The Spirited Seventh Heaven ...

[bhg469]

Saw Maleficent today and the mine train commerical was playing both before the movie and in the lobby/common area screens. I don't remember seeing that kind of marketing when NFL first opened.

NFL was somewhat and impressive build, I don't like it because I feel like they crammed 4 themed areas into what should have been 2 and feels off to me. This is a ride that disney needs to get people excited for, because it's not for everyone. Their choice of commercial is suspect but they need to work for this one.

 

[Astro Blaster]

To be honest, today's new Matterhorn bobsleds aren't much larger. They certainly aren't comfortable. I think we rode this about 4-5 times because they added a single rider line, which meant no more than a 10-minute wait even on the crazy busy days.

But the sleds are not comfortable and I can't imagine what anyone taller than myself (meaning average height) or heavier than me (typical American) would think of riding.

Yep I'm 6'4 215 lbs and rode Matterhorn for the first time a few months ago...once was enough. Did kind off a weird balancing act for the entire ride.

 

[Lee]

Oh and since it is a Friday night, let me state that I am very displeased (but expected it) that ABC canceled The Neighbors and Trophy Wife for that matter while I was at sea ... yet greenlighted another Marvel show that only crazies like @Lee will watch.

Hey, SHIELD got good the last 3 or 4 episodes, when they incorporated the Cap 2 storyline.

For me, network TV is mostly useless, though I did want to try Revolution. Netflix and HBO are where I can be found.

 

[GoofGoof]

Well.... Poop.

Nice addition WDI... A "land" with one ride doesn't really justify guests staying longer into the night. Well at least the bloggers will be there later and not creeping at the MK.

I wasn't going to comment here since there's already a bunch of Avatar threads and I don't know what's OK to talk about, but since it's up for discussion I guess here's my thoughts. I'm still having a hard time believing it. I know they have cut back on budgets in the past, but this is truly baffling. Cutting from 3 rides down to 2 I could buy or even reducing the scale like Mine Train, but going from 2 rides down to just 1 makes no sense. Why spend all that money on filling out the land with all kinds of detail and elaborate rock work but have nothing really to show for it. I know a lot of people felt FLE was lacking substance, but this is a new level of sucking. Why even bother. At this point if they aren't going to bother trying I'd rather have nothing new there at all. If Avland has 1 ride it's not going to do anything to make DAK an all day park. The night show and safari will probably get cut back to a few nights a week when they realize attendance isn't going up and eventually get cut due to cost. Just put the characters back in the little trails in the woods and buy back some more stock. At least they wouldn't be throwing the money away. ~End Rant

 

[bhg469]

Hey, SHIELD got good the last 3 or 4 episodes, when they incorporated the Cap 2 storyline.

For me, network TV is mostly useless, though I did want to try Revolution. Netflix and HBO are where I can be found.

74 may know people in the theme park biz, but his tv taste is pretty terrible. Shield started very slow but lady siv is when it started to make me happy. The spinoff scares me though..

As far as netflix, Ricky Gervais's "Derek" is just so damn good. I laughed a bit and I have no shame that I shed a few tears. Give it a few episodes though. I was almost blubbering happy tears like a baby at the end of season 1. Oh the feels!

 

[Lee]

Yeah, Derek is amazing. They should just let Gervais have all the Emmys he wants. Genius.

 

[Suspirian]

T

Part of me is thinking that Frozen would work in AK, have an arctic section, (plus penguins because they are cute and this is Disney they can magically travel north) would give a whole new land, along with creatures of interest of which AK currently has nothing similar to, and could have a frozen ride, and some other elements added in and would be a perfect place for a meet and greet with Anna and Elsa

And any indoor areas, such as penguin viewing rooms, would be a nice cool area to escape the heat that is sometimes stifling in that park particularly i find

Theres only one scene involving animals (the wolves) in the entire film. It's not the best fit for DAK

 

[Cesar R M]

OK, @StarBurst asked about going thru the Panama Canal on the Wonder.

