Have 4D attractions reached the end of their lifecycle?

[WDWHound]

On another thread, I commented on how the sensory 4D effects in SGE were not used very well or very often. That got me to thinking. It seems like 4D may becoming to an end in terms of value.

A few weeks ago, I experienced 3 new 4D attractions: Philharmagic (exceptional), Shrek 4d (very good) and Stiches Great Escape (mediocore at best). I noticed in each one a set a common reaction. Each time a sensory element came, I got a been there, done that sort of feeling. When they sprayed me with water (and every 4D attraction sprays you with water), my response was "I knew they were going to do that". Must every attraction spray you with water. I'm beginning to expect a squirt of water when I board the monorail.

Its seems like the 4D attractions that do succeed, do so bcause of storylines and really great 3D films Philharmagic's computer generated, ultra wide screen 3D film is so beautiful and funny that it doesn't need the 4d effects. Shreks film, while less well done, tells a very entertaining story. It doesn't need the effects either (so I will admit that the moving seats are a nice touch).

Think about the shows that started it all, Muppetvision 3D and Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Muppetvision is still OK (but only OK) due to its entertaining writing and the Muppet characters, but it has become a bit boring as its technology because more and more familiar. HISTA is really suffering. It has some of the best effects out there, but they too are becoming more and more familiar and the story isnt good enogh to take up the slack. On our last 2 visits, we didn't even bother with HISTA, and Muppet Vision is off our list for future visits.

I still enjoy its Tough to Be a Bug, but mostly becuase of the wonderful animatronic hopper and the spray can scene. This attraction to is also beginning to suffer from the familiarity of the 4D experiece. The problem is that most attractions use the same 4D effects that stopped being new and different a long time ago. And lets face. the only real value of 4D effects is novelty. I someone could really use them to make you feel part of the story, then they would have value, but right now they mostly function as a little suprise, and how many times can you be suprised? Unless some new, creative 4D effects can be created, I don't see a future in 4D attactions 5 years from now.

What do you think?

 

[jewellmmc]

I personally only like Disney's Philharmagic! But I think the 4-D is pretty cool. I will never get tired of being sprayed with water because it's fun. If all the shows were like Philhar. then I'd love them. I went on Philhar. 12 times last year! The only reason I don't like HISTA and Bug is because they are creepy and gross. But still, I love Philhar whether it's 4-D or not! I vote for the continuing of 4-D rides!

 

[Cricket2]

Mix the 4d tech with motion tech and a good story and it can develop into something better than existing attractions for sure.

Take Spiderman and mix in some seat effects or whatever and fire up a decent story line and presto!

Or is it chango? I can't remember.

JC

P.S. I love the monorail squirt comment. That's classic

 

[WDWHound]

I agree with you about Spidey, it works really well. If more 4d attractions were like this, I would have a different opinion. Sadly, it seems that most of them are theater based, and that venue just isn't working as well for me anymore.

 

[Chuck S]

Soarin' will be a type of 4-D attraction without a water squirt. The movement/flying sensation is awesome. I think it is sort of the "next generation " in 4-D, combining a simulator type "ride" with sensory...fragrances/smells. I think they can be well done, as in Philharmagic, but that they will require continuing innovations and improvements to remain popular and keep the "wow!" factor.

 

[Darwineffect]

Last time I rode the monorail the A/C was dripping on me, maybe they are planning on making it squirt as well

 

[KNWVIKING]

Tough to be a Bug ,IMO, is the best 4D experience even after several repeat visits. The Bee Sting, Stink Bug and - my all time favorite - the Exiting Bugs are always great just for listening to the reaction of first-time riders. It is truely unique among the 4D'ers.

As for the OT: I think SGE failed miserably in all areas. If it is the future of 4D, then scrap all the plans for the next ride. When it comes to the effects though, I guess there is only so much they can do. I don't mind a timely placed spritzing of water but I also don't want to get soaked due to an uncleaver gag.

As a rule I like 4D attractions. Mc Phil is a good example of the right way to do it, SGE is not.

