The Business Of Building Dreams...

Six decades ago today the seeds were planted...

Walt Disney's dream of building a themed park for the family that he wanted to build in California got started on this date.  In New York, Walt's brother, Roy Disney met with financiers with a presentation for a park his brother wanted to his next big project.  Roy was the man with the skills that allowed Walt to dream as big as he did.

In a meeting with the three networks he pitched his plan.  CBS and NBC aren't interested in being an owner in an amusement park.  The fledgling ABC network, looking to boost its fortunes against the other two, more established rivals, is willing to make a deal.  Leonard Goldenson and Roy work out a deal for a weekly television show, investment in the upcoming park and a line of credit for Walt Disney to build his dream.

The deal will not be finalized until early next year.  When it does, it set the stage for the new show entitled "Disneyland" will provide new content for ABC as well as provide the public with updates about the park as construction continues.  Originally, someone else was to intro the show, but at the networks insistence Walt himself will host the show.  The program will cement his image as Uncle Walt over the duration of the years as families across America welcome him into their living room.

And it will also allow him to build his dream so that we can experience ours...

A Numbers Game...

Popularity is a fleeting thing...

The attendance of theme parks shows the popularity of the destination, and from time to time parks rankings will move up or down.  For long periods of history certain spots have been held by the same park.  For instance, the Magic Kingdom in Florida has maintained the top position in theme parks.

Years ago, before Tokyo Disneyland added a second gate, the stunning Tokyo DisneySEA, there was a horse race between the two parks for the top position.  Now, WDW's first park wins outright with the original here on the west coast getting the silver prize.

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and AECOM have just released the figures of theme parks for 2012.  How did Disney do this year?  Where did Disney California Adventure get to after the Extreme Makeover?  Where is the rest of the world in themed entertainment?

You can find the answers to all these and many more here.  It's an exhaustive analyses of where, what and why of theme parks.  It's also quite readable with graphs, charts and lists that put in perspective the theme parks of the world, not just Disney's world.  But here is a list of the top 25 theme parks for the Cliffs Notes version:

1. Magic Kingdom 17,536,000  +2.3%
2. Disneyland 15,963,000 -1.1%
3. Tokyo Disneyland 14,847,000 +8.5%
4. Tokyo Disney Sea 12,656,000 +8.5%
5. Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris 11,200,000 +1.9%
6. Epcot 11,063,000 +2.2%
7. Disney's Animal Kingdom 9,998,999 +2.2%
8. Disney's Hollywood Studios 9,912,000 +2.2%
9. Universal Studios Japan 9,700,000 +14.1%
10. Islands of Adventure 7,981,000 +4%
11. Disney California Adventure 7,775,000 +22.6%
14. Hong Kong Disneyland 6,700,000 +13.6%
15. Universal Studios Orlando 6,195,000 +2.5%
19. Sea World Florida 5,358,000 +3.0%
20. Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris 4,800,000 +1.9%
23. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 4,348,000 +1.5%

24. DeeFTeLING  Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands 4,200,000 +1.8%

25. OcT eAST Shenzhen, China 4,196,000 +7.9%



Now, if this intrigues you then head over to the actual report for a detailed look...

New World Order...

The world is not enough... 

Well that didn't take long...

Less than a week, actually.  So George Kalogridis is really going to the Florida Project.  Which is a very good thing for Florida.  It means the standards there will rise dramatically.  Hopefully he brings some of his own team and brushes away much of the deadwood that resides in the Team Disney Orlando building.

But I expect a lot from Walt Disney World now that he's in charge.  He's human, so I don't expect him to be able to move mountains.  It's a huge bureaucracy that he'll have to maneuver though, but he should be able to clear a lot of the obstacles and start having incremental, positive steps.  And each step forward is a good thing.

Now, as for Micheal Colglazier, I'm not of a particular opinion on him.  I don't know him as well, I haven't met him, and don't want to color it, casting a negative light on him before he's even gotten a chance to show us what he can/will do.  He was one of two people who I heard were up for this.  The other one, unfortunately couldn't get out of contractual obligations, and wasn't able to take the job.  Micheal is apparently well liked by the Cast Members at Animal Kingdom, and so far what I hear sounds like he's a talented and sociable suit.  Time will tell how he does as the head of the Disneyland Resort.

I know many people are upset about the "Avatar" reference that was applied to his name, but that truly came from higher-ups.  He had nothing to do with it other than endorsing it, which is about all he could do at the time.  DAK has been in kind of a frozen state over the past five years and he's been there, so the best that can be said is he didn't let it go downhill during his time there.  No astounding news or breakthroughs, no major challenges or surprises.  He seems to be a safe bet.

It'll be interesting to see if Stagg and Iger's bet pays off...

A Themed World...

News of paramount importance... 

Walt Disney had it right when he created Disneyland...

