From what I have heard I wouldn't expect anything in terms of additions. This is a fixer upper on the deepest scale from the mechanics to the existing effects.Something akin to what the jungle cruise got in 2013 but with an emphasis on the ride system.
Start again from scratch.
That is disappointing news.
Due to the fact that those that you call "apologists" are not hardcore tunnel-visioned people like you and your crew, we probably have nothing to say because we don't know what that means. You don't either, but, it doesn't stop you from condemning it. I can assure you that if it come out a mess, I will not be defending it. However, unlike yourself, my ability to see into the future is clouded by common sense and the knowledge that I am sadly uninformed about the reasons why. I am equally hampered by the fact that Disney forget to fax the plans to me for my approval. You apparently do not have that problem, congrats!Oh Disney, what a surprise, more budget cuts and maintenance reductions...
What new idiocy are apologists going to give for this one? Meanwhile at Disneyland's 60th anniversary celebration...
The insiders may well be correct, but they might also be wrong. We will know soon enough and there may be a legitimate reason for concern. But, was there any real need to name call at this stage just to put others with different outlooks then yourself down? The point is, it doesn't matter what any of our concerns are right now, we will either be wrong or on the money with the end result... then we can see who has reason to defend and who has reason to condemn. Until then it is a matter of wonder, but, it is not based on fact YET!
There are only two reasonable options to consider. 1. Disney dramatically increased the budget to have the refurb done more quickly. Or, 2. They hacked an entire month off the refurb and the attraction will get less repair than it needs which could only result in more issues down the road.
You not knowing the facts doesn't change whether or not they are facts. The situation is or is not as described; that does not change based on what you know.
Nor do I, but, I also don't know the end result yet. That's not my gripe anyway. Mine is with calling people apologists before there is anything to apologize for. That needs to stop. If I like something, I would never apologize for my liking it no matter who the "insiders" are. I'll let you know if I like it. I will also let you know if I don't. Either way it will not be an apology, nor is anyone else's defense of something when they see a possible different reasonable reason. Think about how upset everyone gets when someone calls them a gloom and doomer. There is no difference other then direction of opinion.
Nothing is a fact until it happens. Before that it is mere speculation. No more correct then any other until proven. I am not talking about the shortening of the time (you apparently are), I am talking about the results of that change and that is a long way from fact at this point. It's just what you think it is going to mean. You may be right or you might not be, we will know when they are done. In the meantime there is nothing we can do about it anyway. If they have shortened the time (and I have no reason to not believe that) all that really matters is how it ends up.
Off which end?
