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The Old KidZone Thread

  • Thread starter Thread starter wdwbiged
  • Start date Start date Dec 28, 2011
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Nick

Nick

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #821
Felipe said:
I've said it before and I'd like to mention it again, since it's been brought up: Dora. It's been going strong for many years and continues to be popular and prevalent today. Plus, they're already featuring the character, so you know there's a solid possibility of working with the IP and a strong possibility of it getting some real estate in KidZone.
Click to expand...
I can see Dora taking over in the Barney show area and doing a show for Dora, but if it were me, I wouldn't invest much more than that in it.
 
Cupcakes

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #822
If they really wanted to go all-out with Dora (even though I don't think it's a good idea) I'd recommend either a boat ride or a mini-train ride or possibly even both. (do like a Storybook Land/Casey Jr. Train kind of thing)
 
Last edited: Jul 31, 2013
mainejeff

mainejeff

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #823
It's looking more and more like a Despicable Me land would have been a good idea now that DM2 has become the #2 movie of the summer and DM3 will inevitably be on its way in a couple of years.
 
jarmor

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #824
Does the "new" kidszone have to be IP related? Do you think it would survive with something universal creative came up with a la lost continent?
 
IzzyB

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #825
OK, I think the problem with us discussing this topic is that we are not the age group they are trying to target. Of course you all want spongebob, scooby, and other things. Because they are either cartoons we can watch today in our age group or we remember from our childhood. I think Uni is going to be looking at the demographic of 3 to 13 (and their parents) and seeing what is popular and what has staying power. I question Dora a little, I think it is at the end of its run. I see less and less Dora merchandise out there when shopping for cloths, toys, books, etc for my LO. So that tells me it might be on a downward trend. Not something Uni is going to want to do, especially if this is not opening until 2015/2016 time frame. That is the issue with most preschool IPs, which is why I don't think they will go for a preschool IP. Look at Disney, they have one attraction geared towards the preschool age kids TV and that is an attraction that they can change easily (and do) to get rid of the old IPs and bring in the new IPs. The rest of their IPs are movie based which have a broader reach to adults, but also have more staying power in the end. There also may be a trend just starting that could really shake up the preschool age IPs. There have been some recent studies done about the type of shows we let our LOs watch. Shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse are really good because it is adventure based, but shows like Strawberry Shortcake are not. Because they show kids behaving badly for 20 minutes and then nice for the last 2 to 3 minutes. The studies are showing the kids are picking up on the bad behavior more than the moral the show is trying to teach. If this study starts to gain traction it could really turn TV programming upside down. I had already had this belief myself and don't let my LO watch TV shows like that and my friend from across the country came in and started talking about the same thing and even gave me the research they have done. So to me if someone from a different part of the country also has this belief (and studies to back it up) and friends who also share this belief, then I can see this starting to gain traction. She has preschool/K kids and has many friends with the same age kids. I don't base trends off of what I think, because honestly do not have a ton of friends in Orlando with preschool age kids. We just started daycare and I haven't gotten to really meet a ton of parents. But seeing other friends from not Orlando talk about this stuff, it really started me to think. You think mom's took the violence on shows trend too far, think of this, the study shows that kids who watch strawberry shortcake became more violent more quickly than kids that watch violent programs. You don't think soccer mom's aren't going to latch onto that type of thing?

So basically I am saying, I think it will be more movie based than show based and I don't think the IP will be aimed at preschool kids. I think it will be an IP that appeals to the grade school kids with rides in it that preschool kids will enjoy. Lets face it, preschool kids don't have much of an opinion. They like things with bright colors and what is put in front of them. My kid has never watched a sponge bob episode in her entire life, but she LOVES the store and always wants to go into it. Because it has the colors she likes. She has never watched Dumbo, but she sure loves and asks to go into the dumbo area. You don't need an IP they have been exposed too, you just need the right ride and/or colors that will attract them. Grade school/teens are more the kids that need the IP to be interested in it. And parents just need something they can enjoy, they won't be the ones pointing at the rides saying lets go on it, that will be the kids, the parents just need to want to go back on it a second time, to make it worth it to plan another one of these trips.
 
Bryce

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #826
jarmor said:
Does the "new" kidszone have to be IP related? Do you think it would survive with something universal creative came up with a la lost continent?
Click to expand...
That would nice! Though, I doubt it would happen.
 
