News Remy's Ratatouille Adventure coming to Epcot

[RSoxNo1]

I guess at least you'd have something you'd actually want and need a fastpass for in tier 2 if that were to happen and do we really see them having that many tier 1 attractions?

Tier 1:
GotG
Rat
FEA
TT
and don't forget ROE

Tier 2:
Soarin ( everyone will pick this and it will be busier than ever )
MS
Figment
Nemo
LwtL
Spaceship Earth
Character M&Gs


Additional FP+
new attraction in UK?
if they put something new in the 3d theater?

The thing is, on most days now you can get a Soarin' FP same day AFTER you've used your first 3. Adults can get a FEA, SSE and M: S Fastpass, ride Test Track single rider and get a same day FP for Soarin' on most days.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Can I suggest that this argument is moot, because Ratatouille is intended to be much more of a family-friendly ride and Spiderman is all in on being a thrill ride?

No, because they are still a similar type of attraction and lack of thrill is not a usual complaint. There is not an inverse relationship between family-friendliness and cohesive integration of set, screen and vehicle.

 

[cheezbat]

I am not going to further derail this thread on the topic of who likes, and who does not like Spider Man. I just made a comment that the attraction is too obnoxious for me. In all fairness, I have not experienced the attraction since the HD upgrade. Maybe I am just in the demographic that this type of attraction does not appeal to.

I also made the claim that data can presented to support various opinions on subjects.

I was on Ratatouille a few weeks ago. I provided my opinions and views of the attraction. I felt it was grossly overrated, especially since the announcement that it was being replicated at Epcot, I thought it would be better than it was.

I will wait an see the overall reaction to this attraction is when it opens.

I'm sure the reaction will be ridiculous. You know it'll have long waits and people will love it. Look at Toy Story Mania...one of the cheapest Disney rides built in recent years. I don't much care for it, yet it always has the longest waits and it's popular. Why? To me it's just like playing a video game at home, except you're in a car that parks in front of screens. I've never understood the love for that ride.

 

[DisneyDodo]

Look at Toy Story Mania...one of the cheapest Disney rides built in recent years. I don't much care for it, yet it always has the longest waits and it's popular. Why? To me it's just like playing a video game at home, except you're in a car that parks in front of screens. I've never understood the love for that ride.

To answer your question:

1. It is based around one of Disney’s most popular movie franchises of all time

2. It’s currently the only ride at DHS suitable for children and those who don’t like thrill rides (there was recently a second, GMR, but the ride’s theme was less likely to resonate with kids).

3. It is still the newest ride at DHS.

4. There are only three other rides at DHS total.

5. Many people find the gamification aspect of the ride quite fun.

There are certainly cons to the ride, some of which you alluded to, but I don’t see how its popularity is hard to comprehend.

 

[ChrisFL]

I prefer Spiderman to Transformers and the HP rides for re-rideability and less nausea and do still think it's one of the best rides ever created.

 

[Pixieish]

So happy it seems like IOF will remain and the pavilion will get a nice upgrade. This is a nice blend of what the pavilions probably should be. Mostly educational and allows guests to experience the actual country's culture, but also having a fun experience for everyone to enjoy that still embraces or at least takes place in that same country. I still wish Norway had left Maelstrom and simply just added a Frozen show or meet n greet.

I will say the countries in WS that don't have actual attractions are still amazing and can be quite fun. Browsing the shops and exploring around, trying food and grabbing a drink and just listening to the area music is fun for me.

I agree 100%...mostly educational, but with a fun, enjoyable ride. My 6-year-old son's favorite thing in WS is the Three Amigos Ride, so we ALWAYS spend time in Mexico, but not so much in the other countries because he's still so young. Anything that helps parents get to see the countries without boring the pants off their kids is a plus in my book.

 

[Pixieish]

Really excited for the new things coming and the upgrades to Epcot, my personal favorite park. I did like how Chapek of Fitzgerald both said this was just the beginning of many many more things to come. Hopefully that includes Imagination, Innoventions and some new countries. Maybe those things will be announced at Destination D or the next big media whooha thing WDW does every year.

