"Soarin" Moaners and Groaners

[se8472]

::stands and claps to orignal post::

::sits down::

I remember those post very well. Granted I have no clue how some people can get so upset over just ballon, but I will let them be.

 

[Goofy23]

Actually, like Yoda, I agree that Soarin's problem is the storyline. It's too short and really doesn't make sense. We waited 20 mins and that was too long for a 5 min ride with no storyline. Just a few shots of California and then Disneyland. The highlight, of course. Besides DL, the only other good thing about it was Putty as the ride's host.

I'll never ride it again unless they change the movie. The Land looks great though.

 

[wdwmagic]

Actually, like Yoda, I agree that Soarin's problem is the storyline. It's too short and really doesn't make sense. We waited 20 mins and that was too long for a 5 min ride with no storyline. Just a few shots of California and then Disneyland. .

Soarin's storyline is the incredible view you take in. There is no place else on Earth (except another Disney park), where anyone can realistically handglide over such amazing landscape.

For the ride time, Soarin is one of the longer recent attractions. Very few now run for longer than 3 minutes, and Soarin is over 4 minutes.

 

[PhotoDave219]

I still say its the best ride in Epcot. 90 Minute waits yesterday. 105 when i bailed on it at 6:45

 

[Mr. Incredible]

Very good post... I remember reading all the hubbub about prososed changes to the Land before my last trip. I made a special point of chekcing out the pavilion (last November) to see what the "before" image was so I could see what the fuss was about. (That was my first visit to the Land; on prior trips we had just skipped it .) My first impression of the Land was that it was OK, but no big deal. I am in the (I think) minority who found "Living with the Land" to be a snooze :snore: . The theme did seem nice, but I did not get the sense it should be untouchable. Anyhoo... I will be in Epcot Sunday and I can't wait to get a good look at the new Land pavilion -and hopefully ride Soarin'.


Regarding change I think I am a "glass half full" kinda guy. I look at the changes and additions WDW has made over the last 8-10 years and it seesm that the good far outweighs the bad. Viva la Land! :king:

 

[imagineer boy]

Great post!

However, the reason why we are all complaining about no new film is because the one in DCA is soarin over CALIFORNIA. And if I'm not mistaken, this clone is in florida. I would have liked it better if they made a new film and make it "Soarin over the World" where you would fly over the earth's greatest natural features like the rain forest, grand canyon, the everglades, egypt, and more. That would fit the theme of the land much much better.

I do love this attraction though. When I first went on it in DCA, I nearly wet my pants when the first images came on. It was spectacular!

 

[Robfasto]

When was the first picture taken (the old one)? It seems to me that a lot has changed between the two pictures.

Also, who knows. They may be planning on painting a mountain scene on the soarin building to help it blend in.

It was taken in 1983, the new one was November 2004.

I had thought about painting a mountain scene on the build, it would look good from World Showcase but very strange from Future World

 

[ClemsonTigger]

The reviews are in--- and they are almost all overwelmingly positive. With few exceptions, people seem extremely happy with "The Land", and are absolutely blown away by "Soarin".

So, now it's finally time to ask---- why did so many people get their underwear in a wad over this addition ?!?!?!?

When "The Land" rennovations were first announced more than a year ago, you would have thought Disney was going to bulldoze the castle--- at least based on the comments posted on message boards like this.

"The atmosphere will be ruined!"
"Sign the peitition! Save the balloons!"
"A Travel Agency and a CRUISE LINE? What are they thinking?"
"It's straying from what Walt envisioned for EPCOT!"
"What does Soarin' have to do with "The Land"? Bring back "Kitchen Kabaret?"
"How cheap! A direct clone of California! Who wants to ride that?"
"I'm boycotting The Land!"

I was rolling my eyes then, and I'm rolling my eyes now.

First of all, Epcot received one of the best Disney attractions ever built (according to the numerous reviews). How could anyone think that was a BAD thing?

Because it was a "clone"? Because Disney was "too cheap" to create a new film?

Hmmm. Didn't early WDW visitors complain because there was originally no "clone" of "Pirates of the Caribbean"?

Even though "Body Wars" provided a new film, didn't people demand that the original "Star Tours" be cloned?

Even though WDW has "Dinosaur", the message boards are currently lit up with people demanding a clone of DL's "Indiana Jones Adventure".

Why on earth WOULDN'T Disney clone a ride getting rave reviews on the West Coast? Or, why would they spend money just to change the film and risk the attraction being less impressive than the original?!?!?!?

(And, as I've posted before-- so WHAT if it's actually "California"? Nearly every film seen in Future World-- Universe of Energy, Mission Space, HISTA, etc.---- was shot in California. California just happens to have mountains, deserts, coastline, agriculture, and cities--- everything you'd want in a film that simulates hanggliding!)

"But it doesn't fit in with The Land!" some have argued. What? Flying over some of the world's most beautiful topography has nothing to do with The Land?

What did "Kitchen Kabaret" REALLY have to do with The Land? Food is grown in the land. OK. But the show was really about good nutrition (or at least, that's what all the lyrics refered to!). Wouldn't that have fit better over at "Wonders of Life"?????

