Tag Archives: Disneyland

Jun 23 2024

Sci-Fi Properties That Should Be In Theme Parks

Many of us will head to the theme parks this summer to enjoy abundant thrill rides and attractions that are based on beloved sci-fi properties like Star Wars, Tron, Avatar and Jurassic Park. While it seems like many sci-fi films and TV shows have been adapted into popular rides and attractions, there are actually a gold mine’s worth of material that either haven’t been done yet, are no longer available or are only available in the less visited theme parks throughout the world. Let’s explore some sci-fi properties that should be featured in more popular theme parks.

Alien/Predator

Both sci-fi/horror properties have been featured as haunted house attractions in Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, while Alien was part of the sorely missed attraction The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Although both properties don’t gel well with the standard Disney family friendly image and their current parks, they are popular IP owned by Disney and should be considered for some kind of dark ride that is geared for adults.

Back to the Future

The old Back to the Future: The Ride simulator attraction closed years ago in the Universal Studios theme parks to make way for The Simpsons. The original ride is still remembered fondly by fans of the film trilogy and ride enthusiasts. With the rumor going around that Universal may get rid of The Simpsons since that property is now owned by Disney, why not remake the original ride, but with better special effects to rival Avatar: Flight of Passage?

Battlestar Galactica

There is a roller coaster based on Battlestar Galactica in Universal Studios Singapore, but much more can be done with this property. A trackless simulator ride would work where a random ride operator accompanying the riders could be revealed to be a Cylon. Or go for a high-tech simulator ride that takes you on an epic space battle as you defend the Galactica from Cylon raiders like with Star Tours.

Doctor Who

This is what you do with a Doctor Who ride, have guests line up to enter a blue police box/phone booth which turns out to be the TARDIS! After exploring the time ship and guided by an actor playing the Doctor, guests can choose which door to go through that leads them into some kind of dark ride or walk-through attraction. The choices can lead to an adventure featuring the Daleks, the Cybermen or even the Weeping Angels. Voila!

Godzilla

At one point, the Japan pavilion in Epcot was supposedly going to have a ride based on Godzilla, but of course that never happened and is why that area is usually skipped by visitors looking for an attraction. A ride featuring the world’s most famous kaiju could be in the form of a simulator/trackless ride like Skull Island: Reign of Kong, or be more like the old Kongfrontation ride in Universal Studios with jaw-dropping giant animatronics of Godzilla himself that we can see up close.

Mad Max

This is soooo easy. Put out a motorized stunt show on a recreated barren, desert wasteland. Throw in lots of jury-rigged vehicles, including a V8 Interceptor and a War Rig, plenty of stunt driving and performers, and there you go: a Mad Max themed stunt show. Other options can be explored for a Mad Max-themed attraction. Just don’t do anything like that Fast and Furious abomination at Universal Studios.

The Matrix

Think of the awesome attraction The Bourne Stuntacular at Universal Studios Orlando or the closed Terminator 2- 3D: Battle Across Time show. One featuring the Matrix could be a similar theater attraction could be where patrons are released from the Matrix itself and witness an epic, live-action stunt show with dazzling effects where our rescuers battle deadly Agents in a theater setting.

Planet of the Apes

Genting Skyworlds in Malaysia has a trackless ride called Invasion of the Planet of the Apes that looks pretty interesting. Some kind of deal should be made to bring the attraction to the Disney parks since Disney owns the property. Disney’s Animal Kingdom would be good spot for Invasion of the Planet of the Apes or any other ride/attraction based on the other great sci-fi franchise from the ’70s that is still popular today. After the ride, guests can go visit the gorilla exhibit at the park.

Star Trek

Those of us fortunate enough to have visited Star Trek: The Experience still have fond memories of it. Based in the Las Vegas Hilton, Star Trek: The Experience was how Galaxy’s Edge was supposed to be for Star Wars, a fully immersive mini-park/themed area that celebrated all aspects of Star Trek. The mini-land featured two attractions, one was a simulator ride that took place on a faithfully recreated Enterprise D set, while the other was a 4D movie featuring the Borg and characters from Star Trek: Voyager. Both attractions would work today with some minor upgrades or there are many options that could be utilized for Star Trek. There is so much material ranging from the original TV show through today’s Trek offerings that an entire park can be built that is solely focused on Star Trek. If only!

