Disney's Hollywood Studios (General Discussion)

[twebber55]

At this point It doesn't really matter what they announce. Half the stuff they announce never sees the light of day anyways

yep dont get any excitement about a disney announcement anymore

 

[Nick]

Well I put a lot more stock into something coming to DHS than anything to do with Avatar, however, if/when BLT/LMA close DHS will be absolute HELL for the years leading up to the expansion opening. Those offerings may not be the best the park has to offer by any means, but they are high capacity attractions. That capacity will be forced to the other attractions throughout the park, making already high wait times even higher.

 

[J03Y]

I think if they do Ratatouille they'll do it in France at Epcot.

i and many other people in this thread were thinking more of a restaurant rather than an attraction, since the theme of the movie was food and cooking.

I agree with Disneyhead. If Disney wants to build it in that time frame, they could do it, especially since its a clone and the tech is already there. What's been missing from TDO is the will, and if your boss tells you to do it, then it will get done. Heck, Disneyland was built in a year. And construction techniques have improved, even though you wouldn't know it by TDO. It doesn't take an Einsten to know that if attendance & hotel occupancy is flat or down, that you need to take a different approach. HP worked for Universal & their foot is on the pedal. Carsland helped turned around a dying park. What's to figure?

this all the way!

i think the solution to this is (and i also agree, Disney can pump this out faster than they say if they amount sheer will), if they do plan on going to Pixar Place, obviously keep TSMM, have the Monsters Inc dark ride (if not that, then like a coaster where you're riding through the door storage), the Ratatouille restaurant, Radiator Springs (not the specific racing ride, considering what someone said on here that it would be a pain to maintain by Florida weather) and finally the Incredibles ride in talks. that way, it expands PP fairly with a good amount of Pixar attractions, they're incorporating something original, while including a clone that was really successful.

if they expand on a Star Wars land (i'd prefer a Sci-Fi land, but we can't all get what we want it's a cool idea but something that might never happen), then it'd have to be all out, it can't cover one corner of the park they'd need to do a big portion as Star Wars themed, Star Tours remains about the Clone Wars, Mos Eisley Cantina, maybe a ride about riding through the trenches in the Death Star, a Dagobah dark ride, and another ride/show.

I also like the concept of a Muppetsland. it might have to be moved due to how close it is to Star Tours and the consideration of expanding on that area. however, adding more Muppets to DHS wouldn't be a horrilbe idea, although i think more should be done to make the park exciting than make lands that would on appearance appeal more to kids (i.e. Pixar and Muppets).

other than obviously Pixar and Star Wars bringing in more crowds, there at least needs to be ONE more land that has extremely high appeal as a theme i don't think Star Wars or Pixar or even Carsland itself would be able to make DHS an exciting park again by themselves, it needs something else that people LOVE in order to put it back up against Uni

 

[rhino4evr]

It's interesting that people seem to think that Phase II will be as big as a success as Phase I of Potter. It's quite possible that adding this, will only appeal to the same exact fans, making it's effect a lot more diminished.

Cars Land and SW Land for MGM seem like the only solution to bring more guests to that park. Since Disney seems to be announcing something Star Wars related every week, I figured we would see something from that IP sooner. Disney didn't just make a huge deal without tons and tons of plans in the works. Cars land is smart for a merchandies/younger kids stand point, as MGM has fewer " kids" rides then any other park. Making MGM (yes I know it's not called this anymore, it's just old habit)..the "thrill seekers" Disney park is another idea. ToT and RRC are probably the most thrilling rides in the entire resort, the should try to add to that to compete with IOA.

 

[J03Y]

okay that idea the person had about the Wreck It Ralph themed actually gets me thinking ugh

@rhino4ever

a) i slip up and say MGM sometimes too lol you're not alone

b) i've always supported more strongly the idea that while it's nice that a larger Pixar Place and an additional WIR and SW land would definitely bring in more crowds, it really should be a more "thrill-seeker" park in order to combat Universal much better. i've said it before, and even in this thread, MGM needs to be the Universal/IOA of Disney World, that park everyone goes to because it's more fun and exciting it's got ToT and RRC and this coaster and that coaster and this that blah and it just seems like Disney wants to focus on the looks rather than the actual ride's quality and like if they want MGM to play Universal's game they can't rely on that tactic because it's not supposed to be that kind of park.

it's cool that they want to expand on their kid-centered audience but right now they need to expand on their teen-centered audience, that's what MGM is supposed to be for the family anyway. that's my opinion on the subject, whether i support a Pixar Place expansion or not.

