Primevial Whirl Test Run......DISappointed [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

DVCDAVE

03-24-2002, 02:22 PM

Took a ride on this ugly attraction on Thursday, March 21st. This is one UGLY attraction that belongs more in a cheap traveling carnival, then at WDW. In fact the surrounding area is U G L Y !! All that seems to be missing is the smell of deep fryers stinking the whole place up. While the ride itself was somewhat OK, the decor of it has a lot to be desired. It is decorated as some sort of time machine with cheap cut outs painted as nerdy scientists operating light tubes and control panels decorated with hub caps from old cars. I am NOT KIDDING !!! I wouldn't suggest running down to WDW for this ride.

One thing I was glad to see, was the AK park was packed, yet no one seem to be in the stupid carnival kiosks around Primevial Whirl. I guess the old addage of voting with our $ will change that area quick if we don't use it, or better yet boycott it.

Barb

03-24-2002, 03:47 PM

I saw the ride last week, although it wasn't open yet. I said the same thing-it is ugly. There is nothing charming or appealing about this ride at all. That whole section is such a disappointment. So did the ride spin the whole time? What exactly goes on within the ride? Thanks!

toefungus

03-24-2002, 04:44 PM

Over at www.orlandorocks.com they have a video of the attraction. It looks like at certain parts of the ride it starts to spin.

DVCDAVE

03-24-2002, 05:05 PM

The ride is a roller coaster that will spin from time to time. It seems to like to spin just before corners and through them. Having only riden it once, I hadn't figured out if the spinning part is random or pre-programed. Some of the roller coaster dips and rises are pretty good, but I particulary don't like roller coasters. My opinion on the ride is not based on the fact that it is a roller coaster, frankly I think it just looks cheaply decorated, out of place, and hideous.........They should have built it at Pop Century Resort, NOT AK .

Banzai

03-24-2002, 05:27 PM

I like the whole "Mom and Pop Attraction" is cute! BTW, Kennywood Park has a spinning coaster wild mouse, they are great!

anim8or98

03-24-2002, 07:20 PM

I don't know if everyone knows this or not, but I'll write it anyway. Dino-Rama is supposed to look tacky and cheap. The whole story of Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama is that Chester and Hester were local land owners (I believe they owned a gas station) at a small town in Anywhere USA when Dinosaur bones were discovered and immediately, scientists began buying up the land and turning the area into a giant dinosaur dig site. They only folks who didn't sell were - Chester and Hester. Instead, they turned their gas station into a huge souvenir shop and capitalized off the folks coming into the area to get a glimpse of all the dinosaur madness. Chester and Hester enjoyed their success and built a carnival type atmosphere called Dino-Rama right next to their shop in Diggs County.

So, what I'm trying to say is. Everything is supposed to look cheap and carnival like because that is what Chester and Hester would do. Everything is very kitschy and bright and bold. I think it themes very well to they area. It is ugly, and that's exactly how it was planned to be. Cut-outs, being able to see the track, the carnival atmosphere... That's what Disney wanted to do in this mini-land.

barreloflaughs

03-24-2002, 08:18 PM

anim8or 98 wrote:

QUOTE]Everything is supposed to look cheap and carnival like because that is what Chester and Hester would do. Everything is very kitschy and bright and bold. I think it themes very well to they area. It is ugly, and that's exactly how it was planned to be. Cut-outs, being able to see the track, the carnival atmosphere... That's what Disney wanted to do in this mini-land.[/QUOTE]

IMHO, this is a very convenient way for Disney to do something on the cheap. Lets keep an eye on these guys. I anticipate that we will be seeing more and more backstories which support kitschy!

banzai wrote:

I like the whole "Mom and Pop Attraction" is cute! BTW, Kennywood Park has a spinning coaster wild mouse, they are great!

I think this line speaks volumes about what is wrong with this ride at WDW. EVERYBODY HAS GOT ONE OF THESE RIDES!

I guess I should wait until I see in person to pass judgement......Nah. This whole area is the pits.

