Disappointed in seven dwarfs mine ride!

[Davey Jones II]

I've avoided all spoilers, but from everything I've heard about this ride, it's more impressive than most or all other Fantasyland attractions...and most of those are family favorites.

As long as you didn't expect an E Ticket, I don't see why you would be disappointed in 7DMT.

 

[surferdave]

I think that Spidey could be replaced by Batman fairly easily. I'd miss old web head but Batman and Gotham City could be really amazing.

It's my best case scenario now that Uni would allow Disney to have Marvel and replace all their themes and attractions with DC Comics, than I'd have both (and the Marvel stuff at WDW would probably look like their Cinematic Universe). But Uni holds all the cards, and would make Disney finance the whole thing, so I don't expect it in my lifetime. They aren't that interested in improving WDW.

 

[Davey Jones II]

I don't know why the go to response when people express disappointment in 7DMT is always "what do you expect it's Disney not Universal!"

Forget Universal. What about comparing Disney to Disney? Look at Radiator Springs Racers. A slightly higher height limit than 7DMT, but definitely not much more of a "thrill ride". Radiator Springs Racers has a dark ride portion that is much longer than 7DMT, and a beautifully themed outside portion in a beautifully themed area. You are in Radiator Springs. You are not simply on an attraction in California Adventure.

There are lots of ways the 7DMT could have been better IMO. It's very cute, but for the centrepiece of the NFL area, it's a let down to me. I would have loved to see the majority of the ride indoors, more show scenes, etc. It's just not as impressive as something like RSR to me, and that's Disney's own work not anybody else's.

Again, RSR is a full-fledged E Ticket, and the lynchpin of the entire DCA makeover. And DCA badly needed a MAJOR new attraction.

7DMT is a Fantasyland ride, and those have always been short but sweet. Two minutes is standard for FL.

 

[joelkfla]

I was also disappointed in the shortness of the dark ride portion. The animatronics were impressive, but there just wasn't much of a discernible storyline. I was expecting more of an update of the old Snow White ride with mild thrills added.

If you compare it to Splash Mountain, also a dark ride with mild thrills, it doesn't stand up well.

I have to wonder whether the dark ride elements were scaled back by budget constraints.

 

[Epcotfan64]

It was a footprint problem. They had to shoe-horn the attraction into a space that was originally designed for meet and greets. That limited that size of the coaster.

Didn't they just increase the size of Fantasyland?

 

[mesaboy2]

Didn't they just increase the size of Fantasyland?

I believed this was discussed earlier in the thread. The outer boundaries of New Fantasyland were already fixed and pretty much set in stone by the time 7DMT entered the picture. At that point, 7DMT was limited in size by the other new attractions around it.

 

[Mad Hattered]

Hmmmmm....I do believe I have called out the length of this coaster on more than one occasion while being built. I'm positive I called out just how short the "dark ride" portion of this ride was.

I'm curious about what I was being told by others here:

-the backwards part of the ride
-the scene at the top of the lift hill
-the scene with the Dwarfs marching across the log

Those things "sound" fabulous but alas they weren't meant to be.

It "looks" good. Disney is really good at rock work. I have a problem with the cohesive look of NFL. There is a lot of rock work and then a circus tossed up next door for good measure. The LM ride is ridiculous. Just like it was years ago in DCA. At least they have gone back to try to fix it and that fix will be coming to WDW. It makes it a little better visually but does nothing to fix the broken story it portrays. And I really really hate that tiny castle!

Thankfully the line will be much shorter for the SDMT in 2017 when we go back to check out the awesome floating "rock work" in Pandora.

T-minus 2 weeks until this ride is back page news in Orlando.

 

[Mad Hattered]

I think that Spidey could be replaced by Batman fairly easily. I'd miss old web head but Batman and Gotham City could be really amazing.

 

[ppony]

I'm done enjoying thrill rides. Outgrew them or something. They all give me a headache. Thunder mountain is about my limit.

Same here. Done. Over. Finito. I'll send the thrill riders in my family over to IOA for a day while I sit w/ my youngest soaking up Disney enjoyment. They are totally cool about it and 1 days seems to suit them just fine. Or so they say. We have a thrill ride park near us at home, so they do that every summer and it fits the bill to get that need for speed out of their system that you can only get at a few places in WDW.

And in my experiences, Universal employees have usually been lacking in the attitude and guest services dept.. The fact that they'd even laugh about a competitor with a guest just shows how classless and unprofessional they are.

 

[basas]

I still don't understand why some were expecting a thrill ride in the Fantasyland section of Magic Kingdom. To be another ride that kids can't go on? At the most kid-friendly park in the country?

edited to add: but I do agree with the OP, it was hyped up a lot on these boards. I personally don't think it's a bad thing, but I can see how others might find it annoying.

