You are referring more to decorations then overlays. There is a big difference in my mind. However, changing the story line of a classic to me is awful. I've heard so many negative comments about the infamous birthday cake overlay of the Castle during WDW's 25th. Something that I found clever and appreciated the effort and the expense of covering a plastic castle with a plastic cake. That was whimsical and very, very creative. Yet, it was considered almost sacrilege, but, sure lets take a true classic show like the Haunted Mansion and make it completely different.
No.. sorry, I cannot and will not ever think that is a good thing. Even decorating it externally for Halloween didn't bother me. Changing the show completely with cardboard cutouts and such, was not something that I wanted to see. The Country bears was basically the same show with different seasonal music. Not the same thing. It still managed to be the same show. When you consider that HM is closed down for about a month before and a month after so no one that goes there during that period of time can see it at all , it is just not worth the hassle. DL being a much more "local" destination probably needs the alternative shows to maintain interest. WDW does not!
As for the Osborne Lights, the overall show was interesting and well done, especially with the snow effect, but what was gained at night was lost three fold during the day when all you could see were buildings with miles of wire draped all over them. I'm glad I saw it once, but, even if it were still there, once would have been enough for me. The castle effect during the holiday season is decoration of what is still the castle. No change in story, just a seasonal change in external appearance. Up close the wires are seen as well, but, in the Osborne lights you are always up close, there is no real distance in that setting.
It was early morning magic. Knowing it was prime vacation time I knew the parks would be massively crowded so thought it would be a good idea. Here were the crowds.
It struck me hard then. He is immersed in all this so his factual matter of fact....it is going to get lots worse before it gets better and even that is subject to budget cuts...took the wind out of my sails. For a family that visits at least once a year 5 years of closures and half day parks again is hard to imagine. Extra magical hours at Animal Kingdom with only two attractions open???? Magic Kingdom the park that works closing most days at 10 pm during the summer months??? And the 4th of July week??? I will visit Uni and Volcano Bay to fill in the gaps. Other than $$$ there is no reason for the 5 year closures. I saw how quickly Mountains like Splash were built. A very elaborate attraction. It can be done if the will is there. That will seems to be gone. Sure I am happy that someday 5+ years from now a few attractions will be added but not nearly what has been eliminated. Frustrating as I love WDW.
