Disney Playing catch up with Universal... Potter Disney's biggest mistake in 20 years...

[RSoxNo1]

Animal Kingdom is 5 to 7 attractions away from being a truly 100% full day park (in addition to Pandora)... a few family dark rides, a coaster without a broken Yeti, maybe a state of the art E ticket on par with Universal's current offerings

I think the problem with Animal Kingdom isn't the number of attractions, it lacks diversity needed. Its like Epcot World Showcase but with Africa as a focus and a little bit of Asian influences. Hester and Chester Dinoland area is a joke. Why couldn't they keep it simple and added a forest area not jungle influenced with Bears, Deers, Owls, etc. All that money invested into Avatarland, they could of used their own IPs like Bambi, Winnie the Pooh, Song of the South, Maleficent, even Snow White and put 100 Acre Woods mixed with the forest from Maleficent which vagues looks like Pandora also.

I think @Matt_Black has a good point. If Disney had decided on a land or attraction based on Pooh or Bambi, I'm not sure the same level of interest would occur. Not saying that it couldn't be great, obviously Disney is (was?) capable of creating wonderful attractions from any concept, but Cameron's involvement should at least insure SOME sort of standard. Of course Beastly Kingdom would've been the obvious route, but I think UNI has that covered now.

I look at all these as somewhat related. I know that us as fans have strongly opposed animated classics being forced in where they don't belong. However, I don't think too many people dislike the new Harambe area. I'd like to see things like this where you have viewing of the real animal near a dark ride inspired by an animated movie. The lions are the toughest thing to see on Kilimanjaro Safaris, so perhaps a walk through that includes: warthogs, mandrills, hornbills, meerkats and lions alongside a Lion King C-D ticket dark ride would be two additional attraction additions that would both be positive, IMO.

With Camp Minnie Mickey going away, there really isn't an adirondack type area that could justifiably house a Bambi ride, but it doesn't mean that a North American land couldn't be built. The problem of course is that if you're only highlighting woodland creatures it's not going to be particularly popular. I also don't know if people are eagerly anticipating a Bambi attraction. Even still, bears are a big draw and putting Grizzlies and/or Polar Bears in the park would help. But again, with these animal additions we need to revert back to the first two posts. The park needs some family friendly dark rides. I strongly believe that if Chester and Hester's had a fun house style 1200 per hour capacity C-ticket dark ride instead of Primeval Whirl, the complaints of that area would be minimal.

 

[twebber55]

I look at all these as somewhat related. I know that us as fans have strongly opposed animated classics being forced in where they don't belong. However, I don't think too many people dislike the new Harambe area. I'd like to see things like this where you have viewing of the real animal near a dark ride inspired by an animated movie. The lions are the toughest thing to see on Kilimanjaro Safaris, so perhaps a walk through that includes: warthogs, mandrills, hornbills, meerkats and lions alongside a Lion King C-D ticket dark ride would be two additional attraction additions that would both be positive, IMO.

With Camp Minnie Mickey going away, there really isn't an adirondack type area that could justifiably house a Bambi ride, but it doesn't mean that a North American land couldn't be built. The problem of course is that if you're only highlighting woodland creatures it's not going to be particularly popular. I also don't know if people are eagerly anticipating a Bambi attraction. Even still, bears are a big draw and putting Grizzlies and/or Polar Bears in the park would help. But again, with these animal additions we need to revert back to the first two posts. The park needs some family friendly dark rides. I strongly believe that if Chester and Hester's had a fun house style 1200 per hour capacity C-ticket dark ride instead of Primeval Whirl, the complaints of that area would be minimal.

one thing I go back to was something Joe Rohde said...Animal Kingdom is a first person park and the things that happen at the park happen to you....you don't go on a ride a see a story told to you...everything there happens to you

 

[Mike S]

I look at all these as somewhat related. I know that us as fans have strongly opposed animated classics being forced in where they don't belong. However, I don't think too many people dislike the new Harambe area. I'd like to see things like this where you have viewing of the real animal near a dark ride inspired by an animated movie. The lions are the toughest thing to see on Kilimanjaro Safaris, so perhaps a walk through that includes: warthogs, mandrills, hornbills, meerkats and lions alongside a Lion King C-D ticket dark ride would be two additional attraction additions that would both be positive, IMO.

With Camp Minnie Mickey going away, there really isn't an adirondack type area that could justifiably house a Bambi ride, but it doesn't mean that a North American land couldn't be built. The problem of course is that if you're only highlighting woodland creatures it's not going to be particularly popular. I also don't know if people are eagerly anticipating a Bambi attraction. Even still, bears are a big draw and putting Grizzlies and/or Polar Bears in the park would help. But again, with these animal additions we need to revert back to the first two posts. The park needs some family friendly dark rides. I strongly believe that if Chester and Hester's had a fun house style 1200 per hour capacity C-ticket dark ride instead of Primeval Whirl, the complaints of that area would be minimal.

