Theme Park Apprentice Final: Create a new theme park

June 8, 2010, 10:45 AM · It's time for the final of our first Theme Park Apprentice game. Our two finalists have been challenged to design a new theme park.

Take a look at the discussion, then help us choose the winner.
Congratulations to our finalists, and thanks to everyone who played! A big thank you, as well, to Tim W for organizing the game.

Replies (26)

June 8, 2010 at 10:59 AM · Anthony: your ideas were cool, but I had to go with Nick's park. I loved his ride ideas and his lands sounded cool (Star Wars, Avatar, etc.). Sorry dude, although the voting is still going. Good luck to both of you! :)
June 8, 2010 at 11:33 AM · Both concepts were strong. In the end, I went with Anthony as his park seems more fitting overall for Disney, but I'd buy a 2 day pass for Nick's as well :). I think the negative criticisms come from our own ideas of how we, individually, would strengthen each park. Not to dismiss your concepts. I'm sure most of you do this with every theme park you visit- its fun to second guess or one up the pros. Congrats to both of you!!!!
June 8, 2010 at 12:17 PM · Anthony -
This is tough to do, since I know we share a common goal in life, but I gotta go with Nick, as well. I thought his idea was a little more original (plus I'm a little bitter that there's not a Motown section of your park!). Also, his presentation style shows his dedication.

Nick -
Many people put your idea down as un-Disney-like, which, I believe, is the same reason I was eliminated in round 3. To the doubters, I ask this: Is the Twilight Zone very Disney-like? How about Indiana Jones? Star Wars? Aerosmith? Frankly, I find much of today's Disney is very un-Disney-like. The Jonas Brothers? American Idol? Miley Cyrus? Mickey's Playhouse? Lame, lame, lame. I liked your idea because it featured something a little different than Disney's latest movie adapted into an attraction.

Good job to both of you for making it this far.

June 8, 2010 at 2:44 PM · Since the comments for the final thread have been maxed out, I have posted another thread. In it, i mentioned Water Park Apprentice, the 2nd version of theme Park Apprentice.

Please disregard the further comments i made about moving forward with TP Apprentice 2 that are now deleted. I've decided that the water version will be smaller version which is why I'm doing it now. Due to a vacation in early august, moving in the early fall, and starting college, I will definately have to take a break from running these competitions. We will take a break after the water version and then continue with a 2nd season of TP Apprentice sometime in November or December.

June 8, 2010 at 3:12 PM · I can't find the thread.
June 8, 2010 at 3:13 PM · ^Hey Tim, if you would like, I could run the competition as I have A LOT of time on my hands. :D
June 8, 2010 at 3:50 PM · I just submitted it. Hasn't been posted yet Andy.
June 8, 2010 at 4:07 PM · I'm really excited. Sorry for being so impatient.
June 8, 2010 at 4:07 PM · I think Anthony's ideas were very unique and different. The attractions sounded very appealing to everyone and sorry but I think music had a much bigger role in the way of Disney than heroes did. Walt put a lot of effort into Fantasia and I think
it's always been a good idea to theme a ride around Fantasia. Don't mean to be mean (irony) but Nick, most of your attractions seemed like they were based off of rides made even though I did like your idea to finally make attractions based off of Hercules (I've always wanted Disney to do something like that) Sorry but, I had to go with Anthony.
June 8, 2010 at 4:18 PM · First off I'd like to say I really liked both of your ideas but, I had to go with Anthony's. I really liked Nick's idea to include Hercules attractions which I have been wanting Disney to do for a long time. Sorry Nick but, I found Anthony's ideas
a little more new and unique. I also think music played a huge role in a lot of Disney's prowess rather than heroes. Silly Symphonies is really what got him started in being successful even more so than Mickey Mouse (my opinion). I'd really like to see those Fantasia attractions they really do sound spectacular and congrats to Nick and Anthony for making it in the Finals!
June 8, 2010 at 5:08 PM · I really liked the yellow submarine idea, that just sounds awesome! Also I really liked Nick's incredibles omnidroid idea, that sounds awesome too.
June 8, 2010 at 5:17 PM · Brilliant! Both of you gentlemen should be beaming with pride at your imaginative creations.

The deciding factor was really quite simple for me: while I absolutely fell in love with Anthony's theme park at first reading, the underlying threat that the AI Experience could one day find permanent residence at WWM was too much for me to risk.

Nick, you get my vote on a technicality.

And seriously, wonderful work, both of you!

June 8, 2010 at 5:32 PM · Nick, just wondering, but have you heard of the neverlandfiles website? The omnidroid idea is on their website.
June 8, 2010 at 5:35 PM · PLAGARISM! Just kidding, it was probably just coincidence.
June 8, 2010 at 6:37 PM · Of course it's on their website. Any theme park geek who has seen The Incredibles instantly thought that scene would make an excellent attraction.
June 8, 2010 at 7:21 PM · Huh, that's funny. I have never heard of the site, though like Joshua said, it was like they made the Omnidroid to be made into a future theme park attraction! :)
June 8, 2010 at 7:23 PM · I went with Anthony because the idea seems like something that Walt might have com up with. Also, I prefer the way he describes his ideas. He makes them sound unique, rather than comparing them to pre-existing attractions.
June 8, 2010 at 7:36 PM · Interesting how close they sound Nick! What a coincidence. And it looks like we may have our winner...
June 8, 2010 at 9:29 PM · The final voting was kept anonymous, but we were all here for fun and what we could learn.
I voted for Anthony (yes, in the final vote, and on this most recent poll), because I thought it was more well themed, true to Disney, deeper story, more original and more thought out. It fit more with what was being asked in the final assignment.

Both were well done, but I felt that Anthony got what is was really all about, all along.

Congrats to both for making it to the final 2.

This was a fun learning experience and personally great for getting me writing and thinking creatively again. Good luck to those in the next competition, and... have fun.

June 8, 2010 at 9:51 PM · I voted for Anthony. A music-themed park would be great at WDW. I liked a lot of Nick's ideas, but anything that involves "Avatar" I cannot vote for.
June 8, 2010 at 10:10 PM · Eh, it looks like Nick might be the winner, but it seemed very close which I like. It does seem that more or the ocmments are for me vs Nick. I didn't count them so do not quote me on that! Still, I have a great time and learned of new attraction ideas if Disney or Universal ever asks for my opinion!
June 9, 2010 at 7:46 AM · Hey Tim, how much longer should it be? Again. sorry for being impatient. By the way, you said it (Water Park Apprentice) will be smaller than TPA (Theme Park Apprentice). Does that mean it will have less than 8 challenges or what?
June 9, 2010 at 8:03 AM · Yes, it will be shorter. There will be about 6 Challenges compared to the 8. And two contestants will be eliminated each round instead of 1
June 9, 2010 at 10:56 AM · Is it up yet? 'Cause I am ready to go!
June 9, 2010 at 2:51 PM · Again, it will not be up till June 21st at the earliest.
June 10, 2010 at 6:29 AM · Oops....sorry. Blonde moment. :( Anyway, Nick, if you read this, I would like to know if I could use your "Ride with the Incredibles" idea in my theme park that I'm designing (See Challenge 8). I felt that I should get permission from you first though....

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