There has been a great deal of speculation recently about the new identity for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The rumors picked up steam after the Walt Disney Company’s annual meeting of shareholders on March 12. During that meeting, it was revealed by CEO Bob Iger that the theme park would be getting a new name. Since then, Disney fans everywhere have been debating suggestions on what this name should be. Today, I’d like to focus on a name that I have seen pop up multiple times: Disney’s Florida Adventure. Indulge me in releasing our nostalgia for what this park was or was meant to be and let’s explore this new name.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines adventure as “an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks; an exciting or remarkable experience.”
Sunset Boulevard covers the first portion of this definition. Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror are attractions that use the natural fear of the dark, incredible theming and thrilling ride mechanisms to create an experience of anxious excitement. Fantasmic! is a show for all ages that combines visually fascinating effects and suspenseful fun. While this show may need some improvement, it is generally enjoyed.
Star Tours – The Adventure Continues and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular are in an area of the park where the rumors are running wild. It has been speculated that Indiana Jones would close this year to make room for a Star Wars expansion. How would increasing the presence of Star Wars affect the theme park experience?
Star Wars is arguably the most popular movie franchise in history, with an extraordinarily loyal fan following. If the hype surrounding this week’s release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer #2 is any indication of the continued relevance of this franchise, then there is no need to convince anyone that expanding its presence is a good move. But it must be done carefully. Disney is aware of the fine line it is walking when balancing the original three movies and everything that has been produced since. If they can find that sweet spot of incorporating each segment, the next key will be creating attractions that are not simply regurgitated with a Star Wars overlay.
Assuming the above can be accomplished, how will this resonate with guests who are not Star Wars fans? To answer this question, we should look at the other popular movie franchise expansion that is rumored to take place: Pixar. Both franchises have timeless appeal. Star Wars has proven that it can evolve with future generations, and Pixar’s groundbreaking releases still make headlines. Although some theme park fans tend to focus on whether a new attraction is more focused on girls versus boys, Pixar generally provides a gender neutral theme. And while I strongly disagree with the opinion that Star Wars only appeals to boys, I understand that boys are likely its target market when it comes to merchandise.
The similarities of these franchises are what make them an ideal combination for the future success of this park. Both have villains, robots, action heroes, geniuses, princesses and a vast array of other colorful creatures for guests to enjoy. And more notably, they both have strong female characters. Princess Leia was a strong leader in the fight to destroy Darth Vader, and Pixar continues this theme of strong female leadership with characters such as Princess Atta (A Bug’s Life), Elastigirl (The Incredibles), and Merida (Brave).
Their other great strength is in the settings of their stories. The worlds brought to life by the Star Wars productions, old and new, are immersive and imaginative. Recreating those elements would propel guests into the middle of the action. Andy’s Room from Toy Story and Radiator Springs from Cars have already been recreated in other areas of the Disney Parks, but the exploration could continue to Monstropolis, the futuristic galaxy of WALL-E, and beyond.
A name such as Disney’s Florida Adventure encompasses all of the above elements while leaving room for new additions such as the Marvel franchise. Memorable characters set in creative environments promise an exciting and remarkable experience. Disney has all the ingredients it needs. Now we must wait and see if they can deftly combine them. If so, we are in for quite the adventure.
Share your name suggestions and let us know what you would like to see added to the Studios!
Follow me on Twitter @BuildingDisney
