Would You Like to Play a Game?

A few months ago Walt Disney World announced the development of the next interactive role playing game on property, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.

They were pretty tight-lipped with the details except to say it would incorporate some of the technology of the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, although it would have a far more original (and far less literal) name!

Now signs of Sorcerers are beginning to pop-up all over the Kingdom.  We were given a clue in the original announcement to look for new crates around the Jungle Cruise.  We now know it will involve the shooting gallery in Frontierland as well.  Some rumors have even implied it will involve the new interactive queues at The Haunted Mansion and Pooh.  Of course, if every rumor were true, we’d also be visiting Beastly Kingdom next summer!

I have to admit, my initial reaction to the announcement of Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom was . . . really??? “Isn’t there enough to do at the Magic Kingdom?” I wondered.  “People are so bored they need a LARP?!?!”

I understood when they opened Kim Possible.  Epcot has always had a hard time keeping younger guests engaged, especially teens.  Once they’ve ridden Test Track, Mission Space, and maybe Soarin’, they’re usually ready to get outta Dodge.  Kim Possible actually tricked teens into spending time in World Showcase (without rolling their eyes every 5 minutes and calling their parents lame.)   And as I’ve witnessed, the game has engaged a fair share of adults as well.

The truth is I’m just not a gamer.  I haven’t even owned a video game system since I got a used Nintendo 64 in the 80’s, when that sinister Duck Hunt dog would mock me, snickering and pointing every time I missed, making me wish I could point that orange and gray pistol right at . . .!  Um, ahem, I uh . . . sorry.  Point is I’m not a gamer.

Although I confess when Epic Mickey was released I contemplated buying a Wii just for that game alone.  This game certainly has a similar vibe, albeit in a live-action environment.  Plus it immediately brings to mind the popular Kingdom Keeper books.  And I realize this game could reinvigorate the park experience and add a new level of enjoyment for guests who are fortunate enough to visit WDW more than once a year.

If I had my druthers (which sadly I don’t.  I lost my druthers one night after a visit to Pleasure Island, but I don’t like to talk about it) I would rather see more interactive queues and such around the park.  Those of us who can only be bi-annual or even tri-annual visitors tend to obsess a little more about getting the most bang for our bucks.  Were I to take time playing the game, I’d probably be worried I was losing time on Pirates or Space Mountain or some other beloved park experience.

Not too mention the old man in me says “I don’t want to be tripping over high-tech scavenger hunters when I’m on vacation!”  Of course, he also says “stay off my lawn, pull up your pants, and turn down that infernal rap music you pesky punks!”

So okay, minor concerns aside, maybe it’s a good idea after all.  It may not be for me, but I’m reserving judgement.   I can certainly appreciate that for other guests it may be a blast.  I might even think it looks like so much fun I’ll have to give in.  More importantly, while they’re playing Sorcerers, they’re not standing in front of me in line for Splash Mountain!

I’m curious to hear other thoughts and opinions regarding Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.  Are you looking forward to this interactive adventure?  Would you like to see something like this game in each park?  I admit the idea of such an experience inside Animal Kingdom does sound very intriguing to me!  Maybe I’m a closet gamer after all!

Somebody get me Joe Rhode . . .