The Spirited Seventh Heaven ...

[the.dreamfinder]

Frozen is a phenomenon. Maelstrom is a 1988 boat ride that wasn't all that great from the start (due to money being pulled, naturally) and only gets crowds because EPCOT has so few rides these days.

While I don't like the idea at all, it makes perfect business sense. Some would argue it makes creative sense too, but I wouldn't be one.

The fans and general public will love this. Bottom line.

I'm not so sure of this. Harry Potter has raised expectations of what kind of themed experience a big name IP should get. I have a feeling they will push this so hard that folks will react negatively towards it because guests expectations will not be met by this.

 

[GoofGoof]

Maelstrom is, was, and forever will be the worst of the "classic" EPCOT Center rides. The only reason it's revered now(by fanbois only) is because it's the last one left and that is certainly no reason to keep it around.

Have you been to the imagination pavilion lately? Maelstrom was not better than the original, but certainly better than what's there now.

I like Maelstrom but it's way too short and ends too abruptly. It isn't an E ticket but it's still a classic.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Calm down there, Buttercup.

Oh little girl, I'm not sure you're old enough for the carte Blanche to pull that yet.

But I like your moxie, you get a pass today lol

 

[WDW1974]

What did you think of the Grand Californian? I first stayed there a few months ago and had a great time. Only gripe was that I never got the chance to try the spa and Napa Rose.

I have spent many nights there in the past, but this was my first stay in a villa. They did an excellent job incorporating the 'new' wing into the original structure. And you gotta love having a jacuzzi that fits 35 people. All in all, I am happy with the way they are maintaining the resort. (Yes, I noticed the new carpeting in the convention center)

I didn't visit the spa, but I did dine at Napa Rose and it was as wonderful as ever. I did notice that 'cheaper' entrees had been brought up close to the price points of the more pricey items. In other words, the days of getting $25 chicken to avoid $40 beef are long gone.

But the food was lick your plate good. The service was terrific. And the view was nice too.

 

[Mike S]

I'm not so sure of this. Harry Potter has raised expectations of what kind of themed experience a big name IP should get. I have a feeling they will push this so hard that folks will react negatively towards it because guests expectations will not be met by this.

One could only hope a cheap ride like this opens the general publics eyes to what fans have known for a while. Can you imagine if this causes a backlash as big as "where are the pirates"? It would be glorious and just the kick in the pants Disney needs.

 

[GoofGoof]

I'm not so sure of this. Harry Potter has raised expectations of what kind of themed experience a big name IP should get. I have a feeling they will push this so hard that folks will react negatively towards it because guests expectations will not be met by this.

There's a 3 hour wait for a meet and greet right now. People will eat this up...even if it's only a 4 minute ride and a movie afterward. Plus you know the ads and promos will make it seem a lot more immersive and larger scale than it will be. We (hardcore fans) won't like it, but the average tourist probably will.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

Maybe it will be like the vastly made Mermaid attraction that appeared at Disney MGM. Then a real attraction will appear... yes, 20 years later.

 

[sshindel]

Have you been to the imagination pavilion lately? Maelstrom was not better than the original, but certainly better than what's there now.

I like Maelstrom but it's way too short and ends too abruptly. It isn't an E ticket but it's still a classic.

A) the abomination that inhabits the Imagination pavilion is in no way the original, therefore should not be considered in any way part of Classic Epcot. It's a bad replacement put in decades later.
B) Maelstrom was the first memory I have of being completely underwhelmed by a "new" WDW ride. Not saying there were not others I was underwhelmed by, but that one sticks out the worst due to the fact that it was added to such a strong park lineup. The only feelings I have against it's replacement is by the fact that it seems that once again, Disney is taking the cheap, brainless, easy way out in a park that was once built around the exact opposite.

 

[WDW1974]

Not "The Spirited Seventh Seal" or "Snow White and the Seven Spirits" (in honor of the new ride)?

The title of the thread has nothing to do with the coaster. I just read a nice review from a good friend who rode yesterday and was somewhat pleasantly surprised calling it a B+ effort on a D-Ticket type ride.

But I just have so little interest in it. I could drive up this weekend, but I'm not. Heck, I don't really want to waste words on it until I finally ride it, which may well not be until the fall.

 

[Tigger1988]

Have you been to the imagination pavilion lately? Maelstrom was not better than the original, but certainly better than what's there now.

I like Maelstrom but it's way too short and ends too abruptly. It isn't an E ticket but it's still a classic.

Yes I have, and what's in Imagination now isn't what was there originally and thus has nothing to do with my point.

Maelstrom is awful, equally so as Imagination. Only difference is it existed in the 80s and current Imagination didn't.

 

[Tigger1988]

A) the abomination that inhabits the Imagination pavilion is in no way the original, therefore should not be considered in any way part of Classic Epcot. It's a bad replacement put in decades later.
B) Maelstrom was the first memory I have of being completely underwhelmed by a "new" WDW ride. Not saying there were not others I was underwhelmed by, but that one sticks out the worst due to the fact that it was added to such a strong park lineup. The only feelings I have against it's replacement is by the fact that it seems that once again, Disney is taking the cheap, brainless, easy way out in a park that was once built around the exact opposite.

Summed it up perfectly.

 

[Clamman73]

So if this Frozen ride is to happen...WS still opens at 11AM?

