Update the Classics

I know that the mention of updating some of the Disney classics will probably make most of you cringe. But, I think that with the right people to make these kinds of decisions and some input from the Disney fans, it could be doable.

Let’s look at WDW’s first crack at an update to a favorite. The infamous Tiki Room “Under New Management.” I throw up in my mouth a little every time if think of this abomination. I understand that the Tiki Room was showing some age and may have been somewhat lack luster. However, this attraction has turned into the poster child of what is wrong with WDW. I am all for change, so lets change it one more time. I don’t necessarily have any ideas that would fix all of the problems and bring it back to its glory, but even going back to the original attraction would be a huge step in the right direction, in my opinion.

Here are a few things that I have been thinking of that would enhance some of our favorites without disturbing the delicate balance of what makes these rides great. Before I write a word of this, you need to understand that none of these things may even be possible from a logistical standpoint. But, who cares? This is all for fun.

First stop The Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney has just recently updated this ride to add Jack Sparrow. I have not been back recently to see the update and it seems to be receiving mixed reviews. The good news is that the Disneyanna community has not been outside the ride with picket signs, so I would assume that it is fine. If Disney did something to PoC that was comparable to “Under New Management,” the internet would be overloaded and probably shut down because of ticked off fans. Anyway, I just wish that they would add on to the ride. At least make it similar to the DL version, but while they were at it they might as well add something new. How about and extended skeleton scene at the beginning with some CGI floating pirate ghosts, like in the movie. Or change up the end of the ride. Add another scene or two to further develop the story with the newer PoC movies.

Next, let’s look at the Jungle Cruise. I love the ride and the concept. However, this ride has been the same forever and needs updating. Even though people love this ride, I think that Disney would have freer reign to make some changes. First, update all of the AA’s. Use all of the newest technologies to make the animals seem more lifelike. They could also possibly change the story line a bit to give it a fresh feel. Lastly, I think they should add a cave exploration part. Make an expansive cave and include cave dwelling animals.

Finally, The Haunted Mansion. Disney would have to be careful here. Again, just like PoC. Rather than make changes, make additions. Lengthen the ride to include more scenes. Or add a walk through to the beginning, end or both. Bring back “The Museum of the Weird” and tack it on after you exit the ride. see details here

"http://www.doombuggies.com/history3.htm"

There are an endless amount of things that could be done to enhance an existing classic that would not upset the masses. Disney just needs to get creative. I know that some of the pencil pushers would want you to believe that spending time and money on a ride that already draws in huge crowds would be pointless. They would want you to believe that they should make another cheap and ugly ride because it will be “new.” Someone needs to tell Disney that “new” quickly fades, but quality lasts a long time. Let’s just see what happens this summer after the very minor upgrades that were made to PoC has a chance to show off in all it's glory. I think that the buzz for this ride is already huge and after the next release of the new movie it is going to be a madhouse.

Please take the time to share your thoughts or any ideas you may have about these attractions. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! See ya in 07.

The Aladdin Dark Ride

I have been bothered by those Aladdin flying carpets in adventureland for some time now. I mean really, who needs those? Why not an Aladdin dark ride? The exterior of the building could have Middle Eastern theme.

I think they should keep it elegant and not cheese it up with an array of plywood cutouts of Aladdin and the Genie. Try to use a color pallet that represents the Middle East and not just slap everything with Barney purple, Princess pink and Genie blue. The ride itself should take place from the first person perspective, IE: we are Aladdin. We do not see him throughout the ride, as was the original Snow White ride. Once through the cue the ride cars would be a fusion of the Peter Pan’s Flight cars and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin car. However, it would have one distinct difference. There would be a small push button control panel for each of the guests. (more on that later)

The guest would sit down inside the carpet and be whisked away to the city of Agrabah. The small town we see below the carpets would be similar to the Peter Pan ride. However, it would be on a slightly bigger scale, so the carpets would have to be physically further away for the same effect. Why bigger you ask? Well, instead of a small docile model set. I think the town should have mini AA's, about the size of action figures. They can walk around, interact with each other and look up at you while you fly by. The next scene takes us to ground level where we encounter AA's of Jafar, his cronies and Lago. They have captured Princess Jasmine. The next scene shows the princess in shackles and looking very sad... But wait who is that, it's the little monkey Abu with the key. As we enter the next area we see that Jasmine is free and wants to ride with us. I'm not sure how this could be done, but I think that Jasmine should somehow board our carpet for the rest of the trip. Either some kind of pop-up AA or with a Finding Nemo ride style projection trick. We then happen across the Genie lamp. We are told by a voice to rub the lamp, then the Genie pops out. The Genie would be another Nemo projection style character. The Genie then offers three choices of where we would like to ride off in to the sunset, so to speak. Different areas of the world or maybe even imaginary CGI created places. Here is where those Horizons style push button pads come in. Everyone in the carpet would make their wish and the popular vote gets it. The carpets then situate themselves in front of an Imax screen and we are taken to "a whole new world." with the music to accompany the end of the ride.