April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[bdink921]

We just watched the GMA episode -- the ship looks awesome, but the duck was a bit of a disappointment. My DS11 wasn't impressed either.

 

[disneycruisegal]

I'm soooooo excited it borders on obsession! The pictures look so awesome, I think the day we are in Nassua I'm just gonna wander around the ship and explore.

 

[Karen from VA]

I am surprised to read on some of the threads that some folks are disappointed with the Aqua Duck not being fast or thrilling enough. Disney is not know for fast thrill rides but rather ride experiences. It does after all cater to families with small children. I for one don't want the pants scared off my 6 year old and I would be really mad if she was not able to experience one of the main ship attractions because they made it too scary.

I think the concept may be lost on some folks. It is a ride over the ocean and that part was missing in the ABC footage so I don't think the full effect of how awesome it could be was shown. Having said that, if it goes too fast a person would not be able to take in the scenery and have the chance to be awestruck. I do think you all have a point about marketing it as a water coaster, they really should have marketed it as more of a water slide/ride and probably the expectations would not have been there that it was like a roller coaster which implies speed and thrills. If some of the adults and teens think it is lame that actually makes me happy since I will have a shorter line to wait in to ride it with my daughter. In reality, I think that is wishful thinking, I think everyone will want to ride it and will probably enjoy it regardless of what the orginal expectations were.

 

[bdink921]

I am surprised to read on some of the threads that some folks are disappointed with the Aqua Duck not being fast or thrilling enough. Disney is not know for fast thrill rides but rather ride experiences. It does after all cater to families with small children. I for one don't want the pants scared off my 6 year old and I would be really mad if she was not able to experience one of the main ship attractions because they made it too scary.

I think the concept may be lost on some folks. It is a ride over the ocean and that part was missing in the ABC footage so I don't think the full effect of how awesome it could be was shown. Having said that, if it goes too fast a person would not be able to take in the scenery and have the chance to be awestruck. I do think you all have a point about marketing it as a water coaster, they really should have marketed it as more of a water slide/ride and probably the expectations would not have been there that it was like a roller coaster which implies speed and thrills. If some of the adults and teens think it is lame that actually makes me happy since I will have a shorter line to wait in to ride it with my daughter. In reality, I think that is wishful thinking, I think everyone will want to ride it and will probably enjoy it regardless of what the orginal expectations were.

I do get the full effect intended and all that but all of the ads seemed to indicate a more thrilling experience and when we watched we were like . I mean there is a height restriction so not all small children can ride this one. Doesn't mean we won't try it and enjoy it but it just wasn't what was expected, KWIM. It was kinda funny when the reporter was standing in front of the duck and people were riding by, she was reporting on this exciting ride and here they come ever so slowly -- we looked at each other and started laughing. The video shown of the duck didn't match my expectations for a water coaster but I'm sure it will be a great experience . BTW there is a better video on the aquaduck on you tube that I saw afterward and is more like what we were expecting-- slower parts to take in the scenery mixed with some faster drops. Here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVnZhwTcKZg. I just don't think GMA did a great job showing off the Dream.

 

[svcutler]

Hey Bridget, thanks for that youtube link. You are right, that version looks a little more thrilling, the key word being little...

I think we are also planning to stay on the ship while in Nassau to explore all the little Disneyesque features like the interactive pictures, etc. and we'll ride the Duck then...

on another offbeat topic , but somewhat related... is the rockin roller coaster at Studios really make you feel like you are upside down? or does it go so fast that you don't feel that part?

 

[Deb T.]

I do get the full effect intended and all that but all of the ads seemed to indicate a more thrilling experience and when we watched we were like . I mean there is a height restriction so not all small children can ride this one. Doesn't mean we won't try it and enjoy it but it just wasn't what was expected, KWIM. It was kinda funny when the reporter was standing in front of the duck and people were riding by, she was reporting on this exciting ride and here they come ever so slowly -- we looked at each other and started laughing. The video shown of the duck didn't match my expectations for a water coaster but I'm sure it will be a great experience . BTW there is a better video on the aquaduck on you tube that I saw afterward and is more like what we were expecting-- slower parts to take in the scenery mixed with some faster drops. Here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVnZhwTcKZg. I just don't think GMA did a great job showing off the Dream.

bdink, I agree with you 100%. DCL has been marketing the Aqua Duck as the "first and only water coaster on a cruise ship". Several other cruise lines have fun, fantastic, long water slides, so I was expecting this to be more of a thrill ride. The Aqua Duck has a height restriction, plus kids already always had the Mickey slide, and the Dream will also have the Mickey slide, so IMHO the Aqua Duck was built specifically for older kids and adults. I am okay with it being just a water slide, but then be honest and bill it as a water slide, not a water coaster.

