Rumor: The Great Mickey Ride?
Ever thought it’s odd that Walt Disney’s most iconic creation, Mickey Mouse, does not have a flagship E-Ticket attraction in Walt Disney World? Well, that might be about to change. Rumors have been swirling that Disney does not intend to extend the TCM sponsorship of the Great Movie Ride, that was otherwise up for renewal in 2018 and that Disney would replace the attraction with the Great Mickey Ride. (Last updated July 12, 2017.)
Additional rumored details about the Great Movie Ride’s replacement attraction are that it would be a trackless dark ride taking guests through the Big Cheese’s history and different performances he has given, in a vignette/montage attraction akin to Great Movie Ride…but just with Mickey Mouse and his films. It is expected that the Grauman’s Chinese Theater facade would remain under these plans.
July 12, 2017 Update: Yesterday, Imagineering filed a “Notice of Commencement” permit with the Orange County, Florida Comptroller for “Project M – Package 1” with Great Movie Ride’s approximate location identified as where the work is to occur. The expiration of the permit is October 31, 2019. This permit raises some interesting questions…
First, is the name–Project M–referring to Mickey Mouse? Does this being Package 1 suggest that other packages are to follow? (Normally, projects of this scope would have numerous permits.) Does the 2019 completion date mean the attraction will be done by then? (Doubtful. The rumored target date for opening is October 2021. It’s likely 2019 is just the end date for this package/phase of the work.)
As with so many Walt Disney World rumors that are currently floating around, we are guessing and hoping that all will be revealed at the D23 Expo this weekend. Then again, there’s only so much that can be announced at once, and perhaps this is not one of the things that will make the cut? Either way, it’s shaping up to be an exciting Expo!
Back to the original article…
My Reaction
I’ve expressed a lot of very strong opinions over the years concerning The Great Movie Ride and Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Many of these have been at odds with popular sentiment. Four years ago, I published an editorial imploring Mr. Iger to Tear Down that Hat! (HE LISTENED 😉 ), arguing that the Mickey Sorcerer Hat was thematically jarring and inappropriate for an intersection that represented old Hollywood. Many commenters disagreed, feeling nothing there was no better “Disney” icon for a park about filmmaking than that icon.
More recently, I praised the TCM sponsorship of the Great Movie Ride, contending that it would help prevent the attraction from featuring popular but awful turds like Transformers in becoming the “The Currently Relevant Movie Ride.” In that post, I said, “I would rather see [The Great Movie Ride] removed completely before featuring movies that are popular today, but have a good chance of not standing the test of time.” Well, now it appears “disappear completely” is exactly what will happen after the Turner Classic Movies sponsorship ends in 2018.
Despite those impassioned editorials, I can’t say I will be at all disappointed if the current rumor of The Great Mickey Ride coming to Walt Disney World proves true. The writing has been on the wall for a while with regard to The Great Movie Ride. It seemed that the TCM forestalled the inevitable for a little while, but without a large-scale refurbishment at that time, that’s all it did.
My biggest fear with an update to The Great Movie Ride has always been, and still is, that Disney would opt for flavors of the month films that are hot at the time of the update, but are not truly great, and cause the attraction to show its age within a few years. That, coupled with Disney’s slowness to refresh attractions like this seem like a recipe for disaster. Imagine if such a refresh happened ~5 years ago: we’d pass the smurf-aliens of Avatar (wait…bad example), the sexy vampires of Twilight, and the actual smurfs of The Smurfs. Perhaps we’d also get some Saw 3D action to pander to the edgy, teen demo.
Such current films in the attraction might’ve played well through 2012, but even after that, how much would guests care about those movies? Certainly the ride would look dated in 2016–more dated than the timeless approach of focusing on classic cinema. (And the critical distinction between Pandora as a land and Avatar as a feature in the ride is that the land depends upon the appeal of the Imagineered environment, not name recognition of the film itself–as would be the case in Great Movie Ride.)
