The Miscellaneous Thought Thread

[mickEblu]

Losing the Mine Train rockwork + Big Thunder Ranch for long, empty walkways to Galaxy's Edge was already a blow. Such an underutilized waste of space in a park that really doesn't have long, empty walkways.

Losing the last bit would be sad, and it would also impact the Rivers which already don't feel as secluded as they used to after being shortened.

Exactly and what could they even put that there that would be worth it?

 

[Disney Irish]

Don’t want to breathe any life into this rumor but apparently they might be looking to do something with the big pond adjacent to BTMRR. Aka the old tunnel/ bridge over Bear Country in Mine Train Thru Natures Wonderland. Which I happen to think might be one of, if not the most important places in Frontierland from a place making perspective. I said so in a post a few months back too. Meaning it’s as good as gone. At first I thought maybe I’m just unlucky in that my favorite rides at both DCA and DL were rethemed and my favorite place to relax at DL - Magnolia Park was removed with my favorite place to relax at DCA (Paradise Gardens) most likely to be rethemed/ altered in the near future. But it makes sense if you think about it. I like these spaces because I appreciate the break from people. I appreciate the beautiful place making. To some within Disney, they re just underutilized spaces.

Losing the Mine Train rockwork + Big Thunder Ranch for long, empty walkways to Galaxy's Edge was already a blow. Such an underutilized waste of space in a park that really doesn't have long, empty walkways.

Losing the last bit would be sad, and it would also impact the Rivers which already don't feel as secluded as they used to after being shortened.

I saw Dave from FB make the same comments.

But I think if it does happen it'll all depend on what it is and just like everything comes down to execution. For example if its just a gift shop, well then probably not a good use of space. But if its another restaurant that might be worth it. Like before the BBQ switch over at Hungry Bear I thought a new BBQ spot to replace Big Thunder Ranch BBQ would work nice there.

And while it would be tight, depending on how much space they use, even a small dark ride could go there if they are willing to lose the Big Thunder trail center entrance into GE.

Really I wouldn't be opposed to using the area for a general seating area, especially if it overlooked the river a bit.

 

[D.Silentu]

I saw Dave from FB make the same comments.

MickEblu, was that your source as well?

 

[mickEblu]

MickEblu, was that your source as well?

Yes that I can remember but I think I saw it somewhere else as well.

 

[mickEblu]

I saw Dave from FB make the same comments.

But I think if it does happen it'll all depend on what it is and just like everything comes down to execution. For example if its just a gift shop, well then probably not a good use of space. But if its another restaurant that might be worth it. Like before the BBQ switch over at Hungry Bear I thought a new BBQ spot to replace Big Thunder Ranch BBQ would work nice there.

And while it would be tight, depending on how much space they use, even a small dark ride could go there if they are willing to lose the Big Thunder trail center entrance into GE.


Really I wouldn't be opposed to using the area for a general seating area, especially if it overlooked the river a bit.

You mean overlook the pond or remove the rock tunnel and trees and overlook the ROA? I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to the former if it was executed well and retained most of the pond. Of course, I would just rather not take a chance.

 

[Disney Irish]

You mean overlook the pond or remove the rock tunnel and trees and overlook the ROA? I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to the former if it was executed well and retained most of the pond. Of course, I would just rather not take a chance.

Sure, any number of configurations could be done. But lack of seating is always a thing at Disneyland, so using it for a larger seating area that includes scenic views, and can double as a quiet space, fits the bill I think here.

 

[D.Silentu]

Try the fried chicken baos from Docking Bay 7 next time.

I went to Disneyland over the weekend and out of the blue remembered this advice. Many thanks! They were my favorite thing I ordered at the park by a mile!

 

[mickEblu]

I went to Disneyland over the weekend and out of the blue remembered this advice. Many thanks! They were my favorite thing I ordered at the park by a mile!

No problem, glad you enjoyed them! They really are good.

 

[Touchdown]

The new find I enjoyed this trip was that pretzel garlic cheesy bread. Just fantastic.

 

[truecoat]

Don’t want to breathe any life into this rumor but apparently they might be looking to do something with the big pond adjacent to BTMRR. Aka the old tunnel/ bridge over Bear Country in Mine Train Thru Natures Wonderland. Which I happen to think might be one of, if not the most important places in Frontierland from a place making perspective. I said so in a post a few months back too. Meaning it’s as good as gone. At first I thought maybe I’m just unlucky in that my favorite rides at both DCA and DL were rethemed and my favorite place to relax at DL - Magnolia Park was removed with my favorite place to relax at DCA (Paradise Gardens) most likely to be rethemed/ altered in the near future. But it makes sense if you think about it. I like these spaces because I appreciate the break from people. I appreciate the beautiful place making. To some within Disney, they re just underutilized spaces.

Can you show me a map of the area you are talking about?

 

[mickEblu]

Can you show me a map of the area you are talking about?

This is what they have to work with but hoping they don't use all of it if true and that the at least some of the pond and buffer from the ROA is retained.