T

tribbleorlfl

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #827
IzzyB said:
OK, I think the problem with us discussing this topic is that we are not the age group they are trying to target. Of course you all want spongebob, scooby, and other things. Because they are either cartoons we can watch today in our age group or we remember from our childhood.
Click to expand...

As usual, I agree w/ most of your post (especially in terms of what passes as children's entertainment lately; most of it is utter garbage). All of the suggestions seem to be more what posters want to see rather than what the kids who would be playing in this area would want to see (or their parents can stand to be in).

As I said in a prior post, I hope Spongebob and other Nicktoons are on their way out. Ratings have been plummeting for these shows in recent years, and merchandising is nowhere near what ig usdd to be 5-10 years ago. Plus, why would Uni invest $ in a declining brand that they've already replaced w/ another?

The trouble is, there aren't too many popular kid-focused franchises w/ staying power left for theme park rights. In addition, changing demographics and tastes means popular children's entertainment is more digital/interactive than traditional toys and TV shows. Just look at Skylanders- they're a top selling toy AND videogame, and licensed merchandise is popping up everywhere. Perhaps there could be something to that survey from a couple years ago asking about Nintendo?

Another thought piggybacking on the Hasbro comments- what about Hasbro board games? I can think of some really interesting gender-neutral attractions based on kids games (Mousetrap, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Candy Land) and family games (Monopoly, Battleship, Twister).
 
jtsalien

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #828
tribbleorlfl said:
As I said in a prior post, I hope Spongebob and other Nicktoons are on their way out. Ratings have been plummeting for these shows in recent years, and merchandising is nowhere near what ig usdd to be 5-10 years ago. Plus, why would Uni invest $ in a declining brand that they've already replaced w/ another?

The trouble is, there aren't too many popular kid-focused franchises w/ staying power left for theme park rights. In addition, changing demographics and tastes means popular children's entertainment is more digital/interactive than traditional toys and TV shows. Just look at Skylanders- they're a top selling toy AND videogame, and licensed merchandise is popping up everywhere. Perhaps there could be something to that survey from a couple years ago asking about Nintendo?
Click to expand...

I was curious just to see how true this death of Spongebob talk is. It seemed the biggest dip in ratings occurred in early 2012, with the show down 29% from a year ago. I don't think I'd call that plummeting, but it is a bit troubling. However, Nickelodeon seemed to think it was no fault of the show, but actually due to their Netflix agreement. This is why they declined to renew their deal and the show is no longer available (Just fun to point out, they jumped ship to Amazon Prime). And I haven't found any more news, or signs of trouble from Nick since that time. So things may have improved, and they may not have.

But I do know another movie is set to come out in 2014. They just signed a new videogame deal with Activision. And we're guaranteed he have stayed around 15+ years thanks to that movie. As for Uni investing in a "declining brand", they already did with Storepants and the Superstar Parade so obviously they at least have some hope in the character.

In reality, they're never going to risk money on an unproven property. It won't be the next big thing or something on the rise, it will be something that has been reliable for years. It doesn't get much better than Spongebob in that regard.
 
M

mahnamahna

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #829
tribbleorlfl said:
As usual, I agree w/ most of your post (especially in terms of what passes as children's entertainment lately; most of it is utter garbage). All of the suggestions seem to be more what posters want to see rather than what the kids who would be playing in this area would want to see (or their parents can stand to be in).

As I said in a prior post, I hope Spongebob and other Nicktoons are on their way out. Ratings have been plummeting for these shows in recent years, and merchandising is nowhere near what ig usdd to be 5-10 years ago. Plus, why would Uni invest $ in a declining brand that they've already replaced w/ another?

The trouble is, there aren't too many popular kid-focused franchises w/ staying power left for theme park rights. In addition, changing demographics and tastes means popular children's entertainment is more digital/interactive than traditional toys and TV shows. Just look at Skylanders- they're a top selling toy AND videogame, and licensed merchandise is popping up everywhere. Perhaps there could be something to that survey from a couple years ago asking about Nintendo?

Another thought piggybacking on the Hasbro comments- what about Hasbro board games? I can think of some really interesting gender-neutral attractions based on kids games (Mousetrap, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Candy Land) and family games (Monopoly, Battleship, Twister).
Click to expand...

I would say Candy-Land is the only board game I could ever see getting a theme park attraction :lol:

It has staying power so I'd definitely approve of its presence - really kid properties with staying power should be included.

