Al Lutz Update Today

[Spokker]

I don't really like the idea of changing IASW... I enjoy it as the original. If you want to change it up, do so at other parks...

Couldn't agree more.

I thought the new regime in charge of Imagineering was going to be a step forward for Disney theme parks. But lo and behold, if this happens, it'll be the same useless, braindead and downright bad "plussing" we've seen before.

There is no reason to "plus" it's a small world. It's as plussed as its ever going to be. It's one of the greatest single attractions ever built in Disney, no, theme park history. If they want to plus something, how about they plus the Starcade, Motorboat Lagoon, the Festival of Fools Arena, the old Skyway stations, or the People Mover track by actually building something in those areas.

If this idea comes to fruition it seems like they keep greenlighting horrible projects like this when there are areas of the park that need a substantial amount of work, like, oh nothing, Tommorrowland.

The more things change the more they stay the same.

 

[DoomBugger]

there are areas of the park that need a substantial amount of work, like, oh nothing, Tommorrowland.

The more things change the more they stay the same.

Tomorrowland used to be a highlight of the park and now it is just an empty area with one worthwhile attraction... ok two with Buzz.

I don't think the changes to Small World seem that drastic.

Too bad the Mark 7 monorails look like they will need a substantial redesign to their chassis, bad news but atleast now we have a clear picture of what the hold up is. It sounds like this problem will hold up everything by a year so we probably won't see the fleet until 2009.

 

[Spokker]

I don't think the changes to Small World seem that drastic.

It's not going to make me rip up my AP, if I had one right now, but it just makes me go, "Why...?" I'm confused when things like this come to fruition. There are so many other areas of the park that need work.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I'm sure they are just doing these extra changes to IASW because it's already down to fix the flute issue.

Normally I hate it when they change originals. I was very skeptical of the POTC changes at first. Now I love them. As long as they don't go over board I think these will be okay too.

 

[DoomBugger]

It's not going to make me rip up my AP, if I had one right now, but it just makes me go, "Why...?" I'm confused when things like this come to fruition. There are so many other areas of the park that need work.

I agree with you, I don't like playing with classic rides too much either and the imagineers could do other things in the park as there are many issues to address but most of the reason for the refurb of SM was because the ride path simply got old and worn out.

I guess they can't help but "tweak" with a major refurb at hand but hopefully it won't be too disruptive from the prior doll layout.

I always thought it was kinda neat the only references to North America were the Canadian Mountee and the American Indian. The whole point is "world" and the point of no direct USA reference is intentional.

Yet another one of Walt's decisions has been scrapped. Yikes.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I always thought it was kinda neat the only references to North America were the Canadian Mountee and the American Indian. The whole point is "world" and the point of no direct USA reference is intentional.

Yet another one of Walt's decisions has been scrapped. Yikes.

Even my DD got that message from the ride when she was oh, about 7. Look! It's about everyone! Not just America! Because... it's a small world after all! Sorry, couldn't resist!

It does kinda bug me too that it is not what Walt wanted for that ride.

 

[Spokker]

I always thought it was kinda neat the only references to North America were the Canadian Mountee and the American Indian. The whole point is "world" and the point of no direct USA reference is intentional.

Never mind what Walt wanted, it just doesn't make much sense. If you want to see an homage to America you could always walk to Main St. and see the flag retreat (before they add Jack Sparrow to plus that one).

Disneyland was based on the "hard facts that created America". Let Papua New Guinea have their little spot in small world.

 

[AndyLL]

I'm not a purist that feels the original rides should never change but I just don't see how the characters fit in the the IASW theme.

Andy

 

[tofubeast]

Psyched to hear the changes coming along at DCA. The new 300 million dollar E ticket sounds awesome.

Thrilled to read that McD's is leaving the park. I hope that goes for WDW as well.

Happy to hear the Muppets are staying. Though, rather than banishing them from the park at the end of the decarde, I would love to see a new/updated muppet attraction. Or if there is ever a 3rd gate, just devote it all to the Muppets. I wish the Muppet theater were animatronica, a la the Country Bears. Would be a fun setting.

Lukewarm about the next theme. I am tired of the themes. Can't we just have a year without a theme?

Bummed that the Monorail is having issues. Would have loved to ride the new monorail in August. I guess there is still a chance, but I am not hoping for much.

Upset to hear about Small World. Don't want the ride "plussed." I just do not see the need at all. I can understand if they were adding to fill in some of the areas with the dolls....ala palm trees etc.... but Disney characters? NO! I just love the history in that the ride is what my parents saw at the World's Fair. If they want to add to it, re-create the wind mobile that once stood outside the Small World Pepsi pavillion. That was a fantastic piece of art!

ok stepping off the soap box...

