News Round Up

[Whatsthegoodword]

Probably very true...

But they're gonna need more than just avatar to hold people there once the honeymoon period end.

I think that avatar is being done well. But then I worry that the ride systems are underwhelming and predominant thought will be that it's "not Harry Potter" for now and "not Star Wars" in 5-10 years.

They need to have things lined up to add after this current round. Rip the band aid off...get it done

Talk about underwhelming - have you ridden the new Gringotts ride? That's the biggest disappointment of a ride I've ever been on, considering the hype. We all were looking at each other at the end: "THAT'S IT?!?!?!?"

 

[jade1]

Talk about underwhelming - have you ridden the new Gringotts ride? That's the biggest disappointment of a ride I've ever been on, considering the hype. We all were looking at each other at the end: "THAT'S IT?!?!?!?"

Same-they blew it IMO.

Should have had one side (Green or Red) that goes off into the bank as a coaster (even RNR or Mummy size), not just a screen showing it.

7DMT has more to be honest.

 

[soniam]

Talk about underwhelming - have you ridden the new Gringotts ride? That's the biggest disappointment of a ride I've ever been on, considering the hype. We all were looking at each other at the end: "THAT'S IT?!?!?!?"

Same-they blew it IMO.

Should have had one side (Green or Red) that goes off into the bank as a coaster (even RNR or Mummy size), not just a screen showing it.

7DMT has more to be honest.

Ugh, I know. DS9 was just like "That's it?". I hated waiting in that long line for it. I find if I get a butterbeer or alcohol, then the wait is much easier to handle. Maybe if they had lengthened the ride any. I know they were trying to have a ride that more people could enjoy, since FB is pretty harsh. FB is so totally amazing, except for the lack of 3D, that it would be hard to follow its act. At least the rest of Diagon Alley is amazing.

 

[rteetz]

I can believe that.

Does anybody that took you there have any nostalgia about it?

My DS is 25 and has a hard time walking Pangani Trail-was Gramps favorite with him God rest his soul.

My Mom has been traveling to WDW since it was just MK and she camped in Fort Wilderness with a pop up camper every spring break. I have been to WDW 7 times. My first 3 trips I don't remember.

 

[sachilles]

My first trip, I took Piedmont airlines. I rode 20,000 leagues under the sea. Epcot was a new park. 2 trips in the 80's as a kid. Disneyland in the early 90's as young teen. Then a long drought, until a return to WDW in 2013. A lot had changed.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Same-they blew it IMO.

Should have had one side (Green or Red) that goes off into the bank as a coaster (even RNR or Mummy size), not just a screen showing it.

7DMT has more to be honest.

See...here's the problem. I have not been to diagon alley...not a huge potter fan.

But Disney has done nothing of acclaim by comparison in a LONG TIME.

Mine train is a joke with a 2 hour wait. Soarin is the most overhyped copy of a c ticket in history...and midway mania is another flat with a huge line.

The problem is probably the same with gringott as it is with those above: worried about acceptability to a 4 year old and rollover capacity.

A true thriving park has always been one that does differ the offerings for some. Leave somethings to grow into.

I worry about Star Wars for that reason

 

[dlavender]

Don't get me started on Soarin...or Test Track......

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Star Wars Fans are already lining up

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/09/m...-awakens-fans-are-already-lining-up.html?_r=0

The NYT article buries this fact, but this is a charity event. That's why people lined up so early.

 

[Whatsthegoodword]

See...here's the problem. I have not been to diagon alley...not a huge potter fan.

But Disney has done nothing of acclaim by comparison in a LONG TIME.

Mine train is a joke with a 2 hour wait. Soarin is the most overhyped copy of a c ticket in history...and midway mania is another flat with a huge line.

The problem is probably the same with gringott as it is with those above: worried about acceptability to a 4 year old and rollover capacity.

A true thriving park has always been one that does differ the offerings for some. Leave somethings to grow into.

