Kind of disapointed in MK

[cleo]

Indy has proven it can be a popular addition to 'Magic Kingdom' and Jungle Cruise has lines that make me sweat just looking at them. They both have a place in the park, IMO, and while I don't go out of my way for JC, I do think it's a classic people would have a serious problem with if it were replaced.

Toad, on the other hand, was (IMO) expendable. Yeah, I know, Dumbo would be a fairground attraction but for the main character, but Toad...c'mon. *yawn*

Now, Toad as a thrill ride....that could be fun!

Just had to edit to add: USF/IoA certainly aren't 'empty'! Maybe you visited on a slow day?

 

[heaven2dc]

Just my 2 cents worth - I'm glad MK is the park it is. I want to experience the "Walt Disney" magic of it not appearing as a thrill ride park - if I want thrill rides I go to a local attraction like Busch Gardens or King's Dominion (here in VA). I've never been to Universal but the kids aren't even really interested in going there unless its for just one day. They'll visit MK over and over again.

 

[peter pan217]

ya i don't allow my parents to go to universal and give up a day of WDW i would feel like a traitor to walt

 

[cheerleadingmom]

I agree that WDW should keep it's history, I went to Disneyland as a child 6 or 7 times myself, and loved riding the rides I did as a child..however they could also add "new and improved" rides and still keep the Disney history..technology is moving so fast now, it seems like the right thing to do, after all Disney was all about the future, right? I'm glad WDW is the way it is, however I'd love to see them add additional rides so that my twins generation can also make their own memories. We'll try US next time before Disney, then maybe the twins will be more satisfied for the older slower rides..

 

[mickeymom55]

During our recent visit to WDW, I overheard so many families with younger children repeating the same phrase "no one does it like Disney." They were saying this just after their child met their favorite character, rode on the carousel, or watched the parade or fireworks with a genuine look of wonder. In contrast, we saw children waiting in lines with gameboys and other hand-held game devices (I guess it's constant stimulation). My children are older and do enjoy the "thrill" rides (TOT and RnRC are favorites) and browsing in the stores, however, they still wanted to see the parades and fireworks. WDW is a total experience, not just rides. It's parades, fireworks, music, shows, food, and also rides. It's an amazing package of entertainment in all 4 parks. Perhaps visiting US in addition to WDW is the way to go - a taste of both parks may be your answer - you need to do what works for your family -after all, it is your vacation.

 

[T-i-double-g-err]

I can't imagine them changing MK dramatically. I remember trips we took as a family to WDW 30 years ago. I am seeing the same joy in the eyes of my children as we go together on the same rides as I remember as a child. Of course, we don't have to worry about running out of E tickets anymore...

I expect as my children get older we'll be doing more in the other parks, but our past trips and our intent for the next trip in January is to spend twice as much time in MK as any other of the WDW parks.

 

[Marthasor]

I am so glad MK is what it is for so many reasons. First and foremost, it remains true to Walt's vision (I do miss Toad and the old arcade though - remember the vintage games on Main Street!) Plus, my family from grandma down to my stepsons do not like thrill rides! MK, in addition to all of the other Disney parks, offers us a place to go to be "amused" and really enjoy the theming, the stories, the characters, the atmosphere. The whole sensory experience is enjoyable just walking down Main Street or through Adventureland or through the Castle! We just aren't into Six Flags, Universal, etc. Disney is the place for us!

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

I like Universal and IoA, but there is a reason I can spend all day in the MK, but can finish up at both Universal parks by four o'clock. A thrill ride is a thrill for maybe two minutes and the more you do it (as I've found with the Hulk coaster and similar sorts of rides) the less thrilling it is. Whereas the vintage magic of WDW, the feeling of pure nostalgia may not be as thrilling, but is infinitely more enduring, in my mind.

I do wish they would add an attraction or two to MK, though. But I don't want them to drastically change what's already there.

 

[Commander]

Keep in mind that Walt said something to the effect that Sunday, was Daddy's day with the girls. He used to set out to go to a park, or find a carousel, someplace where he could enjoy time with his children. He said that he thought some place should be built, where the parents and the children could spend time together. With that in mind you'll probably never see a super extreme thrill ride in the MK. It wouldnt fit with the overall brand and history of that park. You do see extreme rides and simulators in other parks, such as Mission Space, Rock N Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, and the upcoming Expedition Everst at AK.

As far as updating rides and attractions, so much of the MK is a classic, however it does change and evlove over time. People have mentioned Mr. Toads wild ride is no more, they've added Mickey's Philharmagic. Small world was recently totally renovated.

The next rumor is a rehab of Pirates of the Carribean, with new Johnny Depp Audio Animatronics. I hear that the attraction will be made over to have more of a look from the films, and should be complete for the grand opening of Pirates 2.

Dont be so hard on the old lady, she is after all a classic and the most visited theme park in the entire world. Disney can and does cater to the more extreme thrill seekers, but like I said before probably not at the Magic Kingdom.

 

[Twinprincesses]

I love how WDW is a place you can take your children to and have them no matter what age they are be able to go on almost any ride. We are going to be taking my twins who will be 3 and I will be happy to not have to switch off so my Husband and I can ride.

