It's hard to set yourself up as rumor monger and then expect that your friends from the old days will still want to feed you the hottest and freshest news.

I wonder if one of the reasons why the story is particularly muddled in the case of DHS is that the layout and infrastructure of the park was done in such a hasty and ill-conceived way that it's hard to re-imagine it or add anything significant to it without shutting it down and rebuilding from scratch. Or shutting down at least half of the park, and then shoe-horning new stuff in and around the elements which you just can't afford to shut down. Which is what seems to be happening now.

The story was supposedly that a Disney exec was shown the plans for Universal Studios Florida, then broke their non-disclosure agreement by going to Disney and convincing them to build a quick and dirty copycat park.

I think that current park layout looks suspiciously like what someone would come up with who had seen the plans for USF, couldn't remember the exact dimensions or details, but made a quick sketch for the imagineers to use. The imagineers then flipped the sketch left-to-right in order to have some (implausible) deniability of the violated NDI.

Now they're stuck with a water feature that's too small and un-aesthetic to keep but is too much "in the way" to easily work around or replace, a hub that's not really a hub with a weenie that's not really a weenie, dead end roads leading to the most popular attractions, and a completely illogical and un-modular layout with not only buildings and water features in the wrong places, but wiring and plumbing too.

Sucks to be them, but I can't help thinking, this is karma for the original dirty deed that led to the conception of the park ... allegedly.

I think it's more a matter of money and Star Wars being Iger's baby. I doubt the board actually thought that Imagineering's original proposal was weak, but I'm pretty sure Staggs and Iger killed it. Their sway is great, and they want it well built.

As for DHS...
I have to admit the layout does seem a little haphazard, but there's a reason for that. It was originally two separate experiences, a theme park and a studio.
I would point you in the direction of... http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=786 This video is amazing, and has some pretty spectacular early footage. Actually by Martin, the same guy who produces some amazing info too. The part that really explains the layout starts at around 4:20 and goes into 5. Though you'll probably find yourself drawn in for more.

 

[luisov]

The park's layout served it's purpose as a studio back in the day. Disney's mistake was to think that they could build a fully operational studio in Florida. The animators were happy to be far away from the executives, but in reality not many big projects were made at DHS. Barely two important animated sequences and a couple of big animated movies commissioned between 1989 and 2004.

 

[skier_pete]

The rumor still is that Star Wars will get announced for DLR but not WDW at D23.

The more I hear - the less I buy this rumor. It may be what Disney is putting out there, but there is clearly something big going on, and I doubt that Disney isn't going to get in front of that.

I picture an announcement that will include:
(a) A major overhaul of the park
(b) The new name of the park
(c) Details of the Pixar place section
(d) Limited details of the Star Wars section. (Talk about the interactive experiences and new rides.)

I also suspect it isn't quite as far off as people think. They are not going to leave that park a complete shell for 4-5 years. My guess is they will get the Pixar Place in position by 2017. Star Wars will be a little further, but I don't think you are going to wait until 2021 (6 YEARS?). Probably phased opening starting in 2018 and fully open by the time Episode 9 comes around.

D23 is just over a month away. We'll know the answer soon enough.

 

[rteetz]

The more I hear - the less I buy this rumor. It may be what Disney is putting out there, but there is clearly something big going on, and I doubt that Disney isn't going to get in front of that.

I picture an announcement that will include:
(a) A major overhaul of the park
(b) The new name of the park
(c) Details of the Pixar place section
(d) Limited details of the Star Wars section. (Talk about the interactive experiences and new rides.)

I also suspect it isn't quite as far off as people think. They are not going to leave that park a complete shell for 4-5 years. My guess is they will get the Pixar Place in position by 2017. Star Wars will be a little further, but I don't think you are going to wait until 2021 (6 YEARS?). Probably phased opening starting in 2018 and fully open by the time Episode 9 comes around.

D23 is just over a month away. We'll know the answer soon enough.

Well what's been said is details about DLR Star Wars but a vague announcement that it will come to DHS. Most say yes to details about Pixar and overall park redo. 2021 is projected Star Wars opening. 2017-18 most of Pixar done. Everything in this park will be done in phases.

 

[DDLand]

The park's layout served it's purpose as a studio back in the day. Disney's mistake was to think that they could build a fully operational studio in Florida. The animators were happy to be far away from the executives, but in reality not many big projects were made at DHS. Barely two important animated sequences and a couple of big animated movies commissioned between 1989 and 2004.

As I watched the video, I was struck by the fact they really designed the entire complex well for visitors. It really was ingeniously implemented, but as you say there were issues with the concept. I think in many ways the idea of moving production away from Hollywood to low tax areas was ahead of its time. It had a lot of promise, but fell horribly flat because apparently directors weren't keen on the noise and prying eyes of guests. Had it worked it would've been one of the coolest experiences around. Imagine actually being able to watch filming and postproduction of big movies. The sets and props of blockbusters for all of us to see. The same thing has happened to the Tram Tour at USH too, it's just not feasible. That makes me pretty sad. I am excited about what DHS can become, but I'm going to miss the potential of what might have been. A shame if there ever was one.

Edit: Don't forget that some big projects came out of Florida Animation, most notably Lilo and Stitch. They were some great talent, and while home base was struggling Florida kept producing high quality content until the cord got pulled. That was terrible, and not worth it. We lost an awesome attraction and great movie producer when Florida Animation was shuttered by Eisner.

