Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

[rastuso]

I'm an Ohio girl and therefore have no need to go to Orlando for my thrills. I just go to Cedar Point. Which if we are discussing pushing the thrill envelope, Universal is simply no match for Cedar Point. You can't compare any roller coasters in Universal or Disney World to Top Thrill Dragster and Millennium Force.

I go to Orlando for a totally immersive vacation experience. Disney knows that. They have chosen a niche and instead of trying to compete with Top Thrill Dragster and failing, they go after their niche: Kids, parents, and grandparents from all over the world playing and laughing TOGETHER. It's always been their business plan and it will remain so. Universal has tried to merge two separate plans. They merged that gap. And done a good job at it.

But I prefer to be immersed in pixie dust and princesses and international lands than the Simpsons, Harry Potter, and super heros. And I get my thrill rides elsewhere.

I'm totally cool that other people prefer Harry Potter to Tinkerbell. And I very much understand all of the reasons to prefer Harry Potter and Spiderman. But I choose differently.

And my dad doesn't ride any thrill rides. And doesn't like Spiderman, Simpsons, or Harry Potter. But he thoroughly enjoyed meeting Chip and Dale and eating dinner with Mickey Mouse.

I think you are wrong that people will start switching. People who love a niche, continue to love that niche.

Just look at Dr. Who. Or Downton Abbey. Telling Dr. Who fans why Downton Abbey is superior will not convince them. They are two very different groups of people with a few people who love both. That doesn't make either show stupid or not trying hard enough. It makes them different. And different is good.

What makes me scratch my head is all the reasons people say they prefer Disney over Uni usually includes lots of things that ANYONE can do, and you don't have to pay $150 a night for a Motel 6 with a big football in front of it to enjoy. I can stay anywhere, and go meet Chip and Dale and have breakfast with Mickey without paying to go into Disney parks. I'm amazed at how many people seem to pay huge admission fees to essentially eat, meet characters, and not much else. Honesty, I can respect that for a day or two, but not for a 9 day stay in an overpriced hotel, paying for admission to the parks every day.

And I think it does a massive disservice for someone looking for WDW info to be told WDW is really all you need to see, just wait until you meet Chip and Dale for a few seconds. It will simply amaze you! And the lobby for the Art of Animation resort... OMG!!!! But, nah, I've heard that Forbidden Journey and Spider-man are just above Six Flags quality.

Jason

 

[rastuso]

I just don't get how Disney can copy Disney? Disney designed Dinosaur after Indiana Jones, another Disney ride. Disney took their own idea and added a different them to it! That isn't copying.

And most of this thread has been about how Disney does not have as good of rides anymore as other parks, but the second I say that it is absurd? Really? Thought I was just stating what others have.

You said people don't go to Disney for amazing rides. THAT is absurd. Walt Disney wrote the book on amazing rides. Sadly, they turned that book into pulp, and made a new book on how to build hotels, and "refresh" rides on a budget.

Luckily, someone copied the book before it was destroyed, and went to work for Universal.

The point is Disney copied the most amazing ride on the planet at the time, and somehow made the boring black box that is Dinosaur.

Jason

 

[BrianL]

I thought rastuso was referring to Indiana Jones at DLR and then Disney Sea. And I have to agree that Dinosaur is a very sad ride after you've done Indie.

Then I missed his point, because I thought he was trying to say that Disney was unable to compete with the more spectacular rides, but they created that type of ride. I did not realize there were two Indy rides (I don't get to Tokyo much) and Spider-Man and TF are quite similar to it.

Sorry for the mistake. I think this thread is starting to seem like too much Dis vs. Uni!

 

[BrianL]

Disney used to ABSOLUTELY build the greatest rides in the world. The only exception is in the tallest/fastest/loopiest roller coasters. And even in Walt's day the Matterhorn was an absolute marvel of a roller coaster. How can you even make a statement like that?
Jason

You may have a point that Uni is building better rides than Disney NOW, but as I see it, nothing they have built to date is better than the stuff Disney already built decades prior. I'll take HM or POTC over any theme park attraction anywhere! Then again, Cars Land is pretty impressive...maybe the problem is localized to Florida?

 

[Jennasis]

Universal has 3, soon to be 4, on-site hotels. WDW has over 30...I don't think the size is comparable.

