The Forgotten Kingdom?

[SirGoofy]

Okay I know this thread could possibly open up some deep feelings for people, but I'd really like for this thread to stay civil. Here we go.


On the heels of the announcement that Hong Kong Disneyland will receive a half a billion dollar update, including 30 new attractions, two of which sound like complete home runs, I can't help but think of how forgotten the Magic Kingdom seems to be. Once these additions are completed, there is no doubt in my mind that the Magic Kingdom will be the worst Disneyland style park in the world.

It's been 17 years since the Magic Kingdom received a substantial addition, and since that time it has either only replaced rides, or lost them. Restaurants have been shuttered without replacement, and entertainment offerings have been cut. Fantasyland is falling apart at the seams, and many a classic attraction are in desperate need of TLC.

Space Mountain, a ride that should be treated as a true Disney E-ticket, is getting an underfunded, cut down refurbishment. It could have been made something special, instead it was kicked to the curb because the guests will come no matter what.

Sure, they have attempted to help the park. Haunted Mansion received a wonderful update. HoP got a nice refurb as well. But to me these are like putting band-aides on a stab wound.

The MK is a limping giant, and the Hong Kong expansion just sheds more light on this worrisome problem.

Some will claim, "But Little Mermaid is on the way!" And while I think it will help, even TLM won't save the MK from being low man on the totem pole.

Your thoughts? And please, keep it civil.

 

[MKCP 1985]

Walt Disney Resort has to allocate resources across four parks, and that's not including the water parks or Downtown Disney.

I don't think it is worthwhile to criticize the Magic Kingdom for not adding when it is pretty built out while Animal Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studios are described as so lacking in attractions as to be considered half day park experiences.

This is especially true when the comparisons are being made to parks such as Hong Kong that don't have near the combined resources and amenities available to guests at Walt Disney World.

While I'd love to see some big time attractions added at the Magic Kingdom, as long as new attractions are being added at Walt Disney World, I don't have any major complaints.

The way I see it, the Magic Kingdom currently serves as the kiddy park. Lots of attractions themed to appeal to the 42 inch crowd. Even doing so, it is the most attended park. The old saying is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." The Magic Kingdom pretty much has everything it needs, so the most sensible thing is to put resources into maintaining, plusing and occasionally adding new C and D ticket attractions like Monsters Inc and Winnie the Pooh.

Once Pixar Place is fully built out and the Mystery Island (if that's what it is) are complete, maybe - just maybe - the Magic Kingdom park can legitimately put its wish list ahead of the other parks. :wave:

 

[SirGoofy]

I see where you are coming from, but I will respectfully disagree.

Disney markets the MK as THE WDW experience. Everyone comes to see the Magic Kingdom, and to most people, the other parks are secondary.

The park is constantly stressed with the amount of people that visit already, and that number rises and rises every year. It doesn't have everything it needs. honestly, it's not even close IMO.

 

[kap91]

Yep, yep, and yep. The Magic Kingdom in Florida is definitely lacking when compared to some of the other Disneylands. Initially the park was spread out over a large area and combined with the fact that people continue to come no matter what happens it has made it difficult for it to expand. All the other resorts must continue to add and innovate to attract more guests while here in Florida this is true but to a much lesser degree. To me it is even amazing that we've gotten the refurbishments we've gotten. Being spread out also has its disadvantages. Yes our attractions may be larger than their counterparts but between attractions there is left space that really can't be used without serious development (like the giant courtyard in Tomorrowland leading to Space. It can't be used for a ride easily-even though its large enough) The theming and inclusiveness in all the other Magic Kingdom's is in many cases much more impressive. I.E. Disneyland CA's fantasyland buildings vs. ours. It always infuriates me that our Magic Kingdom has so much wasted space or hard to use space that while we have the largest park we also have the fewest attractions (with the exception of Hong Kong-but that park is tiny.) I think (hope) that management here has finally seen the light and will try to make our park into the amazing thing it could be as evidenced by the recent refurbs (although admittedly few new attractions). Unfortunately, I think it will take many decades before the park can slowly be morphed into what it should be. I don't thing management will ever undertake a giant 'all at once" approach which is really what the park needs. The fact is that from a business perspective, the Florida park doesn't need giant multi-million dollar makeovers and that is its single largest handicap.

And I'll also add that this pretty much applies to all WDW park's. They all have varying degrees of neediness. Animal Kingdom and DHS both need CA size makeovers/additions. No park should open with only 3-5 attractions regardless of how great they are. Epcot isn't in need of as much but World Showcase could definitely have more to do besides eating, drinking, shopping, and Circlevision.

EDIT: It occurred to me to add a disclaimer. I am thoroughly happy that Hong Kong Disneyland is getting the additions because it is definitely more needy than WDW. I don't disagree with that decision.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Disney markets the MK as THE WDW experience.

