DCA Marvel Land : Is There Enough Space at California Adventure to Build the E-Ticket Avengers Ride?

After Monday's article talking about the Spiderman attraction coming to Disney's California Adventure HERE we'll have a look today to check if there is enough room at DCA if Disney wants to build in DCA Marvel land the big E-Ticket Avengers ride coming to HKDL in 2023, the one that you can see the building on the left part of the above below, the right part showing what is already built, the building totally on the right under the Avengers plane is where was previously the Buzz Lightyear ride and where HKDL Imagineers currently create the Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! attraction, as the name of the new ride was revealed today.

First, i remind you that on all three posters announcing the Marvel lands at HKDL, DCA and DLP WDS the Avengers plane is clearly visible on the posters. Note however that it doesn't necessarily mean that the Avengers attraction will be built in each park as the theme of the posters is basically "Assemble with the Avengers" and not mention specifically an Avengers ride.


That said, let's try to check what space would be needed for the Avengers ride by having a look with Google Earth to HKDL Tomorrowland from above. The great thing with Google Earth is that you can define a zone and it tells you how many square meter ( or square feet ) it makes. So, the yellow lines of the polygon on the satellite view below is where i think will be built the Avengers ride in HKDL Tomorrowland, according to the artwork.

Google Earth tells us that it makes a space of 12019 square meters ( or 129372 square feet ). 12000 sqm is a huge space for a show building. To give you an idea DLP Pirates of Caribbean show building which is the biggest one at Disneyland Paris makes a bit less than that, and this when is count the outdoor entrance area and the POTC shop as well as the Blue Lagoon restaurant.


So, let's see now if there is a space more or less as big as 12019 sqm at California Adventure. Almost every fan know they will use the space / parking lot located behind Cars Land or Tower of Terror, something confirmed regularly by sources and rumors. But do they have a space here big enough for the same Avengers ride?

The answer is ...yes, they do as, as you can see on the satellite view below the polygon i did makes 12619 sqm! ( 135830 sqf ). You'll notice that i didn't include the green buildings with white roof on the right. There is a reason for that as these building are where the Food and Wine Festival food is coming from. Cast members have to walk across that parking lot with a food Cambro to deliver food to each market place during the festival. At DCA the market places are starting from the entrance area of Bugs Land and ending at Golden Zephyr, in Paradise Pier across from the Little Mermaid ride, so far away from this parking lot behind the TOT.

Anyway, to make a long story short, DCA Imagineers do have the needed space to build the Avengers ride at DCA with the ride show building in the back of that space and the front of the Avengers ride that you can see on the HKDL artwork closer to the TOT. I remind you that the Bugs Land area on the left will be gone soon too, giving some space don't have everything too close to each other. Note that the fact they have the room available doesn't mean that they will necessary build the ride, so far and until an official announcement it just mean that if they want to build the Avengers ride, they have the space for it.


We're not done yet as there is a third poster where the Avengers plane can be seen, and it's the one for DLP WDS Marvel land. First, i remind you that on the artwork released showing WDS expansion an Avengers plane can be seen on the left, near the entrance of the current stunt show ( picture below ). Meaning that the Avengers plane probably will be there when they'll open the Marvel land but not the Avengers ride, which by the way has not been announced yet.





Now, considering the needed space for the Avengers ride building and that it must be located in the upcoming WDS Marvel land, there is not hundred locations where they can put it. Unfortunately the best and bigger location for it is where currently is the Moteurs, Action! stunt show. However, as this Avengers ride wouldn't be added to WDS Marvel land before 2025 and most probably not before ten years, chances are that they'll keep the stunt show with a Marvel re-theming until at least 2025. And then, if they want to use the space for the Avengers ride it will be always time to destroy the stunt show area to have the needed room available for the Avengers show building.

But, wait, how many square meters makes the stunt show area? Is there at least the needed 12000 square meters for the Avengers show building? Thanks to the next Google Earth satellite view below we learn that the answer is yes as the space defined by the polygon i did makes ...17297 square meters! Again, it doesn't mean they will build the Avengers ride, it just mean that they'll have the room to build it if they wish.


