The Disney Drive-In Theater That Never Happened

[@Snake-bq3kf]

The mini speech about the Eisner era is so special. Love him or hate him, Eisner shaped Walt Disney World Resort into such a profitable and incredible vacation destination with his can do attitude and fearlessness when it came to “the new”. Loved the video, Rob. You’ll always be my favorite Disney youtuber :)

[@davidfeltheim2501]

Also only a certain percentage of WDW guests actually drive to the resort, would you have to rent a car or something if you flew and wanted to see a film?

[@cartercollins923]

I’m just guessing here but I assume that the percentage of guests flying instead of driving has increased a ton since this idea was floated. Definitely would be different today.

[@mro4ts457]

Always a good day when “Rob Play’s” uploads!

[@AlexMcGillvrey]

AMC, Regal, and Cinemark should consider expanding into the drive in business to help keep them going.

[@emishiba]

THE INTRO!! 💕

[@TransportationTravels]

You have reverted back to the original Rob Plays intro music! Hurray. Much prefer that. It’s a thumbs up from me!!

[@andrewdiienno4534]

Old intro music? Everyone’s liked that.

[@1randumbproduction]

Yes!!!

[@Bazil4444]

I'm glad they just did the Sci Fi Dine in. Actual drive ins I don't think would make a great vacation experience.

[@britedisney6714]

Love the more frequent Disney Uploads

[@thezaaksmithh]

Please make a video about the last minute Mickey Land for his Birthday!

[@SaturnCanuck]

Thanks Rob. I have dined at the Sci-Fi Theatre and lots of fun. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. And thanks for bringing back the theme tune. I missed that. :)

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I miss the out-of-the-box ideas of the Eisner era. The current state of the world shows how vulnerable Disney is through only pursuing entertainment. Imagine if Mickey's Kitchen became a fast food staple and how well that would have done over the last year.

[@ModernMouse]

Totally agree! I know there were lots of "misses" from Eisner's Disney Decade, but he tried things more often than not. Would the drive-in would have worked? Maybe not, but even if it lasted a few years, it would have been a fun time to see a movie this way.

[@GODCONVOYPRIME]

I'm surprised no one has started bashing you guys for liking Eisner.

[@ModernMouse]

@@GODCONVOYPRIME As much as people disliked Easter for a time period, I think history has been good to him. He did more good than bad and brought the company back from its worst period financially.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@ModernMouse I agree. Towards the end, the parks were definitely on a downward slope from the level of cheapness, but at least there were some interesting ideas going around. People love to criticize early DCA, but I think the park's theme was actually pulled off quite creatively. It just, you know, lacked substantial attractions. While the attractions it has today substantially flesh out the park better, they feel so out-of-place because the theming is so inconsistent. It's a park that's half about California, half about Pixar and Marvel. It's still easily the worst Disney park I've been to, and that was comparing it to Hollywood Studios when that had 4 attractions in its construction phase a few years ago.

[@loraleistandish]

I mean, this seems like a good comeback idea for today, and Disney maybe will head in a slightly more experimental direction again to deal with the aftermath of Covid

[@secondsein7749]

Not likely. People today are more picky; they aren't going to spend money watching movies in an uncomfortable environment and through their car's windows that result in subpar viewing quality. They might come for the first time only to experience the gimmick, but only once.

[@Ruben-GG]

I say bring it on! I would HIGHLY enjoy a drive-in move playing all-time Disney classics.

[@jacobb.1402]

This would be perfect for a revival. Everyone is on nastoliga and drive ins are perfect, covid friendly areas. The Disney library is now so big and the idea of charachter meet and greets are perfect. Although maybe not as covid friendly, they could combat the parking problem by having a bunch of cars dressed up as 50s cars that you “rent” to sit in or something like that

[@johnomalley8192]

That would’ve been awesome! Either drive there or rent one!

[@coyoteartist]

That mention in the Leslie Dolittle column is the only reason I knew this was even a thought because I read the Sentinel. Here's another reason it might not have gone anywhere. If you're on a Disney vacation where you're staying in the park, you probably don't have a car. Plus there would have been the consideration of locals. Yes the last drive in theater closed (I honestly forget where exactly that was, there were several still working in the '80s.), but the cache of seeing a Disney movie at Disney might have drawn us. So what do you do with folks who might not have even come to the park that day. There's a boatload of reasons, this just wasn't on.

