Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Hollywood » Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 02:14:11 GMT

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re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 08:58:09 GMT

" Or should Disney leave the real scares to Universal and just stick with "Mickey's Not-so-Scary Halloween Party"?"

Yup, that's how I feel. Disney prides itself on family entertainment. Universal discourages little kids from going to Horror Nights. Heck, I wouldn't even want to go to Horror Nights. In a college film class of mine, some boys were talking about how much fun they recently had at Mickey's Not So Scary Holloween Party.

I think that having "The Nightmare Before Christmas" characters in the park (and for a Halloween event) would be great and beneficial to the company (it has a huge fanbase). I hope the dark ride comes to be- it sounds like a great idea!

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 09:09:06 GMT

If you don't live in Orlando, you might not realize just how big a deal Halloween Horror Nights is. It's an institution here, and still can cause traffic back-ups on I-4 during peak nights. In addition to the $60 admission, Uni routinely sells out on Express Passes and even $120 VIP tours--not to mention all the alcohol sales. The event is just a license to print money.

Whether or not a "scarier" event belongs on WDW property--and whether or not HHN fans would even accept the idea of it--there is no way Disney has not noticed the money being made up the road and started salivating.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 09:11:44 GMT

Thanks, Jim. Great article.

I hope the Mouse does move forth with a real investment in seasonal events at the Studios. It has a great location for locals to drop in on (at least if they could get the praking figured out), a very flexible theme, and two shows (Fantasmic and Sorcery in the Sky, which presumably still has infrastructure in place) that could easily support all of this. Add in the potential for haunted stunt shows, or a Christmas overlay on Toy Story Mania, it could be really sweet.

They just need to make the place easier to access...and maybe get some signature dining into the front of the park (maybe even outside). No chain stuff...something custom.

My only question is why WDI wouldn't create a 4D Jack Skellington show for a Muppet replacement...something where they go in with 3 films right out the chute...a Halloween show, a Christmas show, and a rest-of-the-year show. Maybe the storylines could all interweave, so you only get the whole thing by seeing all three.

That would free up the Muppets to be more of the self-aware "we're in a studio and we know it!" characters that they can really excel at (and do better than any other Mouse property. Letting those furry things take over the backstage tour could be a big improvement. Seeing Gonzo's Catastrophe Canyon could be a real hoot!

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 09:15:40 GMT

Jim,

Thank you for answering my questions; the answer was so much more involved than I expected!

@misterjohnson: I would LOVE to see the Muppets take over the Backstage tour - that 45-minute attraction could certainly use a refresher.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:42:17 GMT

I would totally go to a REAL Disney Halloween theme event. Not just something for little kids. It would be awesome to see how they could transform the park.

As for the "little kids would get scared!" thing, that's why they would go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. MGM is the "teen" park already, with ToT and Rockin' Rollercoaster being the two big attractions.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:03:49 GMT

I'm sure that some Disney execs have gotta be salivating at the prospect of having their own more adult Halloween event - given WDW's history, copying another successful off-property event to keep people from leaving prett much fits with the MO. But I still think it's a bad idea. Nobody cares if Uni or Six Flags or anybody else does a HHN-type event - heck, if anything, it keeps their target demographic coming into the parks in a season where most amusement parks would be cutting back operating hours or closing for the season. But Uni and SF and others don't have Disney's family reputation, and even if Disney goes out of its way to keep the kiddies away, the Company's reputation would be tarnished by something like this.

Here's an idea for Disney, though: How 'bout a Halloween party for adults only that allows adults to dress up and have a little fun but doesn't involve scaring the bejesus out of people (in other words, a typical home or ballroom gathering, but on steroids)? Disney can bring in a young adult crowd for a night or two and cash in but not get the "How could Disney get involved with stuff like this?" vibe.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:44:02 GMT

Ummm... Where does anyone get the inference that this is actually going to be along the lines of HHN in tone or execution?

I see nothing that indicates that in the article. In fact, pointing out that a new Nightmare... ride and parade will be centerpieces of this event pretty much points to the exact opposite.

There is a HUGE amount of area in between the Mickey-fied Halloween goings-on at MK and the very adult-oriented splatterfest at Universal Orlando. And it seems obvious that this new seasonal venture will reside somewhere in the middle of those extremes.

This seems to be a Halloween event geared to be enjoyed by EVERYONE (not just kids like Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party- and not just adults like HHN)... so I see no conflict of this proposal with normal Disney style or standards.

Just because something is going to be meant to compete with HHN for people's admission tickets, doesn't mean that it is going to be at all similar in its approach to doing so.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:33:09 GMT

I see nothing wrong with the 'slanting' of new attractions and accomodations toward a less generic Disney foundation. As many can openly see, park attendance during the Horrorween events has skyrocketed. Then also look at those attending the parades and park events and how they're costumed. In the case of the Pirate parade, the amount of buccaneers and swashbucklers is a major dress-up desire. For that matter look at the Food and Wine Fest, Flower Shows and their impressive expansion since the first days.

