The Miscellaneous Thought Thread

[TP2000]

Tomorrow isn't Super Bowl Sunday.

So sorry, I meant next Sunday. I swear I'm not losing it, it all makes more sense fresh off the text messaging I was doing with someone about planning just before I typed all that.

But that just gives you all more opportunity to get ready to make Sloppy Joe Dip, or something else!

 

[TP2000]

TP doesn't really watch movies made after the 1970s, let alone football. So don't be surprised he doesn't know when Super Bowl is this year, and don't even ask him who is playing in the game

I'm just there for the social aspect, and the food, and the beverages. I hear Taylor Swift's team is playing this year? Right?

or even who is doing the half time show.

If it's Up With People! this year, just try and hold me back!

 

[Too Many Hats]

I grew up going to WDW so I always thought Star Tours was an odd fit in Tomorrowland. It makes more sense in a movie park then a future land for "a long time ago in a galaxy far far away" it also has two extra star speeders so capacity is better and is typically a 5-15 min wait most times. I also think SWGE fits the park alot more. Sunset Blvd is stunning and feels like a real place while DCA's hollywood land is ugly, flat buildings with a theme breaking Guardian tower looming over it. Places like Brown Derby, Sci-Fi, and 50s Primetime are high quality theming with some good food as well.

MK is definitely not as charming or up to date as DL. I would say Tomorrowland is infinitely better though with a working peoplemover, COP, Astro orbitor above pm where it belongs. Jungle Cruise is better at MK to me with the cambodian temple and Winnie the pooh as well is better. Mickey's Phillarmagic feels like it belongs in a purpose built theater unlike how its shoehorned in DCA.

I agree with every sentence in this post. MK is not Disneyland but it's incredibly charming in its own right, with several attractions (and even some lands) superior to their counterparts in Anaheim.

Lots of (justified) criticisms being hurled at DHS in this conversation, but IMO the perfection of Sunset Blvd cannot be overstated. Sunset Blvd and Tower of Terror alone elevate the park above DCA for me. "The Hollywood that never was and always will be" is more enchanting to me than, uh, whatever DCA is trying to say about the state of California via Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier.

Perhaps it's just childhood nostalgia for MGM (and Epcot, for that matter) in the 1990s and early 2000s, when those parks were thematically cohesive and smarter and more ambitious, rather than the chaotic, cynical IP-driven hodgepodges they've become.

 

[Too Many Hats]

Dinosaurs also sell. If Disney management can't be sold on the potential of dinosaurs to drive sales, I don't think there's any hope for genuinely creative/original/unique experiences in the domestic parks going forward.

I pored over this concept art as a kid. I know times have changed, but the prospect of a dinosaur-themed land was very exciting. The only thing better would be an actual Jurassic Park land (imagine my excitement a couple years later).

Still bummed they never built that coaster.

 

[October82]

I agree with every sentence in this post. MK is not Disneyland but it's incredibly charming in its own right, with several attractions (and even some lands) superior to their counterparts in Anaheim.

Lots of (justified) criticisms being hurled at DHS in this conversation, but IMO the perfection of Sunset Blvd cannot be overstated. Sunset Blvd and Tower of Terror alone elevate the park above DCA for me. "The Hollywood that never was and always will be" is more enchanting to me than, uh, whatever DCA is trying to say about the state of California via Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier.

Perhaps it's just childhood nostalgia for MGM (and Epcot, for that matter) in the 1990s and early 2000s, when those parks were thematically cohesive and smarter and more ambitious, rather than the chaotic, cynical IP-driven hodgepodges they've become.

Possibly off topic, but I've always found it interesting how much of DCA 1.0 was warmed over Disney's America. Grizzly Peak, Bountiful Valley Farm, Paradise Pier, Condor Flats were all pretty much direct lifts.

