Innovative family rides

[raidermatt]

Sara, didn't mean to gloss over your point...

Of course this whole debate & one of the major problems with today's Disney® is that they've somehow lost the ability to tell compelling stories in their rides and movies.

I don't think its that they've lost the ability to do this, rather they no longer make this their primary focus. When you try to shoehorn a story around an effort to capture a market segment, you're not going to get results that are consistently strong in story.

By not focusing on this, and consequently losing some of their creative talent, they probably have lost some of the ability, but that's secondary to putting forth the effort in the first place.

 

[Sarangel]

I don't think its that they've lost the ability to do this, rather they no longer make this their primary focus.

I think we're saying the same thing. I didn't mean that there weren't individuals (or individual departments) that are still capable of telling good stories (Lilo & Stitch comes to mind), but rather that Disney® as a whole is unwilling to put the time/effort/money into such storytelling because they don't see it as entirely necessary.

This, to me, is a shame since I sorta thought Disney was about telling stories, either in movies or at the theme parks. The thin 'plot' around DinoRama, the work on Atlantis (and presumably Treasure Planet, though I haven't yet seen it since I was *really* sick during December), nearly the whole of DCA, and all of the dratted xxxxxxx 2 DTV movies (whether released in theatres or not) illustrate this lack of attention to stories (or as the LandBaron would say SHOW) nicely, I think.

I would love to see the Walt Disney Co. realize that they are damaging their credit with their most loyal consumers (and, eventually, if things get bad enough with all consumers) by ignoring the importance of good stories.

Sarangel

 

[colleen costello]

I will add the 2 cents of someone who is in a family of "chickens." Neither myself, dh or the kids consider it fun to be tossed around or made nauseous. I think thrill rides have their place, but I get disappointed when it seems like everything new is a ride I would NEVER get on! Mission Space and Expedition Everest both sound like glorified amusment rides. It will be nice that you can enter these even if you don't plan to ride the thrill ride BUT I would appreciate more attractions that would be friendly to little kids, pregnant women, adults with any back or neck problems, or anyone who is prone to barf! Remember that Walt got his ideas for Disneyland while sitting around at amusement parks while his daughters rode. He wanted a place that families could enjoy TOGETHER. I hope they won't forget to add some attractions that are geared toward "everyone!" I miss the Swan Boats and the Skyway to Tomorrowland and Mickey Mouse Review and "If You Had Wings," not to mention the Carousel of Progress. I remember when just about everything at WDW was a ride we ALL could ride!

 

[laceemouse]

Way to go Colleen!!!! I am one of those rare individuals that has extreme motion sickness. Swinging on a swing makes me sick. I have to take dramamine just to ride in the car longer than 30 minutes. While my DH does not get sick, nor is he a thrill junky. He and DD12 will do some things like Star Tours, Body Wars, BTM, etc. They have not tried RcRc, ToT, or SM. My second DD10 likes Dumbo,etc. but felt sick after Star Tours. My DS8 is a lot like me. Never got sick travelling but does not like Dumbo, etc. My DD5 has only tried a few things, seems to be brave and luckily not easily sick. My point, and I do have one, is that the reason I love Disney so much is that there is still so much people like me can do. The shows, parades, and gentle family rides (HM is DH favorite) are awesome. None of my kids have ever been scared of the 3D shows. I feel that Twister and Jaws at USF are much scarier for youg ones. We will probably not go back there again for a long time. We have never been to IOA and don't care to go, too many roller coasters. I see why Disney feels the need to add more of this stuff to compete, but I hope they keep in mind people with young kids, older people, people like me, and chickens off all ages!!! If they do away will the Spaceship Earth ride DS will be crushed, it is his favorite. I know I am in the minority here but just had to share a "different" opinion. Lacee

 

[colleen costello]

LaceeMouse, you and I must meet one day at WDW and do a "wimp tour" for all the folks out there who don't ride the "big scaries!" We can visit the "safe" rides and sit on benches eating Dole Whips and then go on the Haunted Mansion and the Jungle Cruise. Who's in? You can join us if you are pregnant, too short for height requirements, have back pain from two days driving to Florida, or are just a plain old chicken! Our tour may prove VERY popular!

 

[laceemouse]

Most definitely Colleen! We also enjoy trying new restaraunts, relaxing by the pools, and just plain "people watching!" We don't have our next trip scheduled yet, but are hoping to make a reservation for our first DVC stay maybe next spring or early summer. We just bought some points at BCV! "The Wimp Tour" sounds great!!!!

 

[colleen costello]

We have Spring Break every March at the week with St. Patrick's Day. See all you wimps there!

Colleen