How do they get away with having construction on show?

[Missyrose]

I'd complain about Disney "taking too long" to build 7DMT if I hadn't seen the site packed with workers at 3 a.m. during EMH last year, or still working away as we left the Halloween party. I don't think Disney has anything to gain by stretching out this process.

 

[bcrook]

Problem is this is not a cookie cutter attraction like The New Transformer Ride, its all new. As posted above they are building as its designed.

Also I'm assuming they don't want another opening like Test Track.

I understand the history, I am looking forward to the ride. I am not unhappy. I want them to get it right.

I just thought the thesis that Disney is less concerned about show was interesting to explore. New fantasyland is a good test case. But a better counter argument which I suggested would be Avatar in DAK. That will be easy to hide. So maybe New Fantasyland will be an exception.

There just hasn't been any real expansion in the last 10-15 years. There isn't much to compare.

Soarin was hidden, TSMM hidden, Everest was off in the back away from everything. Mission Space was out of the way. Even Splash would have been less conspicuous. Tower of Terror in the back dead end road.

When they redo DHS, that might be a good test to see how well they hide development or if they care.

 

[gwmort]

We were there in June, one evening while we were walking by Winnie the Pooh ride I got a sudden feel for the whole area. it was just after twilight and I could see the silhouette of 7DMT, but not the state of construction or the walls which were in shadow. With the alpine theming and trees around Winnie and the concessions right there and the outline of the adjacent mountain the whole area felt like it "fit" in a really neat way I didn't notice walking by the construction walls during the day.

I can't wait to see the whole zone complete from the Rapunzel bathroom all the way to the circus I think it is going to be quite magical.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

It certainly is an interesting problem for them to cover construction and still grow.

My pet peeve was always rides like Star Tours. Why did they have to close the entire ride for months when they redid it? The attraction has a split to the queue and as I recall, they didn't change the queue at all. So, why couldn't they have left the ride operating at reduced capacity (only one side) while they upgraded the other side, then reverse? I can see where you can't do that on major overhauls like Test Track, but it seems that Star Tours could have been done much more efficiently.

that said, I know that I don't see all the facts and figures that the Disney management does. I am sure they don't have constuction be visible and close rides just to be evil.

In fact, it's incredible what Disney manages to do behind the scenes as it were. The amount they clean and sparkle and fix and maintain overnight is truely mind-boggling. The transformation of the Disney Magic and the very short time it's dry-docked is truely astounding and the decorations they manage around the parks with minimal disruption given the crowds is really a feat of wonder.

I don't think Disney doesn't care about the magic anymore. But I do think they accomplish more than you believe they do and the work that goes into these things is a huge undertaking. It's impressive they do what they do with as little disruption as they do. Cosider I am having a new house built and it's taking 4 months. To build ONE HOUSE. Now look what Disney has to accomplish. And they have to do is safely so no one is hurt - especially when the rides are done. And they have to work - day in and day out with minimal downtime and maintainance. And they have to do it with thousands of scampering feet pushing and looking and moving and crowding every day.

Until you have walked a mile is Disney's shoes, don't assume the work is easy.

 

[mesaboy2]

It certainly is an interesting problem for them to cover construction and still grow.

My pet peeve was always rides like Star Tours. Why did they have to close the entire ride for months when they redid it? The attraction has a split to the queue and as I recall, they didn't change the queue at all. So, why couldn't they have left the ride operating at reduced capacity (only one side) while they upgraded the other side, then reverse? I can see where you can't do that on major overhauls like Test Track, but it seems that Star Tours could have been done much more efficiently.

that said, I know that I don't see all the facts and figures that the Disney management does. I am sure they don't have constuction be visible and close rides just to be evil.

In fact, it's incredible what Disney manages to do behind the scenes as it were. The amount they clean and sparkle and fix and maintain overnight is truely mind-boggling. The transformation of the Disney Magic and the very short time it's dry-docked is truely astounding and the decorations they manage around the parks with minimal disruption given the crowds is really a feat of wonder.

I don't think Disney doesn't care about the magic anymore. But I do think they accomplish more than you believe they do and the work that goes into these things is a huge undertaking. It's impressive they do what they do with as little disruption as they do. Cosider I am having a new house built and it's taking 4 months. To build ONE HOUSE. Now look what Disney has to accomplish. And they have to do is safely so no one is hurt - especially when the rides are done. And they have to work - day in and day out with minimal downtime and maintainance. And they have to do it with thousands of scampering feet pushing and looking and moving and crowding every day.

Until you have walked a mile is Disney's shoes, don't assume the work is easy.

