Orlando Theme Park Construction Update: Wet 'n Wild Hotels, Star Wars Land

July 23, 2015, 3:38 PM · We've gotten a couple of tips on big construction projects coming to the Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando resorts that we are ready to share with you.

First, at Universal Orlando — We are hearing that Universal has decided to proceed with plans to build two hotel towers on the Wet 'n Wild property, which will become available after the world's first water park closes forever after next summer. With the water park and its parking lot across the street taking up about 51 acres, the parcels are far too small to host a third gate for the Universal Orlando Resort. It'd be a tight fit to provide a home for the sprawling types of hotels that Universal Orlando has built on its core property, too. (Take a look at Google Maps and see how much space the Cabana Bay Beach Resort takes, for an example.)

Wet 'n Wild

But two high-rise hotel towers would fit perfectly on the parcels, with room for some nice landscaping buffer around the property, too. Universal management has expressed its desire to have 10,000-15,000 hotel rooms on its property. The addition of the Sapphire Falls Resort next summer will bring the resort up to 5,000 rooms, so Universal has quite a way to go to reach its goal. With land filling quickly at the resort, there's just one way left to go — up — so hotels towers appear to be the solution.

As for replacing Wet 'n Wild, Universal Orlando has announced plans for the new Volcano Bay water park, to be build on land south of the Cabana Bay hotel and scheduled for a 2017 opening.

Next, down the road at the Walt Disney World Resort — We have heard the big news from multiple sources that Disney has selected a contractor to build its planned Star Wars Land, and that the announcement of the new land will be coming very soon. The obvious time and place for the announcement would be the Disney Parks presentation at the D23 Expo in Anaheim on August 15, but Disney has yet to announce any announcement during the Expo for new attractions at its parks.

Star Wars

Still, when a theme park gets to the point of hiring outside construction help, that means that the project is a go and shovels are ready to hit the ground. Fans should expect visible construction work to begin on Star Wars Land in the park not long after the official announcement, unlike with the Avatar project, where designs weren't completed and a contractor wasn't hired for a few years after Disney's initial announcement of the land. (Or, FWIW, any of Universal's projects, where the attractions are darn near well completed before Universal bothers to make a formal announcement.)

As for Star Wars Land at the Disneyland Resort, most of what we are hearing from insiders suggests that project will run slightly behind the Walt Disney World version, so we are expecting an opening date at Disneyland at least a year or more behind Walt Disney World's, though we are not convinced that is a set deal at this point.

You Might Also Like:

Replies (42)

July 23, 2015 at 3:50 PM · I wonder if Disneyland Resort is intentionally delaying to meet the rules of the tax abatement legislation. Construction to start before the end of 2017. They are sticking to that.

All the excitement is in Orlando. With the contractors chosen for Star Wars, construction should take no more than 2 years. Is 2017 the Grand Opening?

July 23, 2015 at 4:05 PM · With some attractions closing at DHS, it's best to decide that a mid-2017 or early 2018 could be the best option to finish the expansion of the park (Star Wars/Cars Land, etc). So by D23 Expo, we'll get our answers straight. Until then, fingers crossed, brohmas!
July 23, 2015 at 4:55 PM · Yes, the hotels are what most of us were discussing for that Wet & Wild property, largely for the same reasons Niles is pointing out..... Great news that the Star Wars project for DHS is probably going to happen sooner rather than later. This is an IP that I really like......Kudos to both Universal & Disney for moving in the right direction.
July 23, 2015 at 5:05 PM · I'm at Disneyland right now, where in the heck is this Star Wars Land going. Tomorrowland needs an update pretty badly (even more so than WDW). I can see the Millinium Fulcin going where the people mover station is now.
July 23, 2015 at 5:40 PM · Just so we're clear: this means there will *not* be a third theme park at Universal Orlando any time soon, despite the rumors that were circulating on the blogs today.
July 23, 2015 at 6:08 PM · The rumors started from an unreliable site. I only pay attention to Universal info on Orlando United or Theme Park Insider, with an occasional listen to Orlando Informer. The others are generally inaccurate or wrong.
July 23, 2015 at 6:49 PM · Available land is the biggest impediment to a third gate at Universal. They would really need to buy up all of those Surrounding condos and apartments. Perhaps they can simply expand both of their existing parks instead.

I'd love to see a Universal designed high rise, and I'd be all for a 30-story hotel or two.

