Post-1984 Magic Kingdom Attraction Quality

[LUVofDIS]

I have been going to WDW since 94, so I missed the pre-Eisner time. But for me, MK is as much if not more fun than 94. I cant say that for the other two parks from that time, but I can say that for MK.

There are things that are missed from that time period, but all in all, MK is a very good park today.

The HoP is better, though I haven't seen the most recent version yet.

PhilharMagic is still amazing to me.

SDMT is just okay for me, the ride itself just falls short.

Pooh replaced Mr. Toad, I like Pooh but I fell in love with Toad and miss it greatly.

Little Mermaid, this has been beaten to death, we ride it every visit but it is a below average ride.

Aladdin is also okay, in 94 there was nothing there but concrete, so its an addition not a take away. I think I like it because in 2013 my wife and I were on it when the Holiday Wishes were going and the CM let us ride three times and we watched the show from here and it was pretty cool.

I love the Muppet's Present, this is an awesome addition and we always try to catch both shows.

We haven't done Tales with Belle yet, we plan to do it this year.

Buzz would be better if they maintained the ride. I like it but my wife hates it. Of course that is because she doesn't have my mad skills.

Monster Inc is a must attraction for us and it would be better if they would change the main script more. That would definitely give it more life.

Stitch's, don't even get me started. The only thing worse at WDW probably is Dino-Rama.

What I miss:

Swiss Family Tree House, only because my Nephews and I had a lot of fun on it.

Mickey's House, it was charming.

Dream-Flight. I don't know why, I just do.

AE, it was really awesome.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, I miss this one the most.

The Skyway, flying over Fantasyland and Tomorrowland was the best.

For the record, I do not miss 20,000 Leagues, it was just to plain for me.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Okay, this is just a thought experiment. For the record, I still love WDW and look forward to visiting. I realize that everyone has their own likes and dislikes and that differing viewpoints about things like this are equally valid.

Just for giggles, however, lets take a look at just the current attractions that are in the MK that were built after Eisner came in and talk about whether or not they live up to the standards set by the company, pre-Eisner. If all of the pre-Eisner attractions were to disappear today and these were what was left, how would they be judged? Again, the MK is more than the sum of its parts. I think it's just worthwhile to judge each attraction on its own merits and discuss whether or not they meet the high expectations placed upon Disney attractions. Personally, I find they run the gamut from mediocre to acceptable, with a few that are as good as it gets at any theme park and that are what I consider to be classics.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Nifty and fun for kids, but not really something exciting or that will have staying power. The same type of technology is used to greater effect at Magic Quest in Myrtle Beach, so it's not something that is uniquely Disney or that is being done better by Disney.

Magic Carpets of Aladdin
It's a nicely-themed carnival ride. Nearly-identical experiences can be had at any given regional amusement park.

A Pirate's Adventures
See "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom." Fun, and pretty well-done, but nothing special or unique.

Splash Mountain
A home run. Well-designed, fun, and with lots of bang for your buck. Splash Mountain is a classic.

The Muppets Present... Great Moments in American History
Cute and funny, but just puppets lip-syncing to a recorded track.

Enchanted Tales with Belle
Although I've only seen videos, I think this one is beautifully done and the kind of thing that would blow a kid's mind and make them a fan for life. The animatronics are wonderful and the physical environment is exquisite.

Mickey's PhilharMagic
It's a 3D movie with some in-theater effects. Cute, but the same experience available at any number of other tourist areas. Unmemorable.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
I think this one is a missed opportunity. Since it was taking the place of a beloved and classic dark ride, it really needed to deliver. It only partly does. The mine section is fantastic. The swinging cars are a really nice touch. With that said, the coaster sections may as well not exist, they're so brief. I know it gets long lines, but part of that is because of the length of time it takes to load and unload and the fact that it's still the newest major attraction in the park. There's not much about it that will have lasting impact. This was a victim of budget cuts.

The Barnstormer
I cut it some slack because it never claimed to be a major attraction, but it's a pretty bog-standard off-the-shelf kiddie coaster.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
I consider this an "almost great" attraction. The ride vehicle movement adds a lot and there are some really nicely-done sections of the ride. It's hard for me to put my finger on what keeps it from being a classic. I think it's too short. What's there is good, but you barely have time to adjust to the "feel" of a room before it moves on to the next one. It feels like an attraction that wasn't given enough time and resources to perfect before it was built. A rough draft.