How so?

 

[SirGoofy]

How so?

Look at the commercials. What do you see in them? the castle, pirates, princesses, and pixie dust. You don't see SSE, The Tree of Life, or The BAH.

You see all the things attributed to the Magic Kingdom.

 

[SirGoofy]

EDIT: It occurred to me to add a disclaimer. I am thoroughly happy that Hong Kong Disneyland is getting the additions because it is definitely more needy than WDW. I don't disagree with that decision.

Nor do I. I am excited to experience HKDL once these additions are complete.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Look at the commercials. What do you see in them? the castle, pirates, princesses, and pixie dust. You don't see SSE, The Tree of Life, or The BAH.

Look harder - they show them.

 

[SirGoofy]

Look harder - they show them.

Maybe quick flashes, but the focus is still solely on the MAGIC.

Believe me, I've talked to guest, domestic and international, that didn't even know there were more than 1 park until they got there.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Maybe quick flashes, but the focus is still solely on the MAGIC.

Believe me, I've talked to guest, domestic and international, that didn't even know there were more than 1 park until they got there.

So with your logic they should abandon the other 3 parks?

 

[MKCP 1985]

I see where you are coming from, but I will respectfully disagree.

I'm glad you can see the other side. Consider also the multi day passes, the extra magic hours staggered among the four parks on different days of the week and the number of on-site hotel rooms, with bus, boat and monorail transportation to the various parks. Clearly, Walt Disney World is intended to be a multi-day, multi-park experience and not "Magic Kingdom, plus some little guys."

 

[SirGoofy]

So with your logic they should abandon the other 3 parks?

Where did I say that?:lol:

What I'm saying is MK is honestly embarrassing in it's current form. Considering it is supposed to be the crown jewel of the "#1 Vacation Destination in the world", it needs a lot of help. It has the worst theming out of Disneyland-style parks. It can't handle the ever increasing crowds, let alone it can't handle the crowds it has now.

 

[SirGoofy]

I'm glad you can see the other side. Consider also the multi day passes, the extra magic hours staggered among the four parks on different days of the week and the number of on-site hotel rooms, with bus, boat and monorail transportation to the various parks. Clearly, Walt Disney World is intended to be a multi-day, multi-park experience and not "Magic Kingdom, plus some little guys."

Oh believe me, I know this. But in my opinion, Epcot is perfect the way it is. Sure it can use a refurb or overhaul here and there, but additions aren't direly needed.

DAK and DHS are in the need of the most help in terms of additions, but overall I consider them better parks than the MK.

MK is just so incredibly stale, and the newer additions(repalcements) in the park are not hits with guests. I hear it all the time while working. the return visitors find the park stale, and the newer guests are not happy with the crowds. Capacity is honestly a huge problem. Yes, there are a lot of attractions at the MK, but on even a semi-crowded day they are strained by the shear number of people in the park.

In no way, shape, or form do I think the other parks should just be left alone, but in my view, it would be more prudent to fix the multitude of problems at #1 before touching 2,3, and 4.

 

[yankspy]

I see where you are coming from, but I will respectfully disagree.

Disney markets the MK as THE WDW experience. Everyone comes to see the Magic Kingdom, and to most people, the other parks are secondary.

The park is constantly stressed with the amount of people that visit already, and that number rises and rises every year. It doesn't have everything it needs. honestly, it's not even close IMO.

I would have to say that this is probably the biggest reason that it does not get the attention it deserves.

 

[Figment632]

I see where you are coming from, but I will respectfully disagree.

Disney markets the MK as THE WDW experience. Everyone comes to see the Magic Kingdom, and to most people, the other parks are secondary.

The park is constantly stressed with the amount of people that visit already, and that number rises and rises every year. It doesn't have everything it needs. honestly, it's not even close IMO.

Look at the commercials. What do you see in them? the castle, pirates, princesses, and pixie dust. You don't see SSE, The Tree of Life, or The BAH.

You see all the things attributed to the Magic Kingdom.

Agreed!

Its a sad state of affairs when the last E-Ticket was 20 years ago, and even through its not considered an E AE is gone as well ase another E Ticket 20K. So while other parks have gained E-tickets over the last 20 years MK has lost some. The last really new thing to come to MK i believe was Mickeys Phillhar Magic, while its a nice little 3d show it is far from a mojor E-Ticket

 

[DABIGCHEEZ]

I agree 100% with you Sirgoofy. All the parks at WDW are in need of alot of love. I am sure those that sprinkle the pixie dust on each meal, snort, or drink their daily pixiedust milkshake will be here shortly to tell us of all the wonderful things we have to look forward to and flame away on you. And by wonderful things I don't mean refurbed/redone attractions, paying for FP, or overpriced fireworks viewings.

