Epcot82Guy's Annual Return 8/2-8/6

Greetings fellow Addicts. I just returned from a four day stay at the resort with one of my friends who had only been to MK before. For those with short attention spans, here are the highlights (full report below):

1. DAK NEEDS a new section. The wait times weren't terrible, but the park was incredibly crowded. At first, I thought it was people waiting for the parade, but it stayed crowded almost until closing time (over 2 hours after the parade ended). It's time for Beastly Kingdomme or SOMETHING to pull people in.

2. Single rider lines are the best invention by Disney ever. I never really used them until this trip, but they are GREAT. On average, the wait time using single rider was about 20% of the normal stand-by. If you have done the attraction before, USE THESE!

3. I miss the old map descriptions. The new ones are too short, and I heard many people confused or put off by the description (including my friend).

4. MGM and TL are a mess. They both need to have their overall themes evaluated. However, attractions like MILF, Nemo, GFT, etc. have proven to me that management could care less about overall themes at all. It is sad.


OK. Full report:

Day 1 - Arrived at MCO around 1:00. Took ME to POR. Room wasn't ready until 5:00, and my friend wouldn't get in until 9:00 that night, so I had the entire evening to myself. After a bit of wandering at DTD, I finally bit the bullet at did one of DVC's tours. Actually, if you make an annual trek and stay at the moderates or higher, it's worth it to look into this. It may not be right for everyone, but it's good to have the numbers officially. And, unlike others, they really don't put on much pressure. Glad I did it (although I know the time isn't right now). Afterward, headed back to POR to check into my room in Acadian House. Nice as always.

I unpacked, and I headed over to Grand Floridian to grab a drink at Mizners. If you have never been, this is one of my favorite spots at WDW. It is a nice lounge on the second floor of the main lobby (straight ahead if you take the monorail). It sits over the gardens, and the band is right next to it at night. It's just great: refined yet relaxed since it's Disney. After that, I grabbed a quick dinner at the new Captain Cook's and headed back to POR to meet my friend. I walked her around the resort (she had never been), and we crashed early so we could hit Epcot at open.

Day 2: Epcot AND MK (whew) coming soon

 

[Epcot82Guy]

DAY 2:

My friend had only ever been to MK, so we decided to spend our time mostly at Epcot, DAK, and MGM. So, considering it's importance (to me anyway), we started with Epcot. It was good to see the wand coming down. The park was crowded, but not terrible surprisingly. We got there around park open, and planned to get a Soarin' fastpass. Well, tipboard said Soarin' was only a 20 minute wait. We chanced it and grabbed Test Track fast passes instead. We ran to Soarin' and got on in about 25 minutes. Unfortunately, the screen game wasn't running at that time. Great as always, although I really want to see the new video. We then did LwtL (my old stomping grounds). I am coming around to the recorded spiel. At exit, I noticed that Soarin' was up to a 45 minute wait (phew!).

Next was Nemo. It had what I call a 10 minute IMAG wait (meaning, like JIIwF, it is posted as 5 or 10 minutes, but 75% of that is walking back to the ride, so it is actually about a 3 minute wait). It was good to see it, but I am still split on my feelings on it. I really believe that, if they had just rewritten the dialogue at the end of the ride (having everyone talk about all these new friends Nemo just met), it would have fit. In fact, dialogue in new attractions really seems to be the major downfall of a lot of this. Anyway, it seemed that kids were really pretty into the post-show almost more than the ride. I really hope they at some point try to integrate the ride into the Epcot message more (wishful thinking, I know).

Then we headed over to JIIwF. My friend thought it was cute, but lacking (in other words, she is like 90% of riders). Really, the story isn't that bad, but it was done really on the cheap. I hope the update (if/when) makes this a major attraction again. We also did HISTA. The "new" preshow (tell you how long it's been since I did this) is AWFUL. The show is still fun, but its time has passed. The audience didn't laugh at any of the movie jokes. I hope this gets updated, too.

After this, we made a quick sugar stop in Club Cool (I miss the ice tunnel), and we headed over to FWE. We went right to Mission:Space. It's wait was posted at about 30 minutes, but it was only about 20. We did Orange Team, and it was great as always. I am really surprised (well, maybe more disappointed) that this isn't attracting longer lines. It has really increased in its ranks in my favorites. Oh well, every person I talked to that rode it loved it. I think it will come back.