A dark ride based on The Good Dinosaur would be the best fit for DinoLand IMO. Of course we first have to see how the movie is received but the potential is there. Also love your idea about Lion King.

 

[Matt_Black]

A dark ride based on The Good Dinosaur would be the best fit for DinoLand IMO. Of course we first have to see how the movie is received but the potential is there.

Assuming they ever finish it.

 

[HakunaMatata89]

I still think Magic Bands may be related to the NSA, Disney may not have had a choice.

 

[wdisney9000]

lol you all crack me up... seriously... if you don't understand what I am trying to opine about... then so be it. I'm not complaining it should look different at all... it looks good, just probably not the best design for a mass crowded theme park area

I think your just upset that no one is jumping on your bandwagon to pick on DA in the same manor people had issues with FLE. The only difference is that the issues with FLE were justified. You sound like your suffering from a mixture of jealousy, hurt pride, and desperation.

 

[Voice of Disney sanity]

According to the news article I just read http://www.jaunted.com/story/2014/6...o's+New+Diagon+Alley+Gets+It+Very,+Very+Right
It's actually wider streets than Hogsmead anyway. So it's a moot point. Here's the key quote "aside from making the shops more spacious and the streets wider than those of Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley will have to control crowds anxious to spend previous time soaking it all in. For this, they've installed queues next to the shops, but out of the way of the best photo angles. Smart. "

 

[Voice of Disney sanity]

Regardless what we think on here...the perception is out there that universal is SPANKING Disney right now. Two articles released in the last few hours one titled "Comcast is about to cream disney" and the other
"Is Universal's Second Harry Potter Attraction a Disney Killer?" and Its only beginning. A simple google search will find either article

 

[marni1971]

I would be curious about that as well. One other thing I noticed is there are no sidewalks (really) because of the bay windows that stick out as well which makes it even tighter

Kind of because these types of locales don't have any?

 

[WDWDad13]

I think your just upset that no one is jumping on your bandwagon to pick on DA in the same manor people had issues with FLE. The only difference is that the issues with FLE were justified. You sound like your suffering from a mixture of jealousy, hurt pride, and desperation.

seriously? wow... I'm not asking for anyone to jump on my so-called bandwagon and no one is comparing DA to FLE so quit trying to make this a contest. I'm not jealous, hurt, or desperate either and not talking about Disney FLE issues or any Disney issues (and yeah there are plenty there as there are at Uni).... all I am saying is that narrow street is not going to be good for mass crowds and especially those that don't like to feel enclosed

people love to throw something on the wall to see what sticks when it comes to me and trying to start an argument just because I don't bleed butterbeer like some... like starting a Disney v/s Uni argument even if I wasn't... this one is all started from you (and others). I'm JUST stating an observation with that design of that alleyway (which YES it looks like the movie... and that's not the point I'm trying to make). sheez

 

[WDWDad13]

Kind of because these types of locales don't have any?

do you all still not understand what I am trying to say...

ok look... maybe this will help - I'll type slowly for everyone haha

- YES it looks like the movie (great job Uni)
- I'm not comparing anything here to anything Disney
- The alley street looks very narrow and very enclosed and it will likely be hard to maneuver and some may feel a little claustrophobic


imagine Osborne Lights, mass crowds, with 1/3rd the main street and no sidewalks


that is all... carry on

 

[SherlockWayne]

seriously? wow... I'm not asking for anyone to jump on my so-called bandwagon and no one is comparing DA to FLE so quit trying to make this a contest. I'm not jealous, hurt, or desperate either and not talking about Disney FLE issues or any Disney issues (and yeah there are plenty there as there are at Uni).... all I am saying is that narrow street is not going to be good for mass crowds and especially those that don't like to feel enclosed

people love to throw something on the wall to see what sticks when it comes to me and trying to start an argument just because I don't bleed butterbeer like some... like starting a Disney v/s Uni argument even if I wasn't... this one is all started from you (and others). I'm JUST stating an observation with that design of that alleyway (which YES it looks like the movie... and that's not the point I'm trying to make). sheez

I'll admit, I had the same reservations as you, and it is undoubtedly a very tight path as far as theme parks go. That being said, I think the designers have cleverly mitigated much of the possible trouble with the inclusion of Knockturn Alley and, I believe Horizont? Alley. The branches of these alternate paths creates a fairly natural flow that did a decent job of spreading out the crowds. I was very pleasantly surprised upon seeing how the traffic patterns flow. Taken with the land capacity and restricted access that will be in place, I doubt many guests will mind.

This land will be packed, it will be crowded, but looking at the source material, that's what they were going for, and I find it to be a welcome change thematically from neighboring parks. It's funny in a way, 60 years ago, everyone criticized Walt Disney for the design choices he and his imagineers were making. Now that they have effectively rewritten the rules, we find ourselves criticizing the next generation for making new choices that seem to go against the grain. It's like the theme park world has come full circle.