As for WDW, does anyone really think Star Wars will be completed in two years? I'm guessing they will perhaps finish one phase by then, but Disney likes to open lands at a slow pace. If the quality is what I know they can deliver, I don't mind waiting, I should mention.

I just really hope if that $3b vault that they may be working with is close to being correct, some of that money is earmarked for a re-working of the parking lots and thus, an actual footprint expansion of the park, rather than simply swapping attractions and some (major) re-theming. DHS is too small, as-is.

It's such an exciting time to be a Universal/Disney fan.

July 23, 2015 at 7:42 PM · Bob Iger actually investing in the parks, i doubt it. When i see the finished product i will believe until then i doubt anything will come to fruit.
July 23, 2015 at 8:31 PM · While I think the space for Wet n Wild would be better used by being renovated into a newer water park, I don't mind a new hotel all that much. At least they're expanding.

I am also very excited for Star Wars Land. I think the Original Trilogy is the greatest and most original space story ever told (sorry Trekkies!). And the Prequels are my three biggest guilty pleasures (please don't hate me!). However, I have a tough time theorizing about what attractions you could put in a Star Wars Land. Every moment from the films that would translate well into a ride have already been done in Star Tours.

You wanna reenact the trench scene from A New Hope? Star Tours has it.

You want the Battle of Hoth from Empire Strikes Back? Star Tours has it.

You wanna go podracing like in Phantom Menace? Star Tours has it.

You wanna meet Darth Vader? Not only does he appear in Star Tours, but your own kid actually gets to fight him with a lightsaber.

I've heard that Disney wants to incorporate some stuff from the new movie in there. Maybe that will have some good ride-worthy scenes. But hopefully not too much, so that the fans of the previous films can still enjoy the land. And hopefully the official name won't be "Star Wars Land." "Star Wars Galaxy" would probably be a much better name.


July 23, 2015 at 11:29 PM · Thank you 86.152.83.65, it was only a matter of time before there was some criticism of Disney, despite this being an article on future developments.

Whilst Disney has clearly lagged behind Universal in the development of high quality new attractions in the US, to suggest that they have not invested in their parks is grossly false.

In recent years, Disney has spent over $1 billion in upgrading infrastructure at their WDW parks, with the key component being the Mymagic+. This has been for the sole purpose of improving customer enjoyment whilst within the parks. There has been some criticism on this site, but mostly relating to the changes in the fast pass system, a small component of the upgrades.

By my investigations on the net (I'm not an investigative journalist), this is a significantly larger investment than the 2 Harry Potter zones combined, and I'm assuming was a far more difficult sell to the board, because its not a very marketable investment.

Whilst I'm not suggesting that increased attention to providing sorely needed new attractions is not required, I do believe that on this website's comments sections (and not noticeably in the greater community, looking at tripadvisor) there has been an excessive amount of criticism directed at Disney for not keeping up with the Jones's.

I'd be interested in seeing an article from Robert (who always provides a balanced and reasonable report on events) looking at what Disney's investments have been in recent times and what success, both financially and otherwise, they may have had.

July 23, 2015 at 11:48 PM · Star Wars land at DL will take over toon town and space west of that.
July 24, 2015 at 12:38 AM · Hahahaha "Mymagic+. This has been for the sole purpose of improving customer enjoyment whilst within the parks"

Yeah lines are much shorter now and wait times are non existing. Disney made them to better trace their guests (location, spending, preference) to earn more money from them while DHS has almost no rides anymore and Epcot is a collection boring old pavilions in a very sad state.
Yes Universal spend less money making stunning rides and hotels to deligt guests.

I'm wondering if there aren't any good ideas laying around at Immaginering (or what is left of it). The Star Wars theme park ip has been Disney's forever and the only thing they've done with it is build a sad simulator. Even the update didn't pull any extra customers to their ride.

It's funny to thing Universal would build something else then hotels on the W&W site. The land is to small and devided for a theme park. That doesn't mean they aren't planning for one in the future.
For the time beeing they develop unused pieces of land in new rides, plus area's with smaller rides and theming and replace old rides with lands where people spend tons of hours enjoying themselfs.

July 24, 2015 at 1:09 AM · So WWOHP is a benevolent effort to make people happy? Don't make me laugh. Universal is in the business of making money, exactly the same as Disney. To pretend they have some altrusistic motive is either pure naivety or complete stupidity.

Mymagic serves numerous purposes, tracking guest spending and time utilisation is one of these. This is called marketing, and Universal does it too.