Next was TT. EVERYTHING WAS WORKING! It's fun, but I understand why people think it could use more. My friend liked it, but she wasn't as impressed as with Soarin' or Mission:Space.

We then started our trek around World Showcase. We started with the Cantina in Mexico for lunch, and then took Gran Fiesta. This has topped my list of terrible Disney mistakes. I in no way am suggesting that ERDT needed an update, but this kept a lot of the problems from ERDT and added a slew of new ones. My friend walked off (and I had kept my mouth shut other than saying it was new) and said, "That was pointless. What did that have to do with Mexico? That was actually kind of annoying." I found out she didn't know who the 3 caballeros were and thought they were made for the attraction. ANd, she found it very stereotypical and "stupid." Of course, myself, I thought it was terrible. Its focus was on the characters instead of the country. It was like Nemo but SO much worse. I was really disappointed. Oh, but at least it had a wait unlike ERDT, right? Well, yes, but it was literally 5 people at the height of the day while the pavilion was pretty full of people. So, I say this was a pretty big waste of time and money. I sadly guess this has gone from a must see for nostalgia to a why bother attraction.

We continued our trek around, seeing all the shops, films and shows, and eating (a lot). China looked good. The new ending for AA is necessary and well done, but I think the recut of the song sort of destroyed the musicality of it a bit. But, they have run out of space, so I hope we get a full redo at the next update in 4 or 5 years. It's fine for now, and I'd rather have the updated film. I was glad to see France and Canada (the latter for the last time), and I'm glad the very outdated Canada is getting replaced.

At this point, my friend was a bit tired (what's up with that? ha ha), so we took a quick break at POR before heading back to Illuminations. I took the time to wander a bit around the resort some more (I love doing that). We then headed back, and saw the show. It is still my favorite, and it was GREAT that night.

After this, we hopped on the monorail to the TTC. My friend wanted to see Grand Floridian, so we stopped off there and watched Wishes from the dock. We then took the boat launch to MK for EMH. Since she had been to MK, we just did some highlights: Dole Whip, BTMRR, IASW, Pirates, TTA, and JC. We tried to do SM, but the line was 60 minutes long, so we headed back to POR. She crashed right away (I have now discovered that those of us with the Disney gene can park hop beyond the constraints of our body. :lol:


Day 3: MGM, DAK, and Epcot again coming soon.

 

[Cara1210]

Great report so far, keep it coming! I'm really anxious to see Gran Fiesta. I personally loved ERDT. I know it was old and a little outdated, but that's what I loved about it.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

ha ha. Have a margarita before AND after. Might help. Actually, the biggest problem is jsut how easily this attraction could have been done in a very effective way. I think there are a large group of writers at WDI whose job needs to be reevaluated. Both this and Nemo are mostly faulty due to writing issues. The updated videos are pretty good quality. It is the story of the ride that is problematic. I'm working on a little Imagineering update, so look for my ideas there.

 

[DDuckFan130]

Your friend, according to you, never went to Epcot before, and therefore never saw ERDT. Gran Fiesta does the same thing ERDT did as far as Mexico is concerned, only now it's actually entertaining. ERDT was not coherent and just showed you sceneries and different aspects of Mexico. Gran Fiesta does the same thing, but with a storyline attached of finding Donald amidst all the people and scenery of Mexico. There was no story before...now there is.

Just my opinion of course :shrug:

Edit: I just re-read your friend's comments on the Mexican stereotypes. :lol:

That's nothing new at the Mexican pavilion, so Gran Fiesta should not be blamed :hammer:

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Day 3: MGM, DAK, and Epcot.

Sadly, Day 3 started with a call from my friend's work that she had a deadline and would have to go in Sunday. So, this day got cut a little short.

Since we were at MK until 1:30AM the night before, we wanted to sleep in a bit, so we opted for MGM since DAK had an EMH that morning. We got to the park around 11:00. It was crowded, but not terrible. We grabbed a fast pass for RnRC. Then, not thinking, we thought about Single Rider. THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER!!!! RnRC was posted (accurately) at 50 minutes. We waited less than five. We literally walked into the new foyer and were let into the studio shortly after. Luckily, by sheer fate, there were large groups in the normal line, so the CM just put both of us in the second row together. We actually had great timing with shows and lines all day.

