Those attractions...

[JRawkSteady]

...that no one ever really discusses much. Just wondering your thoughts on some of these.

Tommorrowland Indy Speedway:
Universe of Energy:
Living With The Land:
Country Bears Jamboree:
Belle's Storytime:
The Animation Tour:
One Man's Dream:
Flights of Wonder:

feel free to add any others that aren't really discussed much that you have an opinion on

 

[loafskier]

Only been on two of them...but, then again, I have only been to Disney once. Don't worry, I already have the next trip planned and a sketchy idea of when to do the third Yes, I am hooked on Disney

Ellen's Energy Adventure is totally awesome...DS5 (who is a dinosaur nut) and DD7 absolutely loved it and DH and myself did as well. It was definitely one of those things that the whole family can enjoy together. It is a long and slow ride, but there are alot of different sections to keep you interested (first a silly movie, then a very cool movie that sneaks in a little education about the big bang - with a rotating floor, then a slow moving ride through dinosaurs (not in a scary way), and finishes with a final silly movie). I found it to be a great mix of humor, entertainment and education.

Living with the Land was interesting and the kids enjoyed the greenhouse area, but it is not on the top of their list for next time. It is interesting and somewhat educational, but not as well rounded as Ellen's Energy. It's definitely something you should do once.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Tommorrowland Indy Speedway: EH. Have done it a few times (and maybe once in the last 10 years)- don't they have this ride at every theme park in America?

Universe of Energy: Really love it. One of the only rides that's been re-done that I still enjoy.

Living With The Land: Absolutely love it. Could go on this one a million times- I love the educational aspect of it, and it's really relaxing too. One of my favorites.

Country Bears Jamboree: Very cute- little ones love this. It was one of my favorite attractions when I was little. We go for old time's sake now- it's cute, but we only do it once each trip.

Belle's Storytime: Never done it.

The Animation Tour: It's OK. It was better when the studio was actually working and you got to see animators sketching, but it's still an interesting little thing to do. Might not do it everytime we go, but it's a nice respite from the hot weather.

One Man's Dream: Absolutely love this. It's really well done- and we go every time we're there. The walk through exhibit in the beginning is really great- very well presented and SO much to see. Kids may get bored with it because it's a lot to see- but for Disney buffs like my mom and I - we really enjoy it. The movie is very well done too and as I remember it's narrated by Dick VanDyke one of my fav actors. (when I tried to write the Van and the last part separately, the D y k e part got ****'ed out! )

Flights of Wonder: Never done it.

 

[tinkerbell6]

...that no one ever really discusses much. Just wondering your thoughts on some of these.

Tommorrowland Indy Speedway:
Universe of Energy:
Living With The Land:
Country Bears Jamboree:
Belle's Storytime:
The Animation Tour:
One Man's Dream:
Flights of Wonder:

feel free to add any others that aren't really discussed much that you have an opinion on

We love the speedway....a classic! I know it takes up lots of room, but where else can a kid "drive" a car? We make sure to do it at least once every trip....DD (8) loves it!

We did the Country Bears last month, and I honestly hadn't been to them since I was kid. Surprising how risque some of the jokes were...and how as a kid, they went right over my head! I think the bears are getting a bit tired, but again, they're a classic! DD liked them, but didn't love them.

We did the One Man's Dream exhibit (not movie) last month also, and DH and I really enjoyed it...we could have spent even more time in there than we did. We both teared up at a few points, especially reading the notes about how Walt said "good-bye" to someone at the end of a day, something he never said, and then died a couple of days later. DD, on the other hand, found it mostly boring, except for the models of parts of the parks.

Belle's storytime is alright, just the right length to keep kids' attention. DD was disappointed that it seemed only really young children were being picked for the story. It was enjoyable, though.

As for the others, I don't think we've ever done them. I do think, unfortunately, that the Jungle Cruise needs to go. I remember going on it as a kid, and it all seemed real to me! The CM acted like it was all real, and now it's all just a big comedy act. They are funny, but not the magic I like to have at Disney. I guess kids are smarter these days, and won't be fooled by the animatronic animals, and everyone has already done the cruise 30 times, so it seems like it's turned into a bit of a joke. DD was fairly bored, as the CM's spiel was so fast that most of it went over her head.

 

[Disney Girlie-Wirlie]

ONE MAN'S DREAM is one of my favorite attractions in MGM. I really really enjoy this attraction and the film that follows. It's a nice way to get out of the hot sun without long lines and really embrace the history of Disney. The artifacts found in this "museum" are really interesting and you often find yourself having a hard time pulling away from some of the displays. LOVE IT! 2 THUMBS UP FROM ME!

 

[dwaters]

Go see "Flights of Wonder".
It's more than just trotting out birds one after the other.
There's a bit of a story about a CM (Joe) who has a fear of birds and how he learns to overcome it. I laughed a lot -- maybe we just got a good "Joe" that day. The CMs involved seemed to have fun and enjoy what they were doing and it helped the show. I've had CM's really bring down an attraction before by "going through the motions" or giggling through their script while chatting with a buddy.