Well, at least we know now that in both three parks they have the needed space to build this awaited Avengers ride which will be a major E-Ticket ride, the equivalent to Marvel lands to what will be the Battle Escape ride to Star Wars lands in terms of awesomeness, though of course totally different inside.

Pictures: copyright Disney, Google Earth

Disneyland Paris Update

"Disneyland Paris and Lucasfilm have already worked together on attractions involving Captain EO, Star Tours and Indiana Jones. These are countless opportunities for both teams to work together in the future and we hope that this will continue. It is actually something that we are looking into, but there is nothing concrete right now."  With these sibylline words Philippe Gas during a round table meeting with DLP stockholders last week, probably involuntarily, has transformed what was until now the "Star Wars Land rumor" in a true project for Disneyland Paris. So, it's now official, DLP Imagineering is indeed working on a Star Wars Land for the back of Discoveryland and from what i've been told DLPI even envision two phases, and the phase 1 as i told you in a previous article some months ago will see the update to Star Tours 2, a Jedi Academy inside what is now Captain EO theater, a Starcade, and the arrival of the Cantina bar/restaurant, probably located where is now the Pizza Planet restaurant behind Space Mountain. I think they will probably keep the big space available on the left of Star Tours, between Star Tours and It's a Small World where is currently the VIP Tent used during DLP special events for the Phase Two of the project, but that's just my thoughts.



However, you'll note that Philippe Gas, during this event didn't mentioned a date but it doesn't mean that this Star Wars Land won't happen. For many reasons i still place my bets on this project, first because they know they can't stay with the original version of Star Tours forever, two, because they don't know what to do with the Captain EO theater, and three, because the Star Wars episode 7 is announced for 2015, not to mention the spin-off movies also announced by Bob Iger last week, based on Star Wars characters. There is no one good reason that DLP won't built this Star Wars land except of course the money reason but don't worry, they will find the money. 

And if you want to know why, here is why and it's pretty simple: as you know the WDC announced last september that they will do a loan of 1.3 billion to Disneyland Paris to help DLP refinance its debt. In two words, now instead to owe this huge amount of money to the banks DLP owes it to the WDC. Also, the WDC acquired recently LucasFilm for 4 billion dollars. And you don't need to be a genius to understand that Bob Iger surely wants to have a return both on the LucasFilm investment and get back the money of the loan that the WDC did to DLP. And guess what? the both are linked. Iger surely wants some Star Wars lands in Disney theme parks and DLP precisely need one to boost the park attendance to be able to give back the money that they owe to the WDC. Eventually, if DLP results are not good enough to finance Star Wars land the WDC probably will need to "give" them the money to do it but as i've said, don't worry, they'll find it.



Now, what else did Philippe Gas talked about during this stockholder event. In the "attraction section" he revealed that Walt Disney Studios next ride - after Ratatouille - won't be a Pixar ride. It's an interesting news as last year Gas mentioned that another ride based on Toy Story characters was envisioned for the WDS. Everybody understood that he was probably talking about Toy Story Mania, so we know now that TSM will not be the next WDS ride, although it might come later. Talking about Ratatouille Philippe Gas also said that the ride will be exceptional with big capacity per hour and that a shop will also be built - in addition to the restaurant - next to the ride. He also added that the ride should make the guests hungry, and it's probably  in relation with the fact that a big part of the ride is supposed to happen inside Gusteau's kitchen.

What else for the Walt Disney Studios? Oh, something big, but this one was not mentioned by Philippe Gas so we still have to consider it as a rumor: apparently DLPI have the project to transform WDS Backlot in a Marvel land. Considering that this part of the park is probably the one which needs the most a big placemaking i think you can also put your bets on this Marvel Land project. Which by the way is not called like this inside DLP but under the ( code? ) name of "Marvel Experiences". What kind of "experiences", you ask? I'm sorry to say that i have no more infos on this one, except that there is a rumor that Spiderman might be part of it, but no info if Spidey will come as a ride or anything else ( but of course it won't be the IOA ride which is Universal property ). Anyway, i have some thought about these Marvel Experiences but what is coming next is pure personal prospective. 

