My Daughter is So Disappointed

[wishdisney]

i don't feel your 'disappointment'
you get what you get and if you don't like Disney for how it is, don't go to it.

 

[Condorman]

Hey condorman, where's your friend mouseaholic?

We're all friends on the Disboards.

Nobody would go out of their way to trash the House of Mouse who didn't truly love it in their hearts. That's a long lateral movement to make just to talk down a company that caters to children of all ages.

I will say I have seen the latest PR/Video/Map from Universal which came out today with regards to the WWoHP @ IoA. It's on the Orlando Sentinel homepage -- sorry, I'm too lazy to post the link. This is clearly a response from Universal to remind people of Harry Potter in the wake of the press WDW received for it's Fantasyland rehab. HP looks like what I thought it would: Hogsmeade = Main Street; a mere retheming of Dueling Dragons and the Unicorn rides; and the lone, new e-ticket: HP and the Forbidden Journey, which I've heard amounts to a roller coaster-type attraction with riders perched on a large robotic arm that looms over the various scenes and sets of the movies/stories. Check it out. Competition is a good thing and I look forward to HP. However, even though I'm a guy and I have no daughters, I'm looking forward to Fantasyland even more so.

Universal may have a wizard, but Disney has all the magic.

My 2 cents.

 

[skier_pete]

Defending the other side of my previous argument, there is nothing wrong or shameful with being disappointed in what Disney chooses to do. I know my family was disappointed in their decision to close the Pocahontas (sp?) show at AK. Not that I thought the show was any good at all, but my DD6 really loves animals and loved this show. We saw it last year shortly before it closed, and was telling her that it is the last time you will see it. You can't explain things like marketing decision and such to a child...they make little sense.

As an adult, I am not merely disappointed but purely crushed by the decision to close the Adventure's Club at PI. It was one of my favorite things not just in Disney World, but anywhere. You sometimes can't help but be angered by decisions that are made.

But you CAN either let them ruin the pleasure of the rest of the parks, or revel in what remains. Or maybe, it is time to venture elsewhere...take the family to Yosemite or Yellowstone. Mother nature blows away WDW in terms of sheer spectacle. I know this because I live 15 minutes from Niagara Falls, and am lucky enough that I can see the evidence whenever I like.

SkierPete

 

[Meg13]

Personally, as a teenager, I have never been disinterested in the Disney parks. Universal or other theme parks have just never held any interest for me. I enjoy roller coasters and other thrill rides, but I cherish the Disney magic more than anything.

 

[michellebrennan]

Lest everyone forget, Disney just bought Marvel. When the licensing runs out at Universal, Disney may use this as an opportunity to buff up the "boy" attractions. Although this doesn't help our original poster it may be a possibility.

Also, in my opinion, and I happen to have a set of 7 year old boy/girl twins...each gender is equally currently satisfied. I just think from an adult perspective they market the princess idea better than any other idea in the park. Kudos to that team....but the kids enjoy the magic of everything just the same. My son even got "Bibbity Bobbity Boutiqued" ate breakfast with the princesses and loved it!

 

[krissylizzy]

i agree that saying disney is not "teen friendly" is stereotypical.

while i am not a teen anymore (i'm 26) i love love loved disney as a teen. and yes, i am a girl, but what's more is that my older brother loved it as a teen too.

disney is and always has been the most magical place on earth for a reason...there is something to make everyone smile!!

ps--hasn't anyone heard about the new monster's inc roller coaster due out by 2011?!?

another ps---well said, meg13!!!

 

[movie77]

I think the new fantasy land looks great. If this only major thing Disney does in the next 5 years then I would say it's a bit of a disappointment. But there's nothing stopping them from announcing something of a similar scale for one of the other parks next year that could include a thrill ride or two.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I see where you are coming from. I looked through your post and bolded everything I think is gender neutral. You left out feminine attractions such as the Bibiddi Bobbidi Boutique (don't know if I spelled it correct).

My problem is that, not until recently, Disney didn't have any boy-specific stuff in MK. Now with the Pirate thing, they have satisfied it.

Don't get me wrong. I love going to MK. It's my favorite park. I'm not complaining. What I am suggesting is that they could be making a mistake by doing the whole Princess thing. I will still be going. But families with all boys may not go in that area.

Name one area of MK that a family of all girls wouldn't go to. I already know the answer to that questions: none. The reason being I grew up in a family of all girls. And we went to all the areas.

I just think that everything at Disney was gender neutral and the Princess thing will be a more feminine attraction. I am questioning why they are doing Princesses when they have so many other movies/cartoons to choose from.

And I don't mistake kiddie rides for girly rides. I love going on Snow White, etc. I am just bitter that Disney got rid of Mr. Toad and will now be adding Princesses.