How Disney missed a Sunset Blvd or a San Francisco Bay Area in the style of the TDS American Waterfront for DCA is beyond me. The answer is probably the same as for everything DCA 1.0 - a Disney park on a budget can't afford more than Paradise Pier to represent Northern California and false facades as a substitute for Hollywood.

Amazingly, that's still (IMO) better than Avengers Campus. DCA and Disney-MGM Studios both deserved so much better than modern Disney.

 

[October82]

I pored over this concept art as a kid. I know times have changed, but the prospect of a dinosaur-themed land was very exciting. The only thing better would be an actual Jurassic Park land (imagine my excitement a couple years later).

Still bummed they never built that coaster.

View attachment 766715

View attachment 766716

The Excavator still seems like such a no-brainer to me.

 

[TP2000]

Possibly off topic, but I've always found it interesting how much of DCA 1.0 was warmed over Disney's America. Grizzly Peak, Bountiful Valley Farm, Paradise Pier, Condor Flats were all pretty much direct lifts.

How Disney missed a Sunset Blvd or a San Francisco Bay Area in the style of the TDS American Waterfront for DCA is beyond me. The answer is probably the same as for everything DCA 1.0 - a Disney park on a budget can't afford more than Paradise Pier to represent Northern California and false facades as a substitute for Hollywood.

This came up a few months ago, and I looked for the concept art for it that used to be online but couldn't find it any longer, but the area that is now the World of Color viewing was originally supposed to be a "California Workplace" area that was San Francisco/Bay Area themed. The area facing the water was Monterey Bay themed, and the area further inland was San Francisco themed.

This was when Eisner was touting the factory tours he went on with his sons as a source of genuine entertainment (and the best ones truly can be!), and DCA was supposed to have California companies hosting their own factory tours and mini-pavilions in the "Workplace" area.

I remember the 1990's WDI artwork specifically because one factory was shown decorated in black and white tiles and was obviously a See's candy factory. Can you imagine how much fun that would be?!

But almost all of it got canceled and cut. Or as our friend Lazyboy would say, it got shifted.

The only two companies to agree to the concept got put over in the food court instead; Mission Tortillas and Boudin. One block of buildings was built on the cheap inland; the row houses across from Golden Dreams. But that building was left empty for over a decade and only debuted with bathrooms and pay phones (remember those?).

Amazingly, that's still (IMO) better than Avengers Campus. DCA and Disney-MGM Studios both deserved so much better than modern Disney.

I just don't really get Avenger's Campus. It seems some of the kids like it, or like seeing their favorite superheroes in the meet n' greets at least.

But I look at it aesthetically and storywise and... I don't get it. And I was even one of the few people here who likes* Mission: Breakout more than I liked Tower of Terror!

* Assuming I get either The Jackson 5, Pat Benator, or Elvis soundtracks on my Mission: Breakout experience.

 

[MoonRakerSCM]

The freeway signs told me I'd die if I went outside today...

We'll see about tomorrow though. I'm not looking forward to my commute.

 

[lazyboy97o]

But almost all of it got canceled and cut. Or as our friend Lazyboy would say, it got shifted.

Do you just enjoy lying or do you really not understand simple concepts like things being different at different times with different projects?

 

[mickEblu]

TAnd I was even one of the few people here who likes* Mission: Breakout more than I liked Tower of Terror!

 

[Rich T]

Yeah it’s interesting. I’d love to see how someone who went to the parks one time each would rank them. As a lifelong DL’er I’m sure MK will rank lower than it probably should.

My take at an objective ranking:

Disneyland
MK
Epcot
AK
DCA
DHS

How I think they’ll rank for me as a Disneyland guy:

Disneyland
Epcot
AK
DCA
MK
DHS

My Californian-In-Florida ranking after nearly two years of many visits to all the Orlando Parks (throwing in the Universal Parks for added flavor):

1) Disneyland
2) Islands of Adventure
3) Epcot
4) AK
5) MK
6) DCA
7) Universal Studios Florida
8) DHS

Disneyland is in a league of its own: So much to do packed into such a small space.

