Stop being silly over PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

[Another Voice]

I understand the frustration that some feel like they are losing 'their' Disney, but maybe you will like the new. Just try it, once...

The reason I like Real Disney is because of the way they did things. It was a bunch of creative people thinking "what's the coolest thing I can do" - and then making it happen. The original 'Pirates of the Caribbean' attraction was created becasue every boy has had the dream of sailing the high seas and going off on an adventure. This attraction is as close as most people will get to that fantasy, and that's why it's popular.

But the Curse changes to 'Pirates' just have a different feeling. Instead of thinking "what's the best way to make this show better" - all I see are a bunch of corporate suits sitting around a conference table watching a PowerPoint presentation about how many talking Johnny Depp dolls they could sell in the next quarter.

Disney parks are becoming less and less a "show" and becoming more and more a shopping mall. I used to go to Disneyland to be entertained - like I was going to the movie theater. Now I when I'm there I feel like I'm a consumer wandering a shopping mall.

Disney, eventually, will have to be about something. For the last ten years all we've got are endless ways to repackage and reselll us the same merchandise. What's the point of going to Disney if the whole place is nothing but a commerical for the DVD?

 

[MJMcBride]

I think Disney has always been a "commercial for the DVD" to some extent. Much of the rides in the Fantasyland and such are based on the movies. Why is that? I think it was to further the disney product. The key is not to make it distasteful.

I for one have no problem with the "Sparrow" changes to POTC. They sound relatively minor and I will give them the benefit of the doubt until I see it. Hey, it could be stupid. I don't know yet. They could be great, too. I understand that people have a negative impression because the updates will be ready for the day the new movie comes out. Frankly, due to the popularity of the first movie I'm surpirsed they waited this long to do it.

 

[dbm20th]

Are you trying to tell me that Walt and the original Imagineers were trying to make money It can't be!

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

The reason I like Real Disney is because of the way they did things. It was a bunch of creative people thinking "what's the coolest thing I can do" - and then making it happen.

I understand that and I agree. Could I live without Carpets of Aladdin? Perhaps, yes. However, that ride does serve a purpose. I think that Disney does have to balance the way they do things. They can't create all new rides every year, but they do need to update and (hopefully) entice new visitors. If that means that they have to keep the same ride idea with a different look, they do it.

We all like different things and while you may not like the new changes to POC, others will. I do wish that every new ride and show was a great as Splash Mountain, but they aren't going to be. The important thing is to at least see what Disney does BEFORE critizing it.

One can't say that all movies Disney has made in the past 10 years have been horrible, if one won't even watch them. (By the way, POC was a GREAT movie). The same goes for a ride. How can one even judge the changes before one even experiences them?
(AV just to note, I know you aren't the one who stated he hasn't watched recent Disney movies).

 

[Another Voice]

How can one even judge the changes before one even experiences them?

Because people make their decisions based on perception instead of experience.

Do you go to a movie theater and buy a ticket for whatever film happens to be in Theater 12? I mean, how do you know if you will like the movie until you've seen it - right? Instead, you look at the trailer, you watch the ads, maybe read the reviews, see who's starring in the movie. And based on all of that you decide which film you are likely to enjoy, and which ones you won't and where you ten bucks will end up.

No one says "I've never been to WDW before, so I'm going to spend $5,000 to see if I like it or not". They base their decision on whether what they see of WDW looks interesting, enticing and exciting. Way back, Disney relied on their ability to "wow" an audience, their ability to exceed people's expectations, and their ability to present new, unique and different experiences to the public. The public, in turn, rewarded the company by showering them with money.

But now - we don't get the new and different. We get the same spinner available in any amusement park in the world, only it's covered with "Aladdian - Now Available In High-Def DVD!!!!!" stickers. There's some assumption that if one likes the movie, one will like the atttraction just becasue there's a connection to the movie. And if one likes the attraction, one will stop by the store at the exit and buy the plush.

That's why we have that 'Stitch' show in Tomorrowland, isn't it. And we've all seen how popular that place is.

There's a reason every fireworks show for a long time has been named "Remember...". It's because there's a part of Disney (usually the outside marketing firms) that understands their new stuff isn't interesting. It's the thirty year old attractions - 'Pirates', 'Mansion' - that make WDW unique and different. It's the old stuff that makes Joe Tourist want to come see the place, not the PowerPoint commericals that make Disney management all tingly.

Sure, a few crazy Disney types might make the trip, but no real person is going to WDW for a Jack Sparrow figure.

 

[Linzybrooke]

Another Voice,

I just want to compliment you on how well you state your points. You do so with a great amount of respect and never try to hit "below the belt" when directing a point. I appreciate your sincerity and honesty in everything you say. It is refreshing to have you around these boards!

 

[YoHo]

HEY!!!

Come on now, he couldn't play good cop if I weren't around to play bad cop could he?!?

 

[MJMcBride]

Because people make their decisions based on perception instead of experience.