 

[jtsalien]

It's interesting that people seem to think that Phase II will be as big as a success as Phase I of Potter. It's quite possible that adding this, will only appeal to the same exact fans, making it's effect a lot more diminished.

Cars Land and SW Land for MGM seem like the only solution to bring more guests to that park. Since Disney seems to be announcing something Star Wars related every week, I figured we would see something from that IP sooner. Disney didn't just make a huge deal without tons and tons of plans in the works. Cars land is smart for a merchandies/younger kids stand point, as MGM has fewer " kids" rides then any other park. Making MGM (yes I know it's not called this anymore, it's just old habit)..the "thrill seekers" Disney park is another idea. ToT and RRC are probably the most thrilling rides in the entire resort, the should try to add to that to compete with IOA.

I don't think Phase II has to be as successful. It's the idea that they're rolling out TF, Phase II, seemingly the Jurassic Park expansion and probably another thing or two in the next 3-4 years. Compared to Disney's: The Mine Train, and......Avatar? Maybe. It's hard to call it a fight at this point. People are begining to see who spends their ticket money and who pockets it.

I see where you're going with the thrill seeker idea, but even IoA wants to lose that moniker. MGM needs to be more well rounded. But really it just needs high capacity and high demand things to take up people's time.

 

[jamarmiller]

give me a Star Wars Land and a Cars land and DHS will be a must visit for my family and I. RIght now its a skip.

BUT ANYTHING added would be a good thing to DHS

 

[J03Y]

it's a skip??? But...Tower of Terror....and RRC....TSMM.....Fantasmic!

Anyway, I just want something that can make it exciting and also draw in larger crowds...DHS really is the butt of WDW jokes that's really sad

 

[maxairmike]

I have my doubts about any expansion that would reduce capacity that much starting before they add at least one middle to high capacity attraction somewhere in the A-C range. While you would think that given the minimal lines and ridership the Tour has closing it wouldn't effect things too much, it really would, and LMA eats a few thousand people off the paths for almost an hour when you include how long a lot of people wait in the "line" for it. They know they have a capacity problem, and closing that much capacity is not an option, IMO.

 

[IzzyB]

This is why I think Pixar land would would better. They can build something in the building next to Toy story and open that up, then close BLT and build something there and then finally close LMA. If they do carsland, it will be a nightmare because it would all have to be constructed at the same time and close everything down. They need something they can do in phases.

 

[Disneyhead]

This is why I think Pixar land would would better. They can build something in the building next to Toy story and open that up, then close BLT and build something there and then finally close LMA. If they do carsland, it will be a nightmare because it would all have to be constructed at the same time and close everything down. They need something they can do in phases.

That would not address the problem that they are having and that is deluxe occupancy rates bumping off the low 40% range NOW! They want a big draw that they can plug and play ASAP. That is why it won't be an original thing. That is why they won't address the capacity issues in the park prior to slamming Cars Land in as fast as they can. And they also know that Universal is planning on kicking them while they are down. Universal didn't put them down. That is a result of their own hubris. But Uni fully plans on taking advantage of the result of TDO's arrogance.

 

[samd91]

They need something they can do in phases.

Don't let Disney hear you say that or we may end up with a project as dragged out as New Fantasy land.

 

[UNIrd]

Cars Land, done properly, isn't really a quick fix. Clone or not, it's still an ambitious project that will take years to construct. They could pretty much go any route they want, especially if they already have concepts that include retrofitting existing buildings.

 

[J03Y]

I don't think cloning is necessarily the answer for DHS... Disney CAN come up with an original idea for DHS that's fun and exciting and meets theme park goers the attractions they really want. They're just too concerned with getting something out before Universal completely takes over, which is a strategy that hasn't worked look at New Fantasyland, that was its main purpose after all.

 

[Disneyhead]

I don't think cloning is necessarily the answer for DHS... Disney CAN come up with an original idea for DHS that's fun and exciting and meets theme park goers the attractions they really want. They're just too concerned with getting something out before Universal completely takes over, which is a strategy that hasn't worked look at New Fantasyland, that was its main purpose after all.

Ummm, no. New Fantasyland was designed, 1. when WDW didn't consider Uni/Potter to be a threat. They actually thought Potter would increase WDW's numbers. and 2. it was specifically designed to NOT increase attendance at the MK, because it's main purpose was to address existing capacity issues with the park without compounding them. TDO isn't really surprised that the FLE hasn't increased attendance. What they are shocked about is that on guest surveys, people pretty much have panned the place.

