Seven Dwarves So Close...

[Damien2213]

It wouldn't shock me to see a soft open during Easter Week. I guarantee they have long since started working on the inside themeing. We well see soon enough.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

IOAs attendance is up 63.2% overall since 2009, when the Wizard came to town.

Hopefully this along with the huge impact Carsland had on California Adventure are huge motivators for Disney to add major projects in AK (Pandora), HS (Star Wars), and Epcot (anything new would be nice). The problem is for all the complaining about lack of attractions and investment WDW keeps pulling in millions of people every year.

WDW's success actually hurts it.

I think USO also has a huge advantage that they are one of 2 parks, Universal Studios is focused on growing their theme park business and USO is getting 90% of the attention. Disney's main focus for the last several years seems to have been on growing/fixing DCA and my guess is their focus for the next several years is going to be building Disney Shanghai with growing/fixing AK being a secondary focus.

I'm with you that Universals success is a good thing because it will push Disney to get out of the comfort zone.

 

[mom2rtk]

Hopefully this along with the huge impact Carsland had on California Adventure are huge motivators for Disney to add major projects in AK (Pandora), HS (Star Wars), and Epcot (anything new would be nice). The problem is for all the complaining about lack of attractions and investment WDW keeps pulling in millions of people every year.

WDW's success actually hurts it.

I think USO also has a huge advantage that they are one of 2 parks, Universal Studios is focused on growing their theme park business and USO is getting 90% of the attention. Disney's main focus for the last several years seems to have been on growing/fixing DCA and my guess is their focus for the next several years is going to be building Disney Shanghai with growing/fixing AK being a secondary focus.

I'm with you that Universals success is a good thing because it will push Disney to get out of the comfort zone.

Wasn't it the success of WWoHP that led Disney to make a statement that they weren't interested in participating in an arms race of attractions? I think that is why they went with a huge investment in MM+ instead of any big expansion at WDW.

 

[rastuso]

Wasn't it the success of WWoHP that led Disney to make a statement that they weren't interested in participating in an arms race of attractions? I think that is why they went with a huge investment in MM+ instead of any big expansion at WDW.

Yea, looks like that is turning out to be a great idea. Line socialism, and the most overhyped kiddie coaster ever. What's not to love?!

Jason

 

[Magicalcarpetride]

Yea, looks like that is turning out to be a great idea. Line socialism, and the most overhyped kiddie coaster ever. What's not to love?!

Jason

Well said.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Actually, strategically speaking, Disney wants to do the opposite. They know that DA is going to be a huge hit and they can't top that at the moment, so they want to have their new coaster open well before DA in order for them to not be overshadowed by the young wizard boy.This is why Disney is planning to combine the new MK parade and opening of the 7DMT together for a marketing campaign in spring. I've heard rumblings of soft openings between late Jan. and early Feb. with an official opening sometime in March, but this seems to be changing everyday now. The fact of the matter is not even the VP of MK entirely knows when they'll have this coaster up and running because it's been such a bumpy construction period.

And the funniest part about all of this is that all of this hype is basically about a glorified kiddie coaster. I feel bad for the soul who gets on line for that ride and expects anything other than a longer Barnstormer just indoors. While it will certainly be neat to see, it seems some have the wrong idea about it.

~I hope so because June would be a mistake! It's just too long. It's obvious the mine train can't overshadow Diagon Alley, right?? So, the only other thing I could think of is that Disney wants some of the spill over from the mass crowds expected for the debut of Diagon Alley at Universal. Seriously, you could cut this line in half and it would bring MK to a phase four closure!

~I don't care if 7DMT is a "glorified" kiddie coaster, I am very excited about it! It's a must see for me! You guys are acting like it's going to be like the Winnie The Pooh ride.

~And, let's be honest, aren't all the rides at Disney "glorified?" Every. Single. One. This very recent so called argument about "more rides" at Disney just baffles me ,lol -- especially in regards to coasters. I was just reading an article that outlined the worlds best coasters and the US best coasters. And, they put a special notation at end of the list explaining why none of Disney's coasters made the list, and why Disney will never make any legitimate best coaster list. Simply put, Disney doesn't build the best coasters. There are other theme parks that have always done it better. But, I still love Disney's coasters for the themes!

