-[X] Figment's Dreamfinders: This was dropped early on in the channel's development cycle, but you think there's something here. A show based on the imagination pavilion at EPCOT could easily draw more people to the park, and people at the park would want to watch the show. It'd be expensive, but this is worth it. Increased EPCOT park draw, decent impact on improving Disney Channel (3d6).
-[X] Chronicles of Prydain: You've got Don's animation studio. The Black Cauldron has launched to immense acclaim and amazing reception worldwide. Perhaps it'd be worth it to see about making a kid's TV show based off the series as a whole? Or maybe something like 'Gurgi's Adventures?' Opens up option for Black Cauldron based ride in Magic Kingdoms, major impact on improving Disney Channel (5d6).
-[X] Disney Cartoons: Alternatively, with the acquisition of Don's studio, you could also try and make some new cartoons focused on the old movies as well. The Adventures of the Seven Dwarves? The Misadventures of Pinocchio? There's no shortage of IPs to explore here. Great impact on improving Disney Channel (4d6).
Figment's Dreamfinders, a show where Figment takes the Dreamfinders on journeys through imagination, avoiding the vile villain Fear and his attempts to drag them into the Bewilderness. The show also features the imagineers and artists behind Disney each week, allowing a better look at how the Disney magic happens, inspiring a new generation to take up the mantle. Dice Rolls: 6,3,3. 12 impact.
The Chronicles of Prydain, an ongoing cartoon that follows the cast of "The Black Cauldron" as they continue to make the realm a safer place for all, with the occasional bits of lighthearted humor thrown in as well. A smaller series called "Gurgi's Travels" follows Gurgi as he wanders around, getting stuck in various predicaments and getting out of them in suitably funny fashion. Dice Rolls: 6,5,4,3,1. 19 impact.
Disney Cartoons, a number of different series based off the IPs that Disney already has. Ducktales, an exciting romp based off Donald Duck's nephews as they live with their grand-uncle scrooge. The Seven Dwarves' Adventures, following the dwarves from "Snow White" as off to work they go. Gepetto's Workshop, a show about craftsmanship featuring Gepetto with his various projects. All solid additions to the channel's lineup. Dice Rolls: 6,5,2,1. 14 impact.
Total Impact: 45/50 impact.
You arrive at the red carpet with the entirety of the office in the limo with you. Roy and Frank had flown into LA earlier today from Florida, on standby in case Hurricane Bob hit Florida. Thankfully it missed you entirely, although there were still a few tragic accidents elsewhere. Still, all of you were still a bit tense from the close call, and conversation was sparse. Joe and Jeff were chatting quietly with each other, but you had hoped for more camaraderie to develop here.
Just as you're all getting out of the limo, Don speaks up from inside. "Wait!" You pause. "We aren't fashionably late yet!" He pulls out a replica costume from somewhere in Frontierland out from underneath his seat. "Is this far enough out of date?"
It's absolutely the worst joke you've ever heard, but as Don sticks the cowboy hat on his head the entire group cracks up. It takes you all a good five minutes to calm enough to even think about walking the carpet, at which point Don looks down at his watch. "Okay, we're good, I think this is late enough." Another round of chuckles takes the group, and you're still holding back laughs when you all go down the red carpet, nearly tripping half the time.
Joe and Jeff are basking in the attention as you politely redirect inquiries their way, oftentimes deflecting attention by simply saying that you're mostly around to keep the lights on and make sure the animators can make the movies. Roy seems a bit nostalgic, the event being an intentional callback to the premiere for Snow White. You've even got a couple of actors working the carpet dressed up as characters from the movie, although you don't have any of the other Disney characters here. Before too long, though, you all end up in the theater with a very excited audience.
The movie is a complete hit, with the audience glued to the screen the entire time. You had still been worried about the seeming ridiculousness of having the seer be a regular pig, but it seems the Disney touch has managed to make all of the characters fit their roles with an air of believability that is unshakable. There are gasps when the Horned King appears on screen, and the entire audience is in tears as Gurgi morosely tells Taran that he has no friends, so Gurgi will sacrifice himself to the cauldron instead. The conclusion of the movie sees the whole theater in unanimous approval, clapping and whistling. At the end of it all, with the crowd cheering as Joe and Jeff walk up front to thank everyone, you can't help but feel hopeful for the years to come.
Roger Ebert's Review of The Black Cauldron said:
...By the end of "The Black Cauldron" I was remembering, with something of a shock of nostalgia, the strength and utter storytelling conviction of the early Disney animators. "The Black Cauldron" is a return to the tradition.
AN: That's the actual end from the real life review Roger Ebert gave for "The Black Cauldron," which he rated at 3.5/4 stars. In the quest, he rated it 4/4, as did just about every other critic. Expect the "Sunny Upsides" update within the next 24 hours or so, and from there probably the results of that update and the turn's headlines.
-[X] Go Green: It'd be expensive, but putting in a solar farm at Reedy Creek could really bring your energy bill down. And hey, it'd be great PR.
DC: (40-20) 20.
Benefits: Reduced energy costs in Florida, big PR boost, +5 Eisner/Disney relationship.
Results: 100+10+10+10. Die explodes. 100+10+10+10. Die Explodes. 31+10+10+10. 321. "It Was All Started By A Mouse." success.
The imagineers decided to pitch in. Then they contacted half a dozen different scientists. Then they brought together a dozen of the world's leading research facilities. Things kept on snowballing from there, and well… Continued in "Sunny Upsides"
You look over the various power plant proposals available to you, before shaking your head. It might be more proof of concept than the others, but you think that getting up a solar plant would be worth it. Still, you think the tech currently on the market isn't good enough. You're not sure if they can help, but sticking the imagineers on the project shouldn't hurt. If they can't help, it's fine. If they can, well, that's great. So you're surprised when, a week later, the imagineers have requested that they be allowed to bring more scientists on board. You give the go ahead.
A week after that, they're asking for some extra funding and a chance to contact some more institutions. It's not too much, so you approve that request as well as giving them a bit extra in the budget as well. Universal is footing some of the bill, so you're feeling pretty generous.
Two weeks after that, and the imagineers want to know if you're looking for just practical applications in the near future, or if the research collective they've got going can do some blue skies research. After they explain what blue skies research is, you yet again sign off on it.
You don't hear from them again for a month, but you're just starting to get your head around all the damage that Hurricane Elena did when the imagineers knock on your office door. You beckon them in and put the damage reports off to the side. They're honestly a bit depressing to think about, although you count yourself lucky that you got the updated hurricane procedures and proofing in place last quarter. Nothing was permanently damaged, even if some rides might need some refurbishments.
Tim Delaney is the first to speak. "So, we've got some news for you." Tony Baxter is next to him, practically vibrating in excitement. "We started out by getting in contact with Solar Design Associates, but we were a bit underwhelmed with the offerings they had. So that's when we went to you about talking to the University of South Florida." He pauses for dramatic effect. "And working with them, we made some exciting breakthroughs with cadmium telluride, getting a flexible sheet with better than fifteen percent efficiency!"
You stare at him. "I'm guessing that's good?" You say.
"It's amazing! From what we've heard from everyone involved, this was probably at least another five years out by all their reckoning!" Tim responds. "We were thinking that the flexible sheets might be able to go on various ride vehicles in the future."
"Of course, that's when they asked us to stay on and collaborate with some other groups." Tony cuts in. "We wanted to stay on and look at some of the more permanent fixture designs, and that's when we asked to get in contact with some of the bigger institutions. You said yes, so we got in contact with the Solar Energy Research Institute, and it turns out that they've been having a lot of problems because the current administration cut their funding by over ninety percent." Internally you groan, you'd been trying so hard to avoid politics. Hopefully this wouldn't be the thing that got you dragged in. "But, with our funding, and with the help of everyone at the University of South Florida, we made huge progress!"
Tim cuts back in. "We managed to get a cell that uses gallium indium phosphide and gallium arsenide working that has an efficiency over thirty percent!" You honestly have no idea what they're talking about. "And then we furthered that by layering them three layers deep!"
They both start going into technobabble that you have no idea how to interpret. "Guys, you're clearly excited about this, but I'm getting completely lost by the technical details. What exactly am I looking at here?" You say, when they pause to breathe.
Tim and Tony look at each other before Tony speaks. "There's a decent chance we just jumped solar power forward by a decade, if not more."
"A decade?" You ask, in disbelief.
"Probably. Much more if the lack of funding at SERI continues." Tim says. "We were kind of hoping you could help with that, actually."
You feel a headache coming on. "What exactly do you want me to do?"
"Well, the folks at SERI have seen how much good work we've been doing with conservation lately, and were hoping that the company would make a speech advocating for funding their research again." Tony responds.
"And also maybe continue funding some projects ourselves." Tim adds.
-[] Advocate for Solar Funding: The administration's decision to cut solar energy funding was clearly a mistake if just throwing some cash and engineers around was able to get this much progress. You're willing to stand up and have Disney lead the call for increased focus on renewables, as well as sending more funding their way. +15 to Disney/Eisner relationship, -10 Board Approval. Reagan administration will be displeased, but will cave to pressure. Disney will continue producing solar power research.
-[] Fund Them Yourself: You don't want to mess with politics too much, but this is the future of energy production. It'd be foolish in the extreme to not fund it, and a minor speech that simply says companies should try to go green shouldn't ruffle too many feathers. +5 to Disney/Eisner relationship, -5 Board Approval. Disney will continue producing solar power research.
-[] Do Nothing: Your actions already taken have advanced solar power by a decade or more, and that's enough for now. As the technology continues to advance, it will naturally push out other competitors as it gets cheaper and more reliable. Probably. +5 Board Approval.
"I'll think about it, guys. What else is there?" You say.
"Mostly two things." Says Tony. "Since we funded the projects, we technically have a rather significant number of new patents that we need to decide what to do with."
"We got the patent rights?" You question. "I thought that SERI would be getting most of those."
"What exactly can we do with those, then?" You had brushed up a little on patent law, it came up surprisingly more often than you had initially thought it would at Disney, but the legal team generally handled it.
Tim is the one who responds to the question. "Honestly? We have four major paths forward." He holds up his hand and begins ticking off the options. "Option one: We hoard the patents and start our own production run for the panels." You shake your head at that, Disney is a big enough company as it is. "Option two: We license the patents out for a substantial fee, and make bank on the next wave of solar panels that come out." That sounds a lot more palatable to you, in all honesty. "Option three: We license the patents out for a negligible fee, more to maintain patent rights than actually make money. We don't have to produce anything, but we still get a small trickle of income from the licensing, and the panels are made cheaper than they'd otherwise be made." You nod your head. It wouldn't be a popular decision with the board, you think, but you've got more than enough favors stocked up with them at the moment. "Option four, and I ask you not to dismiss this out of hand: We open the patents. Anyone can use them."
"That's asking a lot, Tim." You say. "I could probably swing it, but it would mean cutting back on things like this in the future."
"I know, Mike. But opening the patents for something like this already has precedent. Volvo opened their patent for the three-point seatbelt in fifty-nine. They knew it would save lives, and it has."
You go to respond, but Tony cuts you off. "This would be about saving more than individual lives. This would be about saving the planet."
"You really think so? Both of you?" You ask.
They nod.
-[] Hoard the Patents: It'd mean setting up a new company, and expanding Disney in a completely new direction, and take too long to see profit. Not Yet.
-[] License the Patents: You've got a huge payday just waiting here, and this could be a good way to offset some of the funding if you put money back into solar research. Tit-for-tat, and all that. After all, if you're the one paying for it, why shouldn't you be making some money back from it? +15 Board Approval.
-[] Cheaply License the Patents: You'd get some money back from this, if not a ton. It's more about keeping the rights just in case. Still, there's some good PR to be found here as well, and if cheaply licensing the patents gets more people adopting solar, well… That's just a side bonus, you guess. +10 Eisner/Disney relationship, PR boost.
-[] Open the Patents: You want to see solar power flourish. Disney doesn't need patents for solar panels, it's simply not the company for it. Opening the designs up will let anyone and everyone at them, spurring progress in the field and driving innovation and adoption. The future of the planet is nothing to barter and haggle over. Hopefully the board can be brought around to that thinking as well. -15 Board Approval, +30 Disney/Eisner relationship, Massive PR boost, progress on solar power further advanced in the future.
"Alright guys, I'll see what I can do." You say.
They both get up to leave, and you begin looking over your desk. Right as they step out the door, a nagging feeling that you're missing something pops up. You don't know what it is until they sprint back into the office moments later.
"Completely forgot!" says Tony.
"Sorry, Mike." says Tim, at nearly the same time. He gestures for Tony to continue.
"We may have left out the part where you decide what exactly you want from the actual solar plant we're trying to build." Tony says.
You close your eyes, slowly letting your head bang into the desk. "Yes, that's rather obvious in hindsight." You say, slightly muffled by the solid oak you're speaking into. You lift your head up before continuing. "So, what options do I have there?"
