Main Street U.S.A. hub redevelopment at the Magic Kingdom

[articos]

Forgive me if this has already been answered but I couldn't find anything. Have they removed the partners statue?

Partners is shown in the concept art video Disney released so I don't see it going anywhere. They wouldn't remove it.

Those two are not going anywhere. They're just protected until the central planter is done.

 

[betty rose]

It really was. I love watching the videos. I could watch retro park videos all day.

Isn't it sad though in every video I instantly spot a bench and notice how odd it seems that there even is a bench. I shouldn't instantly notice a bench as if it's some rare sight [which it sadly has become].

I would love some bench's in shade to rest my old bones

 

[Blueliner]

Agreed with this, though I have to add that Disneyland still has their trees, despite crowding and changing accommodations.

I suppose that their smaller scale/smaller castle doesn't require all of this attention focused on getting projections on their buildings so perhaps that is the reason why their trees remained.

I have only been to Disneyland a handful of times (most recently in early December), but there is a definite difference with the foliage there. In most instances, it looks and feels more organic to the park than at WDW. In particular, I am thinking about the right side of the hub as you make your way toward the Matterhorn, the area along the river in front of the Haunted Mansion, and even in Fantasyland right behind the castle. Trees and shrubs just look like they have always been there and belong right where they are.

For that matter, even the new foliage on Buena Vista Street looks great. Of course, possibly my favorite area in either of the California parks is the Grizzly Peak Recreational Area. The landscaping in that area, combined with Grizzly Peak, is fantastic.

 

[note2001]

Here's a couple:

1971:

2003:

Good find Otamin! I found it amazing to see how few folk were walking around. It's easily 5 fold that now, maybe 10. But back then the MK was not the sole destination for folks on vacation. They wandered out to the beaches of Florida, and explored nearby towns and historic sites. People don't do this anymore, they stay on site and have no plans to venture out except to go back to the airport.

As discouraging as it may be to realize what was lost (Aw, 20K leagues was beautiful at one point... but I recall it as a mess), I'd argue we've gained even more. I look forward to the changes happening in DHS, AK and EPCOT when its time comes too.

 

[betty rose]

I have only been to Disneyland a handful of times (most recently in early December), but there is a definite difference with the foliage there. In most instances, it looks and feels more organic to the park than at WDW. In particular, I am thinking about the right side of the hub as you make your way toward the Matterhorn, the area along the river in front of the Haunted Mansion, and even in Fantasyland right behind the castle. Trees and shrubs just look like they have always been there and belong right where they are.

For that matter, even the new foliage on Buena Vista Street looks great. Of course, possibly my favorite area in either of the California parks is the Grizzly Peak Recreational Area. The landscaping in that area, combined with Grizzly Peak, is fantastic.

Disneyland sounds really nice.

 

[Mike S]

Disneyland sounds really nice.

It is.

 

[Goofyernmost]

It has been addressed and was accepted as obviously needed.

It's the execution that's poor.

Well then when do we understand the sometimes we have to compromise to make stuff happen. The demands, if expressed like a "wish" is one thing, but, to constantly degrade an organization because they didn't spend the extra thousands of dollars to satisfy an unreasonable whim of the public is yet another. You and I both know that it will ultimately affect very few people. It isn't a high price to pay for an improved show, since that is what I recall everyone getting all bent out of shape about. Retractable equipment into a damp, humid earth is not a prudent way to do things and expect them to still be working a year from now.

 

[Sage of Time]

I have only been to Disneyland a handful of times (most recently in early December), but there is a definite difference with the foliage there. In most instances, it looks and feels more organic to the park than at WDW. In particular, I am thinking about the right side of the hub as you make your way toward the Matterhorn, the area along the river in front of the Haunted Mansion, and even in Fantasyland right behind the castle. Trees and shrubs just look like they have always been there and belong right where they are.

For that matter, even the new foliage on Buena Vista Street looks great. Of course, possibly my favorite area in either of the California parks is the Grizzly Peak Recreational Area. The landscaping in that area, combined with Grizzly Peak, is fantastic.

