First Visit to MK: Disneylander Documentation

[Twirlnhurl]

Maybe where they come from, things are even more dated? The places my friend and I visited just didn’t look very 2010s/2020s, but more so 80s and 90s.

“Gritty” and “dated” don’t mean the same thing. We saw some gritty areas in Florida, too. I can give you various spots within Southern California, particularly Los Angeles, that don’t look like Cocoa Beach or Orlando.

The only thing we saw that looked most up to date was Disney Springs. This is not to say that everything we saw harkened back to the 80s and 90s. However, many things did.

Prime example. We passed the Florida Mall on the way to the airport.

View attachment 642566

To me, that looks dated. This is where I sometimes shop in Los Angeles:

View attachment 642567

I’m not saying that nothing in Southern California is outdated. What I am saying is that where we stayed and what we saw in Florida consisted of dated buildings and structures. Even some of fast food spots were old. Just reporting what we saw.

Some of the dated buildings are definitely old. But I think some of what you are perceiving as dated is a regional architectural style that gained nationwide prominence in the '80s because of the wave of movies and TV shows based in Florida in that decade.

MCO has its fair share of embarrassing "small town pretending to be a big town" elements. But the atrium at the Hyatt Regency above the Airside 2 and 4 security area is simply a good example of an architectural style intended to reflect the region.

Many of those architectural motifs are included in the design for MCO Terminal C, which will open in September.

 

[brb1006]

Just like at DL. I’m betting Pan is busy everywhere. Low capacity coupled with popularity and you’ve got long waits, unfortunately.

Fun Fact: Disney World's Pan still uses the original 1955 audio of Captain Hook and Smee.

 

[brb1006]

It still kills me Disney has never attempted a grander scale for Peter Pan or Mr. Toad in any modern Disneyland's in Shanghai or Hong Kong. It is the best!

I would die of happiness if Disney ever made a grander version of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Walt Disney World (similar to Pooh's Hunny Hunt being a superior version of WDW's Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh which was cloned for DL (the inferior version), Hong Kong, and Shanghai). Especially the WDW version which used to have two separate tracks giving riders a different experience. Such as riders moving past a shoot out between Police Officers and The Weasels.

 

[DLR92]

I would die of happiness if Disney ever made a grander version of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Walt Disney World (similar to Pooh's Hunny Hunt being a superior version of WDW's Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh which was cloned for DL (the inferior version), Hong Kong, and Shanghai). Especially the WDW version which used to have two separate tracks giving riders a different experience. Such as riders moving past a shoot out between Police Officers and The Weasels.

TDO are not bright ever…lol

 

[eddie104]

Some of the dated buildings are definitely old. But I think some of what you are perceiving as dated is a regional architectural style that gained nationwide prominence in the '80s because of the wave of movies and TV shows based in Florida in that decade.

MCO has its fair share of embarrassing "small town pretending to be a big town" elements. But the atrium at the Hyatt Regency above the Airside 2 and 4 security area is simply a good example of an architectural style intended to reflect the region.

Many of those architectural motifs are included in the design for MCO Terminal C, which will open in September.
View attachment 643479

I wanted to say something similar as in she thinks the buildings are dated looking but they are not for the region at least.

It is the South not SoCal so some things are definitely different architecturally speaking. Cocoa Beach is a old town so I understand where she was coming from there. Not too much development is happening in that area.

 

[brb1006]

TDO are not bright ever…lol

Speaking of WDW's Toad, I remember seeing a fanmade concept art somewhere on either this site or a WDW fansite showing what a modernized version of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride would look like.

If I remember correctly, Toad Hall became it's own separate ride building (similar to Pooh's Hunny Hunt at Tokyo) giving the attraction more space compared to being crammed between Storybook Treats and Cheshire Cafe. While there wasn't much detail, there was an outdoor section where the ride vehicles would go at high speed (similar to Test Track) before heading back inside the ride building. That's about as far as I can remember and the location was unknown (possibly somewhere in Fantasyland).

Too bad I can't find the exact drawing I stumbled upon on this site years ago. But I remember it looked decent and would had been a worthy upgrade.

 

[DLR92]

Speaking of WDW's Toad, I remember seeing a fanmade concept art somewhere on either this site or a WDW fansite showing what a modernized version of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride would look like.

If I remember correctly, Toad Hall became it's own separate ride building (similar to Pooh's Hunny Hunt at Tokyo) giving the attraction more space compared to being crammed between Storybook Treats and Cheshire Cafe. While there wasn't much detail, there was an outdoor section where the ride vehicles would go at high speed (similar to Test Track) before heading back inside the ride building. That's about as far as I can remember and the location was unknown (possibly somewhere in Fantasyland).

Too bad I can't find the exact drawing I stumbled upon on this site years ago. But I remember it looked decent and would had been a worthy upgrade.

Magic Kingdom has so much space. It has not really grown in acreage size unlike Disneyland.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

Speaking of WDW's Toad, I remember seeing a fanmade concept art somewhere on either this site or a WDW fansite showing what a modernized version of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride would look like.