Tony takes a moment to collect himself, before pulling a couple sheets of paper out of his bag. "Well, you can do a couple of things. We could just go with the best of what's currently available, which should be fairly cheap and wouldn't have any problems getting started, or we could wait a bit and take advantage of all the new tech for a cutting edge facility." He takes a moment to think. "Could probably also make a smaller-scale version of the cutting edge facility, wouldn't have to wait as long. It wouldn't have quite the capacity you'd be looking for, though."
-[] Solar Today: It's not worth waiting for all the new parts to get manufactured, you just want this thing online as soon as possible and making power. You can always update it later, although that would probably be more expensive than just waiting. Solar Plant online by second quarter 1986, will need expensive update later on if you want it to take advantage of new technologies. Big PR boost (+5 to Disney/Eisner relationship, already added to chart).
-[] Solar Tomorrow: A bit of a wait for the better components is worth it, in your opinion. A slight delay won't break anything, but having a rapidly outdating power plant would cause issues further down the road. Solar Plant online by first quarter 1987, will have enough output to begin competing with current power plants that are non-renewable. Major PR boost (+5 to Disney/Eisner relationship, already added to chart).
-[] Solar Slightly Sooner: Putting up a couple of proof-of-concept panels while you wait for the mass production models to start being produced is a good middle-ground. It'd be cheaper to expand the plant than it would be to completely update an older one, although you wouldn't have the sort of power capacity you're expecting until you did so. Solar Plant online by second quarter 1986, will require a relatively cheap update later on for a non-negligible output. Big PR boost (+5 to Disney/Eisner relationship, already added to chart).
"Is that everything, then?" You ask.
They glance at each other, before turning back to you and nodding. "Should be." Says Tony.
"Just let us know if you've got anything else exciting to work on." Adds Tim.
They leave, and you're left to ponder where they might best fit in.
Gained Tony Baxter and Tim Delaney as Advisers!
Tony Baxter: +10 to planning rolls in area assigned.
-[] Tony will be at the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland
-[] Tony will be at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
-[] Tony will be at the EPCOT Center, Walt Disney World
-[] Tony will be at the Reedy Creek Improvement District
-[] Tony will be at the Disney Company Offices
Tim Delaney: +10 to construction rolls in area assigned.
-[] Tim will be at the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland
-[] Tim will be at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
-[] Tim will be at the EPCOT Center, Walt Disney World
-[] Tim will be at the Reedy Creek Improvement District
-[] Tim will be at the Disney Company Offices
AN: Voting moratorium for 6 hours, followed by 42 hours of voting. Regardless of how this vote goes, you have as a company managed to advance solar power by a decade. Even if you do nothing further, solar power will now be seen as very much a viable method of power generation. Of course, you can spur further innovations by pouring more money into this, but that's up to you to decide. In addition, the political angles here will have effects further down the line. Reagan removed the solar panels from the white house in '86 IRL, but that's up in the air right now given how thoroughly you just trashed the talking point that solar was a waste of time and money. In addition, you'll have a bunch of option moving forward involving solar power. After the voting, expect the results from this and some headlines, including a bit on the damage Elena inflicted.
Things you're voting on:
How to handle the public announcement of your findings.
How to handle the patents you've just gained.
What sort of power plant you want.
Where Tony Baxter will go as an adviser.
Where Tim Delaney will go as an adviser.
"Sunny Upsides Results and Headlines (JUL-AUG-SEP, 1985)"
-[X] Advocate for Solar Funding: The administration's decision to cut solar energy funding was clearly a mistake if just throwing some cash and engineers around was able to get this much progress. You're willing to stand up and have Disney lead the call for increased focus on renewables, as well as sending more funding their way. +15 to Disney/Eisner relationship, -10 Board Approval. Reagan administration will be displeased, but will cave to pressure. Disney will continue producing solar power research.
-[X] Open the Patents: You want to see solar power flourish. Disney doesn't need patents for solar panels, it's simply not the company for it. Opening the designs up will let anyone and everyone at them, spurring progress in the field and driving innovation and adoption. The future of the planet is nothing to barter and haggle over. Hopefully the board can be brought around to that thinking as well. -15 Board Approval, +30 Disney/Eisner relationship, Massive PR boost, progress on solar power further advanced in the future.
-[X] Solar Tomorrow: A bit of a wait for the better components is worth it, in your opinion. A slight delay won't break anything, but having a rapidly outdating power plant would cause issues further down the road. Solar Plant online by first quarter 1987, will have enough output to begin competing with current power plants that are non-renewable. Major PR boost (+5 to Disney/Eisner relationship, already added to chart).
-[X] Tony will be at the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland
-[X] Tim will be at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
Once again, you stare out at a room full of reporters and other various individuals, here to give a press conference. Unlike the other times, though, this time you're taking an explicitly political stance. The board knows, and they're not thrilled about it. They're actually quite upset, all things considered. However, once Roy brought up the legacy of Walt, they all quieted down long enough for you to convince them to go along with it. You take a breath, and begin speaking.
"I'd like to start things off today by acknowledging the damage that was inflicted by Hurricane Elena on the state of Florida." There's a moment of silence before you continue. "Walt Disney World was not unscathed, but thanks to the hard work of our employees and recent updates to our hurricane plans, we managed to escape without any permanent damage." You take a deep breath before continuing. "However, this was easily one of the worst storms we've had in a while. Hundreds of lives lost, and a truly staggering bill of damage." There's a brief pause before you plow ahead. "The scientific community has recently asked of us that we take action against a thing they've called global warming, where our all too human actions will cause the planet to warm, potentially fueling future storms like Elena and other natural disasters." The room goes quiet. "They've talked about how our use of CFCs is contributing to the ozone layer, the part of the atmosphere that protects us from getting burned by the sun when we go outside, being destroyed."
There's quiet murmurs throughout the room, and several of the reporters look slightly disgruntled. You ignore them and continue. "Earlier this quarter, I asked some of the imagineers here to help set up a solar plant, as part of our efforts to combat that." You see some of the crowd stir at that, with some of those from technical magazines seeming to suppress a wince. "I've since been informed that despite the outcomes of what happened, just throwing more engineers at a problem won't always solve it." A couple of people chuckle at that. "However, I'm immensely happy to say that this time, throwing more money and people at the problem seems to have worked wonderfully." You can see a few of the audience sharing looks at that. "Working first with the University of South Florida at first, and then partnering with the Solar Energy Research Institute, major breakthroughs in solar power were achieved by the team." You take a moment, glancing down at the notes on the podium to make sure you got the names right. "I don't know quite enough about the technology to understand everything they did, but they've all told me that these breakthroughs have pushed solar power ahead by a decade of current research, if not more."
The crowd is smiling, save a few members of more right-wing publications, who have some idea what's coming next. "But they also told me that the only reason that these breakthroughs represent a decade of research, is because the current level of funding for solar research in this country is at an all time low." You can see some of the same people that weren't smiling start to scowl. "The current administration has slashed funding for the Solar Energy Research Institute by some ninety percent, saying that solar energy was a waste of money and time." The scowls fade into grimaces. "With these major developments, I think it's quite clear that this is simply not the case. That's why Disney is asking the president to restore funding to SERI, and why Disney is going to continue funding solar research as well." The reporters look ready to erupt into questions, but you ignore them to keep speaking. "On top of that, we're going to be constructing a new solar plant here on our Florida property using the new technology, as soon as production for the breakthroughs gets to the point we need." Several of the reporters not holding back questions nod at that. "On top of even that, though, we're making the patents we gained involving solar power in the pursuit of these breakthroughs open to everyone."
This time, there's complete silence as people digest that. You decide to try and close off the speech before the journalists can recover. "Walt Disney once said something that I believe is the perfect way to think about these things. 'You've probably heard people talk about conservation. Well, conservation isn't just the business of a few people. It's a matter that concerns all of us. It's a science whose principles are written in the oldest code in the world, the laws of nature. The natural resources of our vast continent are not inexhaustible. But if we will use our riches wisely, if we will protect our wildlife and preserve our lakes and streams, these things will last us for generations to come.'" The crowd of reporters starts making noise again, and you rush to finish things off before taking questions. "Conservation efforts will only work if everyone, not just the public, not just corporations, not just some scattered labs do something. We've all got the power to change our own future, to make things better for our children. We simply need the will now. I'm asking everyone to come together and find that will." With that, you take a step back from the mic, and bring some of the scientists and imagineers on stage to help answer any questions.
+45 Eisner/Disney relationship, -25 Board Approval. Greatly Accelerated Solar Energy research. Amazing PR boost. +5 Disney view of Eisner, 100 bonus for Disney/Eisner relationship unlocked (1 automagic success on plans in progress, assessed when it would be most valuable).
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Disney Calls On Reagan Administration to Resume Solar Funding
In a press conference held at the Contemporary Hotel in Disney World, CEO Michael Eisner called for a resumption of regular funding levels to the Solar Energy Research Institute. The call comes on the heels of a major scientific breakthrough in solar power, partially made possible Disney. The Reagan Administration has caved to the demand following a massive public upwelling of support for the 'clean' energy source.
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Hurricane Elena Worst in Recent Memory
Hurricane Elena's death toll is still being assessed, as parts of Florida are still without power following the category three hurricane that made landfall late August. The decision to strike the name 'Elena' from the official list of possible hurricane names has gone through, with hundreds dead and possibly billions in damage being reported. The storm ultimately ended up being one of the most erratic on record, seeming to sweep into the Gulf of Mexico on a collision course with Louisiana before turning ninety degrees and making landfall on the west coast of Florida. After weakening from battering that state, it went out to the gulf once more before swinging back up and hitting Louisiana.
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"The Black Cauldron" is Disney's Return to Form
"The Black Cauldron," Disney's latest animated offering, shows a style of animation too rarely produced these days, even from Disney. The powerful and emotional storytelling had everyone in the theater captivated, and I can safely say that this is the best film Disney has produced in the last decade or more, on par with greats like "Snow White" and "Pinocchio." I highly recommend checking this film out. 5/5 stars.
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The Blue Paneled House
Following calls to resume funding into solar power, questions have remained about whether or not the solar panels placed there by Carter would remain on the White House. Reagan confirmed that the panels would stay, although he did allow the caveat that they'd be taken down for routine maintenance sometime next year, with the potential for an update based on the new technologies possible given the developments at the time. Climate activists have praised the move, although they're still concerned how much funding continues to go towards oil industries.
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Disney Conservationist, Not Conservative?
This past year has seen many public initiatives by the Disney Company to preserve nature in a variety of ways, from their part in helping to restore the Dusky's Seaside Sparrow, to their newest development in advancing solar power as an alternative to coal and gas. Conservatives have decried the political aspects to these moves, rallying against the bad press for the current administration's general antipathy towards such efforts. The Disney Company merely stated, in a comment by CEO Michael Eisner, that conservation was not a matter of one political party against one another, but simply something that every human being should be behind.
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Hurricane Elena total effects: -15 to Reedy Creek Development for a turn (includes Magic Kingdom and EPCOT), several rides reliability reduced.
Rides affected:
Walt Disney World Railroad -5%
Grand Prix Raceway -10%
Skyway -10%
Star Jets -10%
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea -5%
Dumbo, the Flying Elephant -5%
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad -5%
Jungle Cruise -10%
Several Rides have also experienced changes in popularity.
AN: Turn 5 is upcoming, will probably be out in around 24 hours or so. The relationship grid and the ride charts should both already be up to date, let me know if something seems out of place.
{X} - Finish Groundbreaking for a New Hotel, by the end of 1985
{X} - Finish One of the Already In Progress rides at EPCOT or Plan a New One, by the end of 1985
{X} - Begin Planning (at least 5 successes) a New Resort, by the end of 1985
{} - Begin Renovations of Tomorrowland (California), (at least 15 successes), by the end of 1985
MINOR BOARD GOALS
{X} - Find an Adviser, by the end of 1985
{X} - Have Plans to Improve the Walt Disney World Village, by the end of 1985
{} - Improve the Disney Channel, by the end of 1985
Your first year at the Disney Company has passed. Hurricane Elena is easily one of the worst storms that the Walt Disney World resort has seen, but luckily you didn't come off too badly from it. On the bright side (heh), your imagineers have managed to make huge leaps forward in solar power. On top of that, you've managed to leverage their progress into a benefit for everyone by opening up the patents you gained and advocating for funding to be restored to the research institutes working on it. While the board wasn't thrilled with that, you've been so successful at everything else that they're still holding you in high regards. More than that, you've become amazingly close with Roy, and there's jokes going around the office that you two could practically be brothers. Last quarter also saw the opening of the first new attraction of your tenure, even if it was one already underway when you got here. But best of all, you think, is how well received "The Black Cauldron" was. People are calling it Disney's return to form, and you're proud of how well Joe and Jeff managed to work together on it. With Roy seeming to be reconciled with Jeff as well, you're sure that the future of Disney animation is looking bright. You're hopeful that some of that magic can bring the Disney Channel into prominence as well.
Jeffery Katzenberg: +50 to all animated film quality rolls. -15 to all office relationship stats not at a positive value with him every turn.
