Christmas Cheer for SeaWorld; Bah Humbug for WDW

[wdwmagic]

But some folks see more 'magic' in hanging with characters in Toontown or siiting thru SGE than in seeing SW's amazing shows or riding the best coaster in town or exploring sea life in some great exhibits. I'm a Disney fanboi at heart, but I don't ... I kicked the pixie dust addiction years ago.

:xmas::xmas::xmas:

I know what you are saying, but I would add that on a daily basis, character meet and greets in Tooontown bring grown adults to tears. Despite what you think, there is some real magic there, and it's something only Disney can do.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I know what you are saying, but I would add that on a daily basis, character meet and greets in Tooontown bring grown adults to tears. Despite what you think, there is some real magic there, and it's something only Disney can do.

Over the last few years Rangers have brought me to tears on several occasions.

 

[wm49rs]

No, it isn't thrilling. ... As to magical? Well, it seems to be that if you're a Disney fanboi nothing that happens off WDW property can ever be considered magical.

It's why the fanbois would be foaming themselves into puddles if Disney had been successful in getting the rights to Harry Potter, but since it's going to UNI, they need to diss it.

Or why the Marvel product at IOA was often ridiculed in the WDW fan community, but as soon as the Disney/Marvel deal went publice suddenly folks wanted meet and greets with mutants at EPCOT and they thought The Weatherman was going to head over to IOA with some blue paint to cover the Hulk's tracks since Hulk will soon be headlining a major WDW attraction (do I need the sarcasm smiley?)

There's plenty of magic in the SW and UNI parks. It just isn't Disney pixie dust that's been marketed down the throats of willing fans like Jim Jones and his Kool Aid.

SW provides a high quality park product in Orlando (and beyond) and unlike Disney they are stepping up their game in O-Town and adding reasons, and value, for people who visit.

But some folks see more 'magic' in hanging with characters in Toontown or siiting thru SGE than in seeing SW's amazing shows or riding the best coaster in town or exploring sea life in some great exhibits. I'm a Disney fanboi at heart, but I don't ... I kicked the pixie dust addiction years ago.

:xmas::xmas::xmas:

I don't know why the "fanboi" reference was needed, unless it somehow fits into some preconceived notion you have when someone mentions how they have a "magical" time at WDW. But having been to both locales, and seeing the reaction of my children at both, I don't think it's unfair to label WDW as being more magical to them or myself as opposed to the oversized fish tanks at SW...

 

[dandaman]

Alan Silvestri music in a fireworks show was pretty damned cool; the presence of John Williams only made it better!

/ [insert negativity to balance out post here]

 

[_Scar]

there's plenty of magic in the sw and uni parks. It just isn't disney pixie dust that's been marketed down the throats of willing fans like jim jones and his kool aid.

sw provides a high quality park product in orlando (and beyond) and unlike disney they are stepping up their game in o-town and adding reasons, and value, for people who visit.

:lol:

Maybe I went to a different park

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I see Aquatica is to have a new attraction added. Wonder if this concept could be applied by Disney.

And good to see the point in my previous post being confirmed so soon.

 

[T-1MILLION]

I see Aquatica is to have a new attraction added. Wonder if this concept could be applied by Disney.

And good to see the point in my previous post being confirmed so soon.

It is sort of frustrating but just kind of weird. You are dead on sir.


I sure wish Disney would take note of adding an attraction(somewhere near major scale) to at least one park every year. Even if they used a water park as a year. It is sad they are so wealthy and visited but nothing is done anymore, let alone upkeep and show quality. Then cutbacks.

Sea World got Manta and new christmas items this year. Aquatica is being expanded and is not even two years old. That is an E ticket and an entire new celebration and additions to a water park.

Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, nor Disney Hollywood Studios got a major attraction this year.

Universal got Rip Ride Rockit this year(which I admit I hate but at least it was ambitious) The Simpsons last year, and the year before that Disaster which was a huge nice refurbishment to freshen up a classic.