Your concerns are completely justified, but believe me when I say, from first hand experience, this is far from a problem.

 

[WDWDad13]

Regardless what we think on here...the perception is out there that universal is SPANKING Disney right now. Two articles released in the last few hours one titled "Comcast is about to cream disney" and the other
"Is Universal's Second Harry Potter Attraction a Disney Killer?" and Its only beginning. A simple google search will find either article

how's the koolaid tasting these days?

 

[WDWDad13]

I'll admit, I had the same reservations as you, and it is undoubtedly a very tight path as far as theme parks go. That being said, I think the designers have cleverly mitigated much of the possible trouble with the inclusion of Knockturn Alley and, I believe Horizont? Alley. The branches of these alternate paths creates a fairly natural flow that did a decent job of spreading out the crowds. I was very pleasantly surprised upon seeing how the traffic patterns flow. Taken with the land capacity and restricted access that will be in place, I doubt many guests will mind.

This land will be packed, it will be crowded, but looking at the source material, that's what they were going for, and I find it to be a welcome change thematically from neighboring parks. It's funny in a way, 60 years ago, everyone criticized Walt Disney for the design choices he and his imagineers were making. Now that they have effectively rewritten the rules, we find ourselves criticizing the next generation for making new choices that seem to go against the grain. It's like the theme park world has come full circle.

Your concerns are completely justified, but believe me when I say, from first hand experience, this is far from a problem.

for their sake, I hope that's the case... thanks for your reply. It's nice to hear from someone who doesn't attack someone else for their option and actually shares what they know from experience and not from the other forum peeps

 

[Kman101]

It's clear Universal can't be talked about in anything but a positive way. Wow. I love the place but really?

 

[marni1971]

for their sake, I hope that's the case... thanks for your reply. It's nice to hear from someone who doesn't attack someone else for their option and actually shares what they know from experience and not from the other forum peeps

In all fairness it is widely known that there is far more room to move than in phase one with plenty of additional queuing areas for shops.

Yes it will be insanely busy. The first few weeks will be a nightmare.

But so was EPCOT Center and MGM when they first opened.

 

[marni1971]

It's clear Universal can't be talked about in anything but a positive way. Wow. I love the place but really?

ET needs a refurb that'll be a struggle to do. Toon Lagoon theatre is a waste of space.

Hows that?

 

[Kman101]

I'm not saying knock the place or be negative, either, it just seems that the attitude sometimes is how dare anyone say anything remotely bad about the place. All parks have their faults, and some are becoming blinded, IMO, to Universal (as much as some are blinded by Disney). It was just a statement of what I'm noticing.

But yes, ET needs a refurb, and Toon Lagoon has looooong been a waste of space.

 

[Gomer]

It's clear Universal can't be talked about in anything but a positive way. Wow. I love the place but really?

ET needs a refurb that'll be a struggle to do. Toon Lagoon theatre is a waste of space.

Hows that?

It just goes to show you. All parks have problems. All parks have things that are stagnant or need improving. The difference between Universal and Disney right now is that Universal is directing the conversation where they want it to go. By creating attractions that excite people, they control the conversation and make sure people aren’t complaining about the problems that exist there.

Disney is allowing the complaints to grow by not distracting us with dazzling new lands and attractions.

Honestly, I’m a complacent sort of person. I don’t need new attractions all the time. If Disney said we weren’t getting anything new for the next ten years, but instead they were going to use those billions earmarked for development to perfect maintenance and upkeep, stock stores and restaurants with quality products, and pay their employees better to improve customer service. I’d be happy with that. But Disney is doing none of that.

If you aren’t going to dazzle the public with shiny new toys, then you’ll have to be perfect everywhere else to avoid the criticism. Disney isn’t doing that anymore. They used to do both the upkeep and the attractions, but at this point I’d take just one or the other.

 

[SJN1279]

It just goes to show you. All parks have problems. All parks have things that are stagnant or need improving. The difference between Universal and Disney right now is that Universal is directing the conversation where they want it to go. By creating attractions that excite people, they control the conversation and make sure people aren’t complaining about the problems that exist there.

Disney is allowing the complaints to grow by not distracting us with dazzling new lands and attractions.

Honestly, I’m a complacent sort of person. I don’t need new attractions all the time. If Disney said we weren’t getting anything new for the next ten years, but instead they were going to use those billions earmarked for development to perfect maintenance and upkeep, stock stores and restaurants with quality products, and pay their employees better to improve customer service. I’d be happy with that. But Disney is doing none of that.

If you aren’t going to dazzle the public with shiny new toys, then you’ll have to be perfect everywhere else to avoid the criticism. Disney isn’t doing that anymore. They used to do both the upkeep and the attractions, but at this point I’d take just one or the other.

New Fantasyland is a shiny new toy, and I have a feeling the Frozen event at DHS will steal some thunder from Diagon Alley and its malfunctioning headline attraction.