As another poster mentioned, Matterhorn is an example of a ride in Fantasyland that excludes many kids due to its height requirement. No, it's not the most thrilling coaster in the world (as has been argued in this thread), but no one complains that it's another ride that "kids can't go on" or that it's misplaced.

 

[basas]

Just because people wish 7DMT had been done differently, or that univrrsal is doing.better with HP, doesn't mean they dont still love Disney.

I'll never understand why it has to be either or for so many.

It amazes me the number of Disney fans who refuse to go to Universal because "there is nothing there that would interest them" or "it's all thrill rides". These are the same people who would probably start debating with someone who told them they had no interest in going to Disney World because "it's just for kids". Neither one is true, so why not at least go and see for yourself. I think attractions that are really well-done are enjoyable no matter what story/franchise they're based off of (see Splash Mountain), yet some posters won't go and see the new Harry Potter rides because they claim they have no interest in HP.

 

[dizzwizz]

I don't even know where to begin with all the comments I want to make concerning this thread, but I'll try to express a few thoughts:

1. This ride, as most of us know, was an afterthought. Had it not been for public outcry, we would have had to endure yet another Meet & Greet. Don't know about anyone else here, but I'll take the 7DMT ANY DAY over a M&G!!!

2. Much has been stated about the brevity of the 7DMT. Had the New Fantasyland initially included the 7DMT in the plans, I believe there would have been more space reserved for coaster track or underground mine theming. Just a hunch. I believe the Imagineers did the best with the amount of space they were given.

3. We were fortunate enough to ride the 7DMT on 24 day and we loved it! We're coaster lovers and although this won't rank up there with the Coney Island Cyclone or any B&M steel coaster monster, the actual coaster ride and theming exceeded our expectations.

4. We DID see and feel the rocking of our car during portions of our rides. I say "rides" since we rode it our first time during the day and our second ride was a fantastic nighttime experience. Seeing the lights of Fantasyland coming out of the mine is wonderful!

5. Our first ride was in the middle, while our second ride was in the back seat. We politely requested to the CM if we could sit in the back row and our request was magically granted!

6. My only 2 complaints with this wonderful addition to New Fantasyland is that the seats can be a bit cramped for a person with long legs or stocky build and if you're not sitting in the front seats of the train, you won't get to see the witch approaching the door to the cottage at the end of the ride. If you're fine without having to see that, I'd recommend the back seat for the more out-of-control experience for the coaster fanatics!

7. Highly recommend this great ride! An extremely smooth coaster! We won't be waiting 90 or more minutes for it again though. We felt like we HAD to since it was the first "unofficial" day it was open to the public.

 

[basas]

I don't know why the go to response when people express disappointment in 7DMT is always "what do you expect it's Disney not Universal!"

Forget Universal. What about comparing Disney to Disney? Look at Radiator Springs Racers. A slightly higher height limit than 7DMT, but definitely not much more of a "thrill ride". Radiator Springs Racers has a dark ride portion that is much longer than 7DMT, and a beautifully themed outside portion in a beautifully themed area. You are in Radiator Springs. You are not simply on an attraction in California Adventure.

There are lots of ways the 7DMT could have been better IMO. It's very cute, but for the centrepiece of the NFL area, it's a let down to me. I would have loved to see the majority of the ride indoors, more show scenes, etc. It's just not as impressive as something like RSR to me, and that's Disney's own work not anybody else's.

Very well said. My disappointment with the SDMT (and no, I have not ridden it yet) is not that it isn’t thrilling enough, but that, overall, it’s a ‘mediocre’ effort when compared to the work Disney has been doing at its other resorts around the world and what Universal has been doing down the freeway. As another poster said, it might be a solid “C” (or D-ticket in Disney-speak) and help with MK’s capacity issues, but doesn’t Disney’s flagship park deserve something more after 22 long years (Splash Mountain opening)? Yes, it’s exactly what I expected so I guess technically I can’t say I’m disappointed, but from what I’ve seen I can’t consider it “amazing” and it certainly isn’t making me want to book a trip to Florida anytime soon. My Disney trip this summer will be to California and my next Florida trip will be to experience Diagon Alley.

 

[basas]

Same here. Done. Over. Finito. I'll send the thrill riders in my family over to IOA for a day while I sit w/ my youngest soaking up Disney enjoyment. They are totally cool about it and 1 days seems to suit them just fine. Or so they say. We have a thrill ride park near us at home, so they do that every summer and it fits the bill to get that need for speed out of their system that you can only get at a few places in WDW.

And in my experiences, Universal employees have usually been lacking in the attitude and guest services dept.. The fact that they'd even laugh about a competitor with a guest just shows how classless and unprofessional they are.

Ok...I see you are from Cottage Grove (MN), but really...are you comparing Valleyfair to Islands of Adventure? I like the place, but the two are about as similar as Magic Kingdom and Six Flags.

