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Seven Attractions that Disney Wouldn’t Build Today

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Walt Disney and his team of Imagineers practically invented the modern theme park. They took old ideas and elevated them to something guests would be talking about for years to come.

Over the years, the crowds have grown most sophisticated and ride technology has changed too. It still comes down to one thing, telling an amazing and engaging story, rich in detail, and immersive in environment.

Here’s a list of 7 attraction types that will never be built again in a Disney theme park:

Snow White / Pinocchio Dark Ride – The original dark ride at Disneyland was little more than a giant electric train set going through a series of wooden cutouts. Not only are ride systems much more complex, guests are too savvy for simple set decorations. The new rides are all nearly 360 degrees immersive.

The Great Movie Ride / Ellen’s Energy Adventure – Not only are both these rides full of expensive to build and maintain animatronics, their ride systems are large and complex, essentially theaters on wheels. The modern guest doesn’t quite get the metaphor.
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Bob Chapek moves from Disney Stores to Disney Parks Chair

bob_chapek_twdc-chair-disney-parks-disWhen Tom Staggs was announced as Chief Operating Officer, it was mentioned he’d retain control of the Disney Parks division until a successor could be found. I think everyone had a 6 to 12 month timeline on that, but Disney can move fast when it wants to.

Effective today Bob Chapek has been named Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Chapek is a 22-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, having served since 2011 as President of Disney Consumer Products, driving a technology-led transformation of the Company’s consumer products, retail and publishing operations. Prior to that he managed Disney’s Home Video/DVD division.

If this move seems familiar it’s because Disney already tried this once with moving Paul Pressler from President of the Disney Stores to Disneyland (and then Disney Parks). The implication that the parks are little more than giant Disney stores is clear. Paul and his successor Cynthia Harriss were never quite able to shake themselves of the rules of retail and took their eyes off the real important things at the theme parks. I have a few suggestions for Bob on how to avoid that fate at the end of this article.

It’s true that this could be a move to expand Bob’s horizons and groom him for additional responsibility within the company. The good news is that merchandise mix at the parks is one thing the parks are generally doing well (the Big Hero 6 mix was a failure, alas). I don’t know much about Bob, this could a perfect fit for him, and I hope it is, but history hasn’t been kind on similar moves.

“Under Bob’s leadership, Consumer Products has seen great success, focusing on brands and a franchise-driven strategy while launching new products and retail experiences that combine technological innovation and creativity,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said. “He is an experienced and versatile executive well-suited to lead Parks and Resorts into the future.”Read More »Bob Chapek moves from Disney Stores to Disney Parks Chair

Disneyland & Walt Disney World raise ticket prices

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As sure as the Earth goes round our sun, Disney’s US theme parks have raised their admission prices again.

As predicted the Walt Disney World one-day ticket price for the Magic Kingdom broke the $100 barrier increasing by $6 to $105. The other three Orlando parks – Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios – only rose $3 from $94 to $97. That’s $2 less than originally thought.

On the other coast, a one-day adult admission to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure will rise from $96 to $99. Prices for children ages 3 to 9 will rise from $90 to $93. A Premium annual pass with parking and no blackout dates will go up from $699 to $779. Almost a full day increase, but still a value if you go just 10 days a year.

I don’t really blame Disney. One of the big complaints I hear is crowds in the park. People were used to crowds during the busy season, but now it seems busy season all year long. Raising prices could help cap the crowds.

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Famous faces from Disneyland sing “For the first time in Forever” from Disney’s Frozen

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Frozen Fun is now at Disney California Adventure Park and everyone at the Disneyland resort is excited! Some of the park’s most famous famous have organized a sing along to “For the First Time in Forever” and hope you’ll join in. In this cute ad spot Harold the Abominable snowman, a goat from Big Thunder Mountain, a Twilight Zone Bell Hop, and more all join in.

It’s clear a lot of love and effort went in to making this video. In fact, you can watch the behind the scenes video below the jump.Read More »Famous faces from Disneyland sing “For the first time in Forever” from Disney’s Frozen

Disney CEO Bob Iger teases big Star Wars theme park presence

We know from previous announcements from Disney CEO and chair Bob Iger that 2015 was the year Disney and Star Wars fans would find out how The Mouse would be expanding The Force inside the parks. On yesterday’s Wall Street analyst calls, Iger shared just… Read More »Disney CEO Bob Iger teases big Star Wars theme park presence

Superbowl XLIX Champions Patriots Stars Julian Edelman & Malcolm Butler Disneyland Victory Parade

It’s the words every football player wants to hear, “You’ve just won the Super Bowl, what are you going to do next?” The answer, of course, “I’m going to Disneyland.” As we covered last night, two of New England Patriots championship team were selected for… Read More »Superbowl XLIX Champions Patriots Stars Julian Edelman & Malcolm Butler Disneyland Victory Parade

Super Bowl XLIX Heroes Malcolm Butler and Julian Edelman are going to Disneyland!

It’s true, the butler did it. Malcolm Butler’s goal line interception sealed the game for the New England Patriots and wide receiver Julian Edelman’s 109 receiving yards on 9 catches helped lead the team to a Super Bowl XLIX championship. Now the pair will be… Read More »Super Bowl XLIX Heroes Malcolm Butler and Julian Edelman are going to Disneyland!

Digital Projection Demo from “Forever” Disneyland’s new Fireworks show.

Last night Disneyland made the big announcement covering the three new shows coming to the park for its diamond celebration 60th anniversary. One of those shows is a new fireworks show called “Forever.” The premise is to Live the Magic by surrounding guests with visuals,… Read More »Digital Projection Demo from “Forever” Disneyland’s new Fireworks show.