Your mileage my vary but my kids HATE wild mouse rides. My 8 year old daughter couldn't wait to get on the BG Williamsburg version. Once the ride started she screamed to get off! LOL! I suspect that was her last wild mouse ride. My 10 year old son won't even think about getting on one. Add to that the fact that we don't do carnival games even if....make that especially if, they are sponsered by Disney. I mean, hell, they are getting our hotel/food/park ticket dollar so you'll excuse me if I don't rush to pad Eisner's bonus. In short, our family will likely skip the entire area on our next trip. Shame......

carl
barrel of laughs

Lesley

03-24-2002, 08:40 PM

All that seems to be missing is the smell of deep fryers stinking the whole place up.

Ah, well then all they need to perfect the theme is to move the McD fry kiosk down about a hundred yards...I guess the stink doesn't waft quite that far.

The biggest problem with the "theme" (I'm using the term loosely) is that they removed many of the things that made the whole "sudden dino dig site" idea believeable. There is no longer the tent structure housing the bones...no paleontologists at work... That was themeing.

Please, please, please let this nightmare be removed!

DVCDAVE

03-24-2002, 09:48 PM

I did see the MsD fry kiosk, but honestly couldn't smell it that far away. You wouldn't want me to lie now would you ? Then my credibility would be ruined....... This area is hideous really.......this is not what Walt wanted in his parks. More disgusting is the fact that they are parading around celebrating the 100th birthday of this icon, while opening up this ride that goes against everything this icon stood for. What hipocrates, this management team is.

wheezy

03-25-2002, 09:26 AM

i think the ride looks really fun, and i also think it is really cool that they added two new rides to animal kingdom. would you rather have them not build anything? i have never been on a crazy mouse ride and i can't wait to go on it when i visit in May! :D

barreloflaughs

03-25-2002, 10:01 AM

would you rather have them not build anything?

Quite honestly, in this case I would have preferred they built nothing. I don't really care for the Dinosaur attraction (aka Countdown to Extinction) that much either! In fact, I'm not really thrilled that Disney wasted all of that space on dinosaurs in the first place. I would have much preferred that they went the mythical animal route instead (a lot more opportunities for imagination!). I can get my cheap dinosaur thrills up the road at Jurassic Park.

Oh yes, while I'm at it, another thing I wish they had not built....Downtown Disney. Ugh...can you say suburban sprawl. Granted, I'm not much of a shopper but I avoid this place like the plague! Honestly I miss the old Disney Villiage Marketplace which had a much more laid back atmosphere.

all IMHO, of course!:D

carl
barrel of laughs

daber

03-25-2002, 03:34 PM

I saw the jpgs and said "UG-LY" but decided not to pass judgement until I saw it in person. Just got back last night and saw both new rides in operation. Yes, the two year old enjoyed Triceratops spin. But coming over the hill and seeing the view of the Oldengate Bridge ruined by Primevil Whirl directly behind it. And you can also see it from the parking lot. As the prior comment said they strived to make it tacky. Well, they succeeded. I thought to myself, it took them a year to build it....now if they would only tear it down! And I agree with another poster, the money could have been better spent working on the mythological section.

Lesley

03-25-2002, 04:58 PM

Yes, nothing would be much better than this something. I am happy I have photos of the bridge before this went up in the background. I pray this area has the same fate as the Goosebumps thing that was at MGM.

Hopefully we can someday all laugh about this..."Hey remember when they put that horrible carnival thing in Dinoland? Glad that was torn down fast!"

DVCDAVE

03-25-2002, 06:34 PM

I agree, nothing is better than this hideous eyesore. This is certainly against Walt's idea of entertainment value.

