MK Villains Land Announced for Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

[MrPromey]

I want to split hairs! A 5 minute ride is 67% longer than a 3 minute ride.

Ah, I went down instead of up! (your percentage is way more impressive than mine!.. and of course, is the correct one for how I worded it.)

 

[Professortango1]

Just read 3 pages of gringotts and other coasters, nothing to do with Villains Land ,,,,,

I just read this comment. And the back of a shampoo bottle.

We're all caught up.

 

[DisneyHead123]

UOE was probably the longest attraction of any ride built in a Disney park....and that was not even close to 60 minutes... So there would be no worry about them ever building a ride that long... I do miss attractions like Horizons where it really felt like a journey.....instead of the 2-3 minute attractions of today...Hi\egher cost for the consumer overall, more time spent in long lines...(unless you want to double up on your admission cost) and still none of the rides are much over a couple minutes...

I agree for the most part with the caveat that short times work well for some specific rides, imo. The spinner rides feel plenty long to me at around 1-2 minutes. Some of the dark rides would probably be boring if they were much longer. But I do think having those longer (like 10-20 minutes) experiences is really nice.

For Villains my hope is a somewhat longer ride, although depending on the format, I think 5-8 minutes could be plenty. If it’s essentially a dark ride, coaster, or combination of the two I think there’s a limit to how long those stay engaging. I do hope they have interesting areas built into the land that serve as quasi walkthrough attractions, however, in that they’re interesting with a lot to explore.

 

[DisneyHead123]

Curveball: let’s say it's a boat ride like Pirates or IASW. On the one hand, there's no safety bar but on the other, your escape requires wading through 3-4 feet of water. Does that change anything?

I would peace out of there no question in that situation, ha ha!

Riffing off your final statement, I could see a FOP as part of a larger experience similar to the way Rise works that's much longer but for just that simulator, there are obviously time constraints for how expensive it would be to support guest throughput with those screens and a longer movie, as well as limits to how long that seating would be comfortable and for how long people want to be jostled around.

Making that longer along, even if financially/technically possible would require a more traditional seat and many periods of limited movement which would hurt the effect of the simulated flight.

I feel like at that point it’s getting into 4D movie territory like Tough To Be A Bug and now Zootopia. I think it would be cool to see an attraction like that built with modern technology, I bet they could really do a lot with it.

My own personal argument isn't that we should go back to the days of the 2 hour studio tour at Hollywood Studios, just that I would like to see not every new attraction guaranteed to have a massive wait always have such a short runtime (an argument I hold for both Universal and Disney).

Disney considering it acceptable for someone to spend a full day in their parks and experience 6 attractions, when most of those attractions are three minutes of less is not in my opinion, acceptable. If we're generous and say they average 4 minutes each, that would mean in an entire day someone is getting 24 minutes of actual attraction time. I guess maybe 44 minutes of entertainment if they also watched a parade. We all know where most of the rest of that 7+ hours is going and it's not shopping and dining.

I guess my frame of reference is different… 6 attractions would be a wildly successful day for us. But my son was at peak meltdown / side quest age on our last visits, so I may see it differently as he gets older.

 

[AidenRodriguez731]

I would peace out of there no question in that situation, ha ha!



I feel like at that point it’s getting into 4D movie territory like Tough To Be A Bug and now Zootopia. I think it would be cool to see an attraction like that built with modern technology, I bet they could really do a lot with it.



I guess my frame of reference is different… 6 attractions would be a wildly successful day for us. But my son was at peak meltdown / side quest age on our last visits, so I may see it differently as he gets older.

Maybe we should just switch out all rides for shows right? I mean they are longer and have a huge capacity. Just tears down the rides.

 

[DisneyHead123]

Maybe we should just switch out all rides for shows right? I mean they are longer and have a huge capacity. Just tears down the rides.

I actually do like the idea of more shows, although I’m mostly thinking live shows and Disney seems hesitant about hiring more performers.

On ride length - I don’t worry about it as much as some, my hope for Villains is like a 5-8 minute ride. To me that’s more than enough for a dark ride, although others mileage may vary of course.

 

[Professortango1]

Maybe we should just switch out all rides for shows right? I mean they are longer and have a huge capacity. Just tears down the rides.

I'm for that!! Live entertainment helps make a theme park experience feel varies and full vs a day of marathoning rides. Shows and unique table service restaurants are always a part of a perfect theme park day for me.