[@xaldynbluebeast2453]

What is the house shown at 1:45 ? It honestly reminds me of the house from Wandavision episode 3 - possibly future episodes. (its really the top floor that reminds me of Wandavision)

[@katherinealvarez9216]

I’m enjoying these videos on Disney history. It’s always interesting to learn about what was planned, discontinued and cancelled.

[@briansivley2001]

I could see a drive in theater in Disney being successful and popular. Remember that The Meet and Greet of Disney Characters are popular in the parks so people would go to the drive in and do it. It's a Win Win for Disney.

[@Hessed3712]

I would have loved this. I will always go for a unique movie experience. Also, I loved the collaboration he did with Disney Dan recently. Very centered, informative, and respectful.

[@JorgePerez-wx9cf]

Love the research you do Rob!

[@edvaira6891]

Not THAT far-fetched an idea-they DO have two well-developed MiniGolf courses and Drive-Ins are in the same “classic 50’s Americana” genre of attractions

[@wdwnutjm]

Great job - we had no idea this was ever a thing! I'm also glad you put that opening music back in - we really enjoy your videos!!!!

[@christinacody5845]

Y'know in the covid era, that actually would have gone from a Dogpile to a cash cow choice. It's one of the only areas that have seen a resurgence in terms of activities that could be done in a distanced manner. There was even one that opened near me this summer just BECAUSE of covid. Could you have imagined that they could have it as a possible add-on to the covid tickets?

[@Cedrickr]

god I would LOVE to see classics like Mary Poppins in a drive in like that

[@colincopland3665]

The outdoors of Orlando, Florida are less conducive for drive-in theaters than Burbank, California... To drive the point home (pardon the pun), several Disney World resorts have a “Movie Night Under the Stars*” ... *weather permitting

[@j_v_k_]

such a great video! rlly interesting to watch esp as drive in theaters seem to be coming back. always love to see what you'll make next !

[@JorgePerez-wx9cf]

Can you do a video on the oldest building on Walt Disney World property?! It opened before the park. It was the only place open to the Public before 1971.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

I missed disneyland so much and now APs

[@michaelgreenslade7260]

Passion Pit at a Disney Park? Oh my!

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Saw u on Disney Dan channel cool

[@UmmYeahOk]

3:21 OMG!!! Rare footage of the playground that once stood at the Disney Village Marketplace! Such a simple piece of abstract art that also functioned as a playground. You climbed up that wooden tube into a middle section where you could either slide down, or go up even higher in a similar looking wooden pipe. 1989 is my first and last memory of it.

[@christalbot210]

The Full Charged KZbin channel (all about electric vehicles and green energy) had a drive-in theater get together planned in a warehouse in England several months ago. This would work because they'd only allow electric cars in (no gas fumes). In the end, they ended up doing it outside somewhere, but when I first saw this I thought, "Oh, that's a great way to safely see a movie nowadays." Alas, we'd have to go pretty far afield as there are no drive-ins in the Orlando area (I _think_ the closest is in the Daytona Beach area). It makes me wonder if they had made this if it'd still be around by the time of the pandemic. I could see that suddenly becoming a very hopping place. :-)

[@sixfootfive6556]

Thank you very much. Great video.

[@nessie3682]

This would have been neat, tho what would they do for guest that didn't have their own cars? Ahh what could have been. Great video!!

[@ryanm9105]

They could have had ‘shell’ cars that strictly operated as a enclosed viewing space. Would be cool if they had all different classic models.

[@shockedcurve453]

Sorry for the inane question, but where did you get those pictures of the Epcot areas behind and to the left of you?

[@MidwaytoMainStreet]

Non inane at all! I got them from an artist of RedBubble who goes by scbb11Sketch: www.redbubble.com/people/scbb11sketch/shop?artistUserName=scbb11sketch&iaCode=u-card-post

[@328am]

Somewhere on property, this still needs to happen!

[@Clay3613]

Would've been great for last year.

[@charliecharliewhiskey9403]

Imagine if Drive In theaters had still been around these last few years during covid. Could enjoy movies on the big screen while complying with regulations.

[@wanaan]

There is an urban legend that Disney's first Asian themepark was supposed o be in Thailand. Would love to see a vid on that.

[@UrSammich]

I mean...pop century could have had the drive in if they wanted to do it. It would be away from the parks, but probably would be better suited, specially near the 50s area. However since pop century is dying....probably not a good idea. XD

[@rmannayr2129]

THIS WAS A WEIRD IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!