You ask if there are any original ideas left in Disney? I simply ask if Universal has ever created something original. Yes, their theme is movies, and as such all of their attractions are derived from other people's ideas.

Universal has hit several home runs recently in presenting other people's ideas in a theme park format. I didn't detect any original ideas at all when I was there, just giving fans what they want.

I will be shocked if in the next few years Universal does not their own Mymagic+, complete with an ability to track guest spending so as to better market their product.

July 24, 2015 at 1:52 AM · So my question is .... Where is universals third park going ? Because Nintendo definitely rates at least 1/4 of a park not just some small kid zone. Nintendo is bigger than Harry Potter so might as well incorporate it into a third gate. With 500 million a year they surely could buy out some of their neighboring hotels and shopping centers to build a theme park.
July 24, 2015 at 2:24 AM · @grant crawford

Universals 2 latest attractions: King kong and Fast Furious supercharged are Universal properties. Also Jurassic park, Despicable Me and mummy major attractions are Universals. So many of their attractions are their own though not all.

Regarding Star Wars land, I've been so disappointed with everything new in WDW since Tower of Terror opened 2 decades ago. Everything since then overall has been underwhelming imo. So I won't get excited until I see major plans on the level of Shanghai or Disney sea quality. If I had to guess, they will keep Star Tours as the anchor attraction of the land, and simply add themeing shopping and dining opportunities with no major new attraction. Hey that strategy clearly worked with New Fantasyland so why not for Star Wars? Hopefully I'm wrong.

July 24, 2015 at 4:48 AM · Simply reinterpreting movies (whether it's their own property or someone elses is irrelevant) does not amount to originality. Disney has at least created original content for its parks, and continues to (to admittedly a lesser degree). Mystic Manor and Exposition Everest are original.

I find that people on this site are getting excessively biased in their opinions, and it's beginning to remind me of the fanboys debating Marvel vs DC on IMDB. Yes, Disney hasn't developed new attractions as aggressively as Universal in recent times, they have still managed to redevelop DCA (finished 2012), update fantasyland and invest majorly in resort infrastructure.

They haven't had the success of universal, who deserve the credit they receive for some incredible new areas, but neither have they done nothing.

I look forward to Skull Island, and to Star Wars "land". It should be noted that Disney has not sat on their hands and done nothing with Star Wars for 20 years. They have had, with Lucas' permission, the rights to do a certain amount (Star Tours). Since buying Lucasfilm in 2012, it seems that they have delayed the development of new theme park attractions for the release of the new films - I agree they should have begun stuff earlier, but ultimately they couldn't have had stuff starting a huge amount earlier.

July 24, 2015 at 5:20 AM · "If I had to guess, they will keep Star Tours as the anchor attraction of the land, and simply add theming shopping and dining opportunities with no big attractions."

You mean like what Universal did with Springfield?

July 24, 2015 at 5:50 AM · I heard an indiana jones attraction would be coming to DHS along with star wars land and the expansion to Pixar. Had anyone heard anything about this?
July 24, 2015 at 6:48 AM · The treatment Disney gets from some certain individuals while singing the accolades of Universal (which they do deserve) reminds me children who just got the BEST present for Christmas, and thanklessly shove aside everything else to get to it.
Disney has decorated the house, put up the tree, made the dinner, set the table, filled the stockings - and Universal showed up with an X-Box.
I'm not saying that Universal doesn't deserve recognition and applause for what they've done in Florida. I just get a little bit offended by the dismissive attitude towards Disney.

Yes Epcot needs some TLC and renewed focus. Yes DHS needs an overhaul (coming soon). Yes, the Magic Kingdom hasn't had a real E-Ticket expansion in a few years. Yes, the biggest investment they've put in the parks is a system to scientifically track and manipulate the movements of its guests.

But some years you just get socks and underwear from your grandmother. Doesn't mean you have to trash talk her.

July 24, 2015 at 6:53 AM · Re: Disney investment in the parks: If Mymagic+ were the only investment, I think there would be reasonable cause for alarm and frustration. But there has been a definite upkeep in maintenance and lots of subtle, but nice, upgrades at WDW over the last 5 years. They may not seem like much, but they are, IMO, what makes Disney parks better than the competition (with the exception of Universal, who really have been upping their game). I think public perception really lags about 5 years behind reality on these things. Disney has definitely dropped the ball on new attractions, but if they make up for it with wholesale high quality makeovers at DHS and AK, I will be willing to forgive all. Let's also not forget that the economics of each park affect the investment opportunity. In other words, we should all want myMagic+ to make Disney loads of money that they reinvest back into WDW attractions. I DO wish they would actually have a strategy at EPCOT beyond sell food and liquor...
July 24, 2015 at 6:54 AM · A Universal / Disney debate.... this is a first. I said it before and I'll say it again. The Harry Potter movies have iconic sets that can be replicated to work in a theme park environment. Walking paths are essential to theme parks and work perfectly with Hogsmeade / Diagon Alley.

