Carousel of Progress Question

[MeWiseSooner]

Just wanted to know if anyone knew the reasoning for why the carousel of progress is open seasonally? Our family goes every October(the countdown is on for this years trip! Oct 11th-17th) This is the one attraction we are always dissapointed to see not up and runnning to me it is a classic much like It's a small world,and the teacups. My son is just dying to go on this and my wife and brother have only be able to see it once. Been lurking for a while and just thought someone could give my better insight on this. Thanks!

 

[Panthius]

I do believe there are a couple of reasons, none of which include any current goal to rid Disney of all old attractions.

The primary reasons for its seasonal opening are popularity and maintenance costs. The costs to maintain all the moving parts for the CoP are extensive when dealing with both the rotating theatre as well as the animatronic figures. In addition to this, the popularity of CoP is arguably not very good as compared to other Tomorrowland attractions, hence the decision to save the operational costs of this attraction when there is not the audience to support it.

If anybody knows of any other reasons for this attractions seasonal operation, I would love to know what they are beyond my above reasons.

Panthius

 

[mitros]

Because Disney, read: Ei$ner, stinks. The few times we have been on when it was opened, the place was mobbed! There is something awfully screwy about the whole thing, or my name isn't Laramore......and it isn't! {Only old daffy duck fans will know what I'm talking about}

 

[Mooobooks]

I went to the Magic Kingdom last Sunday (was staying at Universal) solely to ride Carousel of Progress since it was reported to have been open this summer. No luck. Closed tight, as was Timekeeper. Park was EXTREMELY crowded, and they certainly could've used these two rides to help soak up the crowds. Even The Hall of Presidents was crowded!

 

[Planogirl]

I personally doubt that The Timekeeper will ever open again. We noticed that the sign was gone and of course, Buzz is using the queue now.

 

[Tink101482]

It is a shame that CoP is always shut down. The last 4 times we've been there it's been closed. It's a classic and truly was Walt's creation. I realize the maintenence costs are high but they can't be too high compared to test track which always breaks down. It'd be nice to see CoP up and running again.

 

[mitros]

I wonder if timekeeper is closed because of the falling out Robin Williams had with Disney. For the second time!

 

[KNWVIKING]

***"I wonder if timekeeper is closed because of the falling out Robin Williams had with Disney. For the second time!"***

I don't think RW could prevent Disney from running Timekeeper and I doubt ME would shut it down to spite RW.

As for CoP: We were at WDW over the July 4th holiday and it was open. It was not mobbed by any stretch of the imagination. Our "theater" had MAYBE 25 people in it. In the 2nd segment, the dads eyes were shut the entire time but that was the only clitch I noticed.

 

[mitros]

Your probably right about ME not doing anything to spite RW. It was not ME that RW had the problem with. And as soon as I get past this senior moment and recall the article where I read it, I'll post the name of the Disney executive that RW had the problem with. In fact as far as Eisner goes, I think he and Williams get along OK.