My first comment would be just what an amazing technological achievement the canal is. These days we seem to have trouble building simple infrastructure like roads and bridges. To think that this wonder of the world was built a century ago is truly mindboggling.

Now, one thing I have figured out is that despite common belief that you need to be up and out on deck at 6 or 7 a.m. when the ship hits the Gatun Locks (the first), I would advise sleeping in and waiting to spend time later. Sure, you 'miss' the start of the Canal, but the whole experience is what makes it interesting, not simply entering the locks.

To see how little room there is on each side of the ship (about two feet) for the Wonder, a Panamax class ship, is also amazing. You were literally waving and talking to Canal employees on land that you could have jumped (a very short jump) off the ship onto.

The weather is extremely hot and humid. Look where you are. Gatun Lake is beautiful and resembles any TV show or film that seems set in the Rainforests.

Disney, btw, printed out nice individual certificate for every passenger (signed by the captain and some rodent) that says that we all crossed the Canal. They also brought a Panamanian official onboard to stamp passports, which was a little strange because, technically, none of us actually ever set foot in Panama (the only countries we visited were Columbia and Mexico). It was still kewl to get the stamp considering how many countries I visit that I never get a stamp in (mostly EU).

DCL had plenty of coffee and water and continental breakfast items available on deck and the characters ... Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, my new second-best gal pal Daisy, crazy chipmunks Chuck and Dave ... were around all day off and on.

It just is such a bizarre and awesome experience to start a day in the Gulf of Mexico and end it in the Pacific Ocean.

As an aside, the amount of wildlife that you can see once the ship is in the Pacific is fantastic. Whales, dolphins (swimming alongside), sea lions, seals, sea turtles (these I didn't personally see, but everyone else seemed to) ... you just don't tend to see the amount and variety of creatures when doing Caribbean or even transatlantic crossings.

I don't know that I'd be in a hurry to repeat the cruise, but that has nothing to do with the experience or DCL and more to the fact that I am not sure that 15 nights of cruise line food is good for my health!!!

Would you say that the full cruise on DCL was worth it ?
I'm wondering if I should pull a "Faux 5%" someday and save money to try it.

I wonder, will the Wonder remain the same size for more years? or they have the date of overhaul already on print?

Disney cares. It cares plenty. About all the $$$ that P&R pumps into the company. I think the thought of selling even a bit of the parks has gone away. Between UNI becoming a force in the business and DCA's makeover driving numbers through the roof, Disney gets that this is a good business to be in. Now, don't confuse that with any notion that the company is going to invest in the parks, especially at WDW, in a smart way.

Just watching the hordes pile into DLR last week, after a one day ticket went to $96 and a one day hopper to $150, shows that, at least for now, they haven't outpriced the market at all.

And don't get me started on the amount of money some people spend on the DCL. There was a meeting with the Steering Committee (all the top staff of the ship) early on our voyage and you were able to ask questions. Question No. 2 came from a woman from the UK. It was more of a complaint, really. Seems she had spent FIVE STRAIGHT WEEKS on the ship last fall and was sailing again for 15 days (likely more, not sure) and she was tired of the BGM loop at Triton's. I looked at the cruise director on the stage, after audibly saying something to my SO 'Angie M' to the effect that 'is this woman for real?!?!' ... she was. No, the music wasn't changed while we were onboard. I later heard from a friend who sailed on our voyage that she heard there was a woman who has pretty much been on the ship for the last year. Apparently, her husband died, she went on a cruise, found happy people and decided when she returned to go back and she's basically stayed. Yes, I do think she is mentally ill. Not that it is a happy Disney story (I know others may feel differently). My point is, I am not sure that even with the spa treatments, shore excursions, Palo meals, booze and coffee and merchandise we bought that we even came close to the average spent on that voyage.

Um ... what were we talking about?

Some people have to cope for their loses.. perhaps that was her way of coping her loneliness.
she had the resources.. and she is using them.
Still find it interesting that she would select the Wonder as her new floating "home".

 

[Mike S]

T


Theres only one scene involving animals (the wolves) in the entire film. It's not the best fit for DAK

Maybe have a M&G with Kristoff and Sven in AK. Sven being a free roaming animatronic of coarse.