You took the words right out of my mouth. Disneyland is amazingly organic. I want that back in MK. I think the Hub could EASILY look as good as parts of Disneyland once things are all grown up and actually flowering.

 

[Sage of Time]

It is.

Isn't it nice to say that from experience, now?

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Retractable equipment into a damp, humid earth is not a prudent way to do things and expect them to still be working a year from now.

I have such a dirty mind. :'(

 

[Goofyernmost]

I have such a dirty mind. :'(

Yes, that definitely needs a "retraction". However, there is a lot of truth to the statement no matter which way you are seeing it.

 

[betty rose]

Good find Otamin! I found it amazing to see how few folk were walking around. It's easily 5 fold that now, maybe 10. But back then the MK was not the sole destination for folks on vacation. They wandered out to the beaches of Florida, and explored nearby towns and historic sites. People don't do this anymore, they stay on site and have no plans to venture out except to go back to the airport.

As discouraging as it may be to realize what was lost (Aw, 20K leagues was beautiful at one point... but I recall it as a mess), I'd argue we've gained even more. I look forward to the changes happening in DHS, AK and EPCOT when its time comes too.

I loved seeing "how it was", brought back many memories, that you so much for posting.

 

[Mike S]

Isn't it nice to say that from experience, now?

Yes, it is

 

[marni1971]

Retractable equipment into a damp, humid earth is not a prudent way to do things and expect them to still be working a year from now.

No one mentioned retracting anything into the earth.

 

[erclvrb18]

No one mentioned retracting anything into the earth.

the comment wasn't exactly accurate anyways since below that is a tunnel

 

[Rasvar]

It's ridiculous. But then, I loath the use of the Forecourt Stage as well. I hate that they close the tunnel through the castle so many times per day and really, really hate that they have permanently walled off half the mosaics within the castle as well.

Did they wall them off or relocate them to the Disney Dream? I had assumed what was on the Dream was a replica but I haven't seen the mosaics in forever to even know if they are still there.

 

[marni1971]

the comment wasn't exactly accurate anyways since below that is a tunnel

No really.... In the central hub area there is only one tunnel down the centre.

There's nothing under the grass or paths until you get to the lands or the castle.

 

[jdmdisney99]

Well then when do we understand the sometimes we have to compromise to make stuff happen. The demands, if expressed like a "wish" is one thing, but, to constantly degrade an organization because they didn't spend the extra thousands of dollars to satisfy an unreasonable whim of the public is yet another. You and I both know that it will ultimately affect very few people.

That shouldn't matter.

"Not many people will notice."

This is what has brought WDW under a regime of bean-counters and into an age of thematic ignorance. They figure "good enough" is perfect to save money and stay stagnant.Those "extra thousands of dollars" you describe are so minimal compared to the salaries Disney executives get, and those few supplemental dollars used to be the "Disney Difference".

WED Enterprises didn't put a few highly-decorated mannequins in Pirates of the Caribbean and say "good enough, no one will notice". They spent those extra thousand dollars to innovate new animatronic figures, so any guest who cared to look could not see beyond the pirates' living, breathing shells.

If the old Disney had never went the extra mile and spent those extra thousand dollars on every project, they never would have become so world renowned. Nowadays, they would have no fanbase bowing before whatever they put out. Without that extra money, those extra details that so few might have seen, Disney never would have earned the respect that brings us to this forum today.

 

[erclvrb18]

i know lol i get that however its not exactly as stated... its not like the rest of orlando...

 

[Eric1955]

On the contrary, I feel that Magic Kingdom doesn't need any more "people grabbers." Epcot, DHS and Animal Kingdom need E Tickets. That would alleviate some of the over-crowding issues in the Magic Kingdom. People will always gravitate towards Magic Kingdom based, if nothing else, on it's notoriety. More E Tickets at the other three parks would help balance the crowd levels out amongst the four parks.

But I genuinely respect everyone's opinion and often learn new things from them

You're certainly right that the other parks are in desperate need of more rides and attractions, but the Magic Kingdom needs more too. I'd say we currently have two parks worth of rides spread out over four parks.