Opinions on the "new" WDW castle hub?

[davandflav]

OK... I've read many debates on these boards about the wand on Spaceship Earth, the cake castle, the hat in MGM, etc. but I have yet to see anyone's opinions on how the hub looks without the circular concrete benches, trees, and smaller statues around the Partners statue. I just got back on 3/16, and I really missed the more "lush" previous look. To me, it now kinda looks barren and cold. I know more people will be able to see the forecourt shows and the parades, but what do you all think? I'm very curious to see if I'm the only one who doesn't really like it...

Chrissy

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

When my wife and I were there a couple trips ago, I guess 1 1/2 years ago, a little boy was pushing his very elderly grandfather in his wheel chair and the little boy got too close to the curb and accidentaly allowed the wheel to slip off, sending the grandfather over the side, falling onto the little boy with the whellchair on top of both. They were OK, albeit a little shaken up, and we helped them back to the rest of their family, but we were both amazed that WDW would keep such a dangerous curb in the middle of everything. Too many people trip on it and fall in the dark as well. Good riddance!

 

[MsSpinShady]

(from another thread...Safetymom posted some great pictures yesterday of the new Hub and Cinderellabration, and this is what I posted there...)

Up until now, we've only been able to see parts of the Hub rehab and not the whole thing, so I was reserving judgment, but I have to say after seeing those pics, I'm disappointed as well. I always liked that area exactly because it was park-like, and since it blocked your views from whichever side you were standing on, it lent an air of mystery as to what was on the other side. It made everything around it seem nestled into their own places, as opposed to looking like a big concrete amusement park like I think it does now.
Hopefully, the vegetation will grow in and it will regain some of its park-like atmosphere.

Laugh O. Grams - I agree with you about the curb, I do think it was a good idea to remove that. It was a problem for wheelchairs, ecv's and strollers.

MsSpinShady

 

[LSUDis]

I liked the trees that were in the middle of the hub in front of the castle in 2003. When we went in 2004, they were gone and it was opened up more, but it did look barren. I know that people could see the fireworks better, but it did not help the appearance of that area at all. It just looks hot in the summer. Before, it was like a little forest in front of the castle with nice shady places to stand or sit.

 

[safetymom]

I like the more open look but it would be nice to have some benches there. I think it would add to the atmosphere. They sure can fit in a lot more people for the show though and I don't miss worrying about stepping off the curb in the dark.

 

[davandflav]

BUMP! Anyone else have an opinion to share?

 

[karebear1]

I saw Safteymom's photo's too. I like it the old way. From what I can tell in the pics, it looks too cold and city like, rather then a castle in the woods. I hope this change is only temporary and they replace the little park when they're done using Cinderellabration as the show there.

 

[safetymom]

I never thought of it as a Castle in the woods so I guess that is why I like the new hub. I really think you have to see it in person.

 

[twojo21]

i have yet to see the new hub but i am really disappointed with the castle redecoration for the happiest celebration on earth. we are getting married at wdw next year & the castle will still be decorated with that plaque, we wanted to have some wedding pictures done there with our ftw package at the traditional cinderella castle but have now decided againest this once in a lifetime photo opportunity because of the redecoration.