I worry about Star Wars for that reason

Well, in total, New Fantasyland is better than Diagon Alley (and I'm a Potter fan). NFL has more of everything, and it's all better. The shops & theming are well done at DA, the restaurant is *meh* and Gringotts falls flat. The train ride to IoA is EXCELLENT...but it's a TOTAL money grab, as you have to buy the hopper. If Disney pulled a stunt like that we'd all be crucifying them. And that's all there is. NFL has three new attractions in 7DMT, Belle & Little Mermaid, two rethemed or expanded in the Barnstormer & Dumbo, and an excellent restaurant in Be Our Guest. Of course, the theming is excellent, as usual. IMHO, the best thing at NFL is Belle. I've seen some amazing things in there in the interaction with the kids. It's just a great, and very different attraction. The Mine Train is great for what it is. Yes, it's short, but they were out of room - and I'm sure that the kids it's aimed at think it's plenty long. I love what they did with Dumbo. We're actually disappointed when we don't have long to play under the Big Top.

Just my opinion, but a two hour wait is for suckers. I've not waited for more than 45 minutes for any of the rides you list above. It's no different than the Jungle Cruise in 1978: do a little planning and you don't have to wait that long.

Soaring is STILL AWESOME, and Midway Mania is the most fun attraction at WDW. Of course it has a wait in the heart of the day.

Agree that a thriving park has something for everyone. ...and I hope that Disney wants to raise the bar with Star Wars. IF they are only answering Diagon Alley, then we will all be disappointed.

 

[jade1]

See...here's the problem. I have not been to diagon alley...not a huge potter fan.

But Disney has done nothing of acclaim by comparison in a LONG TIME.

Mine train is a joke with a 2 hour wait. Soarin is the most overhyped copy of a c ticket in history...and midway mania is another flat with a huge line.

The problem is probably the same with gringott as it is with those above: worried about acceptability to a 4 year old and rollover capacity.

A true thriving park has always been one that does differ the offerings for some. Leave somethings to grow into.

I worry about Star Wars for that reason

Try it some day. They blew it.

Although-they could add track for a "red" side like I mentioned (like M Space) to detour onto some day. Then it would match the initial Gringotts ride trailer and the movie and books. Did not blow it if that happens.

Grow into the red side little 4 yo.

 

[Steelerman04]

See...here's the problem. I have not been to diagon alley...not a huge potter fan.

But Disney has done nothing of acclaim by comparison in a LONG TIME.

Mine train is a joke with a 2 hour wait. Soarin is the most overhyped copy of a c ticket in history...and midway mania is another flat with a huge line.

The problem is probably the same with gringott as it is with those above: worried about acceptability to a 4 year old and rollover capacity.

A true thriving park has always been one that does differ the offerings for some. Leave somethings to grow into.

I worry about Star Wars for that reason

Now this might just be my opinion, but I'm curious about everyone's thoughts. Does it seem to you like Disney, not sure if it's the decision of Imagineers or Corporate, is pushing to build rides and attractions that caters more towards children and are forsaking the older visitors. Disney was founded as a park for the entire family, not just children and while they're a huge part of it (and I honestly can't begin to describe the impact Disney had on my growing up, you wouldn't believe me if I told you) Disney is getting away from that and moving towards just kids and they're just updating and refurbishing rides that the older crowd like to keep them happy.

Is it just me or is the current Disney World development getting away from Walt's dream, more than just the lack of willingness to spend money to properly redo sections like Tomorrowland etc.

 

[Firebird060]

Heres the issue

Disney may or may not be focusing on kid orientated rides, I really have no opinion on it

but is Disney marketed as the place that every parent should want to take their kids? Yes

do you see more Disney commercials, vacation DVDS and other promotional media that show Disney as being the IDEA place for a family of four. YES

Do you see commercials that focus on the kids reactions and wide eyes more so then the parents reactions to Disney? Yes

and do children sometimes beg plead and tell their parents that they want to go to Disney World? Yes

we live in a society where ones feeling of parental obligation is strong entwined with the market of what can I get my kids or what experiences and luxuries can I provide them. Some parents feel they are obligated to take their kids to Disney World. So in someways the way to a parents wallet or bank account for disney can be achieved by attracting and advertising to children. If a new ride looks awesome to children will they mention more so how much they want to go to Disney? Probably.

