So I have been pretty vocal about how I feel about GOTG taking over TOT at DCA (Hate it). I was at the parks Wednesday and decided to ride TOT with an open mind and really critique what works and what doesn't.
After reflecting on the experience, from outside of the hotel, to the queue, to the pre show, to the ride itself I realized what I would really miss most about this ride would be the old Hollywood feel and how this haunted hotel works so well as an anchor for the land. I would miss the queue and that beatiful, haunting jazz music they play outside the hotel / outdoor queue which nobody seems to talk about or notice. Losing this theme / experience in the park, I feel is the biggest loss.
I would slightly miss the tie in to The Twilight Zone because somehow it does a better job of placemaking (through nostalgic feeling for the IP because of its age and place as a classic) and is more effective than the actual show scenes themselves. Just seeing the Twilight zone logo and hearing "Rod Sterlings" voice is a great set up that is not matched by the pre show video content or the show scenes on the ride. At least in DCA's version.
The show scenes could use some work. I feel as if they do not do justice to the Twilight Zone IP. Besides the star field, everything else about the show scenes are kind of cheesy. I guess this is something I always overlooked as I was overtaken by my excitement / anticipation for the drops to come.
So in summation I do not think that TOT is a flawless experience. However, I still don't think that GOTG is the right move here. I think they should actually strengthen the theme they already have going on. I love the old Hollywood theme and coupling that with a Haunted hotel is just classic. Especially with the Red Car trolley outside, the whole thing just works. I will admit that the show scenes could use some work, which would be a lot easier and in my opinion more effective than retheming the entire attraction to GOTG. An Old Haunted hotel anchors Hollywoodland beautifully and is much better suited for DCA in general.
I think Disney should give GOTG the type of attraction it deserves or overlay Star Tours.