The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
This is how I ended up using DCA too. I feel little emotional connection to that park. But it functions great as a really rather good depository of rides to add to my DL day.
Same with WDSP.
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California Adventure vs Hollywood Studios
- Thread starter DisneyAndUniversalFan
- Start date
Same with WDSP.
The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
DHS is now in its third version of itself, more or less. The previous versions beat DCA by a landslide. But DHS has lost a lot of atmosphere, and rides and shows I adored. It left me a bit sad, there have been times in the past where I thought DHS the best park in the world.
Still beats DCA though. Good ride line-up. Some excellent areas - Grizzly, Condor Flats, Buena Vista Street, Cars Land. But otherwise a cheap and charmless hodgepodge.
Still beats DCA though. Good ride line-up. Some excellent areas - Grizzly, Condor Flats, Buena Vista Street, Cars Land. But otherwise a cheap and charmless hodgepodge.
The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
I think you're a bit generous with your DCA letter allocation...
DCA is great in its good offerings, but mediocre in its smaller offerings. Should be downgraded:
D budget PhilharMagic, Goofy's off-the-rack kiddie coaster,
C Zephyr, SS Swings, Pixar Pal
B Jellyfish, Whirlwind, Carousel
Carnival swings do not C Tickets make, not even with that DCA deceat of 'I'm such an incrowd fan, I understand that 1932 reference'-stickers slapped on them.
mickEblu
Well-Known Member
Not to pick on you, as I have also said much the same sentiment in threads here about DCA. But this thread made me think...
What is actually different at DCA in 2023 compared to 2015?
It seems to break down into four main changes/deletions since '15;
I honestly thought Lamplight Lounge was a nice, rather upscale upgrade to the former Ariel's Grotto princess pavilion. The only pleasant thing that came out of the Pixar Pier overlay.
- Pixar Pier overlay within the coaster envelope (but not extending to Paradise Gardens/Little Mermaid)
- Avengers Campus replacing A Bug's Land
- Cancelling Paint The Night with no replacement parade
- San Fransokyo construction
Otherwise, I can't think of anything major that has changed in DCA since '15, except a few minor quibbles as a park naturally evolves;
Other than that, I can't think of any aesthetic changes to DCA since 2015. Was there really a huge fan base for A Bug's Land? They took Flik's Flyers, arguably the most entertaining ride there, and turned it into Emotional Whirlwind. Everything else got scrapped. Are people really mourning the loss of Heimlich's Chew Chew Train and Francis' Lady Bug Boogie and a dozen of those popsicle stick benches? Cause I'm not.
- MuppetVision got replaced with a C'heapo D'Amaro version of Mickey's Philharmagic, but MuppetVision was pretty much a snore fest left over from the George Bush I administration circa 1990. So an even trade?
- Whatever version of Soarin' they are now showing, which I honestly have lost track of. California circa 2000? Or is it The World as approved by the Chinese Communist Party? I've lost track what's playing now in DCA.
- The replacement for the Frozen show in the Hyperion, whatever that might be. Rogers? As in Rogers & Hammerstein? (I doubt it.)
- Did the Disney Jr. Dance Party, Presented by Pampers get a rewrite? New cartoon characters in the last few years?
- Whatever version of World of Color they're on now. World of Color Magical Wish Dream+, Presented by RainBird Sprinklers?
Aside from Bug's Land getting exterminated for Avenger's Campus and that Spiderman ride, plus the short list of Chapek/D'Amaro cheap crap like Pixar Pier and San Fransokyo overlays, not much has changed at DCA in the last 8 years. What am I missing?
TOT was rethemed to Mission Breakout and Soarin Over California swapped for Soarin Over California. And one positive change - Condor Flats rethemed to Grizzly Peak Airfield.
DavidDL
Well-Known Member
chadwpalm
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- No
This is what makes the decision hard for me. The question can be looked at in 3 ways.
1. Considering the other parks in terms of attractions. For example, choosing DCA because RotR and MMRR are at Disneyland.
2. Considering the other parks in terms of their existence, but not considering attractions. Basically what you said above.
