I agree that WED Enterprises excelled in this, as stated in the above first paragraph.
I plainly see a difference however in the more recent WDI attractions/shows vs. the older WED era attractions/shows.
So what is that difference?
Well, i guess that would be a suitable response to the question proposed here in this thread :
*What is it that makes a perfect attraction to you and how does it impact the overall experience?*
A *perfect* Attraction experience to me involves three main elements -
Unique presentation
Skilled showmanship
Appropriate themed setting
When these three elements are present, and set a standard not seen before, i consider that a *perfect Attraction experience*.
The combination of the three needs to be done on a scale and quality that excels and at the same time touches the viewer.
All the old-school, hallmark truly CLASSIC Disney Theme Park Attractions/experiences do this.
It is more then just a RIDE...it is a EXPERIENCE.
That is the difference between today*s newer Attractions, and yesterdays older Attractions...in my mind, at least.
The mentality of the creators, and the creative goals of the team assigned to any given project, needs to be more then just marketing driven goals, consumer product driven goals, or fiscal goals.
Yes those can be of importance, but it more often then not hinders the chance of anything truly unique or amazing to leap off the concept board.
You can tell the difference between a creatively driven concept, and a marketing division driven concept.
Another difference i see between today*s newer Attractions and yesterdays WED creations.
So many of the more recent efforts over the last few years have been lacking in one, two, or sometimes all three of the three elements i listed.
I am sure everyone reading can think of a few attractions that did not quite live up to what was expected, or fell short somehow.
Sometimes it is hard to pinpoint why it felt *off*.
A Attraction that FULLY immerses a Guest in a themed environment of quality, and lets the Guest play a literal role in the adventure helps drawn them into the experience.
It is challenging to strike a chord and walk that fine balance, but it can be done if the original idea/concept was golden to begin with.
Creative free reign can produce some marvelous things...but even the most amazing concepts need to be grounded in some realities...usually, how to actually build the thing!
The truly GREAT ...truly *perfect* Attractions capture a experience..a feeling..a moment..and empower you.
They provide inspiration internally, give you something to think about afterwards, and maybe even a memorable song to hum on the way home.
Lesser Attractions present you with media, whatever that may entail ( real or projected ) and let you be a casual observer. They provide little if anything to spark the mind or inspire the intellect.
The focus is more on physical sensations, less focus on anything of real substance.
One i consider a *WED worthy* experience.
The other, ....well, not so much.....
To reply to the second half of the above question :
*.....how does it impact the overall experience?*
In a big way when done well.
You leave feeling excited, exhilarated at what you just experienced firsthand.
You feel enriched on more levels then just *physical sensations*.
Some of the very best themed attractions ever done empowered you on a personal and emotional level.
You leave feeling bettered, and ready to take on any challenge.
When not done well, or with some shortcomings, it becomes a shallow exercise.
The 3/4 minute excursion ends up feeling like a advert for a product, or worse, dulls the mind to what could have been a more fulfilling and rewarding journey.
You quickly forget what you just experienced, and move on to the next thing on your list.
Nothing *goes home* with you intellectually or emotionally, but you might be motivated to take home some souvenirs ( Synergy at it*s finest..).
Again, sharp contrast between the two directional styles present in various ride designs over the years.
Today*s WDI can still deliver a great Guest experience.
I think everyone will agree that Cars Land over at DCA, and *Radiator Springs Racers* gave Guests a great experience in a fully themed area.
This attraction covered the *three* well.
There is a reason why there was such a uproar of positive reviews when this opened.
It was a welcome return to great old territory...but updated to reflect today*s Guests interests and needs.
Classic attractions still pull them in however in droves...regardless of their age.
They have a timeless quality about them that will continue to be appreciated generations from now.
Those old WED classics still deliver the emotional punch...and right now, somewhere in the world, people are waiting in a 45 to 60 minute long line just to *fly* in a pirate ship over a miniature London .....
......and on to Neverland.
