The Miscellaneous Thought Thread

[Phroobar]

Apparently an Autopia car derailed yesterday. Yesterday was a Grad Nite Day. There is no way you can tell me this wasn’t the work of an unruly teenager.

I wonder how hard it would be derail a car. I assume you just keep slamming the car left and right into the rail enough that it will jump the rail or break. With today's technology of lane assist and collision avoidance, why aren't Autopia cars railess outside of cost?

 

[mickEblu]

I wonder how hard it would be derail a car. I assume you just keep slamming the car left and right into the rail enough that it will jump the rail or break. With today's technology of lane assist and collision avoidance, why aren't Autopia cars railess outside of cost?

Yeah that’s what I assumed. Back and forth really hard until it derails. Whatever it is Disney needs to go back to making Grad Nite an exclusive late night party like it was for the first 60 or so years.

 

[mickEblu]

Same thing goes for everyone that says they will let their AP expire. I have a feeling it rarely happens. I hear some places like Sea World automatically renew the AP for another year. You have to contact them to remove that "feature".

Or you could be like me and actual let it lapse just to spend the next 6 months plotting how to get it back haha.

Universal does something like Sea World now. After your first year they just re-enroll you and you pay month to month until cancelled if I’m not mistaken.

 

[mickEblu]

I always take the "never going to..." as a lot of bluster. Working in retail during my younger years, I've had several irate customers say they'd never shop at the store again, only to show up a couple of weeks later.

I think a lot of us feel we have certain untouchables that would mean the end of Disneyland for us. I think what we underestimate is how much the concept of Disneyland still works for us a whole even if some of those untouchables are altered or removed. Now with that said there has to be a line somewhere right? I’d have to imagine something like removing the ROA at Disneyland would be that line for me as it is fundamentally changing a good portion of the park experience as well as being something near n dear to my heart. What it’s replaced with and the execution of the replacement would go long way in determining how much i continue visiting the park.

 

[Disney Irish]

I'm actually sort of surprised a derailment doesn't happen more often. The cars aren't attached to the guide rail, so just hitting the rail the right way and enough of bump in the road for the tires to lift and the guide wheels can jump the rail. Not to mention a potential breakage of the guide wheel itself would do it.

I recall hearing about more derailments back in the early 00s, so its not uncommon.

 

[John park hopper]

Price increases, RoA gone, less resort perks and proliferation of DVC monstrosities has made my never going back a promise after 40 years of going to WDW

 

[truecoat]

I think a lot of us feel we have certain untouchables that would mean the end of Disneyland for us. I think what we underestimate is how much the concept of Disneyland still works for us a whole even if some of those untouchables are altered or removed. Now with that said there has to be a line somewhere right? I’d have to imagine something like removing the ROA at Disneyland would be that line for me as it is fundamentally changing a good portion of the park experience as well as being something near n dear to my heart. What it’s replaced with and the execution of the replacement would go long way in determining how much i continue visiting the park.

They could close and/or remove any ride and it wouldn't stop me from going. I would be very disappointed, especially with the classics but it's out of my control.

 

[Phroobar]

I think a lot of us feel we have certain untouchables that would mean the end of Disneyland for us. I think what we underestimate is how much the concept of Disneyland still works for us a whole even if some of those untouchables are altered or removed. Now with that said there has to be a line somewhere right? I’d have to imagine something like removing the ROA at Disneyland would be that line for me as it is fundamentally changing a good portion of the park experience as well as being something near n dear to my heart. What it’s replaced with and the execution of the replacement would go long way in determining how much i continue visiting the park.

I think once your kids are teenagers they won't want to go. The number of times going without them and fighting traffic won't seem worth it.

 

[mickEblu]

They could close and/or remove any ride and it wouldn't stop me from going. I would be very disappointed, especially with the classics but it's out of my control.

I specifically used the ROA as an example as it’s much more than just a ride and they happen to be removing it at WDW right now.

 

[Disney Irish]

They could close and/or remove any ride and it wouldn't stop me from going. I would be very disappointed, especially with the classics but it's out of my control.

I'm the same way, its all beyond my control so I just resign myself from getting too worked up over such changes.

 

[mickEblu]

I think once your kids are teenagers they won't want to go. The number of times going without them and fighting traffic won't seem worth it.

Oh I’m sure we’re going to hit a wall at some point. I could see them losing interest as teens from going so often. Then maybe just my wife and I renewing when they re in college. But I doubt we’ll last until my daughter is in her teens. I’m guessing our run will end before that. Even if it just becomes every few years or when something new opens up. We spend a lot of money at DLR. That’s a nice vacation somewhere.

Now that you mention it it’s not a group that I notice at DL very often. Two parents with teenagers.

 

[Too Many Hats]

This "I'm never going back!" conversation is a little different if we're talking about Disneyland, where there are just so many attractions and so much value in every corner of the park. If the worst case scenario were to happen and Disney announced Cars of the Caribbean and Haunted Mater re-themes, I'd be angry and would no longer want to give this company any of my money -- and yet there'd still be so much value elsewhere in the park.