 

[luisov]

As I watched the video, I was struck by the fact they really designed the entire complex well for visitors. It really was ingeniously implemented, but as you say there were issues with the concept. I think in many ways the idea of moving production away from Hollywood to low tax areas was ahead of its time. It had a lot of promise, but fell horribly flat because apparently directors weren't keen on the noise and prying eyes of guests. Had it worked it would've been one of the coolest experiences around. Imagine actually being able to watch filming and postproduction of big movies. The sets and props of blockbusters for all of us to see. The same thing has happened to the Tram Tour at USH too, it's just not feasible. That makes me pretty sad. I am excited about what DHS can become, but I'm going to miss the potential of what might have been. A shame if there ever was one.

Edit: Don't forget that some big projects came out of Florida Animation, most notably Lilo and Stitch. They were some great talent, and while home base was struggling Florida kept producing high quality content until the cord got pulled. That was terrible, and not worth it. We lost an awesome attraction and great movie producer when Florida Animation was shuttered by Eisner.

I've seen some of the original concept art, and it was interesting for sure. I agree that it's a shame it didn't work, especially because as you say, the concept of moving away from Hollywood was ahead of its time and it's a very current topic nowadays.

As for the big projects I was talking about, Mulan and Lilo & Stitch were the most notable among them. They also produced a couple of big sequences like Be Our Guest or I Just Can't Wait to be King. And Brother Bear, of course. It just seems like the Florida studios were pretty underutilized from the very beginning, as if they had realised too late that the concept wouldn't really work as they had envisioned. Who knows though. I wasn't around when the park first opened, so I can't really say the whole studio thing didn't work at some point.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Well what's been said is details about DLR Star Wars but a vague announcement that it will come to DHS. Most say yes to details about Pixar and overall park redo. 2021 is projected Star Wars opening. 2017-18 most of Pixar done. Everything in this park will be done in phases.

I read on a Disney fan site a few days ago (and can't remember which one) that the 3 to 4 billion investment in DHS is scheduled to phased in over the next 10 years. So if that is accurate, its going to be 2025 before all of the new attractions are up and running?

 

[rteetz]

I read on a Disney fan site a few days ago (and can't remember which one) that the 3 to 4 billion investment in DHS is scheduled to phased in over the next 10 years. So if that is accurate, its going to be 2025 before all of the new attractions are up and running?

I haven't heard that. All the insiders I've read from say Star Wars will be the biggest and mainly last part of this overhaul. 2021 is the big year to get the resort in order for the 50th.

 

[waffles77]

Sculptor of the Partners Statue, Blaine Gibson passed away today. RIP

See more about why he was a Disney Legend here:

https://d23.com/blaine-gibson/

 

[rteetz]

Sculptor of the Partners Statue, Blaine Gibson passed away today. RIP

See more about why he was a Disney Legend here:

https://d23.com/blaine-gibson/

Worked on many Disney movies as well sad day for Disney fans.

 

[circus4u]

Tea Traders Cafe now open at Disney Springs The Landing
http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/the-...fe-now-open-at-disney-springs-the-landing.htm

 

[circus4u]

Disneyland update with photos.
http://micechat.com/105735-peter-pans-flight-disneyland/

 

[circus4u]

Theme Park Tourist is reporting that
"Though work is well underway on the Avatar project at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, rumors have surfaced that this project (which was announced in 2011) has been hit by even more delays, and is both behind schedule and over budget. While sources disagree with exactly how much this project is behind schedule, it looks like it may be late 2017 or early 2018 before this area finally opens."
http://www.****************.com/new...re-walt-disney-world-parks-might-just-be-true

 

[Andrew015]

Theme Park Tourist is reporting that
"Though work is well underway on the Avatar project at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, rumors have surfaced that this project (which was announced in 2011) has been hit by even more delays, and is both behind schedule and over budget. While sources disagree with exactly how much this project is behind schedule, it looks like it may be late 2017 or early 2018 before this area finally opens."
http://www.****************.com/new...re-walt-disney-world-parks-might-just-be-true

Shocking... (not really).

 

[rteetz]

Theme Park Tourist is reporting that
"Though work is well underway on the Avatar project at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, rumors have surfaced that this project (which was announced in 2011) has been hit by even more delays, and is both behind schedule and over budget. While sources disagree with exactly how much this project is behind schedule, it looks like it may be late 2017 or early 2018 before this area finally opens."
http://www.****************.com/new...re-walt-disney-world-parks-might-just-be-true

I've heard from insiders that it's not behind and from others that late 2017 is likely.

 

[rteetz]

Avatar update

http://damouse.com/2015/07/03/steel-multiplies-in-latest-avatar-construction-update/

 

[rteetz]

Disney springs update

http://savepleasureisland.blogspot.com/2015/07/pi-update-views-from-air.html

 

[Dfan79]

Everything James Camerons involved in goes over budget. Plus he seems just as slow as Disney when it comes to him making movies. So their a perfect match.

 

[amy lou]

Apologies if I'm a bit behind here, but has there been any mention of when Rivers of Light is set to premiere?

I'm not visiting WDW again until October 2016 and I'd heard it's set to begin in the Spring of next year. Is this right or have I made that up in my head?

 

[Reddog1134]

Apologies if I'm a bit behind here, but has there been any mention of when Rivers of Light is set to premiere?

I'm not visiting WDW again until October 2016 and I'd heard it's set to begin in the Spring of next year. Is this right or have I made that up in my head?

March 2016 is the rumor.