When it is open, it's usually jam packed...and the guests often sing along and clap at the end. It's very ensuring.
Personally, before 9-11, I never saw the COP less than 2/3 full. In fact, I never got a decent filming of the attractions then because of this fact! It was closed right after the terrorist attacks because attendance had dropped. But what we're not seeing is...the whole park was empty! :lol:
They have not tested the show during another time. Nor did they advertise it *one bit* as a must-see landmark attraction during Walt Disney's 100th. But the Magic Kingdom's "Magic Carpets of Aladdin" or "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play it!" was. That's sickening, based on the fact that it was one of the few the attractions Walt held most dear to his heart. In fact, it was one of the last he personally supervised...and, of course, the only attraction he asked his Imagineers to keep. That says something
big.
If they marked it on the map with a big star on the map, perhaps advertised it on TV, put banners infront of it with area music and whatnot, I could ensure you that the CoP could have been much more open than it was during the celebration. In fact, the lines for CoP extended down the ramps
IN THE RAIN according to several guest (and Cast Member!) visits - there was no covering. That also says something.
The Animatronics and sets are often refurbished - that's excellent. The condition of the attraction is still wonderful. Sure, you may hear clicking. But you hear the same on "It's a Small World." Are we going to shut it down because of that? No...or at least we shouldn't. Instead, we should think of ways to fix the motors of the attraction...perhaps move it to EPCOT where it truly belongs (or
belonged if Project Gemini gets its way).
If they could operate it for one hour each day...and put operating hours outside the attraction...perhaps still add banners and balloons or what not (because frankly, the ride is hidden in the back of Tomorrowland and, frankly, "no one" knows what it is) - and it could be advertised in the map - that could start operation. People with seasonal passes (meaning, they don't
get in during the peak times (WHEN COP IS OPEN!) ) have no chance to visit it.
Nor are we given notice of when it is open or closed until (according to Guest Relations) the day we enter the park. They obviously don't want to save it.
And why? The same reason 1000s of other operations occur in the Walt Disney Company - ranging from the hidden distribution of adult entertainment films and other cutbacks which truly cut back on the magic while prices are still raised:
Money. It takes a lot to run the Carousel of Progress. But Disney should take its own advice: nothing's impossible. People are paid to imagine things like this...
What can we do? Write. Let Disney know what you want. We cannot back down. If you're in the park any day, express your concern. IT HELPS. In fact, Tomorrowland workers TALLY the number of questions they get about the CoP...so let the Cast Members know how you feel! You want the Carousel of Progress...it's sitting right there...it's closed, and you spend MORE at the parks now that the ticket prices are rising. Go to City Hall...they will let the managers know. Because we LOVE the COP...
...and so does Walt.
