Disney Central Plaza (//http://www.disneycentralplaza.com/) member "EricLovesTZTOT" posted following message a few days ago:
Quote from: "EricLovesTZTOT"Aujourd'hui, on m'a montré un plan présentant un projet d'agrandissement de bitume-studio ! Je ne sais absolument pas si ce projet est incertains ou quasi définitif. Ce plan présentait une nouvelle aire, située derrière le bois du Tram Tour, avec plusieurs bâtiments disposés autour d'un petit lac. Je n'ai obtenu aucune information non plus concernant les attractions qui prendraient place dans ce nouvel espace...
Roughly translated (dropping out the Studios sarcasm):
Quote from: "EricLovesTZTOT"Today I've been shown a map showing the expansion of the Studios. I do not know if this project is a sure thing or just an idea. The plan showed a new area, located behind the Studio Tram Tour forest with new buildings surrounding a small lake. I did not receive any information regarding the attractions that could be placed in this new area.
I have to add that I've spoken one day with a Toon Studio Imagineer who explained to me that WDS was lacking a large water body and elevation change in the area development. That's why Cars Race Rally was build lower then ground level.
But before we can get all excited, I do want to point out that a lake was planned for that area during the Disney-MGM Europe project. It's where the Indiana Jones area was supposed to go and the New York waterfront backlot. Maybe the plan was dated from that time...
That's very nice; the park could use a little H2O. Here's what I'm thinking: If there is any truth to this at all, the one thing we could be pretty much sure of is adieu Tram Tour loading station and bonjour Hollywood Boulevard extension. The unfortunate part is that this is obviously not something we're going to see very soon, considering the concrete of the last placemaking project is still drying.
Not that I wouldn't be happy about this lake, but then again, it's not like Echo Lake is that exciting.
A lot of 'second' parks have a big lake:
- Epcot
- Disney's California Adventure
- Tokyo DisneySea
- Islands of Adventure (universals second park)
So I think/hope this will happen to our studios soon!
Quote from: "Japper"A lot of 'second' parks have a big lake:
- Epcot
- Disney's California Adventure
- Tokyo DisneySea
- Islands of Adventure (universals second park)
So I think/hope this will happen to our studios soon!
Correction, all Disney parks have a lake, except Walt Disney Studios Park (it was also the only park without Animatronics at one time). :wink:
Yes but I mean that in the parks I mentioned the lake is a really big deal for the park.
For example.. epcot's layout is nothing without it's lake.. but for DHS isn't the lake that big a deal!
Well I didn't expect that... I can picture it well from that description though. I wonder what would be used as the icon at the end of Hollywood Boulevard. It'd be strange for it to just disappear into a lake.
Whether this is likely to happen in 2010, 2050 or never, it's refreshing to get a rumour that seems to show WDI knowing exactly what the Studios needs -- some actual breathing room between the attractions.
Quote from: "pussinboots"Not that I wouldn't be happy about this lake, but then again, it's not like Echo Lake is that exciting.
Walt Disney Studios is desperate for area's like this. And although Echo Lake isn't that exciting, it is something that would be a welcomed addition to our Studios park. Like Baloo said, the park needs some breathing space between the attractions, which it hasn't at the moment really.
On the other hand, I'm not too sure this will see the light of day soon. I've heard so many of these kind of rumours in the past years, so I'll wait and see. If it happens to become reality though, I think it would be nice addition. Especially with some restaurants and shops surrounding the lake like in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Maybe this can also be the perfect spot for Soarin'?
Wasn´t there always this quiet rumours about a lake at WDS?
I think it would be great! Wonderful addition to the park! An area to just sit down look over the water and having an "airy" feeling.
It´s something what the park needs in the same way it needs a real shopping and restaurant district.
The only thing is: I think this is something far far away in the future and not something for the next years.
As mentioned the hollywood Bvd. or similar thing must be complete and I think they will do or better should do an E-Ticket or faboulus D-Ticket at the end. And after this addition there will be room for the lake around or beside this E-Ticket.
I´ve made a "imagineering plan" a while ago where I´ve painting the longer hollywood bvd and at the end an E-Ticket ride surounded by water streams and a big lake.
Also having an alternative spot for Soarin' would be great. I must agree to maarten. Wouldn´t it be great to have a big waterplane at a wide lake where you can go in to have a meal and being also the queue entrance for soarin.