I say allow them to continue placing themed (re-themed) attractions, lands, or parks all over the place. Obviously people will vote with their feet. We all saw how fast Mission Space was retuned after its initial offering (not a place I expect to survive for more than a few more years at best.)

What do I see in WDW's future? I see expansion/conversion of the main streets into 24 hour guest areas. Family suites over the shops, which in turn overlook Main. Triple pane glass enclosed balconies keeps the noise out, and stuff in. Families would pay a huge premium to 'Sleep on Main'.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 18:17:56 GMT

I recall a plan several years ago that anticipated dropping "MGM" from the name of that park -- I think it had to do with difficult negotiations with that studio over rights to some films and MGM wanting out of the tie-in. I even have some merchandise branded simply "Disney Studios" with a Mickey ears-movie camera logo from that time purchased at D-MGM which may have come from the original in California. But I don't see them renaming the park simply to accommodate a once-a-year Halloween event.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:43:52 GMT

Universal and Disney are targeting two different audiences with their Halloween offerings, and I see nothing wrong with that.

If Disney's plan is to pull in some of the Universal crowd, then they're going to have to make their Studios even similar to Unversal's--and that means making it rather un-Disney.

Were Disney to hold two separate events aimed at separate audiences, they'd have to work very, very hard to explain the differences to guests. People make certain assumptions when visiting Disney parks, and one of those assumptions is that things are going to be "family-friendly." That means not very scary. If Disney cranks up the spook factor at Studios, they'd better make darned sure that oblivious parents don't accidentally bring the kiddies there and end up having a negative experience.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 23:10:46 GMT

Lately what I've been noticing here at WDW is that Disney could really give a rip what Universal is doing. Look, merchandising is making more now some days then we were during the SUMMER. And you know what guests are wearing in our stores? Halloween Horror Night shirts! Universal has yet to make its parks quality enough to hold the guest's attention. Also I consistently hear that guests prefer Mickey's Not-So-Scary because at least the title is more honest. HHN has always been kinda lame and people leave disappointed. I've been twice and both times sucked. Bunch of drunks everywhere and lame haunted houses that never provided a single scare.

I think if Disney provided an alternative event for grown ups it would get a lot of play. Jack Skellington is a big seller and we constantly hear about how there isn't enough villain themed stuff.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 02:56:09 GMT

BonnetCreekChief said: "I recall a plan several years ago that anticipated dropping "MGM" from the name of that park -- I think it had to do with difficult negotiations with that studio over rights to some films and MGM wanting out of the tie-in. I even have some merchandise branded simply "Disney Studios" with a Mickey ears-movie camera logo from that time purchased at D-MGM which may have come from the original in California."

I didn't have anything to add to this discussion, but saw your post and had to add that I have one of those shirts too, wore it the other day. I knew they were moving away from the name at that point, but I hadn't heard anything since then. Thanks for the interesting article Jim!

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:37:37 GMT

Tuckenie, I'm going to have to disagree with you on HHN - I've been to that 3 times in the past 10 years and had a great time. It's the only time I've ever really enjoyed myself at Universal. Well, that and when a conference I attended a couple of years ago rented out the whole park for one night. Universal with no lines is pretty nice since you don't have time to notice how run down things are! :-)

Overall a Haunted DS could be good. As others pointed out, there is a big middle ground between Mickey's NSSH and Universal. I could deal with that pretty well.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 22:48:01 GMT

I really like the idea of Disney doing a more HHN thing. While I love Mickey's NSSH and I go every year, an actually scary party sounds great. I just hope they don't drop NSSH in the process.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 01:33:57 GMT

I actually think it would be great if Disney put a more adult themed Halloween party at The Studios. Now, that being said "more adult" doesn't need to be as scary as HHN, just somewhere in the middle.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:12:34 GMT

I'm also going to have to disagree, Tuckenie. I've gone to HHN three times in the last five years, and I've loved every single trip. I grew up with the original Knott's Scary Farm (the grandaddy of all amusement park Halloween events), and for awhile there, Knott's was untouchable. But now HHN at Universal in Hollywood is even starting to take over that market. It makes Universal a lot of money, and for a very good reason: They do a terrific job.

Disney will never a do a HHN. It's the wrong image for the company, and I think a lot of us would be disappointed. Don't get me wrong. I think if the Disney Imagineers did a haunted house somewhere and didn't attach Walt's name, they would rock the competition.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:28:34 GMT

Halloween Horror nights is a crowded, chaotic mess. You shuffle through the haunted houses practically chest to back with the guest in front of you. You are never really scared because you are moving so slowly you can see and hear everything coming. I haven't been in the past 5 years, so they may have made improvements by now. . .I sure hope so.

Just for the record, I don't think they re-named Disney-MGM Studios because of any holiday plans. Those of us who work here at WDW have been hearing about the name change for 3 or 4 years now.

re: Why For did the Mouse really rename MGM "Disney's Hollywood Studios" ?

Jim Hill — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:00:58 GMT

Whatever. I think Disney should stop chasing what other people are doing and try innovating again. I'm actually really tired of reading, "Disney is going to do "X" because Universal is doing "Y."

It used to be (and should be) the other way around.