After RnRC, we hopped over to TOT. Only a 20 minute wait, so we hopped in line. Another good one (got the fake ending sequence). Really good one. She was impressed. We then went over to VotLM and got there just in time for the show. (She's a huge LM fan). The show was good, but did they increase the water mist. We got SOAKED. I like the show, but its time may be coming (not as bad as BATB, though). Followed this up with GMR. I really like the new approach. Our CM was really informative, and it came off almost more like an Epcot tour with little tidbits and facts. Overall a thumbs up. Finally, ended up with Muppets (both of our favorites for the 4D shows).

Since she was on a time crunch now, we headed over to DAK. The park was PACKED (and this was at 2:30 PM). EE was posted at 55 minutes. Dinosaur at 35 minutes. Kali at 70 minutes. Kilamanjaro at 40 minutes. We grabbed a great lunch at Flame Tree. I really love the fountain area by the river. We then went to EE, and FPs were gone already to 6:45 (and a wait of 60 minutes). We grabbed one. So, we went over to Harambe and rode Kilamanjaro. It was about a 30 minute wait, but it was worth it. I like the new spiel, although it is a bit more anticlimactic. However, it is also a bit less cheesy, so a win overall. Then we headed back over to EE against the remnants of the parade traffic. The wait has gone down to 35 minutes, so we just hopped in line. It wasn't a bad wait, but, as we boarded, we noticed the single rider line. grrr... Oh well, good ride. NEAT FACT: the yeti projection was not working when we came in, and I think I like that better. The sounds were all working, and it was actually a really cool effect to not see the yeti shadow. I say turn it off! :lol: We got off the ride, and it was about 5:30. The park was still absolutely full.

Sadly, my friend had to take off, so we headed back to POR, stopping at POFQ and riding back via boat (to show her more of the resort), and she dropped me off at Epcot. Now solo, I decided to see some things I missed and repeat others. I had wanted to do Soarin', but it had a 95 minute wait with no fastpasses. So, I ran over to M:S and did Green (which I surprisingly like despite its less intense experience). I also grabbed a fastpass which was up in about 45 minutes. I then did Nemo again and wandered around for a bit. Soarin' was still at 95 minutes, so I decided to grab some sugar at Club Cool, watch the fountain, then hop over to M:S. I used my FP to ride Orange. Then, since we missed it the day before, I headed back to France to see Impressions. I grabbed a glass of wine in the shop, and bought a couple gifts in Mitsukoshi. Then, I staked out a spot by the AA for Illuminations Round 2. After Illuminations, I decided to do the reverse walk to beat the crowds. I had gone in thinking I would hop over to MK to see a couple things we missed the night before. However, I then decided the hot tub at POR sounded better. Little did I know this would be my transportation night from H***.

So, after walking toward Mexico from AA, the crowds were still pretty high. So, being the savvy Disneyphile I am, I decided I would cheat the system and exit through IG (at about 9:30). So, after walking back, I walked over to BC's bus stop to catch a bus to the Marketplace. The DTD bus came fairly quickly, so no big deal. Well, I didn't realize all the Epcot resorts shared. So, we stop at all of them, picking up 3,241 in one bus. OK. No huge problem. I met another former CPer on the bus with his family, so we shared stories of the former glory of PI and "Tapestry of Death". :lol: So, we go to DTD, but we don't take the normal route; we stop at PI first. Not knowing where I would end up at next, I just went ahead and got off (we're at about 10:30 PM now). I then walked across the walkway toward the Marketplace, fighting the incoming PI crowds. Eventually I make it to the PO boat lauch, and there is a 400 mile long line to get back. Now, at about 10:40/45, I decide, well, I'll just grab another bus. So, I hop back to the Marketplace bus station, and I apparently just missed the bus. Finally get one, and I hop on thinking, "quick jaunt to Riverside." Well, we start off normally. Bus is fairly full, but not terrible. We stop at PI (since this guy WAS following the normal route. grrr). More people. We then go to TL. Note that it is after 11:00PM now. The bus stops ARE FULL OF PEOPLE! WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE!?!? Mind you, we have space for about 5 people on the bus if we pack it in. And... we do, making quite an issue with people not wanting to cram in. After that fiasco, and leaving about 20 at the station for PO, we leave, crammed like sardines, for PO at about 11:15PM. We get there, and we skip South Depot. Well, all the POFQ people and South Depot people get up in arms. So, they complain for the remainder of the ride. Silly me, I wanted a soda, so I stayed on the bus all the way around to South Depot, listening to it. I finally make it to the Riverside Mill about 11:40, grabbing a soda and a piece of cake (I swear, even at 25, getting a treat after an ordeal makes me feel better. :lol: ). I decided no pool time for me, and I hit the hay. I was 50-50 on whether I would do the pool the next day or park hop solo. I set a 7:30 wakeup call, and I decided I woudl decide then.

