New Disneyland: Tomorrowland

Let's begin with the future.  Last year while in line for the Haunted Mansion I had a conversation with an old man who complained how Tomorrowland is still based on a Jules Verne version of the future.  That was a very valid point.  So this Tomorrowland using more modern/relevant brands.

Iron Man Training Simulator

Disneyland is getting an Iron Man armor exhibit to tie into the new movie, but a proper Marvel attraction is a perfect fit for a new Tomorrowland.  More than other heroes such as Spidey, X-Men or The Avengers, Tony Stark represents the future as he is a futurist.  This would be a virtual reality attraction where the audience gets to shoot repulser rays and fly.  Essentially an Iron Man themed Star Tours.  Since this isn't in Florida Disney would be able to use Marvel properties in the theme park.

WALL-E Garbage Pick-Up

This attraction could actually be a way to trick guests into picking up trash around the park.  But my plan would be to have guests sit in WALL-E shaped vehicles that would move them around a trash filled room (or items that look like trash) and they can operate the arms and try to pick up as much trash as they can.  It could even keep track of the totals and list high scores akin to Toy Story Midway Games or Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

World of Tron

It seems as if Tron will never be a giant blockbuster.  But even though both films underperformed the concept of a human entering the video game world is perfect for Tomorrowland.  I'm not a scientist, but somehow virtual reality would allow guests to play Tron.  Or at least create a new version of the game specifically for the park.  Wreck-It Ralph could even make a cameo or be a bonus level.

Atlantis Expedition

Disney used to be great at using less popular properties even after they are popular.  Characters from the banned Song of the South are part of Splash Mountain.  Even though Pete's Dragon is not a perfect movie Elliott has a permanent spot in The Main Street Electrical Parade.  Even though Atlantis was not a big success it is a well designed movie and the design of the ship Ulysses and the background of Atlantis would be beautiful up close.  This would be the submarine voyage but in a gorgeous fantasy world that would feature a battle with the Leviathan.

Muppet Labs

Kermit asks Dr. Benson Honeydew and Beaker to do some science experience for the audience and naturally everything goes wrong.  Every Disney park should have a funny show and who better to lead it than the Muppets?

Overrated/Underrated Pixar Movies

Most Overrated Pixar Movie- Finding Nemo (2003)

I may lose some readers by posting this first, but I am really not a fan of Finding Nemo.  Oh it's a competently made movie and better than a lot of movies out there.  By no means am I saying that this is a bad movie, I just don't enjoy it and don't get how this is universally beloved and seen as one of the greatest animated features ever.  I find Dory to be irritating, don't like the overused catchphrases and I just never got into the story much.  Does that make me a bad person?  Maybe, I seem to be the only person who thinks this is overrated.

Most Underrated Pixar Movie- A Bug's Life (1998)

I grew up with A Bug's Life.  Definitely not at Toy Story or Incredibles standards, but I rewatched it recently and it absolutely holds up.  It is memorable, has a lot of fun characters and a lot of heart.  Flik is one of my favorite screw ups.  Great score too.

Most Disappointing Pixar Movie- Brave (2012)

Could definitely place this under overrated too.  My response to a majority of the positive reviews for this movie (and Snow White and the Huntsman) is that just because a woman wields a weapon doesn't mean she is a good feminist role model.  Merida is completely boring, whining is her most defining trait and the supporting cast is even less interesting.  The Scottish setting provides a beautiful backdrop but without a good story it really doesn't matter.  The marketing did a good job hiding the twist, but it wasn't a good twist.  Brother Bear told that story better and Brother Bear was not a great movie.

Most Surprising Pixar Movie- Ratatouille (2007)

I was apprehensive when this was first announce, but then the positive reviews came in and I saw it and was completely won over.  This is a charming, fun movie with Pixar's special brand of heart and memorable characters.  This was the first in Pixar's perfect run including WALL-E, Up and Toy Story 3.

My Guilty Pleasure Pixar Movie- Cars (2006)

This isn't a huge guilty pleasure.  It isn't a movie I love and I definitely never felt like it needed to become a giant franchise.  But it is a good movie.  It has a nice little story and I really credit it with coming up with every aspect of how this universe works.  Definitely not one I need to see again, but I'm glad I saw it.

My Favorite Pixar Movie- Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Okay this is one of the few movies to ever make me cry.  I saw this when I was ten in theatres and I had such an emotional attachment to the characters that the ending had me in tears.  Sully and Boo have such a great relationship and this movie has some of my favorite gags ever.  Also the ending bloopers and the company musical at the end of the video are absolutely hilarious.

The Worst Pixar Movie- Cars 2 (2011)
You saw this one coming.  Easily the worst thing Pixar has ever done and hopefully it remains as their worst effort.  It loses the good qualities of their previous worst feature, by getting rid of the small town charm for product placement.  Also Mater is the star of this movie, who thought that was a good idea?

The Best Pixar Movie- Toy Story Trilogy (1995, 1999, 2012)
Perfect, innovative, iconic and highly emotional.  This is the most consistent, perfect film series of all time.  Each sequel built on the previous installment and continued to grow the characters.  I was around the age Andy was when all of these movies were released which gives me a unique way to relate to them.  I don't know what else to say about these movies.  We've all seen them and we all love them.  Easily Pixar's greatest achievement.