IOA is, hands down, my favorite Florida park. My few complaints about it are completely offset by how relaxing and stress-free I find my visits to UOR compared to WDW. That’s huge.

Epcot, despite being dumbed down from its “classic” era is still a beautiful park, and a great place to get a good day’s walking exercise.

AK has issues, but what it does right is jaw-droppingly wonderful.

MK … I have such mixed feelings about it. There is not enough to do, it’s full of shallow, lesser versions of DL originals, Tomorrowland is every bit as bad as DL’s… just in different ways … … and yet… Somehow… SOMEHOW it manages to be charming. It has a unique vibe. Its iconic legacy is, perhaps, its single greatest strength. People cut this park a lot of slack for a reason. I see, clearly, the dividing line between artistic vision and corporate manipulation nearly everywhere I look… and so far the art is hanging in there. I might bump this park a notch up the list if they maybe cut the number of bubble wand vendors by 50%. I swear, they should just call the park “Bubbleland” for now.

DCA, USO, and DHS are nearly a 3 way tie for me. They’re all fun, disjointed hodgepodges with some great rides… All fun places to hang out. Again, though, for me USO gets points over DHS for its more stress-free visiting experience.

 

[mlayton144]

My Californian-In-Florida ranking after nearly two years of many visits to all the Orlando Parks (throwing in the Universal Parks for added flavor):

1) Disneyland
2) Islands of Adventure
3) Epcot
4) AK
5) MK
6) DCA
7) Universal Studios Florida
8) DHS

Disneyland is in a league of its own: So much to do packed into such a small space.

UOA is, hands down, my favorite Florida park. My few complaints about it are completely offset by how relaxing and stress-free I find my visits to UOR compared to WDW. That’s huge.

Epcot, despite being dumbed down from its “classic” era is still a beautiful park, and a great place to get a good day’s walking exercise.

AK has issues, but what it does right is jaw-droppingly wonderful.

MK … I have such mixed feelings about it. There is not enough to do, it’s full of shallow, lesser versions of DL originals, Tomorrowland is every bit as bad as DL’s… just in different ways … … and yet… Somehow… SOMEHOW it manages to be charming. It has a unique vibe. Its iconic legacy is, perhaps, its single greatest strength. People cut this park a lot of slack for a reason. I see, clearly, the dividing line between artistic vision and corporate manipulation nearly everywhere I look… and so far the art is hanging in there. I might bump this park a notch up the list if they maybe cut the number of bubble wand vendors by 50%. I swear, they should just call the park “Bubbleland” for now.

DCA, USO, and DHS are nearly a 3 way tie for me. They’re all fun, disjointed hodgepodges with some great rides… All fun places to hang out. Again, though, for me USO gets points over DHS for its more stress-free visiting experience.

By no objective measure could UOA be better than any Florida Disney park other than maybe DHS. I assume you mean islands of an adventure as UOA ? If you don’t like thrill rides , there is almost nothing to do there, in fact that goes for all of universal in Florida , maybe epic will change that

 

[Too Many Hats]

How Disney missed a Sunset Blvd or a San Francisco Bay Area in the style of the TDS American Waterfront for DCA is beyond me. The answer is probably the same as for everything DCA 1.0 - a Disney park on a budget can't afford more than Paradise Pier to represent Northern California and false facades as a substitute for Hollywood.

I probably have this thought every single time I'm at DCA.

 

[Too Many Hats]

* Assuming I get either The Jackson 5, Pat Benator, or Elvis soundtracks on my Mission: Breakout experience.

"I Want You Back" is unquestionably the best drop profile, right? And "Give Up The Funk" is the least thrilling? So curious if there's broad consensus on this or if I'm alone in my depression when Parliament starts playing.

 

[D.Silentu]

"I Want You Back" ties with "Free Ride" as the best in my book. Love the song "Give Up The Funk," and thought it was a fun choice, but as you said, it's the weakest drop profile.