Day 4: Did he park hop or swim? stay tuned...

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Your friend, according to you, never went to Epcot before, and therefore never saw ERDT. Gran Fiesta does the same thing ERDT did as far as Mexico is concerned, only now it's actually entertaining. ERDT was not coherent and just showed you sceneries and different aspects of Mexico. Gran Fiesta does the same thing, but with a storyline attached of finding Donald amidst all the people and scenery of Mexico. There was no story before...now there is.

Just my opinion of course :shrug:

Edit: I just re-read your friend's comments on the Mexican stereotypes. :lol:

That's nothing new at the Mexican pavilion, so Gran Fiesta should not be blamed :hammer:

I actually kept my mouth shut until after we got off. She loved the pavilion as a whole. She said it made her want to go back. She said it was the characters in the ride she didn't like. As I said, she said, "that had nothing to do with Mexico." And, granted, she didn't know the 3 Cabs were an existing group before, so she thought they made two stereotypical Mexican birds for this ride.

Also, while each is entitled to his own opinion, we had three other groups on our boat with us, all looking very dazed and bored. And, the little girl behind us said, "Daddy, can we go do something fun now." SO, take that as you will.

My point is that this isn't any more entertaining for guests than was ERDT, so I think it was money poorly spent. I think this new attraction could have put off old fans and does nothing really to bring new ones in. Using characters as a bandaid for a hurting attraction accomplishes nothing more than wasted $$$. Had they just introduced Donald and updated the attraction generally, I think it would have been more successful (let alone made an entirely new way to present it without Disney branding).

 

[davidpw97]

Hey, Great report so far. I look forward to the rest of it.

 

[DDuckFan130]

I actually kept my mouth shut until after we got off. She loved the pavilion as a whole. She said it made her want to go back. She said it was the characters in the ride she didn't like. As I said, she said, "that had nothing to do with Mexico." And, granted, she didn't know the 3 Cabs were an existing group before, so she thought they made two stereotypical Mexican birds for this ride.

Also, while each is entitled to his own opinion, we had three other groups on our boat with us, all looking very dazed and bored. And, the little girl behind us said, "Daddy, can we go do something fun now." SO, take that as you will.

My point is that this isn't any more entertaining for guests than was ERDT, so I think it was money poorly spent. I think this new attraction could have put off old fans and does nothing really to bring new ones in. Using characters as a bandaid for a hurting attraction accomplishes nothing more than wasted $$$. Had they just introduced Donald and updated the attraction generally, I think it would have been more successful (let alone made an entirely new way to present it without Disney branding).

Fair enough. I still think Maelstrom is more mildly entertaining...but Gran Fiesta has the 3 cabs which is perfect for me, being their fan :shrug: Little kids are not really going to enjoy the ride anyway because their attention spans are like 2 seconds. (some, not all before I get killed for generalizing :lol: )

I just don't think it's fair to say they did a poor job of the ride, when I actually think they improved it "somewhat" by at least adding a storyline and at least one internationally recognizable character. You're still getting the educational aspect that you got from ERDT, but you can't please everyone. Mission Space actually bores me now, whereas you enjoy it more and more each time. Different strokes.