Journey of the Little Mermaid
I enjoy this ride and like the animatronics. I can totally see where people are coming from, however, when they complain that it seems like the budget version of a better ride and that it lacks any sort of climax. Again, this seems like a victim of budget cuts and deadlines.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
I've never liked this ride. It just feels thrown together. It's like a temporary space-filler that became permanent when they realized that people would still line up to go on it, even if it was pretty shoddy.

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
For what it is, it's a fun show for families. I'll never be able to completely connect with it, however, because I'm always aware that it's a giant screen. It's almost Brechtian in its presentation. You are always aware of its artificiality.

Stitch's Great Escape
...BURP (Hopefully it's gone for good.)

Everything that makes the MK great was built before Eisner. Everything that makes it miserable was built during and after him.

Except for Splash. Wrong location, but great.


I'll join you:

Sorcerers.
Actually good! But left wanting from lack of strategy. There is no game to the game.

Magic Crapfest of Aladdin
Rubbish, destroys half a land. Needs to be ripped out asap.

A Pirate's Adventures
See "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom."

The Muppets Present... Great Moments in American History
Idiocy. The MK isn't a theme park in need of 'fun'. Sad, miserable, misplaced.

Enchanted Tales with Belle
Embarrassing kiddie theater. Should've been left in the hotel daycare center.

Mickey's PhilharMagic
Fabulous! If it were in focus it would be perfect.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Fun-ish. But neither a coaster nor dark ride, and too short to be anything meaningful in-between.

The Barnstormer
Rubbish. Rip this ugly junk out, what are they thinking?

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Actually a solid dark ride, if I can be disloyal to Toad long enough to type that

Journey of the Little Mermaid
I'm just about at that point where I'm starting to enjoy it for what it is.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
I keep thinking there must be a fun ride hidden in there, but every time I try I'm just left wondering what the heck is going on.

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
It made me laugh the first time I heard the jokes, but now I find it awkward more than anything else.

Stitch's Great Escape
This isn't in fact the worst attraction ever. Not even the worst attraction in Tomorrowland.

 

[marni1971]

Besides FOP, Iger has not produced a game changing attraction in his entire tenure as CEO.

Not really a game changer either. Just refinement of half a dozen other attractions.

Unless you mean game change for DAK?

 

[brb1006]

We’ve also lost two great mid 90s attractions in Alien Encounter and Timekeeper, and of course Spectromagic.

Spectromagic is dearly missed. One of Disney's best nighttime parades. Paint The Night doesn't even hold a candle to how perfect the parade was.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

Spectromagic is dearly missed. One of Disney's best nighttime parades. Paint The Night doesn't even hold a candle to how perfect the parade was.

I totally agree -- Spectromagic felt like a magnificent regal procession, there was something ceremonial about it that really spoke to both the word Magic and the word Kingdom. I think the music had a lot to do with it - some of the floats could have used an update, but the bones of that parade were in great shape.

The word that always comes to mind for me when describing Paint The Night is "bonkers". Which makes for a fun parade, and clearly the floats were an investment, but to me it's the kind of parade that should always have been in DCA. It fits the tone of that park MUCH better than it does Disneyland. Nothing about that parade is charming in the way that Disneyland is.

I've always felt like The Main Street Electrical Parade was a perfect summation of Disneyland in Nighttime Parade form, and Spectromagic was the same for The Magic Kingdom. Paint The Night seems be that for DCA, I'm glad it ended up there.

 

[brb1006]

I totally agree -- Spectromagic felt like a magnificent regal procession, there was something ceremonial about it that really spoke to both the word Magic and the word Kingdom. I think the music had a lot to do with it - some of the floats could have used an update, but the bones of that parade were in great shape.

The word that always comes to mind for me when describing Paint The Night is "bonkers". Which makes for a fun parade, and clearly the floats were an investment, but to me it's the kind of parade that should always have been in DCA. It fits the tone of that park MUCH better than it does Disneyland. Nothing about that parade is charming in the way that Disneyland is.

I've always felt like The Main Street Electrical Parade was a perfect summation of Disneyland in Nighttime Parade form, and Spectromagic was the same for The Magic Kingdom. Paint The Night seems be that for DCA, I'm glad it ended up there.

The opening of the parade still gives me chills. Especially during it's early years such as this video.


Even the finale felt like a proper farewell from Disney characters to guests. Especially during the early years when the final float used to have chimes as seen in this video from 1992.

