Main Street Changes

[marni1971]

A SM Disneyland style rehab would be great... having ridden DLP`s Mission 2 numerous times last week ( ) and knowing the effects in Paris were a test bed for California and Hong Kong, I can say for someting relativley simple they are superb.

Although the track layout is obviously different, using multiple front projections onto shaped screens works so well - case in point, rotating asteroids that you `fly` between; full colour, detailed rocks that spiral as you pass them (there are also full size rock `models` black lit that rotate in the same fashion.) Strobe lighting, an asteroid you collide with and pass through (blacklit prop with a hole in it for the track with strobe lights and smoke; a carryover from Mission one) and my favourite - the comet chase. Basically a long screen onto which is projected a trailing comet. As you get closer, the animation grows in size too until you seem to overtake it (pass the screen.) One thing I noticed was even where you could, if you looked, see the projector lenses it enhanced the effect - they look lke bright stars and beams of light, since you can never see the screen the image is on at the same time.

There was also a lot of mist (not smoke - this could dim the projections) and a lot of star projections everywhere, and the odd spiral galaxy spinning away too. A great enhancement of re-entry, and a cure for the black area between the re entry tunnel and unload at WDW, is a twofold strategy; re entry is through a spiral red neon tunnel, taken on a curve to hide the end, and ridden at full speed. The actual brake zone is again from mission one - the Electro Decelerator - a black lit tunnel full of archway props that give the impression the machine catches your rocket and slows it down.

For not a lot of money (relatively speaking, even considering WDW`s SM`s duplication of everything) the potential exists for some great visual effects to be added. WDW SM already has large scale props in the lift hill area. The real budget would be (hopefully) for onboard sound and enhancements to the lift hill props / blue tunnels.

 

[Enderikari]

Also, you're right, the Imagineers being there doesn't mean the Cineam coming back, etc. but its a good sign for something. It's not like the imagineers would be there for fun or are unfamiliar with the area, they have to be there for something even if its just a 'thinking' stage. So please don't say they won't do this, because no one does.

Just my two cents.

Actually, Imagineers being spotted on Main Street doesn't mean anything.... Because not a span of three days goes by at WDW without an Imagineer being on Main Street. They don't go there for fun, or because they are unfamiliar with the area. They do it for the same reason that Walt did, to get out there and see what is working. Seeing Imagineers on Main Street is nothing new, the only new thing is someone spotting it. It's not a "Sign" of anything.
After your "three years" on this site, you, more than anybody, should know the large percentage of "rumors" on this board that turn out to be complete hogwash. This is one of those times. Why get your hopes up, only to be disappointed by something that will never come to pass? Certain sections of Main Street are coming up on a refurb time, but these are scheduled years in advance.

About the cinema? Well, I don't personally agree with VMK Central being there. But if you want to talk variety of experiences, then talk about adding MM cartoons to the cinema, that seems to be an oxymoron. You see, just down the street, at Exposition Hall, there already is a cinema, that could just as easily be expanded. Adding MM cartoons to Main Street isn't new, they do it everyday (its called the "Milestones of Disney Animation"), putting that at the cinema would just be adding more visibility to it. Guess what? Exposition Hall's theater has a larger capacity than the Cinema ever would, so why not start one of your crusades to add more MM shorts to that?

 

[Enderikari]

Hey no bustin' on us AP holders! Haha... we pay good money to be a pain in the mouse end!

I don't mean to bust on AP holders. I just don't understand some of them. People who spend lots of money to go to an area that is supposed to be magical (I believe it is). And all they do is complain. I absolutely dislike Annual Passholders who hate WDW, of which there are more than a few (and the internet has given them a voice)

 

[speck76]

Just a cinema can always help the realistic and fantastic elements of the place, if not instill in the mind that, yes, there is more to do in this place than spend. (Actually, I think a Mickey Mouse cartoon might appeal to a wider range of people than the VMK in the context of ranges of people... but that's just me).