The resorts are beautifully themed, have wonderful dining and entertainment offerings, boat transportation to the theme parks, or are within walking distance of the parks and each other.

If I'm staying at a Disney resort, which we always do, the knowledge that there are 29 other resorts I'm NOT staying at or using the amenities of doesn't change the awesomeness of the one I'm enjoying.

Your argument is arguing for the sake of arguing. I should know, since it was the argument I always made as it's also how I USED to feel about Universal...until I visited...and with Disney making changes I'm not thrilled about, it's looking more enticing.

 

[mom2rtk]

The resorts are beautifully themed, have wonderful dining and entertainment offerings, boat transportation to the theme parks, or are within walking distance of the parks and each other.

If I'm staying at a Disney resort, which we always do, the knowledge that there are 29 other resorts I'm NOT staying at or using the amenities of doesn't change the awesomeness of the one I'm enjoying.

Your argument is arguing for the sake of arguing. I should know, since it was the argument I always made as it's also how I USED to feel about Universal...until I visited...and with Disney making changes I'm not thrilled about, it's looking more enticing.

Welcome to the dark side.

I hear they have cookies.

 

[aprincessatlast]

Dude, your posts are awesome!!

It is amazing that someone would be so absolutely against going anywhere besides Disney, even if they admit they like the major IP being used at another park just a few miles away for absolutely state of the art rides.

Jason

No not Disney, just Disney world DL is out for her/him.

To be honest I know quite a few people like disneylovin24. They say it is a different vacation each time. Usually they go every year sometimes multiple times a year. I have never understood that statement. It is the same vacation. Maybe a different hotel a few different restaurants but in essence the same vacation. Now do not get me wrong there is nothing wrong with that. Same as people who go to the same beach every year. Just never understood the need to banter so much about it. The people i mentioned previously usually argue about why Disney is so great and how it is a different vacations blah blah...

Hey I like Disney too but the narrow minded people tend to bring out the nails on the chalk board feeling! Yes DW has a lot to offer but that is getting less and less every year. People clapping at the end of ride does not mean much, they do that at my local amusement park.

I for one am super mad that the train ride is not done. All the "its disney and they take time to build the magic" is full of crap! That is just my feeling on the subject.

 

[disneylovin24]

No not Disney, just Disney world DL is out for her/him.

To be honest I know quite a few people like disneylovin24. They say it is a different vacation each time. Usually they go every year sometimes multiple times a year. I have never understood that statement. It is the same vacation. Maybe a different hotel a few different restaurants but in essence the same vacation. Now do not get me wrong there is nothing wrong with that. Same as people who go to the same beach every year. Just never understood the need to banter so much about it. The people i mentioned previously usually argue about why Disney is so great and how it is a different vacations blah blah...

Hey I like Disney too but the narrow minded people tend to bring out the nails on the chalk board feeling! Yes DW has a lot to offer but that is getting less and less every year. People clapping at the end of ride does not mean much, they do that at my local amusement park.

I for one am super mad that the train ride is not done. All the "its disney and they take time to build the magic" is full of crap! That is just my feeling on the subject.

I do believe I get a different vacation every time I go to WDW and I am entitled to believe that/do what it takes to ensure that without people going blah blah blah to me. I enjoy WDW every year and so I don't look to change it and I think that is ok! Why does it matter so much to other people? Everybody has their opinions. Once again, I just came here to state mine and throw another opinion in to the mix which I guess is frowned upon

The resorts are beautifully themed, have wonderful dining and entertainment offerings, boat transportation to the theme parks, or are within walking distance of the parks and each other.

If I'm staying at a Disney resort, which we always do, the knowledge that there are 29 other resorts I'm NOT staying at or using the amenities of doesn't change the awesomeness of the one I'm enjoying.

Your argument is arguing for the sake of arguing. I should know, since it was the argument I always made as it's also how I USED to feel about Universal...until I visited...and with Disney making changes I'm not thrilled about, it's looking more enticing.

As I said before, I do enjoy visiting the other resorts and dining at the other resorts. A trip to WDW is not complete for me until I visit the GF, Poly, Contemporary, FW and others. I also visited the Art of Animation this past trip and really enjoyed my time spent there. That is just me though, if that doesn't float other people's boat, fine! But understand that to some the resorts matter.

