You are forgetting that it opened with a show. That was a big addition when this land first opened that people loved. Sure, it became dated technology, but that wasn't the case at first. Also, PT Flea's pin shop and a corn dog stand were adjacent to the show building in the farm area (where Mater's is now). So, yes it had quite a bit when it first opened. I understand the criticism that they weren't high-end Disney-quality rides, but the overall theming of the land itself was awesome and the family rides served a need that was missing. I think the addition of Carsland and Mermaid, as well as the aging of the show sealed ABL's fate. Oh well. I'll live.
What show are you referring to?? If you mean ITTBAB that was there before, unless you mean a stage show or something I'm not recalling.
Edit: Just saw your other post correcting this. No worries!
I'll say it again, what was there was FINE for what it was, but it was made very clear that was nothing more than a needed quick fix at the time and nothing Disney saw as important to expand on or add in any way. In other words it was only a matter of time before something replaced it IMO. It never felt super permanent. And especially once they had created other suitable rides for kids which they did which as you said like TLM and CL. And probably TSM as well. It's also why I'm happy WEB doesn't have a height limit.
Yes, but this is a theme park board where people care about... um.... theming.
I want to make this very very clear. I thought what they did with the theme in 2012 was great. And of course it wasn't just the boardwalk alone that got it, but they got rid of that entire Route 66 junky area and expanded the theme to include Paradise Garden Grill area, Symphony Swings and The Little Mermaid. I think what they did was a HUGE improvement for sure. I'm only saying end of the day it's still just a boardwalk to me. It looks nicer which is a good thing, but for average guests it didn't really change the experience itself and why I'm not really bothered by it. But I'm happy they kept the rest of the area, Paradise Garden Grill area the same. The entire area beautified in a major way and I don't think PP really took it away IMO. I honestly like it even if the Victorian one was better.
And of course one thing I also find funny is that when they originally planned to remake DCA in 2007, Paradise Pier originally was suppose to get a Pixar makeover from the beginning. It was going to be themed to Toy Story. In fact, that's literally why Toy Story Mania exists, that was the first major redo of the pier into Toy Story and they were going to overlay the coaster to Woody's coaster, add the Army green men drop ride where Maliboomer use to be and so on. I'm too lazy to look it up but they even had concept art for it.
But yes it got changed to the Victorian theme instead and probably the better idea. And they also probably thought it would just feel like too much Pixar since they already had ABL and CL was coming too. So they made the right call at the time, but I guess someone decided that theme would still be better for the area. I don't know.
LOL!! I think there is some truth in what you are saying here, but probably is a bit of an oversimplification. I'm not sure there are many of us nostalgically missing Videopolis even if we have fun memories of dancing with a cute boy there as a tween/teen.
I remember I wanted to see that but my mother kept saying we were too young to go lol. And I'm only say8ing SOMEONE is going to miss something when they built enough memories around it. Most people were very happy they got rid of a lot of DCA 1.0. I don't think many miss stuff like the farm, Rt 66, the original entrance (Sunshine Plaza?) etc. But there are still people who want the original focus of what DCA 1.0 was trying to be, i.e, a more grounded and real version of California and the 'edutainment' focus it had. I'm not one of them. I grew up in California most of my life. If I want to learn something about it, I will just google it, watch a document or read a book. I don't look at theme parks for 'education' and probably I see DL as just a theme park as much as I love it but I'm getting off topic lol.
But we also adapt. People put up a big fuss about changes on the internet and yet I have never heard of any of these deplorable changes or additions stopping anyone from actually going....even though constantly make it a threat they will stop going lol.
With respect to TOT/MB, you are right about nostalgia for the original ride, but I think there would've been less of a violent reaction to the change if they hadn't converted the look of the building to a hideous monstrosity (that invades the BVS sight lines).
I fully agree on that. I think it still looks hideous too. And I like the Dr. Strange idea others been throwing around. But I can admit it's still a fun ride just the same. But if they ever converted to something else, I would be just as fine I think.