4. Attractions with original mythology
HOW DISNEY DOES IT: Don’t misunderstand – Disney’s always relied on the stories, settings, and characters of the company’s animated tales as the backbone of its attraction offerings… and during Eisner’s tenure in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Disney even brought outside intellectual properties into the parks (Star Wars, The Twilight Zone, Indiana Jones, The Muppets…) to bolster sagging studio concepts. But some of Disney’s best-loved attractions forego characters we know and instead introduce us to new worlds that become familiar over generations.
Image: Disney
It’s more than just Pirates or the Haunted Mansion (and its siblings, Modern Marvels: Phantom Manor and Mystic Manor). Disney Imagineers created Dreamfinder and Figment to star in a Lost Legend: Journey into Imagination; an interplanetary technology conglomerate and its bloodthirsty invader in another Lost Legend: ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, or the dozen rides, attractions, and even restaurants connected by the legendary, cross-continental story of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. In so doing, they created homegrown, original mythologies that resonated as much as (or sometimes more than) the produced-and-purchased intellectual properties they own.
WHERE UNIVERSAL DOES IT ALREADY: Look – Universal’s origins will always be deeply tied to being “studio parks.” Even their rare (and successful!) attempt to break out of the beige-soundstage movie mould – Universal’s Islands of Adventure – is still indelibly tied to existing characters and stories (albeit, more timeless and evergreen ones, like Marvel comics, Sunday funnies, and Dr. Seuss).
Image: katsuhiro7110, Flickr
The two exceptions are the underappreciated Port of Entry and the stunning Lost Continent – lands literally designed by Disney Imagineers –original worlds based on ancient myths. That said, the former has no attractions, and the latter has its own in-depth entry, Lost Legends: The Lost Continent, because much of it has been overtaken by Harry Potter (a worthy successor, to be sure), and the original mythology left in its attractions – Poseidon’s Fury and the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad – needs a refresh.
Overseas, Universal Studios Japan hosts the spectacular SPACE FANTASY: The Ride (see a video here), a truly astonishing family roller coaster so unusually creative, you may be surprised that Universal Creative has this kind of originality, only because they simply don’t use it back in the United States!
Image: Universal
Otherwise, Universal is intentionally stocked with smart attractions and spectacular concepts based on stories you already know. Far from the dreaded “book report” rides, they still rely on your understanding of (and in some cases, appreciation of) a pre-written story, characters, setting, and plot.
OUR IDEAS: Despite its deeply Japanese styling, SPACE FANTASY: The Ride would likely be a family favorite at Universal Orlando, and as the only piece in Universal’s portfolio that comes to mind as featuring original stories, settings, and memorable characters, it’s our first go-to idea.
But until such time as Universal has its own “Dreamfinder and Figment” or “X-S Tech” or “S.E.A.,” there’s simply something missing from its lineup.
To Screen or Not to Screen?
Image: Universal / Warner Bros.
As screen-free as our suggestions here may be, this really isn’t meant to be an argument against screens or simulators (though we certainly feel Universal is maxed out and super-saturated with them). It’s also not to shame Universal for the times and places where physical rides get replaced with screens (though, yes, it’s painful). Logically, it’s an easy sell: screens are cheaper and more real than animatronics if you’re looking to recreate a fluid, moving, beloved movie character again and again.
Of course, Universal Orlando is a spectacular worldwide destination in its own right with two unimaginable theme parks packed with some of the best rides and attractions on the globe. This wish list isn't meant to denegrate or diminish the incredible offerings that this world-class resort has to offer.
But Universal is missing some things… By adding even a handful of the rides above, Universal would surely cement their Orlando resort as a long-term competitor to Disney’s dominance. And that, by the way, would be a good thing for both of Central Florida’s resorts.
Comments
Brian, always adore your content on this site! I love the history of theme parks, and thoroughly enjoy your conjectures on the best method forward for both Disney and Universal. As a Columbus native, also really love anytime you bring up Cosi or the Ohio parks. Keep up the great work!