So does it benifit Disney if the rides tend to be more colorful attractive and younger age orientated but bearable enough for parents to ride? Of course it does

Now the question is really is Disney purposely making rides that way? I wouldn't know I am not in the know

 

[soniam]

Well, in total, New Fantasyland is better than Diagon Alley (and I'm a Potter fan). NFL has more of everything, and it's all better. The shops & theming are well done at DA, the restaurant is *meh* and Gringotts falls flat. The train ride to IoA is EXCELLENT...but it's a TOTAL money grab, as you have to buy the hopper. If Disney pulled a stunt like that we'd all be crucifying them. And that's all there is. NFL has three new attractions in 7DMT, Belle & Little Mermaid, two rethemed or expanded in the Barnstormer & Dumbo, and an excellent restaurant in Be Our Guest. Of course, the theming is excellent, as usual. IMHO, the best thing at NFL is Belle. I've seen some amazing things in there in the interaction with the kids. It's just a great, and very different attraction. The Mine Train is great for what it is. Yes, it's short, but they were out of room - and I'm sure that the kids it's aimed at think it's plenty long. I love what they did with Dumbo. We're actually disappointed when we don't have long to play under the Big Top.

Just my opinion, but a two hour wait is for suckers. I've not waited for more than 45 minutes for any of the rides you list above. It's no different than the Jungle Cruise in 1978: do a little planning and you don't have to wait that long.

Soaring is STILL AWESOME, and Midway Mania is the most fun attraction at WDW. Of course it has a wait in the heart of the day.

Agree that a thriving park has something for everyone. ...and I hope that Disney wants to raise the bar with Star Wars. IF they are only answering Diagon Alley, then we will all be disappointed.

See, I disagree about NFL. I am just not that big a fan. In full disclosure, we have not spent that much time in the Storybook Circus area but will rectify that in March. We have eaten at BOG twice and ridden 7DMT twice. I think a lot of it has to do with me and my family's likes. We are not really princessy/fantasy people, so Belle and Anna/Elsa are meh. DS is 9, so many of the NFL rides are babyish for him. I think they did a good job, and the theming is excellent, but I really prefer DA over NFL. Except for Pooh and the tea cups, I love making people sick on those We also really like the snacks in DA (haven't eaten at Leaky Cauldron yet just 3 Broomsticks), including the alcohol. The snacks in NFL are nothing that special, no Dole Whip and rice krispies and churros are all over the park. As for the rest of Uni, only Hogsmeade, Suess Land, and possibly Simpsons really hold a candle to anything at WDW.

 

[DDLand]

I very much like animal kingdom...I don't want that to be lost in my criticisms.

But it is a flawed and not well executed story from concept through its first 15 years.

And no...I'm not talking about the yeti (though that doesn't help)

The legend goes that Eisner pushed hard for the animal concept...and he wasn't in the majority. Many had apprehensions because of zoo stigmas (the ideas of zoos are always popular - but the reality is that they are
Not well
Patronized or attended...it takes a certain type)...but he railroaded it through. That was possibly fallout from the Virginia affair.

Now, the budget went way out of control - goofy Joe had a lot to do with that - and that didn't help. Later Eisner started slashing, pushed the opening up to compete with universal that was in NO position to compete at the time, and then tied the purse off.

The problems were there from the start...and they still haven't fixed that. The arrow has been pointed up recently though.

But...the standard red herring excuse is the "detail". It's very detailed...they blew the budget...but you have to be a Disney nut to use that as a defense of the park. It has always been the go to excuse.

In a way...it reminds me of star wars fans who defend the prequels. They just can't jump the mental hurdle to admit what is seen.

The previous poster is right...it still is a half Dayer for many non Disneyphiles...though hopefully that is changing.

Avatar and a night show isn't gonna get it there though...part way...but then also need to at least redo dinoland or fill out the gap in between asia and Dino.