It wasn't that people just wanted a collection of cheap thrills to stimulate the senses, it was that they wanted it structured, and filled with a narrative: a theme.  A purpose.  It took a while for others to catch on to this concept, but for the past few decades the idea of theme parks has exploded.  Disney had it correct from the beginning though.  What better way to have a theme park than build it around stories that people already know?  Movies.  The visual medium has a built in brand awareness.  A film studio is a factory churning out these stories, these dreams.  A dream factory, if you will.

Now, it's taken a while for other studios, (Universal was the only other studio to "get" it) but the Suits at the rest of the Hollywood entertainment companies have moved to compete in this area.  Not only do we have Universal expanding their brand all throughout the world, but Warner Bros. is licensing their properties to them (a mistake, if you ask me), Dreamworks Animation is doing the same, and now Paramount Pictures is starting to mine their properties.

Of course the deal is for an international park, the United Kingdom, specifically.  The famed studio is partnering with the London Resort Co. Holdings to turn 872-acres on Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent into a European destination to rival Disneyland Paris.  And at a cost of $3.2 billion, it might look quite pretty depending on what the theming looks like, as well as the properties they choose.  I can see a "Mission: Impossible" attraction, but properties like "Transformers" and "G.I. Joe" are owned by Hasbro, and we know that the films they distributed like "Iron Man" and "Captain America" are now owned by, uhm, someone else.

The deal looks similar to the agreement that Disney has with the Oriental Land Company.  It looks like the London Resort Co. Holdings will be the one making the decisions with Paramount getting a percentage of the earnings from the gate, merchandise and food.  Let's hope that they hire brilliant designers to create this park.  Possibly some brilliant, former Imagineers?

It'll be interesting to see what takes shape when this opens in 2018...

Haunted Conversations...

It's scary thinking of what could happen...




A few weeks ago, Guillermo del Toro mentioned that he was to have a meeting with Disney Suits in a few weeks...

Those meetings have probably happened as of last week, unless they were postponed. Now the question is, what happened? Did the Suits ask del Toro to direct the adaptation he's doing of "Haunted Mansion" or not? And if so, did he say yes, or tell them he's too busy to decide what his next live action film is? Did they dangle a carrot? A production deal? A chance to make another dream project of his that the Mouse is willing to finance? Did they decide to move forward with the film with him as just producer/co-writer? I don't know the answer. But I do know that I want to know the answer.

And I want the answer to be yes, he will direct it next, but who really knows...

BusinessWeak...

We screwed up, this was our attempt to fix it...





Bob Iger did an interesting interview with BusinessWeek that just came out...

Focusing almost entirely on the Extreme Makeover and rebirth of Disney California Adventure, he talks to reporter, Devin Leonard about Buena Vista Street/Cars Land. While it's a short interview, done while exploring the park, it's interesting getting into the mind of Iger, and how it relates to balancing the creative and business side of a company as big as the Mouse. I also like the fact that the CEO can admit mistakes. That's a rare quality that isn't shared with the former head of Walt's Empire.

Give it a read and find out for yourself...

55 & 57...

To all that come to this happiest place on earth...






A dream was born Fifty-seven years ago today...

Walt Disney opened his version of what a theme park should look like on this day, and in doing so he reinvented it. It was the first, the original and unheard of at that time. Disneyland became the park that all others would emulate. Doesn't look too shabby for being born all the way back in 1955, does it?

Through most of his life Walt struggled to get money for his projects, from shorts to films... he very often gambled the fate of his studio on projects that if they were to fail, would have doomed his own company to bankruptcy. And when it really counted, like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" or "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" he came through more confident, more strong and more able than before. But after Disneyland opened he never ever had trouble getting financial backing again for anything.

Anything...

The Chinese Tale Of Grizzly Gulch...

That bear looks weird...





As Grizzly Gulch welcomes its first guest, the marketing starts to kick in...

The advertising campaign has picked up for Hong Kong Disneyland's new addition and with that, its first commercial.

Take a look at the Chinese perspective of the American Wild West. With this area complete, all eyes now focus on Mystic Point and the mysterious Mystic Manor that will open up next year.

But even after that, there is still a large amount of land for expansion...

Looking In The Mirror...

Mirror, mirror on the Esplanade...







It's been a very bizarre week at the Disneyland Resort...

Not only has DCA been doing better than expected, it's been doing better than Disneyland. Take Sunday for instance. The projected attendance for the day for California Adventure was a mind blowing 58,000 guests. All this while Disneyland was supposed to get a more moderately high 30's figure. It's like a reverse image of a month ago. And just getting 30,000 would have been a very busy day for DCA. Not anymore. Mid to high 40's are the norm and lately it's teetering on the 50,000+ level.

It's amazing the success you can achieve when you do something right.

The bean counters that smacked Disney's name on the mess that was DCA in 2001 couldn't grasp this simple concept that the company's founder put forth as a business model. They were the antithesis of what the man, and his company was. The majority of the new management in Burbank realize this now. Not all, but most, and that's as good as can be expected. After all, 12% of the nation believes Elvis is still alive. You can't get everyone on the right issue, but as long as you can get the majority of them with you, then you're doing alright.