And then there are those who said the Land's "Travel Agency" theme (with that completely bogus rumor about a "Cruise Line") would violate Walt's vision for EPCOT.

Sorry to break it to you, but Walt had NOTHING to do with Epcot. Well, other than the name. As any Disney historian can tell you, Epcot (the theme park) was simply a way to save-face after promising the Florida legislature that it needed government controls on Disney property to build an "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow."

EPCOT Center was brought to you by the same misguided Disney executives who nearly destroyed the company in the late 70's/early 80's. The ones that the exhaulted Roy Disney ultimately staged a coup to replace.

Don't get me wrong. I miss the kitch of the original EPCOT Center. But it would be irresponsible to the company and to the paying guests if Epcot was left as a museum to the 1980's. After all, isn't the Epcot "legend" about innovation and the future?

So WHY all the negativity even BEFORE Soarin' and The NEW Land even opened?

Some will cite the botched updates of Journey into Imagination, The Tiki Room, and Alien Encounter/Stitch.

I point to Mission Space, Turtle Talk, Mickey's Philharmagic, Wishes, Rock-n-Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and just about everything else Disney has done right in the past 10 years as reasons to have faith.

Oh yeah. And that people on the West Coast love Soarin'!

Very good points, and I would say that I'm guilty as charged (on some counts). Without debating some of the other change decisions. Soarin' has been adapted well, the atrium/lobby if anything is better than before, and I believe it will bring even more attention to the other offerings of the land.

 

[PhotoDave219]

It was taken in 1983, the new one was November 2004.

I had thought about painting a mountain scene on the build, it would look good from World Showcase but very strange from Future World

I do agree, it does kill the view from Germany & Italy.... but by comparison, the view from Showcase plaza , mexico, norway and china are worse. At least soarin is "Go-away blue"

 

[Glasgow]

Very good points Dr Falls.

What percentage of WDW visitors also go to DL? I can't think that it's all that high .. 5% 10%? I have no idea .. anyway, as long as it's a good ride, bring it on over.

 

[dxwwf3]

Considering Disney's recent track record and with rumors that the travel agency theme would be pushed to the max, I can see why some of us overreacted. I think the rehab turned out better than I ever could have expected, but I think alot of people remembered what happened to a little pavilion next door when it came time for it's big rehab. And some of us were afraid the same thing would happen to the Land. Disney delivered here and they should get credit for that, but they hadn't done too much within the past few years to ease our tensions about this rehab.

 

[brich]

Cool original post indeed but let me add a big thank you to all those "nay sayers". Without differing views and opinions, no matter how outrageous, these forums would simply be boring.
That obnoxious mountain they're building at AK is going to look horrible behind the Tree of Life... :lookaroun
...joking of course...

 

[Coral14]

I am wondering what the problem with California is? I am a Californian, born and raised. Some of you posters seem to not like our state, Disneyland etc. I have to say it made me a little sick to my stomach. I have been to Disneyland at least 30 times and Disney World twice. I love WDW. What's not to like? I adore DL. It is like home to me. For those of you who don't want to visit because you think there isn't enough to do, I think you would be suprised. DL and DLCA pack so much into a small area. Most of the major rides at WDW are at DL. On my upcoming trip in May, I will hit those attractions first, RnRC, Mission Space, Test Track, Philharmagic, almost everything at AK, etc. I know that by driving a few hours I can ride Space Mountain, Splash, ToT, BTMRR, Star Tours, Haunted Manion, Pirates, Small World, Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear, Soarin, see Illuminations and Fantasmic, enjoy 3 of the 4 3-D attractions and view fireworks. I think many of you would really enjoy Disneyland Resort. Sure LA isn't great but the smog never seems to settle on the Happiest Place on Earth!

 

[Shrike]

Coral14,

On of the hardest things to get accustomed to in this forum (and others, to be fair) is the intense dislike bordering on hatred for anything related to Disneyland. I've never understood it either, other than to chalk it up to people who've never been to DL and really have no idea what they're talking about.

One of the truly great things about Disney (and one of the chief reasons we share our experiences, thoughts and dreams here) is that because it has had signifigant impact on one level or another in our lives, we all feel like we've taken a tiny bit of ownership. Unfortunately, some take it too far, and some how reason that in order to raise WDW up, DL must in some way be cast in a bad light. Hopefully these people will see the fallacy of such thinking, and be reminded that all Disney themeparks are important, unique, and wonderful in their own right (although the jury's still out on Hong Kong ).

I for one can't wait to get to Disneyland in June, and then on to WDW in September. They'll both be magical experiences,as much for their similarities as for their differences.

 

[Christina]

Very good posts, all of you...

I loved Soarin' in California, I'm sure I'm going to love it in Florida also. I understand the problem with the films... but hey, your in Epcot, the place of the World Showcase so you might as well go over and check California out.

