TTA closed throughout July???

[brerrabbit]

We just got back last Friday and we too were disappointed that TTA was not available. We use it as many do to rest and relax for a while. That said I understand the need for refurbishment of rides and attractions as well as DTD and several of the resorts but as I think about our last visit it seemed like there was almost too much going on (or perhaps we just happened to go where they all were).

Work we saw:

Poly: Main lobby area completely walled off, all planting areas at the entrance walled off, new construction of DVC villas on the water, addition of new rooms, basically the place was a mess.

MK: Area to the right of the hub as you look at the castle, not sure what they are doing, but because of the elevation cahnge down to the water you could see in and that is not typical for Disney. When they do work, they make it where you cannot see anything but this was pretty well there for the world to see. Also on the Adventureland side near the Crystal Palace was walled off for the same work. The facade next to IASW was covered for painting I guess.

Downtown Disney/ Disney Springs: Wow this was major, altering available boat docks, walling off large aras, new construction, and a lot of closed areas. We normally go there two or three times during our trip but this time it was one and done. Arrived Friday 6/13 in the afternoon and did not go to the parks that day and went there instead. That was our only trip there during our vacation and we were staying at PO FQ which meant it was only a boat ride away. That was disappointing.

I think part of the issue when comparing Disney with Universal is that Universal is two parks, two hotels and City Walk. So by default they have less to refurbish overall. Also they are in many areas much younger than Disney so that helps as well. Disney on the other hand has four parks, umpteen dozen resorts, DTD, and other areas to maintain on a huge plot of land while also maintaining a monorail, a bus fleet, and a boat fleet.

Granted a lot of this does not explain in the park attractions but I am sure when it comes to scheduling and planning maintenance it comes into play. As much as we love Disney, DW and I have discussed the possibility of next years trip being to Disneyland to give WDW the chance to finish some projects so that the next time we are there we get the more completed view.

We are spoiled in a way I guess because in the late eighties, early 90's when we were first discovering the magic so many things were new and fresh looking and we would marvel at all the details and the overall feel. Now with the work it just cannot stand up to our memories of those times and sometimes feel disappointing.

 

[kgsmith]

You guys, Disney knows what they're doing, I mean it's not like they would shut down major attractions and the main source of transportation in and out of the parks for people who pay a premium to have that transportation available to them, during their peak season.

I'm hoping that it's back to normal operating hours before my BLT stay in September. Otherwise, so much for my early breakfast ADRs at Poly.

 

[Planogirl]

Not to start a Disney VS. Universal thing, however, I understand all attractions need to be refurbed at some point during the year. Universal is no different in this respect. That being said, for the past 6 years, we have split our time up with a week at Universal and a week at Disney, always in July. Not once in those 6 years, have we ever encountered a ride that was being refurbed at Universal. Call it what you want, but clearly they realize, the most crowded time of the summer is not the time to shut ANY attraction down.

In fairness, Universal's rides tend to be newer or more recently updated. I love the TTA and would be unhappy if it was closed but it is old and maybe needs refurbishment due to imminent failure. Of course then they should have done it sooner.

 

[andyman8]

While the timing of the refurb is not optimal, I think we can all agree that refurbishing AO and TTA is a net gain in the long run. Just looking at what they've done already with AO, I am excited to ride it come September as I'd imagine it will be in a lot better shape.

And let's be real here with the TTA. That ride, one of my all-time favorites (as it is for most on this board), was showing an awful lot of its age for "Tomorrow's transportation" with constant breakdowns and many problems. With this refurb, let's hope we won't see a line backed up for it anymore.

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

Where is the best place to find out what is open/closed for our June 22-28 visit?

Thanks.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/rehab.htm
Welcome