Reroll the lowest die roll in the movie section each turn. (25 bonus)
Frank Wells: +10 to all office relationship stats every turn, to a maximum of 0.
+5 to effectiveness of Personal Focus, 1 free Personal Focus action per turn. (25 bonus)
Roy Disney: +10 to all rolls involving conservation efforts.
May ignore one major board goal or both minor board goals a year without penalty. (25 bonus)
+20 to planning rolls. (50 bonus)
Automagically gain one success on every in progress plan each turn, assessed when it would be most valuable for each plan. (100 bonus)
Board: No penalty for turns without any actions spent on Board Goals (25 Bonus)
+10 to all rolls associated with Board Goals. (50 bonus)
Don Bluth: Movie Adviser (+1 action, must be used on a movie action). +10 to all animated film rolls, including quality. +10 to all video game rolls.
Roll two dice for every animated film quality roll and keep the highest. (25 bonus)
Joe Hale: Movie Adviser (+1 action, must be used on a movie action). -10 DC to all animated film checks.
Steve Burke: General Adviser (+1 action).
John Avise: General Adviser (+1 action). +10 to conservation rolls, +5 to research rolls.
Tony Baxter: Magic Kingdom (Disneyland) Adviser (+1 action, must be used on a Magic Kingdom (Disneyland) action). +10 to planning rolls in that category.
Tim Delaney: Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World) Adviser (+1 action, must be used on a Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World) action). +10 to construction rolls in that category.
Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk: Temporary Adviser (+1 action, must be used on Disney's Animated Adventure project). Reroll any die roll below 10 on the project, up to 3 times.
Other Bonuses
Reedy Creek Improvement District: +10 to all development and conservation rolls made in the district. +10 to rolls against inclement weather in the district.
Bluth Studios: +10 to all animated film quality rolls, larger animated film capacity.
Bluth/Katzenberg: Roll two dice for every animated film reception roll and keep the highest. (25 bonus)
Wells/Disney: -10 DC to non-planning Disney Office checks. (25 bonus)
Disney Touch: +25 to all animated film quality rolls.
HURRICANE ELENA: -15 to all rolls in the Reedy Creek Improvement District this turn, includes Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
-------------------------------------------
You've still failed to make significant progress on the Tomorrowland revamp, but you aren't giving up yet. Probably. You've had a couple of thoughts on what to do recently, after all, Disney does have the rights to a large catalog of Jules Verne stories, and Tony has been pretty enthusiastic about that...
-[] A New Gate, California: The theme parks are currently some 70% of your revenue. Adding another park at one of your existing locations is only prudent, you already own the land and know the area. Still, it's harder here than Florida, for obvious reasons. You'd have to replace the parking lot wholesale, or buy up a good chunk of land at truly exorbitant prices. Will trigger park planning subvotes upon completing this stage. {PLANNING}
DC: 15 per success, requires 25 total successes to move out of the planning stage.
Benefits: Move to Groundbreaking.
-[] Refurbishments, California: It might be time for some of those classic rides to get a face lift. There's no need to replace any just yet, but a touch up could go a long way… Up to 3 rides per action.
DC: 15 per ride being refurbished.
Benefits: Increased reliability, chance of popularity bump.
-[] Replacements, California: On second thought, though, it might be better to get ahead of the curve and bring in something new in place of one of the older rides. It might mean a bit more work, but if you get this right it'll last much longer than a simple face lift could. Up to 1 ride per park per year. Ride will be determined in subvote upon reaching half the needed successes. {PLANNING - 8} {CONSTRUCTION - 2/12}
DC: 10 per success, requires 10 successes for a remodel of the same track and ride vehicle to complete, or 20 for a complete knock down and replacement (old ride removal will not occur until 10th success with this option).
Benefits: New ride, likely to be popular and reliable on open. Chance of PR hit depending on the popularity of ride replaced.
-[] Build A New Ride, California: On third thought, you could just build something entirely new where there's space. No one loses a favorite ride, everyone gets something new! The only loser is your wallet… Up to one per park per year. Ride will be determined in subvote upon reaching half the needed successes. {PLANNING - 8} {CONSTRUCTION - 7}
DC: 15 per success, requires 15 successes to complete.
Benefits: Increased park draw. Other bonuses dependent on ride type.
-[] Tomorrow's Tomorrowland: The future just isn't what it used to be, and never has that been more apparent than Tomorrowland. It's time for a major redesign of this section of the park, in order to keep it from becoming wildly outdated. You have Frontierland for that. {PLANNING - 4} {CONSTRUCTION - 15}
DC: 15 per success, requires 30 successes. Currently: 11/30 successes, +5 to rolls.
Benefits: Automatic refurbishment of all rides in Tomorrowland, with updates to bring them in line with a more modern look at the future. May replace up to 3 rides in Tomorrowland with no chance of PR hit, does not count towards yearly ride replacement limit. May build 1 new ride in Tomorrowland, does not count towards yearly ride build limit. Massive PR boost. +5 to Eisner/Disney relationship. One ride replacement or the new ride must be Star Tours.
-[] Just Star Tours: You've realized that, quite frankly, you aren't making enough progress on the Tomorrowland revamp to continue putting effort into it. It'd be better to just scrap the project and make Star Tours as a stand-alone. {CONSTRUCTION}
DC: 10 per success, 3/7 successes needed.
Benefits: Lose all progress on Tomorrow's Tomorrowland. Star Tours constructed as a replacement (3 successes) or a new standalone ride (7 successes). Increased park draw, better park draw among older visitors. -5 Board Approval for abandoning in progress plan.
-[] Clean Cars: Autopia's cars are more than a little out of date, and could use some upgrades. If you can figure out a good way to remove the need for gas from them, that would be a major benefit as well. This might even play nicely with your recent efforts with solar power. {CONSERVATION}
DC: 35
Benefits: Increased ride reliability and popularity, good PR from conservation efforts. +5 to Eisner/Disney relationship.
-[] I Have Altered the Deal: A year into the two year pay freeze, and you still haven't talked to the workers at Disneyland. Getting them a better deal will be difficult, primarily because they're simply too wary of coming to the table only to have talks break down. Still, though, it'd be worth it, to make sure that everyone is having a great time at Disneyland, not just the guests.
DC: 70.
Benefits: -10 board favor. +5% ride popularity/reliability to all rides.
-[] Video Killed The Radio Star: You know what Disneyland really needs? A hit teen dance club! Wait, where are you all going? Guys? Guys, come back! {CONSTRUCTION}
DC: 35.
Benefits: Build Videopolis, an open-air teen dance club. Slightly increased park attendance.
Hurricane Elena gave a beating to the Magic Kingdom, and a lot of the outdoor rides suffered some damage. It might be worthwhile to see about trying to fix them up. On top of that, you haven't been too focused on the park beforehand. It might be time to devote some attention here, now that Tim's here to help out.
-[] Refurbishments, Magic Kingdom: It might be time for some of those classic rides to get a face lift. There's no need to replace any just yet, but a touch up could go a long way… Up to 3 rides per action. {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 15 per ride being refurbished.
Benefits: Increased reliability, chance of popularity bump.
-[] Replacements, Magic Kingdom: On second thought, though, it might be better to get ahead of the curve and bring in something new in place of one of the older rides. It might mean a bit more work, but if you get this right it'll last much longer than a simple face lift could. Up to 1 ride per park per year. Ride will be determined in subvote upon reaching half the needed successes. {PLANNING - 8} {CONSTRUCTION - 2/12} {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 10 per success, requires 10 successes for a remodel of the same track and ride vehicle to complete, or 20 for a complete knock down and replacement (old ride removal will not occur until 10th success with this option).
Benefits: New ride, likely to be popular and reliable on open. Chance of PR hit depending on the popularity of ride replaced.
-[] Build A New Ride, Magic Kingdom: On third thought, you could just build something entirely new where there's space. No one loses a favorite ride, everyone gets something new! The only loser is your wallet… Up to one per park per year. Ride will be determined in subvote upon reaching half the needed successes. {PLANNING - 8} {CONSTRUCTION - 7} {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 15 per success, requires 15 successes to complete.
Benefits: Increased park draw. Other bonuses dependent on ride type.
-[] Flights of the Future, Flights of Fantasy: The skyway between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland is not in the greatest shape, and what's more, it's not particularly appealing as is. It might be worth looking into a way to improve the ride, whether that ends up being updated vehicles with more capacity or a better method of loading and unloading to make the process smoother. {RESEARCH} {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 55.
Benefits: Increased popularity and reliability of Skyway attraction, increased park draw. Increased park capacity from being better able to handle moving guests from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland without clogging up footpaths.
-[] Wet and Mild: The submarines are up and running again, but it might be worthwhile to research better methods of waterproofing for all your water rides. This might even help with waterproofing in general. {RESEARCH}
DC: (40-10) 30.
Benefits: +5% reliability to all water based rides. -10 DC on Cutting Edge Hurricane Proofing.
Luckily, you managed to finish the Rhine River Cruise before the hurricane hit. It's been a hit so far, and the hurricane didn't damage EPCOT too badly. Probably because just about every ride there is indoors. Still, it might be prudent to look into a new big ticket attraction for the park to try and draw some more guests in and get some repeat visits.
-[] Refurbishments, EPCOT: EPCOT hasn't really had too many problems yet, but it's never too soon to try and touch things up a bit. Even if there's not really a whole lot to touch up. Up to 3 rides per action. {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 20 per ride being refurbished.
Benefits: Increased reliability, chance of popularity bump.
-[] Replacements, EPCOT: Maybe the future isn't quite what we thought it was. Hopefully no one will notice if we just… replace this. Up to 1 ride per park per year. Ride will be determined in subvote upon reaching half the needed successes. {PLANNING - 8} {CONSTRUCTION 2/12} {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 10 per success, requires 10 successes for a remodel of the same track and ride vehicle to complete, or 20 for a complete knock down and replacement (old ride removal will not occur until 10th success with this option).
Benefits: New ride, likely to be popular and reliable on open. Chance of PR hit depending on the popularity of ride replaced.
-[] Build A New Ride, EPCOT: EPCOT really could use another ride. And the ones already planned are… less than ideal, you think. Up to one per park per year. Ride will be determined in subvote upon reaching half the needed successes. {PLANNING - 8} {CONSTRUCTION - 7} {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 15 per success, requires 15 successes to complete.
Benefits: Increased park draw. Other bonuses dependent on ride type.
-[] A New Pavilion: The World Showcase isn't done yet, and filling it out can get you more visitors and international attention! Just don't step on any PR landmines. Up to one per year. {PLANNING - 6} {CONSTRUCTION - 2} {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 10 per success, requires 8 successes to complete.
Benefits: Increased park draw, PR boost with chosen country and increased attendance from that country.
-[] The Mt. Fuji Coaster: The Japanese pavilion had a Mt. Fuji themed coaster planned, but the sheer expense made it infeasible. Or so you've been told. You think it's worth it, even if you can't get Fujifilm as a sponsor. Maybe this ride won't have as many issues as the Rhine River Cruise. {CONSTRUCTION} {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 20 per success, requires 10 successes to complete.
Benefits: Increased park draw, PR boost with Japan and increased attendance from Japan.
-[] The Living Seas: There are plans for a massive aquarium in Future World West, and while it might take a bit longer to actually get all the work needed done, you think it'd be just the thing to really set EPCOT apart from every other theme park out there. {CONSTRUCTION} {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 20 per success, requires 12 successes to complete.
Benefits: Increased park draw, PR boost from conservation efforts, slightly increased relationship with Roy.
-[] A Living Future: You think that a large aquarium is not quite what EPCOT needs, and it shouldn't take too much work to convert the space already cleared for it to a different ride. MUST BE TAKEN WITH PLAN A NEW RIDE OR HAVE A NEW RIDE PLANNED FIRST. {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 40.
Benefits: Skip Groundbreaking stage on a planned new ride. Lose all progress towards The Living Seas.
-[] Universe of Exxon: Exxon is the current sponsor for the Universe of Energy ride, and while there's some solar panels on the roof, the whole ride overall is a bit closer to blatant propaganda for oil companies than an actual look at different energy possibilities. With your current focus on solar power, it might be worthwhile to try and get Exxon to agree to some changes. Or switch sponsors.
DC: 40.
Benefits: Refurbish Universe of Energy to be more in line with the Disney Company's current stance on solar power, and potentially switch sponsors.
-[] Mind and Body: The plans for the Wonders of Life Pavilion in Future World were found, and after the work you've done on motion simulators out in California, you think you could do something similar here. Getting this pavilion open might not be the sort of big ticket attraction that really draws in crowds, but it should give an extra boost to attendance while you work on something else. {PLANNING - 7} {CONSTRUCTION - 5}
DC: 15 per success, 12 successes needed.
Benefits: Wonders of Life Pavilion opened, with Body Wars and Cranium Command as two main attractions, with a good variety of smaller attractions as well. Increased park draw and repeat visits.
The live-action department is finally just about switch over to doubles and singles, with just one film being produced right now that isn't under the system. Everyone in the animation department is celebrating, and you've got a couple of requests and offers on hand to keep pushing the envelope there.