 

[agavegirl1]

I feel (after watching POV videos and reading reports) that the SDMT is exactly what it was intended to be (although shorter than the original concept). It is a good fit for NFL. It hits the target audience. I am happy that on my next trip, I will have the opportunity to ride the top 16 roller coasters in Central Florida according to the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. I do love my coasters. I also love well themed attractions. SDMT, I consider to be a well themed attraction, not a coaster.

The top coasters from Unofficial Guide?

1. Manta at Seaworld
2. Expedition Everest at DAK
3. Dragon Challenge: Chinese Fireball at IOA
4. Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Tampa
5. Montu at Busch Gardens Tampa
6. The Incredible Hulk at IOA
7. Kumba at Busch Gardens Tampa
8. Dragon Challenge: Hungarian Horntail at IOA
9. Kraken at Sea World
10. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at USO
11. Sheikra at Busch Gardens Tampa
12. Rock N Roller Coaster at DHS
13. Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa
14. Revenge of the Mummy at USO
15. Space Mountain at MK
16. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at MK

These ratings included both visual theming and thrill factors.

Obviously I love me some thrills but I also love me some visual stimulation. I will likely ride SMDT more than once so I don't miss anything.

 

[Mad Hattered]

It amazes me the number of Disney fans who refuse to go to Universal because "there is nothing there that would interest them" or "it's all thrill rides". These are the same people who would probably start debating with someone who told them they had no interest in going to Disney World because "it's just for kids". Neither one is true, so why not at least go and see for yourself. I think attractions that are really well-done are enjoyable no matter what story/franchise it's based off of (see Splash Mountain), yet some posters won't go and see the new Harry Potter rides because they claim they have no interest in HP, even though they might be incredible.

Excellent post, Basas! I'm pretty sure that a lot of people are afraid to take that step because of what they've read here in the past and for the cost inhibitive aspect of it. I think a lot of people are unwilling to take a chance on it when it comes down to having to chose between the two.

Not to mention the chance to visit other area attractions. Florida is a pretty cool place to visit overall, regardless of themeparks. I wonder how many kids that live nowhere near an ocean go to FL every year and never get to stick their toes in the ocean.

The "magic" is what you make of it. And that doesn't always involve a wizard or a talking mouse.

 

[agavegirl1]

Excellent post, Basas! I'm pretty sure that a lot of people are afraid to take that step because of what they've read here in the past and for the cost inhibitive aspect of it. I think a lot of people are unwilling to take a chance on it when it comes down to having to chose between the two.

Not to mention the chance to visit other area attractions. Florida is a pretty cool place to visit overall, regardless of themeparks. I wonder how many kids that live nowhere near an ocean go to FL every year and never get to stick their toes in the ocean.

The "magic" is what you make of it. And that doesn't always involve a wizard or a talking mouse.

I completely agree. When I spring for airfare to Orlando, I try to see a lot. I give it a full two weeks. Expensive? Sure! But I only go every four years so it works out.

 

[Reizo]

And because Batman and Superman are Warner Bros. properties... i'm pretty sure they'll be staying at Six Flags.

https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/attractions/batman-the-ride

 

[basas]

Excellent post, Basas! I'm pretty sure that a lot of people are afraid to take that step because of what they've read here in the past and for the cost inhibitive aspect of it. I think a lot of people are unwilling to take a chance on it when it comes down to having to chose between the two.

Not to mention the chance to visit other area attractions. Florida is a pretty cool place to visit overall, regardless of themeparks. I wonder how many kids that live nowhere near an ocean go to FL every year and never get to stick their toes in the ocean.

The "magic" is what you make of it. And that doesn't always involve a wizard or a talking mouse.

Well said, especially true these days with "Magical Express" and "Magic Your Way" tickets, etc. These are brilliant strategies designed to keep guests on-site (whether it be at Disney or Universal), and it can make it expensive to visit multiple attractions in one trip. Yet people who have purposefully limited themselves to one resort or the other are, IMO, really missing out. A trip to Orlando for me wouldn’t feel right without visiting Magic Kingdom, but we also have fun at Universal, Sea World, etc. It is really odd to me that some people would let themselves feel “guilty” or “disloyal” to Disney from leaving WDW property for a day at Universal.

We’ve found many of the British tourists come over for 2-3 weeks, rent a vacation home and really see everything Florida has to offer (from theme parks to Kennedy Space Center to beaches, etc).

 

[Mad Hattered]

And because Batman and Superman are Warner Bros. properties... i'm pretty sure they'll be staying at Six Flags.

https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/attractions/batman-the-ride

Not when Disney pays over a billion dollars to Universal for the rights to Marvel characters. It will pay for the IOA Marvel Island overhaul itself. If Disney wanted them they could have them (Marvel). But then what would they do with them? It's not like they are going to spring for a Marvel attraction, Avatar AND Star Wars at the same time, right?

Universal has a close relationship with WB (see Harry Potter). If they want DC then they will get it. Otherwise they just keep Marvel and keep Disney at bay.