Now, I don't want you to think that I believe DCA is perfect. It's not. It still needs work, and it will still get work. But it will be incremental, not dramatic like what has come before. It will have some interesting improvements, but that is/will be a talk for another day. In another post. For the next couple years, lets all walk down Buena Vista Street and enjoy what the company does best when it does its best. Let's take a stroll through the Pacific Wharf area and head beneath that arch for a breathtaking view of how you can be consumed by an idea. It's the best representation of entering the world embodied in a film. It's mesmerizing. Even if you're not a fan of the film, "Cars", Cars Land is a sight to behold.

And the new found success of DCA is good for everyone...

Comic Appeal...

The World of Tomorrow, today...







With all the media attention today surrounding DCA, one obvious question was asked...

What about Marvel?

Tom Staggs was giving a press interview at the Golden State Winery, he was pressed about the matter and was honest without being too revealing.

"We were hard at work on attractions using Marvel characters previously, and that work has only intensified given (the film's) great success,"

Yes, there are plans to work the characters into every park in some way or form, but the thing I like is he emphasised about it being in a proper way. So you won't have to worry about Sleeping Beauty and Thor walking out for a photo op. Or don't plan on seeing the Hulk and Belle walk through the castle opening to greet guest, while the Other Guy says: "Hulk Happiest When Smash!"

But you might see something along the lines of the Fantastic Four in Tomorrowland, or maybe Iron Man and the Avengers in a Stark Expo there... theoretically, of course. But time and place will still mean something. While Bob Iger has spent more on parks in the last few years than his predecessor, spending will tapper off a bit as Burbank settles in to see how guests react to the Extreme Makeover. Disney California Adventure will enjoy its new place in the Resort, while next year the Big Sister starts to get some much needed attention. And I don't believe you'll see many Marvel characters at the Second Gate, but in a couple years some interesting events/shows/attractions mights start to show up in other areas of the park here in Anaheim and the world.

Orlando and Yunibāsaru Sutajio will just have to wait and watch, for the meantime...

Relaunched In 7 Days, Reborn In 11 Years...

California Adventure actually is an adventure now...








In a week, those entering Disney California Adventure will get an amazing experience...

Let me just say that Buena Vista Street and Cars Land are so detailed, and so amazing that the rest of the park looks bland by comparison. Not to put down all the detail and improvements that have happened over the past five years, but it's truly another level of immersion when you walk down these lands compared to what was there before.

There will be modest improvements over the next few years, but any major adjustments will come later. None are officially approved yet. And they won't until the Suits inside the Team Disney Building have seen the figures, but I don't think they have anything to worry about. This new front entrance and new land are great and take you to a Disney park that fans have hungered for since walking into Sunshine Plaza over a decade ago.

I imagine the wonder in a young child's eyes on that Friday morning, next week...

Buy The Numbers...

Disney, the name is Disney...







The rankings for theme parks recently came out...

And something shocking happened. The Walt Disney Company did not hog every spot of the top ten. It only got the top eight.

Top 25 Theme Parks Based on Attendance, Location, (2011/2010) plus Change In Ranking (if any)

1 Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida – 17.1M / 17.0M
2 Disneyland, Anaheim, California – 16.1M / 16.0M
3 Tokyo Disneyland, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan – 14.0M / 14.5M
4 Tokyo DisneySEA, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan – 12.0M / 12.6M
5 Disneyland Paris, Paris, France – 11.0M / 10.5M +1
6 EPCOT, Orlando, Florida – 10.8M / 10.8M -1
7 Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida – 9.8M / 9.7M
8 Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Orlando, Florida – 9.7M / 9.6M
9 Universal Studios Japan, Yunibāsaru Sutajio Japan – 8.5M / 8.2M
10 Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida – 7.7M / 6.0M +2
11 Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea – 7.6M / 5.5M +2
12 Ocean Park, Hong Kong, China – 7.0M / 5.4M+5
13 Everland, Gyeonggi-Do, Yongin, South Korea – 6.6M / 6.9M -3
14 Disney California Adventure, Anaheim, California – 6.3M / 6.3M -3
15 Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida – 6.0M / 6.0M -2
16 Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong, China – 5.9M / 5.2M -1
17 Nagashima Spa Land, Kuwana, Japan – 5.8M / 4.5M +3
18 SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida – 5.2M / 5.1M -2
19 Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, California – 5.1M / 5.0M -1
20 Walt Disney Studios Paris, Paris, France – 4.7M / 4.5M -1
21 Europa Park, Rust Germany – 4.5M / 4.3M
22 SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego, California – 4.3M / 3.8M +3
23 Busch Gardens Tampa, Tampa Bay, Florida – 4.3M / 4.2M -1
24 De Eftleing, Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands - 4.1M / 4.0M
25 Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark – 4.0M / 3.7M

I will bet you that next years top 25 shows Disney California Adventure moving up a couple spots, at least...

