Just Back: Just a Few Notes

[BebopBaloo]

Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom are in 2 different counties with 2 different tax rates.

I forget about that. Epcot and Magic Kingdom are in the same county, right?

 

[BebopBaloo]

As well as the Speedway rumors-that would be 2 Opening Days gone.

Another bummer. It seems it's generally not as well liked, but we still have fun with it.

 

[MrsHull]

In regards to the Tiki Room, it is still just a rumor...But I really do wish that whether or not it's true that something would be done to keep the nostalgia intact while having it make sense to those unfamiliar with it. I don't want any IP characters thrown in like the past mess with Iago and Zazu. Just some historical grounding could go a long way. I think more people care about history than is realized.

I emailed guest communications about just this thing tonight. It probably won't do any good but you never know.

 

[FelisLachesis]

Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom are in 2 different counties with 2 different tax rates.

I forget about that. Epcot and Magic Kingdom are in the same county, right?

Actually, all four theme parks are in Orange County. The split is basically Osceola Parkway (it's a hair south of that, actually, but close enough). The only part of WDW property where this matters are The All-Star Resorts and WWoS Complex. Those two are in Osceola County (and their slightly higher sales tax rate).

 

[Beer Me]

In regards to the Tiki Room, it is still just a rumor...But I really do wish that whether or not it's true that something would be done to keep the nostalgia intact while having it make sense to those unfamiliar with it. I don't want any IP characters thrown in like the past mess with Iago and Zazu. Just some historical grounding could go a long way. I think more people care about history than is realized.

I haven't done it in years but will make sure this summer. The Tiki Room looms large in my childhood Disney memories.

 

[jerseyjersey]

As well as the Speedway rumors-that would be 2 Opening Days gone.

I understand the need to keep innovating (and realize the Speedway takes up an awful lot of space), but I hope they factor in the nostalgia factor as well, in making these decisions! Although I still miss Mr. Toad at WDW, so I'm probably not the best judge of such things!)

 

[AllieBoo]

We do the Tiki Room every trip, it's one of my DH's favs. Hope this is just a rumor!

 

[BebopBaloo]

I understand the need to keep innovating (and realize the Speedway takes up an awful lot of space), but I hope they factor in the nostalgia factor as well, in making these decisions! Although I still miss Mr. Toad at WDW, so I'm probably not the best judge of such things!)

I'm still lamenting the loss of 20,000 Leagues. Dive! Dive! Dive! Really stuck with me as a kid.

 

[BebopBaloo]

Actually, all four theme parks are in Orange County. The split is basically Osceola Parkway (it's a hair south of that, actually, but close enough). The only part of WDW property where this matters are The All-Star Resorts and WWoS Complex. Those two are in Osceola County (and their slightly higher sales tax rate).

I knew there was a split somewhere. So what's with the popcorn prices?

 

[dreiwhit]

I'm still lamenting the loss of 20,000 Leagues. Dive! Dive! Dive! Really stuck with me as a kid.

I miss 20,000 Leagues AND Mr. Toad. Every time we go, when I walk past Pooh or 7DMT, I think about those rides.

 

[jerseyjersey]

I'm still lamenting the loss of 20,000 Leagues. Dive! Dive! Dive! Really stuck with me as a kid.

This is why I love DL so much! The theming has changed, but you can still go "under the sea" by packing into that claustrophobic, dimly lit submarine--and also see Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, , Snow White's Scary Adventure, ride non-Hyperspace Mountain...

 

[FelisLachesis]

I knew there was a split somewhere. So what's with the popcorn prices?

Couldn't tell you. Maybe AK ran out of 9s setting up Pandora, and all they had left were 3s? . It could also be possible that they want to sell more popcorn at AK, though I'm not making a side trek there just to save 60 cents on a bucket.