I'm more excited for the Potter magic show at Epic than the MOM ride.

 

[FerretAfros]

I honestly would prefer a high-capacity show rather than a flat ride. I'm also hoping that there's gonna be a counter-service restaurant but I get why they wouldn't cause Columbia Harbor House, Peco's Bill, and Pinocchio are nearby.

As a park, MK should add all sorts of things: a couple more headliner attractions, several more A-D Ticket filler attractions, etc. But what it really, truly needs is the basic infrastructure to support tens of thousands of people each day: dining, restrooms, places to sit and take a break, transportation capacity from the parking lot and hotels, etc.

Dating back to its first busy period over Thanksgiving weekend 1971, MK has always struggled to feed its guests, yet little has been done to address it over the years. WDW's snack culture doesn't really exist in other Disney parks around the world, because they generally have adequate capacity (relative to park attendance) to serve quick legitimate meals. Part of the reason MK's food is generally lackluster is that so few restaurants must serve so many people that there's not room on the menus for niche items when the kitchens are running at breakneck pace.

MK's annual attendance has nearly doubled since the early 90's, but quick-service dining capacity has reduced in that same period, with the Adventureland Verandah converted to table service (following a 2-decade closure) and Tomorrowland Terrace relegated to dessert parties [edit: and El Pirata Y El Perico/Tortuga Tavern only open a couple days a year, though the seating area has been mostly absorbed by Pecos Bill].

The previous "largest expansion in MK's history" attempted to help this with Be Our Guest's quick-service breakfast and lunch, but those were discontinued fairly quickly in favor of higher priced table-service meals. Snack bar and outdoor vending capacity has increased since the 90's, but little of that is a substitute for a proper meal.

MK is the world's busiest theme park, yet only has 4 true quick-service restaurants (Pecos Bill, Columbia Harbor House, Pinocchio's Village House, Cosmic Ray's) to feed roughly 50,000 guests per day on average. This expansion project seems aimed to help alleviate some of the park's other fundamental operations issues (BTMRR dead-end, geographic distribution of attractions, simply more guest space, etc.), but to really be a success it will need to meaningfully improve the quick-service dining situation, both for the current guests and for any potential future growth.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Cosmic Rays used to be, basically 3 QS in one with a different menu at each bay. You could get Chicken and Ribs at Bay 1, Burgers and Hot Dogs at Bay 2, and Sandwiches, soups and salads at bay 3.

Now 1 bay is mobile order and 1 is order at registers and the menu is more basic.

MK quick serve is so sad.

 

[James Alucobond]

MK quick serve is so sad.

The park could honestly be elevated so quickly by just improving all of the QS options. For as long as I can remember, I've almost always returned to the resorts for meals, which is never the case for EPCOT and AK.

 

[BrianLo]

The park could honestly be elevated so quickly by just improving all of the QS options. For as long as I can remember, I've almost always returned to the resorts for meals, which is never the case for EPCOT and AK.

It’s a bit confusing why Magic Kingdom hasn’t really improved food. Pretty much everywhere else on property has, including the MK Resorts.

We got Skippers Canteen and that’s it.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

As a park, MK should add all sorts of things: a couple more headliner attractions, several more A-D Ticket filler attractions, etc. But what it really, truly needs is the basic infrastructure to support tens of thousands of people each day: dining, restrooms, places to sit and take a break, transportation capacity from the parking lot and hotels, etc.

Dating back to its first busy period over Thanksgiving weekend 1971, MK has always struggled to feed its guests, yet little has been done to address it over the years. WDW's snack culture doesn't really exist in other Disney parks around the world, because they generally have adequate capacity (relative to park attendance) to serve quick legitimate meals. Part of the reason MK's food is generally lackluster is that so few restaurants must serve so many people that there's not room on the menus for niche items when the kitchens are running at breakneck pace.

MK's annual attendance has nearly doubled since the early 90's, but quick-service dining capacity has reduced in that same period, with the Adventureland Verandah converted to table service (following a 2-decade closure) and Tomorrowland Terrace relegated to dessert parties.

The previous "largest expansion in MK's history" attempted to help this with Be Our Guest's quick-service breakfast and lunch, but those were discontinued fairly quickly in favor of higher priced table-service meals. Snack bar and outdoor vending capacity has increased since the 90's, but little of that is a substitute for a proper meal.

