More from Variety.com:
The Walt Disney Co. plans for “a far greater ‘Star Wars’ presence” in its theme parks, company chief Bob Iger said Tuesday.
The first look at new attractions based on the sci-fi franchise, beyond “Star Tours” that currently operates at several of its parks, will be revealed next year, Iger said during a conference call with analysts to discuss Disney’s record third quarter results.
The move comes as Disney is readying to release a new “Star Wars” film in theaters starting Dec. 18, 2015, that J.J. Abrams is currently directing.
Disney opted not to inject more “Star Wars” into its parks until its $4 billion acquisition of the company was complete. Deal also gives it the Indiana Jones franchise, already represented by a ride and stunt show at Disney’s resorts.
During the call, Iger said when Disney now decides to build new attractions, “the likelihood of their success is greater” when they’re branded. “When we grow ‘Star Wars” presence, which we will do significantly, you will see better bets being made that will pay off for us than were made in the past,” adding that leveraging the collection of popular franchises and properties that the company owns for rides and experiences will deliver “better returns than we saw in the past.”
5 comments:
Ultimately I'd love to see them develop a Star Wars Land for DHS in Florida and a Marvel Land for DL or DCA in California. Having something unique for both coasts would be nice.
While I am excited for Star Wars themed lands and attractions to be built in the parks, I am at the same time disheartened by Iger's statement that Disney will only be creating attractions that are branded. Yes branded attractions have a better chance for success but some of the best attractions are original ideas. Imagineers are yearning to create something we have never heard or seen before and I long for the day when these original ideas are put back into the parks. Looks like those days are over for the US parks any way, very disheartening indeed.
Can't wait. Star wars land would help Hollywood studios very much.
For DLP this could mean some facade chances in Discoveryland behind SM:m2, upgraded Star Tours 2 and a new show for Captain EO or Videopolis theatre (Jedi Academy most probably) and some streetmosphere in the area.. and that's it.
However, there is a big property available for a grander scale attraction if Captain Eo-theatre and Pizza Planet properties are combined..
Here's my guess. Major Star Wars Land addition for Disney Studios in Florida, and mini-land expansion for Paris. For California, I'm betting on a third park, with Star Wars and Marvel both. Just guesses, of course.
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