Will There Be Any DisneyPark Specials/Tie-ins Next Year?

[muppetsliveon]

I'm still waiting for the Gonzo and Statler and Waldorf apps that were announced at D23 in 09. :/
Don't forget Pepe's love meter.

 

[beaker]

I went to D23 09, and yes, I went to the Muppets panel. (I did not wait the incredible 2 hour wait afterward to personally meet Fozzie, Gonzo and... I can't remember the other Muppet at the moment) In retrospect, it was quite a disappointment. Except for merchandise, literally every single announcement never came true. I think the only one was the Bohemian Rhapsody, but it had already been produced (or was in the process of) when the panel was going on. They announced a Muppet theatrical movie that never got made (Cheapest), different music videos/parodies that never were produced, a Halloween special that was never filmed, Muppet Whatnot Workshops in CA and FL that were never built, an overhaul of Muppet*Vision 3D that never happened... and so much more. They also had one Muppet perform in person very briefly: Sam the Eagle. (yeah, I don't know either) There was some pre-filmed thing but it was over quickly. The studios presentation had way more Muppets, which was kinda weird. No mention of Jason Segel whatsoever either. And he had been connected with Disney/Muppets for over a year at this point.

I'm guessing the film took up most of the time, which let these projects fall to the wayside. I didn't go to D23 '11, but oddly I think there was less Muppets there.

As for the parks, aside from character meet and greets that will surely be revitalized in 2012, don't expect much. Imagineering is straying from the old 3D film attractions since the effect (which is the main factor in attracting audiences) can be viewed in movie theaters across the country. So don't expect MV3D to be updated, however it will get a new lease on life as the new movie should give the attraction a popularity boost for a little while. New attractions down the line? I can't say "never", but for now don't count on it. Think smaller, like the Muppets getting a segment in California Adventure's World of Color, or even a little daytime show. Their presence will be increased, but in tinier doses than you might imagine.

I think for now, Disney's main focus is finding other ways to utilize this now confirmed-to-be refreshed franchise.

Weird, as the footage of D23 I saw from 2009 had an epic array of live Muppet performances, songs, skits, etc. I consider "Cheapest" to really be the Muppets 2011, and I remember a lot of the youtube videos ended up being released in 2010 if Im remembering correctly.

Yeah this year seemed tumbleweeds and crickets(much like the merchandise situation right now for the muppets) muppet wise at D23 so I ended up not going

I wish I could build a time machine so everyone on here could experience the gloriousness of muppetfest 2001

 

[beaker]

The sad part is that there is a Muppet store in Hollywood Studios. But in recent years Muppets merchandise has been stuck in a corner on a single wrack and an occasional display shelf. In their own store! If nothing else I'd love to see that store revitalized a bit. Silly to have giant Kermit statues outside and a replica of the Bus Station lockers inside with no merchandise!
I'm still waiting for the Gonzo and Statler and Waldorf apps that were announced at D23 in 09. :/

Like in the film, it seems like the Muppets get no love and are pushed aside for the latest thing. Ive begun to really sour on Pixar sadly, especially Cars.

 

[goldenstate5]

Weird, as the footage of D23 I saw from 2009 had an epic array of live Muppet performances, songs, skits, etc. I consider "Cheapest" to really be the Muppets 2011, and I remember a lot of the youtube videos ended up being released in 2010 if Im remembering correctly.

There was a Muppets performance in the studios presentation, and of course people got a chance to meet Gonzo, Fozzie and... still can't remember the third Muppet after the panel, but the wait was tremendous. People were taking their sweet time. (don't blame them)

"Cheapest" was another script altogether that got replaced by Jason Segel's, and they announced all these videos that never came to light. They did raffle away a bunch of merch, which seemed to be the main point of the panel: hawking merchandise. I just remember being very disappointed.

 

[a_Mickey_Muppet]

There was a Muppets performance in the studios presentation, and of course people got a chance to meet Gonzo, Fozzie and... still can't remember the third Muppet after the panel, but the wait was tremendous. People were taking their sweet time. (don't blame them).

it was Pepe

 

[goldenstate5]

Ahh thanks! I thought it might have been Pepe but I wasn't sure.

 

[Walter]

I was a crazy hardcore Star Wars fan in the 90's, and almost went to the first ever Star Wars celebration in 1997. Just when the new prequels came out I lost a lot of my star wars fandom. Tho I LOVE Revenge of the Sith and consider it my second favorite Star Wars film under Return of the Jedi.

Yeah it would be cool if they were able to do some of the proposed Muppet park stuff they wanted to do in 1990/1991. I found a video from 1991 on youtube where they go into some of the stuff they had planned. I at least want to see a full on Muppet only merchandise store at California Adventure.

I didnt know there was a James Cameron Avatar connection to Disney. I guess theyre just making one up! I can just imagine how amazing this will be, even tho i didnt really like the film. Id be a thousand times more thrilled about a Tron Legacy ride.

Sounds like the SW weekends are insane. Muppet fans should DEMAND a weekend!
Heck the goth subculture people even have their own Disney weekend called Bats Day every year

There is a ctually a RUMORED Tron legacy attraction coming to DHS. although I don't know much, I do know it was discussed when the series was announced.(perhaps in the old Narnia building that was recently vacated..hmm)

BatsDay? never heard of that.. I guess it's an unofficial thing right?

Anyways, The MuppetVision pre-show was refilmed a couple of years ago..I am not sure why it was never installed in the building, but it does exist. Although, by now it would probably be better to just film a new one with the updated puppets.

..and yes, I am a regular at Disney's SWW( I was one of the first to ride StarTours 3d!)

 

[beaker]

What is the new star tours like? I was there for opening month in 1986. Was so blown away by the waiting queue stuff I didnt mind the 3 hour wait. And Captain E/O...beyond amazing.

Also when will Beuna Vista Street open at Calif Adv? I plan to go there when it opens. I love the whole 1920's-40's thing.

 

[goldenstate5]

There is a ctually a RUMORED Tron legacy attraction coming to DHS. although I don't know much, I do know it was discussed when the series was announced.(perhaps in the old Narnia building that was recently vacated..hmm)

BatsDay? never heard of that.. I guess it's an unofficial thing right?

Anyways, The MuppetVision pre-show was refilmed a couple of years ago..I am not sure why it was never installed in the building, but it does exist. Although, by now it would probably be better to just film a new one with the updated puppets.

1. The Tron Legacy attraction at DHS was cancelled due to the mediocre BO performance of the film domestically. However, there's going to be a Tron attraction at the new Singapore Disneyland.
2. Bats Day is unofficial, yes.
3. I'm very much betting the refilming of the MV3D pre-show was a rumor. No way Disney spent money on that and did absolutely nothing, especially by now with the new film out. They did convert the print to digital, however, and it looks great.

What is the new star tours like? I was there for opening month in 1986. Was so blown away by the waiting queue stuff I didnt mind the 3 hour wait. And Captain E/O...beyond amazing.

Also when will Beuna Vista Street open at Calif Adv? I plan to go there when it opens. I love the whole 1920's-40's thing.

The new Star Tours is mindblowing, without a doubt the best 3D I've ever witnessed. (yes, better than Avatar)

Buena Vista Street opens next summer along with Cars Land.

 

[beaker]

The new Star Tours is mindblowing, without a doubt the best 3D I've ever witnessed. (yes, better than Avatar)

Buena Vista Street opens next summer along with Cars Land.

I didnt care for Avatar(LOVED Tron Legacy 2) but sounds good. 56 different destinations? Crazy! Whats the queue wait area like?

Also by summer, do they mean may...june...july, august?