Goodbye American Idol Experience! (update) AND Indiana Jones!

[Disfan1968]

Now, as for American Idol and Indy... AI has been on the "going to close it" list for some time. That's definitely nothing new. However, if Indy does end up closing to make room for a Star Wars re-theming of the park, I would say this is a good thing. Not because I didn't like Indy... I did. BUT, HS and Epcot really don't need expansions, they need to be reworked. For Epcot, there are existing unused buildings that could really stand to have something new/fresh put in. Hollywood Studios just needs to be updated. Re-purposing space for a Star Wars themed area seems to be a no-brainer. I think most everyone expects JJ Abrams to really do a good job with these movies. If Disney could get two major revisions/expansions open within a couple years of each others it would really take some of the wind out of the sails of Universal, who seems to have a stranglehold of contemporary pop culture franchises right now. Could really redefine how Disney will behave moving forward.

For those few that have said this will "crush Harry Potter at Universal." That's adorable, but it won't. The Harry Potter stuff is amazing and deserves the credit due it. There is plenty of room for both Disney and Universal in Orlando. Everyone from all over the world is willing to fly into MCO. They'll both continue to grow and do well in the foreseeable future.

 

[ampersand]

I've seen it rumored everywhere but I get a distinct feeling it's just that. One of those weird rumors.

Starwars land. Pfft.

Clearly they're going to shut down all of this to build Villains Park. I mean obviously. Why else would they be having all these villain flings in DHS

 

[Disfan1968]

I've seen no mention of Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular going anywhere aside from this thread..

While I certainly cannot confirm it's closing, I will say there are places aside from this thread reporting on this. Here is an example. There are others as well...

http://www.disneyquestions.com/big-...il&utm_term=0_331040ce50-4698c70edb-305124365

 

[sethschroeder]

They better build in something Indiana Jones in the park... Maybe a dark ride like Pirates from MK????

Indiana Jones while not hugely popular I think is one of those movies that brings back good vibes to a lot of people and they would enjoy something from the franchise.

I am still of the mindset that they are holding back Star Wars land as a counter to Harry Potter if needed. This could be prep but in reality is until they close the area of the park, level the buildings, and start the initial build they don't actually have to announce anything.

They can announce it tomorrow, the day Harry Potter opens, next year if Harry is putting a dent into numbers, or hold it back until the middle/end of 2015. Thats to say Star Wars area is coming next to HS.

Could they actually close Studio Dr. and build in the forest on the south side of HS? After opening the new expansion they could then tear out the backlot and start to repurpose. If they close all these areas for 6-12 months your really killing what HS has to offer.

 

[Disney Frenhines]

An American version of the Cinemagique show at Disney Paris, I'd also love to see Crush Coaster from Paris, if they ever put that there it would probably outdo TSM for popularity

 

[Allison]

I've seen no mention of Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular going anywhere aside from this thread.

I don't picture them getting rid of it anytime soon. I'd like an update on some of the scenes, but definitely not to get rid of it.

It's been on several Facebook Disney groups today.

 

[sedaniel]

It looks like I'm in the minority but I'm going to miss AI I love watching my boyfriend sing up on stage every time we go! We are leaving tomorrow morning so I guess this will be the last time!

 

[sethschroeder]

It looks like I'm in the minority but I'm going to miss AI I love watching my boyfriend sing up on stage every time we go! We are leaving tomorrow morning so I guess this will be the last time!

They should just move the "experience" to the boardwalk in the dance club....

There is no reason to have it taking up space in the park. It would be like having a karaoke bar in Japan in Epcot.

 

[Jennasis]

Just thinking, that's a big chunk of attraction down in 2015 (and beyond) if both things close.

 

[Disfan1968]

Just thinking, that's a big chunk of attraction down in 2015 (and beyond) if both things close.

I had this thought too. Almost seems like if they got on a schedule where as they close one attraction another one is reopening as something else, it might take away the feeling that the park is just sitting there waiting, like a half vacant strip mall waiting for new tenants.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

They should just move the "experience" to the boardwalk in the dance club....

There is no reason to have it taking up space in the park. It would be like having a karaoke bar in Japan in Epcot.

I totally agree about moving it to the Atlantic Dance Hall. It needs something...

But Karaoke bar in Japan...hmmm...

 

[ampersand]

If they ever brought Indy from California to Florida you'd never be able to get on it. The thing STILL has 2+ hour waits at peak times at DL (because it's an awesome ride).

 

[mom2rtk]

If they ever brought Indy from California to Florida you'd never be able to get on it. The thing STILL has 2+ hour waits at peak times at DL (because it's an awesome ride).

At least at DL they can stop distributing FPs when the ride goes down, which is quite often.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

Guess with Indy closing they have to edit the Vacation DVD, particularly the part where the stunt woman talks about her love of Indiana Jones and how it was her lifelong dream to be part of the show, including auditioning for like a decade.

 

[Mickey Stitch]

Superstar Television was my favorite show in that particular space. I was sad to see it go. I was not a fan of Doug Live! or American Idol. That space needs some help.

 

[JoshuaShaw]

If rumors prove true, it doesn't seem too far-fetched that they are starting to begin the process of turning Echo Lake into a Star Wars land, which I am all for. I expect it will mostly be Star Wars-themed shops and restaurants, but I'm holding out hope they will add one new big ride. Hopefully they can find a way to transplant Gertie, rather than removing her entirely.

As for Streets of America, I think it will largely be untouched, though I do assume the Backlot Tour and LMA's days to be numbered. I fully expect Pixar Place to expand and conquer that area, eventually.

 

[lugnut33]

Holy crap is Hollywood Studios becoming a wreck of a park. Let's face it, even if they announce SW tomorrow nothing will be done until 2018 at the earliest.

 

[Kristie911]

I'll admit that Indiana Jones is one of my favorite attractions at HS. But I haven't been there for 15 years, so I know it's probably run its course. For those of you who get to go to Disney every year, you probably won't miss it as much as those who only go once every decade and a half.

 

[wookiebeck]

Holy crap is Hollywood Studios becoming a wreck of a park. Let's face it, even if they announce SW tomorrow nothing will be done until 2018 at the earliest.

Yeah. What will the announcement say?

"At the conclusion of the next Star Wars Trilogy in the movie theaters, we will open Star Wars Land!"

Imagine the hype of Princess Leia M&G area along with FP+ to buy blue milk. The Kessel run roller coaster will last less than 12 parsecs and the cars will rock a little.

But wait, for adventure seeking boys in your family we will have a Luke Skywalker M&G, too.

Wow. I have become really jaded, and funnier in my old age. I crack myself up.

 

[GlennN]

While I am not a big fan of Idol, I am happy that my daughter will just make it. She finally turns 14, so she will be able to audition this year for the first time, when we go in a week. She has been looking forward to doing the Idol audition for years, so I would have been so sad if they closed it before we were able to get there!