WALL-E

This sci-fi property based on the classic Pixar film is a no-brainer for Epcot with its environmental themes and the cute robot. WALL-E is practically tailor made for Epcot. Yet for all the IP flooding the park these days, it is a mystery as to why WALL-E isn’t included aside from a minor playground for young children. A trackless simulator ride with animatronics taking place onboard the Axiom with WALL-E trying to protect the plant he found on Earth would be more than suitable.

José Soto

Aug 13 2019

Is Star Wars Losing Its Luster?

 

The title of this post sounds click baity, but it brings up a nagging thought among many fans over the beloved sci-fi franchise. There are many indications that Star Wars is losing its luster with the general public. No need to worry, Star Wars is not going anywhere, but the property just doesn’t seem to be capturing our excitement these days. Instead that is going to Disney’s other blockbuster IP, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Star Wars is still a behemoth that brings in tons of dollars to Disney, but the evidence is becoming more clear. Let’s look at some facts:

  • The property has been swept up in the toxic culture wars that is strangling our society. It started with the release of the controversial Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which has enraged many conservatives fans who accused it of being too politically correct.
  • The mixed to negative reaction to The Last Jedi, not just from haters but many die-hard Star Wars fans helped lead to the failure of Solo: A Star Wars Story. That in turn led to the cancellation of planned Star Wars films.
  • Disney head Bob Iger admitted that too many Star Wars films were being released too quickly and cited this as a reason for Lucasfilm to cut back on Star Wars films.
  • Even though there is another Star Wars film coming out later this year, the enthusiasm for it is not as high as it was for previous Star Wars films.
  • Merchandising sales are down, with many retailers severely discounting Star Wars toys, especially those related to the Disney-era films.
  • The recent opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland has not brought in the massive crowds that Disney anticipated.

So, what is happening and why? The answers are not quite simple and it really depends on context. Yes, Star Wars is a victim of the stupid culture wars going on but that has affected other properties and franchises as well. Yes, there are too many sites and videos from haters infesting the web, but they also target Star Trek and even Marvel. Then the fact that these places champion underdog properties indicates that many of them just want to kick at the top dog of the moment. What didn’t help Star Wars is how Rey was written to be a Mary Sue and how the deconstruction of Star Wars in The Last Jedi alienated many die-hard fans who hated what writer/director Rian Johnson did with the characters.

There are many reasons why Solo didn’t perform well. A big part of it was due to the backlash of The Last Jedi, which is unfortunate because Solo was actually a fun film that evoked the traditional adventurous Star Wars films.

The scaling back of Star Wars films is a natural reaction to the mixed reception of recent films. However, more films are still being planned and the Disney streaming service, Disney+, will premiere this year The Mandalorian, the first live-action Star Wars film and it is highly anticipated. Plus, the same service will include a new season of the beloved animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which has many fans excited. So, for now, Star Wars’ future lies with television to keep us satiated until the next standalone or saga film.

All this hand wringing over the property could wind up being silly if the next film, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, recaptures the magic and leads to new films coming out sooner. Given how Star Wars: The Last Jedi turned out, it is nearly certain that The Rise of Skywalker will play it safe and give fans what they want. In the long run, it could wind up hurting the franchise in the same manner that some were ultimately turned off by Star Wars: The Force Awakens because it was too derivatives of A New Hope. But a short-term win is called for.

Let’s face it, Disney went overboard with the marketing and merchandising of the property At first, it worked wonders for the company when they acquired the IP in 2012. The build up to The Force Awakens was immense and was a genuine phenomenon. Unfortunately, this led to Disney slapping the Star Wars label on practically everything. If we thought creator George Lucas was bad with the merchandising when he owned the property, Disney took the marketing to the nth degree. it is only natural that there would be a backlash and this led to lowered sales.

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