My second concern was that we’d lose Grauman’s Chinese Theater as the park’s icon so soon after finally getting it back. While many guests don’t recognize the theater, I can’t think of any Hollywood landmark (save for the Hollywood sign itself) that is more iconic.
The actual theater (now TCL Chinese Theatre) still is a regular spot for red carpet premieres, and is a huge draw for tourists. Even as the theme of Disney’s Hollywood Studios has and will loosen during the park’s expansion, Grauman’s Chinese Theater still exemplifies old Hollywood, which will remain the theme of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards going forward. If the park does become Disney’s Hollywood Adventure, it will still be the perfect icon.
With those concerns in mind, I must face the crushing reality that The Great Movie Ride likely does not resonate with today’s parkgoers. “Kids these days” don’t appreciate the classics (well, neither do adults). Even setting aside the films represented, I have to admit that the attraction does not pack the same punch that it once did. Part of this could be remedied with the script, which was tweaked with the TCM sponsorship, but not enough. Another part is that the “hijacked” premise doesn’t play as well as it once did. A final part is that the attraction just does not engage guests particularly well (compounded when–as it normally does–the hijack scene falls flat).
As both a cinefile and guest who holds a lot of nostalgia for The Great Movie Ride from my childhood, the idea of The Great Movie Ride closing is a very tough pill to swallow. I strongly believe that the attraction could be updated with a new script, addition of other classic films, and engaging new scenes (think the crop duster from North by Northwest swooping over the ride vehicles) that would breathe life into it and make it popular with guests.
Then there’s the realist in me–the one who recognizes the likelihood of Disney taking a “gamble” on such an update, particularly with older IP it does not own, is exceedingly unlikely. This part of me asks, “what’s the best case scenario for The Great Movie Ride of the options that seem plausible?”
The Great Mickey Ride is the answer to that. It’s rumored to be a trackless dark ride, akin to Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy in Paris. In my review of that attraction, I noted that the concept of this ride system with a rat scurrying about held a lot of promise, and the same is true with it being used for a Mickey Mouse attraction.
In a perfect world, this concept would be lavish in both the trackless ride system and the show scenes, taking guests through Mickey’s most iconic on-screen roles, with appearances from other characters along the way. Imagine Oswald the Lucky Rabbit hopping or ride vehicles having to dart out of the way as Goofy stumbles towards them. As an attraction bringing these animated characters to life, it could perfectly marry a trackless ride system with advanced Audio Animatronics as well as project-mapping to enable Walt’s creations to “come alive.”
It should be noted that this is not the first time something like this has been pitched. The idea for a “Mickey Mouse Studio Tour” attraction dates back to Ward Kimball, who worked on the concept for Fantasyland:
More from the Mickey Mouse Studio Tour. These showed up for auction along with a memo from Marty Sklar last year. pic.twitter.com/55vrAZXVRX
– How Bowers (@GoAwayGreen) August 4, 2016
As promised, sketches from the Mickey Mouse Studio Tour attraction Ward Kimball was working on for Fantasyland. pic.twitter.com/AbbTPEeIjQ
– How Bowers (@GoAwayGreen) August 4, 2016
The concept holds the potential for a similarly timeless quality that The Great Movie Ride has (to some degree), while also offering a more dynamic experience that will really wow guests and appeal to a wide range of demographics.
If done well, it’s an incredibly solid concept–almost to the point where it’s surprising this hasn’t happened already. Of course, “if done well” is the major caveat, and my wild visions for what the attraction aren’t necessarily what it will be…
Given the timeline and other capex at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the next 3-5 years, I’m not convinced The Great Mickey Ride will ever come to pass–at least not in “best case scenario” form. If is built in such close time proximity to Star Wars Land, I’m concerned that it will be a scaled-back version of the rumors being floated now.
