Why does everyone dump on DCA while giving Disney Studios a pass?

[dwelty]

I would like to start by saying, there are some definate shortcommings with Disney's California Adventure, and I welcome the improvements that are planned for that park. What I want to know is why no one dumps on Disney MGM Studios at WDW?

I am an annual pass holder on both coasts and I find both parks very comparible. They have almost the same number of attractions and some of the same attractions.

When Disney MGM opened in 1989 it only had 2 attractions!!! The great movie ride and the tram tour.

I think the reason it did not receive the criticisim that DCA has gotten is that there was not Internet back then.

What I don't understand is why it gets a pass now.

Any thoughts???

 

[disney-super-mom]

I wonder this myself.

DH and I did enjoy ourselves at MGM Studios when we went. As a matter of fact one of our favorite rides is there-RnR!!

But DCA seems to have a lot more rides compared to MGM, and since we're a 'ride' kind of family more than a 'shows' kind of family, we enjoy DCA much more than MGM.

I can't dump on MGM though. It's still a fun place to go, and I think the addition of Toy Storia Mania there will make a big difference for families/couples/people who can't or won't ride TOT or RnR. They definately needed another family friendly ride at MGM!

One great thing about all the DCA bashing.....it helped get Disney to invest a bunch more money into it! Can't wait!

 

[JohnZ46]

I think that part of the disappointment was that everyone had really high expectations for DCA. The thought was that if they were going to build a second gate next to "Walt's Park" that it would be the best of WDW distilled into one park. So when DCA turned out to be something completely different, there was some let down.

Ironically, if people were to go back in time to the original Disneyland from 1955 - 1965 they would be shocked to see that it had it's share of "carnival rides" and corporate-sponsered attractions. Disneyland grew and improved over time, as have all the other parks. DCA will be the same as it grows.

 

[famograham]

I guess I hadn't read the hype!

We just went to DCA on Friday, and we loved it! I loved the big, open water in the center, and the rides were really fun. Loved GRR, and Soarin, and Screamin!

We did only find the need to spend a half day there, though...is that what people are bothered by? I can see how they could improve it....but it was pretty nice. I'd love to be directed to more reading on the subject! The good, the bad, and the ugly...and especially future plans???

Thanks,
Linda

 

[DLR29]

Actually I enjoyed DCA more than MGM. I found MGM to have 2 great attractions (ToT and RnRC) and the rest were all right. I did enjoy Great Movie Ride, Lights Motors Action, and Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Fantasmic! Though the rest of the park we found little interest in, especially Muppets, Star Tours, and Disney Animation which we have seen at DLR. I'll take Soarin, GRR, Screamin, our ToT, Monster's, Turtle Talk, Bug, and Aladdin over MGM.

 

[minniebeth]

This will be our first trip to DCA coming up...when I look at all the attractions AND entertainment (shows, Block Party Bash, etc...) it seems like it is definately more than a 1/2 day park...Is it?
I am trying to plan out some type of structure to our week and wondering how much time to block out for it... I have older kids who will like the bigger rides and younger ones who would like Playhouse Disney, Flick's rides and the like. We'd also like to take all the sights and surroundings in and appreciate it, not just rush though. I'm being optimistic that we will really enjoy it!
We're big WDW fans, but hope to really enjoy our "whole new world"....at DLR.

 

[disney-super-mom]

This will be our first trip to DCA coming up...when I look at all the attractions AND entertainment (shows, Block Party Bash, etc...) it seems like it is definately more than a 1/2 day park...Is it?

Yes, if you enjoy all the park has to offer (rides AND entertainment), you can spend a comfortable day there. You'll be able to tour at a nice pace and won't feel completely drained by the end of the day.

 

[disney-super-mom]

I am trying to plan out some type of structure to our week and wondering how much time to block out for it... I have older kids who will like the bigger rides and younger ones who would like Playhouse Disney, Flick's rides and the like. We'd also like to take all the sights and surroundings in and appreciate it, not just rush though. I'm being optimistic that we will really enjoy it!
We're big WDW fans, but hope to really enjoy our "whole new world"....at DLR.

You could visit DCA all in one day which is easy to do at anytime.

You could visit DCA all in one day on a weekend day (because weekends are always crowded at DL, but DCA is still quite pleasant and doable).

Or you could visit DCA at various times during your trip when you need a break from the afternoon crowds at DL.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[autumnbaby9]

I have never understood it either . MGM is my least favorite park out of the onces I have been to (WDW and DL).

I love going over to DCA mid day when DL gets packed and grabbing a magarita and just watching and soaking up the atmosphere. It is such a relaxing park compared to some of the others, I never feel rushed. It has plenty to do for all ages and always entertains everyone in our group.

 

[Albort]

i think its the lack of Disney in DCA...

and the lack of rides as well...

 

[HydroGuy]

One big difference is that DLR has a much higher percentage of locals which visit - about 70% at DLR vs. 15% at WDW. The DLR locals are extremely demanding, IMO, and hyper-critical. I think any park that was built next to DL would be highly scrutinized and subject to criticism. After all, any park next to DL looks like a poor second.

I have always thought that, while imperfect, DCA does not deserve the bad rap it gets. In addition, I really liked MGM. It has an energy about it. But it does have only about half the rides as does DCA.

The $1 billion to be spent at DCA over the next 5-10 years will transform it to something very different from today, and possibly the best second gate out there. DLR fans have lots to look forward to.