Barb

03-25-2002, 08:19 PM

I couldn't agree more. I'd rather see nothing, than see DR there. I can't say too many times how out of place the whole section is. It just plain doesn't belong! :( :( What happened to all the wonderful plans for AK?? What was wrong with "fixing" the Discovery Riverboat ride?? I'm sure SOMEONE could have come up with something clever to add to the ride to make it cute. What's wrong with going ahead with BK?!?! I don't get it. Do they really think we're going to be satisfied with the new edition and not expect anymore? If so, they don't know us as well as they claim to.
And, I also agree about DTD-enough is enough. I miss the charm of the Marketplace, too.

meeko_33785

03-25-2002, 10:44 PM

The whole area of Dinoland USA is supose to be themed to America's love of nostalga (and dinosaurs, of course) so it seems that the Dino-Rama area would seem a natural, somewhat poking fun at the tacky roadside attractions baby boomers visited before Walt Disney dreamed up Disneyland. It is just as nostalgic to todays audience as Main Street USA's Model Ts and Penny Arcade was in the 1950s. As for this being a continuous trend in Imaginiring, of course it will. Disney has been creating carnival rides for years (Tomarowland Speedway, Dumbo, Mad Tea Party, and even Disneyland's acclaimed Flying Saucers) and mosy likely will continue. in the years to come. The parks do need a balence of A through E tickets and that includes having some sort of simple or carnival-style rides that until now Animal Kingdom had been missing.

barreloflaughs

03-26-2002, 07:59 AM

The whole area of Dinoland USA is supose to be themed to America's love of nostalga (and dinosaurs, of course) so it seems that the Dino-Rama area would seem a natural

Hmmmm....I thought Animal Kingdom was supposed to be themed to Animals. Disney seems to be in the process of abandoning the theme here. Heck, if you are going to do a dinosaur section then do some imaginative dinosaur attractions not mid-20th century tourist trap kitcsh.

Don't get me wrong, I think Disney got off to a GREAT start with Animal Kingdom. It is a beautiful park with a great concept. I'm concerned that in their rush to increase attendance they are going to fill this beautiful space with junky, ill-concieved attractions.

If this is a trend then I think it is an unfortunate trend. The theming is out of place. Its kind of like sitting on the beach at the Poly and hearing the roar of race car engines.

carl
barrel of laughs

cindyfan

03-26-2002, 08:10 AM

I plan to really hold off my opinion on the actual rides til we visit in June.
But, IMHO, I do think the problem began with the "theming". The whole idea of "creating a tacky carnival" is just out of place! :(
When they came up with Big Thunder Mtn RR....you are supposed to be riding a mine car through the mines!! YEA! That works.
In Space Mnt......flying a space ship through space...YEA! That works.
On Tower of Terror ......you are in an elevator. YEA! That works!
Even on Dinosaur....transported back in time to when dinosaurs romed the earth!! YEA! That works too!!!
Disney creates the illusion of being somewhere else, some other time.
But the "carnival" idea is just too close to an actual amusement park or carnival atmosphere in order to fit in with being transported in time or space!!!! :(
We all still have these cheezzy carnivals coming to our towns!!!! Every summer they show up, whether we want them or not.
So why would anyone want to go to something they can see at home when the "Corn Festival" is scheduled!!!:confused:

We do want to see it and ride the rides. And I am sure my DD will like Primeval Whirl, she loves "mouse rides". But I am really wondering how this fits in????

I like the idea of Australia-land. Or Artic!!!

space42

03-26-2002, 09:01 AM

Wow, I don't think I've EVER seen so many Disney fans bash a Disney attraction before!! To me that says VOLUMES about this addition.

I'll share a little story with you all.

The last time I was in Animal Kingdom was in December. I was with 3 friends who are big Disney park fans. They grew up with me in Florida and have been going to the parks since the 70's. They now live out of state and only get down once a year. They don't follow Disney like I do, but love the parks just the same. The probably don't even know who Eisner is lol. They also had no idea about Dinorama and I didn't mention anything to them before we saw it (it was also one persons first trip to AK). When walking into Dinoland they just stopped in their tracks. Comments started right away (mind you this was our last stop in AK. We had already been through Affrica and Aisa) and ranged from "Oh my god, this is UGLY.." "What happened here" "This sure looks tacky" "Gee, this doesn't fit with the rest of this beautiful park" "Looks like Disney ran out of money with this part of the park"

So, its not just people on the DIS that feel this way about Dinorama.