Karen from VA, I also agree with you in that ABC did a terrible job of reporting/promoting the Aqua Duck and should most definitely have shown how it extends out over the ship. It was clear that no one at ABC had done their homework. Their coverage was very disappointing.

 

[Deb T.]

Hey Bridget, thanks for that youtube link. You are right, that version looks a little more thrilling, the key word being little...

I think we are also planning to stay on the ship while in Nassau to explore all the little Disneyesque features like the interactive pictures, etc. and we'll ride the Duck then...

on another offbeat topic , but somewhat related... is the rockin roller coaster at Studios really make you feel like you are upside down? or does it go so fast that you don't feel that part?

I just asked my DH who's ridden RnR at least 30 times, and he said you can feel that you're upside down.

 

[svcutler]

Karen from VA, I also agree with you in that ABC did a terrible job of reporting/promoting the Aqua Duck and should most definitely have shown how it extends out over the ship. It was clear that no one at ABC had done their homework. Their coverage was very disappointing.

you know if ABC were smart, they should have had us disboarders cover that story. We could have done an awesome job!

And thanks for letting me know about the RnR - now I'm not so sure if I should go on. I've been to WDW a gazillion times and have never had the guts to go, but want to sooooo badly.

 

[Deb T.]

you know if ABC were smart, they should have had us disboarders cover that story. We could have done an awesome job!

So true!!!! Maybe next time?????

And thanks for letting me know about the RnR - now I'm not so sure if I should go on. I've been to WDW a gazillion times and have never had the guts to go, but want to sooooo badly.

You're welcome. I have a "policy" to do every Disney attraction at least once, but RnR almost did me in! I felt horrible when the ride finally ended and could barely crawl out of my seat. I ended up sitting with my head down on one of the picnic tables in the open-air food court for about 2 hours before I felt well enough to walk again. I should have known better... I can barely make it through BTMRR.

 

[bdink921]

on another offbeat topic , but somewhat related... is the rockin roller coaster at Studios really make you feel like you are upside down? or does it go so fast that you don't feel that part?

Oh my, RnRC is the scariest roller coaster I've ever ridden I think and I don't find myself to be a wimp (we'll see when I face the coasters at IOA in April ). I tell myself that I do it for my family -- you know, for the picture. The good part is it's over very quickly . The first time I rode it I was next to a young teen boy -- maybe 14?? -- and I screamed my fool head off until it was over, that is after I caught my breath as the launch completely takes it away. It is very smooth and fast and dark but I could tell when I was upside down however before my brain registered it, we were right side up again. At one point when the ride slowed down I clutched the poor kid's arm and said (in tears) 'is it over' and then the darn thing takes off again. LOL poor kid . The second time I rode it (just me and DS this time and he couldn't go alone) I was much better and actually liked it . If DS would go with me on the Tower of Terror, I'd have to suck it up and go on RnRC with him -- the things us moms have to do . Good luck

 

[allaboutdisney1967]

It looks cool; but slow. I am just concerned that there is enough water pressure/force for "all shapes/sizes" to make it to the bottom without getting stuck in the tube somewhere due to lack of momentum. I am not the smallest person and I think I would have a panic attack if I got stuck in the portion that curves out over the ocean.


Donna

 

[svcutler]

Bridget, you and I are going to get Deb T. to come on the RnR with us after the cruise!

 

[alenushka]

It looks cool; but slow. I am just concerned that there is enough water pressure/force for "all shapes/sizes" to make it to the bottom without getting stuck in the tube somewhere due to lack of momentum. I am not the smallest person and I think I would have a panic attack if I got stuck in the portion that curves out over the ocean.


Donna

Donna - I am sure you will be OK!