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

I wasn't going to comment here since there's already a bunch of Avatar threads and I don't know what's OK to talk about, but since it's up for discussion I guess here's my thoughts. I'm still having a hard time believing it. I know they have cut back on budgets in the past, but this is truly baffling. Cutting from 3 rides down to 2 I could buy or even reducing the scale like Mine Train, but going from 2 rides down to just 1 makes no sense. Why spend all that money on filling out the land with all kinds of detail and elaborate rock work but have nothing really to show for it. I know a lot of people felt FLE was lacking substance, but this is a new level of sucking. Why even bother. At this point if they aren't going to bother trying I'd rather have nothing new there at all. If Avland has 1 ride it's not going to do anything to make DAK an all day park. The night show and safari will probably get cut back to a few nights a week when they realize attendance isn't going up and eventually get cut due to cost. Just put the characters back in the little trails in the woods and buy back some more stock. At least they wouldn't be throwing the money away. ~End Rant

Its the Animal Kingdom park tradition: lots of trees and rocks and pretty things to look at, but little in the way of rides. Just remember - nahtazu!

To be fair though, even @WDW1974 has said that the delay/cut of the boat ride is NOT confirmed at this point. As hard as recent history makes it, best to still keep a bit of faith that Avatarland will be done right.

 

[Cesar R M]

I think you may have missed the point. Sure, it's selling. It's selling because it is UNIQUE and, largely, quality stuff that is unique to its area. Much like Potter merchandise (although I have seen some of that in Port of Entry's large shop and even the MCO UNI outlets, while, right now, Cars Land merchandise remains sold only there).

I love what I see. And, I'll gladly admit to being more into the Cars franchise than the Potter one (although I love them both) ... I don't love smarmy attempts to sell fanbois on nostalgia by offering crap like Horizons and Dreamfinder tees or pins or vinyls ... and I hate that most fanbois are too gullible and fall right into it and buy the stuff.

I will NEVER purchase a Horizons item to give Disney $$$ for destroying something that was so important to my growth as an individual.

I didn't buy a $25 Orange Bird pillow they were selling at WoD, either.

I wonder how long they will keep squeezing and riding the gravy train of the old nostalgia merchandise.
Probably years and years or even decades?

 

[Suspirian]

Maybe have a M&G with Kristoff and Sven in AK. Sven being a free roaming animatronic of coarse.

Crap I forgot about Sven...still not enough for a land in DAK. You're meet and greet idea would be pretty cool though

 

[Cesar R M]

I am here right now, although I am peacing out for the night very soon. At least I feel like I can talk about some things now that won't have 21 pages of filler in between (BTW, the Philly steak sandwiches on DCL are tasty, but they most definitely are not the real deal!) ... I like to post late when I can, but I am often free at all sorts of hours (although I did sleep 11 hours last night as I am still exhausted from five weeks of fun! ... I am getting OLD!!!!!)

I actually wonder if you do too much in your "vacations".
Are you one of these who think "I'll sleep when I die" while on vacations? (aka adventures everyday, going out everyday, seeing everything..etc..) or you just plain work while on vacations as well?

because, 5 weeks.. wow!

 

[Omnispace]

Its the Animal Kingdom park tradition: lots of trees and rocks and pretty things to look at, but little in the way of rides. Just remember - nahtazu!

To be fair though, even @WDW1974 has said that the delay/cut of the boat ride is NOT confirmed at this point. As hard as recent history makes it, best to still keep a bit of faith that Avatarland will be done right.

I find it's amazing that reducing the scope for Avatar is something that they even could be considering. Is money really that tight for Disney? One would think they would want to create something that people won't immediately discount as a trimmed-back effort, even if it means leveraging their finances a bit.

 

[Mike S]

Crap I forgot about Sven...still not enough for a land in DAK. You're meet and greet idea would be pretty cool though

I don't think a land should be in DAK. Just the M&G would be fine.