Hat Tip to The Disney Blog.

Blue Sky Buzz: Shanghai Hopes...

He's got high hopes...



With only a couple days to go before the Mini-Con, I thought it was time to address a few things...

I know that several sites have reported on several rumors about Shanghai Disneyland. Blue Sky has been relatively quite on the subject lately. Part of that is having to deal with the real world and the limits of time I have. The other part is that I promised my Bothans not to speak about certain thing until the fall. I've also only spoke to them a few times in the past several months. Tom Staggs is a very good leader, that apparently understands the workings of Imagineering better than Jay Rasulo ever could. And he's also good at stopping leaks. But from what I've heard, I'm slowly becoming a fan of the direction he is headed. Staggs is a business man first, but he's someone that seems to get what most bean counters don't. And having him in charge of the parks could offer great opportunities ahead. Time will tell, but I think the Walt Disney Company is a world away from where it was a decade ago. And I clearly think he is the obvious candidate to replace Bob Iger when he decides to step down. Which I hope he realizes in his tenure before Eisner did.

That said, lets move on to Asia:

First off, the rumors that you've heard about a TRON attraction are true. It will take the place of Space Mountain in this sixth Magic Kingdom styled park. It is the giant white dome you see in that overview artwork piece the company released when they officially announced the resort a while back. It will be enclosed in darkness so that you won't see the exposed beams that shoot the lightcycle-type vehicles through the world of Tron (And yes, like the websites are saying, it is based on the Vekoma Motobike System designs).

As we were the first to break this, yes the water attraction that we mentioned is called the "Lost World River Rapids" and it is the mountain that you see in that artwork that was released (you did click on the link to "The Lost World" novel right?). I was able to tease what it was, but I wasn't able to reveal the name. Now that it's out, I can say that the stories are correct and there is more. Remember when Bob Iger mentioned that this park will be uniquely Chinese? Well, that's one of the reasons this attraction was approved. China is home to the largest collection of dinosaur finds in the world and the Mouse wants to play this up. The ride itself will be influenced by the GRR attraction that we have here in California, but it will be different. First off, it will have dinosaur audio-animatronics on it. Unless they make budget cuts, like happened on GRR, which have twice ended the inclusion of AA's, then you can expect a prehistoric experience. Also, the rockwork is very beautiful and extravagant. It is also expensive and over budget in design. Let's hope that the project isn't downscaled because the design is quite lovely and will become an instant classic. Please don't cut the beauty simply because of the cost overruns, Mr. Staggs.

Some people have noticed that Mayan temple over in the Adventureland area and have supposed that it is a Indiana Jones attraction. I can confirm that it is not. As of now, there are no plans to include the Man in the Hat on opening day. Things could change, but the designs of this attraction are not based on the Lucasfilm property. What it is, I can't say at this time, but wanted to tell you what it's not.

I know that sites are starting to report that the area will include a new "Pirates of the Caribbean" attraction with elements based on the designs of the attraction that was proposed for Hong Kong Disneyland. I can't confirm this, but there was/will be a POTC stunt show similar to the Indiana Jones one at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Whether this to be done in conjunction with or in place of the attraction, I'm not sure. As always, time will tell, and maybe we'll find out in not too much time.

There will be no Frontierland as of my last talks with the Bothans. Not that it hasn't been mentioned, but the plans for anything related to something that would go in such an area, would be placed in another land. While Japanese don't have any conception of what a "frontier" is, the Chinese experience with that term is known and considered far more negative. Hence the decision to not have a land named for it. In truth, Shanghai itself is the true Frontierland; wild, untamed and full of energy.

Just like HKDL has a variation of the Haunted Mansion, the Shanghai park will have variations on classic Disney attractions. In this case, the "Jungle Cruise" will be part of the park when it opens up in 2015/16, albeit with the same kind of variations that you see between the original Haunted Mansion and Mystic Manor. But it will be classic WDI from the designs I know of.

Over in Fantasyland, the "Seven Dwarfs Mine Coaster" is a go. This appears to be a clone of the one being built in the Extreme Expansion of WDW's Fantasyland. Another attraction that will be found in this land that is not in China's other Disney park is "Peter Pan" and a variation of the classic "Winnie the Pooh" ride. Plans are evolving and discussions are ongoing as to which other attractions are to be included. Expect at least one, possibly two more to join these on opening day.

That slow flume ride beneath the castle is also true as well. But, while some sites have reported that it will go throughout the entire park, it will actually only travel around Fantasyland. But it will be a beautiful ride through that popular land. The experience you get will be one of an enveloping fairytale, but done with the Imagineer's golden touch.