I think my other point was the size of WDW compared to Universal as a whole. WDW is HUGE and I think that adds to the escape from reality aspect of it.

You said people don't go to Disney for amazing rides. THAT is absurd. Walt Disney wrote the book on amazing rides. Sadly, they turned that book into pulp, and made a new book on how to build hotels, and "refresh" rides on a budget.

Luckily, someone copied the book before it was destroyed, and went to work for Universal.

The point is Disney copied the most amazing ride on the planet at the time, and somehow made the boring black box that is Dinosaur.

Jason

You have spent a lot of time going on about how WDW does not have great rides, yet when I say people don't go to WDW for great ride you blast me. Really, I don't get the point you are trying to make then

What makes me scratch my head is all the reasons people say they prefer Disney over Uni usually includes lots of things that ANYONE can do, and you don't have to pay $150 a night for a Motel 6 with a big football in front of it to enjoy. I can stay anywhere, and go meet Chip and Dale and have breakfast with Mickey without paying to go into Disney parks. I'm amazed at how many people seem to pay huge admission fees to essentially eat, meet characters, and not much else. Honesty, I can respect that for a day or two, but not for a 9 day stay in an overpriced hotel, paying for admission to the parks every day.

And I think it does a massive disservice for someone looking for WDW info to be told WDW is really all you need to see, just wait until you meet Chip and Dale for a few seconds. It will simply amaze you! And the lobby for the Art of Animation resort... OMG!!!! But, nah, I've heard that Forbidden Journey and Spider-man are just above Six Flags quality.

Jason

I still believe the experience I get at WDW is one of a kind because of the quality. In my experiences at WDW, I get a very clean atmosphere and quality in a variety of other areas. In my experiences, other parks do not give that. I have been to a few different Six Flags on day trips and none of them have the same quality as WDW.

Why does it bother you SO much that I only like WDW and enjoy visiting the different resorts and do a variety of things? If you don't want to spend your money doing so, don't, but why care if I want to? I can vacation however I want.

 

[mom2rtk]

It's like a bunch of 3rd graders at recess.

But I thought we all liked Disney because it allowed us to embrace our inner child.

 

[agavegirl1]

Isn't this thread about the Mine Train?

 

[dayvewc]

But I thought we all liked Disney because it allowed us to embrace our inner child.

Ahhh, but people are confusing "child-like" with "childish".

Disney promotes that rediscovery of child-like wonder and amazement. Too many people are just being childish in insisting that only "their" ______________ (insert option) is the correct one.

 

[surferdave]

Isn't this thread about the Mine Train?

It's about waiting for the Mine Train.

 

[morethananyonex]

Disneylovin24, I think the issue people are taking with what you're saying is not that you enjoy non park things at Disney, but that you extrapolate your experiences to everyone else who visits WDW as proof that they don't go there for rides, 3 FP are plenty, etc.

I agree with what your saying to some extent on a personal level. The resorts are a huge part of WDW for us too, and our stay would not be complete without visits them. The thing is though, we are not anywhere near the majority. Most people would look at you like you're crazy if you told them you went to WDW to visit the other resorts. The rides and the parks are what attracts the majority of the guests to Disney.

 

[PlayaMan]

Everybody has to vacation just like I do! If people don't give Universal a chance they are close minded, drinking Kool-Aid and doing vacation wrong!

I joke, but I honestly can't figure it out

You forgot narrow minded as well as it was also brought up as a descriptor

 

[disneylovin24]

Disneylovin24, I think the issue people are taking with what you're saying is not that you enjoy non park things at Disney, but that you extrapolate your experiences to everyone else who visits WDW as proof that they don't go there for rides, 3 FP are plenty, etc.

I said something about that on another thread and never brought it up here, nothing to do with the point I was trying to make here. It seemed to me that people were predicting a downfall of WDW because they aren't adding new rides. I came in to insert my opinion that people will keep going to WDW for more than the rides, yes the rides and parks are there too but that is not everything during a WDW trip.

But also on the FP, I honestly could not understand people using 12 a day like a few people told me they did. I see now people do and I get why they are upset about FP+, even though that still does not both me. Everybody does their vacation different.

