Where do you think Disney Dropped the Ball

[fourfoxesinpa]

You all are missing the mark by concentrating on rides. The most colossal boo-boo Disney ever made was way back before Toy Story, when Pixar was struggling and Disney had a chance to buy Pixar out right. Many in the animation division wanted this to happen in a bad way, including Roy Disney. Well, Michael Eisner vetoed it--end of discussion. Steve Jobs of Apple Computers then stepped in and bought the company, and the rest is history. And this decision has brought Disney to the sorry state it is now in with regard to animation, because many Disney animators, including John Lasseter, left to go to Pixar and other companys (like Dreamworks!).

Tromba

BINGO! The Disney/Pixar relationship!

 

[fourfoxesinpa]

And how 'bout an 800 phone number?!?!?!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

And how 'bout an 800 phone number?!?!?!

There is an 800 number.

800-828-0228

 

[maxaroni]

This is all so interesting to me. I hadn't been to MGM prior to 2002 - I have no idea what it used to be. I just know that I do enjoy it now, but I do think it could be "more." I'd love more insight into movie-making. And - I'm in the major minority here - but I kinda like the big blue hat. Sorry.

I went to MK and Epcot a couple of times prior to marriage, but I don't think I've seen the former version of JII, or the Mr. Toad ride. I just know that my girls really like both JII and Pooh as they are now.

I do remember the Tapestry of Dreams and I really think that should be brought back.

I think AK has potential also, but needs more. Adding EE will help, but it needs a few more attractions thrown in. Not more stage shows - other animal-based attractions of some sort.

Went to WDW in '81 but it was only MK. When going back in 2001, we saw the other 3 parks for the 1st time. Don't know what we are missing. However, I think things are 'missing' at MGM and AK. They just don't seem 'complete' to me.

 

[Hippychickali]

And how 'bout an 800 phone number?!?!?!

 

[swtnikki]

I miss the old Journey w/Figment. By the way, if anyone wants to see what it was before all the stupid changes, just go here: http://dizneyworld.com/jii.htm That's the full attraction right there. When I watched it, I actually squealed.

Also, I think they should change around The Great movie ride. I know it's a classic & all, but wouldn't it be better if they updated the movies in there?

 

[Disney Cakers]

For me it was my very last time to ride the Sky ride - they closed it shortly after. It was so magical to see the Magic Kingdom from above. And the 20'000 leagues under the sea - yes it was corny - but updating it instead of letting it go would have been great - I can only wish.

 

[rocketriter]

I hate how they've screwed up the vista down the main street of MGM toward the Chinese theater by dropping in that ABOMINABLE HAT. The Chinese is glorious. The hat is a cheesy pin stand and band podium. Yurkk!

 

[disneyworldgirl]

For me it was my very last time to ride the Sky ride - they closed it shortly after. It was so magical to see the Magic Kingdom from above. And the 20'000 leagues under the sea - yes it was corny - but updating it instead of letting it go would have been great - I can only wish.

I have to agree on that one! I also loved the view of the park from the skyway-- It added so much to the magic of WDW! Disney seems to be stuck on an "out with the old, in with the new" philosophy (typical of the corporate mentality), but from everything I've read and heard, that's not what Walt would have wanted. That's part of the reason for buying up so much property for WDW-- so they could continue to expand the parks, not just throw out the classic rides for whatever's popular at the moment.

I've seen alot of posts here referring to things as looking "cheap", "cheesy", or "temporary". I haven't been to WDW since before Epcot, so I can't comment on the current conditions there. But I get the impression that Disney (under Eisner's so-called "management") has been skimping on things lately. It almost sounds as if they're treating the theme parks like a traveling carnival, instead of the magical wonderland that Walt intended for them to be. Sad... .

 

[John Dobbertin]

Disneyworldgirl: Understand, WDW's biggest fans are WDW's biggest critics! Things are not all that bad at WDW. Our grandchildren noticed -- in horror! -- this year that the "horse & hearse" were gone from the entrance to the Haunted Mansion. In unison: "How could they do that?!" Some "strange" things have happened, but there have been many wonderful additions. If you have not been "since before Epcot" you need to return!

 

[lauran cameron]

I wouldn't call it disappointment, but I've always thought Disney could have done more with MGM Studios. Not sure what exactly, maybe a couple rides for smaller kids or a couple attractions based on some of their newer movies or something. Even though I love Disney Studios, I always felt like something was missing there, but I can't quite put my finger on what. I do know they never should have taken the Imagineers and real animation production out of there.

yes! i have felt this too! MGM is my favourite park, and i love it with all my heart , but sometimes i just feel as you said "something is missing"

 

[Hippychickali]

Well, now that we have solved all of WDW's problems . . . what do you wanna do today?

Ali

 

[tomwatts]

I've noticed a lot of comments about the 'tackiness' of Dinorama, and as a former CM I think I can help a bit.

First of all, yes, Disney made it look like that on purpose.

If you know the story behind the area the appearance of Dinorama makes sense. Chester and Hester originally ran a small gas station (Dinorama gift store) next to the Dino Institute's old headquarters (now known as Restaurantosaurus). After time they found out they were making more money off cheap dinosaur souviners than gas, so they closed the pumps and set themselves up as a tourist stop, eventually opening a county fair type deal in their parking lot (notice the license plates, pavement underfoot, manhole covers, parking lot w/ cars, Highway 498, street lights, etc.) Traditionally the employees of Chester and Hester are very much looked down upon by employees of the Dino Institute, and the two stay very much separated (signs on wooden path between Dinorama and Dinosaur, bulliten board across from Boneyard entrance).

If anyone has questions about Dinorama feel free to contact me!

 

[HollyJoy]

Prices!! Sure we all pay them, but I think they are way too high!

 

[DisneyObsessive]

Swiss Family Robinson treehouse.

I cant help but chuckle everytime i pass it. DREADFUL.

Kali River Rapids is terrible. I much more enjoy the popeye ride at IOA.

I love MGM, i think it could be my second fav park, being Magic Kingdom. *shrugs* thats me. And Indiana Jones? Maybe the show could be updated, but i wouldnt want them to get rid of it entirely. Its a must-see everytime i go.

I dont like Test Track. I like the tests in the beginning, it was interesting. But at the end... 60 mph? felt like 2. My dad goes faster on the turnpike! People were screaming and me and my brother looked at each other with raised eyebrows.


VERY dissapointed with the Wolfgang Puck restaurant in DTD. I remember i ate there with my family, we thought the food was gross.

 

[hauntedmansion79]

Magic Kingdom:
Aladdin's Magic Carpets. too basic, not enough creativity. already 2 rides like it in the Magic Kingdom (Dumbo and Astro Orbitor)
Leaving the 20,000 Leagues prime realistate empty for 11 years!
Buzz Lightyear Spaceranger Spin (I know lots will disagree) could have been an amazing, far more impressive Toy Story dark ride.

Epcot:
The old Journey Into Your Imagination ride. They have improved the new one but the old one was awesome.
Getting rid of good animatronic rides like Horizons and World of Motion.

Animal Kingdom:
I hate to say it, but the whole park in general is missing the Disney Magic. I don't feel the Disney difference when I'm there. It is such a new park that I have hopes that someday it will meet the standards that the other Disney parks meet.

And on another note, their animated films need to have catchy songs like Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Lion king used to have.

But don't get us wrong, we have complete faith in Disney.

 

[DisneyObsessive]

i agree with buzz lightyear. i just dont like it.

but AK? no way! totally disney magic!