Disneyland island may get new occupants - Orange County Register - 10/5/06

[Darkbeer]

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/article_1298379.php

Goodbye, Tom Sawyer. Ahoy, Capt. Jack Sparrow.

If Disney film execs have their way, a "Pirates of the Caribbean"-themed attraction reportedly will take over Tom Sawyer Island – a Disneyland playground designed by Walt Disney himself.

The Disney watchdog Web site, miceage.com, reported Wednesday that the island, which began in 1956, will be updated. Disneyland officials refused to confirm or deny the news.

"We're always looking at ways of doing things differently. It could happen. Or it could not," Disney spokesman Bob Tucker said.

Theme-park visitors board rafts to get to the island featuring caves, secret passageways, tunnels and rope bridges – all inspired by Mark Twain's books.

In 2003, Disneyland rehabilitated many of the island's features to make them safer, said Al Lutz, the Web site's editor.

"The island is just a shadow of what it used to be," he said.
Lutz said executives, who cashed in on movies based on the Disneyland pirate ride, are pushing for the island makeover in time for the third movie's release next year.

"I think they are just reacting to the marketplace," Lutz said.

[Dustysage]

Re: Disneyland island may get new occupants - Orange County Register - 10/5/06

Looks like the first bit of Disney admission that the rumor is true:

"We're always looking at ways of doing things differently. It could happen. Or it could not," Disney spokesman Bob Tucker said.

-Dusty

[Disneyphile]

Re: Disneyland island may get new occupants - Orange County Register - 10/5/06

Holy crap. MiceAge made the OC Register!!!! :clap:

Way to go, Al!!!! :clap:

[MasterGracey]

Re: Disneyland island may get new occupants - Orange County Register - 10/5/06

...This is getting pretty crazy.

Does all the media coverage mean this could possibly happen, afterall Al said that none of this is for sure - or does it just mean local papers and entertainment websites are just desperate for a story?

[Thempark78]

Re: Disneyland island may get new occupants - Orange County Register - 10/5/06

I would say the rumor is probably true. Disney is always trying to find a way to market their movies in their theme parks. This only makes Walt roll over in his grave, or freeze chamber, whichever might be. Sure Walt marketed his movies in the theme parks but not to the extent that they are marketed today. He incorporated individual unique ideas for the theme parks as well. This is a big money grabber that Disney doesn't recognize. Why not build attractions that people will only experience if they go for a vacation. Don't build rides that are nearly exactly similar to their movie that most people have already seen. RIP Tom Sawyer Island. You will probably be joining your friends, Mission to Mars, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Country Bear Jamboree, etc. real soon.