Sounds Dangerous (with Drew Carey)

[blainekyle]

Last October, for the first time in a couple of years, I decided to take in the Sounds Dangerous attraction with my wife and mother-in-law. As I suspect is the case for many guests, this particular attraction, while charming, doesn't fall high in the priority list. But, I do like it, and we were a bit stuck as crowds were forming for the mid-day parade (my wife and I aren't parade people. No prejudice, though, as it draws people out of the queues to popular rides), so we decided to go on in.

Now, maybe I'm just spoiled to an unfairly high standard of service and presentation from Disney, but I was sorely disappointed. The girl who spoke over the loudspeaker might have been reciting quotes from Machiavelli's The Prince for all the excitement in her voice. But there were only maybe a dozen guests, in total, and that's not really a crucial part of the show, so that bit doesn't really bother me. She probably wished she could have been stationed somewhere more exciting, and I understand that.

My beef comes with what we actually experienced for the attraction. I should preface this by explaining that my wife and mother-in-law had never taken in Sounds Dangerous, so I had to sell them on it a little before going in. Having previously enjoyed it, I explained that it was a cute little show, where they illustrate how sound can tell a story. And that's exactly what it's supposed to be.

In my opinion, the thing that makes the attraction worth doing is the binaural audio. For those of you who don't know, that means that the audio was recorded using two microphones, arranged in the approximate location of the listener's ears, such that, when played back via stereo headphones, it emulates the variations perceived by each ear, so that the listener gets an immersive, 3D sound experience. If that sounds like jargon, just think about when the barber "clips" your hair, and you hear the clippers going around your head. I don't think I'm alone in my belief that this is what makes Sounds Dangerous worth checking out.

Well, when we did Sounds Dangerous on this visit, the left and right audio was mixed. Essentially, it was a mono recording. The left and right ears of my headphones played the same audio. I asked my wife and mother-in-law, and theirs were the same. I had to explain to them what it was supposed to sound like in order to determine this, since they had never experienced it as it was supposed to be delivered.

I mentioned it to the Cast Member working the show, but she didn't seem to understand what I was talking about, or, if she did, didn't seem to think it was worth worrying about. I got the impression she felt like I was nitpicking, but I would disagree. Of course, she spoke politely, and assured me that they would look into it, but I had my doubts.

So, to finally get to my point, I wanted to ask:

1. Has anyone else had this experience? Do you know if the problem has been resolved since last fall?

2. Was I being nit-picky, or is it a valid complaint?

 

[nytimez]

Last October, for the first time in a couple of years, I decided to take in the Sounds Dangerous attraction with my wife and mother-in-law. As I suspect is the case for many guests, this particular attraction, while charming, doesn't fall high in the priority list. But, I do like it, and we were a bit stuck as crowds were forming for the mid-day parade (my wife and I aren't parade people. No prejudice, though, as it draws people out of the queues to popular rides), so we decided to go on in.

Now, maybe I'm just spoiled to an unfairly high standard of service and presentation from Disney, but I was sorely disappointed. The girl who spoke over the loudspeaker might have been reciting quotes from Machiavelli's The Prince for all the excitement in her voice. But there were only maybe a dozen guests, in total, and that's not really a crucial part of the show, so that bit doesn't really bother me. She probably wished she could have been stationed somewhere more exciting, and I understand that.

My beef comes with what we actually experienced for the attraction. I should preface this by explaining that my wife and mother-in-law had never taken in Sounds Dangerous, so I had to sell them on it a little before going in. Having previously enjoyed it, I explained that it was a cute little show, where they illustrate how sound can tell a story. And that's exactly what it's supposed to be.

In my opinion, the thing that makes the attraction worth doing is the binaural audio. For those of you who don't know, that means that the audio was recorded using two microphones, arranged in the approximate location of the listener's ears, such that, when played back via stereo headphones, it emulates the variations perceived by each ear, so that the listener gets an immersive, 3D sound experience. If that sounds like jargon, just think about when the barber "clips" your hair, and you hear the clippers going around your head. I don't think I'm alone in my belief that this is what makes Sounds Dangerous worth checking out.

Well, when we did Sounds Dangerous on this visit, the left and right audio was mixed. Essentially, it was a mono recording. The left and right ears of my headphones played the same audio. I asked my wife and mother-in-law, and theirs were the same. I had to explain to them what it was supposed to sound like in order to determine this, since they had never experienced it as it was supposed to be delivered.

I mentioned it to the Cast Member working the show, but she didn't seem to understand what I was talking about, or, if she did, didn't seem to think it was worth worrying about. I got the impression she felt like I was nitpicking, but I would disagree. Of course, she spoke politely, and assured me that they would look into it, but I had my doubts.

