GMR: Classic or Not?

[TheBeatles]

GMR is approaching 20 years and is virtually identical to its opening day self. Classic Disney attractions (today at least) are either kept the same or enhanced. Well... GMR has been kept the same, with no major enhancements.

So my question is...

Do you consider GMR to be a classic or something that needs to go/upgrade?

 

[paul436]

Does it need work? I don't know. I do know that I ride it every time I'm there and enjoy it every time.

 

[comics101]

It's certainly a classic, however, I would update it with a new movie or two.

 

[C&D]

It's a 'never miss' on our agenda whenever we hit the Studios. Alot depends on your 'tour guide' but I'd call it a Classic.

 

[MichWolv]

GMR is approaching 20 years and is virtually identical to its opening day self. Classic Disney attractions (today at least) are either kept the same or enhanced. Well... GMR has been kept the same, with no major enhancements.

So my question is...

Do you consider GMR to be a classic or something that needs to go/upgrade?

It's a classic and ought to be updated with a couple of new scenes every now and then. Replace Alien with Star Wars, and Tarzan with maybe 20,000 Leagues, update the Fantasia scene to be something more then just a movie projection and some fans, and change the script for the Western/Gangland scene.

But ripping it out would really disspoint me.

 

[TheBeatles]

It's a 'never miss' on our agenda whenever we hit the Studios.

Agreed.

Riding it reminds me so much of going there as a kid.

 

[EpcotServo]

Classic!

Make sure to look at a screen in the Alien corridor, near the floor, that says "Welcome to the Glendale Galaxy"
and
"Minutes until next broken effect:"
:lol:

 

[Master Yoda]

It is a classic in dire need of enhancement. (ie HM in 2006)

 

[CThaddeus]

It is most definitely a classic. I would rate it in the top ten attractions of Disney World and certainly the #1 attraction in Disney's Hollywood Studios (followed closely by Muppet-Vision 3-D). It has, in fact, been updated before - the film clip portion at the end has gone through a few incarnations. But, I know you're asking more about the big set scenes. Could some of them be changed out? Sure. Tarzan has always looked a bit on the gimpy side, the Fantasia movie clip is a cheat (since everything else involves Audio-Animatronics), and in general the characters could use a state-of-the-art tech update...akin to the recent AA updates in Spaceship Earth. The Ripley AA needs a decent face, the aliens could be a bit more menacing, the Busby Berkeley scene could use more motion (or redo it into something like the Fred Astaire Dancing on the Ceiling number from "Royal Wedding"), etc.
I don't believe massive changes (ie. changing out all the movies) are necessary. This is still that Park's crown jewel, it's just in need of a good polishing.

 

[TheBeatles]

Is the Wicked Witch the only audio-animatronic of her kind? She moves so convincingly and I always wondered why all of the AAs don't move like that.

 

[mousebymarriage]

Classic! We go everytime we visit Disney.

 

[Joy Peace]

So if we have never been on it should we ride it?

 

[Joy Peace]

ok ignore my last question, apparently the ride is a must!

 

[MichWolv]

ok ignore my last question, apparently the ride is a must!

Indeed it is. Without giving away too much, there is a CM interaction and slight storyline during the ride that there are actually two versions of, so I've actually ridden with people who have ridden before that get confused because it doesn't happen quite the same way! I think I rode about 10 times before I caught on to how you know which version you're going to get.

 

[Mr Bill]

Is the Wicked Witch the only audio-animatronic of her kind? She moves so convincingly and I always wondered why all of the AAs don't move like that.

First of her kind, but not the only

The Wicked Witch AA was the first of the A-100 animatronics, which added a compliance circuit allowing movements to be both smooth and rapid. Hopper at ITTBAB, the several Captain Jack Sparrows on POTC, as well as Bill Clinton, George W, and Abe Lincoln at the Hall of Presidents are also A-100 figures, I believe.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I think it could use an upgrade, but it is a definite staple and should be kept as the type of ride it is.

 

[pacochran]

We must be one of the few but we've been 5 times, and road it the first two times we went and haven't since. My DW and I don't enjoy it that much.

 

[Jenna]

I love the GMR...a must do when we visit mgm! Love the wizard of oz scene! Could do with some updates but whether it gets them or not I'll still be a fan

 

[disneygirl1]

I have to agree... The Great Movie Ride is a must do attraction! Definate Disney Classic.

 

[Tom Morrow]

GMR is indeed a classic and very much a part of DHS. Losing it would mean losing a major portion of DHS's "classic Hollywood" / AMC feel to it.

However, I agree with most of you, it needs some updating. I'd rather see more new attractions come to the Studios and an update to Star Tours before they touch GMR, though.