New Al Lutz: DCA Attendance Records, Removal of Nemo Subs?, New 3rd Marvel Park?

[HydroGuy]

My apologies. My friends' kids rooms don't have special walls that fill with imagery when bed time stories are read, or interactive elements that coincide with a child's actions, or furniture that shakes in response to character's actions in a story. My house does not have an interactive cookbook / kitchen assistant that helps keep track of my pantry and assists with my recipes and grocery list. I don't have Xbox Kinect playing on a GIANT wide screen with surround sound. And I certainly don't have a robot in my home that I can see interact with someone. To me, those are pretty exciting things. Maybe my life is just too mundane, but I don't think so.

Just because it is advanced does not make it interesting or worth my time. Maybe if I am visiting a science museum or a tech trade show. But that is not why I personally go to Disney.

 

[tinkermomma]

I think for a new tomorrow land attraction they should honor the past by truly creating a house of the future, but instead of before, this time they should do some kind of sky scraper apartment buildings/hotel where you could actually "live" in the park.

I'd like to add that tomorrowland is probably always going to be a big challenge for Disneyland based on the fact that the future has become less rosy and more complicated than it was in 1955. I'm sure for visitors then it may have felt exciting, but I think increasingly for visitors now, the brave new world of tomorrow carries a little more hesitation and anxiety then it did then.

Or maybe that's just me

 

[Disney Dreams]

Well, I personally find Al's articles interesting and thought provoking. I look forward to them although sometimes I am disappointed in his critical tone. I post them here because this is a Disney fan site and I think other Disney fans might enjoy reading them. This thread has had 5000 visits so someone is interested.

None of this violates any DIS guideline of which I am aware.

And frankly, Al has written a lot of columns that have turned out to be correct forecasts of the future. You may view his columns as ramblings. I view them as informed speculation.

If there are other Disney articles you find interesting then maybe you could post them here too. I would be interested to read them.

Is Al too negative? Yes, maybe in the Simon Cowell sort of way. I think he often goes overboard and I wish he would take a different tack. But the fact that he is not a "rah rah" Disney fan gives him additional credibility with me.

Does that mean anyone here is "fascinated" with Al. Hmmm. I am fascinated by Disney. But by Al? No, not really. I doubt others here are either.

Fans of any pursuit like to speculate. That is part of being a fan. How many games will the Denver Broncos win with Peyton Manning this year? The debates go on and on. It is part of being a fan. Are there certain sports columnists I love to hate reading? Yep. But I am a fan so I read.

People read threads like this basically because they are fans.

By the way, my money is on the Broncos winning 10 games this year and winning the AFC West. Sorry Charger, Chief, and (ughhh) Raider fans...

Wow. Not even going to comment on all of that as I have no idea where it came from and I am certainly not here to debate the appeal of a columnist. If you like him, fantastic. Personally, I don't like giving the spotlight to negativity, which is what Al is all to often.

To address your comment about my posting other articles about Disney here: When I did in the past I was told that it violated DIS rules because someone on THAT site used profanity in THEIR comments. I got penalized for it so, I have never posted a link to an outside article again unless it is a well-known news source, as I cannot control what someone else may post for which I may be held responsible. As a consumer of Disney Cruise Lines, Disney Vacation Club, DLR, and WDW, as well as a huge fan of all aspects of Disney Entertainment, and a Disney stockholder, I read lots of articles about Disney that I find very fascinating, but since I can't control what will appear in the comments on the source site, I don't share them here. Self-survival comes first.

Just because it [Innoventions] is advanced does not make it interesting or worth my time. Maybe if I am visiting a science museum or a tech trade show. But that is not why I personally go to Disney.

Again, that's fantastic. You commented above that Innoventions is "boring." I disagree (which I am allowed to do) and was stating why I find many things within it interesting, which I do.

Just because I disagree with you (whether it's regarding Al or what's interesting or whatnot, does not mean I'm wrong.

- Dreams

 

[nunzia]

I agree...I enjoy his writing style and many times the rumors come about. I'd also read and discuss any other articles that are posted. Anything about the future of the parks is pretty much rumors until it's announced officially, but, to me, it's fun to discuss. I always learn things from people with more knowledge than I have and this is like any other BB for fans of a specific topic. If a thread isn't interesting to me, I just skip it.

 

[HydroGuy]

Again, that's fantastic. You commented above that Innoventions is "boring." I disagree (which I am allowed to do) and was stating why I find many things within it interesting, which I do.

Not to keep a debate going but just to clarify, I find Innoventions boring in the sense it is not worth my time while at DLR. I can see how the boring comment would easily be construed to mean the whole subject matter at Innoventions is boring. That is not really what I meant. I should have used a different word. In that so many others stay away from Innoventions in droves, I suspect that at least some caught my meaning.