Glad you had a fun trip

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Fair enough. I still think Maelstrom is more mildly entertaining...but Gran Fiesta has the 3 cabs which is perfect for me, being their fan :shrug: Little kids are not really going to enjoy the ride anyway because their attention spans are like 2 seconds. (some, not all before I get killed for generalizing :lol: )

I just don't think it's fair to say they did a poor job of the ride, when I actually think they improved it "somewhat" by at least adding a storyline and at least one internationally recognizable character. You're still getting the educational aspect that you got from ERDT, but you can't please everyone. Mission Space actually bores me now, whereas you enjoy it more and more each time. Different strokes.

Glad you had a fun trip

I think that's a fair assessment. The thing that bothers me the most is that there should be ways of tailoring to both of us. To me, I saw nothing in this about Mexico at all because the focus is on the 3 Cabs. So, it totally disregarded its placement. So, from what I've seen, the only people who really enjoy the ride are big Donald/3 Cabs fans (and glad you have a ride that does so). I really do wonder what could/would have been if they had been used more as hosts instead of stars of the ride (sort of like Ellen in EEA or the Nemo characters in the Seabase itself).

 

[DDuckFan130]

I think that's a fair assessment. The thing that bothers me the most is that there should be ways of tailoring to both of us. To me, I saw nothing in this about Mexico at all because the focus is on the 3 Cabs. So, it totally disregarded its placement. So, from what I've seen, the only people who really enjoy the ride are big Donald/3 Cabs fans (and glad you have a ride that does so). I really do wonder what could/would have been if they had been used more as hosts instead of stars of the ride (sort of like Ellen in EEA or the Nemo characters in the Seabase itself).

Thing is, I think I can still get something "educational" from the ride. But even with ERDT you have to have some knowledge of the place. How many people know that the IASW rip-off scene is a celebration of the Day of the Dead? I got that from the skeletons and I already knew about that. When we rode Gran Fiesta, my parents were telling us what this place or this place was because they've been to Mexico. I wouldn't have known it just riding Gran Fiesta, but the same goes for ERDT :lol:

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Day 4: HE GOES TO THE PARKS

Naturally. The alarm went off at 7:30 AM. That didn't happen, so I got up around 10:00, grabbed breakfast at POR, and decided that I would try the solo park hopping day. This was a day for attractions I rarely/haven't seen. It also meant ALL FOUR PARKS IN ONE DAY!

So, I started off at Epcot and grabbed a fast pass for Soarin'. Decent return time of 4:45.

I then left Epcot via the IG, taking the boat to MGM. I used single rider on RnRC. 5 minute wait again (45 min. posted for standby and a HUGE FP line). Then I did the Animation tour (still hadn't seen the "new" one). I liked the post-show, but the lack of actual animators really kills this. The beginning would be so much better without the corny Mushu bit and actual information. But, like the backlot tour, old days are gone, I guess. I then went over to see LMA for the first time. It wasn't bad. Unfortunately, with any car chases, I WANT CRASHES! But, not really possible. I would say I more respected the show than enjoyed it. It certainly isn't a headliner, but it is a cool show to be seen every now and then or for big action movie fans. I took a minute while waiting for the show to look over the park and look at the map for ways to help this disjointed park. I have some ideas which will pop up in the Imagineering forum. Look for them in a few days.

After LMA, I headed for the park exit and to DAK. The park was still REALLY crowded, like yesterday. MGM was crowded too, but this was to another level. BRING ON THE KINGDOMME! I digress. I checked tip board, and, again, Dinosaur had a long wait (35 min) while Primeival was only 10. I wanted to see FOTLK, and it started in 30 minutes. So I went to get a Dinosaur FP, but they were not being distributed, so I took a spin on PW. Posted 10 minutes, but it was actually an IMAG walk on. I like this coaster, but it is in sorry shape right now. WHen you have poor-quality themeing, you have to at least keep it up. Sadly, such is not the case at PW. GET SOME PAINTERS IN THERE!

Anyway, finished up there, and decided to skip Dinosaur this trip. A favorite, but I had other fish to fry. So, I headed to Camp Mickey-Minnie for the first time since 2002. I do like this area, but it is so set back. Again, a new land just north/west of it would really bring it in more! Anyway, I like the enclosed FOTLK better. The show is still good; not my style, but good. We had a full house.