The film being pushed back to 2015 would also coincide with the rumored Jurassic Park expansion in IOA that is scheduled to be completed about the same time. It would breathe new life into that area and the new film would renew interest in the IP. Actually delaying the film could be brilliant on Universal's part.

But yeah, I can't believe that Disney would want to time this with Diagon's opening. That would be suicide. They have been working on this coaster for over 2 years now. Check out the link below and you can see how far they've come since December of 2011.

http://pix.aerog.com/Images/Disney/Disney-world-aerials/i-3dzQ4gj/A

~I totally agree with you. It's brilliant for Universal to push back Jurassic Park. They've already got Transformers, Simpsons and now Hogwarts Express & Diagon Alley to wow everyone. This is more than enough for now and a serious game changer for Universal.

~Thanks so much for the link. I have yet to hear a legitimate excuse for why this coaster is taking so long.

Hopefully this along with the huge impact Carsland had on California Adventure are huge motivators for Disney to add major projects in AK (Pandora), HS (Star Wars), and Epcot (anything new would be nice). The problem is for all the complaining about lack of attractions and investment WDW keeps pulling in millions of people every year.

WDW's success actually hurts it.

I think USO also has a huge advantage that they are one of 2 parks, Universal Studios is focused on growing their theme park business and USO is getting 90% of the attention. Disney's main focus for the last several years seems to have been on growing/fixing DCA and my guess is their focus for the next several years is going to be building Disney Shanghai with growing/fixing AK being a secondary focus.

I'm with you that Universals success is a good thing because it will push Disney to get out of the comfort zone.

~Universal did push Disney out of their comfort zone -- actions speak louder than words and so far Disney only answers back. The original plans for Fantasyland was a Pixie Hollow meet and greet. After the success of Harry Potter, Disney quickly changed course to the tune of 1/2 billon dollars to expand The New Fantasyland! Disney did not want to do this, but they have been "answering" back -- all the way down to the drinks!

~Universal's Butterbeer~ Yum.

~Disney's Le Fou's Brew.~ Eww.


~The second knee jerk reaction to Harry Potter is Avatarland. This will be another $500,000,000 "plus" (this is James Cameron coupled with Joe Rohdes) that Disney doesn't want to invest. It's a reaction to Harry Potter.

~The parks were overlooked and neglected for a very long time. I have always voiced concern regarding the declining the state of the parks and resorts. But, thanks to Universal, Disney has gotten the message -- sort of. Of course Disney can do much better but they refuse. So, we'll see.

 

[Mad Hattered]

~I hope so because June would be a mistake! It's just too long. It's obvious the mine train can't overshadow Diagon Alley, right?? So, the only other thing I could think of is that Disney wants some of the spill over from the mass crowds expected for the debut of Diagon Alley at Universal. Seriously, you could cut this line in half and it would bring MK to a phase four closure!

~I don't care if 7DMT is a "glorified" kiddie coaster, I am very excited about it! It's a must see for me! You guys are acting like it's going to be like the Winnie The Pooh ride.

~And, let's be honest, aren't all the rides at Disney "glorified?" Every. Single. One. This very recent so called argument about "more rides" at Disney just baffles me ,lol -- especially in regards to coasters. I was just reading an article that outlined the worlds best coasters and the US best coasters. And, they put a special notation at end of the list explaining why none of Disney's coasters made the list, and why Disney will never make any legitimate best coaster list. Simply put, Disney doesn't build the best coasters. There are other theme parks that have always done it better. But, I still love Disney's coasters for the themes!

~I totally agree with you. It's brilliant for Universal to push back Jurassic Park. They've already got Transformers, Simpsons and now Hogwarts Express & Diagon Alley to wow everyone. This is more than enough for now and a serious game changer for Universal.

~Thanks so much for the link. I have yet to hear a legitimate excuse for why this coaster is taking so long.

