For generations, Disney has been developing films based on some of their most time-honored attractions, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, and Tower of Terror. And with a theme park-to-screen adaptation of Disneyland's Jungle Cruise arriving next year, it feels as if there's no better time for the company to explore a docuseries that focuses on many of the rides that make their parks some of the most magical places on Earth.
It's been announced, per Variety, that Dwayne Johnson and his Seven Bucks Production partners are teaming with The Nacelle Company – the group behind Netflix's THE TOYS THAT MADE US – for an exclusive Disney+ docuseries titled BEHIND THE ATTRACTION.
Each of the 10, one-hour episodes will “take viewers into the history of how popular Disney destinations came to be, how they have changed over time, and how fans continue to obsess over them.” While this is no doubt a not-so-veiled way for Disney to advertise their parks to Disney+ subscribers across the globe, it's my hope that the series will dig deep into the rich history of their rides, warts and all. According to the show's description, episodes will feature interviews with fans as well as Disney imagineers, who for years have kept the stories of Disney's attractions alive and well on the tongues Mouseketerrs and conspiracy theorists alike.
Johnson will executive produce with the help of his Seven Bucks Produtions associates: Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz, and Kevin Hill. Meanwhile, Brian Volk-Weiss, Robin Henry, and Cisco Henson of The Nacelle Company will also executive produce, with Volk-Weiss set as director of the show.
Disney has yet to announce a release date for BEHIND THE ATTRACTION, nor have they revealed a host or narrator for the episodic exploration of Disney's most beloved rides and interactive adventures.
Here's my question: How deep down the Disney park rabbit hole do you think BEHIND THE ATTRACTION will venture? We all know that there are some pretty elaborate stories surrounding many of Disney's most prized attractions, and I'd hate to think that they'd ignore those urban legend-like yarns entirely. I mean, yes, Disney isn't going to out themselves on anything too heinous, but what about the closing of River Country due to brain eating amoeba? Or that Walt Disney's severed head was used as part of The Haunted Mansion ride? Come clean, Disney! This is your chance.