If I Were Disney CEO Part 32B - Walt Disney World Holiday Offerings

"From all of us to all of you a very merry Christmas!
And at this joyful time of year we want you to be with us.
So get around a lovely tree where all the lights are shining.
We'll be as happy as can be while all the bells are shining."

As a bonus entry into this If I Were Disney CEO series, a festive holiday treat focusing on holiday offerings for the stateside Disney parks.  I'm of the opinion that few can celebrate the season like Disney and would love to ramp up and diversify the offerings that the parks have.  I'm focusing on the stateside parks, because while the international parks do celebrate, the offerings are nowhere close to the extent that the stateside parks undertake.  Were I to elaborate on the international parks, I would want to focus on the celebrations and customs within the particular country.

With that in mind, my goals for this exercise are to give each stateside park a unique feeling for the Christmas season, focusing on a particular component of the holidays and playing into the parks strengths.  One thing I will discuss specifically for each park to highlight the unique attributes is the tree lighting ceremony.  Each park should have one, and they should each be unique and reflect that specific park.

Today, the Walt Disney World Resort.

The Magic Kingdom:
When discussing the differences in Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland always comes down on the nostalgic side and the Magic Kingdom carries a bit more grandeur.  Disneyland has even been described as quaint, where as the Magic Kingdom is a bit more majestic.  Part of this comes down to the size of the castle and the image it portrays.  I think this can be used to describe the difference in the holiday offerings between the parks as well.  The Magic Kingdom's holiday offerings should focus more on the magic of the season.  Here's my holiday wishlist for the Magic Kingdom:

• A condensed Nutcracker Ballet for the Main Street Theater - The Main Street Theater needs to be used to contain a large scale Christmas production and what better and more theme appropriate than a performance of the Nutcracker ballet.  A condensed ballet would be a wonderful seasonal addition.
• Jingle Cruise - a holiday overlay of the Jungle Cruise offered since 2013.  A holiday shipment exploded over the jungle with lots of fruitcake jokes.  Allow spiked eggnog and this might be a perfect ride.
• Decorations and appropriate music in the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse - one easy addition would be to add Christmas decor to the Treehouse, to mirror the scene in the Swiss Family Robinson Movie.  Appropriate music as played on the Treehouse organ could make this a quick, holiday addition.
• Country Bear Christmas Special - As was mentioned for Disney California Adventure, this is a holiday overlay that needs to be brought back.  This version was previously offered in the Magic Kingdom and is a must to be reinstalled.
• Christmas Show in the Diamond Horseshoe - As mentioned for Disneyland, there should always be a show in the Diamond Horseshoe, and there should absolutely be a Christmas show at this season.
• Holiday Costumes for Belle and Beast in Enchanted Tales with Belle and Be Our Guest - Belle and Beast are one of the few princess and prince combinations that have appropriate holiday attire thanks to the Belle's Enchanted Christmas straight-to-dvd special.  These new costumes would make a nice festive touch.  A new storyline for Enchanted Tales with Belle would also be an easy holiday overlay.
• Broader scope for decorations in Fantasyland - the New Fantasyland area started getting Christmas decorations in 2013.  This should be expanded into Fantasyland proper, even if just for garland around the ride signage.  
• Tomorrowland decorations - Tomorrowland does have the Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and Club Tinsel shows, but there needs to be decorations in the land.  Here, it would be fun to see what a cyberpunk Christmas would look like.
• Frozen Holiday Wish - This has been a cute addition, where Elsa covers the castle in ice and causes it to snow.  Their costumes could be changed out for their holiday versions from Olaf's Frozen Adventure, but otherwise this is a solid offering.
• Once Upon A Christmastime Parade - a classic.  
• Holiday Wishes - perfect for the park.  This fireworks spectacular utilizes Jiminy Cricket, who I believe should be the voice of the park.  Excellent musical arrangements.  I would just get it out from the upcharge party earlier.
• Tree Lighting Ceremony - The Magic Kingdom's tree lighting ceremony should be accompanied by music from a town band, like the Magic Kingdom Marching band.  To me, the song I most associate with the Magic Kingdom and Christmas is We Need A Little Christmas.  That is what I envision for this ceremony.

EPCOT:
EPCOT is the park that celebrates Christmas around the world.  The cultures, the music, the variations on Santa Claus.  EPCOT should center on the majesty of the season.  With that in mind, here is my holiday wishlist for EPCOT:

• A restored Lights of Winter - The one portion of the holiday offerings that helps bridge the Future World and World Showcase sections.  With the Osborne Festival of Dancing Lights no longer offered at Hollywood Studios, the resort needs a Christmas light focused offering.  I would update them to LEDs, as those could be used to synchronize with other holiday offerings.
• its a small world holiday - With the attraction rebuilt here, the holiday offering would be a natural fit.  The Lights of Winter could lead up to the facade and tie into the projection and clock shows.  This would be the seminal attraction to tie all of the holiday offerings together.
• Festival of the Holidays - as in DCA, Disney has expanded their holiday offerings to include food booths to celebrate the holiday foods of different cultures around the world.  One area EPCOT needs to beef up would be the seasonal entertainment acts that are part of this Festival.  DCA has several incredible holiday acts.   EPCOT should have the same.
• Feliz Navidad overlay in Grand Fiesta Tour - This would seem to be an easy overlay, given the projections.  The Three Caballeros celebrating Feliz Navidad.
• Anna and Elsa in their holiday costumes - As in the Magic Kingdom, the meet and greets for Anna and Elsa should have them in their Olaf's Frozen Adventure holiday costumes.
• Holiday Storytellers - One great offering at EPCOT is the various storytellers in each country telling of their version of Santa Claus or their Christmas traditions.  I wish these were highlighted more.
• Voices of Liberty Caroling - the Voices of Liberty are one of my favorite parts of EPCOT and their Christmas Carols are amazing.  These singers are some of the best I've heard and the arrangements are impeccable.
• Candlelight Processional - A wonderful variation of the Candlelight Processional from Disneyland.  This is a classic presentation of the classic Christmas story, no changes needed.
• Holiday Illuminations - Currently Illuminations has a holiday Peace on Earth tag.  I would create a full Holiday Illuminations, designed to highlight Christmas and Holiday celebrations around the world.  For personal preference, I would highlight Heather Headley as the prominent singer of the show.  She has been in both the World of Color Seasons of Light and Winter Dreams variations.
• Tree Lighting Ceremony - EPCOT currently has a wonderfully majestic tree lighting ceremony I would continue.  A musical theme by a symphony orchestra.  It is composed of no specific identifiable Christmas melody, but is instantly recognizable as a holiday tune.

