I'm kind of over the whole "replicate Oga's" template, honestly. Having to reserve time weeks/months out, only to then be crammed into tables with strangers (and perhaps even made to stand!) is just not that appealing, even if the thematic design is very high-end. If I'm jumping through hoops to get in, and then paying very inflated beverage prices, at least let me relax!
I agree, which is why this space is perfect for a bar due to its size. People love just "hanging out" in the parks, especially where beverages can be served as proved in just about every recent bar/lounge project (Nomad, Beak, Geo82, etc.)
Oga's is easily my least favorite bar, but something more akin to Nomad is fine by me.
Maybe the solution to not having to reserve a time weeks/months out is to build more bar/lounge capacity.
100% I know the purists will hate this concept, but I really think Disneyland should receive a large lounge that celebrates the park's history somewhere. Think of a giant lounge with different themes tied to each of the park's different sections. Maybe in Tomorrowland? All the locals/fans/APs would flock there. The non-fan/APs will have less people in the way. Win win.
I've said the same for Universal as well. How we don't have a proper bar themed to classic Universal films (and less popular ones) is beyond me. Imagine a room themed to Amity Island, a room with Doc Brown's experiments, etc.
Combining threads here, but my hope is that they view the Villians Land investment as an MK-wide endeavor - over-indexing on ride capacity in the new land while scattering some of the incremental F&B or Merch capacity across the whole park. It’s something they’ve traditionally failed at staying focused on achieving across the Studios and then Epcot overhauls.
This is currently happening with permits & projects starting. Permits were recently filed for an expansion of the Magic Kingdom side of the ferry boat landing. I hinted at a minor, yet important, project like snack kiosk improvements (like what UOR is doing) elsewhere in the park, and permits were just filed today.
Hollywood Studios is the park that desperately needs something of similar scale. With the loss of Muppets, it lacks an attraction that you can just walk up to and experience (One Man's Dream is unfortunately not pulling in anyone).