These franchises have all proven their staying power/popularity in some way or another:

Dora - 13 years
SpongeBob - 14 years
TMNT - 29 years
My Little Pony - 30 years
Hello Kitty - 39 years
Scooby and Sesame Street - 44 years
The Smurfs - 55 years
Peanuts - 63 years
Candyland - 64 years

These are all what I'd call timeless franchises - granted some of them like MLP and Smurfs needed a reboot to make them relevant again, but the rest of these have remained popular for years.

But Nintendo doesn't belong in a movie park - I'd love a 3rd gate featuring Nintendo though!
 
IzzyB

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #830
tribbleorlfl said:
The trouble is, there aren't too many popular kid-focused franchises w/ staying power left for theme park rights. In addition, changing demographics and tastes means popular children's entertainment is more digital/interactive than traditional toys and TV shows. Just look at Skylanders- they're a top selling toy AND videogame, and licensed merchandise is popping up everywhere. Perhaps there could be something to that survey from a couple years ago asking about Nintendo?

Another thought piggybacking on the Hasbro comments- what about Hasbro board games? I can think of some really interesting gender-neutral attractions based on kids games (Mousetrap, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Candy Land) and family games (Monopoly, Battleship, Twister).
Click to expand...

I agree, not too many popular kid focused brands outside of Disney brands. Which is why I think staying away from a TV IP would be best. I think it would be best to do a movie. Board game is an interesting one, I think it could work, but there might be some conflict with it being a movie park. Chutes and ladders play area would be good. Monopoly is huge for all ages, so that would be another good one, but not sure how you could base a ride off of it. Maybe something like more of an interactive area. But the issue comes back to what rides would you do for a board game area. Mousetrap is about the only one I see with potential. Battleship would also have potential, but with the latest movie flop, I am not sure that would be attempted.

Nintendo would also work, but again, not sure it belongs in a movie park.

jtsalien said:
I was curious just to see how true this death of Spongebob talk is. It seemed the biggest dip in ratings occurred in early 2012, with the show down 29% from a year ago. I don't think I'd call that plummeting, but it is a bit troubling. However, Nickelodeon seemed to think it was no fault of the show, but actually due to their Netflix agreement. This is why they declined to renew their deal and the show is no longer available (Just fun to point out, they jumped ship to Amazon Prime). And I haven't found any more news, or signs of trouble from Nick since that time. So things may have improved, and they may not have.

But I do know another movie is set to come out in 2014. They just signed a new videogame deal with Activision. And we're guaranteed he have stayed around 15+ years thanks to that movie. As for Uni investing in a "declining brand", they already did with Storepants and the Superstar Parade so obviously they at least have some hope in the character.

In reality, they're never going to risk money on an unproven property. It won't be the next big thing or something on the rise, it will be something that has been reliable for years. It doesn't get much better than Spongebob in that regard.
Click to expand...

I just want to clarify, I know nothing about the death of Spongebob and was not speculating on the death of Spongebob. My main decline example was Dora, which I personally have seen less Dora merchandise compared to when my LOs were first born. 29% drop is pretty huge for something that has been around for as long as it has. Also, I agree that the next big thing is not smart to invest in. Which is why again, I think staying away from TV IPs that fluctuate too much is a bad move. I think going with a movie IP would be better. I mean when was the last Jaws movie, yet people still loved the ride. Those are the IPs they need.
 
Cupcakes

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #831
SpongeBob definitely won't last forever. Sure, some people have said that it will, but that's the same thing people said about Rugrats back in the 90s. Look at it now. Sure it's still a known household name, but it's nowhere near as recognized as it used to be. Universal wouldn't risk making an attraction off of it now (which is a shame since a Rugrats dark ride would be seriously awesome).

I think building D-ticket dark rides for both Rugrats and SpongeBob would be great if they were going to make Kidzone into a Nickelodeon land where only its most famous properties get attractions. But since that probably won't happen, I think building anything bigger than a SpongeBob flat ride is a bad idea.
 
M

mahnamahna

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #832
Cupcakes said:
SpongeBob definitely won't last forever. Sure, some people have said that it will, but that's the same thing people said about Rugrats back in the 90s. Look at it now. Sure it's still a known household name, but it's nowhere near as recognized as it used to be. Universal wouldn't risk making an attraction off of it now (which is a shame since a Rugrats dark ride would be seriously awesome).

