What do you think is the best pre-show in each park (and why)? And which do you think is the worst (or at least the biggest letdown...exclude from the list those attractions that don't really have a pre-show to speak of.)? Here is my list:
Magic Kingdom
Best: Space Mountain - Sure, it is a little cheesy in spots, but I love how after all these years, it still builds the excitement of the ride that is to follow. Once inside the mountain, I've never been bored waiting in line for this attraction. There is always something cool to look at.
Worst: Splash Mountain - It is one of my favorite attractions at the entire resort, but it could stand to have a more exciting pre-show. You're really just walking through tunnels with the occasional flickering light and whenever you turn a corner and think you're going to see something exciting, it is usually a letdown.
Epcot
Best: Honey I Shrunk the Audience - Most people will probably disagree with me on this one. But the "True Colors" slideshow is so powerful and emotional in it's simplicity. Perhaps the fact that I'm really into photography has something to do with it too. But it just always seems like one of those things Walt would have done. He didn't always have to spend big bucks on a huge elaborate show for it to be entertaining.
Worst: Test Track - This isn't a terrible pre-show. Just a bit of a letdown compared to what it could be. There's nothing all that interesting to look at while you're snaking around the queue area. Maybe if the crash test dummies were animated or something, it would be better. The only part that's entertaining is when you go into that little room right before moving on to your test vehicle.
MGM
Best: Tower of Terror (actually, this is the best attraction pre-show in the world!) - Every time I walk into the lobby I believe I'm in an actual hotel. I'm always looking around for details that I may have missed on previous visits. The show in the library is done so well and in the true spirit of the Twilight Zone. And the boiler room is the perfect setting to set that eerie tone.
Worst: Great Movie Ride - It has always seemed to me that they could have done something more exciting with all that space while you're waiting.
Animal Kingdom
Best: Dinosaur - While it could be better still, I do enjoy the video they show you right before boarding the vehicles. It does a great job of helping you to understand the storyline of the attraction while you're riding it.
Worst: Kilamanjaro Safari - For being this park's signature attraction, it really could have more of a pre-show than the occasionally display while you're waiting in line.
Magic Kingdom
Best: Space Mountain - Sure, it is a little cheesy in spots, but I love how after all these years, it still builds the excitement of the ride that is to follow. Once inside the mountain, I've never been bored waiting in line for this attraction. There is always something cool to look at.
Worst: Splash Mountain - It is one of my favorite attractions at the entire resort, but it could stand to have a more exciting pre-show. You're really just walking through tunnels with the occasional flickering light and whenever you turn a corner and think you're going to see something exciting, it is usually a letdown.
Epcot
Best: Honey I Shrunk the Audience - Most people will probably disagree with me on this one. But the "True Colors" slideshow is so powerful and emotional in it's simplicity. Perhaps the fact that I'm really into photography has something to do with it too. But it just always seems like one of those things Walt would have done. He didn't always have to spend big bucks on a huge elaborate show for it to be entertaining.
Worst: Test Track - This isn't a terrible pre-show. Just a bit of a letdown compared to what it could be. There's nothing all that interesting to look at while you're snaking around the queue area. Maybe if the crash test dummies were animated or something, it would be better. The only part that's entertaining is when you go into that little room right before moving on to your test vehicle.
MGM
Best: Tower of Terror (actually, this is the best attraction pre-show in the world!) - Every time I walk into the lobby I believe I'm in an actual hotel. I'm always looking around for details that I may have missed on previous visits. The show in the library is done so well and in the true spirit of the Twilight Zone. And the boiler room is the perfect setting to set that eerie tone.
Worst: Great Movie Ride - It has always seemed to me that they could have done something more exciting with all that space while you're waiting.
Animal Kingdom
Best: Dinosaur - While it could be better still, I do enjoy the video they show you right before boarding the vehicles. It does a great job of helping you to understand the storyline of the attraction while you're riding it.
Worst: Kilamanjaro Safari - For being this park's signature attraction, it really could have more of a pre-show than the occasionally display while you're waiting in line.
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