Disney Hollywood Studios:

The mission of Disney Hollywood Studios is to have guests experience their favorite movies - to put them into the worlds of their favorite films.  Christmas should be no exception and the goal should be to put them into their favorite Christmas films.  Thankfully, this could be achieved fairly easily, especially with the 20th Century Fox acquisition and the iconic Christmas film it made.

• Christmas Tree decor on the lights on Hollywood Boulevard - Taking an inspiration from Hollywood history, I would love to see these classic Christmas tree additions recreated down Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood Studios.
• Mickey's Holiday Railway - I would start working now on animation for a Christmas version of the Mickey's Runaway Railway attraction being added to the Chinese Theater.  With the screen based attraction, the animation would be most of what is necessary for a quick conversion.
• Echo Lake Christmas tree and 1950s decorations - this has been the best addition to Disney Hollywood Studios.  I would keep these attractions going, looking to plus them with the fountains in Echo Lake.
• Seasonal Shows in Superstar Television and ILM Special Effects - Superstar Television in particular would be a great place to recreate a Christmas Special.
• Jingle Bell Rock 'n Roller Coaster - This seems like a no-brainer.  A storyline centering on needing to get the gifts to Santa as quickly as possible with Run, Run Rudolph and  Jingle Bell Rock as example songs.
• Life Day acknowledgement in Galaxy's Edge - Like Disneyland, this should not be overt, but should be there.  An opportunity to celebrate the holidays in the Star Wars Universe.
• Christmas Toy Story Playland - Alien holiday tunes on Alien Swirling Saucers, jingle bells on Slinky Dog Dash.  Giant Christmas decorations, including the Angel Kitty.  Experience Christmas as a toy.
• Holiday Midway Mania - Again, the screen based attraction could be easily swapped for a Christmas themed version.  The animation should already be in progress.
• Christmas MuppetVision - I would replace the MuppetVision*3D Movie with a version that presents a tour through Muppet versions of Christmas classics.  It's A Wonderful Log, and the like.
• Muppets Present...Great Moments in a Christmas Carol - I would use the facades on Grand Avenue to present Muppets telling the story of A Christmas Carol from the windows, with a walk-around Ghost of Christmas Present character from Muppet Christmas Carol available for meet and greets.  Again, this one seems like it should have been implemented ages ago.
• Nightmare Before Christmas section - as my plans for DHS called for a Nightmare Before Christmas dark ride, this area would be perfect to play up during the holiday season.  Meet and Greets with 
• Miracle on 34th Street - One big coup in the 20th Century Fox acquisition is the inclusion of A Miracle on 34th Street.  For Christmas, this gives Disney access to THE Santa Claus. It would be great to setup a recreation of the Santa chair from the movie in a "department" store in the park for the official Santa Claus photo and wishlist opportunity.  It would also open up the next option.
• Get the Macy's Holiday Parade back from Universal - Years ago, Disney had partnered with Macy's to have the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade balloons on their Streets of America section during the Christmas season. 
  
  When that went away to eventually be replaced by the Osborne Family Lights, Universal picked up the license, creating their Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's.  With the acquisition of Miracle on 34th Street, I would be working to partner with Macy's to pick up the license as soon as it expires with Universal.  Then Disney could have the official parade and the official Santa Claus.  It would seem like a wonderfully symbiotic relationship.
• Wonderful World of Christmas fireworks - Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam is a fun show, and I like the idea of the Prep & Landing team running Christmas in Disney Hollywood Studios, but I would love to see a firework show that is a true celebration of Christmas movies.  The acquisition of 20th Century Fox presents the opportunity to work in films like Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, Die Hard, and Jingle All The Way with existing Disney properties like Mickey's Christmas Carol, Muppet Christmas Carol, Babes in Toyland, and Nightmare Before Christmas, in addition to the shorts and specials.
• Tree Lighting Ceremony - The tree lighting ceremony should be a celebration of Christmas in entertainment.  It's a studio chorus and orchestra playing White Christmas.  Tied to the golden age of Hollywood with searchlights on the tree.

Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Disney's Animal Kingdom has a typically subdued Christmas offering. It previously had a parade, but that is no longer an option.  I would like to keep the subdued spirit, but expand into an appropriate area - to celebrate and explore the connection of animals to the seasonal holidays.  Accordingly, here is my holiday wishlist for Disney's Animal Kingdom:

• Diwali celebration in UP - The Diwali recognition in Up! A Great Bird Adventure Show has been a great addition.  I would like to see that expanded into Asia, with the colors and lights.
• Oversized decorations in a bug's land - For my proposed bug's land addition, I would also bring the oversized decorations from Disney California Adventure.  This area was always cute in California over the holidays and should be the same here.
• Manger scene between Africa and Asia with camels, sheep, donkey - With the connection of the traditional nativity story to the Middle East and Asia continent, it would be a perfect opportunity to have a manger scene with just the animals present.  To recognize the connection of the camel, the donkey, and sheep to the Christmas story.  A scene that could be viewed and potential opportunity for an animal encounter.
• Santa's Stables at Conservation Station - Likewise, the other great animal connections to the season are reindeer and the yule goat.  The season presents a perfect opportunity to bring in these animals as seasonal attractions in an appropriate space.  Santa's Stables could also be designed to help keep the normally far northern animals cooler in Florida.
• Winter celebration in Dinoland with Ice Age takeover - With 20th Century Fox, Disney has also acquired the Ice Age franchise and has been looking for ways to bring them into the park.  Winter would seem to be the perfect opportunity to take a space from a celebration of the reptilian/avian dinosaurs to the mammals of the Ice Age.  Could be done in an appropriately tacky and delightful Chester and Hester Style.
• Holiday Tree of Life lighting ceremony - Disney Animal Kingdom presents a different challenge with the tree lighting ceremony.  The park's tree is located outside the park itself, in front of the main gate.  There is not really a good space to put the Christmas tree, but the park's central icon is a tree.  I would love to see a Holiday segment added to the Tree of Life tree lighting projection show that could serve that function for the park, with an appropriate world music score.