I suspect that the refurb impacted common components shared by all six simulators together and/or there were safety considerations to make this unfeasible.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

I suspect that the refurb impacted common components shared by all six simulators together and/or there were safety considerations to make this unfeasible.

Undoubtably - because they did it the way they did - it was for reason I am sure.

But don't they get that it's ALL ABOUT ME! I wanted to be on the ride when I happened to be there, and THEY put ME out!

Unforgivable!

(I am kidding of course, but ultimately that's what we're talking about although slightly less exagerated).

Seriously though - they are Disney. I expect miracles from them on a regular basis.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

As much as I dislike construction walls and scrims, I'd rather see them up then have them a) close early or b) close period.

 

[Pixie Princess]

I think some of you supporters are giving Disney too much slack. Listen, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is on ABC, which is owned by Disney.

Give that crew the order and they can have this whole Mine Train thing done in a week. I have seen it over and over.

It would take one heck of a bus to cover that mountain from Snow and her dwarfs! No matter, though. If Ty Pennington is there shouting through a bullhorn, sign me up- I'm there!

It certainly is an interesting problem for them to cover construction and still grow.

My pet peeve was always rides like Star Tours. Why did they have to close the entire ride for months when they redid it? The attraction has a split to the queue and as I recall, they didn't change the queue at all. So, why couldn't they have left the ride operating at reduced capacity (only one side) while they upgraded the other side, then reverse? I can see where you can't do that on major overhauls like Test Track, but it seems that Star Tours could have been done much more efficiently.

that said, I know that I don't see all the facts and figures that the Disney management does. I am sure they don't have constuction be visible and close rides just to be evil.

In fact, it's incredible what Disney manages to do behind the scenes as it were. The amount they clean and sparkle and fix and maintain overnight is truely mind-boggling. The transformation of the Disney Magic and the very short time it's dry-docked is truely astounding and the decorations they manage around the parks with minimal disruption given the crowds is really a feat of wonder.

I don't think Disney doesn't care about the magic anymore. But I do think they accomplish more than you believe they do and the work that goes into these things is a huge undertaking. It's impressive they do what they do with as little disruption as they do. Cosider I am having a new house built and it's taking 4 months. To build ONE HOUSE. Now look what Disney has to accomplish. And they have to do is safely so no one is hurt - especially when the rides are done. And they have to work - day in and day out with minimal downtime and maintainance. And they have to do it with thousands of scampering feet pushing and looking and moving and crowding every day.

Until you have walked a mile is Disney's shoes, don't assume the work is easy.

There were several changes to the Star Tours queue.

 

[WDSearcher]

I think some of you supporters are giving Disney too much slack. Listen, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is on ABC, which is owned by Disney.

Give that crew the order and they can have this whole Mine Train thing done in a week. I have seen it over and over.

Well ... sure. But the whole inside would be themed to ponies, and there would be a full out recording studio in the queue. Wouldn't really fit thematically.

 

[iheartdisney]

My pet peeve was always rides like Star Tours. Why did they have to close the entire ride for months when they redid it? The attraction has a split to the queue and as I recall, they didn't change the queue at all. So, why couldn't they have left the ride operating at reduced capacity (only one side) while they upgraded the other side, then reverse? I can see where you can't do that on major overhauls like Test Track, but it seems that Star Tours could have been done much more efficiently.

I suspect that the refurb impacted common components shared by all six simulators together and/or there were safety considerations to make this unfeasible.

If I recall correctly, didn't they want to close and open Star Tours on both coasts simultaneously? And the queue area at DL was completely gutted when it was redone. I notices some changed to WDW's queue as well- You have the TSA droid, the baggage conveyor belt overhead is gone. Those changes are before the line splits, so you can't really have tourists walking through a construction zone to get to an attraction that is only running at half capacity.

 

[Missytara]

No offense, but I find this a bit picky. You can't have your cake an eat it, too. When it comes to large projects, there's only so much they can do. I would much rather have to see some construction temporarily that might throw some reality into WDW and have EE and New Fantasyland than not.

I'm a division supervisor at a large restoration/construction company, and quite frankly, I find what they do at Disney as far as construction to be nothing short of incredible. It's unbelievable what they get done overnight, and I just don't see how you can ask that they do more. I just don't think that is understanding the trade and what all they have to get done. Even the flower and garden festival preparations are incredible.

Ditto. I am an architectural designer and a construction manager for a large company and I am totally fascinated with the way Disney can pull off multi-million dollar construction projects.

I wish people would think outside the box once in awhile.