 

[rcyannacci]

Soarin' is the only ride where the smell effect really added to the experience for me. As much as I loved Philharmagic, the apple pie smell is a bit too heavy-handed and fake. And the water squirts got in the way of my watching the screen.

I've never really liked HISTA or Bug...but I could see how they would be fun for kids.

I really wanted the Stitch attraction to be better (and they certainly are promo-ing the heck out of it. Stitch merchandise was everywhere!). I was never a big fan of AE and this was way too similar to it. I'm all for recycling, but when it comes to attractions, it just looks a bit chintzy.

 

[WDWHound]

As much as I loved Philharmagic, the apple pie smell is a bit too heavy-handed and fake.

Funny, I never noticed an apple pie smell. When did it happen?

 

[CarnotaurDad]

I think that the apple pie smell referred to may be the cherry smell that comes out during the "Be Our Guest" sequence. IIRC, it happens early on in the song.

 

[SnackyStacky]

I think that the apple pie smell referred to may be the cherry smell that comes out during the "Be Our Guest" sequence. IIRC, it happens early on in the song.

If you're not lined up with the effects nozzles in front of you, you'll miss the smell.

I smelled it the first time we went on, but then my friend made us sit in the front, and the little nozzles weren't directly in front of us, so we missed it.

The smell happens when the pie dances across the screen in the Be Our Guest scene.

 

[MitchK]

I thought that Mickeys Philharmagic was great. It was the smoothest 3D I've ever seen, but I do think the 4D effect is getting old.I still always go see the muppets, I loved them as a kid. How about if they use the 4D effect in a dark ride like POTC, or Dinosaur? That would be somthing new, and hey, EE is still in the works.

 

[rocketriter]

I guess our family is a bunch of dinosaurs. HISTA is one of our favorite stops in Epcot.

 

[stemikger]

I have to agree with the original post.

Last August HISTK really felt old to me. Although I still enjoyed it because after all I was in Disney. I remember the first time I saw it I was blown away. I do like Philarmagic and Its tough to be a bug, but like the original post said, it became such a formula you know what is going to happen before it does. I am personally looking forward to Soarin, because that sounds like something that will be new and exciting.

 

[PKS44]

I have not experienced Soarin' yet, but from what I have heard and read it sounds just like Back to the Future which I rode 11 years ago at Universal...in what way is it New and exciting?

Also I agree that the 4D is like so much at Disney being pressed into action too much --it is so pressed it has flattened it's appeal...How about in Sounds Dangerous where they squirt water on you? That makes no sense at all with the storyline--we are listening to what happens to Drew Carey because he SWALLOWED the microphone...we are not there with him at the circus..so we would not get wet..that was reallly stupid --

I am reminded of how I felt after a quick trip in 1989...doing PoC, HM, IASW, CoP etc..then all the old Epcot rides Fun to be free, Horizons, Figment, Land, etc...Mexico...and then the GMR..it was AA OVERDOSE...they needed to do something else besides Audio Animatronics all the time...and they have...but as is typical of the current regime..if one 4D movie works- do 4...if Millionarie draws big ratings..put it on everynight...if people like characters...add more Meet n Greets....just recycle rather than invent, inspire, excite--

Paul

 

[KNWVIKING]

When you ride Soarin' for the first time I doubt you'll be reminded of BttF. While they both have similar ride elements, it's kinda like saying Primevil Whirl and Space Mountain are thesame.

 

[PKS44]

Soarin' will be a type of 4-D attraction without a water squirt. The movement/flying sensation is awesome. I think it is sort of the "next generation " in 4-D, combining a simulator type "ride" with sensory...fragrances/smells.

I was responding to this quote which calls Soarin' "the next generation" in 4 D and like I said it--I have not doe it and it sounds likeit is a great attraction -but it does not sound like it breaks any new ground -which BttF did in taking motion simulation and IMAX and putting them together...Soarin may be a wonderful use of the same technology but does not sound like a "next generation." which Spidey also was taking motion simulation and 3 D and ride thru and putting them all together...

Paul

 

[Chuck S]

Ahh, but Soarin' is not your typical Simulator type "ride" car, as in BttF. The "theater" seating is quite unique, and really can not be compared to BttF.