If I remember correctly, Toad Hall became it's own separate ride building (similar to Pooh's Hunny Hunt at Tokyo) giving the attraction more space compared to being crammed between Storybook Treats and Cheshire Cafe. While there wasn't much detail, there was an outdoor section where the ride vehicles would go at high speed (similar to Test Track) before heading back inside the ride building. That's about as far as I can remember and the location was unknown (possibly somewhere in Fantasyland).

Too bad I can't find the exact drawing I stumbled upon on this site years ago. But I remember it looked decent and would had been a worthy upgrade.

@brb1006, is it this?

 

[brb1006]

@brb1006, is it this?

Yes that's the one I was thinking.

Also found this page where more of Eric Scales' ideas on a modern Toad ride would look like.

Eric Scales- Portfolio

This blog is specifically dedicated to my Theme Park Design Artwork. For more general illustrations and random sketches check out my other blog at ericscalessketchbook.blogspot.com

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

However the page hadn't been updated since 2013, but the concept art I really love.

My favorite is this concept art involved a shepherd and a flock of sheep for the outdoor section.

Mainly this one involving a wolf hiding behind a bush with a sheep infront.

The page in question.

Scared sheep and shepherds

Detail from overall map Having escaped near death from an oncoming train, we are relieved to find our car back among the pleasant gre...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

 

[Brer Panther]

I vote for tearing out either Princess Fairytale Hall or Tomorrowland Speedway and building a new Mr. Toad's Wild Ride there.

 

[brb1006]

I vote for tearing out either Princess Fairytale Hall or Tomorrowland Speedway and building a new Mr. Toad's Wild Ride there.

I vote for both the removal f Tommorowland Speedway and Fairytale Hall. That way both areas might have enough space.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Some of the dated buildings are definitely old. But I think some of what you are perceiving as dated is a regional architectural style that gained nationwide prominence in the '80s because of the wave of movies and TV shows based in Florida in that decade.

MCO has its fair share of embarrassing "small town pretending to be a big town" elements. But the atrium at the Hyatt Regency above the Airside 2 and 4 security area is simply a good example of an architectural style intended to reflect the region.

Many of those architectural motifs are included in the design for MCO Terminal C, which will open in September.
View attachment 643479

This makes sense! Thank you for mentioning that.

 

[Dear Prudence]

They did make a modern pan in Shanghai

I love this version. It makes someone like me who absolutely loaths the book, film, and attraction absolutely love it. Like I was in TEARS at how special

 

[BrianLo]

Getting to WDW as a whole and if I would return again… Speaking specifically about MK, I would return again, under certain circumstances. In saying that, I don’t have to return again. Regarding the other parks, I have zero interest in DHS, but I am open to visiting AK and EPCOT, but only if I’m already going to be in the area, out of convenience. I have no desire to plan a trip to Florida to specifically and only go to WDW. Ten years ago, definitely. But as I’ve matured and gotten older, I’ve developed other interests, like travel, especially international travel (this includes DL…haven’t been an AP for years and don’t go anywhere near as much as I used to). I’d much rather spend my money on things outside of theme parks. Same goes for the international Disney parks. While I wouldn’t turn down a visit, I would never plan trips to France, Japan, and China/Hong Kong to specifically and only go to the Disney theme parks there. I would only go if I’m already going to be in the area, and I’d only spend a day there. I’m hoping yo get to France soon, and so far, I have no plans for DLP. If I stay longer than a week, I may consider it for a day, but that’s it. I want to do too many other things that would be priority over a theme park, even a Disney one.

I definitely understand this sentiment. I went to HK, Paris and Shanghai the first times without even visiting the respective Disney Parks (admittedly Shanghai didn't even have one). Most of the destinations strongly outshine their parks. It's just kind of an added bonus that Disney has attached themselves to some pretty key locations worth visiting.

Florida is a weird exception though out of nearly all the resorts in the portfolio. The destination really is WDW, Orlando isn't a destination worth visiting otherwise. It's a very different mentality than I think anyone should approach any other park.

I'd really be curious how you Disneylanders would react to HKDL though. Whether you'd like it more or be off-put about how modelled after DLR it was.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I definitely understand this sentiment. I went to HK, Paris and Shanghai the first times without even visiting the respective Disney Parks (admittedly Shanghai didn't even have one). Most of the destinations strongly outshine their parks. It's just kind of an added bonus that Disney has attached themselves to some pretty key locations worth visiting.

Florida is a weird exception though out of nearly all the resorts in the portfolio. The destination really is WDW, Orlando isn't a destination worth visiting otherwise. It's a very different mentality than I think anyone should approach any other park.

I'd really be curious how you Disneylanders would react to HKDL though. Whether you'd like it more or be off-put about how modelled after DLR it was.

Yep, that’s exactly how I feel. I would never, ever travel all the way to Japan, France, China, etc. to go to Disney theme parks. I’d be down for carving out a day for a visit, but that’s it. There are way too many better things to see and do. I’d never suggest someone come to California to visit Disneyland and Disneyland only.