MK is the world's busiest theme park, yet only has 4 true quick-service restaurants (Pecos Bill, Columbia Harbor House, Pinocchio's Village House, Cosmic Ray's) to feed roughly 50,000 guests per day on average. This expansion project seems aimed to help alleviate some of the park's other fundamental operations issues (BTMRR dead-end, geographic distribution of attractions, simply more guest space, etc.), but to really be a success it will need to meaningfully improve the quick-service dining situation, both for the current guests and for any potential future growth.

As you and others have said repeatedly, they could start by reopening all the ones they've closed over the years

There's a large quick service restaurant just off the Hub that can only exist for fireworks desert parties because Disney thinks the park as is, is "good enough" (it's not like management ever needs to eat there...)

 

[HauntedPirate]

All of Burbank's best sharp pencil people have analyzed the data and they say...

1 QS
1 TS
Snacks beyond that

If guests aren't stopping and eating, they can be spending more time creating lines at rides, which leads them to pay for LL, and also shopping for merch. Best to keep the cattle moving along as much as possible.

 

[DisneyHead123]

It’s a bit confusing why Magic Kingdom hasn’t really improved food. Pretty much everywhere else on property has, including the MK Resorts.

We got Skippers Canteen and that’s it.

I don't see them leaving money on the table. My guess is that the demographics of MK (probably more families with kids, more people looking to cram in a bunch of rides quickly) is more conducive to snack food or take-and-go food.

They do have a number of restaurants, imo, just fewer "wow" options. For table service you've got Cinderella's Royal Table, Be Our Guest, Crystal Palace, Liberty Tree Tavern, The Plaza, and Skipper's Canteen; for quick service Columbia, Cosmic Ray's, Pecos Bill, Pinnochio, for places with limited seating (grab and go) there's Casey's, Sleepy Hollow, Friar's Nook, Gaston's, Lunching Pad, and the spring roll cart. Not sure what category Beak and Barrel falls in.

It's a moderate number of options, but for us, Cinderella's Royal Table and Be Our Guest aren't worth the price point without a princess loving child in tow. Crystal Palace is great but we've been there several times. Liberty Tree Tavern and Skipper's Canteen are also great but not necessarily entertaining for kids. Compared to Hollywood Studios with eateries themed to Toy Story, the 50s (with cars you can sit in or funny servers), Star Wars or Hollywood and Vine; and Epcot with Garden Grill, Space 220, Akershus, Coral Reef and all the unique environments in World Showcase. Animal Kingdom probably has relatively fewer options and is currently under construction, but the background of the park serves as a really nice theme there.

Again, looking at MK I always think that, on paper, I really should be able to find a new restaurant to get excited about, but for whatever reason most of them miss the mark for our group by just a little bit. That said, realistically, my son probably eats the most at MK. Snacks, snacks, and more snacks, with nary a bit of protein that isn't a hot dog or chicken finger in sight? For most kids, yeah, sign them right up.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Be Our Guest and Skipper Canteen were added when the Dining Plan was big. Same with having Diamond Horseshoe serve the LTT platters when there wasn't enough space. The focus in hindsight was to give people a chance to use their dinner credits. Gaston's Tavern was always more of a snack place.

Now table service doesn't have the same demand as before because fewer people use DDP and don't want to pay Disney's current sit down meal prices.

A dinner show in Villains is a great idea for a dinner show...but doesn't solve this issue

 

[_caleb]

As a park, MK should add all sorts of things: a couple more headliner attractions, several more A-D Ticket filler attractions, etc. But what it really, truly needs is the basic infrastructure to support tens of thousands of people each day: dining, restrooms, places to sit and take a break, transportation capacity from the parking lot and hotels, etc.

Dating back to its first busy period over Thanksgiving weekend 1971, MK has always struggled to feed its guests, yet little has been done to address it over the years. WDW's snack culture doesn't really exist in other Disney parks around the world, because they generally have adequate capacity (relative to park attendance) to serve quick legitimate meals. Part of the reason MK's food is generally lackluster is that so few restaurants must serve so many people that there's not room on the menus for niche items when the kitchens are running at breakneck pace.