But I think I should be realistic and waiting the next 10??? years till I have first SOME water! (Maybe a BIG fountain :mrgreen: )
Quote from: "Maarten"Walt Disney Studios is desperate for area's like this. And although Echo Lake isn't that exciting, it is something that would be a welcomed addition to our Studios park. Like Baloo said, the park needs some breathing space between the attractions, which it hasn't at the moment really.
On the other hand, I'm not too sure this will see the light of day soon. I've heard so many of these kind of rumours in the past years, so I'll wait and see. If it happens to become reality though, I think it would be nice addition. Especially with some restaurants and shops surrounding the lake like in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Maybe this can also be the perfect spot for Soarin'?
Yes, exactly. I didn't mean I can't see the need for a body of water, but they wouldn't just dig out a lake and leave it at that, obviously -- a lake means a new area, new architecture, etc. So that sort of opens up a whole new chapter in the Studios' history.
Although what sort of lake would befit a studios park? Echo Lake isn't exactly the most exciting place on Disney property. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
This all sounds very interesting. Off course, like Raptor said, it might just have been some old plans. But if this rumour turns out to be true, it could possibly mean the Imagineers will grab back to other pieces of the old Disney MGM Europe plan as well.
Wow, I would have expect a lot more excitement about this. A large water body is quiet important for a theme park. It's well known that water has a relaxing effect on people, it's were guests can just hang out, feed birds (which is officially not allowed) and just enjoy the atmosphere. There's no place what's so ever at WDS where you can do this. Imagine our Frontierland without its lake, or your walk to the Disney Hotels without a stroll around Lake Disney. Same goes for Epcot, the Rivers around The Tree of Life in AK and even the small Echo Lake sets a certain mood going from the crowed Hollywood Blvd. to the more nature-inspired area behind the buildings.
Wow, this is a great rumour. I hope its true, seems like WDS is on Drought mode accept for the water feature in front lot. I have a feeling though it wouldnt be a bare lake like echo lake, more like a lake surrounded by shops, restaurants, character sets and maybe a few new rides. Thats just my idea of it and i think it could be exotic too. :)
Anyway if this is true, good news again for WDS. =D>
I'm looking forward to seeing how this rumor develops, WDS does need somewhere where people can relax, but it also needs a lot more shops and restaurants. This will also open up the opportunity for more new rides and attractions, not only in this area, but if they move the STT then there is a lot more room for a big Toon Studio expansion :) It also opens the opportunity for them to design a new nighttime show like Fantasmic, and the new water show being developed at DCA, Disney's World of Color :mrgreen:
Just another thing to add, i am really getting into this now im imagining what its going to look like, and another idea im liking is having The Great Movie Ride as one of the attractions surrounding the lake :D [-o< After all WDS is a movie park !
Quote from: "raptor1982"Wow, I would have expect a lot more excitement about this. A large water body is quite important for a theme park. It's well known that water has a relaxing effect on people, it's were guests can just hang out, feed birds (which is officially not allowed) and just enjoy the atmosphere. There's no place what's so ever at WDS where you can do this. Imagine our Frontierland without its lake, or your walk to the Disney Hotels without a stroll around Lake Disney. Same goes for Epcot, the Rivers around The Tree of Life in AK and even the small Echo Lake sets a certain mood going from the crowed Hollywood Blvd. to the more nature-inspired area behind the buildings.
Yes, but the river (Walt intended it to be a river, at least, not a lake) of Frontierland fits the woodsy scenery, as it does at DAK, while the waters of Epcot and TDS each represent the Seven Seas. At DCA, it's to set up the seaside carnival of Paradise Pier. But in the harsh, utilitarian world of the Studios, where everything nice has a steel backside, how does a lake fit in?
I for one am totaly excited about the posibility of a lake in WDS.
Remeber ages ago when there was a poll on the boards asking which future development you were most looking forward to? I plumed for Hollywood Blvd over TOT for the same reason that I hope this transpires.
The thing that seperates a Disney park from any other is the atmosphere. This is driven by the themeing to a large degree. WDS always has a special place in my heart as I love movies and the whole nostalgic feel of Hollywood. DHS manages to portray this, and WDS always hinted at it. The recent additions of Hollywood Blvd and TOT or light years away from the park opening feel, and this possible expansion fills me with the same hope!!
