Disney's California Adventure Project Tracker III

[Uncle Bob]

I agree, the parks could really use a second golden age about now. I just hope they don't conclude that it's completely the franchise that made the rides popular and build more Pooh level attractions. In the end it's quality that will make or break these attractions. It's pretty crazy though, I don't think they have had this much riding on two attractions at least since the early EPCOT days. WDI has an incredible opportunity and a ton of pressure on them for this project, which is probably a good thing. In my experience most designers work best under pressure and few really good things come when people are too comfortable. Let's hope WDI is feeling the pressure and responds with a few new classics.

[astrologic]

I think this time around they will focus on quality more. I feel very optimistic.

[The Disneylander]

Definitely, with new new slogan Al reported. Sure beats the heck out of "If Six Flags can do it..."

[MarkTwain]

There was always supposed to be much more work done in phase 2, but it was my understanding that there had been a few things planned for phase 1. Now it appears those will all be pushed back. I'm surprised more people aren't upset about that. People freaked out about the boardwalk for the fun wheel, and this seems like a bigger thing then that. I guess people have more faith that this will really happen in phase 2 while they think the boardwalk is cancelled forever.

I'm upset about it! This whole Phase 2 is still very much up in the air. I hope attendance picks up in DCA so it can be sure to happen.

[Imagineerfan]

I agree, the parks could really use a second golden age about now. I just hope they don't conclude that it's completely the franchise that made the rides popular and build more Pooh level attractions. In the end it's quality that will make or break these attractions. It's pretty crazy though, I don't think they have had this much riding on two attractions at least since the early EPCOT days. WDI has an incredible opportunity and a ton of pressure on them for this project, which is probably a good thing. In my experience most designers work best under pressure and few really good things come when people are too comfortable. Let's hope WDI is feeling the pressure and responds with a few new classics.

From the perspective of WDI, I can tell you that they are fully aware that it is quality that breeds success and not just the franchise. They are very excited and committed to the projects that are happening now. It has been a long time since they have been given the ability to create at the top of their game. Hopefully the attendance numbers prove this out, although I remain optomistic that they will.

There are also a number of other things currently being planned and developed, particularly for Hong Kong and if Disney can ever finalize the agreements for Shanghai, we will see some cool stuff developed there as well.

In regards to the economy, I think we can look to Japan and the Tokyo parks for the future here. The Japan economic bubble burst years ago and the Japanese economy has never fully recovered and has remained in the doldrums for more than a decade, but the Disney parks continue to do well. Especially in bad economic times, people are looking for ways to escape, but also want to feel they are getting a quality expereince for their limited resources. I think this is where Disney can fit the bill well as long as they keep and expand their committment to quality.

WDW might have more of a struggle in the short term, but like the Tokyo parks, the Anaheim parks are where the locals go. I suspect we will see their numbers continue to do well regardless. Hopefully Disney will put money back into the places where it is being generated. We might not see a bunch of new hotels any time soon, but I do think we will continue to see new investment in the Anaheim parks. Well ... I'm hoping that's how it turns out.

[mark]

Do you think those HK developments or even those in Shanghai will ever see US soil? I'm not so sure...

[Uncle Bob]

From the perspective of WDI, I can tell you that they are fully aware that it is quality that breeds success and not just the franchise. They are very excited and committed to the projects that are happening now. It has been a long time since they have been given the ability to create at the top of their game. Hopefully the attendance numbers prove this out, although I remain optomistic that they will.

There are also a number of other things currently being planned and developed, particularly for Hong Kong and if Disney can ever finalize the agreements for Shanghai, we will see some cool stuff developed there as well.

In regards to the economy, I think we can look to Japan and the Tokyo parks for the future here. The Japan economic bubble burst years ago and the Japanese economy has never fully recovered and has remained in the doldrums for more than a decade, but the Disney parks continue to do well. Especially in bad economic times, people are looking for ways to escape, but also want to feel they are getting a quality expereince for their limited resources. I think this is where Disney can fit the bill well as long as they keep and expand their committment to quality.

WDW might have more of a struggle in the short term, but like the Tokyo parks, the Anaheim parks are where the locals go. I suspect we will see their numbers continue to do well regardless. Hopefully Disney will put money back into the places where it is being generated. We might not see a bunch of new hotels any time soon, but I do think we will continue to see new investment in the Anaheim parks. Well ... I'm hoping that's how it turns out.

I pretty much agree with everything you said. I never doubted WDI's understanding that quality was key, my concern about success was more that management will conclude that they need to cram more 'Cars' into every park. In the end though the results will have to speak for themselves and if they do I think they'll recognize that the investment is worth it and that it will pay off, especially over the long term.

I definitely am optimistic, but I'm in a funny way nervous because I really think this will have a big impact on how this new management structure will fund the parks in the future. If this works I would imagine phase 2 will really be something, DL will get a lavish new TL, the third gate will get a go ahead, and WDW's parks will likely get some big new attractions too, especially if the economy picks up. Even more significant though will be whether it demonstrates that big budget AA based attractions are worth the investment they require today.

I'm also very excited about the new projects in China. It's pretty cool that there might be a new Magic Kingdom built with some new unique features, a good budget and new ideas and technology. Hopefully these new ideas and technology will inspires improvements to all the parks.

[jmuboy]

Maybe not directly DCA related, but glad to hear some plans for a DL Hotel facelift / upgrade are moving forward!

[k_peek_2000]

Do you think those HK developments or even those in Shanghai will ever see US soil? I'm not so sure...

A Wall-E attraction hats going in Shanghai will most likely make it to DL.

[dizzneeland]

A Wall-E attraction hats going in Shanghai will most likely make it to DL.

-SideNote-

Doesn't Wall-E go against the theme of Tomorrowland because it's such a bleak representation of the future???

[KsfCptnAwesome]

IMO the ending is very optimistic.

[Ryancr78]

IMO the ending is very optimistic.

I totally agree. I think it would be really cool and appropriate if Tomorrowland had a more environmentalist "take care of the planet" theme in the future. Wall-e would be an ideal starting point for that type of message.

[goofypirate]

I wish I had my camera!! A second lenticular panel has been installed next to the one featuring Crush. This one shows pretty much the same effects but features Pocahontas. There's also two signs describing what's going on in the laggoon. One says the featured movies will also include Alice, Lion King, Pocahontas, Toy Story, and many more! The major support framework for the show has been installed at the center of the lagoon and they're currently pouring more concrete near the new retaining wall below Ariels Grotto.

[goofypirate]

They're feeding approx 20 foot long tubing into the support structure now. Could be water lines, I dunno. They're about 3 or 4 inches in diameter and I'd guess there's 15 on an elevated rack so they can easily be fed into the beams.

[AliKzam]

I wish I had my camera!! A second lenticular panel has been installed next to the one featuring Crush. This one shows pretty much the same effects but features Pocahontas. There's also two signs describing what's going on in the laggoon. One says the featured movies will also include Alice, Lion King, Pocahontas, Toy Story, and many more! The major support framework for the show has been installed at the center of the lagoon and they're currently pouring more concrete near the new retaining wall below Ariels Grotto.

That's awesome. I wonder if they plan on putting those signs up all around the lagoon? Then you could go around the lagoon, swaying back and forth to see the signs move-- pre-show right there! That would be cool to see and fun to people-watch as people sway back and forth.