I sure wish we had the Dino Tent back instead of this.

daannzzz

03-26-2002, 03:52 PM

"The whole area of Dinoland USA is supose to be themed to America's love of nostalga (and dinosaurs, of course) so it seems that the Dino-Rama area would seem a natural.."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See, thats the problem. Chester and Hesters looks like tacky roadside America. They captures that real well there and I though it fit Dinoland nicely, being back out of sight on its own. Dinorama looks like the current Disney Channel zoog stuff. It doesn't have any nostalgiac feeling to it.

Barb

03-26-2002, 07:26 PM

Bottom line, to me, is that it just doesn't fit in the AK, at all. It does look like they ran out of money and are grasping at straws to fill the void. The more I think about it, the sadder I get. WIshful thinking on my part: that they'll see the error of there ways (as they did with JIYI) and fix it.
If they really needed to go ahead with this idea, why didn't they put it in DTD. It would have "worked" there. The "Spin" ride didn't have to be dino's, it could have been Disney figures in DTD. Now there it would have been cute. The whole carnie atmosphere works better there. Heck, it works better anywhere but where it is.

King Triton

03-26-2002, 07:51 PM

If only Walt were alive......he would say "no way!"

This is so out of place - this cheapens the park. Look at the quality put into DisneySea and now look at this. AK needs a "Journey into the center of the earth ride." Let's stick to the Disney quality.

King Triton

HauntedMansionFan

03-26-2002, 11:34 PM

I think that a lot of people are failing to miss the entire theme of this area. Dinoland U.S.A. is entirely themed to look like a roadside attraction, with the exception of Dinosaur. Dinorama just adds on to the theme. Look at the buildings around you and the decor, the new Dinorama fits perfectly in. I like the look of it, remind me of a cheesy attraction that you would see on Route 66 or something.

Lesley

03-27-2002, 01:18 AM

barreloflaughs

03-27-2002, 07:33 AM

I think that a lot of people are failing to miss the entire theme of this area. Dinoland U.S.A. is entirely themed to look like a roadside attraction,

No, I don't think we're missing the point. Apparently the theme is VERY difficult to miss! Disney's theming goal here is obvious. The point is that it does not fit in to the theming of the park on the whole. Not to mention that it is ugly as sin. ;)

carl
barrel of laughs

WDWHound

03-27-2002, 10:27 AM

My father used to tell me, If you have to explain the punchline, the joke probably wasn't funny to begin with.

I see the same thing here. Some have said that people just don't understand the theming of this area (hinting that if they did, they would see how well these rides fit in). Even if this is true, if you have to explain the theming to most of your guests, the theme was probably not a good idea to begin with.

meeko_33785

03-27-2002, 10:35 AM

No, before DinoRama the theme was that of a dig site where dinosaur bones were discovered out in nowhereland usa... Only Chester and Hester's had any hint of "roadside attraction". The new addition makes absolutely no sense whatsoever....why would a roadside carnival spring up right by a place where the only thing going on is a scientific project?

The story of Dino-Rama is that when the Dinosaur bones were found, Chester and Hester turned their small gas station into a dinosaur-themed roadside attraction in hopes of being able to profit from curious tourists wanting to find out more about the excavation. As more and more visitors started comming, Chester and Hester expanded their business into a small carnival in hopes of being able to make more money off the tourists. While this story isn't exactly as creative or interesting as say Anandapur in AK's Asia, it does fit well with the theming of Dinoland.

HauntedMansionFan

03-27-2002, 11:44 AM

I'm not going to argue with anyone over this topic as their is no point. Dinorama I think is a perfect example of what Disney does best, takes a theme and makes the most of it. I certainly doesn't detract from your enjoyment of the park, or the enjoyment of your Disney experience at all. So why complain about it? There really isn't a point, it is ok to voice your opinion about your displeasure with the new area. But there is no need to continually cram that opinion down everyone's throat. I've noticed that a few people that have spoken in a positive tone towards Dinorama have been met with a little bit of hostility, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and no one has a right to say other then that. So you don't like the area, don't go in it, shorter lines on the rides for me!! We understand that certain people don't like it, you don't need to reinforce that negativity by stating the same claim over and over, it just becomes redundant and stupid.

mattjs

03-27-2002, 01:53 PM

The idea that DinoRama is a success because Tacky Carnival is the theme they were going for is laughable.