Mickey Mouse Cartoons already play in the back of Exposition Hall

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Actually, Imagineers being spotted on Main Street doesn't mean anything.... Because not a span of three days goes by at WDW without an Imagineer being on Main Street. They don't go there for fun, or because they are unfamiliar with the area. They do it for the same reason that Walt did, to get out there and see what is working. Seeing Imagineers on Main Street is nothing new, the only new thing is someone spotting it. It's not a "Sign" of anything.
After your "three years" on this site, you, more than anybody, should know the large percentage of "rumors" on this board that turn out to be complete hogwash. This is one of those times. Why get your hopes up, only to be disappointed by something that will never come to pass? Certain sections of Main Street are coming up on a refurb time, but these are scheduled years in advance.

I guess I simply don't find your perspective in line with enjoying Disney at all. Part of the whole magic of Disney IMHO is the overall tone of hope and possibility. Sure, Imagineers on Main St. does not mean major changes are coming. But Imagineers on Main St. also does not mean major changes are NOT coming. I don't think anyone treated these as definite statements. Everyone has been saying these are RUMORS in this thread. While I undrstand your point that many many rumors turn out to be nothing, I think squashing it is just as disappointing as hoping for it. I live on the chance that it might happen, not the reality that it absolutely, definitely is happening (that's boring for me). I guess it's a matter of perspective, but I think talking about what might happen is very fun. If it doesn't come to pass, so be it. But, if it does, that's great. Let people enjoy thinking it might happen. And, everyone else, don't take it as Gospel truth until we have a confirmation from Disney.

 

[dave2822]

I guess I simply don't find your perspective in line with enjoying Disney at all. Part of the whole magic of Disney IMHO is the overall tone of hope and possibility. Sure, Imagineers on Main St. does not mean major changes are coming. But Imagineers on Main St. also does not mean major changes are NOT coming. I don't think anyone treated these as definite statements. Everyone has been saying these are RUMORS in this thread. While I undrstand your point that many many rumors turn out to be nothing, I think squashing it is just as disappointing as hoping for it. I live on the chance that it might happen, not the reality that it absolutely, definitely is happening (that's boring for me). I guess it's a matter of perspective, but I think talking about what might happen is very fun. If it doesn't come to pass, so be it. But, if it does, that's great. Let people enjoy thinking it might happen. And, everyone else, don't take it as Gospel truth until we have a confirmation from Disney.

I agree with you, but the OP didn't state that these were rumors. He said most of his information was certainly going to happen. For those who are just glancing on WDWMagic, they will take this as fact. Most people don't distinguish the rumors from the news all that well anyway, so it should have been stated a little clearer.

 

[Enderikari]

I guess I simply don't find your perspective in line with enjoying Disney at all. Part of the whole magic of Disney IMHO is the overall tone of hope and possibility. Sure, Imagineers on Main St. does not mean major changes are coming. But Imagineers on Main St. also does not mean major changes are NOT coming. I don't think anyone treated these as definite statements. Everyone has been saying these are RUMORS in this thread. While I undrstand your point that many many rumors turn out to be nothing, I think squashing it is just as disappointing as hoping for it. I live on the chance that it might happen, not the reality that it absolutely, definitely is happening (that's boring for me). I guess it's a matter of perspective, but I think talking about what might happen is very fun. If it doesn't come to pass, so be it. But, if it does, that's great. Let people enjoy thinking it might happen. And, everyone else, don't take it as Gospel truth until we have a confirmation from Disney.

That's just my point, though, simply made in reverse. I love going to Disney, I love the 4 theme parks, I love the water parks, the resorts, and everything else. I love Walt Disney World, everything it is and everything it represents.
It seems to me, all this wishful thinking and speculation on rumored additions is the work of the same type of people who get into relationships with the intention of changing the person they are with to the person they want to be with. My perspective is ALL about enjoying Disney. That's it. Enjoy what is there. Go to the parks and realize you cannot get that experience anywhere else. Don't go there thinking about ways that YOU would improve it, because, strictly speaking, its not for you, its for everybody. And while YOU may want MM cartoons playing non-stop on Main Street while the BGM plays "Feed the Birds." That's not appealing to the whole.

Love Disney, go to Disney and have a good time. Relish in everything that it is, and don't focus on what it isn't, because Disney spends a lot of time and money finding out what should and shouldn't be there.

