I rode it a couple days after the refurbishment (9/20). The ride closed right after I got off because apparently they had to work out some more kinks in the audio. Much as I'd loved the live CM (Heck, I even dreamed of having that job when I retired), I thought the "canned audio" was OK. It really wasn't any different from a lot of other attractions. And over the years, I've experienced some CMs mumbling or with an accent, for some reason hard to understand, so I can kind of see why this may be better.
I thought it was very nice. Lots more narration. It was nice having a CM but I think the new version is nice. If it speeds up the line then it is a great thing.
We started to ride it a few weeks ago. we got as far as the greenhouses and we got stuck. CM came over loud speaker stating tech problems we were on it for a little while moving very slowly until the fish and a CM made us get out and walk. Never went back because we didnt have the time. It was to bad because I like all of those educational rides in EPCOT. Just one more reason to go back. To answer your question I liked the audio as far as we got.
When I first heard they wouldn't have CM's on the boats anymore, I was kinda disappointed. This is a favorite of mine, and I ride it at least once per trip.
I was very surprised to find that I liked it much, much better with the recorded narration. Sometimes you'd get a great CM who did an excellent job, but it seemed that lately, you'd get one who talked in a monotone and was obviously bored to death, or a mumbler that you couldn't understand, or a CM who was trying way too hard and sounded like a game show host.
The recorded narration is just right, very professional and informative. A huge improvement.
We we on this last week and it was our first time riding without the CM. It was good and I think it will now give everyone a consistent experiance. Before if you had a good CM the experiance was great but if you had a so-so CM your experiance was less than enjoyable.
We rode it a few days ago and my girls loved it (they'd never ridden it the "old" way.... ) I personally didn't notice much of a difference at all myself-more narration and a nice ride!
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