-[] The Cutting Room Floor: The live action department just released a massive flop. Maybe you should take a more personal hand in these matters, and help with some of the editing. May be taken once per film. Current film: "One Magic Christmas" {LIVE-ACTION}
DC: 20.
Bonus to quality roll for latest live action film, based on level of success.
-[] Lights! Camera! Camera Again!: It might be worthwhile to go to the live action studios and help out with some of their projects ahead of time. Your perspective on some reshoots would probably be appreciated. May be taken once per film. Upcoming film: "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" {LIVE-ACTION}
DC: 20.
Bonus to quality roll for next quarter's live action film, based on level of success.
-[] Animators, Animatronics, and Acme: Speilberg has requested some imagineers to help him with "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." The film is coming along nicely, but he thinks this might be the sort of thing that could really send it over the top. {ANIMATED} {LIVE-ACTION}
DC: (50-10) 40.
Benefits: +50 to future quality roll of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."
-[] The Don: Don Bluth has been talking about his ideas for some new animated films, and it sounds like he's got some good ones. It'd be worth it to hear out a few of his pitches. {ANIMATED}
DC: (20-10) 10.
Benefits: Add a Don Bluth film to upcoming releases, will have a +10 bonus to quality roll.
-[] Make An Oscar Push:"The Black Cauldron" is set to have the Halloween rerelease of the more mature oriented version, but you think with the reception it's already gotten, you could go further. Campaign for the movie to receive the first Best Picture nomination for an animated film. It's unlikely to win, but even just being in the category would send a message. {ANIMATED}
DC: (50-10) 40.
Benefits: "The Black Cauldron" nominated for best picture, paving the way for future animated films. +10 to Eisner/Katzenberg and Eisner/Bluth relationship.
-[] Computer Animation: George Lucas gave you a call and mentioned that the Graphics Group, part of Lucasfilm that's responsible for computer animation, is looking to split off and form their own company. Unfortunately, he's not in a position to fund them right now, but Disney could. They're looking to make a completely computer animated film, the first of its kind. They're also saying that computers won't be good enough to make such a film for several years yet, but that they're willing to develop hardware and software in the meantime. {ANIMATED}
DC: (40-10) 30.
Benefits: Obtain Pixar Studios as part of Disney.
The Disney Channel turns out to have not been doing all that great. It's a bit of a shock, but thanks to John Cooke, you were able to make good headway on fixing the issues the channel had. With just a bit more effort, you think it'll be in great shape for the years to come.
-[] Bringing Back the Magic: You don't have the same screen presence Walt has. You don't know if you ever will. But, with some acting lessons, maybe you can at least begin to make your own screen presence.
DC: 20.
Benefits: +10 to Disney/Eisner relationship.
-[] A Message of Conservation: You've brought back The Wonderful World of Disney, and there's no better platform for informing the public about the benefits of living with the land instead of against it. {CONSERVATION}
DC: 15.
Benefits: +5 to Disney/Eisner relationship, +5 to all future conservation rolls.
-[] A Look At Disney: Walt used the show to talk about his plans for the theme parks. It might not be a bad idea for you to do the same.
DC: 20.
Benefits: Increased park draw. +5 to all future park planning rolls.
-[] Get To Know John Cooke: John's a pretty new hire, but he's already proven his worth by finding out about the major issue that was about to crop up with the Disney Channel. Perhaps you should get to know him better, see if he can't help out more around the office?
DC: N/A.
Benefits: Gain John Cooke as an adviser or a permanent bonus to the TV section.
-[] Double Disney Premier Films: Bring up the total number of films produced specifically for the Disney Channel each year from two to four. They aren't the greatest movies, but they're a decent stopgap measure.
DC: 15.
Benefits: +5 to live-action film rolls from extra attention in the area, slight impact on improving Disney Channel (2d6).
-[] Increase Outside Acquisition Budget: Currently, the Disney Channel has a budget of five million each year to grab outside programming. It'd be a bit expensive, but bumping this up to fifty million would give the channel a much greater ability to grab shows from other sources instead of needing to produce everything in house.
DC: 25.
Benefits: Decent impact on improving Disney Channel (3d6).
-[] The Disney Vault: The immense success of selling old Disney movies on VHS clearly indicates that the public wants to see the films again and again. It might be worthwhile to see about doing some more reruns of the old movies on the Disney Channel, and see if they can spark some interest in it.
DC: 20.
Benefits: Chance for backlash from people who see this as double-dipping on the IPs, but decent impact on improving Disney Channel (3d6).
-[] A Focus on the Parks: It's maybe a bit more questionable than the other suggestions, but perhaps a series that goes through the various Disney park lands and tells some stories based off them could work. If it's done well enough, it would probably drive more park attendance, too!
DC: 15.
Benefits: Increased park draw, minimal impact on improving Disney Channel (1d6).
Hurricane Elena has come and gone, and there are repairs ongoing throughout the district. It'll take another couple of months to get everything here cleaned up, and until that happens, work in the area is going to be slow going because of it. You can't even plan things here properly, with the storm overturning some areas and making more swamp in others. Still, you got off lucky compared to other parts of Florida, and for that, you can be thankful.
-[] Go Greener: With the solar plant announced, it might be worthwhile to look into putting some solar panels in unobtrusive areas on hotels and maybe even the monorails. As long as you can do it without breaking sightlines or immersion, this could be a great way to keep lowering energy costs and make Disney a net exporter of energy instead of a net importer. {CONSERVATION}
DC: 40.
Benefits: Continued public interest in solar power, chance for further solar energy breakthroughs. Lowered energy costs from all properties added to this way, +5 Disney/Eisner relationship. Big PR boost.
-[] Go Glowing Green: You've got a solar plant in the works, but even with the huge leaps forward in solar power that were made last quarter, the solar plant still won't provide the sorts of energy you're looking for in Florida. A nuclear plant will, though, even if it's still somewhat contentious amongst the populous. {DEVELOPMENT} {HALF-CONSERVATION}
DC: 60.
Benefits: Surplus of energy in Florida, enough to power at least 8 full scale parks and still have half left over, minimum. Chance for relationship hit with Roy. PR backlash from Florida, chance of losing some powers over the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
-[] The Real EPCOT: EPCOT wasn't supposed to be a park, it was supposed to be a city. The world may not have been ready for that when Walt proposed it, but now it just might be. {PLANNING}
DC: 15 per success, requires 75 successes.
Benefits: Move to Groundbreaking Stage. +100 to Eisner/Disney relationship.
-[] A New Hotel: You're already working on one new hotel, but with how quickly you've been making progress on it, it might be worthwhile to start planning another. {PLANNING}
DC: 10 per success, requires 10/15/20 successes, for value/moderate/deluxe level resort.
Benefits: Move to Groundbreaking Stage.
-[] Continue Construction (Disney's Animated Adventure): Elizabeth managed to outdo all expectations, and managed to bring the project into construction despite Hurricane Elena. At this point you almost want her on all of your future projects. +10 to rolls. {CONSTRUCTION} {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 10 per success, 6/12 successes achieved.
Benefits: Move to Opening Day.
-[] Public Transit: The Disney Transport system is solid, but could use some work. The buses could use an overhaul. {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 20.
Benefits: Increased income from longer resort stays, more guests remaining on property.
-[] A New Water Park: River Country is great, but it's started getting vastly overcrowded. Opening a second water park could help alleviate some of the crowds and act as a bigger draw. Will trigger park planning subvotes upon completing this stage. {PLANNING}
DC: 15 per success, requires at least 10/20/30 successes, depending on the scale of park (River Country is an example of a 10 success park, Blizzard Beach would be an example of a 30 success park). Park Scale chosen in subvote on selecting option.
Benefits: Move to Groundbreaking Stage.
-[] A New Gate, Florida: The theme parks are currently some 70% of your revenue. Adding another park at one of your existing locations is only prudent, you already own the land and know the area. The best part here in Florida is that you already own just about all the land you could ever want. Will trigger park planning subvotes upon completing this stage. {PLANNING}
DC: 15 per success, requires 25 total successes.
Benefits: Move to Groundbreaking.
-[] A Day In The Movies: Warner Bros. has talked about the plans for a movie pavilion at EPCOT, and it seems like they'd be interested in working with us to expand that concept to an entire park. On top of that, Universal was so impressed with the imagineers that they'd rather partner with us than make a park on their own. Getting everyone together on this could be a major feather in your cap. {PLANNING}
DC: 50.
Benefits: Gain Warner Bros. licenses and aid in building a new park dedicated to movies. Gain Universal as a partner in a new park dedicated to movies. Begin a new gate plan with 10 of 25 successes already complete, park will be based on movie studios.
-[] Cutting Edge Hurricane Proofing: There hasn't been a park closure from a storm yet, and you don't intend to have it happen on your watch. This might also help you understand how to better protect some of your water rides from normal wear and tear. {RESEARCH} {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 60.
Benefits: Increased protection from inclement weather. Complete Wet and Mild as well.
You've kept plugging away at that new resort, although you haven't made as much progress as you'd have liked. The current areas on offer just aren't to your liking, and you hope better ones can be found. Office politics seem to have stabilized for right now, although Frank and Jeff still occasionally snipe at each other. Perhaps you've finally got time to grab a vacation, a year in.
-[] A New Resort: With how well Tokyo Disney has been working out (and as much as the board groans about it), there's clearly a market for Disney parks overseas. You've already started looking into Europe, but you did still have hopes for an American history based park closer to home. Begins first step to opening a new resort. {PLANNING}
DC: 15 per success, requires 50 total successes.
Benefits: Move to Groundbreaking.
-[] Continue Planning a New Resort (Europe?): You've started looking over some European locations, but nothing's really stood out so far. Turning down the CIA was a tough choice, but you still got a little bit of intel out of it. Current proposed locations: Germany (Frankfurt), France (Paris), America (Virginia). {PLANNING}
DC: 15 per success, requires 50 total successes. 5/50 successes. +5 to rolls on this project. Reroll rolls below 10 for the next 3 turns.
Benefits: Move to Groundbreaking.
-[] Take a Vacation: Dealing with the spooks and the board has left you feeling a bit out of sorts. Maybe it's time to take a break.
DC: (15-10) 5.
Benefits: Stress reduction.
-[] Office Politics: You haven't had as much time to devote to office politics lately, but you can't really keep ignoring it. Jeff and Roy seem about ready to fight, and with Don taking part now, you've got to try and keep everyone happy somehow. Can be taken twice.
DC: (10-10) 0.
Benefits: Improve your relationship with one of your coworkers. Potential to improve relationship with multiple coworkers or find an adviser if you roll well enough.
-[] Personal Focus: Sometimes, that personal touch is what you really need. Can only be taken once per roll, but can be taken multiple times in a turn.
DC: N/A.
Benefits: +15 to a single other roll.
-[] Contact the CIA: So the spooks aren't thrilled with you going against the president, probably. Still, they might be amenable to offering some help. For a price.
DC: (40-10) 30.
Benefits: Gain an offer from the CIA.
-------------------------------------------
Eisner
Wells
Katzenberg
Disney
Bluth
Eisner
N/A
40
30
100
30
Wells
40
N/A
0
25
15
Katzenberg
30
0
N/A
10
25
Disney
100
25
10
N/A
10
Bluth
30
15
25
10
N/A
Board
70
Disneyland:
Area
Attraction
Popularity
Reliability
Main Street USA
Disneyland Railroad
90%
90%
Tomorrowland
Space Mountain
99%
95%
Mission to Mars
85%
90%
Rocket Jets
90%
80%
Skyway (Connects to Fantasyland)
45%
60%
Submarine Voyage
95%
60%
People Mover
80%
85%
Adventure Thru Inner Space
65%
70%
Tomorrowland Autopia
90%
80%
America Sings
50%
80%
Disneyland Monorail System
85%
85%
Frontierland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
95%
90%
Mike Fink Keel Boats
75%
75%
Mark Twain Riverboat
70%
70%
Sailing Ship Columbia
70%
70%
Tom Sawyer Island
70%
95%
Fantasyland
Motor Boat Cruise
75%
55%
Fantasyland Autopia
90%
80%
Alice in Wonderland
90%
95%
Casey Jr. Circus Train
55%
85%
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
99%
90%
It's a Small World
70%
75%
King Arthur Carrousel
85%
90%
Mad Tea Party
80%
85%
Matterhorn Bobsleds
95%
85%
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
80%
90%
Peter Pan's Flight
85%
90%
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
35%
99%
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
95%
95%
Storybook Land Canal Boats
65%
70%
Snow White's Scary Adventures
85%
85%
Adventureland
Swiss Family Treehouse
70%
99%
Jungle Cruise
80%
75%
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
80%
85%
New Orleans Square
Pirates of the Carribean
90%
65%
The Haunted Mansion
90%
85%
Bear Country
Country Bear Jamboree
65%
85%
Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
80%
80%
Walt Disney World:
Area
Attraction
Popularity
Reliability
Main Street USA
Walt Disney World Railroad
90%
85%
Tomorrowland
WEDway People Mover
80%
90%
Space Mountain
99%
95%
Grand Prix Raceway
95%
70%
If You Had Wings
70%
90%
Mission to Mars
75%
90%
Circle-Vision 360
65%
95%
Skyway
50%
55%
StarJets
90%
65%
Carousel of Progress
80%
85%
Fantasyland
Mad Tea Party
90%
80%
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
95%
45%
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
75%
85%
Snow White's Adventures
70%
85%
Dumbo, the Flying Elephant
99%
75%
Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
80%
95%
It's a Small World
70%
65%
Peter Pan's Flight
85%
85%
Frontierland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
95%
80%
Tom Sawyer Island
70%
99%
Country Bear Jamboree
60%
90%
Adventureland
Jungle Cruise
80%
60%
Swiss Family Treehouse
60%
99%
Pirates of the Carribean
90%
70%
Tropical Serenade (Enchanted Tiki Birds)
80%
95%
Liberty Square
Hall of Presidents
60%
90%
Mike Fink Keel Boats
75%
75%
The Haunted Mansion
90%
85%
Liberty Square Riverboats
70%
70%
Area
Attraction
Popularity
Reliability
Future World
Spaceship Earth
99%
95%
Backstage Magic
80%
95%
Universe of Energy
95%
95%
Horizons
99%
90%
World of Motion
80%
95%
Journey Into Imagination
99%
95%
Listen to the Land
85%
85%
Kitchen Kabaret
70%
95%
World Showcase
The American Adventure
95%
99%
El Rio del Tiempo
90%
80%
Wonders of China
80%
99%
Impressions de France
80%
99%
O Canada!