At Magic Kingdom, when you replace Splash, Country Bears, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Belle, Mr. Toad, Snow White's Scary Adventures, all the green space and trees in the hub, and (mark my words) Hall of Presidents and Liberty Square and the Liberty Tree Tavern... at a certain point, what else is really left? Or, what does MK offer that Disneyland doesn't also do 5x better? It becomes pretty easy to say you're never going back.

 

[Phroobar]

Oh I’m sure we’re going to hit a wall at some point. I could see them losing interest as teens from going so often. Then maybe just my wife and I renewing when they re in college. But I doubt we’ll last until my daughter is in her teens. I’m guessing our run will end before that. Even if it just becomes every few years or when something new opens up. We spend a lot of money at DLR. That’s a nice vacation somewhere.

Now that you mention it it’s not a group that I notice at DL very often. Two parents with teenagers.

That's my experience. I only get the youngest to go to Knotts for the food and Silver Bullet/Ghostrider. When they are adults they want to go Disneyland again but let them pay for it.

 

[Phroobar]

This "I'm never going back!" conversation is a little different if we're talking about Disneyland, where there are just so many attractions and so much value in every corner of the park. If the worst case scenario were to happen and Disney announced Cars of the Caribbean and Haunted Mater re-themes, I'd be angry and would no longer want to give this company any of my money -- and yet there'd still be so much value elsewhere in the park.

At Magic Kingdom, when you replace Splash, Country Bears, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Belle, Mr. Toad, Snow White's Scary Adventures, all the green space and trees in the hub, and (mark my words) Hall of Presidents and Liberty Square and the Liberty Tree Tavern... at a certain point, what else is really left? Or, what does MK offer that Disneyland doesn't also do 5x better? It becomes pretty easy to say you're never going back.

as @mickEblu said, there isn't a lot of options for families with little kids to do together.

 

[mickEblu]

Made it a point to try some new stuff at the parks yesterday.

Cheeseburger Bao: Not new but new to me. This was from the food cart at Paradise Gardens. This has to be some sort of test to see what people are willing to pay and I feel sorry that I contributed with negative data. I didn’t know the price until after I asked for one. The flavor was ok but it’s tiny. Hands down the worst value for a food item I’ve come across at DLR.

Fried Chicken Baos: From Docking Bay 7. These were very good. They’re basically the best of a rontoless wrap but instead of veg-meat you get some nice fried chicken. Had some nice crisp veggies and a peanut sauce. They remind me of the Asian lettuce wrapped tacos at Americas favorite restaurant - Cheesecake Factory.

Magic Key Trio of Ice cream Floats - From Golden Horsehoe. These were surprisingly good. I’ll admit that I don’t have much experience with floats but I have been ordering them recently and I really enjoyed these. I didn’t care for the strawberry one as the soda had that artificial strawberry flavor I don’t care for. But the Coke and Root Beer floats were great. They make them to order. Even when you mobile order you pick up a ticket and bring to the bar where they make them in front of you and use the gun which I think makes a big difference in the quality of the soda/ floats. Nice amount of carbonation that really came through. The Coke was my favorite. I’d recommend asking the bartender to sub the strawberry soda float for an extra root beer or coke float since they’re doing it right in front of you. Very good value at $8 after MK discount. Especially in the medium size cups they re served in with all that whip cream and a good amount of ice cream. Was expecting them to be tiny. It actually felt like a small thank you to the Magic Keys. Couldn’t believe I spent 1$ more for that cheeseburger Bao.

Hawaiian Chicken Tenders: From Galactic Grill. These were just ok. Not great. I was hoping for something like the GOAT of all DLR chicken tenders - the sweet/spicy tenders they serve at Flo’s during Halloween season. These had a sauce that was a bit over fragrant for me. They only sell them from 5:30pm on I believe as tie in with the Stitch dance party. They came with the crappy fries. At least compared to what they serve at Hungry Bear and the steak fries they used to serve at Flos’s. They really need to bring those back. That better not be a permanent change.

Fried pickles: From Smokejumpers. There were solid. I much prefer fried pickles when they are not spears and shaped like coins. Hot thick pickles aren’t the best. Too much hot pickle juice with the spears. With the medallions the amount and thickness of the pickle is ideal. They came with a very good jalapeño ranch sauce or something like that.

Croissant cookie: From Maurice’s Treats. Pretty good. Pressed / flattened croissant. Crispier than I thought it would be with some course sugar. Nice with a coffee in the morning. I only had a bite but will eat the rest today.

 

[DLR92]

Made it a point to try some new stuff at the parks yesterday.

Cheeseburger Bao: Not new but new to me. This was from the food cart at Paradise Gardens. This has to be some sort of test to see what people are willing to pay and I feel sorry that I contributed with negative data. I didn’t know the price until after I asked for one. The flavor was ok but it’s tiny. Hands down the worst value for a food item I’ve come across at DLR.