The only thing I/we can hope for is that they are saving the bigggest$$ annoucement for WDW but somehow I doubt it. Hopefully I will be surprised.

I am going to pop some popcorn this will get good I am sure!:ROFLOL:

 

[Goofy316]

I agree with mostly everything that was stated here in one way or another but the facts are kind of redundant. When you say that AK and DHS need more help than the MK than how can it get it first. I think if any park needs help the most it would be Animal Kingdom then Hollywood Studios and then the Magic Kingdom.
Part of the attraction of the Magic Kingdom is the nostagia and the older attractions which is what makes it the most visited park in the world. Everyone still enjoys going there so not so many people are complaining about it. If people are complaining and going then you are like the kid who is eating his cake and complaining about the flavor of it.
I am not sitting here and saying that the Magic Kingdom is perfect because its not and I can see that. I still wouldnt rather be anywhere else in the world and I think there are other parts of WDW that need the love first.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Okay I know this thread could possibly open up some deep feelings for people, but I'd really like for this thread to stay civil. Here we go.


On the heels of the announcement that Hong Kong Disneyland will receive a half a billion dollar update, including 30 new attractions, two of which sound like complete home runs, I can't help but think of how forgotten the Magic Kingdom seems to be. Once these additions are completed, there is no doubt in my mind that the Magic Kingdom will be the worst Disneyland style park in the world.

It's been 17 years since the Magic Kingdom received a substantial addition, and since that time it has either only replaced rides, or lost them. Restaurants have been shuttered without replacement, and entertainment offerings have been cut. Fantasyland is falling apart at the seams, and many a classic attraction are in desperate need of TLC.

Space Mountain, a ride that should be treated as a true Disney E-ticket, is getting an underfunded, cut down refurbishment. It could have been made something special, instead it was kicked to the curb because the guests will come no matter what.

Sure, they have attempted to help the park. Haunted Mansion received a wonderful update. HoP got a nice refurb as well. But to me these are like putting band-aides on a stab wound.

The MK is a limping giant, and the Hong Kong expansion just sheds more light on this worrisome problem.

Some will claim, "But Little Mermaid is on the way!" And while I think it will help, even TLM won't save the MK from being low man on the totem pole.

Your thoughts? And please, keep it civil.

You know I agree with this spot on, right?:lol:

MK is the center of WDW' focus, yes. It's amazing they don't treat it like that, seeing, as already said, it's all they market. MK is/could be the Crown Jewel of Disney Parks, if you ask me. It's in the correct spot, to be (WDW) and only needs some attention before it reclaims that spot.

 

[mcjaco]

You're forgetting the HKDL was slated to get some rather impressive expansions form the get go, especially since it's struggling, and has competition. Although it's a nice little park, there isn't enough to do. The writing was on the wall for this expansion from the get go. You can't look at this expansion as MK getting the shaft.

Does MK need some TLC and a nice addition? Probably, but the crowds keep piling in so, why would they?

 

[SirGoofy]

I agree with mostly everything that was stated here in one way or another but the facts are kind of redundant. When you say that AK and DHS need more help than the MK than how can it get it first. I think if any park needs help the most it would be Animal Kingdom then Hollywood Studios and then the Magic Kingdom.
Part of the attraction of the Magic Kingdom is the nostagia and the older attractions which is what makes it the most visited park in the world. Everyone still enjoys going there so not so many people are complaining about it. If people are complaining and going then you are like the kid who is eating his cake and complaining about the flavor of it.
I am not sitting here and saying that the Magic Kingdom is perfect because its not and I can see that. I still wouldnt rather be anywhere else in the world and I think there are other parts of WDW that need the love first.

You misread what I am saying. DHS and DAK need the most added to them, but in no way, shape or form do I think they need more help than the MK. IMO MK is the worst park at WDW. It's classics are in bad shape, and it needs 2 E tickets, yes 2, and a few C/Ds to bring it up to snuff, along with some refurbs/overhauls of the classics.

Now I'm not going to be some crazy fanboi and say all this needs to be done now, but a nice 10-15 year plan announcement would be nice.

You're forgetting the HKDL was slated to get some rather impressive expansions form the get go, especially since it's struggling, and has competition. Although it's a nice little park, there isn't enough to do. The writing was on the wall for this expansion from the get go. You can't look at this expansion as MK getting the shaft.

Oh, I'm not saying that these additions are giving the shaft to MK. I'm saying once done, they will make MK the worst Disneyland style park in the world.:wave:

HK definitely needed this.

Does MK need some TLC and a nice addition? Probably, but the crowds keep piling in so, why would they?

I get why they don't add to it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.:lol:

Sure it's still the highest attended park in the world, but IMO that should be all the more reason to have it look like it deserves to be in that #1 spot. Because honestly, as of now, it doesn't.