Are Theme Park Rides Canon by Default?

[IDK3465]

Hey gang

If you’re wondering why I haven’t posted anything in awhile, it’s because, over this past week, I’ve been on vacation in Orlando, Florida with my extended family going on rides at Disney World and Universal, and it’s been absolutely amazing and fun all the way through! Genuinely some of the best experiences I’ve had all year :]

That being said, by going on this trip, it’s gotten me to wonder about the canonicity of these rides to their source material. More specifically, in cases where we don’t have any direct statements on their canonicity, do we assume them to automatically be canon due to being made and approved by the company that owns them? Cause if so, I’ve noticed a TON of feats and abilities not currently listed in our profiles when they absolutely could be.

That’s all :]

Hopefully this isn’t a stupid question

 

[Oiguana2701]

I don't think so, since it could just be from a different continuity. I remember this being talked about in a Shrek downgrades thread.

 

[IDK3465]

I don't think so, since it could just be from a different continuity. I remember this being talked about in a Shrek downgrades thread.

That’s a shame, though what about cases where the original creators are directly involved in the ride’s creation?

 

[Psychomaster35]

Unless it's stated to be canon, the theme park rides should generally be considered non-canon by default.

 

[MaskedDragon908]

That’s a shame, though what about cases where the original creators are directly involved in the ride’s creation?

As noted on the Canon page,

Author approval alone does not confer canonical status upon adaptations. Such material is considered part of the primary continuity only when the creator or rights holders explicitly confirm its integration into, or priority over, the original timeline

It also seems that someone had the foresight to link KingTempest's thread here, where his main point was that

Canon is not determined merely by author involvement or creative approval. It is established through explicit confirmation and direct continuity with the original work. A faithful adaptation or the creator’s participation alone does not make new material canonical—only statements or actions that formally integrate the new content into the established narrative do so.

But yeah basically
KingTempest has made it clear that author approval/involvement alone can no longer be used as the basis for canonicity.

 

[IDK3465]

I guess that makes sense yeah, and looking into it, the only area in the Disney Parks that is explicitly meant to be canon to the original source material is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, everything else is either fully non-canon or alternate universes

Damn, I’m kinda disappointed now

 

[Phsccarvalho]

I guess that makes sense yeah, and looking into it, the only area in the Disney Parks that is explicitly meant to be canon to the original source material is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, everything else is either fully non-canon or alternate universes

Damn, I’m kinda disappointed now

Yes, the events of Galaxy's Edge appear in the book "Star Wars: Timelines".