 

[pershing]

I have to do RnR and ToT with my oldest as the youngest is a chicken-I mean, not even Splash Mountain or anything and my middle one has put his foot down on those 2 rides.

So my oldest is like 'ok Mom its you and me!' Woopee!

I'm not sure what I'm gonna do at Universal. I have pre-hypertension now that I'm getting older (translation: I'm finally paying for being overweight. ) I don't want to be one of those Disney stories, "46 year old woman...."

btw thanks for the video links. I'm getting so excited.

Somehow I missed the part before that said the Dream was twice the size of the Magic/ Wonder.

I thought it was just somewhat bigger.

 

[Deb T.]

Bridget, you and I are going to get Deb T. to come on the RnR with us after the cruise!

Aw darn, I can't go. While you two are hanging upside down at 60mph, I'll still be on the ship ready to begin the second half of our B2B.

 

[Deb T.]

Somehow I missed the part before that said the Dream was twice the size of the Magic/ Wonder.

I thought it was just somewhat bigger.

You were close... I believe it's 1/2 times larger than the Magic/Wonder.

 

[curlybop]

At one point when the ride slowed down I clutched the poor kid's arm and said (in tears) 'is it over' and then the darn thing takes off again. LOL poor kid

I'm sorry, but That just cracked me up.

 

[alenushka]

Just wanted to share with Mickey's fans (living near NJ):
http://www.goldstar.com/e/40831

 

[goofy4tink]

you know if ABC were smart, they should have had us disboarders cover that story. We could have done an awesome job!

And thanks for letting me know about the RnR - now I'm not so sure if I should go on. I've been to WDW a gazillion times and have never had the guts to go, but want to sooooo badly.

You really should give it a try....at least once. I hate this kind of roller coaster, but love RnRC. Yes, there are inversions and corkscrews...but it's so fast and so smooth that the only way you know you're inverted is when you feel your shoulders hit the restraints.
Now...I'm headed to IoA/US in Dec. My friend is really bugging me to try the big coasters there..the old Dueling Dragons or whatever the heck it is now that Harry Potter has taken it over. Not sure if I can do it, but I'm giving it the old college try.

 

[Deb T.]

Hi Everyone

I thought I'd take a minute to update everyone on the latest FE Exchange information.

GROUP #1: LARGE GROUP (no limit to the number of participants):
Deb T. & DH
Ness2289 & DD12
alenushka & DH, DD10, (and maybe DS in college)
bdink921& DH, DS12
guarn3md & DS9
Via a PM: DW & DH, DD7
ydrj & DH, DS16, DD14
svcutler & DH, DD15, DD11
jeni37 & DH, DS14, DS10, DD6
disneycruisegal & DH
allaboutdisney1967 & DH, DD13
goofy4tink & DH, DD17
Donnaksmj & DH, DS9
WPoohgirl & DH, DD14, DS12
Karen from VA & DBF, DD6
Tigger1313 & DGD17
lindafish & DH
caronjn & DW, DS11, DD7


GROUP #2: SMALL GROUP FE Exchange (limited to a total of 12 cabins):
No one yet... but 4 DIS families are willing to join if we end up with at least 1 "Small Group Only" participant. So, if you've always wanted to try a FE Exchange but would like to do it with a small number of participating cabins (12 or less), don't be shy! This is the perfect group for you!


GROUP #3: The fearless people who have already joined the large (no limit) FE Exchange and would like to be on the waiting list to also be added to the smaller FE Exchange on 4-1-11 until it reaches a total of 12 participating cabins. (You would then be participating in BOTH FE Exchanges!):
Karen from VA
Deb T.
alenushka
allaboutdisney1967


This is the list of original participants who have not yet indicated which group they would like to be in (Large or Small). Please let me know here on this thread or through a private message as soon as possible so my lists are completely up-to-date.
Golfnsuch & DH, DS11, DS7
Z’sDisneyMom & DH, DD12
princessdaisy & DH, DD18, DS8 (*still need DH and children’s names)
kim5678 & DH, DD13
pershing & DS16, DS14, DS13
Downrivermama & DD12
Rlbren & DH


Anyone who is already signed up and would like the "full disclosure" list of participant information now may contact me and I will send it to you through private message for confidentiality. Otherwise, I will send participants this information on 4-2-11.