Disney and it's Imagineers have had a difficult time adjusting to Chinese culture and their way of doing things. It is a learning experience and a frustrating one at times. The way that things are constructed and the guidelines that China uses are not what WDI expects and it has been a challenge dealing with the way things are done in the Middle Kingdom, and Shanghai in particular. Let's just say the tools they use, figuratively and literally are different than what Glendale is used to working with.

There will be plans and models shown at the D23 Expo, but I wouldn't expect everything or most of what has been revealed here to debut. Unless Staggs changes the initial plans then we can really expect an overview with some minor surprises. But we'll have to wait for that big, beautiful tomorrow to find out.

Because tomorrow is only a tomorrow away...

Stating The Obvious...

A long, long time ago, hopefully soon to be bought...



Disney is still in the buying mood it appears...

In a conference call with investors for the Walt Disney Company the other day, Bob Iger mentioned that the Mouse was looking at the opportunity to buy other characters. Now, I know that people will complain about a lack of creativity, but the Maestro himself purchased the rights to several characters he didn't own(101 Dalmatians, Winnie the Pooh, ect.). Many of those characters today are thought of as being as Disney as Mickey Mouse. But I'll take this opportunity to stand up on my soapbox once again:

Star Wars/Indiana Jones/Lucasfilm.

These characters have been inside Disney Parks for two decades and most guests, particularly young boys, identify them as Disney characters to begin with. To inform them that they aren't owned by Disney would be a surprise to most if not all. If Iger is true to this statement then it's time to purchase them from Lucas and make it happen. I can only cross my fingers that this is what has been happening in back channels. I dream of Iger having meetings with George Lucas up in Marin County, discussing a transaction similar to the Marvel deal over a nice lunch at Skywalker Ranch.

If there is any company that Lucas could/would/should leave his characters in the hands of, it's the Walt Disney Company. It represents a strong collection of characters that Iger can utilize across all sectors of the company. From merchandise, television, film, theme parks, the brands represent an opportunity for the company to expand earnings and generate content with a very recognizable list of characters.

If George doesn't want to continue the films beyond Episode VI then you could have adventures like "Knights of the Old Republic," or that "Boba Fett" film that Joe Johnston wants to make. How about a Star Wars animated film from Pixar or Walt Disney Animated Studios under the guidance of John Lasseter? Or even a possible reboot/reinterpretation of the films the way J.J. Abrams did with "Star Trek."

Television offers opportunities as well, with the Clone Wars series being such a success on the Cartoon Network, shows made for Disney XD would be a given. And lets not forget to mention my long dream of an "Indiana Jones" animated series from Paul Dini. How about an animated series focusing on "The Adventures of Han & Chewie?" And if ABC can have a network show coming that stars the Hulk, could you not see one staring Republic Commandos?

Then there is the possibility of expanding the Lucasfilm brand in the parks. Could you see an entire section in the Hollywood Studios dedicated to Star Wars? Or even better: A Fifth Gate that is nothing but that? The opportunities are endless and as big as the universe the Bearded One created. So, I think Bob Iger should take the advise of one of Star Wars wisest characters:

Do, or do not, there is no try...

Hat Tip to The Disney Blog.

Transformations...

Designacons...





Hopefully you remember that article Blue Sky wrote about the new Harry Potter attraction at IOA...

Well, starting later this year in Singapore and next year in Hollywood, a continuation of that experience might be happening. I like competition and Universal Creative has been giving WDI a run for its money. Especially with "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey." Which is a fantastic experience as a mini-park/attraction. It's the perfect example of how someone other than Disney can create a Disney type of experience. And it succeeded beyond Universal's dreams. It's a Disney attraction that's not a Disney attraction. The quality of the rides, shops and merchandise, well, everything really, is phenomenal. And as I said in that old article, if they keep it up then the Mouse had better start to move quicker because they've got serious competition.





The next test of that will happen when "Transformers: The Ride" opens at Universal Studios Singapore in 2011 and Universal Studios Hollywood in 2012. If that attraction winds up being of the same quality as the Potter attraction then you can bet that Imagineers will be looking in the rear-view mirror. Not that I feel that it's a bad thing. Having WDI have to bring their best game is a good thing for them and us. We will both benefit from the challenges they each face trying to pry those dollars from our hands.





Well, recently some artwork for the queue/loading area was leaked and it shows a great deal of attention to design. Universal has already mentioned that thirty minutes of story is built into the queue, so guest will be immersed in the world of the Autobots and Decepticons for a good part of the wait. Details like this will create an experience that could rival the Harry Potter ride.

And make sure Imagineers don't rest on their laurels...

Hat Tip to /Film via Theme Park Insider.

Blue Sky Buzz: Chinese Changes...

More magic...


The Mouse's second kingdom in China is still a half decade away, but there are things that that are coming into view...

When D23 arrives later this year there will most likely be a great deal more info about Shanghai Disneyland as well as several other parks, but until then information has slowly been revealed to the public. After all, we knew that this version of the magic kingdom wouldn't have a Main Street - and it doesn't. We've known that several attractions would have a Chinese influence, and we've known that the castle would be different -- and now bigger. But what else will be exclusive/original to the park when it opens in the latter part of this decade?

