Projection mapping is already getting old

[THEMEPARKPIONEER]

When I first saw projection mapping I was amazed, it was used for the Vancouver opening ceremony and I fell in love with the show they did, I finally got to see a live projection show at the Magic Kingdom just a year later. As much as I liked it it's now overkill. I prefer real props and affects like foubtains, fireworks and a globe that spins, opens with shaped led screens. Those are the kinds of things Disney was made of but now it seems like projections are on everything and to be honest I can be just as mesmerized with a computer screens as I am projections on a castle.

 

[MisterPenguin]

When I first saw projection mapping I was amazed, it was used for the Vancouver opening ceremony and I fell in love with the show they did, I finally got to see a live projection show at the Magic Kingdom just a year later. As much as I liked it it's now overkill. I prefer real props and affects like foubtains, fireworks and a globe that spins, opens with shaped led screens. Those are the kinds of things Disney was made of but now it seems like projections are on everything and to be honest I can be just as mesmerized with a computer screens as I am projections on a castle.

While a new tech can make something have that extra pizzazz for being new, in the end, it all boils down to: did they use the medium well?

There are good projection mapping (HEA on the castle) and bad projection mapping (anything on the Chinese theater in DHS because of obstructions and limited projection space and limited viewing space).

There are good AAs (Na'vi Shaman, Elsa, Wicked Witch [RIP]) and horrible ones (most of MKs PotC, most of Little Mermaid's fish on a stick).

There are good screens (Star Tours) and awful ones (Nemo ride).

There are good props (the whole stage of Fantasmic!) and bad ones (sorry, the the globe for Illuminations is way too small for the venue and its animations are barely discernible).

There are good parades (Festival of Fantasy) and bad ones (MSEP [RIP (please!)]).

Good shows, bad ones. Good movies, bad ones. Etc....

Whatever the medium, it has to be done well. If its done well, then the medium shouldn't matter much. I do understand if one medium is used way too much, but I don't see that as much of an issue with Disney. As much as people whine about SCREENZ!!, I'll whine about OLD LOW CLASS AAs!!

 

[Santa Raccoon 77]

I love me a good foubtain display
I feel pretty much the same as Mr the Penguin . Done right it is great. Done wrong it is horrendous.

 

[Minthorne]

People say that about me. At first I looked good - but now years later I just am getting old.

 

[brb1006]

As long as it's done right such as the Tree Of Life at night.


And this one for a private event.

 

[SpoiledBlueMilk]

Yep - it's not so much the tech as how the tech is used. For me, Disney does an amazing job at projection mapping. Can't wait to see what they will do next.

 

[Santa Raccoon 77]

People say that about me. At first I looked good - but now years later I just am getting old.

But do you still fit in the blue dress in your avatar ? ​

 

[Chef Mickey]

Projection mapping has been overused because it's kind of a cheap way (relatively) to offer some entertainment, yet not be committed in any way because it can be changed or eliminated almost instantly.

Actually building something of course requires some ambition, money, and a true plan to execute. This is what Disney used to do so well.

 

[THEMEPARKPIONEER]

For instance, Symphony in the Stars had no projections and was 100 times better than what they had now.

 

[copcarguyp71]

I actually really enjoyed the image mapping they used in the Captain Jack attraction they had at HS for that short time. I felt it brought a lot to the show and think that when not used to excess it can be really entertaining. Like any new technology I think they are like a kid with a new toy that becomes their favorite for a short time but given some temperance I think it could be a very immersive useful part of the show in any new ride or attraction or even when reheating some of the older tired ones. The first that comes to mind is the Gran Fiesta tour in Mexico just off the top of my head.

And yes...I am one of the minority that really liked that Captain Jack attraction...I think the kids really responded well to it.

 

[raven]

Overuse can kill any special effect quickly. The key is to use it sparingly and in unique ways. We use it in theatrical applications once in a while in very different ways.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Anything that gets played continually can get old and irritating. For new guests who come once in their lifetime or once every so often the projections will not be looked at as something overdone rather its unique, something that they cant see anywhere else. Disney has something theyve invested highly in and its working so they wont be getting rid if it anytime soon. We can hope that it gets changed with scenery upgrades at some point.

 

[UKDisney Dave]

Haha I feel the same way about UV paint / black light. Seems like every ride across the whole of WDW uses this effect (okay before some old timer posts a list of all the rides that don't use it, I'm employing my sense of British over exaggeration here!)

But honestly, so many rides use it, it just feels lazy to me. Get some decent lighting on the go!

 

[copcarguyp71]

Anything that gets played continually can get old and irritating.

It's a small world after all, It's a small world after all, It's a small world after all...it's a small small small small world...

 

[AshaNeOmah]

horrible ones (most of MKs PotC

The Generation 1 or 2's from the 70s?

bad ones (MSEP [RIP (please!)]).

Not looking to make friends, huh?

I'll whine about OLD LOW CLASS AAs!!

You'd have them replace every humanoid AA for each new generation?

 

[MisterPenguin]

The Generation 1 or 2's from the 70s?

Not looking to make friends, huh?

You'd have them replace every humanoid AA for each new generation?

I would think around here you'd find the most people realize that Main Street Electrical Parade is past its prime. They want a night parade... just not that one.

Also, it's nostalgia that makes people accept many of the atrociously antiquated AAs you'd find in the MK's PoTC.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Haha I feel the same way about UV paint / black light. Seems like every ride across the whole of WDW uses this effect (okay before some old timer posts a list of all the rides that don't use it, I'm employing my sense of British over exaggeration here!)

But honestly, so many rides use it, it just feels lazy to me. Get some decent lighting on the go!

Does the name Toad ring a bell?
Cardboard, UV paint and black light. Yet, it is mourned constantly since its WDW departure.

 

[GVentola]

Projection mapping is still new to me, but I've found unfortunately that IMAX-sized screens no longer make me feel like I'm moving or flying. I blame overexposure. I wish I did still feel like I was flying over mountains. Soarin' is still fun for me, but not as fun as it is for other guests.

 

[drizgirl]

If it's old already, maybe you go too often.