 

[kapica3]

I once took a day out of our WDW trip to go to Universal. I had a choice between the two Universal Parks and choose the one that did not have the thrill rides. (Forgive me, I forgot what the name is but I believe it is not Islands of Advenuture). Anyhow, all the workers there were polite, everything was clean and in order. The rides were fine,(I even enjoyed some of them - Especially the "I Love Lucy" attraction, and had a great day. But there was an obvious feel of something missing, - it didn't feel "cozy" or "homey" I really think it was the Disney Magic that was missing. Universal, although a really nice place to visit, just doesn't call me back. Walking into the Magic Kindgom is like a great big hug and welcome you get when you walk into the home of family. The other park is very nice but lacks that "Welcome home" or "Welcome back" feel. I actually dream of Disneyworld. Magic Kingdom has me by the heartstrings. It welcomes me back to a more innocent time, and brings me memories of my childhood. Its warm and cozy.

It seems that you can't really compare Disney World to anything else its a one of a kind type place. It like trying to compare apples to oranges. Somehow WDW was lumped together under the umbrella term - Theme Park with Universals, Bush Gardens, Six Flags and some other parks. I think it would be better to call Six Flags Universal and such "Thrill Parks" or "Amusement Park" But then again ...... this is just IMHO.

 

[kerry34]

I have also been to US once and plan on returning at some point in the future. It was fun but it definately was missing the magic that Disney has. My oldest daughter loves the thrill rides and I think she put it best when referring to the Magic Kingdom. She said she loves MK for the atmosphere and enjoys the rides there very much even though they are not as thrilling as some in IOA or six flags, but it is a place where you can have fun because there is something for the whole family to enjoy and nobody is left out of the magic. I agree with that. I think that is what keeps the MK at the top of their game most of the time. I do agree that they should be utilizing 20,000 leagues under the sea and also take care of the old skyway as well.

 

[Ilovestitch]

The Magic Kingdom is the #1 visited theme park in the WORLD- so they must be doing something right!

Last May my bf and I did BOTH Universal Parks and we done by 5pm- and we go on all the rides.

On that same trip, we went to the MK 7 times and still didn't get a chance to do everything.

 

[bicker]

I can't imagine them changing MK dramatically.

Keep in mind that they already have -- at least, Disneyland is rather significantly different, in many ways, than it was when it opened. The breadth of WDW allows MK more time to change, but it still will change. Rifle around the archives and you'll find lots of discussions about the radical changes that have already occurred, most notably on Main Street USA. Change will occur, and it will reflect what guests vote for with their wallets.

 

[boomhauer]

I like the Magic Kingdom exactly how it is. Apparently, so does the rest of the world. It's the most visited park in the entire world.

 

[bicker]

I like the Magic Kingdom exactly how it is. Apparently, so does the rest of the world. It's the most visited park in the entire world.

That would be a very firm indicator of great management -- changing the park in synch with the changing preferences of the populace, so that at any instant in time, it is "liked" "exactly how it is" at that moment. It sure does seem like Disney is doing a great job keeping in step with us.

 

[boomhauer]

I once took a day out of our WDW trip to go to Universal. I had a choice between the two Universal Parks and choose the one that did not have the thrill rides. (Forgive me, I forgot what the name is but I believe it is not Islands of Advenuture). Anyhow, all the workers there were polite, everything was clean and in order. The rides were fine,(I even enjoyed some of them - Especially the "I Love Lucy" attraction, and had a great day. But there was an obvious feel of something missing, - it didn't feel "cozy" or "homey" I really think it was the Disney Magic that was missing. Universal, although a really nice place to visit, just doesn't call me back. Walking into the Magic Kindgom is like a great big hug and welcome you get when you walk into the home of family. The other park is very nice but lacks that "Welcome home" or "Welcome back" feel. I actually dream of Disneyworld. Magic Kingdom has me by the heartstrings. It welcomes me back to a more innocent time, and brings me memories of my childhood. Its warm and cozy.

It seems that you can't really compare Disney World to anything else its a one of a kind type place. It like trying to compare apples to oranges. Somehow WDW was lumped together under the umbrella term - Theme Park with Universals, Bush Gardens, Six Flags and some other parks. I think it would be better to call Six Flags Universal and such "Thrill Parks" or "Amusement Park" But then again ...... this is just IMHO.

I'd say that's pretty much it in a nutshell for me as well.

Well said.

 

[curiouser]

I hear someone on the bus back to resort say something along these lines every trip.. this is what I say to them:

MK (Epcot, etc) is a theme park. Universal is an amusement park. There's a difference.

 

[bicker]

Yes, I've heard or read that on occasion, but as often as not, it was expressed in the opposite manner, i.e., Universal being more "amusing" (i.e., more fun) than MK. There is value in parts of MK becoming museum-pieces; I would not question that. The issue that Disney's managers need to contend with is moderating the extent to which the entire park get that connotation in the minds of a significant amount of guests. They've been doing a great job in that regard so far, AFAIC.

 

[umaangel00]

Personally I believe anyone that thinks MK needs to change does not believe in the Magic. I love the way it is. It's about history. Not thrill seeking rides.