Finally, ran cross-park to EE, and used Single Rider. Glorious wait of 10 minutes compared with 50 posted. After a diet coke pit stop on Discovery Island, I headed for the exit.

Next up, Epcot. Luckily, I had a Soarin' FP and some time before 7:00. I decided to FP M:S which still had some left and a posted wait of 25 minutes. I then rode LwtL (I miss working at Disney World. ) and grabbed dinner at Seasons. I had a really great pork chop that cost almost to the dollar the same as the quick restaurant under my condo. So, no, Disney food is NOT that expensive in retrospect! Anyway, after dinner, I was right on time, so I snagged a seat on Soarin. Sadly, the smells were not working this round, but still a good ride. I then left the Land for FWE. TT's single rider was only 15 minutes, so I hopped in line for an evening loop. Right after that, my M:S time was up, so I did a final flight training on the Orange team. It was 8:30 at this point, so I headed over to WS. I switched my normal protocol and decided a pastry in Norway was a better use of my time than Gran Fiesta (RIP ERDT). Finally, Illuminations ROUND 3! Yes, I saw Illuminations all 3 nights I was at the parks, and I LOVED IT! I will be really sad when this show goes. I would much rather see them update the effects, videos, etc. than scrap it. It embodies what both EPCOT Center and Epcot were/are meant to be, and the audience always seems to love it.

After Illuminations, I booked it for the front. The closed leg under SSE really makes a bottleneck, but it will open again in due time! I got out, and the line for the monorail was already huge, so, hoping for a different result than the night before, I headed for the Wilderness Lodge bus. It came after a bit, and we headed for the resort. I got off, and a MK bus was there! I hopped on. Sadly, we had a trainee "earning his ears" that night, so our ride was a bit longer than normal, but nothing bad.

Finally, at about 10:00, I got to MK. Realizing the park still had an hour left, I headed over to TL to grab an EMH wristband. I then hopped on TTA and noticed COP was open! After disembarking, I hopped on the show (See my thread in general discussion about our canine friend in the show and how this REALLY needs to go to Epcot).

It was almost 11:00, so I decided to head over to Splash to get a FP when the EMH FPs opened. Big mistake. I should have waited for SM (see why in a bit). I got to Splash in time and got a FP for 11:45. It was about 11:15 at that point, so I went for a spin on Pirates. Apparently I had bad timing at that point, because the posted wait time of 5 minutes was actually 25. I found out why at the bottom: they had ONE POOR CM loading and launching the boats! That poor guy was about to have a breakdown (and rightfully so - and, secretly, I would have jumped in front and started placing people just for a taste of working again. ha ha). Anyway, I got off Pirates and, since my FP time was almost up, I decided to play it smart and go to SM - the big reason I wanted to come. Well, I get over to SM, and it has a 60 minute posted wait time and FPs up for 1:20AM. OK, I think. Not too bad. SO, I grab that FP and head back toward Fronteirland. I pass HM and read the letter. Nice touch. I then get to Splash to find that both it and BTMRR have only 20 minut stand bys and FPs available for 12:45. Grrr. Should have stayed at SM originally, but live and learn. I use my FP for Splash. Afterward, since I had time to kill, I did BTMRR. I then wandered back over to TL and hopped on MILF. I am really divided on this attraction. It seems like every element I really liked or really didn't.

My quick review:

The Good:
Roz and the first two monsters were really good, surprisingly so. I also like the interactive jabs at audience members. Also, the doors to Monstropolis were a cool effect both entering and leaving.

The Bad:
This is so out of place. It didn't get any better. I like the premise of shipping you to Monstropolis, but it just doesn't work. It feels very contrived to me. I also realize how GREAT of an attraction this would have been for the Studios. I think replacing Sounds Dangerous with this would have made for a top notch addition and been less jarring in theme.

The Ugly:
The jokes from the audience and Mike's little cousin section was just bad. Also, the introductory narration by Mike outside the theater was really confusing and poorly written IMHO.
Finally, the seats are UNGODLY uncomfortable. Usually, I am ok, but not with these. I was in borderline pain the entire time.