What's even sadder is that during the final years of the parade. The Spectromen's costumes just got updated with more lights making their faces more visible and were more expressive as a result.

 

[Chef Mickey]

Not really a game changer either. Just refinement of half a dozen other attractions.

Unless you mean game change for DAK?

Definitely a game changer for DAK, although for me, it still ranks below 2 attractions at that park.

It was game changing to the extent Iger did something I’d consider a true E-Ticket, without the scale of the other great E-Tickets if for no other reason than it’s still too “screeny” for my taste.

Essentially, it’s an E-Ticket but probably among the lowest ranked E-Tickets.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

Definitely a game changer for DAK, although for me, it still ranks below 2 attractions at that park.

It was game changing to the extent Iger did something I’d consider a true E-Ticket, without the scale of the other great E-Tickets if for no other reason than it’s still too “screeny” for my taste.

Essentially, it’s an E-Ticket but probably among the lowest ranked E-Tickets.

I think you’re largely right about it - it’s one of the rare “screeny” rides that justifies its screeniness and uses it to worthwhile effect, but at the end of the day it’s still a screeny ride and they max out at a certain point in terms of bending your mind past the fact that you’re ultimately “watching a movie”.

Compared to any of the other shiny new Disney E-Tickets around the world from the last decade and it seems like Flight Of Passage quickly makes its way to the lower half of the list. I believe it when people say there was a motorbike coaster that was meant to be the REAL E-Ticket of the land. Much though I do enjoy the experience.

 

[JohnyKaz2078]

Besides FOP, Iger has not produced a game changing attraction in his entire tenure as CEO.

If you're talking about WDW yes. But there is also Radiator Springs Racers in DCA. That was a real game changer.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

What I miss:

Swiss Family Tree House, only because my Nephews and I had a lot of fun on it.

I think reports of the Treehouse's early demise are greatly exaggerated.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

I know you'd like to limit it to the MK but I would say that despite what we think of Eisner and Iger, there have been some terrific attractions in their tenures.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - The whole darn thing.

And the whole of DHS!

DHS until recently has been better than DAK is even now. The gate didn't close in 1984. For me, DHS rivaled EPCOT and the MK.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Oh, I only didn't include it because the DHS I love is lost to the ages. There are many parts to it, now, but until I can hear The Trolley Song again, outside the Brown Derby, my heart is broken.

Yes, count me in too. I too am heartbroken about what they did to this park, that I loved so much. : (

The MK is still standing, despite everything. EPCOT still has the WS, Illuminations and SSE. But this last trip the DHS I loved was just gone. It wasn't there anymore. Save for a few walls and the odd ride and show.

 

[Chef Mickey]

If you're talking about WDW yes. But there is also Radiator Springs Racers in DCA. That was a real game changer.

WDW, yes.

However, I’d argue even Radiator Springs Racers was based on the technology and ride system already implemented in Test Track at Epcot.

 

[JohnyKaz2078]

WDW, yes.

However, I’d argue even Radiator Springs Racers was based on the technology and ride system already implemented in Test Track at Epcot.

So does the ride system of FOP. It is based off of Soarin.

 

[EricsBiscuit]

I love the Muppets Present. Enchanted Tales with Belle is awesome (especially the mirror effect). The interactive games are fun little gems. SDMT is great if you wait a reasonable amount of time (that time is up to you). Overall, WDW Jan much better than 10 years ago. Better than 15 years ago. 20 is pushing it.

 

[Chef Mickey]

So does the ride system of FOP. It is based off of Soarin.

The ride system of FOP is not actually based on Soarin' but I'm not saying you're completely wrong in comparison.

I happen to think Soarin' is no where near FOP, but Test Track and RSR are literally the same ride system.

 

[JohnyKaz2078]

The ride system of FOP is not actually based on Soarin' but I'm not saying you're completely wrong in comparison.

I happen to think Soarin' is no where near FOP, but Test Track and RSR are literally the same ride system.

The ride system uses the same simulator just as Soarin but the experience of FOP is more exciting and immersive that's why it makes it seem different but it is actually 90% the same. Journey to the Center of the Earth in TDS also has the same ride system with TT and RSR.

 

[Chef Mickey]

The ride system uses the same simulator just as Soarin but the experience of FOP is more exciting and immersive that's why it makes it seem different but it is actually 90% the same. Journey to the Center of the Earth in TDS also has the same ride system with TT and RSR.

Not sure why you mention TDS, but FOP doesn't share the same ride "system" in any sense of the word with Soarin'.