3. Considering the other parks do not exist as all. DCA and DHS are the only Disney parks that exist.
My answer would be different for each of these. For 1 and 2, I would choose DCA because I can walk over to Disneyland when I was bored and ride the things that exist at DHS.
But I feel the spirit of the poll relates more to 3. If no other parks/attractions existed, I'd probably pick DHS over DCA due to it having MMRR, GE, and ToT. Also F! over WoC. I do prefer DCA's atmosphere more (especially the Grizzly Peak area), but attractions win me over slightly more than atmosphere in this particular case.
mickEblu
Well-Known Member
I think you have to go with #2 as that’s the way the parks are actually experienced by the majority of guests. I agree that the poll is asking for #3 but what’s the point if that’s not how the parks are actually experienced? I guess the fair comparison would be to say which park on a one day single park ticket is the better experience. But if that’s not the way most people are experiencing DCA then
CaptinEO
Well-Known Member
Tower of Terror and Soaring Over California were both top tier attractions for me. They were on par with the greats at Disneyland for me and both gave me incredible memories.Not to pick on you, as I have also said much the same sentiment in threads here about DCA. But this thread made me think...
What is actually different at DCA in 2023 compared to 2015?
It seems to break down into four main changes/deletions since '15;
I honestly thought Lamplight Lounge was a nice, rather upscale upgrade to the former Ariel's Grotto princess pavilion. The only pleasant thing that came out of the Pixar Pier overlay.
- Pixar Pier overlay within the coaster envelope (but not extending to Paradise Gardens/Little Mermaid)
- Avengers Campus replacing A Bug's Land
- Cancelling Paint The Night with no replacement parade
- San Fransokyo construction
Otherwise, I can't think of anything major that has changed in DCA since '15, except a few minor quibbles as a park naturally evolves;
Other than that, I can't think of any aesthetic changes to DCA since 2015. Was there really a huge fan base for A Bug's Land? They took Flik's Flyers, arguably the most entertaining ride there, and turned it into Emotional Whirlwind. Everything else got scrapped. Are people really mourning the loss of Heimlich's Chew Chew Train and Francis' Lady Bug Boogie and a dozen of those popsicle stick benches? Cause I'm not.
- MuppetVision got replaced with a C'heapo D'Amaro version of Mickey's Philharmagic, but MuppetVision was pretty much a snore fest left over from the George Bush I administration circa 1990. So an even trade?
- Whatever version of Soarin' they are now showing, which I honestly have lost track of. California circa 2000? Or is it The World as approved by the Chinese Communist Party? I've lost track what's playing now in DCA.
- The replacement for the Frozen show in the Hyperion, whatever that might be. Rogers? As in Rogers & Hammerstein? (I doubt it.)
- Did the Disney Jr. Dance Party, Presented by Pampers get a rewrite? New cartoon characters in the last few years?
- Whatever version of World of Color they're on now. World of Color Magical Wish Dream+, Presented by RainBird Sprinklers?
Aside from Bug's Land getting exterminated for Avenger's Campus and that Spiderman ride, plus the short list of Chapek/D'Amaro cheap crap like Pixar Pier and San Fransokyo overlays, not much has changed at DCA in the last 8 years. What am I missing?
I was actually excited for Soaring Over The World, it seemed like a great idea. Then the ride starts and theres a polar bear on an icecap, an avalanche, and a perfectly timed whale jumping out of the water. It just instantly took me out of it.
It went from nature to an overproduced ABC corny "nature" special for me.
I'm not saying the original is untouchable, a flying relaxing movie with music is all I need, but not when it's so over the top with spectacle.
Tower of Terror was just done dirty. Chapek's first project for the sole goal of proving WDI can make something timely and cost effective. Well he made it.
Tower of Terror was DCA's own horror element. A ghost story with drops and great special effects.
Now it's watching D Tier comedy super heroes dance to 70s music. The downgrade is painful.
mickEblu
Well-Known Member
I’m still not over what they did to TOT. I mean, I’m over it but it stings when I think about it. Does that mean I’m not over it?