IOA has been working on a groundbreaking E ticket large scale thrill ride and entire new area for the park for the past two years. They get less visitors and money than AK yet Universal and Sea World both put more money back into their parks than Disney does. It is hard for such a big Disney fan since birth to comprehend.

There is Magic in the meet and greets, but when the parks start slacking in quality fans who care should take notice. Not just say "well it is still magical"

 

[the-reason14]

Well, they have to do somethin better than WDW, lol. I mean there's not much they can do thats better. But from the video it does look good. Its a generic christmas fireworks display that pretty much can be seen in any big city. Disney has the opportunity to tie themes into their displays with its characters at MK and peace on earth on WSL. But it was good though, but I still wouldnt say its better than Holiday Wishes. If you're looking for a generic holiday display then it is great, but I give the edge to disney just because they can and do tie in disney characters

 

[WDW1974]

But WDW1974, nobody is saying that they see more magic in Toontown or SGE.

Many fans believe ANYthing with the Disney seal of approval on it is somehow more magical than ANYthing that does not.

That is all I was saying. It is fact.

What we are saying is that Holiday Wishes and Illuminations: Peace on Earth are still better than SW's fireworks. This is in terms of length, music, and finale. Even including the cuts, WDW's fireworks shows are way more impressive, and it has nothing to do with being fans.

They are better. That again wasn't the point. They have also cut both shows back in pyro (and with Wishes, length).

SW is expanding its offerings. They are adding value. They are adding seasonal entertainment from overlays to shows to decorations to dining. Disney is going the other way.

Again, that was my point.

In my case, I certainly see faults with Disney, but that doesn't make everything at another park indefinitely better.

I think you give kudos where they are due. When one company adds value and quality, you applaud the moves. And when another (pixie dust and all) goes the other way, you likewise call them on it.

SW had the best holiday vibe of any park I went to other than TPFKaTD-MGMS and Main Street POST castle lighting.

EPCOT was abysmal for the holidays. MK had almost nothing beyond Main Street and some cheap decor in Tentland.:xmas:

 

[WDW1974]

I know what you are saying, but I would add that on a daily basis, character meet and greets in Tooontown bring grown adults to tears. Despite what you think, there is some real magic there, and it's something only Disney can do.

I would say that unless said adult is celebrating something major ... like beating cancer or returning from Iraq or having a child that just survived an illness etc ... that crying upon seeing teens dressed as foamheads is likely unhealthy behavior and possibly the sign of some sort of mental instability.

But that is what I think when I hear of the Disney MAGIC. It's almost like many folks enter a hypnotic trance when they enter WDW.

I love the place. But I don't get the behavior. :xmas::xmas::xmas:

 

[wm49rs]

I would say that unless said adult is celebrating something major ... like beating cancer or returning from Iraq or having a child that just survived an illness etc ... that crying upon seeing teens dressed as foamheads is likely unhealthy behavior and possibly the sign of some sort of mental instability.

But that is what I think when I hear of the Disney MAGIC. It's almost like many folks enter a hypnotic trance when they enter WDW.

I love the place. But I don't get the behavior. :xmas::xmas::xmas:

Well, that's your opinion, and certainly not the fact as you've stated before. But WDW (along with the other Disney parks) certainly do try to go beyond the simple pleasures found in a theme park to create an atmosphere which is unlike those of SW or Six Flags. And to many people, of all ages, that is where the "magic" comes in. Believe what you want to, but don't denegrate those who feel differently as being mentally unstable.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Well, that's your opinion, and certainly not the fact as you've stated before. But WDW (along with the other Disney parks) certainly do try to go beyond the simple pleasures found in a theme park to create an atmosphere which is unlike those of SW or Six Flags. And to many people, of all ages, that is where the "magic" comes in. Believe what you want to, but don't denegrate those who feel differently as being mentally unstable.