 

[jenrose66]

I liked Universe of Energy. It's interesting. It's dark and air conditioned and it's fairly long. I would always make it a point to go there while in Epcot.

Living with the Land was ok. It was a relaxing boat ride. Again, it was educational with a bunch of facts about growing produce.

I'm assuming that with the animation tour, you mean, the one at MGM. You kind of go in a room and watch a video with some dragon and they show how things are drawn. This was kind of boring to me. It's just kind of sad because it's pretty empty in there, since there aren't any animators left at MGM...at least there weren't on the day I was there.

I enjoyed one Man's dream. It's a nice story about Walt and the walk through exhibit before the movie is neat.

I really liked Flights of Wonder. The birds were very interesting and the show was quite entertaining.

 

[Aisling]

Tommorrowland Indy Speedway: It's a cute, fun, slow ride, with the kids at the controls, but the lines have always been SO long, with no shade to wait under. It seems like this is a very very popular ride for kids, say, younger than 10. Would only do this again if there was less than a 5 minute wait.

Universe of Energy: Funny, interesting, not too long, not too short. My whole family enjoyed this. I even learned a couple of science facts from it.

Living With The Land: Is this the boat ride? If so, we thought this was so cool, seeing the vegetables grow, and the hydroponics. It felt very futuristic. There's a guide explaining how important the ecology chain (?). My first impression, I know this is crazy, was that this was a mad scientist's place...not dark and scary with electrodes, but like a secret cloning or genetic engineering greenhouse. If you've ever seen the Woody Allen movie Sleeper, I was expecting to see the giant vegetables and mutant fruits like in the movie. I would do this again. Also, we were told thatthe tomatoes used in WDW restaurants are grown here.

Country Bears Jamboree: This is a classic, and it's a favorite. It's like the animatronics in Splash Mountain. The bears sing and talk to you.

Belle's Storytime: This is for young children, and the little girls we saw there seemed to LOVE this. Belle was so pretty, and picked a few children to interact with. As another poster said, it isn't too long that a little one wouldn't be able to sit through it. It's usually crowded.

The Animation Tour: Again, as another poster said, this attraction was more enjoyable a couple of years ago when, during the tour, you got to meet a disney animator, and all sat around him on the floor while he showed how he drew characters. It's still a much worth it tour. You get to see where some disney creations happened. When we were there, during July 4th week, there was maybe a 20 minute wait, mostly under shade of the building. Also, Lilo & Stitch were there for autographs and pics. I hope everyone does this tour, if they can.

One Man's Dream: This brought tears to my eyes. You get to see Walt showing the map of the Lake Buena Vista area, and telling his plans. I especially love how he seems excited about the "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow". The museum has a replica (or is it the real thing??) of Walt's wooden school desk, with his name etched in it, like a bored kid would do. It shows the history of the castles. So much. Love it.

Flights of Wonder: Haven't seen it, but looking forward to it.

 

[Shannon G]

I may get horsewhipped for this - but can I really be the only one who cannot bear to sit through Ellen's Energy Adventure? Maybe it's just because I've seen it a few times (I guess I was more interested the first time I went on) but to me, it's just a great place if you need to cool off and maybe catch a nap. I think the premise is good, and there are definitely some great parts to it (Ellen herself is great - I love the pre-show) but I think it's too long - by the time I'm 2/3 of the way through it I'm struggling to keep my eyes open.

 

[phyllis1966]

This is a nice idea! Let's see:

Speedway : DD loved this in 2004 when she was 5 - DH and I had fun because she was having fun. We'd definitely do this again.

Energy : I enjoy this, too. Yes, it's an oldie, and slow-moving, but think it's fun, and Ellen always cracks me up, so that's a plus.

Living with the Land : Did this on my first trip in 1997 and was a little bored. Now that DD is old enough, we may try it with her.

Country Bears Jamboree : We've never seen this! We will definitely see it in May.

Belle's Story Time : Never tried it and probably never will.

Animation Tour : Never tried this either. Maybe someday.

One Man's Dream : Have never seen this but would like to someday.

Flights of Wonder : Saw this for the first time in 2004 and really enjoyed it. We'll definitely see it in May.

 

[phisigprincess]

I may get horsewhipped for this - but can I really be the only one who cannot bear to sit through Ellen's Energy Adventure? Maybe it's just because I've seen it a few times (I guess I was more interested the first time I went on) but to me, it's just a great place if you need to cool off and maybe catch a nap. I think the premise is good, and there are definitely some great parts to it (Ellen herself is great - I love the pre-show) but I think it's too long - by the time I'm 2/3 of the way through it I'm struggling to keep my eyes open.

I was just going to say that!!! When it was the Universe of Energy we were really excited to see the Dinosaurs! Well, much to our surprise the dinos lasted about 2 minutes and we had to sit through a film that reminded us of something you'd be watching in science class. The guy in front of us fell into such a deep sleep mid movie that he started snoring - LOUDLY. That was pretty funny.

When they updated it it got better, but remains one of those attractions we walk on by.