All together, these additions and plussings could make the holiday offerings of the Walt Disney World resort truly a place for a world-class celebration.

As always, thank you for reading.  After the new year, the series will continue with Disney's television offerings.

If I Were Disney CEO Part 8 - E.P.C.O.T.

"To all who come to this Place of Joy, Hope and Friendship

Welcome

Epcot is inspire by Walt Disney's creative vision.  Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all.

May EPCOT Center entertain, inform and inspire and above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere."

E. Cardon Walker

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Walt Disney Productions

October 24, 1982

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Those are lofty goals.  And for the first decade of EPCOT's life, the park really lived up to them.   It pioneered a new form of edutainment that inspired dreamers of all ages to reach for new achievements.  Through attractions like Horizons and Journey Into Imagination, millions of guests imagined their future or explored their own imaginations, igniting that spark in future scientists, artists, engineers, and imagineers.  Future World conveyed that sense of exploration of the world around you, while World Showcase encouraged a cultural exchange and appreciation of the people that make up this tiny blue speck.

EPCOT now is in danger of becoming just another theme park.  Thanks to inappropriate tie ins with intellectual property and a disregard of theme and identity, EPCOT has lost that magic inspiration that it once had.  Future World is largely abandoned to a dated aesthetic, with a few primary draws for attractions.  World Showcase, while still beautifully maintained, has become little more than an oversized mall.

EPCOT is in dire need of a re-focusing, to hopefully bring it back to the goals stated in its mission.  To be true to the spirit of inspiration and vision that make it one of the most unique parks ever created.

Primary Goals:

• While the World Showcase is a very solid section of the park, Future World is in definite need of an identity.  There seems to be no central theme for this area of the park, no core identity that is driving expansion and refurbishments.  Revisions and additions must be weighed for appropriateness of theme to the pavilion that they are in and to the overall goal of the identity of Future World.
• EPCOT is in need of attractions.  EPCOT is able to absorb many more people than the Magic Kingdom, but it does not have the drawing power needed to pull people away from the Magic Kingdom.  It is in need of attractions with a large hourly capacity that are proven draws to get people into the park, and potentially away from the Magic Kingdom.  In particular, there are many pavilions in the World Showcase that could use and attractions, and there is a need to add countries to the World Showcase to fill out the guests experiences.
• EPCOT is in need of family or child friendly attractions.  EPCOT has long been thought of as the adult park.  It has tried to add attractions that will draw in younger guests, there is still a lot that could be added.

Unlike the other posts in this series, I will not be adopting a clockwise approach through the park. EPCOT, as laid out, does not really lend itself to this kind of exploration.  Instead, I'll move from Future World to World Showcase, going from Future World West to Future World East, then to the central spine, to Showcase Plaza, and then to Canada around to Mexico in the World Showcase.

Future World:
Future World represented the exploration of human achievement. Through the Sea, Land, and Imagination in Future World West and the future, Energy, and Motion in Future World East, Future World explored the history of human achievement and the possibility of our future.

Thanks to the neglect of maintenance and refurbishments, Future World is currently a little dated and in need of a cohesive identity.  And I think the easiest place to find an identity for Future World is in the past of the company.  Specifically, EPCOT was supposed to represent a continual World's Fair.  And I think doubling down on this identity will pave a pathway forward for the park.  Looking to the 1964 World's Fair for inspiration and specifically Walt's involvement in the fair, can provide a blueprint for what Future World should look like.  This is still true with the new updates to move this section of the park into World Nature, World Discovery, and World Celebration, perhaps even more so, with the notion of a World's Fair with four different "World" sections.

At the 1964 World's Fair, Walt introduced four attractions: it's a small world, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the Carousel of Progress, and Magic Skyways.  EPCOT already has its Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and Magic Skyways.  The American Adventure is a grander version of Mr. Lincoln.  An exploration of American history.  Magic Skyways shares a lot of similarities with the World of Motion and Test Track, even down to the look of the building and the track outside wrapping around the pavilion and the updates coming to make it a bit more like World of Motion will greatly help in this respect.  But that means, the park needs its Carousel of Progress and it's a small world.

This inspiration will also provide a guide for the rest of the park.

Spaceship Earth - Spaceship Earth explores the history of communication and it's impact on mankind.  It has had a rich history of narrators: Walter Cronkite, Jeremy Irons, and Judi Dench.  Currently the attraction works, apart from the attempt at interactivity added to the end.  The attraction needs its descent completed with something to look at on the way, beside the screen on the ride vehicle.  Should a new narrator be needed, suggestions would be Benedict Cumberbatch, Chwitel Ojifor, Idris Elba, James Earl Jones, Dan Rather, etc.

I would rename the post-show space to CommuniCore to bring back an old EPCOT IP.  It would be a bit more fitting since the attraction is about communication and it is in the core of the park.  The illuminated globe would still be fitting, but I would add new/old attractions like SMRT-1 for voice recognition and living character/AI interaction and the EPCOT Discovery Center for answers to questions explored in EPCOT pavilions.

Future World West

The Living Seas - the Living Seas is a pavilion that largely works.  The combination of attractions and aquarium works.  I would suggest two minor changes. First, the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction should be reworked so it is no longer a retelling of the Finding Nemo movie.  It should focus on Mr. Ray teaching us about the seas and exploring the various ecologies.  Second, I would rework the layout of the pavilion so that the secondary entrance is no longer through a gift shop.  I would put exhibits in this space and move the gift shop to a side, essentially swapping their locations.  Turtle Talk would remain as is, with a light refreshing to bring into the Marine Life Institute feel of the pavilion.