So, to finally get to my point, I wanted to ask:

1. Has anyone else had this experience? Do you know if the problem has been resolved since last fall?

2. Was I being nit-picky, or is it a valid complaint?

Anyone who visits "Sounds Dangerous" gets what they deserve.

 

[blainekyle]

@nytimez:

Really? Maybe I'm just an audiophile, but I think it's worth checking out at least once every few years. With that stated, I don't think I'd ever tell someone who had a bad experience that they "got what they deserved," because I don't personally like the attraction.

 

[Candlz]

When we were there a few weeks ago - the attraction was closed and being used to sign up for Jedi Training. I was told it would be opened 'seasonally'

 

[Berlioz70]

Sounds Dangerous was open last year to simply "suck in crowds" as Star Tours was closed. Now that Star Tours is open, Sounds Dangerous is closed. Knowing that, I can't imagine it was in their priority to fix the audio.

She did probably tell someone your concern, who knows what happened beyond that.

We did the attraction last spring and I didn't notice that the L & R audio were mixed, it sounded the same as it always has with seperate channels. Perhaps it was fixed or I have only heard it mixed and didn't know?

 

[g-dad66]

I think the only time this attraction has been open during the past 3 years was last year during the time Star Tours was being refurbished.

I got to experience it last November, and the stereo effect was working at that time.

My biggest chuckle came from the CM telling us that we didn't need to be too concerned about picking good seats, because in pitch-black darkness, the view is identical from all of them.

 

[LaurenT]

nytimez was joking (sort of).
I've never seen Sounds Dangerous - it's neve been running during any of my trips!
It has had terrible reviews (think Stitch's Great Escape), but I'd still like to see it just to see what it is.
I know what you're talking about - many years ago I invested in a high end pair of speakers - I remember listening to the "breaking bottles in the hall" on Pink Floyd's The Wall album and being amazed because you could actually hear the sound travel from one end of the hall to the other.
If that's what supposed to happen, and it's not happening - I'd actually write them. The CM you spoke with may not quite understand what you're trying to say.

 

[blainekyle]

We did the attraction last spring and I didn't notice that the L & R audio were mixed, it sounded the same as it always has with seperate channels. Perhaps it was fixed or I have only heard it mixed and didn't know?

Oh, maybe they did get it fixed, then. If it is closed, now, I don't think I'll be that broken up about it, but I would like to have had my last experience have been good.

 

[TDC Nala]

I've seen somewhere recently that Sounds Dangerous has been closed permanently (and it signage removed). It will at least be closed for the rest of this year.

 

[Robo]

@nytimez:

Really? Maybe I'm just an audiophile, but I think it's worth checking out at least once every few years.

Bingo.

It's an AUDIO attraction.
Guests simply don't understand it.

But, the point is likely moot anyway.

The attraction has one foot in the grave and the other on a melted Mickey Bar.
Yes, it's just being used as a check-in for Jedi Training and nothing else at this time.

 

[nytimez]

@nytimez:

Really? Maybe I'm just an audiophile, but I think it's worth checking out at least once every few years. With that stated, I don't think I'd ever tell someone who had a bad experience that they "got what they deserved," because I don't personally like the attraction.

Yes, I was joking -- sort of. Sounds Dangerous is consistently one of the lowest-rated attractions at Walt Disney World. There's a reason why the company barely admits it's even there and most people have never seen it open.

Bad show is always unacceptable, whether it's bad audio or a bad attraction -- but they really need to use this space for something else already. I'd prefer a new and better attraction, but in reality a landscaped area with tables, chairs and shade would be an instant upgrade over Sounds Dangerous.

 

[blainekyle]

Yes, I was joking -- sort of.

Sorry about getting defensive. I've run into a few bullish folk on these boards before, and I probably went into retaliatory mode a little too quickly.

 

[Edgehopper]

Or they could remake the old attraction, but with more modern SFX equipment in place of the 80s era Foley Artist stuff. For those who never saw that, here's what it was:

First, you came in to the theater, and they showed a short (~5 minute) Martin Short horror /comedy film. On stage was a bunch of Gadgets and equipment.

After the short was shown, a CM would come out and give a very short introduction to Foley artistry and sound effects. He'd then take 4 audience volunteers. Each volunteer would be set up at a different sound effect station, and the CM would explain how each effect worked and what it was used for.

With all the volunteers in place, the short would be shown again, this time only with the music and dialogue, and the audience volunteers would be cued to add sound effects at the appropriate times. Of course they always got stuff wrong or off cue, usually with hilarious effects.

I don't know why they got rid of it in favor of Sounds Dangerous in its current form, it was a hundred times better.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I think the only time this attraction has been open during the past 3 years was last year during the time Star Tours was being refurbished.

I got to experience it last November, and the stereo effect was working at that time.

