LEGO "Cars" as Test Track replacement?

[KevinYee]

LEGO and PIXAR just signed an agreement: Disney, Lego strike licensing deal - Orlando Business Journal:

So if GM does pull out of Test Track, and Disney looked to re-theme the attraction, Cars is a no-brainer for brand recognition (the ramifications to Epcot's theme are another matter).

So if they went with Cars, what if the Epcot version were "LEGO" Cars rather than pseudo-realistic ones? I can see an easy sell to the theme park guys - the immense amount of toy sales in the gift shop after the ride would see to that.

But what would fan reaction be?

Personally, I'd be happy because:
1. I don't like the automotive testing theme as it stands now, and the "crash test dummies" are horribly 1990s, so anything is better
2. Cars is a fine Disney movie
3. Having a LEGO version of Carsland would give Epcot some distinctive flavor over DCA (and vice versa)

I'd be dismayed because:
1. it's further Pixarification, cartoonization, and move away from "hopeful futurism" that characterized 1982 EPCOT Center.
2. LEGO versions of cars would be even more kid-like, and not match the adult vibe of Epcot (come to think of it, this may be a positive for the execs, since Epcot sometimes tests low for families with small kids)

On balance, I'd be OK with it. The current Test Track is off-theme already, so might as well be off-theme but within the Disney universe.

[aimster]

It would be fine anywhere but EPCOT. I'm tired of them dumbing down attractions and putting in attractions where they don't fir the theme of the area. I always liked the old "edutaimnent" & "permanent World's Fair" aspect of EPCOT and these days it's lost so much of that. It's a mish-mash of things and it's a mess to me.

I think the Studios would be a better place for a Cars-themed ride.

[TDLFAN]

Personally... I think they should take down TT and add a much more technically impressive version of World of Motion. Cars would be OK too.. but for heaven's sakes, let DCA have something unique in it's roster.

[Skawt]

I think Test Track is 100% better than an empty pavillion so I would vote for doing something with Wonders of Life before making changes to Test Track.

[urbandonovan]

Originally Posted by Skawt

I think Test Track is 100% better than an empty pavillion so I would vote for doing something with Wonders of Life before making changes to Test Track.

Couldn't agree more.

[TimmyTimmyTimmy]

LegoRacingStadium... would be a great a ride. Imagine taking a journey in your own Lego car... it would draw masses.
But... Epcot is a very sad chapter in the Disney story... just tear the place down! It will never be what Walt wanted anyway.

[Jspider]

youknow I HATE the idea of Lego further commercializing but that's just me (I think that these newer more movie based legos don't allow for as much creativity when it comes to making your own stuff, but I stopped buying legos a few years ago, not so much for outgrowing them but more because they became uninspired and then canceld the space collection leaving my space base incomplete)

as far as them being in Epcot, ick again I say

my opinion is that Future World is doing fine as is attraction wise (it's kinda ugly and could use some new paint/signage to tie things together better and maybe an Energy replacement)

I'd rather see them just throw down some Mountains in the World Showcase to spice it up a bit (yeah I'm going to say it "Epcot doesn't have enough thrillz" but I don't want said thrills to come at the cost of existing family ridez)

[aimster]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

Personally... I think they should take down TT and add a much more technically impressive version of World of Motion. Cars would be OK too.. but for heaven's sakes, let DCA have something unique in it's roster.

Could not agree more. World of Motion was awesome. It was my 2nd favorite ride at EPCOT after the original Journey Into Imagination.

And yes, I am so tired of the whole cloning rides thing. It gives you a reason to visit the other parks because they have something unique. Otherwise it's a case of, "been there, done that".

[Ride Warrior]

Originally Posted by TimmyTimmyTimmy

LegoRacingStadium... would be a great a ride. Imagine taking a journey in your own Lego car... it would draw masses.
But... Epcot is a very sad chapter in the Disney story... just tear the place down! It will never be what Walt wanted anyway.

I'd prefer to see Test Track maintain it;s sponsor, and be improved upon. If this doesn't occur, then Kevin's concept of a Lego race track would be fun. I love your name, TTT. LegoRacingStadium is cool. Make the cars hibrid or electric and that would solve any theming issues some may have.

[danyoung]

Originally Posted by TimmyTimmyTimmy

Epcot is a very sad chapter in the Disney story... just tear the place down! It will never be what Walt wanted anyway.

As one who holds Epcot as his favorite Disney park anywhere, I couldn't disagree more with your statement. I do agree that it isn't what Walt wanted, but then without Walt there was pretty much no way something that new and innovative could have ever been built. I was a little put off early on when I saw that his idea for a real city was being converted into another park. But I've come to love Epcot just as it is.

I also agree with two of the above posters - put anything new in the Wonders of Life area, and leave Test Track alone. It works just as it is, and always has one of the longest lines in the Park.

[k_peek_2000]

Im for it

[Micoofy Duck]

Umm.. no. I love Test Track. It doesn't have Disney characters splashed all over it. It's original and has its own fun story and I love it the way it is. Let DCA have that crappy too big carsland and leave Epcot out of it.

[urbandonovan]

They can't get rid of Test Track just for the simple fact that it has John Michael Higgins in the ride-movie. That guy is hysterical. Cracks me up in all the Christopher Guest mockumentaries.

[jagass]

This agreement is good I think...

[Stephmtl]

Originally Posted by urbandonovan

They can't get rid of Test Track just for the simple fact that it has John Michael Higgins in the ride-movie. That guy is hysterical. Cracks me up in all the Christopher Guest mockumentaries.

Seconded! When I saw him in the TT preshow I started laughing and everyone around me looked like I was nuts.