You want the most interesting contrast to the other Disney magic kingdoms? No Space Mountain. That's right. The iconic attraction that we've all known at practically every traditional, magic kingdom styled park won't be there on opening day. Now, I'm not saying it'll never be built, but the blue prints as of now call for no attraction like this on the drawing board. There are several staples that you would recognize as a given in the parks, but there is also an attempt to make this park original/different. I applaud that. You know my belief that each park should be its own, with an original identity.

As we revealed earlier in the month, the park will have an original rafting ride that has a basis in the design of the Grizzly River Run, but under an entirely different adventure. One that I'm quite found of. Take a look at that original overview artwork and you'll see it in the right corner. It's the big mountain you can see there. It's intricately detailed with a great deal of beautiful rockwork. Let's hope that Burbank doesn't make them cut the budget as it's going to cost quite a bit.

There will also be a classically detailed Jungle Cruise type boat attraction, but as of now, it won't be called that. In fact, much to my delight, there are several adventure type attractions that are styled in the type of theming that I love (Disney's Animal Kingdom, Tokyo DisneySEA). This along with a couple of other projects should provide a distinct fingerprint for the Mouse's second park in the Middle Kingdom. It's going to be interesting to see what surprises are revealed at D23 later this year.

I can't wait to hear that keynote by Tom Staggs...

Shanghide And Seek...

It's a small world after all...









There were a lot of comments about the Shanghai Disney Resort recently...

Most of it was from people commenting that Disney isn't being honest or that they are outright lying about the reason behind the lack of artwork for the new park. Some of those comments are valid, but they're also not. Let me explain from what I know or have heard Bothans explain to me.

One point is that many have said it's not true about the artwork since the park is basically a carbon copy of Disneyland. How could companies copy something that is already out there? Fair enough. But Hong Kong Disneyland isn't an exact copy, but a detailed, pale image. The castle is an exact copy of Disneyland's famous icon, but the park is a very lushly detailed collection of attractions found throughout many other Disney theme parks, but they do have their own look. And that look has been copied at several local amusement parks. Disney Suits and WDI Suits noticed this and it was planned from at least a year ago to not inially release a great deal of artwork. It doesn't mean we won't get more, but it won't all be out there at once like before.

That doesn't address the two biggest problems that HKDL had. One is the most obvious to Disney Fans: size. The park was under built. It wasn't built looking cheaply though. The park is quite detailed and filled with little bits of embellishing that are common to most Disney parks. The problem was that attractions that people expected and were initially announced as being part of the park didn't show up. They were cut and expected to be included in a future expansion phase. This was the shortsightedness of the last decade of Eisner and his underlings.

The other part was the cultural aspect which Eisner and even some Imagineers didn't take into account. Not that they didn't expect some changes based on cultural need. Truthfully, one of the reasons certain attractions weren't built (Snow White, ect.) was that it was felt that the Chinese people, unlike the Japanese people, had not grown up on a steady diet of Disney characters and films. Of course the conception of Main Street didn't figure into this park as it has in Shanghai. But that plan has changed as you've noticed that there is no normal interest in a traditional entrance like fans have come to expect. Planning is also going ahead with a couple attractions that actually play more on what are reflected in Chinese culture. This is something that will be unique to this area and something that the company hopes will address guest concerns about appealing to the local market.

Another comment/complaint is that they are really hiding the fact that large parts of the park remain unplanned or not even designed yet. This is true, but that's because it is five to six years out. It is understandable that parts of the park wouldn't be done yet, but simply in the idea stage. This site is called "Blue Sky" Disney, after all. If this were the state of plans in another two or three years then it would be a valid concern since they would already be deeply involved in construction. Lastly, some have mentioned that there are arguments and divisions within WDI about where or how to continue.

I have to tell you that the Bothans I talked to say that this is a common occurrence that has happened for as long as they've been working for the division. All the way back to Paris. And without the guiding hand of Walt himself, there were arguments about where and how to expand every park since his passing. Before EPCOT was built there were many divisions inside Glendale as to how to continue the project that he had planned. There were arguments as to what direction to take, how close to his vision they should stick and what type of attractions would fit the differing visions they had of the project. Debates and arguments happen all the time and so far I've heard nothing that makes me believe this isn't business as usual. Now, if there are any of you out there in the know that have evidence to refute this then, by all means, please contact me. By e-mail if you'd like with your side of the story. Don't just vent anonymous comments that come off as the ranting opinions of angry fans. Feel free to enlighten me in private.