I hope that these rumours will come to reality in the future. The Walt Disney Studios park really needs a lake. In Disney's Hollywood Studios at WDW I always enjoyed sitting on a bench at the Echo Lake and having a cold drink.
QuoteYes, but the river (Walt intended it to be a river, at least, not a lake) of Frontierland fits the woodsy scenery, as it does at DAK, while the waters of Epcot and TDS each represent the Seven Seas. At DCA, it's to set up the seaside carnival of Paradise Pier. But in the harsh, utilitarian world of the Studios, where everything nice has a steel backside, how does a lake fit in?
That's exactly what I'm saying, water adds to the atmosphere. Even if the lake (or river, does it really matter, I'm talking about a large waterbody) wasn't added to fit the "woodsy" scenery, it would still have contributed to the overall atmosphere instead of the theming. Besides, if an Imagineer tells me that WDS needs a large waterbody, I'm sure they know what they're talking about then. :)
Lake Disney could have been left out as well, but it's still nice to walk around, without having an actual purpose. I don't see what the problem is.
Raptor, I'm curious, what's the topic called on DCP? Not that I want to check your sources, but I justed wanted to check if there are any updates.
I've scrolled the topic list of 3 pages a few times, but I'm afraid I'm being blind... :P
Quote from: "pussinboots"Quote from: "raptor1982"Wow, I would have expect a lot more excitement about this. A large water body is quite important for a theme park. It's well known that water has a relaxing effect on people, it's were guests can just hang out, feed birds (which is officially not allowed) and just enjoy the atmosphere. There's no place what's so ever at WDS where you can do this. Imagine our Frontierland without its lake, or your walk to the Disney Hotels without a stroll around Lake Disney. Same goes for Epcot, the Rivers around The Tree of Life in AK and even the small Echo Lake sets a certain mood going from the crowed Hollywood Blvd. to the more nature-inspired area behind the buildings.
Yes, but the river (Walt intended it to be a river, at least, not a lake) of Frontierland fits the woodsy scenery, as it does at DAK, while the waters of Epcot and TDS each represent the Seven Seas. At DCA, it's to set up the seaside carnival of Paradise Pier. But in the harsh, utilitarian world of the Studios, where everything nice has a steel backside, how does a lake fit in?
Exactly Puss, a lake doesn't have any purpose in a Studios themed environment. In Disney's Hollywood Studios, Echo Lake seems to be like a transition zone between different area's (at least to me). That makes me even more curious how they want to fit it in with the current Walt Disney Studios theming wise. However, I completely agree that a water body would be a welcomed addition since it can function as breating room between the attractions, like I mentioned earlier.
Cynical part of post:
I may be wrong here, but it seems to me that the real reason for Echo Lake's location is to be one of Mickey's ears in the "world's largest Hidden Mickey". So theming-wise, it certainly is Disney's most random lake.
It's still nice, of course, for all the reasons you've all mentioned, but I'd hate to think that's the best they can think of at Imagineering.
(Also, I really hate to poop on everyone's buffet again, but it does seem to prove once again that the studio theme park concept has its flaws -- and limits.)
Optimistic part of post:
...But I do hope the rumors are true. The park can only improve with a bit of H2O.
raptor, behind the forest, or to the side of it next to the stunt show on the parking lot area? If it is behind the forest, its quite a way from the current section of park, apart from the canyon section of the tram tour. Mind you all the more space to be filled on the rummored expansion!
QuoteExactly Puss, a lake doesn't have any purpose in a Studios themed environment. In Disney's Hollywood Studios, Echo Lake seems to be like a transition zone between different area's (at least to me). That makes me even more curious how they want to fit it in with the current Walt Disney Studios theming wise. However, I completely agree that a water body would be a welcomed addition since it can function as breating room between the attractions, like I mentioned earlier.
Universal Studios Hollywood has at least 3 lakes on their backlot which are used in productions. I'll post pictures later in my trip report.
We don't even know how the lake will be placed and in which context and the bashing has already started.
Quote from: "raptor1982"We don't even know how the lake will be placed and in which context and the bashing has already started.
I guess they're more sceptical on the lake thing in general (though the purpose of the lake is also haevily discussed here... :wink:).