They are similar experiences, but they are not the same ride systems.

 

[JohnyKaz2078]

They are both 3D flying simulators. Only FOP is much more advanced.

 

[Mark Dunne]

Okay, this is just a thought experiment. For the record, I still love WDW and look forward to visiting. I realize that everyone has their own likes and dislikes and that differing viewpoints about things like this are equally valid.

Just for giggles, however, lets take a look at just the current attractions that are in the MK that were built after Eisner came in and talk about whether or not they live up to the standards set by the company, pre-Eisner. If all of the pre-Eisner attractions were to disappear today and these were what was left, how would they be judged? Again, the MK is more than the sum of its parts. I think it's just worthwhile to judge each attraction on its own merits and discuss whether or not they meet the high expectations placed upon Disney attractions. Personally, I find they run the gamut from mediocre to acceptable, with a few that are as good as it gets at any theme park and that are what I consider to be classics.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Nifty and fun for kids, but not really something exciting or that will have staying power. The same type of technology is used to greater effect at Magic Quest in Myrtle Beach, so it's not something that is uniquely Disney or that is being done better by Disney.

Magic Carpets of Aladdin
It's a nicely-themed carnival ride. Nearly-identical experiences can be had at any given regional amusement park.

A Pirate's Adventures
See "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom." Fun, and pretty well-done, but nothing special or unique.

Splash Mountain
A home run. Well-designed, fun, and with lots of bang for your buck. Splash Mountain is a classic.

The Muppets Present... Great Moments in American History
Cute and funny, but just puppets lip-syncing to a recorded track.

Enchanted Tales with Belle
Although I've only seen videos, I think this one is beautifully done and the kind of thing that would blow a kid's mind and make them a fan for life. The animatronics are wonderful and the physical environment is exquisite.

Mickey's PhilharMagic
It's a 3D movie with some in-theater effects. Cute, but the same experience available at any number of other tourist areas. Unmemorable.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
I think this one is a missed opportunity. Since it was taking the place of a beloved and classic dark ride, it really needed to deliver. It only partly does. The mine section is fantastic. The swinging cars are a really nice touch. With that said, the coaster sections may as well not exist, they're so brief. I know it gets long lines, but part of that is because of the length of time it takes to load and unload and the fact that it's still the newest major attraction in the park. There's not much about it that will have lasting impact. This was a victim of budget cuts.

The Barnstormer
I cut it some slack because it never claimed to be a major attraction, but it's a pretty bog-standard off-the-shelf kiddie coaster.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
I consider this an "almost great" attraction. The ride vehicle movement adds a lot and there are some really nicely-done sections of the ride. It's hard for me to put my finger on what keeps it from being a classic. I think it's too short. What's there is good, but you barely have time to adjust to the "feel" of a room before it moves on to the next one. It feels like an attraction that wasn't given enough time and resources to perfect before it was built. A rough draft.

Journey of the Little Mermaid
I enjoy this ride and like the animatronics. I can totally see where people are coming from, however, when they complain that it seems like the budget version of a better ride and that it lacks any sort of climax. Again, this seems like a victim of budget cuts and deadlines.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
I've never liked this ride. It just feels thrown together. It's like a temporary space-filler that became permanent when they realized that people would still line up to go on it, even if it was pretty shoddy.

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
For what it is, it's a fun show for families. I'll never be able to completely connect with it, however, because I'm always aware that it's a giant screen. It's almost Brechtian in its presentation. You are always aware of its artificiality.

Stitch's Great Escape
...BURP (Hopefully it's gone for good.)

Ooooo nice one,this is hard because so many people just want to hold on to the past themes, cos it makes them remember a time with there kids and all the fun they had, but your right, the visual world has completely changed over the last 20years, smart phones, pads, digital effects etc, people even small tots are used to seeing and touching Swall electronic devises the yeah I think Disney could move to change things, I don’t mean close rides , just have the best tech to run them , that list is huge, even when our boy was 7, stitch was a bit of a letdown to be honest,i think Disney need to start to capture the imagination of us all really, to many franchises at the moment, because they bring the money in, I still think some of there best rides are there own stories, esp for kids, I love M.P, but this also do with an 8 k upgrade, we never took our lad on Winnie the Pooh’s , he wasn’t interested, he wanted the Pixar animation rides, and you can see why, they could put an up ride there, or incredibles ride, I do think the old rides should have a makeover, if that means changing stories from Pooh to Pixar , so be it, good post thx