 

[helenm29]

Well, lets see:

Tomorrowland Speedway: really great for kids! NOT so great for adults over a certain hight! I'm 5'9 and the doggone gas peddle is so close I have my knee sticking out of the car.

Universe of Energy: I know we've been there but I can't remember what you do.

Living with the Land: I really enjoy it! Have you taken the behind the scenes tour? it's really nice.

COUNTRY BEAR JAMBOREE: I MISS IT! we live in California and they took it out to be replaced by a Winnie the Pooh ride...YUCK! They actually think that it's better! I can't wait to see it when we hit Florida in October!

haven't really done any of the others but I'm sure they are good too. Helen

 

[Simba's Mom]

I think "One Man's Dream" should be required viewing for anyone visiting WDW for the first time. It's less than 1/2 hour. But there are people, mostly young people, who don't even know who Walt Disney was, let alone what a great innovator he was. They think of Disney as a place, a theme park, the movies, etc. When I go to "One Man's Dream" and see how few people go through there, it makes me sad. Sorry, but to me that place is so special.

 

[unbroken chain]

Living with the Land: You can go on a little behind the scenes tour here that kids younger than 10 can go on. My youngest was 9 last time we went, and this was the about only tour we could do. I was surprised that they really liked it. My won't-eat-veggies kids happily ate the tomatoes grown there, released ladybugs, etc. It was only us and one other family and as the boat ride came through, and they felt special to be on the tour being watched by everyone on the boat.

 

[mcgrawfan]

We LOVE Living With the Land! We ride it every time. I am looking forward to our next trip when DD will be 2 1/2. We can try out Storytime with Belle, Indy Speedway and Country Bears. I feel stupid but where is Flights of Wonder?

 

[LVSWL]

We LOVE Living With the Land! We ride it every time. I am looking forward to our next trip when DD will be 2 1/2. We can try out Storytime with Belle, Indy Speedway and Country Bears. I feel stupid but where is Flights of Wonder?

Flights of Wonder is in Animal Kingdom. It is a bird show and it is really entertaining. We never miss it!

 

[rlovew]

...that no one ever really discusses much. Just wondering your thoughts on some of these.

Tommorrowland Indy Speedway:
Universe of Energy:
Living With The Land:
Country Bears Jamboree:
Belle's Storytime:
The Animation Tour:
One Man's Dream:
Flights of Wonder:

feel free to add any others that aren't really discussed much that you have an opinion on

Speedway: Something young children enjoy- I can't handle the smell, the line moves slower than molasses , the only thing slower than the line is the cars themselves.

Universe of Energy: A boring science teacher that is teaching theories as facts, a great place to take a nap in the heat of the day

Living with the Land: A slow and interesting look at the innovations in growing plants. We go once or twice a year but not every time we are at EPCOT

Country Bear Jamboree: One of my favorites but we normally only go once to the regular show and once to the holiday show each year unless we are bringing lots of people who have never been before.

Belle's Storytime: Cute for children, we don't have any so we skip it
The Animation Tour: Good to see about once a year or when with people who haven't been- even better the Animation Class at the end where you can learn to draw a character we go at least once every time we visit MGM, sometimes more than once

One Man's Dream: The displays before the movie are fantastic and the movie itself is very touching, unless you forget very easily the movie is something we only do about once a year or when we need a break from the crowds and sun.

Flights of Wonder: We loved it although we haven't been back in awhile, we have only been to the AK a few days and only made it to Flights once, I am hoping to get to a show when we go in May. I think it is really neat to watch.

 

[clonetothebone]

I may get horsewhipped for this - but can I really be the only one who cannot bear to sit through Ellen's Energy Adventure? Maybe it's just because I've seen it a few times (I guess I was more interested the first time I went on) but to me, it's just a great place if you need to cool off and maybe catch a nap. I think the premise is good, and there are definitely some great parts to it (Ellen herself is great - I love the pre-show) but I think it's too long - by the time I'm 2/3 of the way through it I'm struggling to keep my eyes open.

Your not the only one! DW and I were talking about our upcoming trip and I mentioned EEA and she said, "What? That boring ride that thas the dinosaur?" I haven't been on it so I can't judge.

 

[grinningghost]

I may get horsewhipped for this - but can I really be the only one who cannot bear to sit through Ellen's Energy Adventure? Maybe it's just because I've seen it a few times (I guess I was more interested the first time I went on) but to me, it's just a great place if you need to cool off and maybe catch a nap. I think the premise is good, and there are definitely some great parts to it (Ellen herself is great - I love the pre-show) but I think it's too long - by the time I'm 2/3 of the way through it I'm struggling to keep my eyes open.

I can't deal with it either.

Of course, if I need a nap - I'm in.

 

[ilovemcbride]

I kinda enjoyed Living with the Land. I think it's one of those things that's better suited for adults, cause when we went when I was 12 I hated it. I thought it was so boring.

I absolutely LOVE One Man's Dream. I shouldn't admit this, but I got kinda misty-eyed. I think it's a beautiful way to remember Walt Disney. It's something I don't like to miss.