The Weather Station - between the Living Seas and the Land there is room for a new pavilion, and I would add one focused on weather.  The Weather Station would feature the StormRider attraction from Tokyo DisneySea.  There would also be an Armageddon like experience where you are in the middle of a hurricane/tornado, along with a Storm Struck followup.  Finally, this would be the perfect pavilion to have a rain room like was exhibited at MOMA.  Several partnerships spring to mind that would be extremely advantageous (beyond the obvious Weather Channel, which is an NBCUniversal property) - Accuweather, The Weather Company (Weather Underground), NOAA, National Weather Service.

The Land - the Land again is probably one of the strongest pavilions that Future World currently has.  Very strong attraction line up, well respected table and counter service options.  Again, I would make a couple of small modifications to the pavilion so that it is stronger.  First, I would commission a new Soarin' film so that it has a stronger connection to the pavilion - Soarin' Over the Land.  This particular film should focus on scenes flying over the natural wonders of the world.  To focus on the land itself.  This way, Soarin' Over the Land is in EPCOT, Soarin' Over the Horizon is in Shanghai, and Soarin' Over California is in Disney California Adventure.  As with California Adventure, the films could always be swapped and promoted as a limited time offering, but the default film would be Soarin' Over the Land.

Living with the Land, the boat attraction, would remain the same, but just well maintained and tightened.  The highest part of this attraction has always been the greenhouse.  That would remain the focus.

The film would be replaced with a new film entitled Listen to the Land.  This would bring back the song "Listen to the Land" as a theme song for the movie.  I would even bring in a character for the movie called the Landskeeper.  This was an original character designed for the pavilion that was never used.  I believe the character could be smartly updated and used to great benefit to round out the attraction presentation.  Soarin' Over the Land shows us its beauty.  Living with the Land shows us how to grow with the land.  And Listen to the Land would show us how we need to care for it.

Imagination - In Future World West, Imagination is the pavilion most in need of a near complete reworking.  First, Journey Into Imagination would receive a complete overhaul.  The attraction would be restored to Journey Into Imagination with Figment and Dreamfinder, using all of the newest tricks that Imagineering has in its playbook.  LPS technology, projection mapping, living character technology, advanced audio animatronics, the works.  This ride should be a signature attraction for Imagineering.  It should represent the best that they can offer.  And it needs Dreamfinder and Figment.

The Imagination Theater will get a new movie with Bing Bong from Inside Out.  If Journey Into Imagination is about setting your imagination free, this movie will be about putting your heart into your imagination.  Finally tying the two attractions together.  Bing Bong and the Imagination Studios will be the focus of the attraction, using the best 4D effects imagineering can come up with.

Image Works will be reopened on both floors (with the DVC lounge moving to one of the many vacant corporate sponsor spaces), including the sound floor and the Rainbow Corridor.  All the newest technology of Imagineering should be put on display like the Magic Bench.  This should be the most interactive and fun museum that was ever conceived.

Future World East

Test Track -  The updated version of Test Track is a very successful revision to the attraction and brings it in to the classic EPCOT spirit.  While there is a post-attraction segment, what the area really needs is to truly feel like a pavilion.  More than one attraction and informative space.  Particularly, Future World East has very little children or all ages can do together.  To that end, I would resurrect a Project Gemini proposal and add an Autopia Jr.

Mission: Space - Mission: Space likewise got a great boost with the addition of the Soarin' over the Earth style Green Mission.  This splits the missions and gives two unique experiences, giving many more people an opportunity to enjoy this space (Orange for thrills, Green for enjoyment).  Likewise, the upcoming addition of the Space restaurant will really help cement this pavilion as an exciting space.  The Space restaurant is probably the truest EPCOT addition in ages.

I would continue to flesh out this pavilion with a domed planetarium, partnering with Neil deGrasse Tyson and the Hayden Planetarium to for a show with a potential tie in to the COSMOS program (another benefit of the Fox/National Geographic acquisition).

Progressland/Wonders of Life - the Wonders of Life pavilion has been turned over to festival space and needs to be reclaimed.  There are better places to use for festival planning.  In this space, I would create the Progressland, a space to focus on invention and achievement.  To focus on the forward march of progress.  This would be the spiritual successor to Horizons, by bringing in a predecessor. I would move the Carousel of Progress to this location, getting it out of the ill-fitting Tomorrowland and into a World's Fair atmosphere where it belongs.  This attraction would go in the back box area.  In the front, there would be a couple of different exhibits.

First, a Blue Sky Exhibit.  This pavilion should be the preview center for the entire Walt Disney World Resort.  And given that something should always be in progress, it should be a very exciting place to come explore.    This would include exhibits from the One Man's Dream space in Disney Hollywood Studios as well as concept art and models for any and all upcoming attractions.

Second, there would be a continual exhibit on the history of EPCOT.  This is the exhibit that was displayed during EPCOT's 30th anniversary and would include materials from the exhibit at the archives for the 35th anniversary.  A reminder of where the park has come from in addition to where it is going.

An offshoot of this space would be a theater that cycles through the One Man's Dream and the original EPCOT film, where Walt Disney explored his dream to get into city planning.

There would also be space for exhibits of additional Disney patents.  In many ways, this is a sister pavilion to Imagination.  While Imagination is where the Magic is shown off, similar to Disney Quest, Progress is where the more practical Disney patents are displayed.  Like the whole room wireless charging patent.

It would even be great to incorporate a Skydome Spectacular in the space, projecting on the domed ceiling at regular intervals, like in the Progressland pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair.

In the alternative, there is an argument for reviving the Wonders of Life pavilion.  The Baymax Happy Ride from Japan can be added inside the space.  Cranium Command can be revamped with an Inside Out focus - the perfect space for it.  New simulators can move Body Wars into a Fantastic Voyage ride (I would also have 20th Century Films make an updated Fantastic Voyage).   Meet and Greet spaces for Baymax and the Inside Out crew.  There is a lot of hot IP that could bring the dated Wonders of Life pavilion into the 21st century.  

Universe of Energy - this space is currently being replaced by a Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster.  For many reasons, this is a poor fit.  The ride is fun, but it takes is better for a space Tomorrowland or Hollywood Studios.  No real EPCOT connection, but also no real way to expand or update as is.

In the center of Future World, there would be a little rebranding.

