Considering that Westerns aren't really the presence in popular culture that they were when Disneyland was built, I can see why they would bring in more of the characters, however it doesn't sound like they've done that with Woody. If they had some kind of place that was set up like the set of Woody's Roundup where you could do a M&G with Woody or Jessie, it would be passable, but not just having a random character with no attempt made to integrate him in a sensible manner. I have no problem with Pecos Bill. Splash Mountain probably should have gone in Fantasyland, but at the time it was constructed, they still had the lagoon, so that may have been a factor. I sure miss the 20,000 Leagues ride, diesel fumes be darned.
I do wish that Disney would get back into creating original experiences that might eventually end up being exploited for other things, rather than just making attractions based on IP, but, again, with the size of the company now, they're only going to spend money on what they see as a sure thing. Also, it's much easier to make changes to a ride that is almost entirely screen-based than one with practical sets and AA figures. I'll never be convinced that anything screen-based will have the same fan devotion and longevity that the classic attractions have. We're stuck to screens all day, but there are very few places to experience physical immersion in a fantasy world. Projections are fantastic for effects and "plussing," but not as the total basis of an attraction. That's why I'm not enthusiastic about the upcoming Ratatoullie, Mickey, or Star Wars rides. The Great Movie Ride may have needed updating (badly), but I guarantee it will be better than whatever they put in there.
I know. I'm an old man shouting at clouds again.