~Universal did push Disney out of their comfort zone -- actions speak louder than words and so far Disney only answers back. The original plans for Fantasyland was a Pixie Hollow meet and greet. After the success of Harry Potter, Disney quickly changed course to the tune of 1/2 billon dollars to expand The New Fantasyland! Disney did not want to do this, but they have been "answering" back -- all the way down to the drinks!

~Universal's Butterbeer~ Yum.

~Disney's Le Fou's Brew.~ Eww.


~The second knee jerk reaction to Harry Potter is Avatarland. This will be another $500,000,000 "plus" (this is James Cameron coupled with Joe Rohdes) that Disney doesn't want to invest. It's a reaction to Harry Potter.

~The parks were overlooked and neglected for a very long time. I have always voiced concern regarding the declining the state of the parks and resorts. But, thanks to Universal, Disney has gotten the message -- sort of. Of course Disney can do much better but they refuse. So, we'll see.

I think we actually agree this time.

I remember seeing that pic of the line and thinking....oh, hell no! I am curious as to what it will look like this time. I seriously doubt that it will reach that status (I really don't know) but this time it will be divided between the two parks. I would think at least a percentage of the people would want to ride Hogwarts Express into London so that "might" help.

I know we are holding out until October in the hopes that it dies down somewhat.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

I think we actually agree this time.

I remember seeing that pic of the line and thinking....oh, hell no! I am curious as to what it will look like this time. I seriously doubt that it will reach that status (I really don't know) but this time it will be divided between the two parks. I would think at least a percentage of the people would want to ride Hogwarts Express into London so that "might" help.

I know we are holding out until October in the hopes that it dies down somewhat.

~"Wow! We actually agree "this time?" Awww, that's too bad because I agree with you 99% of the time! And, your post above is very insightful! I totally agree with it, too! See!

 

[xipetotec]

now they are trying to KILL me.

We are going March 2-11... I *know* it's not officially opening then. I *don't* have my hopes up ( too high ) that it will even soft open then.

But they take down the Construction walls?!?!?! So we can get a good long look at what we CAN'T ride and will likely open right after we leave!?!?

*sigh* ...

 

[wisblue]

Hoping he means early June vs actual summer.

In Wisconsin, early summer is before noon on August 15. The afternoon of August 15 is late summer.

 

[MrInfinity]

I hope all of this happens. I like Disney, but the rides to me lack excitement. I go there, because I remember the fun I had with my grandmother. I also have a DD that just turned 4 and is 43" tall. I am a thrill seeker, and I love coasters. I also do love good theming and art. It seems lately the newer stuff at Disney just isn't as good as it use to be. Plus they are lacking a decent coaster. Once DD is old enough to ride most of the rides at IOA I doubt we will even go to Disney. We live near Busch Gardens in VA, so we utilize our platinum passes at the Busch parks, and then add Disney. Our vacation last year we just used our Busch passes, and added some Universal days. Skipped Disney altogether. I hope with the rumors of the new additions at Disney maybe they will have some exciting rides

This is saying why doesn't mcdonalds serve filet mignon. It's just not their thing! If you want ambiance and a quality steak go to a steak house. If you want a big roller coaster go to your local six flags or universal. Disney is a family resort destination -- it is not at all about attracting you with Six-Flags type coasters. So no, they're probly not "going to have some exciting rides" by your standards -- ever. It's just not their thing.

Besides those are already done everywhere else. It is silly to think about paying $500/day to ride roller coasters when you can do that for $50 a day in your home town. Disney offers a different product -- something special -- something that makes families willing to spend $500-$1000/day to vacation there. Family time, beloved characters and attractions that are so much more creative than the handful of repetitive big coasters at a six flags.

I don't see why ppl are holding their breath for Disney World to become a thrill park. It's not.

 

[ethanwa]

Just got my Passholder email and it says:

"Opening later this spring: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland™ at Magic Kingdom Park"

Very close now!

 

[MrInfinity]

Oh... and if you love thrill rides so much... why aren't you on a discussion board for your local Six Flags or Busch Gardens?