Do you realize the hundreds and sometimes thousands of people who are put to work on their projects. Too numerous to even begin to list for someone outside the profession. You may even be working for a place that manufactures parts that go into the construction or benefitting from technology that Disney is introducing into the parks that transcends into everyday life.

Really people, do you want Disney to look the same as it did 15 years ago. You demand change and then complain when it happens. What do you want, one or the other.

 

[karly05]

We went to MK the first day of our trip and then again in the last day, 6 days later. It was neat I see the progress that had been made on the 7DMT in that short time. There are also little windows for kids, and adults, to look at the construction. Since they can't hide something that big, I like that they let us see it. Got us more excited!

Agreed. I was all excited on my trip this year to see the construction. "Track! I see track!" And I think Disney would have been nuts (and gotten more complaints) if they'd held off on opening all of New Fantasyland until 7DMT was finished. Especially BOG - I remember lots of comments about "when will BOG open, when can we make ADRs for BOG, why can't they get it open?" etc.

 

[ammag]

The scrims look nice, the plain wall not so much. I guess it didn't matter but if I were being super picky, would have been nice to have some sort of image like the scrims while Nfland was going up. Maybe make it look like a stone wall? It didn't bother me much at all but they old have done something that was less jarring ot the atmosphere. Hat being said I can't wait to go back in November and see everything on the other side of that wall!

 

[Son of Gadsden]

Ditto. I am an architectural designer and a construction manager for a large company and I am totally fascinated with the way Disney can pull off multi-million dollar construction projects.

I wish people would think outside the box once in awhile.

Do you realize the hundreds and sometimes thousands of people who are put to work on their projects. Too numerous to even begin to list for someone outside the profession. You may even be working for a place that manufactures parts that go into the construction or benefitting from technology that Disney is introducing into the parks that transcends into everyday life.

Really people, do you want Disney to look the same as it did 15 years ago. You demand change and then complain when it happens. What do you want, one or the other.

Hell, I'd go as far as to say, that if they were doing a regular building project, with the man power and equipment they have, they'd probably build an entire house in a couple days, where as most companies take months.

I don't think some people get the sheer numbers of workers they use JUST to "maintain the magic" by rushing the work. I say to my wife all the time, as that, to people like you and I, doesn't take away the magic at all. I'd argue that makes it even more magical, haha. If you gave me no money limits at all, a crane, and said "We want this castle covered in lights in a week", no matter what it takes...I'd say it probably can't be done. They do it in two days. If that's not magic idk what is.

 

[goofy4tink]

How many think the # 1 priority at the top of Disney's list is money vs pleasing their guests?
I for 1 think its all about the almighty dollar.

It's a business, not a charity!! Of course it's about the almighty dollar!!! But, on the other hand, if they aren't spending that money, improving the parks, adding stuff, then the guests aren't going to be happy. Disney wants happy guests, but it also wants happy shareholders!!! Usually, both are kept happy.

I think some of you supporters are giving Disney too much slack. Listen, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is on ABC, which is owned by Disney.

Give that crew the order and they can have this whole Mine Train thing done in a week. I have seen it over and over.

If that were the case, you wouldn't see me on that ride any time soon!!!

In any case.....yes, it's taking a longish time. But it hasn't altered my experience in that area at all. I was there the day it officially opened back in Dec...what a zoo. I was there in late May..much nicer. Will it be good once the ride is up and running? Of course it will. But I have to tell you...I watched EE go up. I was positive there was no way I was ever getting on that thing!! How wrong I was. Love it now. But it was wonderful watching it come to life. I can't wait to get back to WDW in Sept and see how much has changed with the 7DMR!! It amazes me to see something like that come to life.
I don't think it's 'bad show' at all. To me, bad show is what US/IoA does...you can see between buildings and see trash bins and work vehicles and parking lots and all sorts of stuff that just takes away from what you should be seeing.

 

[pumpernickel]

I know it's kind of inevitable but i always wondered why it is SO on show
does it not ruin the "illusion"
I swear disney are getting looser and looser with there magic and only care about money these days.

Do you expect for them to close the whole park? Or close off half of a park so you cannot see that there is construction? It is absurd to expect anything else.

As for how "they get away with it" - that is pretty simple. Disney owns the park, so they can do whatever they want. "Getting away with something" involves cheating, doing something illegal or wrong or even something sneaky. They have done none of those.

 

[Goofygirl17]

Does anyone know why there are walls up in Epcot? We were there yesterday and there are sections blocked off at the entrance and then again when you get past SE.

I wish they had better signs at the entrance- on the walls- because we walked all the way to the right to get in and then had to walk all the way back to the left because some of us had paper tickets from UT and couldn't use the new machines.