Imagination...but only if they keep Figment.

 

[Daveeeeed]

I suspect they'll move things around. If I had to bet, I'd say that Soarin' gets moved to Tier 2.

They probably need at least one more D/E added over and above Rat/Guardians to have demand spread out as much as necessary.

Similarly at DHS I could see the two Star Wars rides and Mickey and Minnie's all Tier 1 and everything else Tier 2.

I wonder if a tier 3 might happen at HWS.

 

[jaxonp]

I wonder if a tier 3 might happen at HWS.

Look to Pandora for how it'll be handled most likely. Choose one Star Wars GE attraction then two of the following... all other attractions. I think it'll be open for everything else after that.

 

[nickys]

To answer your question:

1. It is based around one of Disney’s most popular movie franchises of all time

2. It’s currently the only ride at DHS suitable for children and those who don’t like thrill rides (there was recently a second, GMR, but the ride’s theme was less likely to resonate with kids).

3. It is still the newest ride at DHS.

4. There are only three other rides at DHS total.

5. Many people find the gamification aspect of the ride quite fun.

There are certainly cons to the ride, some of which you alluded to, but I don’t see how its popularity is hard to comprehend.

I get the popularity, it's a brilliant franchise and I love it. I just don't like the constant swinging from one screen to another. I much much prefer Buzz in MK. I have a choice as to where I "go" next in that one. And there's more to look at when I've been out-gunned by whoever I'm sitting next to . But then I don't play video games on any kind of console, so I'm not the target audience.

 

[Pixieish]

There seems to be a rapid decline of Fog and Strobe effects across all parks. Having ran a fair share of haunt attractions I can tell you they go a long way in ramping up the thrills and chills. They also cause epileptic seizures and create a false sense of choking and serious claustrophobia which is why professional venues (including parks) are more reluctant to use them. In a world where people are "sue-happy" it's just not worth it in most instances. Harsh to say but true. Not sure why those effects were removed from Maelstrom but it could have played a part. Although I imagine upkeep costs and a need to make it less scary for children were the biggest factors.

It's a shame that Disney and other parks have to post signage warning of things like that, then still get sued and end up paying because of overly-sympathetic judges. In my opinion, if there's a warning posted and you don't heed it, it's on you.

 

[Pixieish]

Hang in there, you are entitled to your opinion. This site is mixed with those who greatly loved and respected the original Epcot theme and idea, and those who are excited and clamoring for the new that is coming. I can see both sides. Unfortunately, changes had to be made, as as attendance was being driven more by wine and cheese events than what the park offered. I am hoping beyond hope, that once the new vision is in place it will have some thematic order we just can't figure out yet.

I am excited we are adding new pavillions, Brazil to be first I believe, and am excited that what is being added to pavilions to increase draw is at least thematically right for those areas(Rat in France for ex.). Frozenstorm being the outlier ...I hope.

Some change is coming to future world, what that final change is we aren't sure. But there are those who really loved Epcot in its original form, and some of them are not all that forgiving....some are.

I have adored EPCOT from the get go...and I don't mind IP-based attractions being added to WS (Caballeros is my six-year-old's favorite ride in EPCOT), but what distresses me is the lack of attention the park has been getting in general and the huge amount of buildings left empty for so many years. Journey into Imagination breaks my heart - Dreamfinder and Figment (specifically meeting them outside of the attraction) are why I fell in love with EPCOT to begin with...along with trying Escargot for the first time in France when I was 15. I understand the recently added AP Lounge (but wished they'd used a less iconic spot).

Basically, I feel like the current management is putting out fires that they created to begin with. And if they don't fix the horribleness that Figment has become or remove him altogether...

 

[Pixieish]

Let me add my $.02 here (which will be an unpopular opinion).