As for all your other comments, I do not have anything new to add to what I already said. Disagreements that are friendly or at least civil are helpful to everyone so I appreciate your perspective and comments.

 

[Sherry E]

I always giggle at Al Lutz's subtle snarkiness on some topics (like the subject of AP holders, for example), but I must admit that I do enjoy reading the rumors - from Al or any other unofficial source!

More to the point, though, I think I enjoy reading the threads and comments about the rumors and speculation! I think that the discussions and dialogue are very intelligent and interesting. I like reading what everyone thinks about certain possible changes to our beloved DLR - whether I am in 100% agreement or 100% disagreement with them.

Sometimes I do suspect that people will take a rumor they read (here on The DIS or MiceAge or elsewhere) out of context and process it as being factual, but all we can really do is clarify that the information is neither official nor confirmed and, in fact, may never come to fruition at all. (I just posted something along these lines in my Christmas Superthread this morning - I basically stated that unless we get certain info from specific official Disney sources, we cannot consider it to be official.)

In any case, about the possibility of Autopia and the Subs riding off into the sunset... Yes, I would be very sad to see them go - for nostalgic reasons, as those 2 rides are pieces of my childhood. Some of my earliest Disneyland memories (dating back to at least 1972) involve being on the Subs ( way before Nemo, obviously!). Autopia played a role in many of my Disneyland trips in the '80s and early '90s. Even as an adult, I still laugh and have a good time when I ride in those silly cars (the last time was in 2010), and when someone (accidentally) gets bumped. They are fun in a very innocent, harmless, cheesy way. (Then again, I was also a big fan of the People Mover and Adventures Through Inner Space! I loved America Sings too! And...and...and...I loved drinking "Space Mist," when it was sold in Tomorrowland back in the day!)

It's not only the nostalgic aspect that would have an impact on me, but the whole landscape of Tomorrowland would look so much different without the Subs' lagoon and the Autopia track!

But, that said, I know that things have to keep changing and evolving at DLR, and this means that certain rides will have to go. I don't foresee the Subs disappearing for quite a while down the road (if at all), but if they ever do I will bid a bittersweet farewell and will look forward to exciting developments to come. I can actually envision Autopia disappearing before the Subs do, but I hope that TDA would opt to do something more current and updated with Autopia (while keeping the same general concept) instead of tossing it out of Disneyland altogether. The idea of driving a car when you're a kid is still a great one.

As for Innoventions..I agree with both Disney Dreams and HydroGuy on this subject! (How's that for being diplomatic?) I agree that there are a lot of interesting things to see in Innoventions, which I notice and appreciate when I am actually inside the building. Some of the stuff is quite remarkable.

But...I never add Innoventions to any list of things I want to do/see while in Disneyland, and I almost always end up skipping it! I know that I shouldn't skip it - being a true fan of the details and themes around the parks and a lifelong Disneyland fan, I know I should make myself visit Innoventions more often. And yet, somehow, I just don't do it.

 

[perlster]

Al has written a lot of columns that have turned out to be correct forecasts of the future.

You said it - people would have been shocked to see the new over-the-shoulder restraints on the Matterhorn - just like they would have been stunned to see Astro Orbitor gone several years ago - if it weren't for the treasured prognostications of good ol' Al.

 

[HydroGuy]

You said it - people would have been shocked to see the new over-the-shoulder restraints on the Matterhorn - just like they would have been stunned to see Astro Orbitor gone several years ago - if it weren't for the treasured prognostications of good ol' Al.

LOL, I would much rather he get the DCA grand re-opening date of June 15 correct (which he did here in April) than the Matterhorn restaint system.

In any case, I don't care about his exact batting average. It is high enough for me that I know his writings are not random speculations but informed speculations. As a fan he puts things out that for me are fun to discuss.

His critical attitudes towards Disney management and towards WDW are annoying. As I have posted numerous times on this forum, I personally am not a big fan of professional critics. Criticizing is easy. Anyone who thinks it is easy to manage a complex operation and be responsible for people and budgets is welcome to try. It is hard. Al's snarky criticisms are tiresome to me. His columns would be much better if would just drop this whole attitude.

The part of Al's writings I enjoy are the speculations on the future. Again, his exact batting average seems to bother some people like you but it does not bother me.

 

[joihan777]

My 8,6 & 3 y/o children LOVED Autopia! We went early in June and they made me get on 3 times in a row!

I hope Disney revamps, or at least, spiffs up the scenery & update the cars a little. That ride is as classic as the Jungle Cruise & the Fantasyland rides.

They can either go the Indy Car approach like in Florida, or do something else entirely. Driving through TIME perhaps? Tunnels?