There were no concrete paths in Pandora, and how are they going to replicate any of the sets in Star Wars without it looking like a theme park? The best part of walking into Hogsmeade (and especially Diagon Alley) is suspension of disbelief.

Bringing Star Wars together into a cohesive land and combining it with rides / shops.... good luck. I would love to see how this is going to be pulled off by the Imagineers.

Once again, I thank Disney for poor decision making and giving Universal the opportunity to bring one of my favorite movie franchises to life. If Disney doesn't put the obligatory carnival spinner and other kid friendly rides in these new lands, I will be surprised.

I will now sit back and wait for the predictable response from TH Creative.. he can spew out some attendance numbers and tell me how paying for parking at Universal hotels is for suckers. Can't wait to hear about 2021 where Disney will announce they are half done with the expansions.

July 24, 2015 at 7:46 AM · Putting carnival spinners in isn't a problem , as long as they put in the e-tickets as well. Keep in mind from an attraction perspective (ignoring the incredible theming) Universal has only put in three new rides in their Wwohp lands. Obviously they rehashed the kiddie coaster and the dueling dragons, but I believe the theming on them was underwhelming (I'll be the first to admit that not many coasters have very good theming).

A good land needs 1-2 e-ticket rides, as well as a couple of smaller rides to keep people out of the queues for the main attraction. Admittedly, spinners are a rather lazy choice for a smaller ride, I think cars land provides a good example of reasonable quality space-effective secondary rides (despite the failure of the hovering tyres ride, I think credit is due for trying something different). I may forgive Disney if they include an X-wing / Tie fighter spinner, but I'd be much happier flying the x-wing down the death star trench.

July 24, 2015 at 8:26 AM · The charm of Diagon Alley has nothing to do with Escape From Gringotts, at least for me. I love the ride, but that area could stand alone with just the Hogwarts Express if needed.

I see why they re-themed the two coasters at Islands of Adventure. It was a smart way to incorporate Potter into an existing area. Neither one of them sees very much action. The line for the Dragon Challenge has never been more than 5-10 minutes since Hogsmeade arrived. The entrance is hidden by a huge wall so you see less of the coaster and it is a bit hard to find if you are a newcomer.

Hogsmeade is a bit different because you do not feel as "immersed" as you do at Diagon Alley. They went to great lengths to hide those coasters as much as possible, but they are not truly part of the Potter world. I am glad they are not visible from any part of the "villiage" portion.

Any 3D screen based ride requires a huge building, which could work for Avatar as there was one in the movie. I am struggling to think of ways Star Wars could work well and not seem "Disneyfied".

I would be willing to bet each land gets a spinner. Dragon type creatures for Avatar and Land Speeders for Star Wars. The fact that Disney has to do everything "kid friendly" limits them to rather lame ride mechanics.

Avatar should have a Manta-like 56" height B&M flyer that dips through and around trees and a more intense 3D motion simulator ala Spidey or something similar. They could make up an all new story like Uni did with Gringotts and Forbidden Journey. They both have the "you are on a tour and everything goes wrong" story.

July 24, 2015 at 10:18 AM · What does is matter if a theme park has created an original attraction, compared to using preexisting IP? All theme parks do this, and as long as the attraction is great, the origin of the IP doesn't matter. Just look at Waterworld in USH.
July 24, 2015 at 10:33 AM · Diagon Alley (without Gringotts) is an attraction in itself. There's so much happening, things to do & watch, and pure immersion, it's easy to spend a day there without venturing out into the Studio's.
July 24, 2015 at 10:42 AM · Wow! So much passion! I love it.
July 24, 2015 at 12:16 PM · @Grant Crawford.

Ah you are talking about non movie creativity. I do agree that Mystic Manor is a purely original idea. But Everest I do not. It takes all of it's incluence from pre existing lore and culture of Tibet. So instead of reinterpreting a movie, Disney is presenting a major world culture, so not an original idea at all. This is something Disney does very well and often and it's how Disney's animation became so successful (by using the preexisting european fairy tales).

