Two weeks ago I announced the latest What in the World contest.  This time, I asked those interested in participating to put on their Imagineering hats, and plan the next big thing for Walt Disney World.  What would you like to see at Walt Disney World?  Would you completely redesign an attraction?  Would you open a fifth gate?  Would you bring back an old favorite long gone?   The winner will receive a Studioscentral.com t-shirt, and an Imagineering mystery prize. 

After carefully considering all of the entries, I’ve selected the two people from the contest whose ideas have stood out to me the most.  They provided some excellent ideas on what should be Walt Disney World’s next big thing. 

• Ken, or Ken in Atlanta on the forums, sent in this Imagineering idea to enhance the entertainment opportunities at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

My idea for Walt Disney World would be to open the Walt Disney Theatre.  I would place it just outside Disney's Hollywood Studios so that it fits the new theme of entertainment it is suppose to capture.  I would also have an entrance from the Studios itself, so guests can enter in from the park side.   The fall back location would be at Downtown Disney to add to the entertainment there.

At the theatre Disney would put on Broadway productions that Disney owns:  Beauty and the Beast, Aida,  Hunchback of Norte Dame, Mary Poppins, Lion King, Tarzan.    The shows could rotate out every three years or so, even with the shows mentioned above that would almost two decades of new entertainment without repeating.   The theatre could also be the place that new productions test and preview before going to Broadway, thus giving guests a look at how Broadway shows work.  

Daytime tours could be done backstage for even more entertainment value.  And every night there is a red carpet that the guests walk down as cast members snap pictures like the paparrazi, as search lights streak across the sky, as Disney characters wave and welcome them into the theatre.  Thus every guest gets to really feel like a star arriving for a premiere.

• Debbie, or HDlady on the forums, sent  us multiple ideas to ponder

For me, this is an easy question. I would like to see some of the WDW vintage favorites brought back to life. While I suppose it could work as a fifth park, I feel it would work best as an additional section of one of the existing parks.  Magic Kingdom would probably be the best "fit" since this park is "classic Disney".  Walt Disney World could also move some of the still operational and popular classics such as "It's a Small World" into the new area/park to make room for new attractions.  It's very, VERY unlikely Disney would ever actually implement this suggestion because it would be like reopening old wounds but I feel, if they packaged and marketed it properly (maybe a "Journey Back in Time" theme), it could be a huge success not only for returning guests that remember the "good old days" but for those experiencing Walt Disney World for the first time!  

Here is a list of my favorites with a few suggestions from friends as well. I'm sure I've missed a few of my own past favorites and some that others would like to add:

• Penny Arcade from Main Street - Just so vintage
• Main Street Cinema from Main Street - Another classic
• Main Street Electrical Parade from Magic Kingdom - In addition to Spectromagic (which I also love)
• Mr. Toad's Wild Ride from Fantasyland - Love the reclining nude w/ strategically placed blonde hair on the left side over the fire place
• ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter from Tomorrowland - classic in the sense of a Grade B Horror Flick 
• The Timekeeper from Tomorrowland - Always liked this one
• Journey Into Imagination (original version) from EPCOT - One of the ones I miss most
• Horizons from EPCOT - A friend's suggestion
• The Living Seas, Seas film from EPCOT -  A friend's suggestion
• Tapestry of Nations/Tapestry of Dreams Parade from EPCOT - LOVE those puppets and the music   
• Fireworks Factory Restaurant from Pleasure Island - Great theme and had pretty good food, especially their BBQ ribs
• Adventurers Club from Pleasure Island - While not closed yet, will be sorely missed
• Country Bears Jamboree (Holiday Version) from Frontierland - Much better than the "regular" Country Bears Jamboree show, but they stopped doing this two or three years ago

It was so difficult to choose between these two quality submissions, therefore both Ken and Debbie will be receiving a Studioscentral.com t-shirt and a copy of one of my favorite books on Imagineering, The Disney Mountains: Imagineering at Its Peak by Jason Surrell.  The Disney Mountains: Imagineering at Its Peak describes the creation and building of the many man-made mountains that the Walt Disney Company has built around the world (not just Walt Disney World). Starting with the world’s first steel-tube rollercoaster, the Matterhorn at Disneyland and ending with their latest creation, Expedition: Everest, each “mountain” is given its own chapter.  The book contains a wonderful collection of illustrations and artist concept drawings that really make this a wonderful read for any Disneyphile.

One of my favorite books on all things Disney.

Congratulations Ken and Debby!

Until next time.

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