I think building D-ticket dark rides for both Rugrats and SpongeBob would be great if they were going to make Kidzone into a Nickelodeon land where only its most famous properties get attractions. But since that probably won't happen, I think building anything bigger than a SpongeBob flat ride is a bad idea.
Click to expand...

Rugrats ruined itself with Dil and Kimi IMHO... the show was great from 1991 to 1998, was okay from 1998 to 2000, and after Rugrats in Paris, the quality plummeted astronomically so even as a kid, I stopped watching it.

SpongeBob is a lot more recognizable than any of the other Nicktoons though - he's basically the Mickey Mouse of Nickelodeon when it comes to icon status. So even though like the Simpsons, the show's ratings are declining, there's still a huge fanbase.

You'd be surprised how many older kids/teens/adults have nostalgia for SpongeBob even though they hate how awful the show is these days. Plenty of people would love to visit the Chum Bucket or go to Boating School :dance:

I agree though - give SpongeBob the Fievel play area, add in a Jellyfish or Hooky flat ride, and theme KidZone Pizza to Krusty Krab Pizza and you've got a nice SpongeBob mini-land. But I wouldn't be surprised if he got a D or E ticket water ride

But Scooby-Doo would be perfect for a D-ticket family dark ride IMO - either in KidZone or replacing the Toon Lagoon theater
 
Last edited: Jul 31, 2013
M

Milla4Prez66

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #833
With seeing how good of a job Universal is doing bringing Springfield to life, I'd love to check out what they could do with at least the Krusty Krab.
 
Shadow Carelli

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #834
Or they could have a Hooky bungee jump type thing. I know, not really for kids, but seriously, who wouldn't want to see that in a Spongebob land?
 
Nick

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #835
jtsalien said:
I was curious just to see how true this death of Spongebob talk is. It seemed the biggest dip in ratings occurred in early 2012, with the show down 29% from a year ago. I don't think I'd call that plummeting, but it is a bit troubling. However, Nickelodeon seemed to think it was no fault of the show, but actually due to their Netflix agreement. This is why they declined to renew their deal and the show is no longer available (Just fun to point out, they jumped ship to Amazon Prime). And I haven't found any more news, or signs of trouble from Nick since that time. So things may have improved, and they may not have.

But I do know another movie is set to come out in 2014. They just signed a new videogame deal with Activision. And we're guaranteed he have stayed around 15+ years thanks to that movie. As for Uni investing in a "declining brand", they already did with Storepants and the Superstar Parade so obviously they at least have some hope in the character.

In reality, they're never going to risk money on an unproven property. It won't be the next big thing or something on the rise, it will be something that has been reliable for years. It doesn't get much better than Spongebob in that regard.
Click to expand...
From what I remember, Phineas & Ferb was a big player in that drop.
 
Hockeyman55

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #836
mahnamahna said:
TMNT - 29 years
Click to expand...

This gets my vote :thumbs:
 
Cupcakes

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #837
I have to admit, at this point I think I'm more excited for the Kidzone redo than Diagon Alley itself. Seriously, the amount of potential in this whole area is virtually limitless.

I think they really can take the worst area of the park and make it one of the best.

I'd definitely say that putting the most proven brands in is the best way to go.
 
M

mahnamahna

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  • #838
Cupcakes said:
I have to admit, at this point I think I'm more excited for the Kidzone redo than Diagon Alley itself. Seriously, the amount of potential in this whole area is virtually limitless.

I think they really can take the worst area of the park and make it one of the best.

I'd definitely say that putting the most proven brands in is the best way to go.
Click to expand...

Exactly! Potter is gonna be great but the mystery around the total gutting of KidZone is killing me. Here's hoping we get some news around D23!!
 
jtsalien

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #839
Next Big Thing said:
From what I remember, Phineas & Ferb was a big player in that drop.
Click to expand...

I'm certainly not claiming to be an expert on the subject. Just reported what back what I came across. But that would make sense.
 
Accio Butterbeer

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  • Jul 31, 2013
  • #840
I'm not sure if this is true but somebody I know heard from somebody that worked at Universal that the Kid Zone will indeed be getting a Krusty Krab? I think it's a good chance of happening but he says the guy confirmed it? Any chance I could get any word on this HTF or Disneyhead?
 
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