First off...if Epcot was still the E.P.C.O.T. Center from 1982, it would be vacant aside from a few hangers-on.
Let's look at the lineup. Universe of Energy. A 45 minute slow-moving theater ride whose payoff was dinosaurs. Imagine that today? I'm not even talking about the even-worse Ellen's Energy Adventure. Since, in 1982, Wonders of Life wasn't around, we can skip that. Move on to Horizons (which, back then, was my 2nd favorite Epcot attraction). A slow-moving omnimover with a "choose-your-own-ending." This was unique...and may still be a draw today. Then you have World of Motion. A slow-moving omnimover showcasing that history of transportation leading up to the possibilities of tomorrow. Spaceship Earth...a slow-moving omnimover showcasing the history of communication leading up to the possibilities of tomorrow... The Land...a slow-moving boat ride with a few animatronics, sets, and then through a greenhouse. The Living Seas...an aquarium with a cool setting (SeaBase Alpha was a really cool "setting" but the ride was so short that it was pointless.) Imagination...my number 1 attraction at EPCOT Center. Sure, it was a slow-moving ride but the visuals, the feeling, the "imagination" put into it is something that will always be remembered...and pair that with the needle-tables, rainbow tunnel, etc. and you have a truly special and unique area. Smack dab in the middle of Future World was Communicore...cool...but would it work today?
Moving into World Showcase you have a slow-moving boat ride, the American Adventure, and a handful of movies as attractions. (Mind you, we still have all of those...plus another boat ride)

Now, let's be honest...even if you were to take those exact rides and update them with today's technology but leaving the feel and similar ride systems, do you really think people would be clamoring to visit Epcot? People need some "BAM" attractions to get them through the gates. When I first saw Spaceship Earth as a kid...I thought, "WHOA...I can't wait to go in there and ride it!" When I boarded and you start up the dark incline...I thought it was going to be awesome, only to get to the top and realize it's a slow-moving omnimover ride. Do I like it? Of course...but as a kid, I was disappointed.

Universe of Energy has an amazing building but is pretty boring. In today's world, people don't want to commit to a 45-minute attraction (especially if they will only visit once in their lifetime). I'm a big fan of attraction times being longer but 45 minutes is a little much IMO. Even a 45-minute Splash Mountain would turn me away. Do I think Guardians of the Galaxy is the answer? NOPE! They could've really put their heads together and developed an attraction based on Energy and Energy conservation just as easy as they can shove Guardians of the Galaxy in there (and I love the Guardians of the Galaxy!). GotG is a pure head-scratcher to me...but I'm holding out some hope that they do tie it in with Energy and the original feel of EPCOT. This is a case of just using the name as a draw to get people in...not necessarily the attraction itself.

Mission:Space is a failure. Updating Horizons with today's technology and maybe adding to the idea of "choosing your own ending" would've been a better option. The idea was sound, the final product wasn't.

You hear of an attraction called "World of Motion" and you get the feeling that it should be thrilling. Nope. This was the perfect place to revamp and add a thrill ride. I prefer Test Track over World of Motion. It's a thrill ride that's not too thrilling and most people can ride it without issue. (Sounds like an idea Walt would've liked).

The Living Seas should've been where a cool submarine ride went (not a thrill necessarily). Hopping on an omnimover and going through a tunnel is pretty "unimaginative." Adding Nemo to this one doesn't bother me. While I liked SeaBase Alpha, EPCOT was about edutainment and kids love the Nemo characters. The Nemo characters are there to get the kids interested and make learning about the sea-life fun. This might not be the best "update" but I don't mind it at all...and the ride is much better now IMO.

The Land, now, still has the Living with the Land attraction but added a non-IP "thrill" ride which focuses on the world we live in. Seems like a perfect pavilion in its current state. Food, thrill ride, movie attraction, family ride, and you can learn while having fun...it checks off every box.

Imagination is a mess. Personally, I feel this is the attraction they need to address the most...along with the ending to SSE...

World Showcase still has the boat ride in Mexico...although IP based (and if COCO comes in, it'll fit even better), Frozen Ever After as a single attraction is lightyears better than Maelstrom...but it's put in the wrong spot. It doesn't do anything for Norway aside from get people to visit the pavilion to go on the ride and meet the sisters. Norway has just turned into a Princess Mecca which is pretty sad.