UPDATE: Scratch what I said. It's seeming like they will be incorporating areas for villians as well. So that is, I guess, boy themed. I have no qualms with it anymore. Specifically, I have heard about a tavern themed after the tavern in Beauty & The Beast where Gaston hangs out, decorated with deer antlers, etc.

I totally get what you are saying here, but also consider that girls can always do "boy" things, but the reverse is not true for boys doing girls things. Girls can enjoy Pirates and Cars and no one thinks anything of it, but boys "can't" like Princesses. KWIM? I really can't think of anything that is so totally boy that only boys would do it. Really most attractions are non-gender specific except for the princess ones.

Example: My nephew is 6 years. He LOVES Pirates and Jack Skellington, those are his two big favorites at the moment, but he also has a thing for Ariel. Don't know what it is, but he has loved the movie since he was 2 years old when he watched it over and over. When I took him to WDW last year he wanted to meet Ariel, I didn't think much of it, we get into an all girl line and he changed his mind, I tried to encourage him that is okay, but he didn't want to be the only boy going to meet her. There were no such issues with my nieces meeting Jack Sparrow at a Pirates & Princess party or getting their picture with Mater at DHS.

 

[AlienBrain]

I totally get what you are saying here, but also consider that girls can always do "boy" things, but the reverse is not true for boys doing girls things. Girls can enjoy Pirates and Cars and no one thinks anything of it, but boys "can't" like Princesses. KWIM? I really can't think of anything that is so totally boy that only boys would do it. Really most attractions are non-gender specific except for the princess ones.

Example: My nephew is 6 years. He LOVES Pirates and Jack Skellington, those are his two big favorites at the moment, but he also has a thing for Ariel. Don't know what it is, but he has loved the movie since he was 2 years old when he watched it over and over. When I took him to WDW last year he wanted to meet Ariel, I didn't think much of it, we get into an all girl line and he changed his mind, I tried to encourage him that is okay, but he didn't want to be the only boy going to meet her. There were no such issues with my nieces meeting Jack Sparrow at a Pirates & Princess party or getting their picture with Mater at DHS.

+1
Very true. That's exactly what I was trying to say, but I couldn't really put in words as well as you did. I agree totally.

 

[WaltD4Me]

+1
Very true. That's exactly what I was trying to say, but I couldn't really put in words as well as you did. I agree totally.

I didn't really think I worded it right either, but at least you got what I meant.

I also think even with the Princess "stations" going into Fantasyland, I don't think it will totally keep boys away, the new Dumbo set-up looks like alot of fun for everybody and even though it's just going to be re-themed, Goofy's Barnstormer will still be there, plus Philarmagic, Peter Pan, Pooh and even the Teacups. I'm not overly thrilled about all the meet and greet places, but not because they are princess ones.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

We live an hour away from Cedar Point! If anyone wants to travel to Sandusky OH, it's WELL WORTH THE TRIP!! 17 roller coasters and nearly half of them have been recent record breakers (in the last 10 years anyway) You won't find a better coaster park in the continental US!

I have two friends who drop a reasonably large amount of $$$ each year to travel to Cedar Point. No one can match their collection of coasters according to them.

I agree with some here.....Fantasyland is an obvious attempt to challenge Harry Potter. As Harry Potter grows as the years pass....Fantasyland will keep the little girls at Disney.

I wonder how many times you will be required to open your wallets in the new Fantasyland......$225 for a dress and hair sparkles, $150 for portrraits with the pixies....I wonder what else Disney will add.....just the Disney way now.

Anyway, if GIRLS are crying for bigger coasters and thrill rides than Disney can provide, what on earth are the teenage boys crying for?

Well, it's beyond time for Fantasyland to get a facelift.....it was looking a little seedy in places. Lets hope Disney does it right and doesn't cheep it down like California Adventure....then have to drop $$$$$ a few years later to update.

 

[jimmymac]

WDW has never been about thrill rides, and never will be. A "thrill" ride at Disney is EE or BTMRR, which on a thrill scale rate about a 2. Some people here on the boards question if Splash Mountain is too intense. We here grew up on Disney; this generation didn't. Steamboat Willy is foreign to them. With HP at US, US is a legitimate 2 day park. Throw in Seaworld (great animal shows and 2 intense coasters) and Busch Gardens (great animal attractions and many intense rides), and a lot of 7 day Orlando visitors are going to do 2 days at Uiversal, 1 at Seaworld and 1 at Busch Gardens and the rest at WDW. Don't get me wrong; I love WDW and plan on going back again and again, but if I had to make a list of the 10 most enjoyable rides in the Orlando area, none would come from any of the WDW parks. If you're looking for cool rides, WDW is not your place to visit. Just for the record, my top cool rides:
Spiderman
Manta
Sheik-ra
Kraken
Kwazi
Kumba
Dr. Doom's Fearfall
Incredible Hulk Coaster
Dueling Dragons
Revenge of the Mummy

No, they don't have the magic but they are a lot of fun to ride, and that's what a ride is supposed to be

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Hi, Jimmy- I would disagree with you that those rides are what "rides are supposed to be" I think that differs from person to person too much!