I think I'll try that one next time I cook dinner. "C'mon honey. I know it tastes horrible but awful horrible was exactly the flavor I was going for. It's a masterpiece."

barreloflaughs

03-27-2002, 04:06 PM

Mr. HauntedMansionFan:

Wow! I must be reading a different thread!

I've noticed that a few people that have spoken in a positive tone towards Dinorama have been met with a little bit of hostility

I've read over the entire thread and, for the life of me, I cannot find any evidence of hostility directed towards another contributor. In fact folks who feel strongly both ways have done a pretty good job of keeping personal jabs out of it! Way to go folks!

Dinorama I think is a perfect example of what Disney does best, takes a theme and makes the most of it.

And you are certainly entitled to your opinion, just as everyone else here is entitled to contribute their opinions!

I certainly doesn't detract from your enjoyment of the park, or the enjoyment of your Disney experience at all.

You state this as fact but, in fact, that is your opinion. Again, you are entitled to it!

So why complain about it? There really isn't a point

Now I've got to take issue with this statement!!! Why complain? No point??? Come on now, Mr Fan. Do you really believe that complaining is pointless? Quite to the contrary, good companies welcome customers to voice complaints. Disney is such a company! The squeaky wheel gets the grease!!!;)

But there is no need to continually cram that opinion down everyone's throat.

I don't think anyone has done that here, have they?

So you don't like the area, don't go in it, shorter lines on the rides for me!!

Happy to oblige! I'll take your place in line at the Safari!!!:p

We understand that certain people don't like it, you don't need to reinforce that negativity by stating the same claim over and over, it just becomes redundant and stupid.

That works both ways and ....Ooopppss...NOW somebody is getting hostile!:(

carl
barrel of laughs

By the way, I love the Haunted Mansion too!

MissScarlet

03-27-2002, 04:59 PM

QUOTE: "I pray this area has the same fate as the Goosebumps thing that was at MGM. "

I'm just curious what was this goosebumps thing? I have never heard anything about it. Thanks!

HauntedMansionFan

03-27-2002, 05:10 PM

:rolleyes: Was there really a need for the sarcasm? I don't think so, we are all adults here. While it may not be "hostility", was there really a need for you to break my post into pieces and analyze every little detail. What I posted was my opinion in response to other people's opinion. It certainly didn't need to be broken down and criticized.... I'm actually a little saddened, upset, and disappointed by that.

barreloflaughs

03-27-2002, 06:56 PM

Was there really a need for the sarcasm? I don't think so, we are all adults here. While it may not be "hostility", was there really a need for you to break my post into pieces and analyze every little detail. What I posted was my opinion in response to other people's opinion. It certainly didn't need to be broken down and criticized.... I'm actually a little saddened, upset, and disappointed by that.

Uhhh...please read my post again. I was not being sarcastic.

No, I did not 'need' to break your post down into pieces. However I did 'choose' to do it. If you don't want folks to read and respond to your words, I might suggest that you refrain from writing them.

Like I said, I reread the entire thread and found no hint of hostility, just a civil discussion amongst Disney fans (and no I don't think we are all adults here, by the way). That is the discussion was civil until you chose to characterize those who disagreed with you as 'stupid' and 'redundant' (and crammers of opinion down your throat to boot!). Talk about saddened, upset and disappointed!

Anywho, you know my opinion now and I know yours so I think its time to move onto other topics. See you around the boards........

carl
barrel of laughs

p.s. I REALLY do like the Haunted Mansion!

HauntedMansionFan

03-27-2002, 07:45 PM

That is the discussion was civil until you chose to characterize those who disagreed with you as 'stupid' and 'redundant' I never characterized or referred to anyone as stupid or redundant. Perhaps you should re-read what I wrote. I stated that constantly saying the same thing over and over is stupid and redundant, just like this ridiculous discussion between the two of us.

barreloflaughs

03-28-2002, 08:28 AM

Scoop and Baron are NOT also posting under the names BarrellofLaughs and HauntedMansionFan...any resemblance is purely coincidental!