This is true. But, I'm not sure of people are should judge soemthing before they see it. For example, you are a 100% right that people decide what movie to see based on trailers, etc. But those same people have not necessarily decided that the movie sucks, just that they don't think they're interested. In the POTC case, people are saying that this sucks w/o seeing it. Thats different in my opinion.

I may chose not to see the new Jim Carey movie because the commercial is uninteresting and I generally don;t like his movies. However, I cannot tell you that movie is bad. I don't know if it is, it just has not piqued my interest.

 

[MJMcBride]

HEY!!!

Come on now, he couldn't play good cop if I weren't around to play bad cop could he?!?

Lord, I hope you're not really a cop.

 

[YoHo]

Let's pretend for a minute that I am, what cause do you have for saying that?

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

This is true. But, I'm not sure of people are should judge soemthing before they see it. For example, you are a 100% right that people decide what movie to see based on trailers, etc. But those same people have not necessarily decided that the movie sucks, just that they don't think they're interested. In the POTC case, people are saying that this sucks w/o seeing it. Thats different in my opinion.

I may chose not to see the new Jim Carey movie because the commercial is uninteresting and I generally don;t like his movies. However, I cannot tell you that movie is bad. I don't know if it is, it just has not piqued my interest.

Exactly.

 

[mrsR123]

There may be a million reasons why Disney shouldn't be changing this ride, but I think people are forgetting that they have the power to change it back if it fails. If the public believes that the characters don't fit, the movie bombs, or people stop going on the ride in protest, Disney has the ability change it back. Just give it a chance, you may actually like it.

Unfortunately there isn't a lot of precedent of this happening. More likely a scenario would be the future closing of Pirates altogether if it fails to make the kind of numbers that they were hoping for with the addition of Sparrow.

I'm thinking of Epcot's several Imagination incarnations. None has been as well-liked as the original, yet rather than reverting to it, each "improvement" has been as poorly received as the last.

I'd really hate to see Pirates gone forever if POTC 2 and 3 tank.

 

[exDS vet]

Unfortunately there isn't a lot of precedent of this happening. More likely a scenario would be the future closing of Pirates altogether if it fails to make the kind of numbers that they were hoping for with the addition of Sparrow.

I'd really hate to see Pirates gone forever if POTC 2 and 3 tank.

Closing Pirates! Not an option. There is no way that could ever happen. Journey Into Imagination is one thing. Even if the movies flopped, this attraction would never be closed down for good. It would be kind of like them closing down It's A Small World, Jungle Cruise or Haunted Mansion. These attractions are Disney staples. You couldn't imagine the parks without them. Could you?

Despite peoples claims of being able to walk on Pirates with no wait, I would say the same thing happens all the time on the other rides that I mentioned. Can anybody name a ride that they haven't been able to just walk on at one point or another? Let's try this:

Name a popular Disney attraction that you have been able to ride (stand by lines only) after waiting less than ten minutes in line. Any time of day besides the first and last hours, early entry, extra magic hours, and after the ride has broke down.

Off the top of my head;
Indiana Jones Adventure
Space Mountain (DL and WDW)
Big Thunder
Tower of Terror
California Screamin' (I should have excluded DCA)

What attractions have you always experienced a long wait, with or without FastPass?
Peter Pan
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Kali River Rapids
Test Track (except single rider line)

 

[pepperw23]

There has been a lot of talk about people being upset over the POTC changes. First and most important, the character changes of adding Sparrow and Barbossa are VERY suBtle. VERY!!!!!! They are going to blend right. What will be a very pleasant change is all the new special effects and better sound system. Basically the effect are going to just enhance and make the classic scenes more realistic. That will be the only MAJOR change. For those that do not like Sparrow, the dgree the new effects will add to the attraction will far out weigh what they may see as a eye sore of having to look at Sparrow. Forthose who like Sparrow, they will love all of it.

Not like Sparrow??? No way not how..DUDE, it's Johnny Depp!! Too hot...oops, I'm married..lol

I am not upset about the changes, I am upset (not at Disney) because it will not be open when I go in June, and I was looking forward to going on it, then watching the new movie in July (sorry yoho..lol). (I know, I am like a child lol)

 

[YoHo]

Unfortunately there isn't a lot of precedent of this happening. More likely a scenario would be the future closing of Pirates altogether if it fails to make the kind of numbers that they were hoping for with the addition of Sparrow.

I'm thinking of Epcot's several Imagination incarnations. None has been as well-liked as the original, yet rather than reverting to it, each "improvement" has been as poorly received as the last.

I'd really hate to see Pirates gone forever if POTC 2 and 3 tank.

Don't worry, they probably got into a stupid contract with the thing same as they did for Golden Dreams. They are contractually obligated to have Golden Dreams open for X numbe of years. I'm sure that Depp got the same for pirates.

 

[Tarken10]

For better or worse, Disney always does something for a reason. In recent years many of us suspect that when they do decide to do something, it's nothing more the a cheap money grab. Obviously some here think that is what Disney is doing now by adding Sparrow.