EPCOT Central Spine

The central spine has gone through a lot of reinvention, some portions just getting a light redusting, some major changes that don't quite work, and some question marks.    The East portion remained largely as is, with the north quadrant becoming a large restaurant complex, containing the Starbucks and counter service spaces.  The south quadrant remained a large retail complex.  Both work, though the style is a little bland.  

The West portion received the largest overhaul.  The north portion of this was completely removed becoming the Moana Journey of Water.  While this is a nice attraction and in the spirit of EPCOT edutainment, it's arguably in the wrong place, better suited between The Land and The Living Seas, or in a Polynesia World Showcase country.

I'm reserving judgment on the new Communicore Hall space that has been rebuilt in the southern portion of the West section.  The space is now a flex space with a stage and designed for festival implementation.  Currently there has been no festival to showcase in the space.  The space looks empty and unthemed given the lack of celebration.  It's a bad look on Disney and one I'm hoping festival booths and the like will help address.  If not, it needs investment.

it's a small world - Finally, as discussed in the previous entry, it's a small world will be added to Showcase Plaza.  This rounds out the World's Fair attractions and provides a great people eating attraction for the park.  The facade would allow for projection mapping and a restaurant or amphitheater could be built on the lagoon side.  I would add the Tower of the Four Winds to the front (Spaceship Earth facing) of the attraction to provide another visual weenie to draw people through the central spine.  It would have been too big in a castle park, but should be perfect here.

it's a small world in Showcase Plaza

And the attraction provides the perfect transition to World Showcase.

World Showcase:
The World Showcase is a little easier to go through.  There are a few pavilions that need attractions and generally some pavilions that need to be added.  Where I have added countries, I have focused primarily on un- or under-represented cultures and continents, and have looked at what would be good food options to round out the available palette.

Canada, India, and United Kingdom

Canada - Canada is nearly complete.  There are additional spaces that need to be opened up on the upper floor, even if just for additional shops.  Perhaps we could get Tim Hortons or Beaver Tails in here?

I would additionally add a carousel, named Le Galopant for the oldest galloping carousel in the world, to the garden area.

India - Between the Canada and United Kingdom pavilions, I would add an India Pavilion.  India checks off the boxes of an un-represented sub-continent and culture, as well as adding a popular food offering not represented in the park currently.  The Taj Mahal would be the obvious architectural weenie, but there are many temple designs and many variations in architecture that would be a beauty to explore.

This closes off the Millennium Village, that is currently being used for festival preparation and rental space.  With the focus on maximizing usable space and moving to a more continual festival atmosphere, the building can be designed to allow both - park access on the bottom floor, rental access on the upper floors (renting out the better views).  The blessing of size.

India would also allow for a Holi festival/celebration at the appropriate time of year.

Space would be reserved for an attraction to feature a planned Bollywood-style Indian princess/adventure animated feature to come.

United Kingdom - I believe the space in the back of the United Kingdom pavilion can be reworked to include a couple of dark ride attractions.  The goal would be to create an L shaped street scene that could represent different UK based Disney films.  One portion that is Cherry Tree lane with the Banks house and Admiral Booms.  The other street section having the Darling house from Peter Pan, Roger Radcliffe's flat in 101 Dalmatians, 221B Baker Street from the Great Mouse Detective, Toad Hall, etc.  A great visual section with two very fun rides.  From Cherry Tree Lane, you can enter the Villa Volta style madhouse for Mary Poppins themed to the Turning Turtle song.  From the Darling house, you can enter the Shanghai style Peter Pan ride.  Perhaps there would even be space for a single track Mr Toad.  This makes use of the proliferation of UK themed Disney properties and creates a mini Fantasyland space.

France, Jamaica, Morocco, Brazil, and Japan

France - France is already getting the Ratatouille Kitchen Calamity attraction and expansion that will be required to get access to the location. Thankfully it appears that Impressions de France (though that film should be updated and played more) is also staying, so this is a well-rounded pavilion.

Jamaica - In front of the Ratatouille attraction, I would add a half pavilion for Jamaica.  This pavilion would be a shopping and dining pavilion only.  Bringing in the flavor and culture of the Caribbean island, especially with a lagoon side restaurant.

Morocco - Morocco would remain largely the same.  I would love to work an attraction into the back this space, but am not sure what theme would work, given the desire to focus on IP related materials.  Disney has no Morocco related IP (and no Aladdin does not work).  If Disney or Pixar can create a fun Morocco set film, I would love to have it added here.

Brazil - In between Morocco and Japan, I would add the long proposed Brazil pavilion. The focal weenie in the back would be the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain.  The pavilion would finally bring a South American country to the showcase and would be perfect to add a churrascaria restaurant.  With Coco rumored to go to (and better suited for) the Mexico pavilion, I would love to see the Three Caballeros added to a ride here.  Maybe a Baia ride or a Blame it on the Samba ride from the two good neighbor films.

Japan - Japan is already a very strong pavilion, going to get stronger with the new restaurant.  I would add a ride to the already constructed but empty attraction space.  I would hope to add a Studio Ghibli ride.  For recognition, it would likely need to be a My Neighbor Totoro ride, though a Princess Kayuga would be incredible.  This would also help fulfill the goal of adding things for all ages to do.

American Adventure, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Polynesia, and Thailand

American Adventure - For the America pavilion, I would be looking to flesh out the host country.  What is there works, especially the American Adventure attraction and the Voices of Liberty.  I would look to push through the gallery out that side, and see if America Sings could be revived in a single Country Bear type theater using more combinations of projections and rotating animatronics.  Further, while the Regal Eagle provides essentially classic American food in quick service form, it would be good to have a signature dining experience.  I would look to add this space on the Italy side of the attraction in a separate building.

Italy - Italy works as it is and has blocked itself off from an attraction expansion to the South with the addition of Via Napoli.  If there was a way to add gondolas and gondoliers in the lagoon, that would be great, but I'm not sure how the logistics would work there.

Switzerland - between Italy and Germany, I would sandwich in the previously planned Switzerland pavilion.  It's an appropriate geographic location that could start to blend the architectures, it would add unique food offerings via fondue, and could serve as the basis for the Matterhorn Bobsled attraction.  This one would be minus the Abominable Snowman, Harold, with scenic goats and cows on the mountain side.  The climbers and yodelers would still be fun though.