 

[Mike]

Ummm, no. New Fantasyland was designed, 1. when WDW didn't consider Uni/Potter to be a threat. They actually thought Potter would increase WDW's numbers. and 2. it was specifically designed to NOT increase attendance at the MK, because it's main purpose was to address existing capacity issues with the park without compounding them. TDO isn't really surprised that the FLE hasn't increased attendance. What they are shocked about is that on guest surveys, people pretty much have panned the place.

Not only that, but Dumbo's ridership has not increased even though capacity has doubled. Nice area, worse view.

 

[J03Y]

Ummm, no. New Fantasyland was designed, 1. when WDW didn't consider Uni/Potter to be a threat. They actually thought Potter would increase WDW's numbers. and 2. it was specifically designed to NOT increase attendance at the MK, because it's main purpose was to address existing capacity issues with the park without compounding them. TDO isn't really surprised that the FLE hasn't increased attendance. What they are shocked about is that on guest surveys, people pretty much have panned the place.

You just added a second reason to the point I was making for NF DX

And that wasn't the main issue of my post, whether it was incorrect or not

 

[rhino4evr]

That would not address the problem that they are having and that is deluxe occupancy rates bumping off the low 40% range NOW! They want a big draw that they can plug and play ASAP. That is why it won't be an original thing. That is why they won't address the capacity issues in the park prior to slamming Cars Land in as fast as they can. And they also know that Universal is planning on kicking them while they are down. Universal didn't put them down. That is a result of their own hubris. But Uni fully plans on taking advantage of the result of TDO's arrogance.

Honestly, if Disney REALLY wants to start filling hotels, they need to start lowering prices, or offering better deals. There are SO MANY hotels, time-shares, rental condos, homes for rent in the Disney Area now, and plenty with Resort amenities, that staying on site is less and less appealing. Especially considering how expensive they are.

There is a reason Art of Animation is booking up quickly, and it's not just because it's new, it's because people can't afford to spend $400+ a night on a room they will barely be in. We stayed at the Campgrounds this past trip because we had access to an RV. The cabins were $350 a night! I could stay off premises in a townhouse with 3 bedrooms and a full living/kitchen area for about half that cost.

Not to mention, there are WAY too many hotels in the resort to begin with.

 

[UNIrd]

Ummm, no. New Fantasyland was designed, 1. when WDW didn't consider Uni/Potter to be a threat. They actually thought Potter would increase WDW's numbers. and 2. it was specifically designed to NOT increase attendance at the MK, because it's main purpose was to address existing capacity issues with the park without compounding them. TDO isn't really surprised that the FLE hasn't increased attendance. What they are shocked about is that on guest surveys, people pretty much have panned the place.

I'm surprised at that too. I thought everyone would eat it up. I really enjoyed it but let's be honest... The Little Mermaid is seriously underwhelming, Be Our Guest (which I think is the crown jewel of the whole shebang) is only being enjoyed by so many people a day, and I saw a lot of guests approaching Belle's Enchanted Tales and asking what it was, balking at the wait for a walk-through/stand-through, and leaving. Maybe if 7DMT was included as part of the package from the beginning...

 

[J03Y]

Honestly, if Disney REALLY wants to start filling hotels, they need to start lowering prices, or offering better deals. There are SO MANY hotels, time-shares, rental condos, homes for rent in the Disney Area now, and plenty with Resort amenities, that staying on site is less and less appealing. Especially considering how expensive they are.

There is a reason Art of Animation is booking up quickly, and it's not just because it's new, it's because people can't afford to spend $400+ a night on a room they will barely be in. We stayed at the Campgrounds this past trip because we had access to an RV. The cabins were $350 a night! I could stay off premises in a townhouse with 3 bedrooms and a full living/kitchen area for about half that cost.

Not to mention, there are WAY too many hotels in the resort to begin with.

the problem with the hotels at Disney, aside from prices because let's face it prices for even the lesser hotels are shocking, is that there are too many big name and prim hotels. that's the main reason Disney has so many expensive hotels, they won't stop making high class hotels meant to be beyond expensive and expect people to have that kind of money on a regular basis.

i'm not saying they should keep making All-Star inspired hotels (i.e. POP Century and Art of Animation), but Disney needs to get with the financial times, if they make even a fairly decently themed hotel, don't make prices higher than the tickets to actually get in the parks. Disney doesn't get it, people don't come for the sake of spending a bagillion dollars, they come to relax and have a good time on their vacation.