Suspirian
Well-Known Member
I kinda hope we get another Twilight Zone attraction at some point.
Consumer
Well-Known Member
The removal of Tower of Terror, Soarin' over California, and the aesthetic harmony of Paradise Pier, have all been detrimental to DCA. Add in other changes such as the loss of Muppet Vision, Bug's Land, and soon Pacific Wharf, and only more harm has been done to the park.
Also, mostly unrelated, but I've never realized just how sporty Soarin' over California was. In the movie, we see white water rafting, skiing, rock climbing, hang gliding, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, and surfing. It's touches like that which aren't found in Soarin' Around the World.
Also, mostly unrelated, but I've never realized just how sporty Soarin' over California was. In the movie, we see white water rafting, skiing, rock climbing, hang gliding, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, and surfing. It's touches like that which aren't found in Soarin' Around the World.
chadwpalm
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- No
You don't like CGI Taj Mahal?
PiratesMansion
Well-Known Member
Yes, I am offended by pretty much all of those things (don't care about Disney Junior, but otherwise? Yep.) I was actually fine with Frozen, because Aladdin was long in the tooth and from a technical perspective, that show as to me an unambiguous improvement on its predecessor, but I know that that is a minority opinion.Not to pick on you, as I have also said much the same sentiment in threads here about DCA. But this thread made me think...
What is actually different at DCA in 2023 compared to 2015?
It seems to break down into four main changes/deletions since '15;
I honestly thought Lamplight Lounge was a nice, rather upscale upgrade to the former Ariel's Grotto princess pavilion. The only pleasant thing that came out of the Pixar Pier overlay.
- Pixar Pier overlay within the coaster envelope (but not extending to Paradise Gardens/Little Mermaid)
- Avengers Campus replacing A Bug's Land
- Cancelling Paint The Night with no replacement parade
- San Fransokyo construction
Otherwise, I can't think of anything major that has changed in DCA since '15, except a few minor quibbles as a park naturally evolves;
Other than that, I can't think of any aesthetic changes to DCA since 2015. Was there really a huge fan base for A Bug's Land? They took Flik's Flyers, arguably the most entertaining ride there, and turned it into Emotional Whirlwind. Everything else got scrapped. Are people really mourning the loss of Heimlich's Chew Chew Train and Francis' Lady Bug Boogie and a dozen of those popsicle stick benches? Cause I'm not.
- MuppetVision got replaced with a C'heapo D'Amaro version of Mickey's Philharmagic, but MuppetVision was pretty much a snore fest left over from the George Bush I administration circa 1990. So an even trade?
- Whatever version of Soarin' they are now showing, which I honestly have lost track of. California circa 2000? Or is it The World as approved by the Chinese Communist Party? I've lost track what's playing now in DCA.
- The replacement for the Frozen show in the Hyperion, whatever that might be. Rogers? As in Rogers & Hammerstein? (I doubt it.)
- Did the Disney Jr. Dance Party, Presented by Pampers get a rewrite? New cartoon characters in the last few years?
- Whatever version of World of Color they're on now. World of Color Magical Wish Dream+, Presented by RainBird Sprinklers?
Aside from Bug's Land getting exterminated for Avenger's Campus and that Spiderman ride, plus the short list of Chapek/D'Amaro cheap crap like Pixar Pier and San Fransokyo overlays, not much has changed at DCA in the last 8 years. What am I missing?
Mission Breakout I'm more or less ok with now and I'd probably give the actual experience the win over the DCA TOT, though there's plenty that could be said about the exterior, how it is visible all over the resort, and whether or not they were actually giving that fact due consideration when they made the changes.
But Soarin' and Incredicoaster/Pixar Pier to me are big, unambiguous downgrades. Remember when we called Incredicoaster Chase the Baby? We should bring that back, because the actual name disgusts me. Put me firmly on the side of being against all unnecessary aesthetic "upgrades" they have done or will be doing in the future.
I actually do miss Muppetvision (in particular) and ITTBAB. I know there aren't tons of us out there, but still! We exist!
I wasn't deeply attached to ABL by any stretch, but it was undoubtedly a nicer, more shaded area than AC.