 

[Too Many Hats]

1) Disneyland
2) Islands of Adventure

Love it. Agreed.

6) DCA
7) Universal Studios Florida

Hold on, you're telling me you prefer Pixar Pier and Avengers Campus to Back to the Future: The Ride, Terminator 2: 3D, Jaws, Kongfrontation -- oh wait...

MK … I have such mixed feelings about it. There is not enough to do, it’s full of shallow, lesser versions of DL originals, Tomorrowland is every bit as bad as DL’s… just in different ways … … and yet… Somehow… SOMEHOW it manages to be charming. It has a unique vibe. Its iconic legacy is, perhaps, its single greatest strength. People cut this park a lot of slack for a reason. I see, clearly, the dividing line between artistic vision and corporate manipulation nearly everywhere I look… and so far the art is hanging in there.

WDW in general feels so much more corporate than Disneyland. But the brilliance of the first-generation Imagineers is still ubiquitous at Magic Kingdom for anyone who seeks it out.

 

[Too Many Hats]

"I Want You Back" ties with "Free Ride" as the best in my book. Love the song "Give Up The Funk," and thought it was a fun choice, but as you said, it's the weakest drop profile.

Okay phew, thanks, glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I've probably only been on Guardians half a dozen times, due to my distaste for Marvel and grudge regarding ToT. I think I've gotten Parliament on 4 of those rides. For a while I wondered what people saw in this attraction. Then I experienced the Jackson 5 profile, and whoa, so much fun! Endless airtime. Haven't gotten Free Ride yet, so can't comment.

 

[Too Many Hats]

By no objective measure could UOA be better than any Florida Disney park other than maybe DHS. I assume you mean islands of an adventure as UOA ? If you don’t like thrill rides , there is almost nothing to do there, in fact that goes for all of universal in Florida , maybe epic will change that

What if the objective measure is "best park for thrill rides"?

 

[Rich T]

By no objective measure could UOA be better than any Florida Disney park other than maybe DHS. I assume you mean islands of an adventure as UOA ? If you don’t like thrill rides , there is almost nothing to do there, in fact that goes for all of universal in Florida , maybe epic will change that

Yes, I meant IOA. Thank you—fixed it.

Islands of Adventure is a beautiful, beautiful park. Hagrid’s is my favorite ride on Earth currently, Velocicoaster is an amazing terror machine that’s also fun to just sit back and watch. Hogsmead is beautiful, and—as someone who loves, loves, loves the works of Dr. Seuss—Seuss Landing is one of my favorite theme park lands ever.

I’m getting older and am no longer a huge thrill ride fan (I rode Velocicoaster last birthday for possibly the final time), but I still love IoA over all the other Florida Parks. If Universal actually does build something like a Zelda Land there… it will be amazing. Sometimes I just go there, stroll around, ride some of the gentler rides (they exist) eat at Three Broomsticks and have a great relaxing time.

And that’s key to me. Right now, as a passholder at both, and considering the way the two resorts are run, I find UOR a much more relaxing, enjoyable experience than WDW. And it feels fresher; much of WDW feels very stale to me right now. And that is up to the Disney corporation to fix; those are 4 great, beautiful parks in need of much TLC and much swifter action in the “new attractions” department. Still the best CMs in the U.S., though.

And that’s just my opinion: When comparing the two resorts… the more affordable hotels, the wonderful water taxis, and the relaxed, no reservations-required atmosphere of UOR goes a long way with me.

 

[TP2000]

Do you just enjoy lying or do you really not understand simple concepts like things being different at different times with different projects?

Thankfully, I've gotten to a place in my life where I only have to lie if its to be polite, a social white lie. Like "Your hairdo looks fabulous!", when it actually isn't very flattering. That sort of thing.

But if the cuts in DCA's budget circa 1996-1999 were really just shifts, then so be it. I trust you.