80%
99%
The Rhine River Cruise
95%
90%
Current countries with pavilions: Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, The United Kingdom, Canada
CURRENT QUARTER: OCT-NOV-DEC, 1985
Upcoming Film Releases: "One Magic Christmas"
AN: 6 hour voting moratorium. No one new in the office politics this quarter, thankfully. After the moratorium will be 42 hours of voting.
Last edited:
Turn 5, Plans and Parks, Results. (OCT-NOV-DEC, 1985)
[X] Plan Tempest
-[X] Tomorrow's Tomorrowland [Bonus Action] 40
-[X] Refurbishments, Magic Kingdom [Walt Disney World Bonus Action] 42
--[X] 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
--[X] Starjets
--[X] Jungle Cruise
-[X] Wet and Mild [Bonus Action] 58
-[X] Universe of Exxon 43
-[X] Animators, Animatronics, and Acme 78
-[X] The Don [Bonus Action] 34
-[X] Computer Animation [Bonus Action] 08 68
-[X] Make An Oscar Push 42
-[X] Bringing Back the Magic 80
-[X] Increase Outside Acquisition Budget 71
-[X] Get To Know John Cooke 14
-[X] Continue Construction (Disney's Animated Adventure) [Bonus Action] 32
-[X] A Day In The Movies 98
-[X] Continue Planning a New Resort (Europe?) 97
-[X] Personal Focus: Universe of Exxon [Bonus Action]
{X} - Finish Groundbreaking for a New Hotel, by the end of 1985
{X} - Finish One of the Already In Progress rides at EPCOT or Plan a New One, by the end of 1985
{X} - Begin Planning (at least 5 successes) a New Resort, by the end of 1985
{X} - Begin Renovations of Tomorrowland (California), (at least 15 successes), by the end of 1985
MINOR BOARD GOALS
{X} - Find an Adviser, by the end of 1985
{X} - Have Plans to Improve the Walt Disney World Village, by the end of 1985
{X} - Improve the Disney Channel, by the end of 1985
Well, there were some setbacks this quarter. You were honestly a little surprised at how smoothly everything's been running so far, but maybe that's just the Disney magic at work? Regardless, nothing too terrible came up, even if there was that close call with Pixar. You're still not sure if you want to keep John Lasseter on board, his ideas are great but there's just something about him that's a bit off-putting. But to move on from the heavy topics, you finished up everything the board wanted! It was a bit of a rush, but you got through everything. Roy was a huge help, his assistance with planning allowed you to start blowing through some of the projects you've been stalled on, and even helped you get a great deal out of Warner Bros. and Universal. You wish that same talent could have helped you with Exxon, but sadly they didn't really want to play ball. Oh well, it'll be their loss in the future.
-[X] Tomorrow's Tomorrowland: The future just isn't what it used to be, and never has that been more apparent than Tomorrowland. It's time for a major redesign of this section of the park, in order to keep it from becoming wildly outdated. You have Frontierland for that. {PLANNING - 4} {CONSTRUCTION - 15}
DC: 15 per success, requires 30 successes. Currently: 11/30 successes, +5 to rolls.
Benefits: Automatic refurbishment of all rides in Tomorrowland, with updates to bring them in line with a more modern look at the future. May replace up to 3 rides in Tomorrowland with no chance of PR hit, does not count towards yearly ride replacement limit. May build 1 new ride in Tomorrowland, does not count towards yearly ride build limit. Massive PR boost. +5 to Eisner/Disney relationship. One ride replacement or the new ride must be Star Tours.
You still have some trouble figuring this out until Roy and Tony get involved. Roy helps by talking about some of his uncle's original ideas, even going so far as to occasionally pitch in some notes where he thinks they'd help. Tony is glad to have the chance to bring up his old plans for Discovery Bay, a land that would have been an alternate future based on Victorian-Era science fiction. Well, mostly Jules Verne, since that's what you have the rights to, but still. Looking over everything, you think you've got enough ideas and plans sketched out to make something special. The only question now, of course, is exactly how you want to go about this… Continued in "Tomorrow's Tomorrowland, part 1"
-[X] Refurbishments, Magic Kingdom: It might be time for some of those classic rides to get a face lift. There's no need to replace any just yet, but a touch up could go a long way… Up to 3 rides per action. {DEVELOPMENT}
DC: 15 per ride being refurbished.
Benefits: Increased reliability, chance of popularity bump. --[X] 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
--[X] Starjets
--[X] Jungle Cruise
Results: 42+10-15, 37. Slight Failure.
It turns out that there was slightly more hurricane damage to the rides than you had seen on the first pass. It's good that you caught them now, but it does mean that the refurbishments for the rides are going to take an extra quarter, and they're going to be down during that time. Better now than during the peak summer vacation days, but still a bit of a blow. Rides under refurbishment until APR-MAY-JUN 1986, will reopen with +15% reliability on all three.
-[X] Wet and Mild: The submarines are up and running again, but it might be worthwhile to research better methods of waterproofing for all your water rides. This might even help with waterproofing in general. {RESEARCH}
DC: (40-10) 30.
Benefits: +5% reliability to all water based rides. -10 DC on Cutting Edge Hurricane Proofing.
Results: 58+5-15, 48. Success.
Thankfully, you're able to put some of the lessons you learned from hurricane proofing the property to work on making your water rides safer and more reliable. You also take the chance to do a more thorough look over 20,000 Leagues and the Jungle Cruise, since they're already down for refurbishments anyway. Water rides +5% reliability, -10 DC on Cutting Edge Hurricane Proofing. Additional +5% reliability on Jungle Cruise and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
-[X] Universe of Exxon: Exxon is the current sponsor for the Universe of Energy ride, and while there's some solar panels on the roof, the whole ride overall is a bit closer to blatant propaganda for oil companies than an actual look at different energy possibilities. With your current focus on solar power, it might be worthwhile to try and get Exxon to agree to some changes. Or switch sponsors.
DC: 40.
Benefits: Refurbish Universe of Energy to be more in line with the Disney Company's current stance on solar power, and potentially switch sponsors. --[X] Personal Focus: Universe of Exxon
Results: 43+15-15, 43. Bare Success.
To say that Exxon is not pleased with your current energy developments is an understatement. They've claimed it's a breach of contract and are pulling out of the ride, effective immediately. Luckily, with you getting personally involved, they don't ask for anything other than being removed from the ride. It took a couple of calls, but Solar Design Associates is willing to go in on this, provided you give them some help from the imagineers. At this point you probably need to think about expanding the imagineering offices, given how stretched thin they've been lately, but they do get it done. -10 Board Approval, Exxon doubles down on Oil. Universe of Energy down until APR-MAY-JUN 1986 for the switchover. Will reopen at 99% popularity and 99% reliability, with the ride being completely solar powered.
-[X] Animators, Animatronics, and Acme: Speilberg has requested some imagineers to help him with "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." The film is coming along nicely, but he thinks this might be the sort of thing that could really send it over the top. {ANIMATED} {LIVE-ACTION}
DC: (50-10) 40.
Benefits: +50 to future quality roll of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."
Results: 78+10, 88. Greater Success.
The imagineers set forth once more, this time under the direction of Steven Speilberg as he asks for their help on "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." They were needed because it turns out that in order to make the cartoon characters interact with the real life actors, Speilberg wants tons of single-use rigs that will do all the actions the toons do, before they get drawn over in the animation stage. The imagineers take everything they've learned from working on audio-animatronics and knock it out of the park, by all accounts. The rigs are small enough that they can be drawn over, but still manage to do everything Speilberg wants them to do. He's ecstatic about the results, and believes that the filming portion of the movie should be done in short order. +50 to future quality roll of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," currently +100 quality for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" in total. Reroll any quality rolls for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" below 25. "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" release date tentatively set for JUL-AUG-SEP, 1987.
-[X] The Don: Don Bluth has been talking about his ideas for some new animated films, and it sounds like he's got some good ones. It'd be worth it to hear out a few of his pitches. {ANIMATED}
DC: (20-10) 10.
Benefits: Add a Don Bluth film to upcoming releases, will have a +10 bonus to quality roll.
Results: 34+10, 44. Great Success.
In the midst of everything else going on this quarter, Don comes up and asks you to give him the greenlight for a couple of animated films he was thinking about while he had his own studio. He gives you three separate ideas to look over, and you pick two of the most promising to get underway. Pick two upcoming Don Bluth films, will both have +10 bonus to quality roll. Will be slotted for release after "The Great Mouse Detective." {AN: These are incredibly brief summaries that absolutely do not do the films justice, but are rather brief overviews that would be the basic point of a 5-minute pitch}
-[] An American Tail: The story of a mouse family immigrating to America from the Ukraine to gain their freedom.
-[] The Land Before Time: The story of an orphaned dinosaur who must confront bigotry and hardships on the search for a better home.
-[] All Dogs Go To Heaven: The story of a dog who rejects heaven to take revenge on the dog who killed him.
-[X] Computer Animation: George Lucas gave you a call and mentioned that the Graphics Group, part of Lucasfilm that's responsible for computer animation, is looking to split off and form their own company. Unfortunately, he's not in a position to fund them right now, but Disney could. They're looking to make a completely computer animated film, the first of its kind. They're also saying that computers won't be good enough to make such a film for several years yet, but that they're willing to develop hardware and software in the meantime. {ANIMATED}
DC: (40-10) 30.
Benefits: Obtain Pixar Studios as part of Disney.
Results: 08 68+10, 78. Great success.
The initial meeting almost doesn't happen, with John Lasseter, one of the hopeful founding members of the new studio, still fuming about his earlier dismissal from Disney for advocating computer animation. It also doesn't help that he treated the secretaries like crap. Luckily, Jeff manages to swing a meeting with Ed Catmull instead, and the talks go smoothly. You're a bit leery of having Lasseter around, but he does have some great ideas. Hopefully nothing comes of this. Gained Pixar Studios as a part of Disney, +5 to all animated film rolls from computer integration making the studios run smoother and faster. While they're unlikely to produce a film for a while (Moore's Law), they will be producing some hardware in the meantime.
-[X] Make An Oscar Push:"The Black Cauldron" is set to have the Halloween rerelease of the more mature oriented version, but you think with the reception it's already gotten, you could go further. Campaign for the movie to receive the first Best Picture nomination for an animated film. It's unlikely to win, but even just being in the category would send a message. {ANIMATED}
DC: (50-10) 40.
Benefits: "The Black Cauldron" nominated for best picture, paving the way for future animated films. +10 to Eisner/Katzenberg and Eisner/Bluth relationship.
Results: 42+10, 52. Success.
With how well the rerelease was received, it's not too much work to start a solid campaign for "The Black Cauldron" to get a nomination for Best Picture. You aren't too hopeful for a win, that's probably going to the recently released "Out of Africa," but even just getting the nomination will open up the category for future films. Oh, and of course Jeff and Don and everyone else in the animation department is thrilled. "The Black Cauldron" campaign for best picture underway with enough momentum to grab a nomination, +10 to Eisner/Katzenberg and Eisner/Bluth relationship.
-[X] Bringing Back the Magic: You don't have the same screen presence Walt has. You don't know if you ever will. But, with some acting lessons, maybe you can at least begin to make your own screen presence.
DC: 20.
Benefits: +10 to Disney/Eisner relationship.
Results: 80. Greater Success.
