Walt Disney World should get "Lost"

I just finished watching a new episode of "Lost" on ABC and it got me thinking....

If Disney can shell out the big bucks to create an "American Idol" attraction (which airs on a rival network), why not take one of the biggest hits from its own network and turn it into something HUGE for their theme parks.

Then it hit me... the perfect idea!

Years ago, Disney was talking with the creators of the MYST video game series about creating an immersive and interactive environment for guests to explore. They even had a location picked out.

They were planning to create this MYST universe on Discovery Island, which is an 11½-acre island in Bay Lake at Walt Disney World. It originally opened as "Treasure Island" in 1974, and was a place where guests could observe different kids of animals. It was closed in 1999, when all of the wildlife were moved to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Today, this island sits unused just waiting for an idea to bring it back to life. How awesome would it be to take the myth, storyline and legend of "Lost" and set it loose on Discovery Island?

Guests could be brought onto the island in groups of 10 to 15. They could start off on the beach, where the wreckage of Oceanic 815 would still be sitting there. Clues would lead the group to The Hatch, where they might find a cast member frantically entering the code 4 8 15 16 23 42 into a 1980's computer.

The adventure might take a dangerous turn, when the group comes across the camp of "The Others". The ideas could go on and on.

Technically, this would be more of a show than a traditional attraction... so the capacity would have to be capped at a certain number each day. That would mean the admission fee would be close to what you'd pay to enter the Magic Kingdom.

A good model to go by would be The Tomb at 5-Wits. Check out the FAQ for this attraction to get an idea of how the Lost Island could work.

I know that there are a lot of problems with this idea... especially the fact that the show ends in three years. But I really like the idea of an "adventure island" where a group of strangers need to work as a team to solve a mystery.

Do you think an idea like this could work? Join the discussion in the CoasterRadio.com forums!

Idol-Mania comes to Disney World

Since we're more of a commentary blog and less of a news blog, I waited a few days to gather my thoughts on the new "American Idol" attraction coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios later this year.

The story has already hit the mainstream press, so you know there is gonna be a lot of buzz about this one.

I should start off by saying that I'm not a fan of American Idol. I hate the fact that horrible singers, clueless to the fact that they can't sing, are paraded in front of the world to be ridiculed. With the exception of William Hung, who at least stretched his humiliation into 15-minutes of fame, I don't see anything good that comes from it. Sure, it can be funny sometimes, but a lot of times it is just sad.

But I'm clearly in the minority. That damn show is #1 anytime it is on and it blows away the competition. So I suppose it makes perfect sense to turn it into a theme park attraction. I guess the only question is why it wasn't done sooner.

This sounds to me like a theme park attraction that is essentially a karaoke bar... without the soothing effects of alcohol. Anyone who has even been to a K-Bar will tell you that after 15-minutes of hearing some soccer mom from Trenton sing "Love Shack", you'll need hard liquor....fast.

When I see a show at a park, I want to be entertained by professionals, not some dude who was standing next to me in line for Tower of Terror three hours before. But I realize I could be totally wrong about this one. I just wonder if it will have more staying power than "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Play it!"

At least they're designing an attraction for Disney's Hollywood Studios that actually simulates a Hollywood experience. Which reminds me, I really miss the old "Superstar Television" that used to be in the same theater.

There is already talk in the CoasterRadio.com Forum about this idea. Head there to join in the conversation!

The next American (Coaster Enthusiast) Idol

I wonder if this guy ever listened to our podcast. Or does he read this blog?

Probably not.... he seems like a "CoasterBuzz" or "In The Loop" guy to me.