Three Different Fences Converging Near the Matterhorn v WEB SLINGERS

[DavidDL]

It’s really that bad!?

I guess it depends on your perspective. It's Tough to be a Bug! was one of my favorite shows Disney has ever offered in their parks and to me, what replaced it is greatly inferior. But if maybe you didn't care for the show or the area that was there before, then it wouldn't seem so bad or could be seen as an improvement. I say all this as a fan of the MCU. It's not like I have some kind of preconceived bias against MARVEL. Frankly, it deserves better attractions than what Disney has been pushing out.

 

[DavidDL]

Would you compare it to midway mania?

I think the comparisons are as inevitable as Thanos himself. While I don't think having multiple screen-based, interactive attractions in the same park has to be a bad thing (heck, Pirates and "it's a small world" are both boat rides), Disney didn't do enough to differentiate this one from Midway Mania. You board vehicles that spin and move from screen to screen through a series of "screen switchback" type of corridors. It's super noticeable when you ride. The sad part is, it didn't have to be. If Disney had done a better job of hiding the switchbacks or had gone with a different track layout, I don't think the comparisons would be so harsh.

 

[Miru]

WEB SLINGERS has actually decreased my family’s desire to revisit DLR anytime soon.

It makes Ariel’s Adventure look like PotC. Ariel may not be great, but at least it’s not a screen-based toy commercial... that you need reservations for... before being told you need to buy DLC to get a better experience...

BOB$LAND!

Someone should REALLY do an analysis on Ariel’s Adventure and why it’s so despised. Why is it such a go-to bad attraction?

 

[DavidDL]

Someone in our vehicle had purchased the Ironman upgrade and my wife and I (both first timers) scored only 5,000 points less than him. Either he was really bad or the "upgrades" are purely cosmetic and don't actually help you in any way. I've read messages saying this to be the case but I cannot confirm it for myself.

 

[Rich T]

Someone should REALLY do an analysis on Ariel’s Adventure and why it’s so despised. Why is it such a go-to bad attraction?

It’s mainly because of how the ride takes a wonderful, exciting movie and removes every single adventurous and thrilling element, leaving a dull, monotone experience. This is the exact opposite of what a good dark ride should be. The movie is full of storms, a shark chase, a graveyard of ghostships, a mad chef and a spectacular battle against a gigantic sea monster. All jettisoned in favor of a ride-through sing-along video.

It’s called “Ariel’s Undersea Adventure,” and the adventure turns out to be... She goes out on a date... much to the dismay of a tiny angry Ursula cutout off in the background.

The original Imagineers knew how to focus on which elements of a story should be focused on to create a good, exciting ride-through. The Mermaid designers did the opposite and simply retold the movie... but with all the good parts edited out.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

It's a boring ride but it's a rare indoor air-conditioned ride that kids can enjoy at DCA, plus it never has a long line.

To me, nothing really works in it except the Ursula cave. The rest looks like plastic and doesn't really feel like the movie, nor does it do anything compelling with it. I also am irrationally annoyed by the fact that it's supposed to take place underwater but it clearly doesn't, not does it even have any water.

 

[mickEblu]

I think the comparisons are as inevitable as Thanos himself. While I don't think having multiple screen-based, interactive attractions in the same park has to be a bad thing (heck, Pirates and "it's a small world" are both boat rides), Disney didn't do enough to differentiate this one from Midway Mania. You board vehicles that spin and move from screen to screen through a series of "screen switchback" type of corridors. It's super noticeable when you ride. The sad part is, it didn't have to be. If Disney had done a better job of hiding the switchbacks or had gone with a different track layout, I don't think the comparisons would be so harsh.

I’ve only been on it once but the layout didn’t bother me. I didn’t notice the thin walls etc. I thought the theming sufficed due to its chaotic nature, how’s it laid out with the tight spaces and the design of the ride vehicle. I’d imagine you are in the minority on this one. My bro in law did warn against taking off your glasses though. Apparently those screens are super close to your face and taking off those glasses are an “immersion” breaker.

 

[DavidDL]

I’ve only been on it once but the layout didn’t bother me. I didn’t notice the thin walls etc. I thought the theming sufficed for the type of ride it is and how’s it laid out. I’d imagine you are in the minority on this one. My bro in law did warn against taking off your glasses though. Apparently those screens are super close to your face and taking off those glasses are an “immersion” breaker.