Disney is already spending a tremendous amount of money to “fix” Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and while it’s conceivable that this has been/will be greenlit as part of a massive “2.0” version of the park (think Disney California Adventure’s overhaul), it’s also possible that whatever plans there are could be cut or scaled back if/when Star Wars Land goes over budget.
With that said, I think the potential for this attraction is through the roof. If The Great Movie Ride must close, The Great Mickey Ride sounds like a great option. A cutting-edge Mickey Mouse attraction as the park’s centerpiece behind the famed facade of Grauman’s Chinese Thater sounds almost perfect.
The “almost” part of this is because I don’t think The Great Movie Ride “must” close. It would be costly, but Great Movie Ride could be updated in such a way to keep its heart while also making it more appealing with guests. Moreover, with Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land likely drawing 3-4 million more guests to DHS each year, the park will need even more capacity. This comes via building new attractions rather than replacing existing ones.
Still, at the end of the day, the overall vision for the future of Disney’s Hollywood Adventure looks to be a promising one, and it’s hard to complain too much if this does end up as a replacement for The Great Movie Ride, especially with everything that is being added to the back of the park. For the meantime, count me as “cautiously optimistic” about The Great Mickey Ride concept. It has the potential to be an incredible, flagship attraction for Disney’s Hollywood Studios if it comes to fruition at all, and if it’s given a budget worthy of Mickey Mouse. Two very big “ifs.”
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Your Thoughts
What do you think of The Great Mickey Ride concept? Would you welcome this as a replacement for The Great Movie Ride? Not thrilled about the idea? Think it’s unlikely to happen, so not worth getting worked up about? Share your thoughts you have in the comments!
I, too, cheered when the hat fell and when TCM announced their sponsorship, though ways dismayed when a big refurb never came. And while I have never ridden GMR, Disney’s habit of 1:1 attraction replacements and overlays leads me to bristle on GMR’s behalf. And, if it goes away, I want my Great Muppet Movie Ride.
And less you think that was already very cynical, I worry that this or any future Mickey ride (which is desperately needed, ridiculously so), won’t live up to what so many of us imagine. I think Tom makes excellent points about how such a ride might be scaled down or pushed back should current IP money-makers go over budget. Or, should the “next Frozen” be released in the interim and break all the records, Mickey could be easily shelved to prioritize current IP. And, should such a ride ever go into production, Disney could probably do it on the cheap and still make bank. I would hope corporate would agree Mickey Mouse deserves better, but I can’t be sure.
I do still have hope, though. Let’s see if its rewarded 😛
The Great Movie Ride is one I’ll remember fondly, but won’t really miss. I think a Mickey ride can really be a flagship ride for Hollywood Studios, the way Spaceship Earth is for Epcot.
It would fit even better in California Adventure, which is themed around Walt’s early career. I wouldn’t be surprised if they find somewhere to put a clone there.
As much as I enjoy TGMR, I’m ok with this. So much creative leeway with the trackless ride system. Also would not surprise me to see Disney announce a full length Mickey feature film in conjunction with the new ride.
As much as I love the Great Movie Ride, nothing would make me happier than seeing The Great Mickey Ride come to fruition. Mickey will always be my absolute favorite part of the Disney experience. I can still watch the classic Mickey cartoons to this day, and my 4 year old son is obsessed with all of the black and white Mickey Mouse cartoons as well. I think he loves them even more than the modern ones. Mickey Mouse will never not be relevant.
Tom,
You mentioned the contract is up in 2018; does that mean, at the start of 2018 or at the end of 2018? First Tower of Terror in California, and now likely this in Florida, and I hate to say it but, there comes a time when Disney needs to figure out a way to balance the old with the new. You can keep these iconic attractions and STILL add new, more updated rides to appease the younger generations. I am a part of that younger generation and I find it offensive that Tower of Terror and the Great Movie Ride could both be a distant memory all in an attempt to update or refresh the parks. How about keeping the nostalgia AND updating, Disney!!?
