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.)
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.)
) and while Test Track had 100min+ wait from rope drop until closing, FEA never reached triple digits and at its busiest the wait time was 90 minutes (a mere 10 minutes above Spaceship Earth and Nemo). And also considering that SDMT has been here since 2014 I really think that the reason behind its huge waits is both its charm and the fact that it is fun for all ages.
