Back to basics

[jazzmoe]

I want to start off by saying that I am not a Disney hater. In fact, I can't think of any thing or place in the world that makes me feel as good as being at Walt Disney World. I know that this is a popular rant, but what Disney has done over the past few years is below my and Disney standards. I have been looking at websites dedicated to Disney projects that have never been built. It is very frustrating to see the ornate, plush and elaborate concept art of the past, compared to the latest "thrill ride" or movie screen simulation junk that has been thrust upon us lately. IE: Test Track, Rockin Roller Coaster, Everest, Mission Space, Soarin, Body Wars, Star Tours, Philharmagic, A bugs life, Honey i shrunk the Audience, etc. I feel that Disney needs to get back to it's roots. A place where the ambiance of a ride makes you feel like you have been magically transported to another place. like when you walk into the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, or while riding in a doom buggy at the Haunted Mansion. I believe you fellow Disney geeks know what I am talking about. Some of the recent rides, again in my opinion are very good. Take for example Splash Mountain. The ride has great ambiance, the features and characters of a dark ride and is still able to combine a thrill factor. also, Tower of terror, it too combines most of these things. It just seems to me that the Imagineers are trying to compete with universal or six flags, rather than continuing the tradition set forth by Walt. Hopefully the two new top dogs at Disney actually listen to us fan boys and get back to what made Disney different and better than any other theme park in the world. Remember Disney, "If you build it, they will come" taking shortcuts on your rides and attractions will eventually lead to your downfall. Spend the money, make new rides that appear to be infinite while inside, with more things to look at than you can see in just one ride. Dark rides with new improved AA (IE: new pirates) and not just cardboard cutouts with a black light shining on them, IE: Buzz Lightyear, Monsters Inc, Poo's ride, (new) imagination W/Figment. In closing, I know I sound like a hater, but I just want my kids to grow up with the same amazement that I did.

[PaulaK]

I have to agree with you! Some of the rides are so poor and zero imagination went in to them. I feel they're just adding stuff for the sake of thinning lines out on the more popular rides. :(

The new Nemo ride is pathetic, Stitch is a joke and I don't hold out much hope for Monsters Inc. They seem to be taking the easy option all the time to get stuff open quickly.

My DD was really looking forward to the High School Musical show......yet another let down! A makeshift stage and a red sheet dumped in the middle of Tomorrowland.

I would rather wait years while they build a great ride like EE (I loved that and think the detail is great!) than have them open stuff that's just embarassing.

[Dawn]

I agree too. I don't need 3 versions of Dumbo in the same park thank you very much.

The magic isn't there in the newer attractions. We don't need thrill rides - we got to Six Flags for that. People come to Disney because it's different - it's special - it's a place where the whole family can have fun together. It's a place where the atmosphere envelopes you and takes you to a world of fantasy.

They're losing that.

[JuniorMickey]

The thrill rides need to be there in this day and age - it helps to keep people at Disney rather than going to the "other" parks.

Personally, I'll have to disagree with you on many points - RnRC, Everest and Phillharmagic are some of my favorite rides (along with the classics of POTC, HM, CoP etc.) and they are beautifully done. :shrug:

I agree that we don't need three different Dumbos in the same park and there are things that have been rushed out and probably not thought through, but at the same time, I think Disney gets it right far more often than they get it wrong.

[Rosie0610]

I agree with JM. Disney has to keep things moving and changing in order to keep people coming back. That's probably the reason for simpler things such as the High School Musical Show. (really how long will that last anyway? why put so much money into it?) The Stitch ride was a very inventive, ahead of the times, thrill ride when it orginally opened as Alien Encounters. So maybe they cheapened it out by replacing it with Stitch but originally it was very good.
Also, we are all spoiled by having been to WDW many times or doing research before we go but to say that a child won't be "wowed" by rides like Monster's INC or Nemo is an understatement. a child experiencing this for the first time or maybe even the 2nd or 3rd will feel like they are in thier favorite movie. I guess sometimes being and adult has it's disadvantages.

[Andy B]

I agree in part, it seems that it is the chasing of quick updating of a previous ride often misses the mark, we went on Monsters inc at DL and were very dissapointed however the effort in 'Its tough to be a bug' seems good. I feel many new type rides will not last long as the themes will not endure in the public psyche.

[PaulaK]

I agree with JM. Disney has to keep things moving and changing in order to keep people coming back. That's probably the reason for simpler things such as the High School Musical Show. (really how long will that last anyway? why put so much money into it?)

I'm not saying build a ride for something that probably will be short lived, but why not think it through properly? They held it out in the middle of Tomorrowland in the blazing sunshine and everyone has to stand to watch it. You can't see unless you're in the front row. It's only a stone's throw from the galaxy stage....... which is empty?! :nono:

The Stitch ride was a very inventive, ahead of the times, thrill ride when it orginally opened as Alien Encounters. So maybe they cheapened it out by replacing it with Stitch but originally it was very good.

The only good thing about Stitch is that it breaks down regularly so at least you get a FP to use elsewhere! :hehe:


Also, we are all spoiled by having been to WDW many times or doing research before we go but to say that a child won't be "wowed" by rides like Monster's INC or Nemo is an understatement. a child experiencing this for the first time or maybe even the 2nd or 3rd will feel like they are in thier favorite movie. I guess sometimes being and adult has it's disadvantages.

Monsters Inc at WDW will NOT be a ride. It's another "get it up and running quick" project......just like Nemo. My 2 are 5 and 10 and were seeing it for the first time! We all came off puzzled as to what it was meant to be? :confused: It certainly didn't 'wow' us and others have said the same. The point is that we do get to go regularly and rather than tempting us back, they're driving us away! We'll be heading back to US, IOA and Sea World next trip for sure!

[jazzmoe]

just a side note, the monster inc i was speaking of is at DL. i have not seen the WDW show yet.

[marivigi]

Personally I really like RNRC and Phillarmagic.... but I do agree with you that miost "new" rides are just that.. rides.... no detail,no story, itslike going on a ride at ANY park....