You take some acting lessons, and the improvement in your delivery is noticeable. And then, beyond even that, you pick up on some things by watching more of Walt's own shows. Roy helps by talking to you about some of the things his uncle would do between takes, how he'd roll with the unexpected, and how he'd always have a genuine passion for what he was discussing. At some point, you start to find yourself getting passionate about the same things, the same projects that Walt obviously put so much of himself into. You and Roy bond over the shared dreams for the future of the company, and on top of that, you find yourself better able to empathize with some of the actors for your own films. +15 Disney/Eisner relationship, +10 to live action film rolls, +10 to Eisner based TV action rolls. PR boost as more and more parallels are drawn between Eisner and Walt Disney.
-[X] Increase Outside Acquisition Budget: Currently, the Disney Channel has a budget of five million each year to grab outside programming. It'd be a bit expensive, but bumping this up to fifty million would give the channel a much greater ability to grab shows from other sources instead of needing to produce everything in house.
DC: 25.
Benefits: Decent impact on improving Disney Channel (3d6).
Results: 71. Great Success. 3d6: 3,3,2. 8, 53/50 total. Disney Channel pulled out of imminent danger.
-[X] Get To Know John Cooke: John's a pretty new hire, but he's already proven his worth by finding out about the major issue that was about to crop up with the Disney Channel. Perhaps you should get to know him better, see if he can't help out more around the office?
DC: N/A.
Benefits: Gain John Cooke as an adviser or a permanent bonus to the TV section.
Results: N/A.
With the Disney Channel now in order, John's got a good deal more free time. He's more than willing to help you get a better handle on managing some of the Disney Channel, or you could let him work more autonomously. Either way, you think the Disney Channel is set for a good while now. Choose whether to gain John Cooke as a TV adviser or as a bonus to the TV section.
-[] John Cooke as an adviser: +1 TV action, +5 to all television related rolls. John Cooke joins office politics.
-[] John Cooke as a supervisor: +10 to all television related rolls, Disney channel quality/interest degrade twice as slowly.
-[X] Continue Construction (Disney's Animated Adventure): Elizabeth managed to outdo all expectations, and managed to bring the project into construction despite Hurricane Elena. At this point you almost want her on all of your future projects. +10 to rolls. {CONSTRUCTION} {DEVELOPMENT}
Well, you suppose, the hotel was going to hit a snag sometime. It turns out a shipment that was needed ended up needing to be scrapped due to damage from the hurricane, and that was just enough to stop the construction from getting done this quarter. Still, decent progress was made, and next quarter the hotel is basically guaranteed to open. Would have been nice to show up to the board meeting with a finished project, though. 10/12 successes achieved.
-[X] A Day In The Movies: Warner Bros. has talked about the plans for a movie pavilion at EPCOT, and it seems like they'd be interested in working with us to expand that concept to an entire park. On top of that, Universal was so impressed with the imagineers that they'd rather partner with us than make a park on their own. Getting everyone together on this could be a major feather in your cap. {PLANNING}
DC: 50.
Benefits: Gain Warner Bros. licenses and aid in building a new park dedicated to movies. Gain Universal as a partner in a new park dedicated to movies. Begin a new gate plan with 10 of 25 successes already complete, park will be based on movie studios.
Results: 98+20-15, 103. Magical Success.
Surprisingly enough, when you got Warner Bros. and Universal together to talk about setting up a movie studio theme park, they were both more than thrilled with the prospect. It seems your willingness to play ball with the other studios is starting to reap dividends. Of course, now a good question is where you want to actually put the thing. You've got the already established Reedy Creek Improvement District, but Universal did already buy up a good chunk of land closer to Orlando proper. 10+1 successes in project achieved, 11 successes total. +25 to future rolls on project. Warner Bros. and Universal vastly more likely to compromise on project instead of leave project. Choose location:
-[] Reedy Creek Improvement District: Keep all your parks together, in the area you control all the zoning and other such local level laws. Universal can always put a resort and some actual movie studios on the plot they've bought, and it is on the monorail line to Orlando.
-[] Universal's Plot: They've bought up a chunk of good land close to Orlando, and it's already on the monorail line. It'll be a bit of a pain working around the local zoning laws, but it might also ease some of the pressure on parks in the district.
-[] Make Universal's Plot Part of Reedy Creek: Try and have your cake and eat it too. If you can get the land from Universal, you could petition to have it recognized as part of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. This might ruffle some feathers over in Orlando, though. They are already giving you a pretty good deal with the monorail, and pushing them might not be the best idea.
-[X] Continue Planning a New Resort (Europe?): You've started looking over some European locations, but nothing's really stood out so far. Turning down the CIA was a tough choice, but you still got a little bit of intel out of it. Current proposed locations: Germany (Frankfurt), France (Paris), America (Virginia). {PLANNING}
DC: 15 per success, requires 50 total successes. 5/50 successes. +5 to rolls on this project. Reroll rolls below 10 for the next 3 turns.
Benefits: Move to Groundbreaking.
Results: 97+20+10+5, 132. 8+1 successes, 14 total successes.
You can't believe how much of a help Roy's been this quarter with planning everything. Every time you think you're about to get stuck, or about to give up on an idea, Roy mentions some anecdote from his time at the company or with his uncle and the inspiration starts flowing again. He even pitched in here by doing some more searching for a good location in Europe with you. Continued in "An Earful Expansion"
Movies released this quarter: "One Magical Christmas," "The Black Cauldron: Director's Cut"
"The Black Cauldron: Director's Cut"
Featuring scenes that were cut from the original for being too graphic, this director's cut is sure to give you a scare this Halloween. Rated PG-13, not suitable for young audiences.
The Black Cauldron: Director's Cut
Release Date: October 31st, 1985
Quality: 179
Reception roll: 42 98+63, 161. Still riding initial wave of success.
Parent Reaction: 62. Happy that there's a safe activity for teens to do instead of vandalizing houses.
The board is immensely pleased by the spectacular rerelease, which sees almost as much attendance as the original. The good PR from parents who say that they were glad to have something that could keep teens from being hooligans that night doesn't hurt either. +15 Board Approval.
"One Magical Christmas"
Ginny Grainger (Steenburgen) is the mother of two children, Cal (Robbie Magwood) and Abbie (Elisabeth Harnois). Her husband, Jack (Gary Basaraba), has been out of work since June, and they have to move out of the company house by January 1. Jack fixes bikes as a hobby in the basement and hopes to give one to his children's poor friend, Molly Monaghan, for Christmas. Although he would like to open a bike shop of his own, doing so would use up all their savings, which Ginny sees as a foolish move. In order to make ends meet, she works as a cashier at a grocery store.
One Magical Christmas
Release Date: November 22nd, 1985
Quality Roll: 65. Standard kitschy Christmas movie.
Reception Roll: 53+5, 58. Mediocre performance.
Honestly, this film just kind of existed. Ebert said some complimentary things before bemoaning that it was a miscalculation from beginning to end, so at least you're headed in the right direction. The board doesn't say anything about this either way.
CURRENT VOTES: Bluth films, John Cooke, Hollywood Studios park location.
AN: Vote will be open for at least 24 hours! As always, if I've missed anything, feel free to let me know. Also fun fact: The current park maps for Disneyland are Terrible. I am legitimately shocked at how bad the map for Tomorrowland in Disneyland was in '85.
-[X] The Land Before Time: The story of an orphaned dinosaur who must confront bigotry and hardships on the search for a better home.
-[x] An American Tail: The story of a mouse family immigrating to America from the Ukraine to gain their freedom.
-[X] John Cooke as a supervisor: +10 to all television related rolls, Disney channel quality/interest degrade twice as slowly.
-[X] Universal's Plot: They've bought up a chunk of good land close to Orlando, and it's already on the monorail line. It'll be a bit of a pain working around the local zoning laws, but it might also ease some of the pressure on parks in the district.
The Results said:
-[X] Continue Planning a New Resort (Europe?): You've started looking over some European locations, but nothing's really stood out so far. Turning down the CIA was a tough choice, but you still got a little bit of intel out of it. Current proposed locations: Germany (Frankfurt), France (Paris), America (Virginia). {PLANNING}
DC: 15 per success, requires 50 total successes. 5/50 successes. +5 to rolls on this project. Reroll rolls below 10 for the next 3 turns.
Benefits: Move to Groundbreaking.
Results: 97+20+10+5, 132. 8+1 successes, 14 total successes.
You can't believe how much of a help Roy's been this quarter with planning everything. Every time you think you're about to get stuck, or about to give up on an idea, Roy mentions some anecdote from his time at the company or with his uncle and the inspiration starts flowing again. He even pitched in here by doing some more searching for a good location in Europe with you. Continued in "An Earful Expansion"
You and Roy were hard at work in one of the conference rooms, a couple of different maps of Europe around the room. You'd spent the past few months looking into some possible locations for a European resort for Disney, and now you had looked long enough that you didn't think you'd find any better ones. Not while the Iron Curtain was still up, at the very least.
"Can you even go five feet-" You begin.
"Meters, Mike." Roy interjects.
You shoot him an unimpressed look and he chuckles. "Can you even go five meters in Europe without running into something culturally significant?" You ask.
"I have to say, I am impressed with the amount of history they've got packed into the area." Roy says. "Still, we do have some options over there."
"I still think we should focus on another American park." You say. "We've already got the goodwill here, and we don't have to worry about space anywhere near as much."
Roy looks over at the few maps of American sites you have in front of you. "You were thinking about Virginia and Texas, right?" You nod. "Well, Virginia does have the sort of history angle you'd be looking for, I think, but it'd mean being closed four months of the year."
You sigh, looking down at the map of Haymarket, Virginia. "I know. I'd hoped that we could get away with just two, but after looking over things closer it seems like that'd be taking too many risks."
"On top of that, though, I don't think we should be that close to a Civil War battleground. We're a family company, and while your ideas are good, I don't really think they fit with what we're trying to do." Roy says.
"We could bring in historians, make sure we were being respectful, but I get your point." You respond.
"And the board is really pushing for a foreign park, too. They think we've got the domestic market all sewn up." He looks over at you. "We do, by the way. I don't think Disney's been so beloved since my uncle was sitting in your chair."
"I just tried to do what was right." You say, a slight smile forming at the comparison to Walt. "But anyway, how did Texas look?"
"It's better from the standpoint of being open year-round, if more likely to be affected by hurricanes." He answers. "It does provide an option more in the center of America, potentially giving people who don't want to travel as far an easier destination."
"That's what I was thinking, but I was a bit worried about being close to Dallas. Don't want to end up competing with Six Flags." You say, leaning over the map of Texas. It's twice the size of the other maps, for no apparent reason. 'Bigger in Texas,' you suppose.
"Maybe near Austin, then? All the distance from Dallas, less of a hurricane chance than Houston?" Roy says, looking over the Texas map with you.
"Yeah, that seems like it could work." You absentmindedly respond, shuffling some more of the papers around. "How did Frankfurt look?"
"The place the spooks wanted us to build?" Roy asks. "It wasn't terrible land, just cramped and right near the commies." He tsks, looking down at some of the marked up maps you got from whoever it was slipping you things from the CIA. "Might scare off potential guests."
"Right, leave that on the maybe pile then." You keep shuffling through some of the maps, pausing at the ones for the Mediterranean Sea. "What about Spain and Italy?"
"Well, we've got a good spot scouted near Valencia, but I don't know that we'd be able to build as freely there as we like." Says Roy. "Good weather, though. Would just need to figure out how to actually build a park without stepping on everyone's toes."
"We were looking Tuscany too, right?" You ask. A brief glance down shows Florence circled on the map. "Can we really build that close to Florence?"
"The park would be tiny, but yes." Roy glances down at one of the maps in front of him. "Honestly, we've probably got our best prospects in France, if you ask me."
"Really? I thought they'd have the same problems that Haymarket did." You dig through some of the maps on your end of the table to pull out the overview of France. "Although I guess Nice is right on the Mediterranean as well…"
"There's that, and the European winters usually aren't as bad as ours, for whatever reason. Paris would have the potential to bring in a lot of guests, and we'd only have to close for maybe a month a year, if we wanted to be exceedingly cautious." Roy pokes his map. "Well, that, or just make all the rides enclosed or something. It seems to have worked great for EPCOT during the hurricane."
You take a moment to look closer at the map of France, noticing a small city circled in the north east. "What about this spot, Lille?" You try to figure out where it would be, latitude-wise, if it were lined up with North America before giving up after a few moments. "Wouldn't that definitely be too cold?"
"Nah, the ocean currents or something keeps it above freezing usually. Not any worse than Paris." Roy laughs a bit. "Of course, the best part about building there is that the land is dirt cheap and wide open. We could probably swing a good deal. It's my personal favorite, although it'd be a bit of a gamble since the area there isn't doing so great right now. I think that the chunnel, or whatever it is the Brits are calling that tunnel under the English Channel, will bring a lot of people right through the area eventually."
Choose the location of the European Resort, will receive +10 to future rolls from having a location chosen. Better information on locations due to excessive planning success, will also help park reception among local populace. +10 to future planning rolls for excessive planning success.