Some here think PotC is still wow'ing the generations. Others see no wait time lines as proof positive that the ride needs something. The truth is probably the middle ground for both.

I've heard kids get off PotC and say things like " That was IT? Big deal". I've also heard kids chatter away about how cool it was. I've heard parents - myself included - say they love it because they get to sit down in an air conditioned building for 15 minutes.

But none of this explains why Disney would add Sparrow.

What will Disney gain by adding Sparrow? Sparrow will never do for MK what E:E will do for AK. Families will not schedule an additional trip to WDW because Sparrow appears in PotC. Sparrow will not cause the turnstiles to spin at Primevil Hurl like speed. I don't see a ROI that would stand out on a financial report.

So maybe, just maybe, Disney is doing this for the right reason. Maybe they believe that fans of the movie would love to see a tie in to Captain Jack. Maybe todays generation - because of tv, internet & video games - don't fantasize about being a pirate. Maybe the changes to PotC will be subtle enough that old timers won't be disappointed and newbies will love it.

Maybe.

 

[YoHo]

For better or worse, Disney always does something for a reason. In recent years many of us suspect that when they do decide to do something, it's nothing more the a cheap money grab. Obviously some here think that is what Disney is doing now by adding Sparrow.

Some here think PotC is still wow'ing the generations. Others see no wait time lines as proof positive that the ride needs something. The truth is probably the middle ground for both.

I've heard kids get off PotC and say things like " That was IT? Big deal". I've also heard kids chatter away about how cool it was. I've heard parents - myself included - say they love it because they get to sit down in an air conditioned building for 15 minutes.

But none of this explains why Disney would add Sparrow.

What will Disney gain by adding Sparrow? Sparrow will never do for MK what E:E will do for AK. Families will not schedule an additional trip to WDW because Sparrow appears in PotC. Sparrow will not cause the turnstiles to spin at Primevil Hurl like speed. I don't see a ROI that would stand out on a financial report.

So maybe, just maybe, Disney is doing this for the right reason. Maybe they believe that fans of the movie would love to see a tie in to Captain Jack. Maybe todays generation - because of tv, internet & video games - don't fantasize about being a pirate. Maybe the changes to PotC will be subtle enough that old timers won't be disappointed and newbies will love it.

Maybe.

So what will Sparrow do for Disneyland? Since he's beomg added their starting tomorrow.

By the way, I just today waited in line for pirates that switchbacked a couple times in front of rivers of america before splitting in two and heading back to the side of the building and heading in. 1000s of kids screaming out that it's a pirates life for me. Every single person commenting on how this was the last chance to see PotC the Way Walt built it.

Sure it doesn't matter.

 

[Viki]

For better or worse, Disney always does something for a reason. In recent years many of us suspect that when they do decide to do something, it's nothing more the a cheap money grab. Obviously some here think that is what Disney is doing now by adding Sparrow.

Some here think PotC is still wow'ing the generations. Others see no wait time lines as proof positive that the ride needs something. The truth is probably the middle ground for both.

I've heard kids get off PotC and say things like " That was IT? Big deal". I've also heard kids chatter away about how cool it was. I've heard parents - myself included - say they love it because they get to sit down in an air conditioned building for 15 minutes.

But none of this explains why Disney would add Sparrow.

What will Disney gain by adding Sparrow? Sparrow will never do for MK what E:E will do for AK. Families will not schedule an additional trip to WDW because Sparrow appears in PotC. Sparrow will not cause the turnstiles to spin at Primevil Hurl like speed. I don't see a ROI that would stand out on a financial report.

So maybe, just maybe, Disney is doing this for the right reason. Maybe they believe that fans of the movie would love to see a tie in to Captain Jack. Maybe todays generation - because of tv, internet & video games - don't fantasize about being a pirate. Maybe the changes to PotC will be subtle enough that old timers won't be disappointed and newbies will love it.

Maybe.

Simply brilliant!

 

[Sylvester McBean]

one of the reasons I haven't been back to Disneyland since the 80's are the changes that have been made to the park. the more books I read, and pictures I see confirm it. and to me, there's not a lot of good changes being made. same thing at WDW, I think the huge amounts of funds being spent are so misdirected and unimaginative. EE is the one thing that actually works in blends in I've seen in the last few years. it's like Disney isn't even trying anymore. if there's a way to port a character or an attraction, do it, it's easier than dreaming something brilliant up. disney spent a tenth of a billion dollars on mission space, only to equip the capsules with barf bags and horrible video. original idea, but 100 million and we get to see Gary Sinese reading from cue cards. pirates needed a rehab, but he didn't exist 50 years ago, there's no need for the product tie-in now. just make sure they put a bottle of Coke in his hand. then it can be like Dinosaur (I meant Countdown to Extinction, but a movie came out in the meantime and needed a tie-in), where you're reminded repeatedly on the way to the time rovers how the attraction is so 'generously funded by a gift from McDonald's'.

classy

 

[YoHo]

In it's defense, there have always been nods to the sponsers throughout the parks, even in 1955.