Fried Chicken Baos: From Docking Bay 7. These were very good. They’re basically the best of a rontoless wrap but instead of veg-meat you get some nice fried chicken. Had some nice crisp veggies and a peanut sauce. They remind me of the Asian lettuce wrapped tacos at Americas favorite restaurant - Cheesecake Factory.

Magic Key Trio of Ice cream Floats - From Golden Horsehoe. These were surprisingly good. I’ll admit that I don’t have much experience with floats but I have been ordering them recently and I really enjoyed these. I didn’t care for the strawberry one as the soda had that artificial strawberry flavor I don’t care for. But the Coke and Root Beer floats were great. They make them to order. Even when you mobile order you pick up a ticket and bring to their bar where they make them in front of you and use the gun which I think makes a big difference in the quality of the soda/ floats. Nice amount of carbonation that really came through. The Coke was my favorite. I’d recommend asking the bartender to sub the strawberry soda float for an extra root beer or coke float since they’re doing it right in front of you. Very good value at $8 after MK discount. Especially in the medium size cups they re served in with all that whip cream and a good amount of ice cream. Was expecting them to be tiny. It actually felt like a small thank you to the Magic Keys. Couldn’t believe I spent 1$ more for that cheeseburger Bao.

Hawaiian Chicken Tenders: From Galactic Grill. These were just ok. Not great. I was hoping for something like the GOAT of all DLR chicken tenders - the sweet/spicy tenders they serve at Flo’s during Halloween season. These had a sauce that was a bit over fragrant for me. They only sell them from 5:30pm on I believe as tie in with the Stitch dance party. They came with the crappy fries. At least compared to what they serve at Hungry Bear and the steak fries they used to serve at Flos’s. They really need to bring those back. That better not be a permanent change.

Fried pickles: From Smokejumpers. There were solid. I much prefer fried pickles when they are not spears and shaped like coins. Hot thick pickles aren’t the best. Too much hot pickle juice with the spears. With the medallions the amount and thickness of the pickle is ideal. They came with a very good jalapeño ranch sauce or something like that.

Croissant cookie: From Maurice’s Treats. Pretty good. Pressed / flattened croissant. Crispier than I thought it would be with some course sugar. Nice with a coffee in the morning. I only had a bite but will eat the rest today.

You’re very brave to try new theme park food. Most I tried, I couldn’t bother after that. I rather dine outside the parks. Haha

 

[mickEblu]

You’re very brave to try new theme park food. Most I tried, I couldn’t bother after that. I rather dine outside the parks. Haha

lol I don’t usually. So I did them all on one trip. Of everything I tried yesterday the only thing I’ll definitely order again if given the option are the fried chicken Baos from Docking Bay and the floats from time to time as we don’t usually do sweets at the parks. The fried pickles I’d probably do again too if it was convenient. Probably wouldn’t go out of way for them.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

I think a lot of us feel we have certain untouchables that would mean the end of Disneyland for us. I think what we underestimate is how much the concept of Disneyland still works for us a whole even if some of those untouchables are altered or removed. Now with that said there has to be a line somewhere right? I’d have to imagine something like removing the ROA at Disneyland would be that line for me as it is fundamentally changing a good portion of the park experience as well as being something near n dear to my heart. What it’s replaced with and the execution of the replacement would go long way in determining how much i continue visiting the park.

This is what i mean when i say you still get this vibe at the front of MK, no it’s not the same thing but it does offer a similar nostalgic feeling to me.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

At Magic Kingdom, when you replace Splash, Country Bears, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Belle, Mr. Toad, Snow White's Scary Adventures, all the green space and trees in the hub, and (mark my words) Hall of Presidents and Liberty Square and the Liberty Tree Tavern... at a certain point, what else is really left? Or, what does MK offer that Disneyland doesn't also do 5x better? It becomes pretty easy to say you're never going back.

CBJ is still there and upgraded AAs with lots of funny moments that imo was a great update. Buzz is getting updates, BTM is upgrading, Jungle just got updates, Phillarmagic is updated and infinitely superior to DCA’s. I’d say the treehouse with its larger scale and more views of the park, Jungle cruise, Haunted mansion, Pooh, Mermaid, and pretty much all of tomorrowland with Astro orbitor up high, working peoplemover, carousel of progress are superior at mk. Then they have a lot more variety of dole whip flavors, little things like Sonny Eclipse, Skippers canteen is a really great detailed restaurant with some of the best food at MK. Be our guest is basically MKs blue bayou, a nice restaurant but food not really worth the price but has decent stuff atleast. I highly doubt we will see Liberty tree gone, HOP I could see it. From the concept art it seems like some of the playground aspects of TSI might be retained but we won’t know til it opens.

 

[Architectural Guinea Pig]

In a few years DCA will for sure have a better attraction lineup then most of the WDW parks:

- RSR
- GoTG: MB
- Avengers dark ride
- Incredicoaster
- Soarin'
- Grizzly River Run
- TSMM
- Coco boat ride
- Avatar
- Little Mermaid and Webslingers
- A bunch of flat rides