-[] Haymarket, Virginia: No particular size limit. Potential problems/benefits from building near historical site. Park will need to be closed for 4 months of the year due to climate. -20 Board Approval for a domestic location that's not all that suitable for a theme park.
-[] Austin, Texas: No particular size limit. Slight chance of being affected by hurricanes. Central location has potential to attract midwestern Americans who don't want to travel to the coasts. Good climate for a theme park other than the chance for hurricanes. -10 Board Approval for a domestic location.
-[] Frankfurt, Germany: Medium park size limit, with space for only one large or a handful of smaller hotels. Potential problems from being so close to the iron curtain, potential for US government to offer aid, in attempt to bring propaganda against the USSR. Slightly colder than you'd like, but shouldn't go below freezing.
-[] Valencia, Spain: Small park size limit, with space for only one medium hotel or two small ones. Concerns about local culture abundant, with need to avoid disrupting many historical sites. Located on Mediterranean, with good climate for a theme park.
-[] Florence, Italy: Tiny park size limit, with space for a small hotel. Overwhelming concerns about local culture and historical monuments. Not quite on the Mediterranean, but close enough to benefit from the climate. Chance for boost from being near tourism destination.
-[] Nice, France: Large park size limit, with space for a huge hotel or several smaller ones. Concerns about local culture, although these are slightly mitigated by Nice being a tourism hub that would likely welcome Disney. On the Mediterranean, with very good climate overall.
-[] Paris, France: Medium park size limit, with space for a large hotel or several smaller ones. Concerns about local culture, potential for rejection of Disney park by locals. Potential to gain from Paris as a tourist destination. Climate generally favorable, with averages above freezing year round.
-[] Lille, France: No park size limit. Few concerns about local culture. Land here is cheap and plentiful, but that's because of a general economic downturn in the area. Climate is generally favorable, with averages above freezing year round.
AN: Voting is open for 48 hours! Up next will be Tomorrow's Tomorrowland (You'll have more planning sessions on the new resort as planning continues).
Ok... Here is my first draft map. This is the entire Reedy Creek Improvement Area. Haven't decided if I'm going to convert the areas outside the area to the same type of maps as inside the area, but I figure I'll let it remain as is. If we wind up expanding the area in some way I can add it on easily enough. The important parts are inside the Improvement Area after all.
Ok... First, DisneyWorld's maps of the 1980s SUCK... They had to have deliberately drawn Dumbo in the wrong place, and forced perspective way too much. I tried to get all the major rides, and took my best guess on the Submarines since there is little to no remains of them in the park today on Satellite view, unless Ariel's Grotto is the old back ground. Also for any would be plans to knock out the Tommorrowland Stage, and expand south, there's maintenance sheds there, which I doubt we can easily move. Oh and I'm not going to even try to draw the path of the Jungle Cruise River.
Oh, and the infobox isn't there to coverup the bus loading area so I don't have to draw it... nope... not at all.
Vote closed earlier, but for people just looking at threadmarks here's the results of the vote anyway!
-[] Lille, France: No park size limit. Few concerns about local culture. Land here is cheap and plentiful, but that's because of a general economic downturn in the area. Climate is generally favorable, with averages above freezing year round.
The Results said:
-[X] Tomorrow's Tomorrowland: The future just isn't what it used to be, and never has that been more apparent than Tomorrowland. It's time for a major redesign of this section of the park, in order to keep it from becoming wildly outdated. You have Frontierland for that. {PLANNING - 4} {CONSTRUCTION - 15}
DC: 15 per success, requires 30 successes. Currently: 11/30 successes, +5 to rolls.
Benefits: Automatic refurbishment of all rides in Tomorrowland, with updates to bring them in line with a more modern look at the future. May replace up to 3 rides in Tomorrowland with no chance of PR hit, does not count towards yearly ride replacement limit. May build 1 new ride in Tomorrowland, does not count towards yearly ride build limit. Massive PR boost. +5 to Eisner/Disney relationship. One ride replacement or the new ride must be Star Tours.
You still have some trouble figuring this out until Roy and Tony get involved. Roy helps by talking about some of his uncle's original ideas, even going so far as to occasionally pitch in some notes where he thinks they'd help. Tony is glad to have the chance to bring up his old plans for Discovery Bay, a land that would have been an alternate future based on Victorian-Era science fiction. Well, mostly Jules Verne, since that's what you have the rights to, but still. Looking over everything, you think you've got enough ideas and plans sketched out to make something special. The only question now, of course, is exactly how you want to go about this… Continued in "Tomorrow's Tomorrowland, part 1"
A few weeks later, you and Roy were back in the meeting room, this time with Tony and maps of Tomorrowland at the California park. There's bits of concept art from several different aesthetics haphazardly pinned up to the walls, and Tony is examining a technical sheet of what looks like some of the Star Tours designs. You look back down at the map of the current Tomorrowland, and idly crumple up the nearly useless guest map of the area before chucking it into the trash.
"Alright, what do we have?" You say.
Tony and Roy share a glance before Roy clears his throat. "As a member of the board, I've been asked to convey the message that a fresh coat of paint, some basic updates, and one or two replacements could tide the area over for another decade or so." You stare at him. "Yeah, I'm not a fan of the idea either. But a quick and dirty job might let us focus on some other areas in the upcoming year." He looks to the side. "Like building new hotels in Florida, since all of ours there are booked through next year already."
"Really?" You knew that park attendance was up, but you'd been more focused on getting Animated Adventures finished and picking up after the hurricane than keeping track of exact numbers.
"Yes, Mike. Don't be surprised if the board asks you to start some major projects over in Florida." He looks over at Tony. "But I think Tony has a couple of designs for us?"
Tony nods, shuffling papers around until he comes up with two vastly different pieces of art. "Alright, so, there's two major overhauls I was thinking of, Tomorrowland 2055 and Discoveryland." He puts down the concept art with what looks like a bunch of Jules Verne inspired attractions on it to focus on the one with what looks like a sci-fi metropolis full of various different aliens roaming the land. "Tomorrowland 2055 is basically an intergalactic spaceport theme, with a second level added to the land consisting of restaurants and shops."
He puts down the main piece of concept art to bring several other pieces over, all following the same general style. "The peoplemover would be updated to act as a functioning transit system, with additional walkways, bridges, escalators, and so on added throughout the land. I think this theme would also fit right in with Star Tours, as an intergalactic hub would be perfect for the sort of leisure flights that the ride is advertising in-character."
He pauses for a moment. "But I think I might be getting ahead of myself. The story for the land goes along the lines of, we were digging up ground to make the new Tomorrowland, and we uncovered these giant glowing crystals." He holds up a sketch showing the new entrance to tomorrowland, with lighted rock formations. "Those crystals turned out to have been long buried beacons left on Earth by an ancient alien race, and once revealed, they attracted the attention of the whole galactic community." Another sketch, this time of the central Rocket Jets tower, redone with a new paint scheme and ride facade. "Tomorrowland turned out to be the perfect place for the aliens to set up their interstellar port, and the whole area would essentially be a city of the stars, with alien ships and shops all over the land." He hands a couple of sketches to you and Roy.
"Well it certainly sounds and looks amazing. All this fits in original scope outlined in the proposal?" You ask.
"It should, barring any major delays or problems. Most of the actual designs use what's already there as a starting point." Tony responds.
"So what were your planned replacements for this one?" asks Roy.
"Starting with Star Tours, I was thinking about having it replace Adventure Through Inner Space." says Tony. "It's one of our least popular offerings in the land, and it doesn't really offer too much." He starts moving through his pile of sketches. "Beyond that, I wanted to have CircleVision updated with an animatronic show called Timekeeper, where a mad scientist sends a robot back in time to get the full story of human civilization." He hands you and Roy even more sketches, most of which are concept art for the rethemed or new rides. "Space Mountain stays, of course, maybe a new paint job at most. The Carousel Theater would have America Sings replaced by Plectu's Intergalactic Revue, which would be an animatronic show featuring multiple different alien bands. Mission to Mars would ideally be replaced with a show based off the movie Alien."
"Alien?" You say. "Isn't that the horror movie from '79?"
"Yes," Tony replies. "It'd be a good chance to bring in some more mature audiences, and the basic story is that some fool from a science group had gotten a hold of one of the creatures and wanted to study it."
"What about Autopia and the Submarine Voyage?" You ask.
"I hadn't really given too much thought to those, to be honest." Tony says. "They're sort of off to their own side, we could maybe separate them out of Tomorrowland if we wanted?"
Roy looks at the sketches in front of him. "I could see that. What's this a sketch of?" He holds up a drawing of many long-limbed ethereal figures walking down what appears to be Main Street.
"Oh, that's a new nighttime parade I was thinking of tying into the land, the Lightkeepers. There'd be an announcement about a UFO flying over the park before the parade starts, and they'd go from Main Street to Tomorrowland." Tony shuffles a few more maps around. "I think I've got the route marked off on one of these…"
"What if we were putting in Star Tours as a new ride, without replacing Adventures Through Inner Space?" You ask.
"I mean, you'd probably need to find somewhere to put it first." Tony says. "There's some backlot to the west of Space Mountain that might work, or you could maybe more the Grand Canyon Diorama behind the Jungle Cruise and put the new building there, maybe add some interaction with the train." He looks down at the map in front of him. "Or you could rip up some of the Autopia track, put the ride in the middle of all that. Would mess with my idea of sort of adding it and Submarine Voyage to Fantasyland, though."
"Do you have any of the cuff ideas for what we could replace Adventures Through Inner Space with if we did that?" You say.
"Honestly?" Tony shrugs. "Adventures Through Outer Space, maybe? Some sort of tour of the solar system? I'd need to think of something." He rubs his chin. "Although, if you wanted to keep Autopia in Tomorrowland, I could see retheming the cars and adding in some billboards for some of the new shops and shows. 'Come see Plectu's Intergalactic Revue, the best show this arm of the Milky Way' and what not."
"Okay. So what was your other idea?" You vaguely recall it being something to do with Jules Verne's works, but the particulars escape you.
"Ah! So, back in the seventies, I think, I was working on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and we were looking at some ideas of what to do with the old Nature's Wonderland sets. Obviously nothing came of the ideas then, but essentially I was thinking of a sort of alternate history world where the sci-fi of Jules Verne became the reality of today instead of what we actually got. This neatly sidesteps the outdating of Tomorrowland by simply being a completely different Tomorrow." He pauses. "Well, and the name would have been Discovery Bay, so no explicit mention of Tomorrow."
"And you think we should replace Tomorrowland with this?" You question.
"It's a good way to make sure the land doesn't ever need another truly huge overhaul for outdating reasons, I think." Tony says. "Anyway, we could retheme Submarine Voyage to be in line with the WDW version, matching Verne's work. The Autopia would be converted into a river rapids ride, sharing some of the lagoon space, with a Nautilus themed underwater restaurant that looked in on both rides in the area as well. Adventures Through Inner Space would be replaced with an Island at the Top of the World attraction, flying across various landscapes. Mission to Mars would become the Fireworks Factory instead, where guests shot simulated fireworks at various targets."
"That sounds… a bit dangerous?" You aren't sure how you'd even get that to work.
"We might need to look into that a bit more, I'm not sure how all the specifics would come together on it." Tony admits, rubbing the back of his neck. "But to continue, the Carousel Theater would be host to Professor Marvel's Gallery, which would be sort of similar to the Imagination Pavilion over in EPCOT Center." He starts handing out some more of his sketches. "The skyway would get a facelift to Professor Marvel's Balloon Descent, and the monorail would be similarly rethemed. Space Mountain would probably get a facelift to do with 'From the Earth to the Moon,' I think, Rocket Jets would probably get a new paint job and be similarly rethemed, and the people mover would get rethemed around magnetic propulsion, tying into Spark Gap, a new coaster that would probably have to take up most of the current backlot in the area."
"That's… an awful lot of reworking, Tony." You say. "Also, where does Star Tours fit into this?"
"It's a bit outside the original project scope, yeah." He says. "But we wouldn't need to update the area like this again, probably. The massive changes would probably also bring in a good chunk of crowds." Tony looks to the side. "Also Star Tours would probably just go in a building at the edge of the land? I hadn't really thought too much about that part, to be honest."
Roy speaks up then, looking between you and Tony. "I'm not sure how I feel about what would be such a big change to my uncle's original idea for the park, but I can tell that this was definitely well thought out. Even if we don't use the Discoveryland plans for this, I think we'll have a good chance to use them in the near future." Oh, right, you think, the new park in France. A Jules Verne land would probably go over well there, wouldn't it? "Hell, with how well the parks have been doing lately it might be worth revisiting the idea of putting in Discovery Bay behind Big Thunder." Tony looks immensely happy at that. "But for right now, though, let's take a lunch break and get back to this once we've eaten." You can all agree to that.
-[] Keep the theming the same: With new updates to bring the land back in line with the original vision, you can put off a truly major overhaul for another decade or two. Will eventually be outdated again, but also require less work and money. +5 Board Approval, -5 successes needed to complete. Star Tours will replace a ride, and no new ride may be built.
