This ride system is a compelling experience.
When The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror first burst onto the scene, it completely redefined the drop ride experience. Instead of being an attraction that relied on physical sensation alone, it was suddenly equipped to be a storytelling device. Instead of the drop being the experience, the drop became part of an experience. Part of a story.
This whole ride system followed the same path roller coasters did before it. Before Matterhorn, roller coaster attractions relied on the most basic sensations to create an experience. After Matterhorn (and especially after Walt's Space Mountain) roller coasters were empowered. They could tell amazing stories.
Splash Mountain did much the same with flumes. Though I'd be remiss if not to mention there was Story in some flumes before Splash Mountain, but the scale and complexity pushed boundaries.
All of this to say, what limit is there on a certain ride system? Why must a storytelling drop Tower be constrained into a narrow box? Why can't a new team come in using an existing ride concept and create a story just as compelling or even better than the first? Why isn't it possible for Joe and his team to push boundaries within an existing structure?
What would be different if Joe and his team were building a drop tower from scratch? Maybe some of the architectural forms on exterior, but largely it would be similiar. A drop Tower.
Now it is conceivable that they wouldn't have chosen a drop Tower as the preferred medium, which is reasonable. That is what they were dealt though. They're now working with this framework and are completely rethinking the core ideas. They're telling the most radically different Disney drop Tower story yet.
This ride very well could be as detailed as the original. Why can't it? Why can't the same level of thought and care be put into this project?
What makes this different?
I know a lot of people don't adore Guardians of the Galaxy, myself included, but Joe Rohde and his team absolutely can knock this out of the park. They absolutely are putting the same level of care and thought into this project as any other project.
There's a certain irony that many of the most ardent Avatar defenders (and I would describe myself as one of the fiercest of the Avatar opposition) are decrying this move, even as these two projects bear a surprising resemblance. Sci-fi where there should be more fantasy (fantasy of Hollywood no less). Aliens where it should be about people. Hottest IP when it should have been more about originality.
I'll be the first to say that this project's placement stinks. This is not optimal. Just like Avatar's placement still upsets me. I'll still appreciate the level of care and detail put into these projects though. I still will enjoy myself in the two areas.
This ride has been extensively thought out. It will absolutely push storytelling boundaries at Disney California Adventure. It may be the most meaningful attraction at DCA.
They've infused it with meaning. Everyone's laughed at this notion, but no one has rebutted it.
That's because it's actually the message.
Oh, and while I'm posting,
@MonkeyHead next time you share my content link me to it so I can see your delightful commentary!