View Full Version : Disney Characters to be added to HKDL's It's a small world attraction


groovysqirrel
03-24-2008, 03:55 PM
After watching a promotional video for new things coming to HKDL this year, I thought this stood out the most.

Yes, they are adding characters such as Lilo and Stitch and Peter Pan (I know these, as they were shown in the video). It is also rumored that this is what the 9-Month Refurb. of DLR's It's a Small World attraction was for - to add the characters.

Kevin L. Blair (son of Disney artist Mary Blair) wrote on a website (blog) protesting the addition of Disney Characters into the classic ride. He writes.. "The Disney characters of themselves are positive company icons, but they do not fit in with the original theme of the ride. They will do nothing except to marginalize the rightful stars of the ride 'The Children of the World'."

Also, on another website a poll was put up asking for peoples opinions on the rumored addition. 90% said the additions should not be put into the attraction.

Disney Imagineers have not confirmed the addition to California's It's a Small World attraction.

In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, Walt Disney Imagineering spokeswoman Marilyn Waters said, “No one approaches our classic attractions with more reverence than Disney Imagineers who take great care when refreshing beloved attractions. As with all our classics, any enhancements made to It’s a Small World will be in the original spirit of celebrating the children of the world.”



Post Opinions, Comments, etc. Here!

As for other things in the video, they talked about the Muppets Roaming Lab coming to HKDL and what seems to be a Submarine Voyage/Turtle Talk with Crush ride.

mickey0794
03-24-2008, 04:07 PM
I cannot find a single video....... ( except for badly-made ones that bored people made )

TheRealPumpkinQueen
03-24-2008, 04:15 PM
I spoke with a long time cast member at DLR in December and he told me Small World was getting refurb on the boats.... after many, many years of re-painting them ( so that they always look pretty) coat after coat the boats are getting too heavy. Of course while it is closed they could add Disney Characters. I for one hope they do not. I LOVE the art work of Mary Blair and i think by adding Disney characters they would be attempting to insert Disney magic into to something that has a magic of its own.

luckyone
03-24-2008, 04:15 PM
the shouldn't change it, it is a classic and i like small world the way it is

EragonFan
03-26-2008, 01:32 AM
They have conformed that characters will be added to the ride. The following is an article from the LAtimes.com website.(I do not know how to use the quote formatting or else I would)

"Disneyland plans to incorporate stylized Disney characters into It’s a Small World in keeping with attraction creator Mary Blair’s original designs and color palette, Walt Disney Imagineering officials confirmed.

An “Alice in Wonderland” doll wearing a blue dress and a white rabbit in a playing card tunic based on illustrations created by Blair while working on the 1951 animated movie will be added to the England segment of the classic boat ride, officials said. The Alice and rabbit characters will be added near a chessboard and red rose tree already existing in the Small World attraction.

Officials confirmed that Alice is one of several Disney characters that will be added to Disneyland’s Small World in a controversial plan that has infuriated some purists. Officials have insisted that Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will not appear in the Anaheim attraction.

The major rehab, which has been in the works for eight years, will “respect and honor the original creative intent” of Blair’s iconic work while adding “new richness, excitement and relevance,” according to an Imagineering official. The renovated ride will not be a “carbon copy” of the new Small World attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland, officials said."

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2008-03/37021821.gif

groovysqirrel
03-26-2008, 01:39 AM
Hmm.. again with the revamping of rides to supposedly "make them better; more magical." Horrible idea Disney, same as the Tom Saywer Island and Pirates of the Caribbean incidents.

I will ride to see how different it is, but it won't nearly be as magical as before.

Destination
03-26-2008, 01:50 AM
Wow, that sounds cool!

GoodPolarGirl
03-26-2008, 01:52 AM
I spoke with a long time cast member at DLR in December and he told me Small World was getting refurb on the boats.... after many, many years of re-painting them ( so that they always look pretty) coat after coat the boats are getting too heavy. Of course while it is closed they could add Disney Characters. I for one hope they do not. I LOVE the art work of Mary Blair and i think by adding Disney characters they would be attempting to insert Disney magic into to something that has a magic of its own.

Perfectly said.

Mooshu
03-26-2008, 01:55 AM
Oh gosh, I really hope they don't add the Disney characters.

Tole
03-26-2008, 04:59 PM
They could add one Disney character without ruining it.

Mickey.

A hidden one.

groovysqirrel
05-06-2008, 09:55 PM
Ok, so I found some videos of the "soft-opening" for the HKDL attraction. Let me personally say, this was a horrible mistake (in my opinion, of course). They don't fit in with the attraction, and like I read on another board "Isn't the ride the CHILDREN of the world??," not the characters.

Obviously Disney will be Disney and not listen to their fans, but post comments here. :)

TBs_Creation
05-07-2008, 08:48 PM
Eh I really dont like this idea but its not my choice. Anyways i recorded the SW part of the HKDL promo sorry theres no sound :(
http://www.youshare.com/view.php?file=clip0099.avi

Wondermanforever
05-24-2008, 09:16 PM
http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2008-03/37021821.gif

oh my god thats scary LOL...