LOL....uh...wait a minute, just who resembles whom?:p

But seriously folks, I'm sorry if my posts of yesterday fell into the category of 'jump ugly'. I promise that from now on I will count all the way to 10 before I start typing.

usually I'm a barrel of laughs!

carl
barrel of laughs

petula

03-30-2002, 07:09 PM

Originally posted by barreloflaughs

banzai wrote:

I think this line speaks volumes about what is wrong with this ride at WDW. EVERYBODY HAS GOT ONE OF THESE RIDES!

[/B]
I also went on the one at Kennywood a few years ago. The second i tried it, I was actually disappointed that Disney wasn't on the ball with a ride like that. It was SO much fun (much different from the "wild mouse of death" that used to be at my old hometown amusement park!) I haven't seen the one at AK yet. It sounds like disney has done a really terrible job of turning this ride into something up to our standards, but i don't think the fact that other parks have similar rides is the problem. Most parks have drop rides, but Disney has Tower of Terror. All parks get their equipment from the same companies. Disney just (usually) does theirs up well.

Kennyland is a lovely old park, with a much better track record of not screwing up their classics, and I think this ride is more out of place there than it would be at Disney. But at least Kennyland had the good sense to enclose it and make it a dark ride! :)

It does really dismay me that Disney has sunk to the level of carnival games.

DVC-Landbaron

03-30-2002, 08:08 PM

Scoop and Baron are NOT also posting under the names BarrellofLaughs and HauntedMansionFan...any resemblance is purely coincidental!Ditto!!!

Yeah man!!! I always wanted to ditto a Scoop post. But up till now he never made any sense :crazy:

Lesley

03-30-2002, 11:53 PM

There was some sort of Goosebumps funhouse or something at MGM several years ago....I recall reading about it in guidebooks when planning my 1999 trip, though I found out here that it was gone. I never saw it myself...

Did anyone ever see or go through this? Probably around 1998 or whenever Goosebumps was so popular...

Um, and I think picking apart posts is pretty much what's done around here...isn't it? Usually it doesn't go to the point of being outright insulting and if it does the thread gets locked. Sometimes it just takes time to get to know the general tone of a board before getting all upset about things.

OnWithTheShow

03-31-2002, 12:36 AM

The Goosebumps thing was a stage show I believe. It occupied the small stage near the Backlot Tour and Goofy's Prop Stop where the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show used to be.

Barb

03-31-2002, 06:57 AM

I saw the Goosebumps Show. I was very disappointed. Characters from the series did a song/dance/magic show. I believe there was also supposed to be a House of Mirrors (what they were calling a funhouse) you could go through after the show, but when we were there, they weren't letting anyone in. You're right, it didn't last long at all.

mattjs

04-08-2002, 10:32 AM

Well the Sentinel sure gave it a ringing endorsement today. Burried in a piece on the close of River Country is this spectacular review...
Disney World's Animal Kingdom has opened a new ride that is tamer than a thriller coaster but with more action than, say, the slow-moving boats of It's a Small World.

The new attraction, Primeval Whirl, is a coaster all right, but it reaches a top speed of only about 25 miles mph. Primeval Whirl has 13 cars on two tracks that navigate through flying asteroids and -- in the words of Disney's press release -- "corny depictions of dinosaurs that spin and pop up along the track.".

Must've been those wacky, "corny depictions" that won em over. Mission: SPACE can't possibly come quick enough. Link to full article (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-cfbtourism08040802apr08.story)

SPAGo 98

04-08-2002, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by barreloflaughs

I think this line speaks volumes about what is wrong with this ride at WDW. EVERYBODY HAS GOT ONE OF THESE RIDES!
Actually, i think that PW is one of 5 spinning Wild Mice in America. They're not common at all.

Killer Fish

04-09-2002, 02:10 PM

I have gone on the ride now three times over the last couple of weeks and I actually don't think it is that bad of a RIDE. My problem is the themeing. I think that if they had spent a little bit more money and just enclosed the entire ride and spent a little more money on things to look at instead of cardboard cutouts it would be a great ride. By the way what I can't stand the most is the annoying bing sound at the top of the lift. It can be heard throughout the park when the wind was blowing. When eating lunch at Pizzafari I could hear the noise about every 30 seconds.