You're right though, we have soon plans, no concepts, and yet the idea is being bashed already. But I'm sure we're all just as curious. :D I sure am looking forward to another piece of theming inside the 'asphalt studios' (you should've translated Eric's sarcasm as well! :lol:). If this rumour really is true, and the theatre district will also be set up in a near future, hooray for WDS!
Quote from: "raptor1982"QuoteExactly Puss, a lake doesn't have any purpose in a Studios themed environment. In Disney's Hollywood Studios, Echo Lake seems to be like a transition zone between different area's (at least to me). That makes me even more curious how they want to fit it in with the current Walt Disney Studios theming wise. However, I completely agree that a water body would be a welcomed addition since it can function as breating room between the attractions, like I mentioned earlier.
Universal Studios Hollywood has at least 3 lakes on their backlot which are used in productions. I'll post pictures later in my trip report.
We don't even know how the lake will be placed and in which context and the bashing has already started.
So we all should be postive about the subject, without even knowing what the concept contains like you mentioned? Thats just as weird.
Since you are quoting me, I assume you talk to me about the bashing? Well if you would read my post properly, you would see that I am not bashing anything. Since I would love to see a body of water in our Studios, it makes me even more curious how they will fit it in the exsisting park. Besides, I assume that the 3 lakes at the backlot of Universal Hollywood are showtanks or part of filmsets? I was talking about Echo Lake, which isn't either of these two options. Thats why we are talking about the concept of a lake in a studio environment, not about the concept of the actual lake in WDS itself.
WDS needs every little help it can get, be it lakes or attractions. In my opinion it is still the worst Disney park in the world in terms of layout, theme - details, and attractions. It really is a poor quality Disney park and pathetic in comparison to any other Disney park, even DCA is a thousands times better than WDS.
QuoteSince you are quoting me, I assume you talk to me about the bashing?
Nope Maarten, I was talking in general. Don't feel attacked, you're entitled to have your opinion. And so am I.
(//http://www.photodiary.org/large/c_5203.jpg)
Caption: In the middle of Hollywood lies this lake... With the Hollywood sign behind it on this clear day....
Maybe we're thinking about the lake too much from a "why would a studio build a lake?" direction. What if the lake was already there, and this collection of studios (Toon, Hollywood, Backlot, etc) has grown up around it? It could be a good neutral area like Central Plaza. Maybe a bit like how Magic Kingdom has water around its hub? It's water for the sake of water, making the park actually seem like a park, not necessarily for the sake of a theme.
I quite like the look of Florida's Echo Lake recreation, but it is indeed a bit of a bland theme for such a large corner.
I'm personally thrilled there's even rumour of such a thing for WDS, rather than padding the park out with another quick attraction 0.2metres away from all the others. While they're at it (if they really are), I hope WDI (and the financiers) consider putting Soarin' out there with some proper area development (looking exactly like this (//http://www.photosmagiques.com/gallery/walt_disney_studios/hollywood/impressions/DSC01280.JPG)) and a pre-show based around Howard Hughes (The Aviator).
We could probably do with an "Imagineer the unlikely WDS Lake!" topic.
I love Howard Hughes! That would be fantastic. Unlikely, but fantastic.
Quote from: "Maarten"So we all should be postive about the subject, without even knowing what the concept contains like you mentioned? Thats just as weird. [...]
I agree. If this "bashing" thing is targeted at those who once again pointed out the flaws of the WDS, well, when discussing the potential improvements of a park that's been a universally acknowledged disappointment from the day it opened, those negative aspects are obviously going to be recounted. If only to provide contrast. If it was all perfect and peachy, it wouldn't need a lake in the first place.
Quote from: "131184"WDS needs every little help it can get, be it lakes or attractions. In my opinion it is still the worst Disney park in the world in terms of layout, theme - details, and attractions. It really is a poor quality Disney park and pathetic in comparison to any other Disney park, even DCA is a thousands times better than WDS.
I cant believe your saying this i think WDS is an Amazing park especially for its size !
DCA from my terms is awful, the only reason id go there is to ride california screaming and thats nothign to do with disney!
don't expect the lake soon. On the explansion plan, the lake is at the very back of the Studios, at the end of the Hollywood Boulevard which has been expanded beyond the Tram Tour station (relocated).