And fix the yeti...really have to if you have "Disney" above the gate.

I agree. This is pretty much all right. We need to recall that DAK's original lineup was pathetic at best. Attempts to cover for the weak lineup in typical Eisner style brought us Kali River, Camp Minnie Mickey, and Dino-Roma. Arguably there were other misfires too. It's like one bite of a really great soup, but that's all you get. Even big DAK fans have to admit that the park suffered from messaging and concept problems from the beginning. Natazu was an embarrassment because instead of an add explaining that it wasn't a zoo, an incredible lineup of nonexistent attractions should've been doing that job. Fail.

The hard reality is DAK wasn't the best Zoo on the planet. It also wasn't the best (or among the best) theme parks on the planet. It was a hybrid that took some of the good from both, but not enough.

Theming is great. It's also not enough to make a theme park accessible to the masses. Solid attractions need to back it up. Tokyo Disney Sea proves the power of the two put together. DAK is getting closer to a full complement of attractions, but will need more even after Avatar. I think animals can play into that too.

It's flawed, but still one of the best theme parks by theming globally.

Edit: I also 100% agree it took far too long to fix then it should've. I see why writing off Epcot is alright, but DAK is a concept with so much potential. Also many of the fixes created new problems too. Just a total failure for nearly two decades.

 

[Josh Hendy]

If you think that AK needs "at least 3 more high quality rides (on top of Avatar Land)" before you can take it seriously as a complete park, then what do you take EP at in its current state? What about DHS? So MK is the only complete park?

I think that MK, USF, IOA, and BGT are complete parks. Epcot was a complete park but has been backsliding somewhat. Seaworld was a complete park because of the great animal shows but has a bit of a hole in it with the alterations/cuts to the Orca show (which I am completely ok with) and seems to be moving to fill the gap with more rides. I don't think I have to say anything about DHS in it's current state.

If you look at the number and quality of rides and shows at MK, and the rate at which they are fixed, renovated, replaced, etc. and compare them to Epcot, AK and DHS then it's clear that MK is the only complete park in WDW.

It's not me who created the yardstick by which the quality of parks is measured. It's Disney.

 

[j2thomason]

News Round Up.....or Discussion Round up, I'm confused

 

[rteetz]

I'm going to throw this out there. It's been brought up by some individuals on wdwmagic that Jim Hill has a criminal past.

Nearly 20 years ago Jim Hill committed multiple crimes of fraud and theft and some of it within the Walt Disney company which led to his known theme park bans. This info can be found in Orange County criminal records.

Many of the individuals are questioning why the Walt Disney company would associate themselves with a person that they themselves prosecuted for crimes.

 

[Josh Hendy]

I'm going to throw this out there. It's been brought up by some individuals on wdwmagic that **** has a criminal past.

Nearly 20 years ago **** committed multiple crimes of fraud and theft and some of it within the Walt Disney company which led to his known theme park bans. This info can be found in Orange County criminal records.

OK here's a link, for what it's worth.

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/a-spirited-perfect-ten.894588/page-1470#post-7008563

Something about fraud involving shoplifting and/or making fraudulent claims for refunds.

The questions that people raised are things such as, should he brought into D23, should they use his endorsements on DVD blurbs, etc.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

News Round Up.....or Discussion Round up, I'm confused

The only day to day "news" are the park hours and what rides are broken.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I'm going to throw this out there. It's been brought up by some individuals on wdwmagic that Jim Hill has a criminal past.

Nearly 20 years ago Jim Hill committed multiple crimes of fraud and theft and some of it within the Walt Disney company which led to his known theme park bans. This info can be found in Orange County criminal records.

Many of the individuals are questioning why the Walt Disney company would associate themselves with a person that they themselves prosecuted for crimes.

Very interesting...

I wonder if they would be "ok" with him if he didn't do what he always does - which is propogate a fantasy world where Disney is always looking to build/add?

No such things as "bad PR" when you're being given credit for everything you don't do.