[@thebrinksf69]

In my opinion, the obvious answer is that its only a half day park and its redundant to SCI FI Drive in. Indoor Drive in is the solution for any park.

[@thecrazydisneyparksfanatic921]

Considering there’s a huge market for anything Disney nowadays and there being enough people willing to flock to it now, if it has the Disney branding there’s enough people who would love to have something like a Disney owned and operated fast food chain to a drive in movie place. Why Disney doesn’t pull out their old files on old business ventures that failed but would have a huge crowd for now I’ll never know

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Thanks Rob! I remember seeing "Blazing Saddles" at the drive in (wearing my PJ's) Yep! I was 7 yrs. old then. Drive in, like circus @ Disneyland proved to be a not so great idea. But, to make an omelet, you have to break a couple of eggs. LOL!

[@Taydar]

What a creative but strange period in Disney history

[@memethyst]

i've never heard of this, it would've been cool but definitely unnecessary since the sci fi diner was already open for a few years, even though they only play trailers and shorts and no full movies it's still very similar and doesn't take up parking spaces

[@diapernh]

Honestly Disney would make money off the drive-in, as they would not have to pay themselves the outrageous box office fees like all other theaters have to pay, which on a new release can be 75% or more on opening weekend., not to mention you know the concession prices will be marked up just that much more.

[@Igorcastrochucre]

The paradox of "throwing everything at the wall to see if it sticks": A kind freedom that relegates potentially great ideas to obscurity, but it's also the freedom that allows these ideas to see the light of day to begin with.

[@reeceparriah4772]

They should still do this especially with Covid! They still have the room at Walt Disney world and it would fit perfectly by Hollwood studios or Disney springs! Such a shame since this would be amazing!!!

[@flleathercop]

Sounds like the beginning of the Sci Fi dine in.

[@123chargeit]

This seems like a no brainer really. The cost of a drive-in movie theater is miniscule compared to most of WDW's attraction and shouldn't take up much more room then just having it a parking lot (during the day just use it as a parking lot) Wonder what axed it.

[@teddyfurstman1997]

This is so cool. Now Disney+ has offered some free Drive-In Experiences in some Locations. I like Disney+ but can you talk about Disney Home Video / Weird Physical Media History for it's Disney TV Shows?

[@candycemonroe7345]

So I think about the movies under the stars Disney does near their pools... Maybe this was the starting point?

[@DuchessRococoPuff]

I saw this and thought “oh the parking would be a nightmare.” Great video, Rob!

[@ModernMouse]

But here is the thing Rob, is now the time for the drive-in comeback? 2020 showed that people were willing to go to a drive-in movie. It's gimmicky, but could work in the US. I couldn't see more than one in every major city, but a good 50 or so across the US could be interesting. I don't think this would work at WDW at all still, but think that the drive-in is a viable business venture.

[@MidwaytoMainStreet]

I went to one a few times this summer and really enjoyed the experience! I do hope it sees a more long lasting comeback after all this.

[@defreynmusic]

I still wish they had a cinema where they show old disney movies, imagine watching Sleeping Beauty or even Hercules

[@UmmYeahOk]

Back when Disney was strongly against home video, they would rerelease films to theater every decade. Opening the vault, if you will. I saw all the Disney classics at the theater, including Song of the South in 1986. Thank goodness Disney finally killed off the release idea. Why would 6yo girl want a Cinderella bike, if she had never and could never see Cinderella? It was stupid, making kids wait 8 or so years.

[@candacecherry2846]

Realey wow id go

[@gmccomiskey]

Neat video. Honestly, though, I prefer the original logo.

[@merrivideo]

The red one or the tv one? Rob always goes for the blue and yellow combination an simpler graphics so this is more him than the red one. I also kinda prefer that but this also works I think.

[@gmccomiskey]

@@merrivideo The red one. The new blue one is fine, I just prefer the red one. I think it works thematically, and it pops. The red one screams Midway. The blue one is more Main Street. It's a choice, and that's okay.