 

[Sapphire]

It's true that Imagineers are out and about taking notes all the time. It both could mean something and nothing at all. They could be checking to make sure everything is up to par and looking good, or who knows they could be thinking up plans for halloween decorations....the possibilites are endless. It's wonderful to read all the ideas everyone comes up with...a lot of you have some great ideas! The only one I see as not being a possibility is the attraction. Center Street really isnt that large. Although I realize you didnt mean an E ticket attraction, even smaller ones like the "Disney Story" need space. Even if it were to be a self guided/ museum type thing, in that space it would be very small. But who knows, the Imagineers are masters of disguise, of sorts, making areas appear to be larger than they really are....so, in actuality only time will tell.....until then, keep dreaming the dreams!!

 

[AndyP]

Actually, Imagineers being spotted on Main Street doesn't mean anything.... Because not a span of three days goes by at WDW without an Imagineer being on Main Street. They don't go there for fun, or because they are unfamiliar with the area. They do it for the same reason that Walt did, to get out there and see what is working. Seeing Imagineers on Main Street is nothing new, the only new thing is someone spotting it. It's not a "Sign" of anything.
After your "three years" on this site, you, more than anybody, should know the large percentage of "rumors" on this board that turn out to be complete hogwash. This is one of those times. Why get your hopes up, only to be disappointed by something that will never come to pass? Certain sections of Main Street are coming up on a refurb time, but these are scheduled years in advance.

I agree, most thinks on this site DO turn out to be hogwash. The point I am trying to make is that no one, not even you, know what will and will not turn out to be hogwash or reality. So, please don't say 'this is one of those times' because you simply don't know. Imho, I don't think a main street rehab is actually that far fetched anyway, infact, quite a possibility. But, we'll see.

 

[burningstroller]

I guess I simply don't find your perspective in line with enjoying Disney at all. Part of the whole magic of Disney IMHO is the overall tone of hope and possibility. Sure, Imagineers on Main St. does not mean major changes are coming. But Imagineers on Main St. also does not mean major changes are NOT coming. I don't think anyone treated these as definite statements. Everyone has been saying these are RUMORS in this thread. While I undrstand your point that many many rumors turn out to be nothing, I think squashing it is just as disappointing as hoping for it. I live on the chance that it might happen, not the reality that it absolutely, definitely is happening (that's boring for me). I guess it's a matter of perspective, but I think talking about what might happen is very fun. If it doesn't come to pass, so be it. But, if it does, that's great. Let people enjoy thinking it might happen. And, everyone else, don't take it as Gospel truth until we have a confirmation from Disney.

Disney is a place of hope and possibility in a broad sense, not hope in possibility in the functions of their parks. A good Disney day would have you leave thinking of all the possibilities of humankind and relish on what we have accomplished. Not hoping on the possibility that they build decent rides, clean the bathrooms, or paint a building. These things should already be done. Clinging for life on the rumors that an attraction severely showing its age gets a refurbishment doesn't sound like much fun to me, sounds like the theme park operator doesn’t care. I'm not saying that they don't care about their guests. In fact, it seems that they do. Just look at all the princess dinners and character meet and greets...clearly they grease the squeaky soccer mom wheel.

I wouldn't expect to see any kind of major overhaul of any ride at the Magic Kingdom. So long as it's the most visited theme park in the country, with no signs of slipping from it's position, prepare for mediocre. Do you think that the typical All-Star resort staying guest from Alabama that comes to the resort every 3 years will notice a few fancy lights and new track in Space Mountain? No.

 

[MrNonacho]

I wouldn't expect to see any kind of major overhaul of any ride at the Magic Kingdom. So long as it's the most visited theme park in the country, with no signs of slipping from it's position, prepare for mediocre. Do you think that the typical All-Star resort staying guest from Alabama that comes to the resort every 3 years will notice a few fancy lights and new track in Space Mountain? No.

How would you explain the recent rehab of IASW? It wasn't in that bad of a shape when they closed it. Same with the train stations at Mickey's Toontown Fair and Main Street. I don't think it would take three months of work to swap the stroller and locker rentals.

 

[burningstroller]

I thought it was asbestos? It was closed for almost a year and all they did was repaint, change around the loading configuration and clean up the dolls. This should have been a normal refurb (at least done continually over the years) not something to advertise! If Space Mountain does go down for a lengthy refurbishment you can bet that the bubble gum holding the track together was no longer sticking. Seriously, why spend money to freshen up a ride that people are going to go on anyway, when you can spend that money building a new theme park with no rides, or a 10,000 room budget motel?

