Five Disney Movies I Want To Be Turned Into Rides or Attractions
In the recent years, it seems that Disney is undergoing a massive overhaul of their rides and attractions. Whether that be building new additions, like Star War's Galaxy Edge or refurbishing Tower of Terror to take on a Guardians of the Galaxy theme at Disney's California Adventure, things are changing and evolving. Though these new rides and refurbishments are welcomed and exciting, it seems like they are taking after the new movies that are all the rage. However, there are a couple beloved Disney movies that I don't think receive the representation that they deserve in the Parks. Here are five Disney movies that I think should be turned into a ride or attraction.
When I think of classic Disney movies, my mind immediately jumps to the Jungle Book. In addition, this old-time Disney movie has received attention in the public eye recently, with numerous remakes either from Disney Pictures or other companies. However, besides pins, there is little merchandise or representation at the Disney Parks.
I have an interesting idea for how to incorporate the Jungle Book into Disney Parks. At Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, there is a Rainforest Cafe toward the entrance of the park. Now, I have heard some mix reviews from patrons about the table-service restaurant, either loving it or disliking it. Now, personally, when I go to a Disney Park I want to eat somewhere I couldn't outside of that vacation, like Garden Grill, Be Our Guest, or even Sanaa. And since I can eat at a Rainforest Cafe outside of Disney World, I have never really thought of visiting it. In addition, there is a Rainforest Cafe in Disney Springs (which also has really cool outdoor decor, including a volcano) which raises the question: why does Disney need two?
I think it would be really cool if the Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom was transformed into a Jungle Book themed character dining table-service. Jungle Book, of course, goes with the proper Animal Kingdom theme and aesthetic. In addition to cool theming that can include cool aspects about the jungle and information about wildlife, but also offers an unique character-dining experience with rare characters who you wouldn't really see anywhere else in Disney World.
Hercules is one of the best Disney animated films of all time. It is a fun take on Greek mythology, has a fantastic soundtrack, and not to mention incredibly hilarious. The fact that there is little representation of the film in the Disney Parks really saddens me, though it is understandable, for it is not the most popular or publicized Disney movie out there.
I think Hercules could make for a really cool thrill ride at either Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios. If in Magic Kingdom, it could be an extension on New Fantasyland. This could also be beneficial, for a new rollercoaster/thrill ride in the area could drastically decrease the wait-time at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which could be helpful. It would also add more diversity in Fantasyland/New Fantasyland, which is a section of the park that has more of the classic dark rides that tell a story. If it was in Hollywood Studios, however, I imagine it would be closer to new Toy Story Land or even the Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
When I think of theming for a Hercules rollercoaster, I automatically get really excited. For starters, I immediately think of the montage where Phil is training Hercules. It would be really awesome and new if the rollercoaster takes you through that part of the movie. On top of that, you could be riding in a chariot, and with new technology, imagineers could make it feel like you're actually flying. It could even be one of those rollercoasters where the track is attached to the top of the vehicle, and the riders feet are dangling. It could be an unique way for Disney and its imagineers to experiment with new rollercoaster technology!
Considering how Mulan has one the most popular songs of all time (I'll Make a Man Out of You), it is surprising how little presence it has in the parks. Other than small merchandise like various pins, there is little representation of the movie in the park besides a character meet-and-greet at the China pavilion in the World Showcase at Epcot. With a new live-action remake of Mulan set to come out in 2020, I think this is a perfect time to add a Mulan-themed attraction at a Disney Park.
Of course, the most suitable place for this new attraction would be in the China pavilion in the World Showcase. And instead of another dark ride (since Norway is next to China and it already has the Frozen ride), it would be cool to do a fun new take on an attraction that has already proven successful at Magic Kingdom. In Tomorrowland, there is Monster's Inc., Laugh Floor. This attraction is a very funny, interactive comedy show that stars Mike Wazowski and some of his friends from Monster's Inc. I think this type of attraction can be placed in the China pavilion, staring the hilarious Mushu, the bold guardian-dragon to Mulan. I think adding an interactive ride that can cycle through a lot of visitors in the World Showcase will be helpful, for a lot of Epcot's younger visitors quickly lose interest with the park due to the lack of attractions that appeals and entertains them.
4. The Princess and the Frog
Princess and the Frog has a really under appreciated soundtrack that really gets me pumped. On top of that, I think it highlights the strength of determined women of color who work incredibly hard to achieve their dreams. I think more representation of this film in the parks will be great for young children of all backgrounds. And considering the American pavilion at Epcot is lacking (in my opinion), the addition could really represent what I believe the United States is really about: diversity and hard work. In addition to the American pavilion being over-the-top (again, at least in my opinion) it is option skipped by visitors for it being one of the more boring attractions in the park. Not only will the addition of The Princess and the Frog bring valued diversity to the American pavilion, but also more visitors of all ages.
I think a classic story-telling dark ride will be a great fit for a Princess and the Frog ride. It could be a fun embracement of New Orleans culture, telling the story of Tiana with the incorporation of the film's great soundtrack, and an entertaining attraction for younger visitors in the World Showcase. Like the Mulan ride mentioned above, this could be a fun way to make the World Showcase appeal to more kids.
Anyone who knows me knows that Tangled is my favorite Disney movie of all time. Its soundtrack is almost always streaming on my Spotify. So, of course, I would say Tangled should be the next film Disney turns its eyes on when making another ride or attraction. It is a beloved Disney film that has a lot of merchandise and representation in the Parks, but there is no ride. Of course, it could be located behind the Tangled restrooms towards the end of Fantasyland, next to the Haunted Mansion. It could also be located in the German pavilion in the World Showcase at Epcot, since it does take place in Germany.
Now, if it is located behind the Tangled restroom, there are various options for a themed attraction. It could be a new take on the popular Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, instead, taking the visitors up into Rapunzel's tower. There could be a thrill ride, for example, a rollercoaster where you're riding in Rapunzel's hair while her and Flynn are own their epic adventure. There could also be a classic dark ride that incorporates a boat, for it can mimic the iconic lantern scene. What makes me really excited, is that Disney could copy the format of the new Avatar Ride: Flight of Passage. Using the same technology, imagineers could simulate that you're riding on a horse like Maximus, taking you through the journey. If Disney pursues the last two options, these can be placed in the Germany pavilion as well.
I love Tangled so much and I really hope Disney builds a themed-ride for this movie soon!