Whew. A lot of discussion going on here about this. Anyway...
Probably the biggest problem I can think of with this apparent refurb of IASW is the fact that they are DELETING an entire scene to be replaced with another. How can you delete a scene depicting the rainforest, one of the most species rich areas of the planet??? Our rainforests are a VITAL part of this earth, providing us with a huge array of animals and plantlife.
Here's the other thing about IASW-if you didn't notice, there's more than just PEOPLE in it, there are also ANIMALS. Yes, IASW means to show that we should accept other peoples of this world. But do you think the animals being placed in there were just a coincidence? Do you think the rainforest scene was an accident and was not meant to portray something? Do you think that, when it was designed, it was meant to just be a "space filler," if you will? No, it has a purpose-to remind us that we are not alone on this planet, and that we must remember that we also live among plants and animals, and we must care for them as well.
Deleting the part of the attraction that depicts one of the most important regions of the world to be replaced with a American themed area is...well, I do consider it a travesty. Besides, no one country has its own display in IASW. Each country has a scene surrounded by other scenes dipicting different countries. By doing this, the world is divided into regions with similar customs and locations, instead of seperate countries. Replacing the region of the rainforest with one of a single country is completely contrary to the design of the attraction. No one country was meant to stand out. Each was meant to blend with the other, showing that we have more in common with each other that we realize.
Perhaps a better thing to do would have been to ADD this as a new scene to the ride, preferably next to Mexico (where it makes sense geographically). This way, another part of the world wouldn't be "sacrificed" just so we could remind ourselves about how great our own country is.
Also, one more thing about movie based rides/additions in theme parks. Sure, you can do some, but in moderation, and choose carefully. Remember, what's popular today won't always be so popular tomorrow. (For prove of this, see Universal Studios Orlando)