 

[dwelty]

One big difference is that DLR has a much higher percentage of locals which visit - about 70% at DLR vs. 15% at WDW. The DLR locals are extremely demanding, IMO, and hyper-critical. I think any park that was built next to DL would be highly scrutinized and subject to criticism. After all, any park next to DL looks like a poor second.

I have always thought that, while imperfect, DCA does not deserve the bad rap it gets. In addition, I really liked MGM. It has an energy about it. But it does have only about half the rides as does DCA.

The $1 billion to be spent at DCA over the next 5-10 years will transform it to something very different from today, and possibly the best second gate out there. DLR fans have lots to look forward to.

I agree, once the work is complete on DCA it might rank up there with the top 3 (DIsneyland,EPCOT,Magic Kingdom). By the way, I like Disney MGM as well, I just never understood why people thought of it differently. I think your point is well taken. I used to be a DL Cast Member while in college. Many Cast Members refer to them as "Annual *ss Holers".
Funny I am an AP holder now. I do remember the Light Magic Fiasco. Yes it was not a great parade, but demanding your money back? Come on! No wonder most special events for pass holders stopped after that night. We did it to ourselves.

 

[chrisn]

I have never understood it either . MGM is my least favorite park out of the onces I have been to (WDW and DL).

I guess all our differences are what makes the world go round. MGM is my FAVE WDW park!

Now if we are counting ALL the parks, Islands of Adventure takes top prize for me. I can't wait for Harry Potter!!!

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

I much prefer DCA to MGM. Our last trip to WDW in January the only reason we even went to MGM was to have lunch at the Sci Fi Dine In, and since we were there, did Star Tours and Lights, Motor, Action, which the kids did enjoy, it was the first time they had seen that show, but overall, my boys enjoyed DCA more. My DD doesn't remember it, she was only a baby the trip I took her.

 

[Judy from Boise]

The funny thing is "everyone" who bashes DCA is in reality less than 100 people in the world (and further mostly young white single males), who hang out on 3-4 internet boards ! What further fuels this is probably less than a dozen people in the world who continually tell them that the TDS park in Japan is almost perfect and DCA is a cheap substitute. The last thing that fuels this is lazy journalists who visit these boards for the entire "scoop" on how Disney fans feel about the park.
As someone who has been to lots of parks, including TDS ( I wasn't that impressed), DCA is a solid enjoyable park that will get much better over time.

 

[LukenDC]

I love Disney Studios. It is aesthetically pleasing, well-balanced with regards to the history of film/TV, and well-themed. I enjoyed DCA, but was also disappointed. The themeing seems off and many of the rides are cheap carnival style attractions. DCA does have some winners---Soarin', California Sreamin', Aladdin show. But out of the Disney parks that I have seen in CA, FL, and France, DCA really falls short.

 

[HydroGuy]

The funny thing is "everyone" who bashes DCA is in reality less than 100 people in the world (and further mostly young white single males), who hang out on 3-4 internet boards ! What further fuels this is probably less than a dozen people in the world who continually tell them that the TDS park in Japan is almost perfect and DCA is a cheap substitute. The last thing that fuels this is lazy journalists who visit these boards for the entire "scoop" on how Disney fans feel about the park.
As someone who has been to lots of parks, including TDS ( I wasn't that impressed), DCA is a solid enjoyable park that will get much better over time.

I always get a laugh reading the DCA bashers who have only ever been to DL and DCA. They are insistent that DCA "is not a true Disney park". When you ask them how many Disney parks they have been to, they admit to having only been to two but "they know a Disney park when they see one, and DCA is not one".

It is a fact that DCA was built on the cheap and has failed to meet projected attendance. But it has been improved since it was first built and has a lot of fun stuff. Plus lots of E-tickets. The DCA bashers have a little club going where it is fashionable to talk trash about DCA. But I agree with you it is blown out of proporation by a handful.

 

[HydroGuy]

I love Disney Studios. It is aesthetically pleasing, well-balanced with regards to the history of film/TV, and well-themed. I enjoyed DCA, but was also disappointed. The themeing seems off and many of the rides are cheap carnival style attractions. DCA does have some winners---Soarin', California Sreamin', Aladdin show. But out of the Disney parks that I have seen in CA, FL, and France, DCA really falls short.

I feel differently than you, and feel DCA can hold its own vs. all the resorts you mentioned. But what really surprised me was your implication that DCA is a lesser park than WDS in Paris. IMO that park makes DCA look like a gem. DLP is outstanding IMO, but WDS falls far, far short of all the American parks. It is in need of some serious intervention.

 

[2GuysSeattle]

Well, I haven't been to DCA yet, but I have never understood the criticism Disney Studios gets on these boards. I absolutely love it! The two best rides at WDW, hands down (ToT and RnR). And the detail of the art deco theme is amazing. I am looking forward to DCA next month, sounds pretty wonderful to me. It's probably more appealing to me because I don't have young children.

 

[LukenDC]

I feel differently than you, and feel DCA can hold its own vs. all the resorts you mentioned. But what really surprised me was your implication that DCA is a lesser park than WDS in Paris. IMO that park makes DCA look like a gem. DLP is outstanding IMO, but WDS falls far, far short of all the American parks. It is in need of some serious intervention.

I have not been to WDW Paris. Sorry if that was inferred in my original posting. I have been to Disneyland Paris.