There are actually very few purely original ideas that disney presents in their parks, even if they are indeed non movie based. And that's certainly not a bad thing. Fun immersive environments, whether harry potter from a movie or Frontierland which was rooted in the lore and cinema of the American West during the 50s, is why theme parks are so much fun.

July 24, 2015 at 7:51 PM · Daniel, I completely agree that the immersion is what creates a theme park.

The point I am making is in response to comments that Disney has not invested in its parks, and that there is no originality in Disney parks. Unfortunately originality is rare to theme parks these days, but Disney and some European parks still do have some original attractions.

Harry Potter is uniquely suited to an immersive themed environment, and Universal has done an imppeccable job of adapting it (and Disney could not have done a better job). The bar has been lifted by Universals efforts.

Star Wars (and to a lesser degree Avatar) have the opportunity to have incredible atmosphere and attractions. They will struggle to match the interactive immersion of WWOHP.

Star Wars can use the force to some effect (I can't wait to hear the complaints that they're copying WWOHP on this site if they do), and I'm sure we'll see lots of light sabers around (that will become very annoying after a while).

As for spinners and other rides detracting from an immersive experience and "Disney"fying things, I guess that's an issue. Universal has proven the power of immersion without too many attractions, but a park can't exist on that alone, it can only work in isolated areas. Or can it.

July 25, 2015 at 12:20 AM · Immersion only works if you are interested in the original product or concept.
As someone who has never got into Harry Potter (kid's books and so-so films) I found the WWOHP to be nicely done but not something that would hold my attention. All I saw was some nicely-themed shopping that didn't interest me at all plus a totally incoherent, albeit technically impressive, ride.
If you are into the original IP then you'll get immersed, concrete paths or not.
July 25, 2015 at 1:11 AM · Hahaha mymagic+ was/is a complete failure. All it did was make the fast pass lines as long as the standby lines. I haven't seen some one burn a Billion+ dollars like this since the joker in dark knight.
July 25, 2015 at 1:17 AM · Fantasyland expansion could have been great. Seven drawves mine train was goin to be awesome twice as long and have more show scenes. Would have been a truly great e ticket before the budget cutting axe fell. Now the finished product is barely a c ticket. Little mermaid need a refurb within months of opening because it too was not quality engineered. As far as land themeing goes, universal has been knocking it out of the park. However when it comes to their actual rides, you have got to lay off the screens garbage. Have some quality AA and set pieces actually in the rides themselves and not just in the ride ques.
July 25, 2015 at 3:25 AM · The problem firmly lies at the feet of Bob Iger - Disney CEO and chief, a movies man. Doesn't care or have that passion for parks. He's a corporate man whose sole interest is profit, not expense.
July 25, 2015 at 7:07 AM · Harry Potter is better suited for themed lands than Star Wars, but SW certainly has the ability to create great rides and even staged shows, but I agree the all in one of Star Tours has to be modified because most of the rides would depend on space travel.
July 25, 2015 at 9:01 AM · Never watched a Harry Potter movie or read a HP book before I entered Hogsmeade or Diagon. I must say, though, that I was completely blown away by what Universal created and I was completely immersed in those lands. So much so, that we spent apx. 40 hours in Diagon alone during our last Universal vacation. We even bought an interactive wand and did the green screen videos. I have never enjoyed a theme park area even a tenth as much as the HP lands. And, looking at the huge attendance and revenue increases, I'm sure I'm not alone. And I plan on spending many future hours re-enjoying and experiencing those immersive lands.
July 26, 2015 at 9:38 AM · Anon Mouse, the original poster up there, is quite the optimist. There is no way that Star Wars Land is opening in two years, especially not in the same year as Pandora.

As for the whole Disney vs. Universal debate...while I enjoy what Universal has done in recent years, they have all been screen-based attractions (FJ was a partial exception). I love the fact that Disney gave us sets and AAs in New Fantasyland and Cars Land.

Speaking of which, I know some of you don't like NFL. But it's a huge hit with most WDW visitors. To me, that counts a lot more than the opinions of posters on theme park sites.

Disney knows its audience. Not everything has to be "technologically cutting edge", and not everything should feel like you've been plunged into the middle of a video game or animated movie.

There is a lot of value in an old school attraction like RSR or 7DMT, in which the technical achievements are more hidden and less in your face. By the way, on our last Orlando trip, we enjoyed Dwarves more than Gringotts (shock! heresy!)