I agree, however, Innoventions is a wasted space. Yes it's kind of neat, but not really that interesting. If we made a list of every attraction we visisted, Innoventions would be at the end every time. It doesn't inspire.....
Perhaps replacing it with a "Mission: SPACE" type ride....

The Nemo ride was OK... but it is definitely geared for 3-10 y/o.... everyone else is put off by the story on different movie screens via TINY portholes format.

 

[DisneytheKid]

My 8,6 & 3 y/o children LOVED Autopia! We went early in June and they made me get on 3 times in a row!

I hope Disney revamps, or at least, spiffs up the scenery & update the cars a little. That ride is as classic as the Jungle Cruise & the Fantasyland rides.

They can either go the Indy Car approach like in Florida, or do something else entirely. Driving through TIME perhaps? Tunnels?

That could be interesting

 

[Minuet888]

my hubby won't ride the subs anymore because he has to hunch over to see anything and he is only 5'8" his back hurts afterwards

 

[Spassvogel]

My kids (10 and 8) love Autopia. It's great because the lines aren't usually that bad. I'm ambivalent about the Subs in their Nemo form, but there has to be something else that can be done. Heck, maybe go back to the 20,000 leagues style and have a squid attack or something.

I'd hate to see them go. Something about the corporate muckity-mucks killing the attractions that Walt presided over just irks me.

I can, however, live without Innoventions. Some of the stuff is neat, but it takes up a lot of space for something that's basically a huge infomercial. I wouldn't be too heartbroken to see it go.

 

[DisneytheKid]

I'd hate to see them go. Something about the corporate muckity-mucks killing the attractions that Walt presided over just irks me.

for the record i'd be ok seeing them go but that comment was good

 

[Midnightred]

I cannot imagine that Disney would spend $70 million dollars on the Nemo Sub refurb, and then do away with the subs so soon. Autopia is not my favorite ride that's for sure. It took up one whole morning for us, and my son got stuck and a CM had to drive him the rest of the way in. Don't think I'll go back on it for a while, but don't mind it being there.

Midnightred

 

[HydroGuy]

I cannot imagine that Disney would spend $70 million dollars on the Nemo Sub refurb, and then do away with the subs so soon. Autopia is not my favorite ride that's for sure. It took up one whole morning for us, and my son got stuck and a CM had to drive him the rest of the way in. Don't think I'll go back on it for a while, but don't mind it being there.

Midnightred

I believe the final number on the subs was $150 million. And yes, that seems hard to believe.

 

[isisisme]

if they expand fantasy land as said, id hope they add the villains store again

I so miss the Villains Lair. I remember the first time that I went to DLR and it was gone. a CM told me it was only temp because Hunchback just came out and the Lair would return. It did not. Of course, we got le Bat en Rouge later, but it was not the same. Does anyone remember the Evil Queen in the cage?

 

[Mr Snappy]

I believe the final number on the subs was $150 million. And yes, that seems hard to believe.

....and how much did they just rip out of DCA???? How much did they spend on the original entrance, sundial, and attractions they just ripped out?

My point is that if they think it will bring in more money, they will rip it out in a heartbeat.

 

[Mr Snappy]

LOL, I would much rather he get the DCA grand re-opening date of June 15 correct (which he did here in April) than the Matterhorn restaint system.

In any case, I don't care about his exact batting average. It is high enough for me that I know his writings are not random speculations but informed speculations. As a fan he puts things out that for me are fun to discuss.

His critical attitudes towards Disney management and towards WDW are annoying. As I have posted numerous times on this forum, I personally am not a big fan of professional critics. Criticizing is easy. Anyone who thinks it is easy to manage a complex operation and be responsible for people and budgets is welcome to try. It is hard. Al's snarky criticisms are tiresome to me. His columns would be much better if would just drop this whole attitude.

The part of Al's writings I enjoy are the speculations on the future. Again, his exact batting average seems to bother some people like you but it does not bother me.

This.

I don't miss one of Al's articles, but over the years, I have learned that Al has no clue about Business, Management, Employee Dynamics, Training, Finance, Shareholder value, the concept of profit, or Corporate politics. I think he obviously has some great sources inside the operation and a keen sense of Disney history. But most of his "predictions" are logical assumptions mixed in with a handful of insider tip-offs.

His constant "reviews" of Disney movies are beyond annoying. Everyone has an opinion on movies and some are obvious failures, but AL thinks he speaks for everyone and his reviews of Tron Legacy and Cars II were particularly annoying. Hey AL, we get you didn't like the shows....just say they weren't your cup-of-tea and move on.

 

[tiggerluvr]

I think this is brilliant! DS13 sounds like a future imagineer to me.

Actually, after we had that discussion he sat down and did some research online into how to become an Imagineer. I think it would be the perfect job for him; he's extremely creative.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

they cant get rid of autopia...thats like sacrilige