You're right, though, Disney isn't about thrill rides. Sure, they've dabbled in that area, but I agree with you that for true coaster fans there are only a few that pass muster to them. However, lots of people, like you, will still be going back again and again because they like the rides that Disney *does* offer. And just because they're not thrill rides, doesn't mean they aren't awesome rides or that they aren't "cool".

One of the ones you listed was Spiderman, which I LOVE, but I still don't think of it as a thrill ride.

 

[wishdisney]

Personally, as a teenager, I have never been disinterested in the Disney parks. Universal or other theme parks have just never held any interest for me. I enjoy roller coasters and other thrill rides, but I cherish the Disney magic more than anything.

you are just like me! i'm honestly only 19 and i didn't want to do anything other than work for Disney and here i am! working for Disney! going to Disney everyday! woohoo! not ashamed to say it, since you know teenagers have no interest in Disney, according to what some say

 

[Condorman]

I wonder how many times you will be required to open your wallets in the new Fantasyland......$225 for a dress and hair sparkles, $150 for portrraits with the pixies....I wonder what else Disney will add.....just the Disney way now.

You're right. Because when I go to Universal, I usually go on the "charity days" when they don't charge admission, and I eat the complimentary "hobo meals", and then I wander into the souvenir shops and take anything I want because those are considered "write-offs" for the company. Every theme park charges for everything they can, and don't act like they don't. Just go on the Rip-off Rockit and before you even get off the ride they are already peddling a DVD of your so-called experience on the LCD. Before you get off the ride! How pathetic. Disney never stooped that low. What's worse, the quantity of offerings at any other park in the world is one-third as prevalent as WDW, and the quality of what they do offer is virtually non-existent.

As for Cedar Point...

Cedar Point is Montreal: cute, quaint and delightful.
Walt Disney World is Paris: no superlatives necessary.

Nobody should ever compare the two.

With HP at US, US is a legitimate 2 day park. Throw in Seaworld (great animal shows and 2 intense coasters) and Busch Gardens (great animal attractions and many intense rides), and a lot of 7 day Orlando visitors are going to do 2 days at Uiversal, 1 at Seaworld and 1 at Busch Gardens and the rest at WDW.

Really? A lot of Orlando visitors? You must work for the Chamber of Commerce to know what 60-70 million people will do in 2010? I like how you have it planned out for everyone: 2 days, 1 day and 1 day. I guess that means WDW still gets 3 days -- more than any other?

You spent a whole paragraph explaining why WDW is not about thrill rides and never will be, and that the people who enjoy WDW understand and prefer this, and then you try to make the point that SeaWorld and Busch Gardens have intense rides and coasters and those will be the very lures that draw people away from WDW. That doesn't make any sense. Harry Potter is worth a half-day, no more. As for the other parks, they have found their niche and their clientele. They will not be stealing visitors away from WDW. People may visit them once in a while to see what they're all about, but then it's right back to WDW. Don't count on a mutiny. It will never happen.

Disney FTW!!!

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

unfortunately, as I age (43) I find I cannot do the ultimate thrill rides and that I'm very happy that the rides at Disney are really aimed at families-- to enjoy together.

In April my DH didn't go on EE a 3rd time cause his back hurt and he's only 45. (I'll have to trade him in for a newer Disney model)

I do agree that Disney needs to add a few more thrill type rides to keep the teenagers interested. I have 2 dd's who are 9 & 11 and they like thrill rides and the new FL won't really be exciting to them as they will be 12 & 14 when its done ( but we always have the Grandkids). I would love it if they added a new country with a great roller coaster. They really don't have to do anything elaborate. I would love it if Disney World got a raditor springs in DHS--(where the Backstage tour is now) that would be super cool, although the ride looks alot like TT- but I wouldn't mind.

However, I read on another post somewhere that the littliest ones wait in the longest lines for the shortest rides and that by remaking FL that they will hopefully disperse the crowds so the waits are a shorter and make the whole FL more enjoyable for the little ones. And really the little ones (and some of the bigger ones too)is what FL is really for.

When I was 14 the MK only had SM and BTMRR-and Epcot, DHS & AK didn't exist. So when you look at it DW has so much more for teens then they did when I was a teenager.

I think Disney is still the best, but we will venture over to Universal to check out Harry Potter World (my dd's love Harry Potter) in the near future.

 

[PrincessKara22]

I was surprised that a monsters inc coaster wasn't announced at DHS for pixar place.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Defending the other side of my previous argument, there is nothing wrong or shameful with being disappointed in what Disney chooses to do. I know my family was disappointed in their decision to close the Pocahontas (sp?) show at AK. Not that I thought the show was any good at all, but my DD6 really loves animals and loved this show. We saw it last year shortly before it closed, and was telling her that it is the last time you will see it. You can't explain things like marketing decision and such to a child...they make little sense.