I agree with what your saying to some extent on a personal level. The resorts are a huge part of WDW for us too, and our stay would not be complete without visits them. The thing is though, we are not anywhere near the majority. Most people would look at you like you're crazy if you told them you went to WDW to visit the other resorts. The rides and the parks are what attracts the majority of the guests to Disney.

Like I said before, I don't think anyone really knows what the majority wants. It could be just rides or they could be going to WDW for rides and more. Nobody knows unless someone wants to poll every person that enters WDW this year.

The majority doesn't matter though, we all get to vacation how we want and for reasons we want! That's the fun of a vacation!

 

[rteetz]

What makes me scratch my head is all the reasons people say they prefer Disney over Uni usually includes lots of things that ANYONE can do, and you don't have to pay $150 a night for a Motel 6 with a big football in front of it to enjoy. I can stay anywhere, and go meet Chip and Dale and have breakfast with Mickey without paying to go into Disney parks. I'm amazed at how many people seem to pay huge admission fees to essentially eat, meet characters, and not much else. Honesty, I can respect that for a day or two, but not for a 9 day stay in an overpriced hotel, paying for admission to the parks every day. And I think it does a massive disservice for someone looking for WDW info to be told WDW is really all you need to see, just wait until you meet Chip and Dale for a few seconds. It will simply amaze you! And the lobby for the Art of Animation resort... OMG!!!! But, nah, I've heard that Forbidden Journey and Spider-man are just above Six Flags quality. Jason

While an all star room itself may be the quality of a motel 6 the over all resort it self is much better than motel 6. I personally love the value resorts all of them. I also love to meet the characters but just meeting characters doesn't make me go to Disney for a week it's the rides, characters, restaurants, shopping, and feel of the property. I don't get that same feel in universal in my opinion. Many others do and that's great just for me universal just doesn't do it for maybe someday they will but it's not that day yet. Six flags is a concrete pad with a bunch of roller coasters in it that you spend a day at and no more. Universal and WDW are multi day places. And yes the prices at Disney are higher but that doesn't stop me because universal doesn't appeal to me.

 

[damo]

Everybody has to vacation just like I do! If people don't give Universal a chance they are close minded, drinking Kool-Aid and doing vacation wrong!

I joke, but I honestly can't figure it out

It's not so tough to figure out. You came in and made blanket statements about Universal without ever having been there. If you had been there and didn't like it, nobody would have had any issue.

It's like a parent trying to convince a kid to go on a ride that the kid doesn't think they'll like. The kid doesn't want to go because they think it is too scary, etc. etc. The parent just wants the kid to try it because they may really be missing something that they enjoy. The kid may be perfectly happy just riding their comfort rides but might be even happier if they branched out to something new.

I'm sure you've got friends that have never been to WDW and you have tried to tell them how much they'd enjoy it but they just think it is for little kids. Well, that's the same situation or at least that's how I see it.

 

[Love Tink]

Like I said before, I don't think anyone really knows what the majority wants. It could be just rides or they could be going to WDW for rides and more. Nobody knows unless someone wants to poll every person that enters WDW this year.

This is where you lose me. I think you are right that most people don't go to WDW just for the rides. People think about the atmosphere (characters, music, shows, restaurants) for sure. But there is a lot of room between atmosphere and saying your vacation isn't complete unless you go to a long list of hotels to look at their lobbies and landscaping. But you don't seem to see the difference between the two. I don't have to poll everyone at WDW this year to know that very few consider resort touring a major reason for their visit.

You're very, very defensive about your right to vacation how you like (you've said it probably a dozen times on this thread). But I don't think anyone here has questioned your right to choose your vacation. What they have questioned - or, more specifically, tried to convince you of - is that you're an outlier. Your vacation priorities are rare and therefore it isn't really fair of you to suggest that just because these changes don't really bother you, they shouldn't really bother anyone.

 

[rastuso]

But I thought we all liked Disney because it allowed us to embrace our inner child.

Fabulous post!

 

[rastuso]

Ahhh, but people are confusing "child-like" with "childish".

Disney promotes that rediscovery of child-like wonder and amazement. Too many people are just being childish in insisting that only "their" ______________ (insert option) is the correct one.

But let's be honest here. If you truly are wanting to rediscover your childhood I would say most anyone in their 30s and 40s were MUCH more likely to have had Spider-man and Dr. Seuss in their childhoods than Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh.

Jason