July 26, 2015 at 10:54 AM · @Sylvain: Two years is not unprecedented. They haven't broken ground yet and it is July going on August so it can be 2018 when it opens. The New Fantasyland broke ground in 2010 and opened on December 2012 and didn't finish until June 2014 with the Seven Dwarfs ride. Avatar broke ground on 2014 and will open on 2017. It was widely reported that the project was delayed. Certainly, they can "delay" the opening of Star Wars land until the next Star Wars weekend or they can do a phased opening as they usually do. I wonder if Shanghai Disneyland's new Star Wars exhibit will come to DHS a bit faster than you think.
July 26, 2015 at 11:15 AM · Disney doesn't use screens much. Sure. Let's take a look at Epcot. Attractions that use screens or projections for part or all of the ride...*China film *France film *Canada film *Mission Space Green & Orange * Universe of Energy *Turtle Talk with Crush *Soarin *Capt. EO *The Seas with Nemo *Gran Fiesta Tour *New Frozen attraction when it opens...Haven't been on the new Test Track so I don't know about that for sure...That leaves about three attractions that don't use screens or projections. So lets not act like Universal is committing blasphemy by using screens. They're an important part and parcel of attractions in the present day. Myself, I prefer a mix of sets, screens, AA's etc. Kong's going to have it and FJ has it, and Gringott's has a ton of AA's in the queue, which is so strong it's really part of the attraction in addition to the massive sets the vehicles travel through. Universal is placing such fantastic & interesting queues on their rides that the real attraction experience, is in reality, the queue & ride together, like Indiana Jones at Disney.
July 29, 2015 at 7:37 AM · I think at Disneyland, Toon Town will be replaced by Star Wars. Instead of ruining the layout of the park with Toontown not connected to the hub, it can be a land within a land as a part of Fantasyland. Then get rid of Autopia and Submarine Voyage to create room to expand and redo the Fantasyland similar to the Magic Kingdom. Or reverse the locations which would mean the train would have to be moved, which could be done, and mean Star Wars could have its own complete land.Throw in a Tomorrowland overhaul and with the new parking ramp Disney could easily spend the money necessary to please Anahaim. I'm sure they'll want to keep DCA fresh too, but with so many changes already, I could see them making minor changes over the upcoming years. Nice to know that Disney has to keep investing in Disneyland even as they start to finally focus on Flordia to keep up with Universal. The only losers are those like myself who can't afford to go to see what the two best theme park operators new E Tickets without saving until long after these projects will be done. To the rest enjoy!
July 26, 2015 at 11:38 AM · What about the Indiana Jones ride?
July 26, 2015 at 10:34 PM · It's true that Disney has attractions that use screens, but in the past decade or so, Universal has hardly opened any new attraction that wasn't screen-based. FJ was about 50/50, I guess. Simpsons, Transformers, Minions, Gringotts used screens and little else.

They really haven't provided an answer to a ride like RSR, which is all AAs and sets, including a spectacular mountain range. Universal's recent offerings have been loads of screens and 3D. And the AAs in the Gringotts queue were all the same thing, except for some slight variations in behavior.

I'm not knocking Universal, because we always have a great time there. But it's time for more variety in their parks.

By the way, we found the new Festival of Fantasy parade as delightful as anything in Diagon Alley. Disney really knows how to create a great parade; Universal's parades are decent at best. I saw one in 2012, and I think it's been shelved, with no replacement. I doubt many people noticed.

July 27, 2015 at 5:23 AM · Disney has really lost their originality when it comes to building new rides. Most of their rides now are based on their movie franchises.I havent seen them build anything exclusive or original in recent years it ussually goes to their international parks. The imagineers has lost their creativity and just gets stuck with building attractions based on movies. Why not just build a new billion dollar themepark in Orlando and just make it all bthemed to disney movies ala universal.
July 27, 2015 at 2:59 PM · I LOVE movie rides - I'm a movie person, and am super surprised to see that using a film as an inspiration point for a ride is not creative.

I'm sure we could all list off great rides we would love to see incorporated based on Disney flicks. For me, I would love to see a WALL-E ride in Tomorrowland or a Tangled Floating lights 3D experience in Fantasyland.

I really enjoy immersion and feel like being immersed in a Disney film at WDW is perfect for me!

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

Park tickets

Weekly newsletter

New attraction reviews

News archive