Dear Disney World, Please Build These Attractions!
Whether to your delight or dismay, the presence of IPs (Intellectual Property) in the parks is evident. And to be fair, Walt used Disneyland to promote current and upcoming animated films in his day. So regardless of your take, IP-based attractions are nothing new.
In the present day, many guests (like me) wonder, “What attraction will Walt Disney World build next? What movie will I step into?” With incredibly immersive rides like Rise of the Resistance and Frozen Ever After, it’s no wonder our expectations are high.
Despite that, several movies have never been considered. Several, profitable, highly marketable films can’t be found in the parks besides some merchandise or random character meet-and-greets.
Let’s brainstorm solutions. Today, we’re going to daydream about movies that deserve park presence. Specifically, let’s discuss wonderful rides waiting to be built.
Hercules (1997) – Roller Coaster
Picture this – A high-speed roller coaster with a surprise launch. Terrifying mythological monsters. A toe-tapping gospel soundtrack. Hercules is an exciting movie that deserves an exciting ride!
Photo: Disney+
An indoor coaster would be perfect to take guests through a high-speed Hercules-themed adventure. (The Labors of Hercules could also inspire some mind-blowing animatronics.)
A ride of this caliber would have repeatability, satisfy appetites for thrill, and pay homage to a movie destined to be a classic. A star attraction would be born!
Wreck-It Ralph (2012) – Indoor Dark Ride/Roller Coaster
This unexpectedly charming and inventive film captured the hearts of millions. So, I must ask, “Where is the Wreck-it-Ralph” ride?
Watching bumbling, well-meaning Ralph stumble through different video games sounds like an attraction plot to me. Guests can follow Ralph’s journey throughout different games – while he tries to protect his one life.
Like Radiator Springs Races, a Wreck-it-Ralph attraction could utilize both dark ride and coaster elements. The indoor portion could feature different games (e.g., Hero’s Duty) and culminate in an outdoor, Sugar Rush-style coaster track.
I can picture it now. (I can also picture the huge queue.)
Mary Poppins (1964) – Dark Ride
No one can deny this movie was Walt’s magnum opus. This masterpiece is long overdue for an attraction.
The EPCOT spinning ride may have been scrapped, but I have bigger dreams. The enchanting Mary Poppins story deserves a ride as transportive as the movie.
Ideally, the ride should begin as a carousel. Slowly but surely, the carousel horses can break from the track and lead into a magical dark ride. This dark ride can feature the perfect Sherman Brothers’ score and scenes of Cherry Tree Lane, the rooftops of London, and a magical park full of dancing penguins.
Mary Poppins is practically custom-made for a dark ride. Feel free to steal this idea, Disney!
Photo: Disney
Big Hero 6 (2014) – Dark Ride/3D Ride
This fantastic superhero adventure splashed onto the big screen nearly a decade ago. Audiences fell in love with Hiro, his misfit friends, and his cuddly healthcare companion Baymax.
In Disney World though, only a Baymax meet and greet and merchandise has repped the film so far.
Taking a page out of Universal Studios, I think Big Hero 6 would fit perfectly into an Amazing Adventures of Spiderman-type attraction. Guests could take a thrilling adventure in a 3D dark ride that follows our heroes all over the skyline of San Fransokyo.
Familiar villains (like Yokai) could make larger-than-life appearances, along with other villains from the comic book series.
Photo: Disney
No one could ride this attraction and say Disney is just for little kids!
Inside Out (2015) – Dark Ride/3D Ride
Inside Out personifies the best of Pixar. The inventive setting and emotional gut punch put it in the ranks of Toy Story 3 (2010) and Up (2009).
Like Big Hero 6, this is another movie that deserves more recognition than a photo op.
Credit: Disney
In my opinion, traveling through Riley’s mind sounds like a fantastic adventure. By mimicking the technologies used in Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, guests can travel through the “islands” of Riley’s mind, her memory bank, Dreamland, and more!
Just add in redemption for Bing Bong and this ride could be one for the history books.
Tangled (2010) – Dark Ride
Not to be dramatic, but it’s a crime that one of the great princess movies is only represented by a bathroom. (Granted, it’s an adorable bathroom with a great photo op nearby but I digress.)
If that much thought could be put into a restroom/seating area, just think about how amazing Tangled would look as a dark ride.
Photo: Disney +
Like Frozen Ever After, guests could board a boat ride that’s mostly smooth (with a few adventurous dips!) Following the trail of Rapunzel’s golden hair, guests could pass by favorite movie scenes eventually leading to the breathtaking release of the lanterns.
Alan Menken’s score, the zany characters, and the spunk of Rapunzel belong in a Fantasyland hit. Let’s finally do Tangled justice and give it the E-Ticket attraction it deserves.
Unfortunately, it takes more than hoping to make these dreams come true. Nevertheless, I will continue to trust Disney won’t forget these films. Until then, I’ll still be wishing on stars.
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Feature Image: James’ Edits on YouTube