Orlando is one thing, but I could and would actually plan a trip to Florida without going to WDW. I’m very interested in the Cuban culture in Miami and want to visit St. Petersburg and other historical sites in the state.

 

[smooch]

World Showcase is the one thing in Epcot I fear may not impress me, given that I’m a world traveler. I believe I would like it, just not necessarily be impressed. We’ll see!

For what it's worth I have traveled a good bit outside of the country and still thoroughly enjoyed the World Showcase in EPCOT very much. You're not going to get the same feelings as actually visiting other countries but it is a cool experience to see such accurate and detailed recreations of all these areas. My favorite part and I'm sure lots of people's favorite part is trying all the different food around the different countries. It may not be totally accurate to those dishes in their home countries, I don't know, but it is a fun experience where the food definitely tastes very very good and doesn't feel like you're just eating themepark food. It is a more relaxing experience, I just made my way around the Showcase and explored the different areas and ate whatever I saw that sounded delicious. Future World / the rest of the park I didn't care too much for to be honest but I had enough fun at the World Showcase that I want to go back now that I am over 21 and try some of the drinks.

 

[Californian Elitist]

For what it's worth I have traveled a good bit outside of the country and still thoroughly enjoyed the World Showcase in EPCOT very much. You're not going to get the same feelings as actually visiting other countries but it is a cool experience to see such accurate and detailed recreations of all these areas. My favorite part and I'm sure lots of people's favorite part is trying all the different food around the different countries. It may not be totally accurate to those dishes in their home countries, I don't know, but it is a fun experience where the food definitely tastes very very good and doesn't feel like you're just eating themepark food. It is a more relaxing experience, I just made my way around the Showcase and explored the different areas and ate whatever I saw that sounded delicious. Future World / the rest of the park I didn't care too much for to be honest but I had enough fun at the World Showcase that I want to go back now that I am over 21 and try some of the drinks.

Oh, definitely! I have no doubt that I will enjoy it and have a good time. I don’t think I’ll necessarily be impressed, that’s all. I don’t equate not being impressed with not having fun. I have fun on Casey Jr., but I’m not impressed by that ride at all lol.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

I'd really be curious how you Disneylanders would react to HKDL though. Whether you'd like it more or be off-put about how modelled after DLR it was.

Standing on MS at night, looking towards the RR station, it's easy to forget you're in HK and back in California.

 

[Disone]

Oh, definitely! I have no doubt that I will enjoy it and have a good time. I don’t think I’ll necessarily be impressed, that’s all. I don’t equate not being impressed with not having fun. I have fun on Casey Jr., but I’m not impressed by that ride at all lol.

I hope you post again like this whenever you come back to Walt Disney World. It is always super interesting to get a disneylanders first time account of Disney World. And honestly vice versa is also just as interesting.

Some thoughts. For Magic Kingdom, there are some things I do like better.

Buy a country mile Mickey's Philharmagic is vastly superior at Magic Kingdom compared to the California version.

Many adventures of Winnie the Pooh. All the ride vehicles are cuter in California, the overall attraction, the many adventures of Winnie the Pooh is definitely better in Florida. The ride vehicles do a much better job of adding variety to the show scenes you are going through by bouncing went appropriate and by floating when appropriate.

I give both the haunted Mansion and the jungle Cruise the edge at Magic Kingdom.

I definitely lean California when it comes to space mountain but mk version l is still totally worth experiencing.

Hall of Presidents is an amazing upgrade to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and should not be missed.

People Mover and Carousel of progress are both great heritage attractions with true Walt Disney tie-ins. No made up Walt Disney chilly here. These are the real thing. On both these attractions you will see things that Walt Disney actually how to direct hand / touch in bringing to life.


The people over is literally falling apart and clunky so I always ride it because you never know when it's last day will get here. Carousel of progress is just incredibly dated But at least for the first three stages totally Walt.

I will also be in the minority and saying I actually like buzz lightyear Astro blasters here in Florida better than the California version. It has elevation changes in its track layout which to me makes the show scenes far more interesting than the totally flat layout of California. It also has a super cool, If not decisively old-fashioned, super speed tunnel room. Yes the guns are easier to use in California and the targets are easier to hit. But overall I like the atmosphere and the variety of rooms and longer length that this attraction that MK has to offer versus the one in California.

I was surprised about your que comparison for Little mermaid. The one in DCA looks more like a fancy strip mall. I'm much prefer the Florida version which in my opinion, even if you blur through that line still sets up the attraction much better.

And I'm willing to give the edge to splash mountain in Florida. But just the edge. I think the California version has the better soundtrack, but the Florida version tells the story better. The logs float through the show scenes a little bit slower, allowing you to truly take in the atmosphere. It also allows you to see how many of the effects and audio animatronics are broken down and that's unfortunate .

 

[Californian Elitist]

Not a strip mall. Lol.