State of the Parks in 2018

[EPCOT519]

I feel like the wdw parks have been heading downhill recently due to a slew of character based attractions. What happened to great original rides? Disney was never meant to be about the movies. When it first opened, Disneyland was just supposed to be a place where guests would be immersed in different worlds. Many of the classic attractions have nothing to do with Disney characters at all. What annoys me even more is that Disney is now closing great rides to make way for ip based attractions. I realize that it makes money, but it also ruins the themes of the parks, like Epcot. Guardians of the Galaxy has nothing to do with learning about the technology of the future, and frozen has nothing to do with learning about Norway. Disney has gotten this right in the international parks. Some of their best attractions like Journey to the Center of the Earth and Mystic Manor are great original rides. I just don’t see why they can’t do this in Florida. The wdw parks almost depress me a bit after parks like DisneySea are so much better, and are almost totally original. I know this probably sounds like a crazy rant, but I just wanted to know how other people felt about this.

 

[eliza61nyc]

I've been to Disney world Paris.
I'm not one for comparing. IMO my vacations are all meant to be different. I generally don't compare Disney to Universal or shanghi Disney to Orlando Disney.

That being said, I don't know what Disney was "intended" to be. many folks say "what would Walt do" or "Walt would be turning over in his grave" but how do we know this?

I like/love Disneyworld but it's also not the only place I vacation. Listen the folks at Disney are not stupid, kids/families today are not the same as the were in 1970's when the parks opened.

Sorry the lands around world showcase were never IMO educational much. they were/are basically stores featuring the products of the countries with authentic CM. Now I have yet to do the new Frozen ride but you have to admit the old viking ride was worn out and dated. For kids that have grown up with the technology they have today, it was apparent. The film is France and Canada? the same, they are old and frankly boring.
We don't know what Guardians of the Galaxy is going to be, it hasn't opened yet but once again it's replacing a ride that frankly was dated. lol I was there last May and heard some kids trying to figure out who Jamie lee Curtis was.

It's not an either/or proposition. You can have the movie IP stuff and sprinkle it with new technology. test track does a nice job of it.

I'm enjoying the revitalization of the Parks, I wished they had done it sooner but basically, Animal kingdom is more entertaining. It's open later, got that night time show and pandora, making it more of a full day park.
Hollywood studios is going to be really nice once TSL and SWL open up completely and Magic Kingdom has revitalized. Personally I think in 2 years WDW is going to be pretty darn nice.

Now if they can handle the crowds, that's going to be the big unknown.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I'm a little confused, but, it seems to me that Disneyland was nothing but Disney movies. Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Davy Crockett and Peter Pan among others. How many things were not connected to either movies or TV or were commercial exhibits. Original non-movie characters came much later, so to say that it was never about that would be substantially incorrect.

I am one of the old people that cannot adjust to change according to many, but, I believe that even though I really loved the original EPCOT, I also realize that it needed to keep up with the times. Wasn't that the original theme, always changing with technology and the time. Why so much resistance to that change. It was EPCOT (Walt's Original City) that had the whole purpose of constant change experimentation and introducing technological advancement not keeping history the way it was. Part of that was adjusting to the demands and desires of the people that it was meant for.

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

I've been to Disney world Paris.
I'm not one for comparing. IMO my vacations are all meant to be different. I generally don't compare Disney to Universal or shanghi Disney to Orlando Disney.

That being said, I don't know what Disney was "intended" to be. many folks say "what would Walt do" or "Walt would be turning over in his grave" but how do we know this?

I like/love Disneyworld but it's also not the only place I vacation. Listen the folks at Disney are not stupid, kids/families today are not the same as the were in 1970's when the parks opened.

Sorry the lands around world showcase were never IMO educational much. they were/are basically stores featuring the products of the countries with authentic CM. Now I have yet to do the new Frozen ride but you have to admit the old viking ride was worn out and dated. For kids that have grown up with the technology they have today, it was apparent. The film is France and Canada? the same, they are old and frankly boring.
We don't know what Guardians of the Galaxy is going to be, it hasn't opened yet but once again it's replacing a ride that frankly was dated. lol I was there last May and heard some kids trying to figure out who Jamie lee Curtis was.

It's not an either/or proposition. You can have the movie IP stuff and sprinkle it with new technology. test track does a nice job of it.

