We’ll agree to disagree on this one. But you value the technicality over the core pacing structure of how they narratively construct the actual experience.
Soarin over California is completely apples to oranges here - but exposed infrastructure does not mean it’s a tech demo. You are completely missing what I meant.
Since you brought it up- Soarin (over California at least) is a complete well paced crescendoing experience. Gringotts just does stuff because the ride vehicle can, but it makes poor structural sense and results in the flow constantly starting and stopping. It’s all a gimmick or ‘tech demonstration’ that doesn’t fit the core experience. For all the money they spent it actually would have been better off as a classic coaster.
At least mission breakout has the wherewithal to start frenetic and keep up its act.
Hard disagreement. Soarin is as magestic as any basic IMAX Museum experience. Its pretty and has a good score, but they Imagineers failed to implement the tech into a Disney-quality attraction. Soarin was the tech demo plopped into DCA's budget opening. Flight of Passage is the tech actually implemented in storytelling and with artistry.
The tech on Gringotts fits perfect with the ride for me. The titling track at the start and when the guards attack fit the adventure. The ride starts strong and builds to the finale with the dragon. I am glad we didn't get another Mummy experience and instead got something brand new.
Mission BO does start frenetic and keep it the entire way through, part of my issue with it. Its a one-note attraction. There is no crescendo or structure, its just the same beat for the entire attraction.
I enjoy the middle of RSR with the moments of Doc pulling us over, Mater driving backwards, racing in the darkride portion, and even driving through the town. But I hate how we rush into the beginning then stop. Enjoy the slower portion before racing through the tractor section, to then slow down for the far too short Radiator Springs section, and then I find the split rooms to be incredibly boring. RSR feels like a great attraction which was downsized, which is basically what it is. Test Track with less darkride and less final run. It makes the ride feel disjointed because I don't get to sit in a moment long enough to enjoy it.
Gringots is an 8 out of 10 for me. If it had a coaster section in the last third, it would be 10/10.
RSR is a 6.5-7 out of 10 for me. It is gorgeous, and if they could plus the queue and had the full Test Track size and scale, it would have been a 9-10 out of 10.
Meanwhile Soarin, that's a solid 4 out of 10 in my book. I would ride it when friends wanted to, but I wouldn't even walk on to ride if by myself.