My biggest chuckle came from the CM telling us that we didn't need to be too concerned about picking good seats, because in pitch-black darkness, the view is identical from all of them.

Oh no it was our consolation prize for TSM being closed for refurb last August too. WORST consolation prize EVER!!!

Also one of the worst attractions ever, could be great for a nap but it needs to be just a bit longer for a good nap location.

 

[blainekyle]

Or they could remake the old attraction, but with more modern SFX equipment in place of the 80s era Foley Artist stuff. For those who never saw that, here's what it was:

First, you came in to the theater, and they showed a short (~5 minute) Martin Short horror /comedy film. On stage was a bunch of Gadgets and equipment.

After the short was shown, a CM would come out and give a very short introduction to Foley artistry and sound effects. He'd then take 4 audience volunteers. Each volunteer would be set up at a different sound effect station, and the CM would explain how each effect worked and what it was used for.

With all the volunteers in place, the short would be shown again, this time only with the music and dialogue, and the audience volunteers would be cued to add sound effects at the appropriate times. Of course they always got stuff wrong or off cue, usually with hilarious effects.

I don't know why they got rid of it in favor of Sounds Dangerous in its current form, it was a hundred times better.

I never saw that, but it sounds awesome, definitely better than the Drew Carey attraction. I guess he was really big for a while there in the nineties, so they must have just wanted to stick his name on something. Sort of like that plan to steal Rock'n Rollercoaster from Aerosmith and give it to the Jonas Brothers. Boy am I glad that fell through.

 

[g-dad66]

Oh no it was our consolation prize for TSM being closed for refurb last August too. WORST consolation prize EVER!!!

Also one of the worst attractions ever, could be great for a nap but it needs to be just a bit longer for a good nap location.

Worst consolation prize ever? At least the Rope Drop crowd rush to it wasn't as scary as the one to TSM.

Actually, I didn't find that the attraction lived up its hype on the DIS as worst WDW attraction ever. That's the nice thing about going in with low expectations...

But you're probably right that the second time I would do this attraction (though there will probably never be a second time) it would be for its napworthy value.

 

[Sappermont]

Or they could remake the old attraction, but with more modern SFX equipment in place of the 80s era Foley Artist stuff. For those who never saw that, here's what it was:

First, you came in to the theater, and they showed a short (~5 minute) Martin Short horror /comedy film. On stage was a bunch of Gadgets and equipment.

After the short was shown, a CM would come out and give a very short introduction to Foley artistry and sound effects. He'd then take 4 audience volunteers. Each volunteer would be set up at a different sound effect station, and the CM would explain how each effect worked and what it was used for.

With all the volunteers in place, the short would be shown again, this time only with the music and dialogue, and the audience volunteers would be cued to add sound effects at the appropriate times. Of course they always got stuff wrong or off cue, usually with hilarious effects.

I don't know why they got rid of it in favor of Sounds Dangerous in its current form, it was a hundred times better.

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the Monster Sound Stage attraction. I would make my family go over and over until I was picked to do the Foley effects. I was a child when I saw this saw and I'm convinced it helped shape my interest in film and now I'm a filmmaker.

Anyways, I've never seen Sounds Dangerously. How does it differ from the original? Not to hijack the thread - just curious. I've been meaning to ask and then I saw this post!!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Worst consolation prize ever? At least the Rope Drop crowd rush to it wasn't as scary as the one to TSM.

Actually, I didn't find that the attraction lived up its hype on the DIS as worst WDW attraction ever. That's the nice thing about going in with low expectations...

But you're probably right that the second time I would do this attraction (though there will probably never be a second time) it would be for its napworthy value.

I'd rather sit thru Stitch twice AND the old Pochontas Forest friends show before I'd subject myself to Sounds Dangersous again. Oh yeah I went there, putting on my flame suit

 

[g-dad66]

I'd rather sit thru Stitch twice AND the old Pochontas Forest friends show before I'd subject myself to Sounds Dangersous again. Oh yeah I went there, putting on my flame suit

I'll grab my suit too. Have I ever mentioned my feelings about the Country Bear Jamboree?...


Just kidding, folks!! I love the Country Bear Jamboree. Just so long as I'm watching it from outside the theatre...

Sorry, everyone, I now promise to do no more thread-hijacking (as long as Pirate Girl doesn't come up with any more good lines...)

 

[DisneyGirl421]

As a CM who was trained at Sounds Dangerous and worked it from Sept-April, I understand your frustration with things not working properly. We did tell our managers and such about things going wrong (and trust me, they did VERY often), but it was such a low priority on maintenance's list, especially as the closing date grew closer and closer, that there was very little we could do.

By the end of the 'seasonal' opening, almost none of the sound booths worked, half of the video games didn't work either, the water effect was shut off, plenty of seats were broken, and the audio wasn't as sharp as before.