 

[rioriz]

So if the boat ride is canceled I may literally change my days in September from 4 Disney 1 uni to 3 Disney and 2 Uni....im going with a Disney Newbie too but this boat ride (sad to say) was something I was holding onto hope that WDW can do something right....#ed

 

[Longhairbear]

I think you may have missed the point. Sure, it's selling. It's selling because it is UNIQUE and, largely, quality stuff that is unique to its area. Much like Potter merchandise (although I have seen some of that in Port of Entry's large shop and even the MCO UNI outlets, while, right now, Cars Land merchandise remains sold only there).

I love what I see. And, I'll gladly admit to being more into the Cars franchise than the Potter one (although I love them both) ... I don't love smarmy attempts to sell fanbois on nostalgia by offering crap like Horizons and Dreamfinder tees or pins or vinyls ... and I hate that most fanbois are too gullible and fall right into it and buy the stuff.

I will NEVER purchase a Horizons item to give Disney $$$ for destroying something that was so important to my growth as an individual.

I didn't buy a $25 Orange Bird pillow they were selling at WoD, either.

Being a car guy, and one that cries at the end of the first Cars movie (TMI ?), I had to get Flo's V-8 oven mitt, and coffee mug. We scored a few other Cars / automobile related items too. We don't buy the One Disney stuff.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I'm not sure Ive got this right but, the gist of last nights postings is that:

drinking too much vintage citrus juice while watching Marvel movies on a Disney cruise can turn your twink orange. (why you colonials eat those horrid cakes god knows)

DL is soo much betterer than WDW

Avatar plot may be two rides short of a land

Folk get emotional over the strangest of things

McDonalds is bad, but in a good way

The OP like a full inbox

Comic book franchise based movies cause intense debate, despite the subject matter being mince.

And none of the above can be discussed unless the OP says so.

Cool, I feel so enriched now knowing that.

 

[StageFrenzy]

I'm not sure Ive got this right but, the gist of last nights postings is that:

drinking too much vintage citrus juice while watching Marvel movies on a Disney cruise can turn your twink orange. (why you colonials eat those horrid cakes god knows)

Well i know you are an expert on vintage brued but not brewed drink. (we don't the company went bankrupt)

 

[TP2000]

People don't like to hear this. Well, WDW-only addicts don't. But I have noticed this since becoming a regular, and later a part time local, to DLR in the 1990s. People are so much more laidback and happier, whether they work there or are visiting...

The smarmy corporate O-Town 'Have a MAGICal Day!' BS is no where to be heard. Nope. Not once in a week did I ever have to listen to someone telling me that. Only one 'welcome home' and I'll forgive that since we were staying on a DVC ressie.

You hit a chord! Funny story on the "Have a MAGICAL Day!" nonsense... (And I thank God you don't have to hear that at Disneyland)

Last Saturday evening I was waiting off to the side (with my glass of Racers IPA) in front of Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land for our Fastpass time to arrive. A typically sunshiny-friendly Australian family were balking at the posted 90 minute Standby time, and they began asking questions of the park supervisor standing next to me. Supervisor was handsome 30something with radio earpiece and wearing sharp dress slacks, crisp shirt and tie, trim sportcoat (can you imagine that in Orlando?!?) with perfectly placed nametag and a hipster side-parted haircut. This guy looked the part, either circa 1964 or 2014, you pick. The supervisor asked back how many days they'd be staying, and walked them through the intricacies of getting Fastpasses for Racers first thing in the morning and then gave them advice on Single Rider lines, seeing World of Color that night, etc., etc.

The Australians were thrilled with the advice and chat, and thanked him profusely with big Aussie smiles. And then you know what he said?!? The supervisor replied with a genuine "It's my pleasure. Thank you for coming to visit us!" So gracious and genuine, yet crisply professional. He didn't give out freebies or corporate spin, but off they all went happy as clams.

And I thought, WOW!. That same type of interaction in Orlando, and there are plenty of hard working CM's doing good stuff in Orlando, would have concluded with a smarmy, canned, corporate-approved "And have a MAGICAL Day!" Oh, puke.