-[] Tomorrowland 2055: Tony's first idea, within your original scope for the project, turning Tomorrowland into an intergalactic spaceport. Would add a second level to the land consisting of shops and restaurants, and would be a theme to last for decades to come. Will follow initial outlay for project scope.
-[] Discoveryland: Tony's brought out the old plans he had for a land that would go behind Frontierland, based entirely off of Jules Verne's works. It neatly sidesteps the issue of going outdated by presenting an alternate future, one that we won't ever see in the real world. It would take a ton of work, though, and altering such a core part of the park's history might make some fans upset. -10 Board Approval, +10 successes needed to complete. May add two new rides instead of just one (one of which will probably be Spark Gap, a new coaster, with the other being Star Tours somewhere slightly removed from the actual land itself), and replace every attraction.
AN: I spent a good chunk of time today ranting about the loss of Illuminations at EPCOT and generally shaking my fist in Bob Iger's direction, sadly. This vote is open for 48 hours, and if you have particular write-ins, you're welcome to improve upon any aspect of the presented plans that you think of. For more details on the two major overhauls, I'd suggest looking up Tomorrowland 2055 and Discovery Bay Disneyland, as that will also turn up a good chunk of the concept art for those ideas as well. On top of that, though, Tomorrowland 2055 specifically did see some use, in the WDW overhaul of Tomorrowland. There hasn't been a major update to the WDW Tomorrowland since then, so it still mostly matches the aesthetic that 2055 is going for. Looking up the WDW Tomorrowland would also give you a pretty good idea of what that plan looks like. EuroDisney doesn't have a Tomorrowland, since it instead has a Discoveryland based off of Jules Verne. Looking at that will give you a pretty good idea of what that plan looks like.
Vote closed earlier, preserved here for threadmark purposes.
The Winning Vote said:
-[*] Tomorrowland 2055: Tony's first idea, within your original scope for the project, turning Tomorrowland into an intergalactic spaceport. Would add a second level to the land consisting of shops and restaurants, and would be a theme to last for decades to come. Will follow initial outlay for project scope.
After a semi-productive lunch, with all of you discussing the various merits of each plan, it's no surprise when Tomorrowland 2055 ends up being the decision. It's a bit of a departure from Walt's original idea for the land, but at some point practicality has to enter into the equation for a company, and Disney is, first and foremost, a company. Now it's just time to get all the little details ironed out.
"Alright, we're all agreed on the twenty fifty-five plan. So, let's take a look at all these ride ideas." You bring up the current map of Tomorrowland. "First off, I think, is how we should handle Star Tours. I know we talked about it replacing Adventures Through Inner Space, but there is the opportunity to build it as a new ride."
Tony speaks up then. "If we made it a new ride building, put it in the middle of Autopia, we could talk to George about turning Autopia into some sort of Speeder Bike race, maybe?"
"Any thoughts on what to do with Adventures Through Inner Space in that case?" You ask.
-[] Replacement: Star Tours will replace Adventures Through Inner Space (takes replacement slot).
-[] A New Ride: Star Tours will be a new ride (takes new ride slot).
--[] In the middle of Autopia.
---[] Adventures Through Inner Space will be replaced by Galactic Enforcers, a ride based on policing the space around Earth (takes replacement slot).
---[] Adventures Through Inner Space will be updated to Adventures Through Outer Space, a ride based on exploring the galaxy.
---[] Write-In for Adventures Through Inner Space (will most likely take a replacement slot).
--[] In the backlot west of Space Mountain.
---[] Adventures Through Inner Space will be replaced by Galactic Enforcers, a ride based on policing the space around Earth (takes replacement slot).
---[] Adventures Through Inner Space will be updated to Adventures Through Outer Space, a ride based on exploring the galaxy.
---[] Write-In for Adventures Through Inner Space (will most likely take a replacement slot).
--[] Where the Grand Canyon diorama currently is, south east of Space Mountain.
---[] Adventures Through Inner Space will be replaced by Galactic Enforcers, a ride based on policing the space around Earth (takes replacement slot).
---[] Adventures Through Inner Space will be updated to Adventures Through Outer Space, a ride based on exploring the galaxy.
---[] Write-In for Adventures Through Inner Space (will most likely take a replacement slot).
"Alright, you wanted a new film for the CircleVision theater?" You ask.
"Yeah. A scientist uses a time-travelling robot in order to gather data on all of human history. I figured it would be a neat way to look at the history of innovation, as well as give us a chance to 'accidentally' send the robot to the future." Tony responds.
"That sounds easy enough. Did you have any other plans for the space?" You say.
"Well, I had thought a bit about maybe doing a sort of shop and show combination, where Plectu from Plectu's Revue has a sort of trading thing going on where random guests get to trade things, usually gotten as they walk in, for various bits of merchandise from the shop. That or a sort of gallery dedicated to some new tech that various companies could sponsor."
-[] CircleVision 360 will be updated to the Timekeeper.
-[] CircleVision 360 will be replaced with a new attraction (takes a replacement slot).
--[] Plectu's Traders, a shop/interactive show where guests are chosen at random to trade various items for gifts from the shop every so often.
--[] Systems of Syndicated Space Science, a gallery and mini-show that showcases the latest technological developments available.
"Okay, what about Space Mountain?" You ask.
"I honestly think it's perfect. Slap some new paint on it, maybe update some of the ride computers, and it's perfect."
-[] Space Mountain will be refurbished.
-[] Space Mountain will be replaced (takes a replacement slot)?
--[] Write-In
"I know you mentioned Plectu's Revue, that's the show you wanted to have as an update of America Sings, right?" You say.
"Yep. I'm not sure of anything else we could really do with the theater, short of dragging Carousel of Progress across the country again." Tony responds.
-[] America Sings will be updated.
--[] To Plectu's Intergalactic Revue, a musical show featuring talent from all over the galaxy.
--[] Write-In.
-[] America Sings will be replaced (takes a replacement slot).
--[] Write-In.
Roy chimes in next, as you take some time to look back at the maps. "I know you wanted an attraction based on Alien for the spot that Mission to Mars is in, but I'm not sure it's worth it." He sighs. "Mission to Mars could probably be updated to account for new technologies, or we could aim further out than Mars."
Tony thinks about it for a moment. "I think being able to cater to a more mature crowd would be worth it, though. And I think that just updating it would be patching over the problem, like the original update from the Moon to Mars was."
-[] Mission to Mars will be updated.
--[] To account for new technologies.
--[] To reach more distant worlds.
-[] Mission to Mars will be replaced (takes a replacement slot).
--[] With Alien Encounter, a horror show based on the Alien movie.
--[] Write-In.
"Now then, for the People Mover, I think we have a good chance to make it more of the transit system my uncle dreamed of, although even if we don't, we've got a great opportunity to give it more interaction with some of the various attractions around the land." Roy says.
"I was thinking maybe we could replace that, actually." Tony responds. "Hear me out. I think if we banked the turns and reworked some of the track, we could make it more of a high speed thrill ride. Might need to do something about the noise, though…"
-[] People Mover will be updated.
--[] To include more stations, making it an actual transit method.
--[] To include more interaction, making it more of a show.
-[] People Mover will be replaced (takes a replacement slot).
--[] With Rocket Rods, a high-speed run through the upper levels of Tomorrowland (Will not suffer the same penalties the IRL Rocket Rods did if chosen).
--[] Write-In.
Roy passes the discussion back to you. "I'm guessing Rocket Jets is just getting a new coat of paint?" You say.
"Yeah, probably. We could take it down and just leave it as a sort of set piece, but I don't think that's really worth it." Tony says.
-[] Rocket Jets will be refurbished.
-[] Rocket Jets will be replaced (takes a replacement slot).
--[] With the Observatron, a spinning show mechanism viewable throughout the land that activates every 15 minutes.
--[] Write-in.
"Moving on, the Skyway." You say. "While we could just repaint the cars and tune up the track, I have to ask."
"Yes?" Tony says.
"Can we please put some form of AC in the things? I don't care if it's a mini-fan or something, but those cars get hot during the midday runs." You answer.
"Well, with the new flexible solar panels, we might be able to stick some on the roof to run the fans during sunlight? I'll see what can be done." Tony says.
-[] The Skyway will be refurbished. --[] Just a new coat of paint and some retuning. --[] Is there any possible way to get some form of AC in the things? Seriously.
-[] The Skyway will be replaced (takes a replacement slot).
--[] Write-In.
"Alright. So, the Submarine Voyage." You say. "With some of the new waterproofing methods we've got, it's not as bad as it could be. But it still might be worth replacing." There's nods around the table at that. "We'd probably get a bunch of angry letters, so I'm still leaving the option to just bring it in line with Disney World's version or add a couple new set pieces, but…"
"I did have some ideas for having an underwater restaurant instead, perhaps?" Tony interjects. "Could theme it after the Nautilus, or perhaps a submerged alien craft?"
-[] The Submarine Voyage will be refurbished, with a new coat of paint and maybe some 'alien' sea life.
-[] The Submarine Voyage will be updated, to match it to the Walt Disney World Version, 20,000 Leagues is surprisingly popular.
-[] The Submarine Voyage will be replaced (takes a replacement slot).
--[] With a Nautilus-themed restaurant, or perhaps a submerged alien spaceship.
--[] Write-In.
"And our other slightly problematic area, Autopia." You say. "It could always get a new coat of paint, or you did have the idea of some sort of intergalactic highway with various billboards for the new attractions." You say. "Although, you did have that idea of maybe replacing it with a speeder bike track, we'd need to run it by George first."
"Yeah, and probably look into some new vehicles in that case." Roy adds.
-[] Autopia will be refurbished, with a new coat of paint.
-[] Autopia will be updated, as a space adventure, with signs for all the new sights in Tomorrowland spaceport. We'll definitely need new ride vehicles for this, though.
-[] Autopia will be replaced (takes a replacement slot).
--[] Talk to George, see if you can't make it an Endor-themed speeder bike track.
--[] Write-In.
"And in keeping with the northern part of Tomorrowland, the monorail." You say.
"We could take the chance to get some newer vehicles, or maybe add some solar panels on the roof for extra power capacity." Tony says.
"I was actually thinking, if we weren't adding in a new ride anywhere else, we could see if LA is willing to offer the same sort of deal Orlando was." You respond. "If we could get a bigger monorail system into LA, it might help some of the traffic issues and also drive attendance to the park."
Roy looks thoughtful. "It's not a bad idea, although it might get more expensive than we'd like." He shrugs. "Then again, seeing how much people have been going bananas over the monorail in Florida, it might be a good idea to try it here."
-[] The Monorail system will be refurbished.
--[] Higher capacity cars.
--[] Solar Panels on the roofs.
-[] The Monorail system will be expanded (takes a new ride slot). If Orlando was willing to play ball, maybe LA would be as well.
"Almost last, we've got to decide what to do with the new parade." You say. "I know how attached people are to the Main Street Electrical Parade, but using some of the parts for it would make getting The Lightkeepers up and running much cheaper and smoother."
Roy looks pained. "We could probably run both. It wouldn't be that much of a strain."
-[] The Main Street Electrical Parade will stay.
-[] The Main Street Electrical Parade will be updated to The Lightkeepers.
-[] The Main Street Electrical Parade will run along with The Lightkeepers (takes a replacement slot).
"Okay, now we just need to figure out how to actually lay out the second floor of the land." You say. "We've got a bunch of shops and restaurants planned, but I was thinking that we could take a few out and leave in a couple of spots for tech showcases."
"What, like companies just coming in and showing off some of their new stuff?" Roy asks.
"I think it'd be fitting in with the original spirit of the land, and giving companies the chance to advertise in Disney could get us some goodwill from them." You take a moment to think. "Might also be a good chance to show off our solar panel advances, as well."
-[] Just the shops and restaurants.
-[] Add a couple of technology showcases, give some companies the chance to advertise in Disney.
"I think that just about wraps things up, unless anyone has any last minute ideas?" Roy says.
-[] You had an idea for a new ride, as well (takes new ride slot).
--[] It'll be replacing some of the Autopia track.
--[] It'll be taking up some of the backlot.
--[] It'll be displacing the Grand Canyon Diorama.
-[] No, that seems like everything.
AN: 24 Hour Moratorium on this vote. There's a ton of options, and there's room for lots of write-ins. Think about things, and come up with a plan. Votes not in the form of a plan will go on an unplanned extra-vehicular maneuver, or to put it another way, will be shoved out an airlock. After the 24 hour moratorium is up, expect at least 48 hours of voting. If you have questions, ask them. If you see something that doesn't have a write-in for an option that you think should have a write-in, you can write-in anyway, subject to my approval. Important to note, though, that some write-ins for updates may end up taking replacement slots or new ride slots. There's no practical difference between refurbishment and updates in that neither of them use replacement or new ride slots, but refurbishments will keep the ride pretty much exactly as-is with a minor tune-up and updates will change a good chunk of the ride. Remember that you have 3 replacement slots and 1 new ride slot.