Quote from: "Owain"Quote from: "131184"WDS needs every little help it can get, be it lakes or attractions. In my opinion it is still the worst Disney park in the world in terms of layout, theme - details, and attractions. It really is a poor quality Disney park and pathetic in comparison to any other Disney park, even DCA is a thousands times better than WDS.
I cant believe your saying this i think WDS is an Amazing park especially for its size !
DCA from my terms is awful, the only reason id go there is to ride california screaming and thats nothign to do with disney!
Interesting Owain. As much as I have fun, WDSP is weaker in almost every respect. DCA is a very enjoyable park and has a number of fantastic things on offer. In fact since DCA has been built, we probably spend an equal amount of time at DCA as DL.
This is now straying off topics, but I feel the need to defend WDS
I love the park, I was very unsure when it first opened, however it is a very relaxing place to be.
You can meander, have a coffee, see a show. Chill out, shop, go on a ride, see another show, grab some lunch.
What more do you want from a holiday/day out?
Personally I prefer both Paris parks to WDW Magic Kingdom, I can't comment on anyother resort since I have only been to DLRP and WDW. The websites of the others excl Disneyland do not inspire me!
The studios entertains, creates nostalgia, lets me relax and inspires me.
I can see why some people may not see this as an amazing new rumour but I for one am really pleased. As previously said they need to stop squeezing more and more attractions into small places. I sometimes feel a little claustrophobic when in the studios and for this reason id love to see an expanse of nothingness! In general I think any developments of the parks are great so Im all for this one!
Maybe we could also see some kind of entertainment on the lake?
Quote from: "Baloo"It could be a good neutral area like Central Plaza. Maybe a bit like how Magic Kingdom has water around its hub? It's water for the sake of water, making the park actually seem like a park, not necessarily for the sake of a theme.
you must be a mindreader! I´ve made an "Imagineering" plan maybe a year ago or so where I "designed" a area of a lake and streams. Was near at the central plaza of magic kingdom/WDW but with a focus at the lake and water area and in place of the castle I´ve "imagineer" :lol: a mix out of Great Movie ride and the old version of "imagintions" at Epcot.
So you can have a focus at the end of hollywood bvd. and a great recreations area.
The streams and rivers around of "Imaginations of Movies" (or wathever you would name it) would fill a very big lake to the left of the buildings. At the lake you can have a chinese habour bit like taken out of "Pirates of the Caribean" (movie not attraction) with a water attractions and a dark "water" ride based on "studio ghibli" movies like "Laputa: Castle in the Sky", ",,Princess Mononoke", "Miyazaki's Spirited Away". The chinese habour could have a change behind a "tower crane" to a "old london habour" area filmset or something and later to a new york of the 30 area where a giant water plane lie.
This out of the "Aviator" film or something else....
I should maybe search for my sketch seems to get a bit confusing. :lol:
Quote from: "giorgio1712"As previously said they need to stop squeezing more and more attractions into small places.
Some years ago everybody moaned about the large concrete areas without anything, it was a step in the right direction to theme-up the current areas, although i would love to see some land expansion to the studios as well :)
Quote from: "Kinou"don't expect the lake soon. On the explansion plan, the lake is at the very back of the Studios, at the end of the Hollywood Boulevard which has been expanded beyond the Tram Tour station (relocated).
Well, good to hear this is still what the park is gravitating toward. I honestly can't wait for the day they kick down the Hollywood Boulevard backdrops, move the Tram Tour station and expand the park. Lake or no lake.
Quote from: "Baloo"While they're at it (if they really are), I hope WDI (and the financiers) consider putting Soarin' out there with some proper area development (looking exactly like this (//http://www.photosmagiques.com/gallery/walt_disney_studios/hollywood/impressions/DSC01280.JPG)) and a pre-show based around Howard Hughes (The Aviator).
I agree with you Baloo, the ultimate link between "the Hollywood that never was" and aviation is Howard Hughes. I've mentioned this Hughes idea a couple of times before and it would be quite a natural fit. However, like Pussinboots mentioned, unfortunately its quite unlikely it will ever happen.
Ironicaly, last week I bought a DVD of "The Aviator". I'll watch it once again soon to get some fresh idea's how to incoorporate the film into Soarin's queue.