I certainly have other issues with the attraction that go beyond the "screen switchback" layout/phenomena, along with a few honest compliments for it. But that's gonna be for the reactions thread. If I'm in the minority of folks who feels like it's too similar to Midway Mania, that's fine. Just my opinion, after all.

 

[mickEblu]

It's a boring ride but it's a rare indoor air-conditioned ride that kids can enjoy at DCA, plus it never has a long line.

To me, nothing really works in it except the Ursula cave. The rest looks like plastic and doesn't really feel like the movie, nor does it do anything compelling with it. I also am irrationally annoyed by the fact that it's supposed to take place underwater but it clearly doesn't, not does it even have any water.

Ursulas cave is the best indoor scene in all of DCA. Not sure that’s saying much though.

 

[Miru]

It’s mainly because of how the ride takes a wonderful, exciting movie and removes every single adventurous and thrilling element, leaving a dull, monotone experience. This is the exact opposite of what a good dark ride should be. The movie is full of storms, a shark chase, a graveyard of ghostships, a mad chef and a spectacular battle against a gigantic sea monster. All jettisoned in favor of a ride-through sing-along video.

It’s called “Ariel’s Undersea Adventure,” and the adventure turns out to be... She goes out on a date... much to the dismay of a tiny angry Ursula cutout off in the background.

The original Imagineers knew how to focus on which elements of a story should be focused on to create a good, exciting ride-through. The Mermaid designers did the opposite and simply retold the movie... but with all the good parts edited out.

Frozen Ever After is similar. No wolf chase, no Marshmallow attack, no sword brawl.

 

[Rich T]

Ursulas cave is the best indoor scene in all of DCA. Not sure that’s saying much though.

I think Sheriff’s billboard/Mater arrives is the best dark ride scene in DCA.

 

[mickEblu]

i think Sheriff’s billboard/Mater arrives is the best dark ride scene in DCA.

That’s probably # 2 for me. The intimacy of Ursulas scene puts it on top IMO. And she’s singing one of the greatest villain songs ever.

 

[Miru]

TIL “Ariel’s Undersea Adventure” is basically a rundown on what NOT to do when adapting a movie into a ride. That’s why it’s brought up so much.

 

[mickEblu]

TIL “Ariel’s Undersea Adventure” is basically a rundown on what NOT to do when adapting a movie into a ride. That’s why it’s brought up so much.

Yet Frozen did the same thing. The only thing that saves FEA is it’s ride system and the fact that it has water. Well that and the Human AAs are much better than the terrifying Ariels throughout Mermaid. Still can’t believe they made a Mermaid ride with no water. It’s also much less plasticky looking. You can’t have those plasticky looking figures at such a close proximity. Especially in good lighting

 

[Miru]

Yet Frozen did the same thing. The only thing that saves FEA is it’s ride system and the fact that it has water. Well that and the Human AAs are much better than the terrifying Ariels throughout Mermaid. Still can’t believe they made a Mermaid ride with no water. It’s also much less plasticky looking. You can’t have those plasticky looking figures at such a close proximity. Especially in good lighting

Indeed, Disney are repeat offenders, and those were around the time we were still getting stuff like Radiator Springs Racers. Imagine how bad these rides will be in the era of Chase A Baby...

 

[Practical Pig]

Ursulas cave is the best indoor scene in all of DCA. Not sure that’s saying much though.

That Ursula animatronic is greatly under-appreciated amidst the general apathy to Mermaid. Ursula's mechanical squash and stretch action (based in that basic principle of animation) is very effective, and makes her the most authentic part of that ride.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

This guy is sleeping at Three Fences while we're in line for the Matterhorn.

 

[mickEblu]

View attachment 569707

This guy is sleeping at Three Fences while we're in line for the Matterhorn.

He’s got it all figured out

 

[DrAlice]

Someone should REALLY do an analysis on Ariel’s Adventure and why it’s so despised. Why is it such a go-to bad attraction?

I like it. It almost always has a short line with lovely air conditioning and good music. My daughter and I always have fun singing along through the whole thing. And, as @mickEblu mentioned, Ursula is awesome. No, it isn't an E ticket, but I never expected it to be. Perhaps it was named incorrectly. It should be called Ariel's Undersea MUSICAL adventure. Maybe that would temper expectations for what it actually is.