MK's annual attendance has nearly doubled since the early 90's, but quick-service dining capacity has reduced in that same period, with the Adventureland Verandah converted to table service (following a 2-decade closure) and Tomorrowland Terrace relegated to dessert parties.

The previous "largest expansion in MK's history" attempted to help this with Be Our Guest's quick-service breakfast and lunch, but those were discontinued fairly quickly in favor of higher priced table-service meals. Snack bar and outdoor vending capacity has increased since the 90's, but little of that is a substitute for a proper meal.

MK is the world's busiest theme park, yet only has 4 true quick-service restaurants (Pecos Bill, Columbia Harbor House, Pinocchio's Village House, Cosmic Ray's) to feed roughly 50,000 guests per day on average. This expansion project seems aimed to help alleviate some of the park's other fundamental operations issues (BTMRR dead-end, geographic distribution of attractions, simply more guest space, etc.), but to really be a success it will need to meaningfully improve the quick-service dining situation, both for the current guests and for any potential future growth.

I'd be curious to know how most guests manage dining options. I imagine there may once have been a strategy to offer lackluster quick-serve options to make the higher-priced table service options more attractive.

But these days, I can't imagine the current quick-serve options are generating any guest satisfaction on price, speed, or quality. And rather than pushing people to table-serve, I'm thinking most just snack their way through MK and eat elsewhere for "real" meals.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

My guess is that the demographics of MK (probably more families with kids, more people looking to cram in a bunch of rides quickly) is more conducive to snack food or take-and-go food.

Aren’t the same people eating at MK also eating at Epcot and DAK?

 

[James Alucobond]

… for us, Cinderella's Royal Table and Be Our Guest aren't worth the price point without a princess loving child in tow.

Be Our Guest isn’t worth it even for that crowd. You’re lucky if you see Beast briskly walk through once flanked by a pair of bouncers.

 

[Incomudro]

As a park, MK should add all sorts of things: a couple more headliner attractions, several more A-D Ticket filler attractions, etc. But what it really, truly needs is the basic infrastructure to support tens of thousands of people each day: dining, restrooms, places to sit and take a break, transportation capacity from the parking lot and hotels, etc.

Dating back to its first busy period over Thanksgiving weekend 1971, MK has always struggled to feed its guests, yet little has been done to address it over the years. WDW's snack culture doesn't really exist in other Disney parks around the world, because they generally have adequate capacity (relative to park attendance) to serve quick legitimate meals. Part of the reason MK's food is generally lackluster is that so few restaurants must serve so many people that there's not room on the menus for niche items when the kitchens are running at breakneck pace.

MK's annual attendance has nearly doubled since the early 90's, but quick-service dining capacity has reduced in that same period, with the Adventureland Verandah converted to table service (following a 2-decade closure) and Tomorrowland Terrace relegated to dessert parties.

The previous "largest expansion in MK's history" attempted to help this with Be Our Guest's quick-service breakfast and lunch, but those were discontinued fairly quickly in favor of higher priced table-service meals. Snack bar and outdoor vending capacity has increased since the 90's, but little of that is a substitute for a proper meal.

MK is the world's busiest theme park, yet only has 4 true quick-service restaurants (Pecos Bill, Columbia Harbor House, Pinocchio's Village House, Cosmic Ray's) to feed roughly 50,000 guests per day on average. This expansion project seems aimed to help alleviate some of the park's other fundamental operations issues (BTMRR dead-end, geographic distribution of attractions, simply more guest space, etc.), but to really be a success it will need to meaningfully improve the quick-service dining situation, both for the current guests and for any potential future growth.

Agreed, visiting the parks as a family we have always found MK to be the most difficult park to find something to eat quickly at.
We usually wind up at Pecos.

 

[aladdin2007]

Be Our Guest and Skipper Canteen were added when the Dining Plan was big. Same with having Diamond Horseshoe serve the LTT platters when there wasn't enough space. The focus in hindsight was to give people a chance to use their dinner credits. Gaston's Tavern was always more of a snack place.

Now table service doesn't have the same demand as before because fewer people use DDP and don't want to pay Disney's current sit down meal prices.

A dinner show in Villains is a great idea for a dinner show...but doesn't solve this issue

This, and they are now spending on LL and all that instead of dining. Disney created their own problem/monster. However certain spots like The Plaza sure arent hurting, packed all day and turning people away, of course its super small and all but just saying.