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

JenniferS

When you're the leader, you don't have to follow.
While I don't doubt the veracity of your experiences, I should point out that me and mine have rode SM several times during our trip last year (it's one of my daughter's favorites), and it didn't hurt us at all. I've been riding SM my whole life, and while I'm sure it's rougher than it once was, riding it every few years, it's hard for me to tell a difference. Compared to any wooden coaster--which I avoid altogether these days--it's smooth. I will say I was disappointed in how quiet the sound effects are, which sound like you're overhearing part of a film in the next theater.
Hubby and I still love it. We rode it four or five times in September ... but that connect to the first lift chain - oh boy, it hurt. Every time but one, we both audibly "oomphed". Doesn't mean we didn't get right back on. Just means we braced ourselves as best we could.

Would I like a total track rebuild to make it smoother and faster? You betcha. From what many here are saying though, we should actually be concerned for our safety in the meantime.
 

JenniferS

When you're the leader, you don't have to follow.
who drives muscle cars on the autobahn?
These guys.
IMG_1386.PNG
 

LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
After reading the last three pages on this thread, I'm glad I don't ride SM any more. I remember our first ride in 1996. It was pretty thrilling and kinda scary. I compared it to riding DLR's SM in 1983, which was really scary - that old seat belt didn't give me much confidence I wouldnt't take my own flight.

But the last time we rode last year, I ended up in the last car and boy, the whiplash left me a little bruised. Some of the lights were on and my daughter freaked when she saw how close the track above you is and the guardrails. Needless to say, we don't ride any more. But I really like DLR's version - while not as fast or long as WDW, it's a much smoother ride. I also prefer their car - I don't feel like I'm going to go flying out of it.

So, the Hub still isn't completed.....surprise, surprise. Hope they can finish by 2021.
 

Daveeeeed

Well-Known Member
My current favorite version of this attraction is Tokyo, which while operating a fairly dated track, unless something happened under the radar, is still more comfortable and enjoyable than Hong Kong's.

The music is overrated.

That lift hill when sitting in total darkness except for the stars and it's quiet... Gives me chills! Music is simply a distraction. It's not nuanced. Perhaps it was because it was Star Wars, but the dark silent void is breathtaking. It's almost scarily alone even though you're sitting next to someone. I assume Walt Disney World is similiar, but I can't tell because I'm being thrown left and right.

Now I'm in a bit of a tough spot. On one hand I want a new track, on the other I'll keep my antiquated music free experience! ;)

Tying this back to the point of the thread, I recall Disney mentioning this hub was inspired by Tokyo Disneyland. What a shame, because the hub there provides little support for the castle thereby shrinking it. The most recent entertainment stuff they're doing above could be very destructive. I'm nervous. Tokyo's design managed to make the Castle look unimpressive.
I'd argue that Paris has the best version, but to each their own.
 

WDWtraveler

Well-Known Member
Photo update as of Thursday, Feb. 16. An update to the photos I posted on Jan 13. Lighting has been installed on the several new pedestals built last fall to the left and right of the castle. These lights were not there just Monday (Feb 13). There are two types of lighting on both sides of the castle: several LED flood lights, and several movable spotlights. In the below photo on the right side of the castle, the flood lights are lit (blue). Also, new landscaping was recently installed in what was before open ground. The walkway on the right side of the castle, behind the trees here, is still closed due to the exterior refurbishment of Sir Mickey's retail store. There is an additional light array on the hillside above this walkway.

IMG_9188.JPG


All the flood light lenses were pointed down. Here is a close-up.

IMG_9190.JPG


Here is the light array on the left side of the castle.

IMG_9191.JPG
 

brb1006

Well-Known Member
My current favorite version of this attraction is Tokyo, which while operating a fairly dated track, unless something happened under the radar, is still more comfortable and enjoyable than Hong Kong's.

The music is overrated.

That lift hill when sitting in total darkness except for the stars and it's quiet... Gives me chills! Music is simply a distraction. It's not nuanced. Perhaps it was because it was Star Wars, but the dark silent void is breathtaking. It's almost scarily alone even though you're sitting next to someone. I assume Walt Disney World is similiar, but I can't tell because I'm being thrown left and right.

Now I'm in a bit of a tough spot. On one hand I want a new track, on the other I'll keep my antiquated music free experience! ;)

Tying this back to the point of the thread, I recall Disney mentioning this hub was inspired by Tokyo Disneyland. What a shame, because the hub there provides little support for the castle thereby shrinking it. The most recent entertainment stuff they're doing above could be very destructive. I'm nervous. Tokyo's design managed to make the Castle look unimpressive.
But Tokyo has the best parade route. Look at how many floats you see during Dreamlights
 

WDWtraveler

Well-Known Member
Photo update as of Monday, Feb. 20. The hillside pathway to the right of Cinderella Castle has reopened. I previously posted photos of the new lighting below the left and right pathways. New uplighting for the trees has been installed above both hillside pathways, well hidden behind new landscaping (large evergreen trees).

IMG_9224.JPG
 

RSoxNo1

Well-Known Member
Photo update as of Thursday, Feb. 16. An update to the photos I posted on Jan 13. Lighting has been installed on the several new pedestals built last fall to the left and right of the castle. These lights were not there just Monday (Feb 13). There are two types of lighting on both sides of the castle: several LED flood lights, and several movable spotlights. In the below photo on the right side of the castle, the flood lights are lit (blue). Also, new landscaping was recently installed in what was before open ground. The walkway on the right side of the castle, behind the trees here, is still closed due to the exterior refurbishment of Sir Mickey's retail store. There is an additional light array on the hillside above this walkway.

View attachment 190004

All the flood light lenses were pointed down. Here is a close-up.

View attachment 190005

Here is the light array on the left side of the castle.

View attachment 190006
If similar lights are used anywhere in Star Wars Land they need to be painted like R2-D2
 

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