 

[MVBowers111]

I have to agree with what's being said about changing IASW. To me, it's the original ride of DL and it makes me so sad when they make changes...it seems to lose it's Walt-ness. Whenever they close a ride or do major changes it loses a smidge of magic for me. But, I'll try to withold judgement til I see all the changes. Now the changes at DCA I'm really excited about. I love the Cars movie and can't wait to see that whole area. I'm hoping that they really add landscaping to that park...that's my biggest complaint. It seems like they built a whole park and plopped it in the middle of the parking lot (which they did) and didn't even think to plant a tree. For me, part of the appeal at DL is the trees, flowers and amazing landscaping that's there.

I enjoy reading everyone's opinions on Al's article...makes me really wish I were going to DL soon!

 

[drag n' fly]

Thanks for the link Trey! Do you have any more info on the World of Colour? We are planning to add on at GCV when available and would love to hear more about the new upcoming additions as it would make a great summer holiday destination for us! Mind you is their ever a bad time to go to Disney...NOT!!! TIA

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for the link Trey! Do you have any more info on the World of Colour? We are planning to add on at GCV when available and would love to hear more about the new upcoming additions as it would make a great summer holiday destination for us! Mind you is their ever a bad time to go to Disney...NOT!!! TIA

Here is a link:

Disney's California Adventure Project Tracker
micechat.com/forums/showthread.php/disneys_california_adventure_project_tracker-81393.html

Disney's World of Color and Outdoor Ampitheatre

Project Status: To begin 2008
Open Date: Early spring 2010​

 

[Quest4fun]

 

[drag n' fly]

Yup and us Canadians had to screw it up too

 

[drag n' fly]

Here is a link:

Disney's California Adventure Project Tracker
micechat.com/forums/showthread.php/disneys_california_adventure_project_tracker-81393.html

Wow Trey you are a walking encyclopedia thanks for the awesome link!

 

[pixiewings71]

While I completely understand why no one wants to see IASW changed (and I don't really either) my girls always ask me "Mom, why is there ONLY an Indian and a Mounty for us?" LOL I think they will like the refurb.
Thanks for sharing this article, I really love these.

 

[Quest4fun]

While I completely understand why no one wants to see IASW changed (and I don't really either) my girls always ask me "Mom, why is there ONLY an Indian and a Mounty for us?" LOL I think they will like the refurb.
Thanks for sharing this article, I really love these.

I always thought the Indian and the Mounty were for Canada.

Americans are the ones in the boats. It's very fitting that the American part of the ride was responsible for slowing the progression of the ride due to our "bloated" nature.

I believe there will be a United States themed section after the overhaul. It will feature children buying coffee at Starbucks while dolls dressed as bankers foreclose on little wooden McMansions that are built very close together. The dolls from Mexico will be frequently found working in this part of the ride no matter how often cast members and maintenance crews put them back in their country. I'm very excited about it.

/satire

 

[VWCat]

I'm just sad they are changing Walt's vision of the ride. That's why I like Disneyland,it's isn't tainted like the rest of North America. While they're at it they might as well add some product placement too,oh yeah,that's what the characters are for. BUY BUY BUY. I miss the old days. And please replace the fries,what the heck are the vegetarians supposed to eat,can't very well walk around with a bread bowl. I am excited to see what kind of coffee will be in the park though after nescafe is gone.

 

[jencav5]

Hmm, looks like some interesting changes. Should I hide my head in shame to say that I'm glad Muppets 3-D will be sticking around? We love that show!

lol Our family loves that show, too! The kids can practically recite the whole thing, but they want to see it every time!

 

[deej696]

I heard there were issues with the monorail, but that seems to be a lot bigger, and a lot more expensive problem than originally thought. Sounds to me like somebody's head may have rolled over this one....

While rarely if ever do I go on IASW, I am sad to hear they are going to minus in attempt to plus. Its Walt's original creation, if anyone in the company should know this, its the folks in California. I can almost justify the version at WDW being changed, because it wasnt really technially "his." This one is different. Like I said, I dont go on it enough to care that much really, but something about it seems wrong... Whats next, Regis Philbin as the lead character in Carousel of Progress at WDW?...

A little bummed that the Orange Stinger is going away. Granted, there is nothing that is "Disney" about it, but I still thought it was fun.

I am thrilled to hear about the Cars ride, and boy what a price tag. Hard to imagine that one ride is going to cost almost a third of what the entire park cost to build. Maybe they could have saved some dough and threw some more money in at the start....