Lamplight Lounge is more forced Pixar IP vanity, and no, those lobster nachos are not good enough that even a seafood hater would love them, as I was repeatedly assured (also, they're not $20 good, sorry not sorry). And any time Disney tries to turn the Pixar ball or its colors into A Thing, I flinch. So I would have preferred the comparatively harmless Cove Bar & Princess restaurant if given the choice (and given that the uber-expensive Princess character breakfast still hasn't returned to Napa Rose, perhaps Disney should have just kept it here).
Don't forget it's not just PTN missing, DCA also used to have a day parade! Admittedly one I never liked and was due for a replacement when it it died, but still! Options are good! There were other minor entertainment offerings cut too that I had enjoyed. Oh well.
Animation was also nicer before they moved the Frozen M&G there, when the walkthrough was actually complete and didn't dead end at the library, AND the zoetrope was there. Surely it can't be doing anyone any favors sitting wherever it is and collecting dust?
There are plenty of people here who can point to little changes at Disneyland that really bother them. There are a few of those for me too, but honestly, for me, most of them are at DCA. Declining by Degrees? DCA may as well be the poster child for my specific frame of reference. By contrast, DHS had already gutted most of its soul by the time I visited as an adult (and I don't have a clear memory of the MGM that existed during my one childhood visit), so I can't really say that I feel like what's there now is objectively worse than what was there in the 2010s. Yeah, they should have built MMRR in a new building and kept GMR (not because I actually liked GMR, but because anything to give that park more ride capacity would be a good thing), but otherwise? DHS wins unambiguously in a head to head comparison. Even if a lot of that probably comes down to highly subjective "show me on the doll where DCA hurt you" sorts of feelings, and DHS just isn't familiar enough for it to affect me the same way.
@mickEblu did it, he found the last unambiguously positive change of DCA. It's been all downhill from there.
Consumer
Well-Known Member
I don't even like the real Taj Mahal.
Soarin' has a lot of potential to have different shows, much like Circlevision, and I'm not necessarily opposed to the replacement of Soarin' over California (although I do believe it's the perfect show for DCA). I would love to someday see Soarin' over the United States, with flying past the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan, a New England lighthouse, Appalachian Mountains, the National Mall in DC, the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch, Midwest farmlands, Mount Rushmore, Old Faithful, the Rockies, the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, and Disneyland. Naturally there's plenty of other landmarks and vistas to choose from, such as the Willis Tower, the Vegas Strip, the Space Needle, Arches National Park, Mount St. Helens, Mount Denali, bayous of Louisiana, Mauna Loa, as well as places we've already seen in Soarin', such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite, Los Angeles, and Monument Valley. Heck, maybe it can even be randomized; would work better than the randomization on Star Tours.
Of course, this would never fly (pun intended) in Shanghai, but maybe they, along with Tokyo, could receive Soarin' over Asia. Point really just being that Soarin' has a lot of potential and what the sequel we were given doesn't live up to it.
The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
Finally, somebody puts into words my own experience of the SoC to SotW transition. I thought it the better fit for EPCOT, but on my first ride my giddy excitement turned to disappointment at the exact same moment. Polar bear, whale, glacier avalanche...this didn't show the wonders of the world, but a cartoon version. Within twenty seconds Soarin' II had jumped the whale.
CaptinEO
Well-Known Member
I'm glad I'm not the only one who despised this scene. Like I get it's a themepark ride and not real but at least try to make it feel real. My brain just instantly said this is fake and it diminished the whole experience.
Then you have the lovely rubber bending Eifel Tower and the CGI Taj Mahal. Don't get me started on the "transitions". A kite flies into the screen in China and now you're in Africa? There was nothing wrong with normal edits.
They did keep the theme music thankfully but the renditions aren't nearly as powerful or impactful as the original. Instead it is It's A Small World, where you just hear the same song adapted for different countries instruments.
At the end my friend and I said something along the lines of "that's kind of a disappointment".
Not saying it's a terrible ride but it was just a major downgrade. If it was just relaxing footage with no spectacle and great music that's all I want.