I really like the great movie ride because I love the older, classic movies. But I guess I’m hopeful whatever replaces it will be just as cool. Having just gone to Disney’s California Adventure for the first time and loved it, I hope that Disney Studios will take some ideas from there for improvement.
It would be great if this rumor becames reality, but I’m not sure about the timing. The Great Movie Ride cannot close until Toy Story land opens and I haven’t seen any report about progresses on that front. It’s unlikely that it will open in 2018.
Even if ground isn’t broken until early 2017, Toy Story Land could open in 2018. Whether it does is a different story, but the land is not as complex and elaborate as Star Wars Land or even Pandora, and construction could (and should) be accomplished quicker.
With that said, I think the timeframe we are looking at for The Great Mickey Ride (or whatever it ends up being called) is likely after Star Wars Land. Probably construction starting in 2020 for the Mickey attraction, at the earliest. A lot can change between now and then…
Tom,
I believe that if they are indeed creating a ride/attraction for Mickey Mouse, Disney would want to debut it in 2021…when WaltDisneyWorld turns 50! What a great way to end a half century of magic. What are your thoughts?
I love the Great Movie Ride and would be really sad to see it go. It’s always been a favorite of mine and I often ride it more than once a visit.
I just finished my most recent trip to Disney World. It was the first since the update of the Great Movie Ride, and I have to say, while I was glad to see the disappearance of the BAS (I hated that thing), I was unimpressed with the refresh. I mean, they basically kept the exact same script, except now, most of it is pre-recorded instead of live like it used to be, and not lout enough. The only portions I could hear properly were when the live cast was speaking. I don’t think that we need a huge refresh, but frankly, it was more impressive when the cast members did the whole speaking routine.
Some portions are clunky now with the pre-recording trying to play off the Cast Members. Honestly, though, the live spiel had gotten so tired in recent years, and the delivery by most (not just some, or even half) was so poor that I think Disney realized something must be done.
I would’ve thought that something would be totally re-writing the Cast Member spiel and giving them extensive training on delivering the new script, but I guess that option did not win out.
With the Great Movie Ride being 22min in length, there is enormous potential for the Great Mickey Ride (or whatever they are going to call it) to be one of the most iconic attractions, not just Hollywood Studios, but in any Disney park across the globe.
I would love a 20min dark ride that told Walt’s story. Placing the rider in his mind while he creates Oswald, Mickey and all the characters we love. This could be spectacular story telling as well as one of the most innovative attractions ever built by Disney.
While I’ll be sad to see the Great Movie Ride go, if Disney puts its full creative force of imagineers behind this new attraction (and why wouldn’t they if they are going to place Mickey’s name on it) it would be something truly magical
I like the concept behind the Great Movie Ride, but found my first (and only) ride-through to be a little underwhelming. Despite knowing the majority of the movies, I thought the ride felt dated in certain regards; the Animatronics didn’t seem to hold up as well as I thought they would have (unlike in other more ‘classic’ attractions in MK and Epcot) and there wasn’t great transitions/flow between sets. I can definitely see Mickey as the narrator of a future iteration of the ride and visiting some of Disney’s greatest classics, both animated and live-action. That park needs some serious attractions for young kids/families; that’s why TSMM is still so darn popular after 8 years.
“That park needs some serious attractions for young kids/families; that’s why TSMM is still so darn popular after 8 years.”
Agreed, completely. The thinking is that Toy Story Land will offer this, but I don’t think it’s nearly enough, especially with as many new guests as Star Wars Land will draw to the park. Even with TSL, the park is 2-3 family rides away from striking good balance.
I really think this is a great idea. This could be a classic if done properly.
I’m finally excited about something at WDW.
Don’t get excited yet. First, this is only rumor at this point. Second, it’s rumor on a pretty distant timeframe, and anything that far away is subject to change. With how often Disney reshuffles executives, it’s likely a future new head of Parks & Resorts will have the ultimate say over whether this is greenlit.