Regardless, did MILF, grabbed a soda, and then a final spin on TTA waiting for my FP to come up. I got in line for a good ride on SM. I will always love that ride, and the girl in front me said it was the best ride she had been on all day. I know people want it replaced, but I think there are MANY MANY MANY other attractions that could use that money first. I do think a nice update to the queue, lift hill area, and post show would work, but not a full out DL revamp at this time. Besides, it had by far the longest lines all night and the quickest fast pass times on both EMHs we were there.

Ended with SM, and decided to call it a night. I grabbed the bus back to POR and crashed at about 2:00AM.

Day 5: The Leaving coming soon

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Thing is, I think I can still get something "educational" from the ride. But even with ERDT you have to have some knowledge of the place. How many people know that the IASW rip-off scene is a celebration of the Day of the Dead? I got that from the skeletons and I already knew about that. When we rode Gran Fiesta, my parents were telling us what this place or this place was because they've been to Mexico. I wouldn't have known it just riding Gran Fiesta, but the same goes for ERDT :lol:

That's a valid point, although I know as a kid it made me ask about the things. The difference is that GFT no longer focuses on that. The entire attraction now has a central story about these birds trying to find Donald. The Mexican aspect is secondary. I think that is the biggest disappointment.

Honestly, I don't need an educational aspect for Epcot. I never found it to be that educational. I found it to be a celebration of what we do as a species. It's saying, "Hey we accomplished a lot, and here it is on display." So, that is why it is so jarring to me. I think the "educational element" of Epcot was something a lot of people made up early on as a criticism and that Disney put out there a bit stronger than it needed to. When you look at WOM, Horizons, etc., they really were just fun presentations of what we did. Same with the WS films. They were romanticized, positive presentations of cultural and/or technical doings. I don't think Epcot was ever marketed that way, but that certainly is what it showed to me and my family (and others I have talked to).

At this point, the somewhat confusing, "had to have been there" elements of ERDT are still there. However, now people probably don't even feel the need to ask what they meant. It's just a background; an unnecessary to the story. The tour is their concert series. it isn't a tour of Mexico. And, the finale of the ride is their concert. It really has pushed Mexican culture into the backseat even moreso than ERDT did.

As a fix, I would have suggested this:
1. Get rid of the finding Donald story. Instead, have them looking for their concert stage or a specific landmark.

2. Leave the central parts similar then, each of them finding new things as they tour Mexico.

3. In the final scene, have them sing the old theme song. That would have been a wonderful homage both to Mexican heritage and the old attraction, and, when it comes down to it, most people don't know the 3 Cabs song anyway, so the recognition isn't a huge factor.

Just my $0.02.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I figured I would go ahead and finish:

Day 5.

I woke up and checked out of the room. I had a Mickey waffle at the Mill (sort of a tradition for me, now). I then went over to MK to grab the monorail in hopes of seeing a further demolished wand. Sadly, the Epcot monorail ride yielded no progress from Sunday night.

So, I took a bus from Epcot to Coronado Springs since I had never been there. I wandered around for a bit (I really like the resort, but it is HUGE!). Then I went to DTD for a Wetzel Pretzel, and back to POR to catch Magical Express. After some fairly long delays with both MCO's staff and Spirit, I finally made it back home 3 hours late (DO NOT FLY SPIRIT!).


So, that's my trip. It was a good time, and I was glad to see (some of) the new additions. I'm looking forward to SSE and HM, and I hope to make it down in the not too far future to see them.

Thanks for reading! :wave:

 

[Cara1210]

Great report! Glad you had a wonderful time!

 

[KnK]

Your single day, all 4 parks wore me out!!!!!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Nice report - thanks for sharing

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Your single day, all 4 parks wore me out!!!!!

ha ha. try being me! :lol: I only shudder at what would have happened to me if I had actually gotten up for Epcot's EMH at 8:00 AM and stayed at MK until 2:00. I may have been another M:S story!

 

[davidpw97]

I've only done all 4 parks in one day once that I can remember, pretty awesome I think. It's not easy and quite tiring. Still a great day

 

[DDuckFan130]

In September we did AK, MGM, parked at Epcot, rode the monorail to MK, ate dinner, went back to Epcot and watched Illuminations.

That was a long day :lookaroun