Rat will be a great addition...it fits with the theme of the pavilion, it's truly an ADDITION and nothing that is currently there will be removed, and will hopefully pave the way for more additions to other countries. This is the way to add an IP without just shoehorning it in. (Much like a Brother Bear inspired Raft Ride down the mountains would fit into Canada, eh.)

IF Disney chooses to highlight the infinity stones in the GotG ride, there is a possible connection to energy...one of the stones is Power. (The six are: Mind, Soul, Power, Space, Time and Reality)

 

[Pixieish]

And yeah, Test Track is a ride through a parking garage. You can stick all the bells and whistles on it you like (and I've always found the "design-a-car" thing to be arbitrary and lacking in interest) but most of the actual ride experience is rolling around in a big, empty warehouse space. Compare it to Radiator Springs Racers to see how the same ride system could be used for a generally great ride.[/QUOTE]

Sorry, I have to disagree with you on the "design-a-car" thing. We're a family of 4 and it has become tradition that our sons split so hubby and I each have a kid and each "team" tries to out-design the other. My boys (6 and 11) absolutely adore Test Track exactly the way it is! (Even the joltiness of the "test" area!)

 

[deWild]

And yeah, Test Track is a ride through a parking garage. You can stick all the bells and whistles on it you like (and I've always found the "design-a-car" thing to be arbitrary and lacking in interest) but most of the actual ride experience is rolling around in a big, empty warehouse space. Compare it to Radiator Springs Racers to see how the same ride system could be used for a generally great ride.

I get the feeling you take issue with the theme of Test Track more so than the attraction itself. If a Tron overlay was chosen as a future retheme, would you see yourself enjoying this attraction any more or less? You could stick all the bells and whistles from Tron in the show building, maybe plus the outdoor element with a tube that glows with different LEDs, but would you still find it enjoyable?

What I'm trying to say is if you break down almost any attraction, not just at WDW, you're simply riding through a big, empty warehouse. Spider-Man at IoA is a big warehouse, Ratatouille will be as well, and the new SWL Alcatraz attraction will be a massive show building, too. I guess I don't understand the argument of "this ride looks like a giant warehouse" because all attractions are. Just my thoughts.

 

[disneygeek90]

I get the feeling you take issue with the theme of Test Track more so than the attraction itself. If a Tron overlay was chosen as a future retheme, would you see yourself enjoying this attraction any more or less? You could stick all the bells and whistles from Tron in the show building, maybe plus the outdoor element with a tube that glows with different LEDs, but would you still find it enjoyable?

What I'm trying to say is if you break down almost any attraction, not just at WDW, you're simply riding through a big, empty warehouse. Spider-Man at IoA is a big warehouse, Ratatouille will be as well, and the new SWL Alcatraz attraction will be a massive show building, too. I guess I don't understand the argument of "this ride looks like a giant warehouse" because all attractions are. Just my thoughts.

To be fair, it basically is a Tron overlay without the Tron title.

 

[deWild]

To be fair, it basically is a Tron overlay without the Tron title.

It basically is already. However, what I meant was a full blown remodel; in this case, swap the current cars out with lightcycles and have riders go through the Grid. Something along those lines.

 

[disneygeek90]

It basically is already. However, what I meant was a full blown remodel; in this case, swap the current cars out with lightcycles and have riders go through the Grid. Something along those lines.

I personally enjoyed the old version better. At least I felt like I was doing something and there was some sort of storyline. With Tron already coming to MK, there's no need for a lightcycle overlay at TT.

 

[deWild]

I personally enjoyed the old version better. At least I felt like I was doing something and there was some sort of storyline. With Tron already coming to MK, there's no need for a lightcycle overlay at TT.

I don't think you understood my initial post. I do not wish for a Tron theme on Test Track. I was replying to a previous post regarding how the ride system could be better used.

 

[disneygeek90]

I don't think you understood my initial post. I do not wish for a Tron theme on Test Track. I was replying to a previous post regarding how the ride system could be better used.

No, I get it. I just don't think a Tron overlay would change much because it is already incredibly similar. If we want to talk about rides literally in a boring warehouse, look at Transformers. That thing is hideous.