Time will tell, I suppose. For now, still interesting to consider…
I wish they would do something like “mickeys magical hat” ! I know it’s a show, and HS has a lot of shows already, but it would be fun if they made it into a ride somehow. And it’s a nod to the hat.
I am also cautiously optimistic about a possible Mickey-themed major attraction. I wish we didn’t have to lose the Great Movie Ride to get it, but at least they’re not floating some flavor of the week for their central attraction. They just have to give us something on the level of Mystic Manor eventually, don’t they? Don’t they?
I think attractions in both Pandora and Star Wars Land will be on the level of Mystic Manor. Not the same in terms of ride system, but with that same “wow” quality.
To your point, though, I think this attraction has the potential to have that same trackless, family-friendly “magic” that Mystic Manor possesses.
With a trackless system. They could forgo the ‘mickey only’ and do the flavor of the month. With new movies, show pieces and staging being updated as needed.
The same could theoretically be done with any ride system Audio Animatronics can always be swapped out, as can backgrounds, etc.
When Toy Story Mania opened, one of the things that was touted was how easy it would be to swap out the games, even with holiday versions, etc. So far, I think they added 2 characters to a scene when Toy Story 3 debuted. So, I wouldn’t hold my breath on that…
Darn, GMR was one of the rides I was most looking forward to on my “one day” dream trip to WDW. (Ok, maybe not as much as the original Space Mountain)
Now if I want to see it my hypothetical trip has to happen within a couple years. Argh!
That said, the concept for The Great Mickey Ride sounds excellent, but of course it’s all about the execution.
If done right, it could be an amazing ride. If it is done similar to the impressiveness of Hunny Hunt, Mystic Manor, and Shanghai’s Pirates, I think it would be a worthy replacement. The GMR has a huge show building and could easily fit an impressive, long, fun ride.
Hopefully, as the centerpiece ride of the park, it would not take the cheap route out and truly be the flagship attraction of the park. I could imagine it would cost at least $300 – $500 million to get something good in there.
While GMR is a ride that was the thesis of Disney MGM Studios, with the change in direction is makes sense to redirect its focus. The GMR is very similar to Spaceship Earth and the could be considered one of the last of the EPCOT Center-style dark rides. It is sad to see those types of rides go extinct. But in 2018 I am sure a new generation of ride would be amazing. Lets just hope it doesn’t follow the same fate as Imagination.
“My biggest fear with an update to The Great Movie Ride has always been, and still is, that Disney would opt for flavors of the month films that are hot at the time of the update.”
What ever makes you think Disney would do something like that?!? (As a side note, we were in DLP Studios today and saw the Armageddon: Special Effects attraction… ) :/
I feel like I should be against this, but the reality is that I don’t have much love for the Great Movie Ride. I find it hokey and far too obvious that you’re in an enormous show building. The ride vehicles are tanks, the AA’s look off, and I find it much harder to engage with than the other dark rides. Admittedly I haven’t seen many of the movies that make up the ride, but for me that’s not as much of a factor as the other aspects of the ride.
I would be in favor of this change if they did it right, BUT that doesn’t change the fact that whatever this park will become, it needs more attractions. For that reason I would prefer that they build the Mickey ride somewhere else and to keep GMR. But if they don’t (and frankly, they won’t), than this is a more than acceptable replacement.
As an older mouseketeer I find these rides great for getting out of the heat, resting your feet and getting a quick power nap…same for carousel of progress. Thank you for letting me give you a different spin of things.
That is certainly true, but should an attraction be allowed to stick around just because it gets you out of the heat? Ideally the attraction should entertain and allow you to rest up at the same time.
Which I realize that the ride does for many people, but it never has for me. It was perhaps the only attraction I did on my first visit in ’98 that I know we did but I had no memory of. Once I rode it again, two years ago, I knew why I had forgotten it: I just didn’t find it very good.
I would love to see something like Mickey’s Philharmagic with you traveling with Mickey instead of just watching it like you do with Donald.