I'm enjoying the revitalization of the Parks, I wished they had done it sooner but basically, Animal kingdom is more entertaining. It's open later, got that night time show and pandora, making it more of a full day park.
Hollywood studios is going to be really nice once TSL and SWL open up completely and Magic Kingdom has revitalized. Personally I think in 2 years WDW is going to be pretty darn nice.

Now if they can handle the crowds, that's going to be the big unknown.

Psst it's Disneyland Paris

 

[OneofThree]

I am one of the old people that cannot adjust to change according to many, but, I believe that even though I really loved the original EPCOT, I also realize that it needed to keep up with the times. Wasn't that the original theme, always changing with technology and the time. Why so much resistance to that change. It was EPCOT (Walt's Original City) that had the whole purpose of constant change experimentation and introducing technological advancement not keeping history the way it was. Part of that was adjusting to the demands and desires of the people that it was meant for.

I think the criticism when it comes to Epcot is the way it is changing. I first visited 2 years after the park opened, and some of the technologies on display and being utilized were just captivating. Communicore was a good example of this. Now, the park seems less technology driven (and I know I'm speaking to Future World, primarily here) and more IP and carnival/amusement park ride driven.

 

[eliza61nyc]

Psst it's Disneyland Paris

lol, I spent 4 weeks in Paris a few years back and there were a number of Parisians who didn't even want you to say Disney and Paris in the same sentence.
I'm going back in November (to Paris) and will try to sneak over to the parks.

 

[S 2]

I feel like the wdw parks have been heading downhill recently due to a slew of character based attractions. What happened to great original rides? Disney was never meant to be about the movies. When it first opened, Disneyland was just supposed to be a place where guests would be immersed in different worlds. Many of the classic attractions have nothing to do with Disney characters at all. What annoys me even more is that Disney is now closing great rides to make way for ip based attractions. I realize that it makes money, but it also ruins the themes of the parks, like Epcot. Guardians of the Galaxy has nothing to do with learning about the technology of the future, and frozen has nothing to do with learning about Norway. Disney has gotten this right in the international parks. Some of their best attractions like Journey to the Center of the Earth and Mystic Manor are great original rides. I just don’t see why they can’t do this in Florida. The wdw parks almost depress me a bit after parks like DisneySea are so much better, and are almost totally original. I know this probably sounds like a crazy rant, but I just wanted to know how other people felt about this.

Disneyland opened with 'Sleeping Beauty Castle', a movie that wouldn't come out for three more years so it hasn't always been 100% for tv and movie promotions, but it has always been an integral role of the parks to promote its brands. However, it's going overboard imo, I miss rides like Horizons and wish they would try to just make cool rides like the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Great Movie Ride! I think they are taking it too far...

 

[wdisney9000]

We don't know what Guardians of the Galaxy is going to be, it hasn't opened yet but once again it's replacing a ride that frankly was dated.

The OP stated that GoTG has little to do with the concepts of Epcot (future, technology, and community). How does UoE being "dated" justify using The Guardians instead of a more creative approach that is more aligned with the general theme of the park? And in case you want to say, "lets wait and and see" or "maybe thy will make it about energy", just take a look at FEA. People said the same thing during its construction and we all know how that turned out.

And FWIW, I have ridden the new Frozen ride. It is fun and cute and I do not hate it. And yes, Maelstrom (what you refer to as "the old viking ride"), was dated as well and I had no issue with it being replaced/updated, same goes for UoE, but an attraction being "old" is in no way justification to slap a current movie title on it and turn it into a roller coaster or a discombobulated book report. Some people choose to defend these attractions by claiming that "its a different era and families/kids are not the same". That is sophomoric at best and you could literally use that as an excuse to defend any decision made in the parks or even any decision in general.

 

[EPCOT519]

[/QUOTE]

The OP stated that GoTG has little to do with the concepts of Epcot (future, technology, and community). How does UoE being "dated" justify using The Guardians instead of a more creative approach that is more aligned with the general theme of the park? And in case you want to say, "lets wait and and see" or "maybe thy will make it about energy", just take a look at FEA. People said the same thing during its construction and we all know how that turned out.

And FWIW, I have ridden the new Frozen ride. It is fun and cute and I do not hate it. And yes, Maelstrom (what you refer to as "the old viking ride"), was dated as well and I had no issue with it being replaced/updated, same goes for UoE, but an attraction being "old" is in no way justification to slap a current movie title on it and turn it into a roller coaster or a discombobulated book report. Some people choose to defend these attractions by claiming that "its a different era and families/kids are not the same". That is sophomoric at best and you could literally use that as an excuse to defend any decision made in the parks or even any decision in general.

Completely agree. I think that rides like UoE and Malestrom could’ve been updated or something. Even the GMR could’ve had new scenes added to it from newer movies or something.

 

[wdisney9000]

Disneyland opened with 'Sleeping Beauty Castle', a movie that wouldn't come out for three more years so it hasn't always been 100% for tv and movie promotions, but it has always been an integral role of the parks to promote its brands. However, it's going overboard imo, I miss rides like Horizons and wish they would try to just make cool rides like the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Great Movie Ride! I think they are taking it too far...

I agree. There is nothing wrong IP's as they have always been present in the parks. But you said it. They are just going overboard. It is more upsetting when you know they can (and have recently) done better

 

[Goofyernmost]

I think the criticism when it comes to Epcot is the way it is changing. I first visited 2 years after the park opened, and some of the technologies on display and being utilized were just captivating. Communicore was a good example of this. Now, the park seems less technology driven (and I know I'm speaking to Future World, primarily here) and more IP and carnival/amusement park ride driven.

I agree, but, in 1985 technology wasn't using fastpass. To keep up with today's technology they would have to redo attractions every 2 weeks. It just is no longer feasible. Future World isn't really carnival like, but, it is responding to the demands of today's world. Two years from now that may all change. They still have managed to stay, at least, within a hintable boundary of Edutainment with the emphasis switching from Education to Entertainment, but it is still there in Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, Test Track, The Seas, The Land and what is left of Imagination. All is not lost it is just not recognized by many people.

 

[eliza61nyc]

The OP stated that GoTG has little to do with the concepts of Epcot (future, technology, and community). How does UoE being "dated" justify using The Guardians instead of a more creative approach that is more aligned with the general theme of the park? And in case you want to say, "lets wait and and see" or "maybe thy will make it about energy", just take a look at FEA. People said the same thing during its construction and we all know how that turned out.

And FWIW, I have ridden the new Frozen ride. It is fun and cute and I do not hate it. And yes, Maelstrom (what you refer to as "the old viking ride"), was dated as well and I had no issue with it being replaced/updated, same goes for UoE, but an attraction being "old" is in no way justification to slap a current movie title on it and turn it into a roller coaster or a discombobulated book report. Some people choose to defend these attractions by claiming that "its a different era and families/kids are not the same". That is sophomoric at best and you could literally use that as an excuse to defend any decision made in the parks or even any decision in general.

What's wrong with "slapping" a current movie title on something?? Yes I happen to think being old and out of date is a great reason to update something. Personally I think they need to get rid of the crappy Carousal of Progress while we're at it. that crap is two days older than Jesus and just as boring.


I much rather have an fun interesting Ratatouille ride in France than that tired worn out film that looks like it was film during WW2 that they currently have. people only go in there to escape the heat

YOU just don't happen to like how they are doing it. plenty of people do. IT is a different era. lol no matter how "sophomoric" you want to call it, doing the stuff that worked in 1970 may not work in 2018 and keep clinging to the past just because it's a so called "classic" is the quickest way to find yourself with decreasing revenue.

what is FEA?

And lastly, correct me if I'm wrong but Space ship earth, Mission to mars, Soarin, test track are all attractions that are not tied to a movie so Epcot has plenty that is unique.

 

[becca_]

I am only 20, have only been going to the parks since 2001, but I have seen changes over the years. Some good - some bad. Personally, I take them for what they are, I welcome changes and at least give them a fighting chance first. I think that overall, the magic is still there for me. I will keep going back until it isn't. I'm sorry you feel that way - but I love each park and don't think that they are on a decline (even if there is room to improve them all... and there definitely is)

 

[wdisney9000]

I happen to think being old and out of date is a great reason to update something

I agree that there is nothing wrong with certain older attractions being updated. The key word is updated. Updating Maelstrom would have been wonderful. They did not update it though. They turned it into random scenes from Frozen the movie that would not make sense to any person who has not seen the movie.

YOU just don't happen to like how they are doing it.

I clearly stated that I enjoy the Frozen Ever After ride (FEA), so how did you interpret my post as me not liking what they are doing. I may disagree with their decision process and I feel they are capable of doing much better and also keeping in line with some form of cohesion that keeps the park from becoming a second Magic Kingdom. But that does not mean I hate Epcot. You and I disagree, but I do not hate you because of it.

doing the stuff that worked in 1970 may not work in 2018 and keep clinging to the past just because it's a so called "classic" is the quickest way to find yourself with decreasing revenue.

By that statement I take it that you feel they should get rid of Pirates of the Carribean, Haunted Masnion, Peter Pans Flight, Spaceship Earth, Space Mountain, The Contemporary , Grand Floridian and Polynesian resorts, etc? Those old resorts and attractions must be costing them a lot of revenue.

And lastly, correct me if I'm wrong but Space ship earth, Mission to mars, Soarin, test track are all attractions that are not tied to a movie so Epcot has plenty that is unique.

The last word of your post is what every park should be. The uniqueness of Epcot will slowly fade away over the next 5 years.

 

[eliza61nyc]

I agree that there is nothing wrong with certain older attractions being updated. The key word is updated. Updating Maelstrom would have been wonderful. They did not update it though. They turned it into random scenes from Frozen the movie that would not make sense to any person who has not seen the movie.


I clearly stated that I enjoy the Frozen Ever After ride (FEA), so how did you interpret my post as me not liking what they are doing. I may disagree with their decision process and I feel they are capable of doing much better and also keeping in line with some form of cohesion that keeps the park from becoming a second Magic Kingdom. But that does not mean I hate Epcot. You and I disagree, but I do not hate you because of it.


By that statement I take it that you feel they should get rid of Pirates of the Carribean, Haunted Masnion, Peter Pans Flight, Spaceship Earth, Space Mountain, The Contemporary , Grand Floridian and Polynesian resorts, etc? Those old resorts and attractions must be costing them a lot of revenue.

The last word of your post is what every park should be. The uniqueness of Epcot will slowly fade away over the next 5 years.

and again you are making the assumption that is bad. I have absolutely no problem with that, It's old and dull, I'm glad it will be different in 5 years

 

[DisneyMann]

I've been to Disney world Paris.
I'm not one for comparing. IMO my vacations are all meant to be different. I generally don't compare Disney to Universal or shanghi Disney to Orlando Disney.

That being said, I don't know what Disney was "intended" to be. many folks say "what would Walt do" or "Walt would be turning over in his grave" but how do we know this?

I like/love Disneyworld but it's also not the only place I vacation. Listen the folks at Disney are not stupid, kids/families today are not the same as the were in 1970's when the parks opened.

Sorry the lands around world showcase were never IMO educational much. they were/are basically stores featuring the products of the countries with authentic CM. Now I have yet to do the new Frozen ride but you have to admit the old viking ride was worn out and dated. For kids that have grown up with the technology they have today, it was apparent. The film is France and Canada? the same, they are old and frankly boring.
We don't know what Guardians of the Galaxy is going to be, it hasn't opened yet but once again it's replacing a ride that frankly was dated. lol I was there last May and heard some kids trying to figure out who Jamie lee Curtis was.

It's not an either/or proposition. You can have the movie IP stuff and sprinkle it with new technology. test track does a nice job of it.

I'm enjoying the revitalization of the Parks, I wished they had done it sooner but basically, Animal kingdom is more entertaining. It's open later, got that night time show and pandora, making it more of a full day park.
Hollywood studios is going to be really nice once TSL and SWL open up completely and Magic Kingdom has revitalized. Personally I think in 2 years WDW is going to be pretty darn nice.

Now if they can handle the crowds, that's going to be the big unknown.

Love this post..... It's exactly how I feel.

No one knows what 'Walt would think".....he was always about progression so......

 

[DisneyMann]

I agree, but, in 1985 technology wasn't using fastpass. To keep up with today's technology they would have to redo attractions every 2 weeks. It just is no longer feasible. Future World isn't really carnival like, but, it is responding to the demands of today's world. Two years from now that may all change. They still have managed to stay, at least, within a hintable boundary of Edutainment with the emphasis switching from Education to Entertainment, but it is still there in Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, Test Track, The Seas, The Land and what is left of Imagination. All is not lost it is just not recognized by many people.

Technology changes way too fast to keep FW like it was in "the old days". People who think it can be that way are delusional.

Something released today is obsolete in 4-6 months. There's no way to keep up with that let alone companies are not going to risk "their secrets" by putting it out ahead of time.

Inventions can never be like it was.....times have changed too much. Hopefully there can be "some" similarities but highly doubtful.