I wanted to touch on something from your OP:

Smoker's Trail: What used to be a cute shortcut complete with Alice in Wonderland cutouts between Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland is now a lengthy smoking section. I really wish I had known the whole thing was like that before heading down that way. We were with someone who is super sensitive to smoke. The smoke from the trail also wafts up into the Barnstormer queue. It's a pretty unfortunate spot to have the smoking section and really too big of an area. I understand that there has to be some location, but having the smoke wind up into a queue filled some of the youngest customers is not okay

I'll start off with saying I am a smoker. That said, I also know about the internet dangers of smoking. (Life pro tip: easiest way to quit, don't ever start, it's literally hell to try quitting after being addicted).

Anyway, regarding the smoking sections at MK. There's only 3 at The Kingdom, and one is actually next to the boat dock that collects from The Grand Floridian. So there's only 2 inside the park. Personally, I don't feel that's enough. I also remember when there was a few more, but their placements were terrible for the non-smokers!

If I remember right, one was right next to Cinderella's Castle! I felt bad smoking there, as I couldn't find a direction to blow that wasn't getting smoke into someone's face.

My favorite spot that was removed was behind The Tomorrow Light and Power Company. That's the gift shop adjacent to Space Mountain. I thought, well, if everyone is sucking in all the gas fumes from Tomorrowland Speedway, this won't hurt.

I know Disney wants to keep smoke away from the kids. I know health organizations that want to keep smoke away from the kids. Heck, I want to keep smoke away from the kids! I also think congregating smokers into only two areas of the park is bad, as that creates bigger clouds in those areas, like you experienced.

I think Disney needs to create one smoking area per land. I don't care if it's behind a building. Yes, I know that breaks the fourth wall effect they try so hard to maintain. But smokers are older, we know it's a theme park, it's an illusion. Give us that chance to unwind for a couple moments without going too far.

 

[Scar1199]

Our favourite part of riding the Walt Disney Railroad is passing by the smokers on that trail.

 

[tlmadden73]

The Tiki room, I feel, has its place like Carousel of Progress and Country Bears Jamboree.
Sure, if you've been going to Disney since the 70s or 80s, they are old and somewhat cheesy (the humor in the dialog really hasn't kept up with the times).

BUT, to my 4-year old son both of those rides were magical. To see these "real life" life-like animatronic robots moving and talking were amazing to him .. and the tunes are pretty catchy. (Though he doesn't get the humor).

It's a shame that Disney doesn't spend time and money updating these attractions .. perhaps with new scripts or such.

Like it does shock me how "old school" some of the songs were for children in Country Bears. Something I definitely didn't remember from past viewings . .heh.
(Like Big Al who sings the song "Blood on the floor" ..I am surprised the PC police haven't shut this attraction down.). My wife and I looked at each other during the show and was like "WTH?"

Sure .. as an adult those attractions may never have been good (except maybe the first time) but for kids they (and the Tiki birds) are still filled with Magic.
There is something magical seeing those animatronics right in front of you.

We didn't get to this past trip, but I would be sure to take my son to see the Tiki Birds (since like Carousel and Country Bears the line will probably be walk-ons whenever you go).

 

[Accident]

Smoker's Trail: What used to be a cute shortcut complete with Alice in Wonderland cutouts between Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland is now a lengthy smoking section. I really wish I had known the whole thing was like that before heading down that way. We were with someone who is super sensitive to smoke. The smoke from the trail also wafts up into the Barnstormer queue. It's a pretty unfortunate spot to have the smoking section and really too big of an area. I understand that there has to be some location, but having the smoke wind up into a queue filled some of the youngest customers is not okay.

It's actually a very small section of the trail but yes, someone sensitive wouldn't be able to walk it and never could. since new fantasyland opened it's been a smoking section that just got a little longer. If you can smell it on barnstormer, someone isn't in the smoking section and decided they should just smoke next to the line. I regularly speak up and yes I am a smoker so I don't mind telling them to stop being lazy and it's 20 feet away from them.