 

[WDW1974]

There were lots of photos and videos from Diagon Alley too, and I've seen a few people that seem be really stretching to find faults with it theming and detail wise. There are a lot more animatronics in, on (dragon), and around Diagon Alley than I thought they would be.

What dragon are we talking about? The one on Gringotts isn't an animatronic.

 

[flynnibus]

Maelstrom is, was, and forever will be the worst of the "classic" EPCOT Center rides. The only reason it's revered now(by fanbois only) is because it's the last one left and that is certainly no reason to keep it around.

I wouldn't even call it classic.. it was added so much later (basically 5 years later) and wasn't in progress during the original opening. Felt like an expansion to me at the time. Only personal opinion...

 

[Tigger1988]

I wouldn't even call it classic.. it was added so much later (basically 5 years later) and wasn't in progress during the original opening. Felt like an expansion to me at the time. Only personal opinion...

Right, hence the quotations. Some act like it's some classic attraction we need to preserve, though.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Thanks. And as I said privately, I am very sorry we were not able to connect. We will next time. Things came up that I wasn't expecting and I was largely in the O.C.

I like the film. It is absolutely the best Disney film since the 1990s. But it doesn't compare with even the weaker efforts from that era. I think it was just timing plus having a love story that was about sisters, not romantic, that sparked interest.

I saw it again on the cruise. Now, I know two songs from what is supposed to be an amazing soundtrack.

As an aside, who goes on a cruise, even a Disney Cruise and buys a DVD/Blu ray?

Disney doesn't want to release much about SDL. I am sure they were thrilled when I published the menu ... and then when Michael Eisner went over and took pictures with the Tron coaster looming behind him (the one they still haven't said they are building) ...

No worries, I understand.

I liked it when I first saw it, but even then, I didn't understand the opinion that it was "the best since Lion King" (seriously, that's a joke). But now, with all this attention it's gotten and still getting, I'm over it.

Disney DVDs and Blu-Rays are sold pretty much at every Disney "venue", I've noticed. They're even sold at the Ghirardelli's in Hollywood. Anytime there's a chance to make a dollar, they take it.

Wish I could be in Shanghai for the opening. Maybe they'll release more info when the date gets closer?

 

[flynnibus]

Maelstrom was the first memory I have of being completely underwhelmed by a "new" WDW ride

I think that is a very relevant quote. It stands out to me in that sense as well. The feeling of 'meh.. pass' is the most lasting memory of its early days for me. But that was followed by Wonders of Life not too long after which left the same kind of 'meh' feeling too.

 

[WDW1974]

Welcome back, Spirit. Always nice to vicariously live the faux one percent Disney insider lifestyle through your postings.

These renewed rumblings about Maelstrom are definitely concerning. Trying to quickly shoehorn Frozen into the Norway pavilion is the worst of both worlds: not only would it further dilute the theme of World Showcase and Epcot, it also means Frozen wouldn't get the fully immersive attraction it probably should get. Its a lose lose situation all around. It may make for some great TV promo shots, but I can't see how its a great idea in any other way.

Curious on hearing the rest of your thoughts/ramblings. Any new info regarding the additions coming to DAK (Avatar, Rivers of Light, etc.) or whats happening with Flamingo Crossing?

Feel free to live vicariously. I won't even send fanboi minions for $$$.

I agree with your Frozen comments. I'd much rather see an E-Ticket at MK or even Studios than this. But, rest assured, some park(s) will get that. Maybe TDL or SDL or even DL ... but not any WDW park.

I have no new info on Avatar and/or RoL. I have strong rumours that Pandora's C-Ticket boat ride has been axed and that Cameron was told that Disney will add it later when they can ''do it right'' ... but that hasn't been confirmed.

RoL will apparently follow the piecemeal (i.e. half-arsed) New Fantasyland model of opening everything separately and will open 12-18 months before Pandora.

I know nothing about Flamingo Crossings. I believe @wdwmagic posted that Marriott had agreed to build two of its mid/low end properties out in the area where the Orange Bird had been buried!

 

[spacemt354]

I'm not so sure of this. Harry Potter has raised expectations of what kind of themed experience a big name IP should get. I have a feeling they will push this so hard that folks will react negatively towards it because guests expectations will not be met by this.

I feel like hard core fans will react negatively to it if done on the cheap. Average guests will be excited for Frozen. Some of those might not even know Maelstrom exists or view it as a "ride it if we have time" type of attraction.

I will say though, part of what makes this ride underwhelming is its length. Even average guests who love the idea of 7DMT still complain that the ride isn't long enough. That complaint isn't just from fanbois. I fear unless they find a way to make the attraction longer, you'll hear the same complaints.

I don't think it will a tipping point though sadly for negativity. It will be too popular. It will change Maelstrom from being that "ride it if we have time" attraction to a "need to FP+ it" attraction

 

[flynnibus]

Given the absurd amounts of money WDI costs to build and promote things... I've wondered if it would be cost effective to make 'direct to Disney channel' short subjects or 30min animated films that could be used to introduce kids to original IP for the parks. I mean, if it's going to cost WDI millions to make the most rudimentrary signs and landscaping... why not take some of that money and create some direct marketing on Disney channel and build up a pull demand there. Get figment into their minds before they leave home...