Well to be fair Disney World does have more than its fair share of fruit loops in its head count of guests. Especially women of a certain age, so Im guessing they add pixie dust to HRT, I mean just dont get in their way when MVMCP merchandise goes on sale, and some of them galls have the stopping ability of an oil tanker.

While I wouldn’t go as far as 74, I would question the rationale that somehow a vertically challenged spotty youth in a furry suit at WDW is somehow more "magical" than a similarly attired youth a SW or UOR? Unless of course as I believe, that years of marketing have conditioned folk to accept that notion.
Either way, a photo op with someone in a suit is hardly from a guests point of view the same value as a proper attraction.

.

 

[tonythetigerasn]

I agree that Holiday Wishes and Illuminations are way better than the Seaworld fireworks, but I think the point of the thread is that SW is increasing its extra offerings, while WDW definitely seems to be cutting back. This show might not be Disney quality, but it was certainly of a high caliber, and based on what Seaworld is doing on an off-year, it will only be improved in the future.

The key for me is that Seaworld includes this, a Christmas Shamu show, and a Polar Express holiday makeover as part of the experience for regular paying guests. If I want special decorations and entertainment outside of the week of Christmas, I've got to pay $50 at WDW.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Well to be fair Disney World does have more than its fair share of fruit loops in its head count of guests. Especially women of a certain age, so Im guessing they add pixie dust to HRT, I mean just dont get in their way when MVMCP merchandise goes on sale, and some of them galls have the stopping ability of an oil tanker.

While I wouldn’t go as far as 74, I would question the rationale that somehow a vertically challenged spotty youth in a furry suit at WDW is somehow more "magical" than a similarly attired youth a SW or UOR? Unless of course as I believe, that years of marketing have conditioned folk to accept that notion.
Either way, a photo op with someone in a suit is hardly from a guests point of view the same value as a proper attraction.

.

That probably explains it. After decades of being conditioned by Disney, is it can't be surprising that people feel so sentimental about the Fab 5 or Disney Princesses, especially in comparison to Dr. Seuss, Sesame Street, or Polar Express.

 

[JiggleStuff]

especially women of a certain age, so im guessing they add pixie dust to hrt, i mean just dont get in their way when mvmcp merchandise goes on sale, and some of them galls have the stopping ability of an oil tanker.

f t w

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

That probably explains it. After decades of being conditioned by Disney, is it can't be surprising that people feel so sentimental about the Fab 5 or Disney Princesses, especially in comparison to Dr. Seuss, Sesame Street, or Polar Express.

So you dont think Seamae St characters are popular?

 

[ChrisFL]

Jeremy Irons: The mighty Disney empire bridged three continents with a vast system of parks and resorts, the largest destinations the world had ever known. East, west, north, and south, all roads led to Disney. But these same roads were turned against Disney by competitors whose quality left ages of history and popularity in the ashes that would become Disney's Dark Ages.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Jeremy Irons: The mighty Disney empire bridged three continents with a vast system of parks and resorts, the largest destinations the world had ever known. East, west, north, and south, all roads led to Disney. But these same roads were turned against Disney by competitors whose quality left ages of history and popularity in the ashes that would become Disney's Dark Ages.

:sohappy:

Post of the week, my friend! :lol:

 

[EpcotServo]

Jeremy Irons: The mighty Disney empire bridged three continents with a vast system of parks and resorts, the largest destinations the world had ever known. East, west, north, and south, all roads led to Disney. But these same roads were turned against Disney by competitors whose quality left ages of history and popularity in the ashes that would become Disney's Dark Ages.

Yeah, but this is Seaworld.


The park that consists of 98.9% "Touching Trainer-Animal Bonding Moment Scenes"

:lol:

 

[captainkidd]

Eh, Sea World is the one park in Orlando I could care less if I miss. It's OK every couple of years, but I'm not into thrill rides, so the coasters do nothing for me. To see the best shows, you have to plan and time it out perfectly.