As for the "oh NO disney is ruining EVERYTHING no balloons no colors change of handrails blah blah whatever will I do" people who are so ... absorbed with keeping Disney "magic" up and running... just quit it. Disney's doing a find job, and it's boring to read gripes all the time. Especially about stupid things. Like balloons.

 

[erasure fan1]

First off good post!
Part of the reason people spoke out so soon was that this forum has a lot of traditionalists and that’s why they were so vocal on the land changing. A lot of people here don’t seem to like change, especially at the expense of a “classic” attraction. Besides a good food court, the land was in my opinion missing something. I have always thought the land needed something more than a green house tour also (don’t get me wrong I really like this ride) and now I think they have it. I also agree its not like they cloned some unpopular attraction that everyone hated, it’s the most popular ride in DL CA. Clones are not a bad thing as long as you don’t forget about originality as well. I have not been to see it yet but I already think this will be one of the most popular pavilions in EPCOT.

 

[LoriMistress]

The reviews are in--- and they are almost all overwelmingly positive. With few exceptions, people seem extremely happy with "The Land", and are absolutely blown away by "Soarin".

So, now it's finally time to ask---- why did so many people get their underwear in a wad over this addition ?!?!?!?

When "The Land" rennovations were first announced more than a year ago, you would have thought Disney was going to bulldoze the castle--- at least based on the comments posted on message boards like this.

"The atmosphere will be ruined!"
"Sign the peitition! Save the balloons!"
"A Travel Agency and a CRUISE LINE? What are they thinking?"
"It's straying from what Walt envisioned for EPCOT!"
"What does Soarin' have to do with "The Land"? Bring back "Kitchen Kabaret?"
"How cheap! A direct clone of California! Who wants to ride that?"
"I'm boycotting The Land!"

I was rolling my eyes then, and I'm rolling my eyes now.

First of all, Epcot received one of the best Disney attractions ever built (according to the numerous reviews). How could anyone think that was a BAD thing?

Because it was a "clone"? Because Disney was "too cheap" to create a new film?

Hmmm. Didn't early WDW visitors complain because there was originally no "clone" of "Pirates of the Caribbean"?

Even though "Body Wars" provided a new film, didn't people demand that the original "Star Tours" be cloned?

Even though WDW has "Dinosaur", the message boards are currently lit up with people demanding a clone of DL's "Indiana Jones Adventure".

Why on earth WOULDN'T Disney clone a ride getting rave reviews on the West Coast? Or, why would they spend money just to change the film and risk the attraction being less impressive than the original?!?!?!?

(And, as I've posted before-- so WHAT if it's actually "California"? Nearly every film seen in Future World-- Universe of Energy, Mission Space, HISTA, etc.---- was shot in California. California just happens to have mountains, deserts, coastline, agriculture, and cities--- everything you'd want in a film that simulates hanggliding!)

"But it doesn't fit in with The Land!" some have argued. What? Flying over some of the world's most beautiful topography has nothing to do with The Land?

What did "Kitchen Kabaret" REALLY have to do with The Land? Food is grown in the land. OK. But the show was really about good nutrition (or at least, that's what all the lyrics refered to!). Wouldn't that have fit better over at "Wonders of Life"?????

And then there are those who said the Land's "Travel Agency" theme (with that completely bogus rumor about a "Cruise Line") would violate Walt's vision for EPCOT.

Sorry to break it to you, but Walt had NOTHING to do with Epcot. Well, other than the name. As any Disney historian can tell you, Epcot (the theme park) was simply a way to save-face after promising the Florida legislature that it needed government controls on Disney property to build an "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow."

EPCOT Center was brought to you by the same misguided Disney executives who nearly destroyed the company in the late 70's/early 80's. The ones that the exhaulted Roy Disney ultimately staged a coup to replace.

Don't get me wrong. I miss the kitch of the original EPCOT Center. But it would be irresponsible to the company and to the paying guests if Epcot was left as a museum to the 1980's. After all, isn't the Epcot "legend" about innovation and the future?

So WHY all the negativity even BEFORE Soarin' and The NEW Land even opened?

Some will cite the botched updates of Journey into Imagination, The Tiki Room, and Alien Encounter/Stitch.

I point to Mission Space, Turtle Talk, Mickey's Philharmagic, Wishes, Rock-n-Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and just about everything else Disney has done right in the past 10 years as reasons to have faith.

Oh yeah. And that people on the West Coast love Soarin'!

I completely agree wit you...WEST COAST REUNITES!!!

 

[the-reason14]

*Thread Drift*


Does anybody know if the rumors about Living with the Land being upgraded with new animatronics etc, happened?

 

[MrNonacho]

Does anybody know if the rumors about Living with the Land being upgraded with new animatronics etc, happened?

It looked the same to me on Friday.

 

[speck76]

Soarin's storyline is the incredible view you take in. There is no place else on Earth (except another Disney park), where anyone can realistically handglide over such amazing landscape.

For the ride time, Soarin is one of the longer recent attractions. Very few now run for longer than 3 minutes, and Soarin is over 4 minutes.

some people have no imagination......they would much prefer a narrator in the film, and would also prefer to be told what they are seeing


these people make me sad