 

[truecoat]

Ok that's the area

This is what they have to work with but hoping they don't use all of it if true and that the at least some of the pond and buffer from the ROA is retained.

View attachment 869541


View attachment 869564

Ok, that was the area I thought it was. You can fit a Little Mermaid sized ride there.

Let me guess, something Woody related. Or a Toy Story BBQ like the one at DHS?

 

[truecoat]

Now that I think about it, how about a Davy Crockett boat ride using the Avatar boat ride system from AK. This way it's themed to an IP and it fits the area. He could fight a bear, shake a Native American's hand, and face his last stand at the Alamo.

 

[Phroobar]

Now that I think about it, how about a Davy Crockett boat ride using the Avatar boat ride system from AK. This way it's themed to an IP and it fits the area. He could fight a bear, shake a Native American's hand, and face his last stand at the Alamo.

View attachment 869579
View attachment 869580

They would need a show on Disney+ first.

 

[Rich T]

I just need anyone who is already at that stage of life to tell me... how is it visiting the parks in your 50s-60s?

It’s nice. Always best with family, but when solo the parks are a great place to get exercise and enjoy the fun vibes and entertainment.

I spend less in the parks. I’m choosier about which parks to visit.

Since I’m in my late 60’s, the single biggest change for me is less tolerance/enjoyment of very intense coasters. I recently rode Stardust Racers at Epic, and though I loved it, I probably won’t ride it again; the forces are more than I want to subject my body to at this stage in my life. No more Velocicoaster either. I feel fortunate that we’re living in an era of outstanding new family thrill coasters like Hiccup’s Wing Gliders and Big Bear Mountain.

 

[mickEblu]

Ok that's the area



Ok, that was the area I thought it was. You can fit a Little Mermaid sized ride there.

Let me guess, something Woody related. Or a Toy Story BBQ like the one at DHS?

View attachment 869568

View attachment 869569

I’d be ok with some seating area overlooking the pond as long as the overall atmosphere remained the same but I’d rather they just leave it alone.

On another note (as many times as I’ve been to DL) in my mind the Haunted Mansion is further up north along the ROA. I’m always kind of taken back when I view an overhead map and see it way south of where my mind thinks it should be.

 

[Too Many Hats]

I'd vote "No" to a restaurant or attraction in that space. Just my opinion.

However, I think it'd be very cool (if feasible... the land/backstage might not be suitable for this) to open a little walkway that navigates this area, tucked away from the main path. Call it "Little Lightning Trail." Lots of benches and shade. Maybe a few AA animals. Could go all the way to the river, offering a perfect secluded spot for sitting and watching the Mark Twain.

 

[CHOX]

DHS?

View attachment 869568

View attachment 869569

Is this the old Cascade Peak site you’re talking about? Here’s the spot about a year ago.

 

[mickEblu]

I'd vote "No" to a restaurant or attraction in that space. Just my opinion.

However, I think it'd be very cool (if feasible... the land/backstage might not be suitable for this) to open a little walkway that navigates this area, tucked away from the main path. Call it "Little Lightning Trail." Lots of benches and shade. Maybe a few AA animals. Could go all the way to the river, offering a perfect secluded spot for sitting and watching the Mark Twain.

View attachment 869932

I think that area serves the park best as it stands today. From the perspective of people riding the Twain it’s a break between musical notes. There are so many places to see the Twain from the rest of the lands along the ROA or from TSI. When they removed the back 1/3 of the ROA for GE they already removed most of the scenes that felt like the untamed wilderness. I think sometimes we just have to let space be space and not fit something into every nook n cranny. As that not only provides a break visually/ mentally but helps you appreciate the contrast and other areas that are busier or more stimulating visually even more.

From the perspective of the guest walking along Big Thunder Trail that pond is probably the single most important spot in Frontierland in terms of place making.

 

[Too Many Hats]

I think that area serves the park best as it stands today. From the perspective of people riding the Twain it’s a break between musical notes. There are so many places to see the Twain from the rest of the lands along the ROA or from TSI. When they removed the back 1/3 of the ROA for GE they already removed most of the scenes that felt like the untamed wilderness. I think sometimes we just have to let space be space and not fit something into every nook n cranny. As that not only provides a break visually/ mentally but helps you appreciate the contrast and other areas that are busier or more stimulating visually even more.

From the perspective of the guest walking along Big Thunder Trail that pond is probably the single most important spot in Frontierland in terms of place making.

Totally respectable take. I'm envisioning something non-intrusive, but I see you point and think it's very possible you're right -- that the best option would be to leave the space as it currently exists (though IMO they should scrap the remnants of the Nature's Wonderland track, it looks kind of sloppy. And they could clean up the pond a little, bring back the jumping fish, etc.).

Maybe what I really want is for WDI to re-think Tom Sawyer Island. The pirate theming is ugly (IMO) and has run its course. Plus-up the island with a focus on making it more beautiful. Keep the "TSI" name but add references to anything/any IP grounded in Americana. If feasible, open an small Aunt Polly's-style spot that serves lemonade... and beer, so I can fulfill my fantasy of sitting and sipping a beer while watching the Mark Twain go by