Germany - Germany is well developed, but needs to use the previously planned attraction pad. There are even doors existing that would have taken guests to the ride.  While originally the ride was planned to be a Rhine River Cruise, I instead would add a LBG train dark ride, replacing the lost train garden with a ride by a miniature representation of the German countryside and model trains going throughout the rides.  An indoor real place version of the Storybookland Canal Boats.

The next space currently represented by the African Outpost is large enough to handle two country pavilions.  Given the location and fireworks fallout, these pavilions would have to be largely indoor (or at least one completely indoor and one partially).  I would fill this space by

Polynesia - the Polynesia pavilion would be the partially indoor pavilion, with a Moana ride anchoring the back.  This would bring in a set of cultures that have not been represented in the World Showcase and can be explored in a little more authentic way than Adventureland.  Additionally, it would bring in an entirely new set of flavors to the park.

Thailand - the Thailand pavilion would be completely enclosed in a temple like the Mexico pavilion.  This would allow a pavilion that is presented at night internally and would again allow for new but recognizable cuisine.  I would add a Raya and the Last Dragon attraction to this space.

China, Norway, Mexico

China - China pavilion would remain as is.

Norway - for Norway, I would add a moored Viking longboat on the lagoon in front of the pavilion that could be explored.  Norway is already taking up two country pads, so there is no need to add more.

Mexico - Mexico would remain the same, but the Grand Fiesta Tour would receive an extensive Coco overlay.  The movie is perfect for the pavilion and would be a great draw for kids.

This adds five countries, at least nine attractions and several new dining options.  Really fills out the lagoon in a meaningful way.

Seasonal Overlays/Festivals:
EPCOT is already a heavy festival park.  Between Festival of the Arts in the beginning of the year, Flower and Garden Festival in the spring, Food and Wine Festival in the fall, and Festival of the Holidays during the Christmas season, EPCOT has festivals for nearly 34 weeks of the year, or 65% of the time. And for a World's Fair type park, this is as it should be.  I would honestly expand the festival offerings to include a STEM/Technology festival in the summer, focused in Future World.  Disney has planned for such an event, with robotics fights and the like, but never implemented it.  I would expand to offer TED Talks during the time, opportunities to hear renowned scientists speak like Neil deGrasse Tyson, and exhibit space for the leading edge tech companies.  This would make the food booths scattered across the World Showcase essentially permanent, letting them cycle through offerings as appropriate.   With the structures now permanent, they could be better integrated into the overall flow of the lagoon.

Further, I would love to see EPCOT offer smaller festivals tied to holidays where appropriate.  Especially in the World Showcase.  A Lunar New Year celebration in the China pavilion with the Hurry Home Little Lantern show from Disney California Adventure.  A St. Patrick's Day celebration in the United Kingdom.  A Bastille Day Celebration in France.  Holi in India.  Navidad in Mexico, etc.  This is how Christmas is celebrated in EPCOT, but I would love to see it extended throughout the year, focusing on the celebration of the cultures represented.

The park does not truly lend itself to seasonal overlays in the attractions.  I would, though, bring over the it's a small world holiday overlay as a draw for the Festival of the Holidays celebration.  The new facade would also allow for the Christmas projection show currently seen in Disneyland.

Parades and Nighttime Spectaculars:
Currently EPCOT only has the Illuminations: Reflections of Earth show as its nighttime spectacular.  There is no parade or daytime show to draw the crowds attention.

I would look to create a daytime show on the lagoon.  The park is too congested for a parade, but the lagoon sits empty during the day and is perfect for some form of show like the harbor shows at Tokyo DisneySea.  Even a lagoon parade would be a good offering, with the floats on the water instead of in the walkways.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is one of the best fireworks offerings in Walt Disney World.  The fireworks, fountains, torches, lasers, search lights, and globe provide a beautiful show that represents the creation of the world.  It could use a little upgrade in technology to make it more visible to all around the World Showcase.  The replacements have both failed to start.  Harmonius, while musically appropriate, lacked the linking narration to make it feel cohesive and the infrastructure was too massive, too visible, and too intrusive for continuous use.  Luminous, while having better infrastructure leaves a lot to be desired musically.  The interim show EPCOT Forever mad odd choices in its implementation like children's narration and odd transitions.  I think it could be revamped to be a lot stronger and more thematically appropriate.

I also think there are a couple of other options that could be offered in terms of fireworks shows.  I think a show could be created to mimic the fireworks at the 1964 World's Fair, or to at least pay homage to it.  The Globe used in Illuminations looks similar to the Unisphere and the fountains help contribute to the look.  The two most recognizable songs from Disney attractions at the fair, "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" and "it's a small world" really summarize the thesis of the park. You could even through in "One Little Spark" from Imagination which can work in counterpoint to "it's a small world" to create a really great show.

Whatever fireworks show is used, I would utilize the new it's a small world facade to help create an alternate fireworks viewing site in the central spine of Future World.  I would synchronize the Spaceship Earth lighting show and projections on it's a small world with the fireworks.  This would create a contained, but wholly unique viewing for the fireworks, pulling part of the crowd into this location.  Not unlike the view of Disneyland fireworks from the it's a small world mall or the Rivers of America.

Cartoon Mascot:
There is only one choice for the cartoon mascot for this park.  He is the heart and soul of EPCOT.  Despite all attempts to remove him, he represents the best of what the park has to offer.

Figment!

The spirit of imagination belongs in a park that should represent the best of the imagination of the Walt Disney Company and of Imagineering.  He is also a character that should be given greater exposure in the other arms of the company.  With his ride hopefully back at it zenith, the little purple dragon should be the park mascot for years to come.

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As always, thanks for sticking through this with me.  Next up in the series is Disney's Hollywood Studios, one of my favorite parks with the most potential.

Why moving it’s a small world from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT benefits both parks

The below is reprinting from a letter drafted to the Walt Disney Company arguing why it's a small world should be moved from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT.  I'm sending it to Bob Iger, Bob Chapek, and the presidents of the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.  Hopefully it will be read.

