Attractions With Movie Tie-Ins VERSUS Attractions Without Movie Tie-ins
The latest news from Disney that the newest themed land to be added to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is based on James Cameron’s CGI masterpiece Avatar. And to say that the news lit a fire under Walt Disney World enthusiasts and fans would be an understatement. Some people were thrilled, while others were LESS than happy about the announcement.
This touches on something that I have been thinking about for a long time…
I’m very curious to know the difference between the popularity of
attractions that are based on movie tie-ins
versus
the attractions that have no movie tie-ins at all.
Let’s take 2 MASSIVELY popular attractions – Tower of Terror VS Soarin’.
Soarin’ at Epcot features an amazing hanglider-type flight over the beautiful vistas of California featuring a fly-over of Disneyland. The Tower of Terror features a thrilling journey into the Twilight Zone that ends with your elevator falling and raising numerous times. Both rides are wildly popular, but only one has a movie tie-in (and no, I do not mean the movie starring Steve Guttenburg…we are ALL trying to forget that one!)
Or how about 2 more examples – Splash Mountain VS Expedition Everest
Splash Mountain is based on the Uncle Remus movie Song of the South, while Everest features a face to face encounter with the Keeper of the Himalayas, the Yeti! Both rides are very popular and only one is based off of a movie.
Does an attraction HAVE to have a movie tie-in to be successful?
I say, NO. But it certainly helps in the mass appeal if there is a suitable franchise or movie behind it (ala The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios). But does the fact that an attraction is based on a movie or TV show make the attraction more popular for park guests?
Take Pirates of the Caribbean, for example. This is an attraction that spawned a VERY successful franchise of movies.But it was a very popular attraction even before it was a movie…and some would say that it was a better experience WITHOUT Captain Jack throughout the ride!
I guess with the Avatar announcement, I am left feeling a little nervous for Walt Disney World. I love the parks very much and I am fiercely protective of my Disney experiences, so when I heard that they were using a NON-Disney based movie to build a completely new “land” into The World, I got very concerned. Perhaps had they chosen Star Wars or perhaps built a Cars Land in Orlando’s parks, I would have felt more comfort and excitement.
Are the Imagineers running out of great ideas? More than likely not, but they seem to be getting a wee bit pigeon-holed. I would LOVE to see Disney Imagineering cut loose on creating new and exciting attractions based on ideas and Blue Sky that they have developed independent of an established TV or movie property. The inner Disney-nostalgic inside of me longs for a time with great attractions like Space Mountain, the Original Journey Into Imagination, and the Haunted Mansion were created.
It’s a great topic for discussion that may never be answered, as long as Disney Imagineering pushes the envelope of technology to create memorable experiences, it shouldn’t matter where the source material came from…but I guess I’m a purist.
Which attractions do YOU think are better: ones WITH movie tie-ins or ones WITHOUT?
Please leave your interesting and creative comments below!!
8 Comments
Tom @mouseaider
This idea of creating AVATAR Land intrigues me to no end.
I am excited to see what a James Cameron – Joe Rohde collaboration might look like. You have two of the most imaginative minds in the world working on this project.
I am not ready to think, speak, or write anything negatively until I have a chance to experience it for myself.
And to answer your question, no, I don’t think you have to have a movie based attraction to make it a successful one. But AVATAR was a great film and I think Disney is trying to bring some fresh visitors to the parks with it.
Give it a chance and enjoy everything that Disney creates.
admin
Thanks for your comments! I really DO enjoy Disney and thee immersive experiences Disney creates, but not being a fan of Avatar, I’m not sure I am sold out on it yet. BUT…it does raise the question about attraction popularity based on established media franchises. I love those 4 parks and want nothing but the best for them! I hope that the Avatar experience completely blows me away, and I will do my best to relax and go with the flow on this one!! Have a magical day, my friend!!
lacehaystack
I don’t think you must have a movie to base an attraction on. Wasn’t the Haunted Mansion movie something that came ‘after’ the ride??? As far as Splash Mountain goes for being themed on a movie, how many of the kids know the movie Song of the South? I’m a bit on the fence about the Avatar tie in .. I thought the movie was visually stimulating, but as far as the story .. not so much. Just my opinion. Maybe I just need to see it again.
My thoughts John, on your comment about “I would LOVE to see Disney Imagineering cut loose on creating new and exciting attractions based on ideas and Blue Sky” you have to remember Walt is gone – it’s pretty much about the $$$ now don’t you think? Stock holders have to stay happy and the Imagineers probably don’t have the latitude they once had – they might be told what realm they can ‘imagine’ in… just saying. Bottom line, I’m not going to draw any conclusion as this could be like many other projects and not even come to be – taking a wait and see approach.
Thanks John for the Great question – really gets one thinking about the “Disney” experience and what draws me personally back time after time. Three cheers for DL/DCA & all of WDW !!!
admin
I have to agree with you that it does come down to $$$, but a man can dream. The original question I had was in my head for a while before the Avatar announcement hit…so it was natural to link the two thoughts. I really pray that someone will come along and take the reigns of Disney Parks and steer it along the lines of Walt..I hold out hopes for John Lassiter, but who knows. Thanks for the great feedback!!
Kathy
I’m also keeping a “Let’s wait and see” perspective when it comes to the proposed Avatar-themed land. I will have to see the movie now!
That said, I do agree with you that I would have loved to see a Star Wars- or Cars-themed land in the works instead.
admin
I’m with you about the “wait and see” – hoping that it really takes Animal Kingdom over the edge!!
Caleb Huston
They just so happen to also be building a Star Wars land in Hollywood Studios!
wdwparkhoppers
Can you confirm that? I have heard rumors but not seen anything concrete…