My feeling is that, partly for money reasons, they might do a mix of new rides with a re-theming of existing rides. For instance, if this Marvel Land is built i think that the Armaggedon attraction is probably doomed and would be replaced by a new ride - why not the Avengers ride on which WDI Imagineers are supposed to be working on for Disneyland's Tomorrowland - if it's not moved to an Anaheim third gate? As for the Rock and Roller Coaster they could also remove it and put a brand new ride but i wouldn't be surprised if instead DLP Imagineers would imagine a brand new theming, with a new storyline, etc...and keep the coaster. No need to say that the former Backlot Express restaurant in front of it would get a Marvel theming, too. For the Lights, Motors, Action stunt show it's different. This one is a real big one, taking a lot of space and although they could create a totally different story and change the Meditterranean facades of the decor for new ones inspired by the Marvel universe, i'm not 100% sure they will choose to do it. Considering the huge space, they could be tempted to use it for something new but the cost might be also too high and may be they will simply re-theme the show and create new stunts which probably will cost less. Again, these are just my thoughts, i'm probably wrong and i don't doubt that DLP Imagineers have totally different plans - and better ones - for these "Marvel Experiences". But as long as these won't be Marvel photo locations only, i'll be okay with them.

Philippe Gas also announced others interesting things and about the Disney Village area he apparently said that the World of Disney store was just the first step of what will be a big placemaking of the Disney Village which will continue to change and expand. The Villages Nature project is another big one that DLP is doing with real estate co Pierre et Vacances as well as water parks co Center Parks. I will come back later this week on this one with a big update and you'll be surprised to see how big the project is for DLP even if it won't be a theme park. 

DLP also envision to bring the controversial Magic+ Magic Band at DLP and also to extend the Christmas season as they realized that the russian Christmas is happening later in January - yes, more and more Russians are traveling to France and go to DLP! 
Finally, Philippe Gas said that the re-financing of the company ( thanks to the WDC, see above ) is a big opportunity for DLP and we certainly do agree with him, don't we?

O-Kay, that's all for today , see you soon with a big update about the Villages Nature project and in the meantime those of you who are interested by the great Disneyland Paris From Sketch to Reality book might have a look at the presentation article on the book web site HERE. And you can order it with $45 / 35€ special discount by using the Paypal button below!

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Pictures: copyright Disney or Disney and more

What a DLP Buyout by the WDC Could Mean for DLP Future

The news of a possible buyout of Disneyland Paris by the Walt Disney Company revealed last week by TIME had instantly a tremendous effect both on Disney theme park fans and at Paris stock exchange where the EDL stock went up 12% in one day. Why the WDC will do this buyout and what DLP fans can expect out of it, that's what we're going to talk about today, and all this with new great aerial pictures of DLP shot recently by Junior, DLP fan and plane pilot. Note that these pictures showing DLP from above are here only to illustrate this article and have no relation with the DLP future projects that i will talk about below, although some of the pics bring precious informations on the land available for future rides.

First, you must note that although this news of a DLP buyout hadn't been confirmed by the WDC ( no surprise ) it was revealed by TIME magazine which is a media almost as reliable as the New York Times can be. What i mean is that TIME don't usually disclose this kind of important infos without having check and double check before with their sources, and for this reason we can take this info for something more than a simple rumor, even unconfirmed officially. That said, they're certainly not happy by now at the WDC as the rise of the stock price is precisely what they probably wanted to avoid. It's understandable, after all, if you have the intention to buy large quantities of stocks you prefer to buy them at low price, and now chances are that the WDC will wait a bit before doing this buyout or they even might deny all the buyout operation in the hope that the stock price will go down.