Simple. Because you LOVE Disney. All the others are just "parks you go to for the roller coasters". The love, the connection, the characters, the experiences, the life-long memories are not found anywhere else!

I have been to SF (among others) probly 30 times in my life... yet my fondest memories* of theme parks -- as a kid, as a teen, and now as an adult -- are across the board from Disney World, not SF.

And this coming from a roller coaster guru.

*It was pretty cool getting stuck at the top of Goliath at Magic Mountain. But that's another story.

 

[MrInfinity]

Second that! I just don't get Dinoland. Theming is stupid, looks out of place, and the rides are only a step up from what you'd ride at the county fair. I haven't been to the new Fantasyland or Storybook Circus yet (15 more days!!!) but I'm hoping it's much better than Dinoland....!

BrandyShoe I'd say you're probly in for a letdown regarding Storybook Circus. Been there, it's... average. Hot, tree-less. If the Dumbo ride is your thing, that's cool that they doubled the capacity. But it's not really my ride. Barnstormer too is okay... but I put that somewhere between "too quick and jolty for a toddler" and "not all that exciting for a tween". Thus I don't see the precise best age for it. 7-9 maybe? I'm looking forward to the Enchanted Forest moreso than going back to Storybook. Other than as a quick exit from the train from Frontierland to get over to Fantasyland w/o a long walk!

 

[MrInfinity]

Just got my Passholder email and it says:

"Opening later this spring: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland™ at Magic Kingdom Park"

Very close now!

 

[fairestoneofall]

Wasn't it the success of WWoHP that led Disney to make a statement that they weren't interested in participating in an arms race of attractions? I think that is why they went with a huge investment in MM+ instead of any big expansion at WDW.

how's that working for them?

 

[ucfknight]

If you are waiting for Disney to build a big Bolliger & Mabillard mega coaster to rival the kind you'll find at Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, Universal, Cedar Point, or your local Six Flags, you are going to be waiting a very long time.

Walt Disney World has never been about that, and never will.

Disney builds well themed (for the most part) family friendly coasters.
Disney builds coasters where you can keep your backpack or purse at your feet.
Disney builds coasters with maximum height requirements of 4 feet or lower.

I don't see that strategy changing.

 

[TooExcitedCantSleep]

If you are waiting for Disney to build a big Bolliger & Mabillard mega coaster to rival the kind you'll find at Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, Universal, Cedar Point, or your local Six Flags, you are going to be waiting a very long time.

Walt Disney World has never been about that, and never will.

Disney builds well themed (for the most part) family friendly coasters.
Disney builds coasters where you can keep your backpack or purse at your feet.
Disney builds coasters with maximum height requirements of 4 feet or lower.

I don't see that strategy changing.

Yup! When was the last time Disney built a rollercoaster???? It has to be about a decade or maybe longer. I'm with the OP......it's so close yet so far away....the last day of Spring is Friday June 20th.

 

[Brian Noble]

When was the last time Disney built a rollercoaster???? It has to be about a decade or maybe longer.

Everest was in '06. I thought DisneySea's Raging Spirits might have been after that, but it looks like that opened in '05. Studios in Paris opened Crush in '07 and RC Racers in '10. HKDL opened Grizzly Mountain in '12, but that's essentially BTMR.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

If you are waiting for Disney to build a big Bolliger & Mabillard mega coaster to rival the kind you'll find at Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, Universal, Cedar Point, or your local Six Flags, you are going to be waiting a very long time.

Walt Disney World has never been about that, and never will.

Disney builds well themed (for the most part) family friendly coasters.
Disney builds coasters where you can keep your backpack or purse at your feet.
Disney builds coasters with maximum height requirements of 4 feet or lower.

I don't see that strategy changing.

And I too am perfectly happy with this. I will get my coasters elsewhere, but Disney still fits my family best. My DH and DD are prone to motion sickness. My preteen DS is sensitive to motion and says he will ride Mine Train only if it is milder than BTMRR and has good "dark ride" scenes. I cheered when I read the height restriction would be 38 inches. But, if they are testing with CMs, could one please film the ride and post it on youtube because DS won't ride anything without seeing it there first.