[@UmmYeahOk]

4:56 “last second birthday party.” Excuse me? He was turning 60! kinda a big deal 😁 There was an entire Magical World of Disney special. Minnie was the one throwing the party. I think the goal was to distract everyone from realizing that she too was also turning 60. But she got some recognition when they both turned 90 together. One of the celebration activities was at Cosmic Rays. A live band would play on the stage where Sunny Eclipse would one day perform. I was 6 at the time and asked to go on stage where Mickey, himself, gave me a pinwheel that had 1988 him printed all over it. Anyway, the major surprise toy was in those Toon Town/Birthdayland tents... ...which are still around to this very day. Meet and greets and gift shop now.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

But don't they have drive theather restaurant were u sit in old fashioned cars.

[@Nohesenbeaureg]

hey rob!

[@bobcheapek4334]

Considering the current movie theater situation, reviving this idea would be perfect

[@taffysaur]

I think they’re all in on D+ now.

[@shockedcurve453]

Well you would be the one to do it wouldn’t you Mr. Chapek

[@TitoTimTravels]

It would have been interesting to see how they implemented a drive in, but I can see why it never happened as well.

[@freekeefox]

Drive-in movie theaters have had a bit of a resurgence since COVID, though. It might not be a good fit for Disney World, but it's not as terrible of an idea as it was.

[@freekeefox]

Imagine a timeline where the Disney-MGM drive-in movie theater was such a success that they decided to open another one in the Disneyland parking lot. Then, when COVID struck, it would be the ONLY attraction that would still be open.

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Unrelated, but you kinda look like Forrest Gump in that get-up! 😆

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

I'm guessing they would've closed Sci-Fi if this came to fruition. I love the atmosphere of Sci-Fi Dine-In. One of the best on property. While the food may not be good at times, eating there for the atmosphere alone is worth it. 2020 has proven that the interest for drive-in theaters is there and can make a comeback. Which I do hope to see. It is a unique experience

[@DiegoRamirez-kh2sb]

I remember when you used to go to this Minecraft Disney server that was my childhood

[@GODCONVOYPRIME]

Disney's cancelled culture.

[@gregmartell1235]

Why happen Disney partnerships by anime trying compete by Universal and Universal Tokyo and what happen Disney keep fail by anime

[@nordisk1874]

It’s a shame it was never built! It would be making Disney money on their releases today... instead of streaming. Since it’s only locals going to Disney right now.

[@ZumodeElectrones]

first!

[@Nohesenbeaureg]

actually diego ramirez was ;/

[@ZumodeElectrones]

@@Nohesenbeaureg oh :(

[@LindaFromSeaAtTull]

@@ZumodeElectrones no one cares, grow up.

[@UmmYeahOk]

My parents used to take me to the drive in in the early 80s because it was a great way for them to see a movie without me being that obnoxious kid who couldn’t sit down and be quiet for the rest of the audience. (Don’t worry. I got better) In 1994, we ate at the Dine In Theater for the very first time. Every trip we eat there. It’s tradition. I remember as a 90s kid thinking how cool it was, and wondering why they don’t have this nationwide. I kept thinking that maybe I would do this as an adult, and if Disney had a patent in it. In 2005, I was able to take my husband to a real drive in theater. It was a fun experience except for the fact that it was, 2 hours away, and the first of a double feature didn’t start till 8 (has to be dark, and this was summer.) A few years after my daughter was born, they announced that they were going to build a drive in near us. I was so excited. I hadn’t been to the theater in so long because I could not figure out how to bring an infant/toddler into such an establishment. It was in a designated flood plain and within smelling distance of a dump. Due to seasonal rain, they were two years delayed. By the time they opened, my daughter was now old enough that we had started taking her to real theaters. I remember seeing if I could persuade my husband into finally going, to see Cars 3. He denied. Said that I should take her myself if I wanted to go so badly. The complaint was once again time related, but also weather related. In the summer it gets 100-115 degrees, with 80 at night, and just being one feature, he claimed that it would be midnight by the time we get home. (it was located in a neighboring town. So worse case, 11pm). We ended up seeing the movie at a real theater instead. It closed the following year. I couldn’t understand why. No one could tell me if it smelled there. But perhaps it suffered the same fate as the others in that the land was just too valuable, as during a horrible pandemic when the place should be raking in the money, it was being developed into something else. Because a frequently flooded area, in a smelly toxic area is prime real estate for developers.

[@gmanley1]

Disney attempted to make a drive-in theater in the parking lot of Disney-MGM Studios? That’s like Disney attempting to make a dive-in theater at one of their water parks.

[@sonic23233]

I live near a drive in theater and is still open to this day

[@TH-dc3fg]

Third