We'll see... but what's interesting is also WHY they want to do this buyout. Well, you see, right now the WDC only have 40% of EDL shares. In addition to this the park is also paying royalties to the WDC. For many years the park didn't had enough money to pay the royalties and also had to borrow money to the WDC to face DLP financial difficulties. After 20 years of up and down and a financial situation always critical even if the results were recently positive, someone at the WDC probably finally realized that the way the DLP financial structure was set-up in the 1990's was not working anymore. And also that it didn't had any sense to get royalties from DLP on one hand if you have to give back to DLP more money on the other hand. It's probably at that point that someone came in and said "Hey, why don't we do a buyout so we will own the park just like we do in the U.S and we'll be able to resolve for once and for all DLP problem by doing what we did at DCA?". Okay, they probably didn't say it exactly like this but i'm ready to bet that the tremendous success of the new California Adventure helped the WDC executives to finally understood that "if you build it, they will come" - the famous quote coming from Kevin Costner 1989 movie "Field of Dreams".

That's right: if you build it, and if you build it RIGHT, they will come, and there is NO other way to resolve DLP - and specially WDS - problems than a massive "Marshall Plan" with new rides and lands as soon as possible. I think they've understood this at the WDC and i think they've decided that if they have to do it, to spent a lot of money, then "let's become the owner".



Now, let's have a look to what the WDC might decide to build at DLP and the WDS in the future IF they do this buyout, and why. All what is below is pure speculation - although based on reluable sources and infos - as they might have different plans that we don't know - and they certainly have some - but, "as there is always a logic in life" some of the choices below are probably right.

For Disneyland Paris Magic Kingdom:

Star Tours 2 - Star Wars Land: This one should be added quite quickly. Why? Because DLP is the last park who have not done the Star Tours 2 upgrade and because the back of DLP Discoveryland needs it now that Honey.. and Captain EO are gone. A Star Wars land, even a small one will surely be a winner at a reasonable cost. And there is no way that the WDC will leave Star Tours in its first version for ten more years.

Pirates of Caribbean with Jack Sparrow Audio-Animatronics: Jack Sparrow AAs also should arrive quickly. Why? If the WDC wants to add quickly some little things new at DLP Magic Kingdom without spending too much while they spend the biggest part of the money on the WDS this kind of little upgrades in DLP classic rides can be the best way to do it. Also, if they have to add the Jack Sparrow AAs they must do it soon, while the POTC movies are still in the collective subconscious, specially if there is no new POTC movies released in the future.

Phantom Manor Upgrade: Why? Exactly for the same reasons listed above for the POTC upgrade. It will not cost a lot, and it can bring something new at one of DLP most beloved attraction. Though, in both cases these additions will be difficult to use for DLP marketing dept as it won't be new rides, and this might be the main reason why it might be cancelled - as a matter of fact it is the reason why these upgrades haven't been done yet ( apart the no-money-available reason ).



Little Mermaid: Will Fantasyland long awaited dark ride finally come to DLP? May be, may be not. The good point is that two versions of the ride will have previously been built and the R&D costs probably pay off. Another good point for Little Mermaid: it's a ride for everyone but also and specially for young girls, which don't happen that often. I will put a 50-50 chances on this one.

Indiana Jones Adventure: Thanks God, WDI Imagineers kept the land at DLP Adventureland to build it and DLP fans are awaiting the ride since 15 years. I've said it and i say it again, bringing IJA at DLP Adventureland would be the best choice that DLP can make, and probably the only attraction for DLP MK which will have the same tremendous success that Space Mountain had when it opened in 1995. Yes, but DLP most urgent problem to resolve is not DLP Magic Kingdom but the Walt Disney Studios and this is where most of the money - and new rides - will go. So, let's put a 50-50 on this one too.



For the Walt Disney Studios:

Ratatouille Kitchen Calamity: Whatever this buyout or not happen this is the only ride guaranteed at 100% for the WDS. As we know it will open in 2014 and as you can see on the aerial picture below the works have began and the ride building structure appeared recently. You'll note also how near from the back of Frontierland the Ratatouille ride will be. Of course, a Ratatouille restaurant is include in this new mini land.

Toy Story Mania: Almost officially announced recently by DLP CEO Philippe Gas in an interview when he said that a new interactive ride based on Toy Story is in the plans for the future. I'm not personally a big fan of TSM but as they will not build it for me but for the hundred of thousand of kids who love it wherever it is built, we might not escape to have Toy Story Mania at the WDS. As you can see also on the picture below they have the land available in front of Toy Story Playland. Chances are high on this one.



Avatar Attraction: Yes, all the insider news that i have are saying that an Avatar ride is envisioned for the WDS! This one is a big news that you didn't hear before and there is a lot of good reasons why it will be build. First, three Avatar sequels are coming in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Avatar was the most successful movie of all time and considering that James Cameron will of course direct the three new movies you don't need to be a genius to know that the sequels will be successful. An Avatar attraction will be the best thing that can happen for the marketing dept and, hopefully, for DLP fans. The other reason is something you don't know, as Bob Iger apparently asked the Imagineering to develop Avatar rides ( for other parks than Animal Kingdom ) "and sooner will be better than later". Why? Because Iger paid a lot of money the Avatar license and he wants a return on its investment as soon as possible. Sure, they could keep an Avatar land for DLP third theme park but this one will not open before 2023 and obviously the best would be to build an Avatar attraction at the WDS while the movie is still in the collective subconscious and not forgotten. Let's add that Avatar is before everything a movie, so an Avatar ride would fit well in a park ( supposedly ) dedicated to movies. For all these reasons, and except if the WDC is changing its plans and decide to keep it for the third park, i think we can bet a lot on this one.

Avengers ride - Marvel land: One year ago DLP CEO Philippe Gas announced clearly in another interview that Marvel super-heroes will come to DLPR ...in the third park. Since this statement a rumor keep saying that a Marvel land is in the plans for the WDS, and indeed they could build a Marvel land in the back of the WDS where they have plenty of land available as you can see on the second picture above. Will they do it? Probably. The next Avengers movie won't be released before 2015 which leave plenty of time to WDI to develop a great E-Ticket ride and also a Marvel land could be extremely successful for the WDS. Again, we must not forget that the biggest problem to be resolved at DLP are the WDS. They must fix this park for once and for all and there is no other way to do it than to put as much money as they did for DCA. Still, they could keep the idea of a Marvel land for the third park but, again, it won't open before 2023 in eleven years from now, almost an eternity in terms of hype. So, if the WDC wants to surf on the Marvel hype the best is to do it now. "Now", here, means in the next five years so don't expect a Marvel ride at the WDS before 2016 if not a bit later. But you can place your bets on this one too. Not to mention that a strong Avatar E-Ticket AND a big Avengers E-Ticket or a Marvel land, in addition to the upcoming Ratatouille and TSM rides might be exactly what the WDS needs to be at last a real full day theme park, the one we are wishing since the start.



Soarin' Over the World: We talked about it recently in a D&M article and the room to build Soarin' at the WDS is still available, between Cinémagique and Stitch Live. Will they build it? I'll put a 50-50 on this one. Not that i don't want it, i love Soarin' and i think they should build it, but they might use the room for something else...like an Avatar ride, for instance. Note that all this area and up to the Rock and Roller coaster should also have a big placemaking, and here too, sooner will be better than later.

Walt Disney Studios Hotel: Another project that DLP have in its plans - and since quite a while - is to build a big hotel which will face the back of the WDS. And i'm not talking here about the other hotel project which would be located in front of the Newport Bay hote, on the other side of the big avenue. This WDS Hotel project is a different one and you probably never heard about it before. The project was a bit forgotten but if Disney invest a lot of money in this buyout they might be tempted to build new hotels like this one to bring more cash in in another way than only rising the price of the parks entrance tickets - because you can be sure that the parks entrance prices will rise quickly if the WDC becomes the owner and invest a lot of money to fix DLP problems. Hey, that's the price we have to pay to get great new rides, right?

Finally, I don't mention here others projects like the Villages Nature which are already on the way for a 2016 opening and Disney Village shops changes that will happen anyway! Let's wish to DLP a great big beautiful tomorrow!

Aerial pictures: copyright Junior of DCP Forum, whom i thanks a lot!