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Didnt know there had been a day trip organised for smart arses, still glad we can offer them a home here.

 

[burningstroller]

What was said that would make you consider me a "smart "? Do a little research of Disneyland's Space Mountain and you'll find just that. Patch work over the years causing major instability in the ride structure causing it to close down many months before it's intended refurnishment. I'm sure the same engineering applies here. How do you advertise a 'freshen up'? Doesn't it make more sense to build a new theme park on the cheap and advertise a 'big new park'? Or add more rooms to attract people on a budget? You don't think that both MGM and AK's funds should have been pooled to create one park with a full days worth of activity? History shows that not much happens at Disney World in the way of freshening or refurbishing. And that's fine, that's what their business model is, and that's what works for them. The original topic was speculation on a 'new main street' and space mountain, which I wouldn't bet on.

And thank you, you're own 'smart ' comment made me feel very much at home.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

And thank you, you're own 'smart ' comment made me feel very much at home.

The lack of quotes would indicate that I was not refering to your good self, however if youve seen fit to take it that way Im not going to question your judgement.

 

[PhotoDave219]

DPI is currently occupying the space that was once the Toy Store. Unless they relocate that operation, i dont forsee it being restocked with toys anytime soon.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I fail to see your point BurningStroller. My post was in regards to Main Street, as the thread and title suggests. The Space Mountain issue seemed to exist as a drift. And, going back to some other topics, if I went to Disney and experienced it simply for what it was, I would not enjoy myself. I have never been a person that takes something for what it is. It's just not my personality. I love WDW, but I love seeing what things could be. Therefore, any topics that discuss changes that I think are positive are very exciting to me. Granted, the OP may not have said these were rumors, but I have learned that everything is a rumor until Disney makes an official announcement. Therefore, it is semantics, I guess. If you don't like these topics or rumors, don't read the threads. Don't squash them simply on probability or past events. As with any business, every day brings a new concept, a new idea, and a new way of managment. There are no rules that say what happened before will happen again, especially at Disney. And, I certainly am not holding onto these rumors for dear life. They are fun. It's fun to read about what might be. Disney is great with what it was, but taking it for that attitude automatically stagnates it. If you think something is great, no reason exists to improve it. That was and never will be the Disney (or any successful business') way. You always look to improve, make better, and make new. If you disagree, then so be it, but that mantra seems to permeate any successful business model, so I would be interested to hear your argument.

I think this banter is unnecessary, so I will just say "here here" to improvements on Main St., Space Mountain, etc. If they come to pass, outstanding. If not, these areas are still fun and a great part of the magic. Here's to being great or even greater.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Like Endikari said, Imagineers on MSUSA are pretty common. These changes could be far off or just Blue Sky'ed. They may never come.

That being said, i'll believe the toy store rumor after DPI leaves MK. But thats still a few months off.

 

[burningstroller]

I never said that I didn't like these rumors. I'm reading the threads because it's interesting. Bringing up a rumor that there would be changes on main street in a discussion forum would, I assume, lead to a discussion. In that, there will be people who like the idea, who don't, who think it will happen, and who don't. I don't think it will happen. No big deal. I look at the past happenings at the Magic Kingdom, what 'improvements' have been made over the years, and it doesn't add up for me. But if they refurb anything, outside of an Alien Encounter type change, then I'm all for it. I just think people (Americans specifically) have become satisifed with watered down, mediocre entertainment. Disney will provide what the public wants, as any good business would. I know that there are pockets of us that pine for the days when this wasn't the case, when Disney was a showplace for story telling and technology. I think the Main Street Cinema is a great example of this...out with the old, in with the new. Obviously someone thinks that an actual cinema, or anything relating to cinema (such as selling quantities of movies or media) isn't the best idea for the cinema facade on the building.

The face of Main Street at Disney changes as Main Street in every town changes. The old movie house made way for a mega plex. The little stores made way for a Target.

What is the DPI?

 

[unkadug]

A little more variety of stores and merchandise on Main Street would be nice.

An attraction, whether a "C" ticket "D" ticket or even an "E" ticket (I'm not even thinking that that's a possibility) would be a great plus.

I'd love to see them bring back the magic store. It was like a "D" ticket attraction to me in itself! It always seemed to me to add to the MAGIC of the Magic Kingdom.