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There is probably no attraction more synonymous with Disney than it’s a small world.  The Happiest Voyage that Ever Sailed. Originally designed for the 1964 World’s Fair, it has become a staple of every Disneyland style park that the Disney Company has built (apart from Shanghai, a little too early for that one potentially).

Generally it’s a small world has been placed in the Fantasyland section of Disneyland style parks.  And the Magic Kingdom is no exception.  In that park, it’s a small world has a prominent place at the edge of Fantasyland and Liberty Square.  And this placement has served the attraction well for nearly fifty years at this point.

But Walt Disney World has something that other Disneyland resorts do not have, namely a larger variety of additional theme parks within the resort.  In this case, there are issues with the particular it’s a small world attraction in the Magic Kingdom, along with larger issues in the park, as well as EPCOT, that would make EPCOT a much more beneficial home for the classic attraction.

In this letter, I will address:
• The current issues faced by the it’s a small world attraction in the Magic Kingdom
• The broader issues faced by the Magic Kingdom park itself
• The issues faced by EPCOT
• The potential barriers to making such a switch
• The proposal
• The benefits to the Magic Kingdom for moving it’s a small world
• The benefits to EPCOT for moving it’s a small world

The current issues faced by the it’s a small world attraction in the Magic Kingdom
While the attraction has existed in the Magic Kingdom for nearly fifty years at this point, it has not been with a unique set of issues faced by the attraction in this location.

First, the it’s a small world attraction in the Magic Kingdom is the least aesthetically pleasing of all of the it’s a small world attractions, particularly in regard to the exterior façade.  All of the other theme parks have the Mary Blair-inspired façade, Disneyland in the classic white and gold, with the remaining parks in the multi-color version.   The Magic Kingdom has the medieval tent inspired, box-like façade with a nod to the original on the back wall of the loading area.  This was originally implemented as a concession to the heat and rain in Florida, but there have been other versions of the classic it’s a small world façade that have been used in similar harsh climates (Paris and Tokyo).  It is a shame that the most attended theme park in the world has the least appealing version of this classic attraction.

Second, the attraction in the Magic Kingdom has not received the upgrades that the other parks’ versions have.  Lighting upgrades, sound upgrades, the addition of Disney characters into their appropriate countries.  There are several items that could greatly benefit the attraction that have not yet been addressed in this version.

Though these may seem small, to address them, the exterior in particular, would require a near complete rebuild of the attraction.  If a rebuild is required, then the location is something that can be evaluated.  Particularly in light of the issues that are addressing the park as a whole.

The broader issues faced by the Magic Kingdom park itself
As the most attended theme park in the world, the Magic Kingdom itself has broader issues that need to be addressed.

First, the park is in need of additional walkway capacity to minimize congestion and choke points.  The park feels crowded far too often and is in need of additional attractions and additional pathways to alleviate the crowding.  The area between it’s a small world and Peter Pan’s Flight becomes one such choke point, with the extended queue for it’s a small world spilling out into the walkway and requiring Cast Members direct traffic to keep each side moving in one direction only.   This walkway needs to be widened and that will affect it’s a small world.

Second, the park is in need of attraction capacity.  While it’s a small world has a great hourly capacity, it takes up a great amount of land and blocks further northward expansion.  It could be replaced by much more than exists in this area currently, hopefully increasing the overall attraction hourly capacity.

Finally, moving it’s a small world and replacing it with a new attraction could help provide the anticipated boost that New Fantasyland was supposed to bring.  While the New Fantasyland section is a definite aesthetic upgrade, it did not prove to be quite the draw that was expected, perhaps due to low attraction capacity.

The issues faced by EPCOT
Likewise, EPCOT faces several issues that make it’s a small world a better fit for this theme park.

First, while the World Showcase is a very solid section of the park, Future World is in definite need of an identity.  There seems to be no central theme for this area of the park, no core identity that is driving expansion and refurbishments.

Second, EPCOT is in need of attractions.  EPCOT is able to absorb many more people than the Magic Kingdom, but it does not have the drawing power needed to pull people away from the Magic Kingdom.  It is in need of attractions with a large hourly capacity that are proven draws to get people into the park, and potentially away from the Magic Kingdom.

Finally, EPCOT is in need of family or child friendly attractions.  EPCOT is thought of as the adult park.  It has tried to add attractions that will draw in younger guests, there is still a lot that could be added.

If these issues can be addressed by moving it’s a small world, then the main concern is seeing that the benefits outweigh the costs.


The potential barriers to making such a switch
As with any change, there are inherent barriers to the change that must be overcome to justify and validate the change.

First, there is the barrier of cost.  This should be addressed first and gotten out of the way.  Moving it’s a small world to EPCOT (essentially a complete new build at EPCOT, destruction at the Magic Kingdom, and new build of a replacement) will cost a significant amount of money and time.  While I cannot begin to estimate the costs monetarily, I can imagine that the time concerns can be offset by the fact that the existing ride could be open while the new one is constructed and only taken offline when the new location is open, minimizing the impact on capacity.  Monetarily any choice regarding the attraction will have a cost, including the choice of inaction.  The only question is will the benefits outweigh the temporary monetary cost, however great.  I firmly believe the benefits to both parks will do so.

Second, there is the barrier of the status quo.  The way things have always been done.  If the ride is attracting people currently, why make any change.  While the ride definitely has its fans and pulls in people as needed, there are broader issues related to the parks that must be taken into account.  With the attendance at the Magic Kingdom on the rise, there will have to be radical steps taken to alleviate overcrowding and congestion.  I believe this one step could have a great impact in diverting guests from the Magic Kingdom into EPCOT, a park better suited to handle the crowds.

Finally, there is the barrier of nostalgia.  This may be the most challenging barrier to overcome.  There is a sense that it’s a small world belongs a Disneyland style park like the Magic Kingdom.  I believe this can be overcome by building a great new location for the attraction and by showing the connection to the purpose and identity of Future World in EPCOT.  It will be a challenge, but it should not be insurmountable.  Largely his is overcome by exciting people about the additions, drawing them away from the change.

The proposal
The ideal proposal would be to “move” it’s a small world from Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom to another park and then replacing present Magic Kingdom location with an appropriate fairy tale set of attractions.