Now, this may make some people feel that nothing is planned or done. This is also not so. There are several classic attractions that will be gratefully welcomed when announced later this year or early next depending on how the timeline is addressed. But there are also several new attractions as well. Like that mountain/water rafting attraction based on the mechanics of the Grizzly River Run, but set to an entirely new theme... ooops. Sorry, you didn't hear that. I seem to have lost track of my delete button. Oh well, I don't really have to worry because most everyone will have stopped reading before they got here.

Either way, the plans for Shanghai are evolving and expanding and that is a great thing...

Phased Too...

It won't be Golden Master for a decade...





As the Extreme Makeover picks up speed and noticeable improvement become more evident, it's time to softly unpack the future...

Ok, once again Blue Sky is here to add a little perspective laying out the (possible) terrain ahead. We're around a year and a half from the completion of Phase One of the EM and I thought we'd examine where some of the possible projects could/would be and when they could/would get done. As usual, this is a general outline, not something set in stone. Time tables can change and project status as well as choice of those projects may be altered. But this will hopefully reveal the topography of the broadening, bright future for Anaheim's Second Gate.

When the fall of 2012 comes to the Disneyland Resort, the park and resort will be dramatically different than they looked a decade ago. Like I've said before, the resort will actually be a resort. Certainly not near as big as Walt Disney World, but at least it will be the beginnings of a full resort and the "Spare Park" as some derogatorily call it, will finally be a Disney Park.

With the elaborately detailed and richly themed Buena Vista Street entrance welcoming guest through the turnstiles, it will be a much different experience for someone stepping foot in the park come the end of summer next year. That said, there will still be several areas that will/could provide ample opportunity for expansion or retheming. Translation: there is still work to be done, just not nearly as much and not necessarily as extreme!

There are four major areas for address:

1 - The majority of Hollywood Land (the former Hollywood Back Lot) will still be awaiting the majority of its transformation to a Forties (40's) makeover. While the Red Car Line will be working and the Disney Theater will reflect the coming atmosphere, the retheming of several areas along the walkways as well as the side and proposed enclosed entrance of the Hyperion Theater have yet to reflect the new period look. Also there are two stage areas ripe for expansion of attractions and a desire to update the current Muppets building. Should you see the new film featuring the characters become a hit, it will most likely stay within what was the opening theme, but likely updated to reflect the latest addition of this franchise.

2 - The area between Cars Land and transitioning from the Tower of Terror is available for the expansion of Hollywood Land or the increasing of valuable real estate in Radiator Springs. No decision has been made as to what will be put there or which combination of attractions will result. The exposed power lines on that side of the Cadillac Mountain Range offers the opportunity for more rock work to alter that skyline and reduce the remaining bad show. While the other side could offer viewpoints that better transition from the Tinsel Town facades (My own suggestion: Hollywood hills with the historic sign on one side/desert clifts that blend in to the mountainous rage on the other side.).

3 - The Golden State will start to occupy and transform the small Condor Flats area of the park over the coming years. With the opening of Cars Land, there really is no need for two desert themed area. This location, like the Grizzly River Run section, will receive a gradual makeover as elements are transitioned toward the early Fifties (50's) period that the Imagineers want the national park to project. The Red Creek Challenge Trail will likely receive retheming inspired by the Pixar film "Up" as the trail will be recast to reflect Russell's Wilderness Explorers.

The Paradise Pier area will need to be completed in the second phase of construction during the remaining decade. This is the largest area that will need to be rethemed. It will also be the most noticeable of all projects, as it takes up a much larger footprint than the other areas due for alteration. These projects will have the most visible footprint to the current expansion, so expect it to come in phases as construction would be approved.

4 - The temporary garden that has replaced the Maliboomer is a place holdover project for a 3-5 year time frame. The current and very embryonic thinking is that this area will be turned into the entrance for another E or D+ Ticket, which will most likely be built behind the Screamin' roller coaster which is currently occupied by the parade building.

The Goofy's Sky School coaster, for all the planning, is still a long term place holder project as well, although a much longer one than the Maliboomer area. Expect this area to remain for at least a decade+ as the company decides on what type of E Ticket to place here. Naturally, the theming is planned to match the surrounding areas reflecting a vibrant and roaring part of the early 20th Century.

The stores along the boardwalk are also scheduled to go under the knife around this same time for retheming to the Twenties (20's) period as well as several other elements (removal of those golden fans, retheming of lamp lighting and various, other theming). The Carousel could be expected to be transformed during this period to match the Victorian building of Midway Mania. Hopefully it will look similar to the classic structure that was presented on the model in the Blue Sky Cellar a year ago. The Screamin' queue building, line as well as the attraction itself are in need of a more focused retheming also. The transition of the queue building to something along the lines of the proposed fun house will likely be one of several options. And it's not the only location in need of some redressing along the boardwalk. The queue line for the Fun Wheel will hopefully get some variation of the beautiful covered structure that was abandoned during the design phase (my own hope's here) to replace the cheap tarps that were put back in place after the transformation from Sun to Fun.

