Small Update on SGE and Soarin

[esauerh]

I was chatting with a fellow CM yesterday, and I got a little bit of scoop:

SGE - Based on the current construction, CM previews should be around mid to late October with AP previews Nov 5-7 and general opening around mid-November. Most of the construction is done with the exception of the first room you enter with the TV screens after coming in the queue line from outside at TL. The room where SIR and Skippy were in AE is done as are the rooms with the Stitch AA.

Soarin - The ride mechanisms are basically done, the screens are up, but there is still the need for photos and other ambience-type imagineering. The Land will be closed 1/2/05 for a couple of months because the pavilion as it currently is cannot handle the traffic if Soarin were to open right now. There will be a couple of more escalators, an elevator, Soarin merchandise shop, new interior painting. More than likely, the fountain in the middle of the Sunshine Season Fair will be gone. The Land and Soarin will probably open in March 2005 in time for the spring break rush.

Sorry if these are repeats from other posts. Just wanted to try to get more information out there.

 

[IlovyensiD]

Thanks for the update. I hope the fountain doesn't go. I love the balloons with the hidden Mickeys!

 

[bork]

Is the Land keeping its FP when Soarin' opens? It never really needed it and 2 FP attractions in the small space could cause some congestion. But then again, the traffic that Soarin' will bring may make the Land ride a log busier.

 

[RSoxNo1]

I had read somewhere on these boards that they'll be reconfiguring part of the Land Ride during the 2-3 month down time. This could mean the elimination of fast pass. However, although the ride shouldn't need a fast pass, it likely will require one with increased traffic to the area.

Question for those that have ridden soarin' at DCA? Is this similiar to the old Hanna Barbara ride/show at universal or is the screen essentially all around you?

 

[bork]

A closer analogy would be Back to the Future, where you are surrounded by the screen. There are 3 rows of seats in each section and I believe 3 sections of seats in each screen. You get the best view in the front row of the middle section, where all you see is screen. In the second and third rows, you are behind and below the other rows, so you see peoples feet. In the back row, you are the lowest, so you can see the bottom of the screen.

But overall, it is an excellent ride.

 

[imamouse]

"More than likely, the fountain in the middle of the Sunshine Season Fair will be gone."

Nooooooo! I've heard this rumor before, but it upsets me everytime! I love the fountain and ballons in The Land. Can anything be done to save them?

 

[DisneySaint]

The Land is one of those Disney things that I've always liked - but I just can't explain why. Ever since I was a kid I've just been enthralled by the architecture, the ambience, and the absolutely uniqueness of the place. Going in through those automatic sliding doors and walking in always brings on this wave of serene-ness on me. It is busy and yet peaceful. Looking up at the balloons, standing next to the fountain (with that ever-so-unique only-Disney-could-do-it smell), and eating in the Sunshine fair - it's all something so underrated and so easily looked over that it would be ashamed to see it go.

 

[imagineerfan]

I had read somewhere on these boards that they'll be reconfiguring part of the Land Ride during the 2-3 month down time. This could mean the elimination of fast pass. However, although the ride shouldn't need a fast pass, it likely will require one with increased traffic to the area.

Question for those that have ridden soarin' at DCA? Is this similiar to the old Hanna Barbara ride/show at universal or is the screen essentially all around you?

I rode Soarin about two months ago at DCA, but not the Hanna Barbara ride. The screen completely surrounds you. When you get "lifted" up into position, you can only see the screen and the people next to you. ( no floors, no ceiling, nothing.) Its an amazing ride. Probably one of my top three favorite Disney rides. Hope this helps.

Dan

 

[DigitalDisney]

I too hope that the fountain is at least relocated

Soarin is nothing like Hanna Barbara. The screen on Soarin is huge. Think of it like the huge Omnisphere screen at Horizons. You can see the top, bottom, and edges if you really want to, but if you look right in the middle, the screen envelops you.

Even regarding the experience, it's nothing like Hanna Barbara. It's smooth and calm, and not rough. It also uses scents to keep your nose entertained as well.

 

[Shaman]

Thanks for the info....Very interesting tidbits about Soarin'....

 

[RSoxNo1]

Thanks guys... sounds awesome.

 

[DarkMeasures]

It will be sad in a way that the fountain is gone but the Pavilian will overall improve. Of course it was already a great pavilian to begin with.

 

[TURKEY]

Wierd that a CM would have so many details on both Soarin and Stitch.