In evaluating the other parks in the Walt Disney World resort for fit, Animal Kingdom is definitively out, as it’s a small world focuses on peoples of the world and their cultures, not the animal kingdom or man’s interaction with it.  Likewise, it’s a small world has no connection with the Walt Disney Studio or radio, television, and film media beyond the song, so Disney Hollywood Studio is not a good fit, either.

That leaves EPCOT with its focus on the future and world culture.  As the World Showcase is essentially a larger form version of the attraction, there is an argument for inclusion in EPCOT. The question becomes where to place the attraction within the park.

Ideally, as a signature attraction, it’s a small world should have a prominent location within the park, so that the façade can be used as a weenie to draw people to it. Around the World Showcase this would place the attraction either in the American Adventure location or directly across from it (12:00 and 6:00 locations respectively).  Since the goal would be to add to the park, not replace, the American Adventure location would not be desirable.  Similarly, with the attraction pads in Future World largely full, a location in either Future World East or Future World West would not be ideal.
Accordingly, I would propose adding it’s a small world to Showcase Plaza, taking up the open space and the two Port of Entry shops and extending into the lagoon.  While this would involve some reclamation given the size of the attraction and some reworking of the Friendship boat docks, I feel it would be very beneficial to both parks in the long run.

it's a small world in Showcase Plaza

The benefits to the Magic Kingdom
The opening up of the it’s a small world plot in the Magic Kingdom would provide many benefits to the park.

First, removing it’s a small world and the connected Pinocchio’s Village Haus restaurant would allow for expansion of Fantasyland to push northward in this area to match the New Fantasyland expansion.   The replacements for the area could be set back farther north, matching the new back park boundary created by Be Our Guest, Gaston’s and The Little Mermaid.   There is a substantial amount of land north of it’s a small world that is currently inaccessible.  To get to it, you either have to go through it’s a small world or around the Haunted Mansion, hugging the river.  Reworking the it’s a small world area seems to be the more direct approach.

Second, such a reworking above would allow for a wider walkway in the area north of Peter Pan’s Flight and additional walkways and pathways in the new space, to spread out current crowds.  This is highly desired given the current crowd levels.

Finally, the amount of space that would be freed up for replacement and expansion, several new attractions could be added, potentially increasing the total overall ride capacity of the park.  For example, the area containing it’s a small world and north of the attraction could be replaced by nearly the entirety of the Arabian Harbor in Tokyo Disneysea (to add an Aladdin component to complete the Disney Renaissance feel to the New Fantasyland expansion).  If Sinbad’s Storybook Adventure was stacked on top (to the north) of the Magic Lamp Theater, Agrabah Market, and courtyard, the area would be filled with room to spare at the north most portion.  This adds two attractions on top of the replacement, replaces the restaurant, and adds a market and larger open courtyard.  It would seem to be a much more beneficial use of space that the current situation.

The benefits to the Magic Kingdom are small compared to the benefits to EPCOT.

The benefits to EPCOT
EPCOT in addition receives several benefits from the addition of it’s a small world.

First, it’s a small world can solidify the identity of Future World.  Currently Future World struggles to have a coherent identity.  Each pavilion has its own identity, some stronger than others, but there is no tie between the pavilions providing a central theme or message.  Nominally, it is about man’s future and technology, but it is not borne through in the presentation in the park.  In the past, Future World has been described as a continual world’s fair.  I believe that this theme has the greatest potential for a cohesive identity for Future World and can be solidified by focusing on the world’s fair with the greatest Disney connection, the 1964 World’s Fair.  In looking at the 1964 World’s Fair, it is clear that EPCOT has attractions that have links to the four Disney attractions at that New York Fair.  The American Adventure is the clear successor to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.    Test Track has a similar visual look and purpose to Magic Skyway and the Ford Pavilion.  Even past attractions like Horizons has a spiritual link to the Carousel of Progress.  EPCOT has needed it’s a small world to complete the set.  Please note, all arguments in this letter can also be used to explain why the Carousel of Progress belongs in Future World in EPCOT as well, as opposed to Tomorrowland.
Second, it’s a small world provides the connective link between Future World and World Showcase.  EPCOT has always felt like a park with two separate and distinct areas, connected only by a plaza.  With it’s a small world in Future World, at a prominent connecting location in Showcase Plaza, it serves as a connective link between the World’s Fair Future World and the celebration of countries and cultures in the World Showcase.

It’s a small world also adds a much needed family attraction and draw to EPCOT.  It’s a small world has a high hourly throughput and is for many a seminal ride experience for a Disney trip.  Guests will be drawn to this attraction regardless of the park that it is in.  It would be beneficial to draw more guests into EPCOT, which is better suited to handle them, and away from the Magic Kingdom, which is already overcrowded.  Further, it’s a small world is a perfect attraction for guests of all ages, especially needed for a park that is thought of as the adult park.  There are steps already underway to counteract this perception, like Frozen and Ratatouille, but it’s a small world would be a great draw in this respect as well.

A purpose build of it’s a small world in EPCOT also allows for a total refreshing of the attraction itself.  Walt Disney World would finally get an it’s a small world attraction façade that is worthy of the ride.  Given the location, the façade would need to surround the attraction, but it could be used to great benefit.  In particular, the attraction could be used for a projection show in EPCOT as it is in Disneyland, both as a standalone show and as part of Illuminations.  The purpose build could absorb the Port of Entry shops on each corner and could likewise take care of adjustments to the Friendship boat docks.  Showcase Plaza could be transformed into a better utilized space.  The side of the attraction facing the water could be used for a new stage and amphitheater or could be used for the build of a new restaurant and terrace.  The new build opens up possibilities, including upgrading the interior of the attraction with projection mapping, the Disney character dolls, and improved sound and lighting equipment.  Finally, a new build could prepare the Walt Disney World attraction for the it’s a small world holiday overlay.  The attraction could be positioned in the plaza so that the EPCOT tree would figure prominently into the it’s a small world holiday overlay.

Conclusion
Given the benefits listed above to existing issues with the attraction, the Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT, I would strongly urge and petition that the Disney company move the it’s a small world attraction from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT.