Stitch is just awful

[AEfx]

Recent changes to Stitch have reversed my opinion.

Originally, the story made little sense, the ending was terrible, the effects were too sparse to be effective, and the best part of the attraction - the Stitch AA - was woefully underused. Additionally, the attraction just couldn't decide what it was - it was too scary for kids, too non-sensical for adults.

Last month I experienced it several more times, and I have to say, the recent additions changed my mind about it (and if you search my posting history you will see I was extremely critical of the attraction when it first opened). None of the changes were major - however, they were enough to turn it into a pleasant distraction instead of a convoluted mess.

It was odd, because they actually addressed every single criticism I had of the attraction in my postings here. They started utilizing more of the effects available (in the first version, the 3-D audio especially was underused, as well as the harness effects). They added a bit more explaination as to what is going on when Stitch is running around, and it was much more clear what he was doing (before, I don't think his escape was very clearly part of the progression). The Stitch AA now comes back for more action during the show, and they dropped that horrid "I guess we should just release them" abrupt ending. The new ending only has a few more sentances, but they make a world of difference.

Finally, instead of kids crying and freaking out, the moments of darkness (which still exist) are tempered with whimsical shadow animations which really help the scary issue. Instead of dozens of upset kids as I experienced on my first trips on SGE, I didn't see a single one this time in any of my experiences on the attraction.

Is SGE a big E-ticket with unlimited appeal? Certainly not. But I think it finally serves it's purpose - and it's audience. It's definately not for everyone, but I think it appeals to more people in it's current incarnation. It's funny, but I got attacked in those original threads for saying it was a glorified meet-n-greet, but I saw a quote from Iger (I believe it was him) during the 50th hooplah that said that was the intention - a "character experience". If you look at Stitch that way - a place to see Stitch and be part of his world for a few minutes - then it's easier to see how some people can enjoy it.

AEfx

 

[dxwwf3]

Finally, instead of kids crying and freaking out, the moments of darkness (which still exist) are tempered with whimsical shadow animations which really help the scary issue. Instead of dozens of upset kids as I experienced on my first trips on SGE, I didn't see a single one this time in any of my experiences on the attraction.

We can joke around about this stuff, but this paragraph is all that matters. This is a kids attraction and if it pleases them, then it serves it's purpose. I think alot of people were hoping for a more "family" friendly attraction, but I don't think that was the plan to begin with. SGE is for kids and anyone else who likes it is just gravy.

SGE is starting to become more and more like the Bizarro Alien Encounter. On the surface they may look like the same thing, but at their core they are exact opposites.........and it is another way for me to get a cheap Seinfeld reference into my posts. You can never have enough

 

[1disneydood]

I wish I would have seen the shadow animations when I endured the attraction a few weeks ago. My 10 yr. old saw them, but for some reason my senses didn't pick up on them. :veryconfu

I was even looking for the additions real well from the talk around here about the additions, but for me they didn't work. Also the chilidog didn't smell like a chilidog belch. It was more like spaghetti simmering or something. But not like any chilidog I've ever had the pleasure of belching up.

I'm a amateur chili chef so I guess I'm biased.

 

[dxwwf3]

If you look at Stitch that way - a place to see Stitch and be part of his world for a few minutes - then it's easier to see how some people can enjoy it.

I agree here too. But you have to admit that it has to be understandable for that not to sit real well with AE fans. Losing their favorite attraction for a glorified meet and greet.

20K fans will probably have the same feeling in a few months.

I guess it's just a sign of the times. Some people would rather wait in line to have their kids see characters as opposed to waiting the same amount of time to see an actual attraction. I can't blame Disney. I've seen the lines for meet and greets. That doesn't mean it's not disapointing from my point of view though.

 

[AEfx]

I agree here too. But you have to admit that it has to be understandable for that not to sit real well with AE fans. Losing their favorite attraction for a glorified meet and greet.

Oh, of course. Everything I have said in this thread has been totally independent about my feelings regarding the removal of AE. While the comparisons are obvious, my comments are about taking the attraction on it's own at face value.

20K fans will probably have the same feeling in a few months.

That's one that hurts for me. I *never* got to ride. My trips as a kid were always in October, which is when they used to drain it. I got lots of good pics from the skyway of the water-free lagoon, but I never got to experience it.

AEfx

 

[Woody13]

That's one that hurts for me. I *never* got to ride. My trips as a kid were always in October, which is when they used to drain it. I got lots of good pics from the skyway of the water-free lagoon, but I never got to experience it. AEfx

If it makes you feel any better, take it from me, you didn't miss a thing! 20K was not a great attraction.:wave:

 

[AEfx]

If it makes you feel any better, take it from me, you didn't miss a thing! 20K was not a great attraction.:wave:

I know it wasn't technologically magnificient, but the concept is what I liked. That it was "real" - you really were underwater (even if not by much), and the whole AA's under water really fascinated me. And scared me, LOL.

I've seen videos, and it's not like I beat myself up over it, but it does give me a tinge of sadness. That's why I am excited about Nemo at Disneyland - never seen the film, but I will enjoy the aproximation of the experience it will provide.

But thanks for the words - it does make me feel a bit better.

AEfx

 

[phichi17]

I like eggs.

 

[LudwigVonDrake]

okay so I got back from the world....But they got Stitch on the monorails, they even changed the wake up call to Stitch

They took Mickey off the wake up call again? A few years ago, Stitch was on the call and it was as annoying as anything. I was happy to know that Mickey was back on the call last year. Has that changed again?

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

So do I see SGE next year or do I give it a miss :veryconfu

 

[KevinPage]

Recent changes to Stitch have reversed my opinion.

AEfx

I agree, I thought the attraction was worthless in its initial incarantion. The recent additions, while not making it a perfect attraction, make it enjoyable to see and can honestly make me say it was a worthwhile.

 

[bears163]

everyone boycott stich. we should all stand out front of it with signs saying we want AE back.

 

[daveemtdave]

I personally don't want AE back...I do enjoy Stitch..however, I guess I just believe, if I don't like something, I have a choice to walk by. No one will be 100% happy with anything anyone does. AE is gone. In 10 years Stitch will be also...who knows what will be there...don't fret the little things and yes, an amusement park attraction is a little thing. While it gives people a break from life, no one will die from it being gone unless they do it to themselves.

 

[MiRi]

No, actually I didn't.But perhaps thats because I've taken in too many horror movies... and I didn't SMELL the blood. The chilly dog smell made me sick for a hour after.

That's why you cover your nose.

 

[Edeyore]

If it makes you feel any better, take it from me, you didn't miss a thing! 20K was not a great attraction.:wave:

I honestly think Disney made a mistake in closing 20k. There were a number of things, based on the "ocean" animated features, that they could have had
added to the ride to make it more interesting.

 

[Edeyore]

I like eggs.

With toast and bacon or without?

 

[speck76]

20K fans will probably have the same feeling in a few months.

I am not sure why they would.

20K has been closed for 11 years.....although the lagoon still existed up until early last year, the attraction has been gone for longer than most people can remember.

Most probably remember it being better than it actually was, as time tends to embellish memories.....the "bad" lessens, while the "good" grows.

Now, I am sure a few outspoken people will complain (they already are) the the ride is being replaced by a playground.....the ride is truely not being replaced by a playground....the ride are was huge.

Also, so many people think the removal of the lagoon signals something being built there on the short term.....but that is not the case.....the action does not in any way strongly support that conclusion.

One could make the better conclusion that 20K was actually replaced by Splash Mountain. MK has not been (in the last 20 years) in a position where they have needed to add capacity (except for 1997, attendance has been consistantly flat over the long term)...therefore, replacement, not addition, makes better sense from a business perspective. Although the attraction was not built on the same ground, or at the exact same time 20K closed, in the "visitation timeframe" of WDW....they fall within the same window.

I am not sure too many people would complain about Splash Mt replacing 20K

 

[dxwwf3]

So do I see SGE next year or do I give it a miss :veryconfu

From seeing the show on videos from the internet (NOT IN PERSON) I would say.....it depends on how much time you have

If you are a fan of AA's, then you would definately want to see the Stitch AA and the cannons. Or if you are a fan of binural sound, but not a big enough fan of AE fan that you would be offended by the show then I'd say give it a try. I'm usually one to see everything once, except those attraction that are geared totally for kids (Playhouse Disney, the Houses at Toontown Fair, etc.) and SGE definately fits into that description.

But if you are rushed for time and you plan on only getting to see the mountains and Pirates/Mansion, then I would consider skipping it to see other attractions. The best way I can describe SGE, by trying to look at it as just a regular WDW fan's point of view, is that it is similar to The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management. It's nice to see every couple of trips, but it's nothing that you make special time for. If you miss it, then oh well.

I'm sure someone that has physically seen the show might be able to help you more, but after seeing AE as many times as I did and after knowing exactly how the effects work and feel, I think that I can pretty much make up my mind about how I feel about the attraction after seeing it on video. It's not like I'm watching this thing with no idea of what's going on. Trust me, I know the effects and I know what it feels like in that chamber

Overall my advice would be to definately see it, if only for the AA's, unless you are in a big rush :wave:

 

[righttrack]

The Tao of Stitch...

Stitch competes favorably with the "gross-out" humor of Nickelodeon. He is part of Disney lore as entertainment for mostly young boys and some girls who need that to have a laugh and have fun. The attaction could be a lot better, but that is why he is all over the parks. Its a "stay at the Disney parks kids, we've got burp and fart jokes here too" message.

 

[dxwwf3]

I am not sure why they would.

20K has been closed for 11 years.....although the lagoon still existed up until early last year, the attraction has been gone for longer than most people can remember.

Most probably remember it being better than it actually was, as time tends to embellish memories.....the "bad" lessens, while the "good" grows.

Now, I am sure a few outspoken people will complain (they already are) the the ride is being replaced by a playground.....the ride is truely not being replaced by a playground....the ride are was huge.

Also, so many people think the removal of the lagoon signals something being built there on the short term.....but that is not the case.....the action does not in any way strongly support that conclusion.

One could make the better conclusion that 20K was actually replaced by Splash Mountain. MK has not been (in the last 20 years) in a position where they have needed to add capacity (except for 1997, attendance has been consistantly flat over the long term)...therefore, replacement, not addition, makes better sense from a business perspective. Although the attraction was not built on the same ground, or at the exact same time 20K closed, in the "visitation timeframe" of WDW....they fall within the same window.

I am not sure too many people would complain about Splash Mt replacing 20K

You are right and no the 20K situation isn't even close to the AE situation. But I think you know what I'm talking about though. Nobody wants to see their favorite attraction replaced with something like a meet and greet. And it will be on the same ground. When a WDW fan walks by that part of Fantasyland, they think of what used to be in that exact spot. They don't think "Well I really liked 20K, but I'm glad it's demise led to Splash Mountain" :lol:

And I sort of forgot, but I guess 20K fans might already be used to characters taking over their queue line. I had totally forgotten about that.

Don't forget though, 20K had alot of fans in the Disney community before it closed. So while time can make the "good grow" and the "bad lessen", it's not like the attraction didn't have a good fanbase to begin with. Count me in as someone who enjoyed the attraction, but I didn't think it was anything all that special as a kid and I feel the same way looking at videos. The whole thing that MADE the attraction was actually feeling like you were underwater in a real submarine (At least for a kid).