As an adult, I am not merely disappointed but purely crushed by the decision to close the Adventure's Club at PI. It was one of my favorite things not just in Disney World, but anywhere. You sometimes can't help but be angered by decisions that are made.

But you CAN either let them ruin the pleasure of the rest of the parks, or revel in what remains. Or maybe, it is time to venture elsewhere...take the family to Yosemite or Yellowstone. Mother nature blows away WDW in terms of sheer spectacle. I know this because I live 15 minutes from Niagara Falls, and am lucky enough that I can see the evidence whenever I like.

SkierPete

Hey Pete!

Beginning on September 27th there is going to be a FABULOUS series by Ken Burns on PBS ---- America's National Parks - 6 episodes. Now THERE will be a list of things to do which will toss even Disney out of the conversation!

National Parks ---- our National treasures --- talk about rising above the competitional of ANY theme park or roller coaster!!!

It's going to be my DH and my "bucket list"!!!

We will still squeeze in our 2 or 3 Disney trips a year...but OMG our really EXCITING trips will be trips of discovery.

 

[tjkraz]

I was surprised that a monsters inc coaster wasn't announced at DHS for pixar place.

Probably not going to happen anytime soon now. Reports suggest that WDW execs were high on the Monster's Inc coaster but they were overruled and forced to put that money toward the Star Tours project. The development budget for ST2 will be shared by Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland and now WDW.

 

[skier_pete]

Hey Pete!

Beginning on September 27th there is going to be a FABULOUS series by Ken Burns on PBS ---- America's National Parks - 6 episodes. Now THERE will be a list of things to do which will toss even Disney out of the conversation!

National Parks ---- our National treasures --- talk about rising above the competitional of ANY theme park or roller coaster!!!

It's going to be my DH and my "bucket list"!!!

We will still squeeze in our 2 or 3 Disney trips a year...but OMG our really EXCITING trips will be trips of discovery.

Hey there!...I did catch a blurb about that in EW (Entertainment Weekly). I think I oughta DVR it. Looks like we will be going out next summer to meet my parents at Bryce and Zion NP...two of my favorites.

Back to the original topic...there is a possibility that Disney might nickle and dime everything in the new FL...but I don't think that will happen. While Disney charges you for a lot of things - I don't think they've ever charged for the base level attractions. My guess is that the actual Meet n Greet experiences will be free..but there will be photopass photographers everywhere to capture the experience and sell you a picture of it if you wish.

I personally don't have a problem with Disneys "No thrill rides" policy. For our family trip - I am the only one that will hit the thrill rides. DW will do some of the tamer ones, she tried EE and won't do it again, same with ToT. DD is 6 but won't go near most thrillers - I am still trying to get her to ride PotC. (She doesn't like it because "Pirates have bad teeth.") DMIL is coming with us this trip, and at 65 I seriously doubt we will even get her on Goofy's Barnstormer.

Don't get me wrong, I love Universal. I think they do "big rides" great, and many are well themed, especially in IoA. It's been 12 years since I've been to US, and 9 for IoA...and I'd love to go back, but it doesn't even make sense for our family, even if it costs less - which on a per day basis it doesn't - as I don't think you would get more than 2 days of interest from me at Universal. But, The Simpson ride looks like a blast. And I am eager to see what they do in Harry Potter-land...I know that ride will be top-notch. (Though Rip, Ride, Rockit to me seems a bit of a disappoinment...a bit of a rip-off of RnRC, and then they try to *sell* you a video of your ride? I'm sure there are plenty that will buy it, but wholly cow - what a waste of money. How often are you going to watch a video of yourself sitting on a roller coaster screaming?) Heck, I haven't even been on the mummy ride yet.

I think the point is, if I want coasters, I don't have to fly 1500 miles and spend $3000 on vacation to do it. Not only is Cedar Point 4 hours away, but Canada's Wonderland, which has 1/2 dozen awesome coasters, is only 2 hours away. Not to mention Darien Lake, Kennywood, Hersey Park, King's Dominion (Cinc.). I think that's why Disney stays away from the thrill ride market...thrill rides are everywhere.

Final point, they could spend $250 million and put in an awesome thrill ride, and what would be the result? People would say "Great...but you still don't have enough thrill rides." Instead they spend money on MnG for kids, a dark ride that'll appeals to just about everyone, and a fun new dining experience. Good for them.

I agree with your comment that I hope they don't do it on the cheap. But I think they have learned from their mistakes at DCA - they are pouring SO much money into that place that they it will cost them way more in the long run. The FL expansion does not require nearly the capital that DCA did. MK is the heart of WDW, I think they will do it right.

SkierPete