Disney Dish Podcast: Epcot's SkySphere, 'Thunder in Paradise' & Disney Trademarks

Epcot's New Lagoon Show and Construction

• 💡 The upcoming Epcot lagoon show is tentatively named SkySphere, suggesting a focus on the sky rather than the water.
• ⚠️ The closure of "Illuminations" has been a prolonged and unannounced process, with blog posts reportedly rewritten multiple times.
• 🚧 Construction for the new show is expected to involve significant work in World Showcase Lagoon, potentially impacting activities like bass fishing.
• 🗓️ Construction permits for lagoon work have surprisingly long end dates, with one extending to 2026, possibly to obscure true timelines.

Disney Trademarks and New Ventures

• 🃏 Disney has filed trademarks for "Sabacc," the card game from Star Wars, likely for sale in Galaxy's Edge or as a holiday gift.
• 🎆 Another trademark, "Clear Spark," has been filed, suggesting a connection to pyrotechnics.
• 🏨 The Aventura Hotel's color-coordinated corridors were problematic for colorblind guests, highlighting a design oversight.

The Rise and Fall of "Thunder in Paradise"

• 📺 "Thunder in Paradise" was a syndicated TV series starring Hulk Hogan, produced by the creators of "Baywatch."
• 🌴 The show was initially planned to film in Clearwater, Florida, near Hogan's home, but relocated to Disney-MGM Studios due to production facility needs.
• 💰 Disney offered favorable terms to secure the production, hoping to boost its lagging film and production side.
• 💥 Production at Walt Disney World faced challenges, including noise complaints from the Grand Floridian's proximity to filming and the loud "Thunder" boat.
• ⚠️ The series also faced scrutiny due to its association with professional wrestling and concerns about the safety of vacationing in Florida, leading to public service announcements.
• 🎬 Despite initial success and international popularity, the show was canceled after one season due to Hulk Hogan's reluctance for the commute and guest complaints at filming locations.
• 🎬 Attempts to revive "Thunder in Paradise" as direct-to-video movies were unsuccessful.

Disney's Evolving Franchise Strategy

• 🎬 The discussion touches on the trend of rebooting old franchises, referencing potential future projects like "Jungle Cruise" movies.
• 🌟 The shift in Disney's willingness to associate with figures like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson compared to Hulk Hogan highlights evolving brand strategies.
• 📺 The show concludes by noting that "Thunder in Paradise" remains a favorite for Disney fans who appreciate seeing Walt Disney World as it looked 25 years ago.