The area featuring Ariel's Grotto is supposedly scheduled to be transformed into a Princess Palace (that name is not confirmed as the final choice, btw) and the stores are supposed to get a Neo-Victorian appearance as well to match the buildings across the pier on both sides (Mania and Mermaid).

Let me be clear that none of these areas have received an official green light, but that it is thought that these areas would be the focus of any expansion over the next decade. There are several proposals that WDI has available, but nothing is in an advanced state of planning for these areas right now until the first part of construction is finished. Once done, if the attendance levels that Iger and the Burbank/Anaheim Suits are expecting reach acceptable targets; Imagineers are hopeful that an expansion could start by 2013 or 2014 at the earliest.

Until the end of next year we will have to wait and see as the company examines the fruit of its labor in DCA's reimagining. Should attendance/merchandise/hotel bookings reflect well from all this planning, you can expect a second phase to move forward at a much faster pace.

Time will tell...

Theme Parked...

Spider-Mouse, Spider-Mouse, does whatever it can to get out of agreements...








Something interesting happened in the world of theme parks this week...

Something that is not about Disney, but all about it. At least when it comes to inserting the Marvel characters into the many parks that the Mouse owns or co-owns.

Universal Studios owns Universal Hollywood outright, but the other Universal Studios theme parks that it owns are co-ventures; even Universal Studios Orlando. That theme park is co-owned by the Blackstone Group. They own a fifty percent equity in the two theme park resort and are now looking to sell their share. With the success of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," the group looks to capitalize on its investment and get a premium for the shares that it has.

One of the interesting things about the agreement between Uni and Warner Bros. is that a change in ownership will trigger a clause in the rights to that franchise, which could mean they could lose it or have to renegotiate the original agreement for a much higher fee. Now, realistically, Universal is coming off their best year ever with attendance and spending, so there is no way the Uni Suits are going to plan on giving away what has helped turn their parks into destinations that is usually only reserved for Walt Disney World. They will do what they need to do to keep them inside the park, which means a renegotiation if necessary.

That said, it makes one wonder what the agreement that Universal Orlando has with Marvel is like. Is it similar? Because if it is, this could be the out that Disney would look for to wrestle control back of properties that it would love to exploit at its own parks; particularly those just a little ways down the road from IOA. You can bet that the Mouse's lawyers will be looking at every line of the agreement for wiggle room, and unlike TWWOHP, there would be no reason to settle. Any renegotiation by Disney would be set at a level meant to make such a renegotiation prohibitively expensive. That way, the Walt Disney Company could walk away with the rights to the properties it bought in 2009 and be able to start planning attractions or even parks without fear of some form of litigation nightmare.

Universal would have to come up with a way to retheme the attractions to other characters that it owns or someone else would be willing to license to them. If I was Warner Bros., I'd consider this a great opportunity to offer the DC Comics properties instead. It'd be a major upgrade from Six Flags and branded characters that would fit into the theme parks need for highly visible franchises. Couldn't you see that Spider-Man attraction being retooled for Batman or Superman? Maybe retheme that Hulk coaster to the Green Lantern?

So, depending on how good Marvel's lawyers were, we may be seeing men wearing their underwear on the outside of their clothes sooner than we thought.

Developing...

Decade Of Adventure...

Ten years...

Can you believe it's been a decade since the debut of Eisner's Folly? We're in the middle of a massive construction project that I've called an Extreme Expansion since it was first rumored about a few years ago.

But what we have now is the evidence of that progress. Walls, walls and more walls. Walls all over the park and it still pulls in a great deal of guest. In fact, it pulls in about 20%-25% more guests than it did this time last year. Mostly because of World of Color, but also because over the last few years attractions like Midway Mania have helped out helping to define this park as a Disney park. Something that couldn't be said of this place when it opened back in 2001.

There will a celebration this year, but nothing on a grand scale, and certainly not as big as the one for the opening of this park back a decade ago. Although there is far more to celebrate today than back then. Families and fans coming through the turnstiles after next summer will get a much more accurate feeling that they're in a Disney park than those that entered on that first day back at the beginning of the new century. It won't be finished, to paraphrase Walt, DCA will never be finished, but it'll always be growing and improving. But those young tykes walking through Buena Vista Street to Cars Land and the slowly, evolving Victorianization of Paradise Pier to see The Little Mermaid won't realize what a different park it is they're stepping in.

That's a good thing. We don't need anymore bad memories. Let those be ground up like the bathroom tiles that adorned the former front entrance. There is a bright future ahead for this park and the entire Disneyland Resort.  This doesn't even include all the news that will hit next year about the original Disneyland, the Downtown Disney shopping district or the Disney hotels.  Finally, the Disneyland resort will be a Resort.  A decade ago, that was mainly in name only, but as of 2012 it will be.  And the future additions to the resort will only solidify that.  Again, a bright future.

One filled with praise and promise and prospect for a better tomorrow. Happy Birthday, Disney(-'s) California Adventure, I hardly knew you...