 

[NeuroCindy]

I know Disney wants to keep smoke away from the kids. I know health organizations that want to keep smoke away from the kids. Heck, I want to keep smoke away from the kids! I also think congregating smokers into only two areas of the park is bad, as that creates bigger clouds in those areas, like you experienced.

I think if Disney really wanted to, they could find better ways to direct air/smoke flow with technology. They've just chosen not to for some reason.

 

[BebopBaloo]

Couldn't tell you. Maybe AK ran out of 9s setting up Pandora, and all they had left were 3s? . It could also be possible that they want to sell more popcorn at AK, though I'm not making a side trek there just to save 60 cents on a bucket.

I wanted to touch on something from your OP:



I'll start off with saying I am a smoker. That said, I also know about the internet dangers of smoking. (Life pro tip: easiest way to quit, don't ever start, it's literally hell to try quitting after being addicted).

Anyway, regarding the smoking sections at MK. There's only 3 at The Kingdom, and one is actually next to the boat dock that collects from The Grand Floridian. So there's only 2 inside the park. Personally, I don't feel that's enough. I also remember when there was a few more, but their placements were terrible for the non-smokers!

If I remember right, one was right next to Cinderella's Castle! I felt bad smoking there, as I couldn't find a direction to blow that wasn't getting smoke into someone's face.

My favorite spot that was removed was behind The Tomorrow Light and Power Company. That's the gift shop adjacent to Space Mountain. I thought, well, if everyone is sucking in all the gas fumes from Tomorrowland Speedway, this won't hurt.

I know Disney wants to keep smoke away from the kids. I know health organizations that want to keep smoke away from the kids. Heck, I want to keep smoke away from the kids! I also think congregating smokers into only two areas of the park is bad, as that creates bigger clouds in those areas, like you experienced.

I think Disney needs to create one smoking area per land. I don't care if it's behind a building. Yes, I know that breaks the fourth wall effect they try so hard to maintain. But smokers are older, we know it's a theme park, it's an illusion. Give us that chance to unwind for a couple moments without going too far.

It's good to hear a smoker's point of view on the issue, especially one who is as conscientious about it as you seem to be. As a non-smoker - thank you for that. I have no idea what the best solution would be other than to have it out of the way from the attractions, which is probably what was intended by having it on the trail. I'm sure with a little brainstorming, they could figure out a better plan.

 

[Accident]

I think if Disney really wanted to, they could find better ways to direct air/smoke flow with technology. They've just chosen not to for some reason.

that's where laws get funny and you have to offer equal facilities for non-smokers. also having lived here for over a year now, the wind constantly changes direction.

 

[BebopBaloo]

BUT, to my 4-year old son both of those rides were magical. To see these "real life" life-like animatronic robots moving and talking were amazing to him .. and the tunes are pretty catchy. (Though he doesn't get the humor).

It's a shame that Disney doesn't spend time and money updating these attractions .. perhaps with new scripts or such.

Like it does shock me how "old school" some of the songs were for children in Country Bears. Something I definitely didn't remember from past viewings . .heh.
(Like Big Al who sings the song "Blood on the floor" ..I am surprised the PC police haven't shut this attraction down.). My wife and I looked at each other during the show and was like "WTH?"

They are still magical to young kids (and kids at heart). When we exited Country Bears this past trip, my 2 yr old looked at me and said, 'That was perfect.' His understanding of the word, 'perfect,' might be a little light, but he used it because he was impressed and it made him happy.

I do think for the longevity of the attraction that the script really should be updated. A couple of the jokes, like you mentioned, really don't get laughs anymore and understandably so. An updated script and constant upkeep of the bears, would really go a long way in keeping that one around for awhile.

 

[NeuroCindy]

that's where laws get funny and you have to offer equal facilities for non-smokers. also having lived here for over a year now, the wind constantly changes direction.

I was thinking more of a gentle air vacuum that pulls smoke away, but I'm in neuroscience, not physics.

I think as long as people are all considerate of each other, the smoking section isn't a big deal. It's when people aren't considerate that it tends to create a problem.