Tiana's Bayou Adventure: Disneyland Watch & Discussion

[Consumer]

Never said it doesn’t suck. It does, sometimes. But it’s something that should be expected. Change has been occurring for decades.

It’s not worth getting super pi$$ed off about.

Agreed. At the end of the day, it's a theme park. The only part of Disneyland that I hope is never destroyed is Sleeping Beauty Castle. Even if Disneyland is razed and turned into a shopping mall, I want Sleeping Beauty Castle to be preserved. It's an historic landmark and a symbolizes the best aspects of American capitalism.

 

[Disney Analyst]

Never said it doesn’t suck. It does, sometimes. But it’s something that should be expected. Change has been occurring for decades.

It’s not worth getting super pi$$ed off about.

Change is inevitable. Even in a place like Disneyland.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Change is inevitable. Even in a place like Disneyland.

Literally. Nothing can be done about it. I’ve accepted that my favorite ride of all time, Pirates of the Caribbean, could go the way of the dodo sometime in the future. Something like that would really suck, but there will be nothing I can do. Instead of being super angry, I’ll lament for a little, remember the good times and memories and move on, should that ever happen.

 

[_caleb]

I’m glad to see them trying a new show for the Bears. Beyond that, though, I’m not sure devoting time and money for overlays of existing attractions would bring in enough additional business to be worth the cost compared to putting that budget toward something new, particularly at WDW. It might be a better strategy at locals-dominated DLR.

For me, WDW feels stale in many ways, and new shows for existing screen-based attractions wouldn’t help much IMO (though it certainly wouldn’t hurt!)

The parks at WDW need more attractions, period. They need more capacity, more variety and more of the unexpected. And they need to be more affordable, easier to experience, and less tethered to phones.

Oh, yes, I don’t want overlays and updates instead of new attractions. I want both!

Specifically, more B- and C-ticket rides that add capacity without bringing more people into the parks!

After an initial surge, TBA will probably bring in the same number Splash did.

 

[Professortango1]

In my opinion, this is what happens when they leave the parks stagnant too long—they get stuck in a losing battle w/expectations and nostalgia.

They should change out all the screen and show-based rides frequently. CBJ, Star Tours, SW:SR, FoP, etc. then, periodically, for a limited time only, bring them back.

Keep us guessing and always wanting more! Try new things and don’t be afraid to go back to successful versions!

Except the success of Disney has been built on nostalgia. Creating memories that span generations. Kids who grow into adults and dream of taking their kid to experience the ride they loved as a kid.

Making things feel temporary means we never get attached. And the need to return drops off significantly.

I loved the original Star Tours. The new one....leaves me bored. Its no longer a must-see. Mission BO feels temporary. Even the new Snow White feels shoved in with a mirror under a bridge for some reason. People remembered having spears thrown at them from the brush. Nobody is going to remember a butterfly and a monkey.

Disney needs to focus on what made them successful. Moments that stick with people that make them want to come back year after year and generation after generation.

Unfortunately, Disney has been tanking their own brand as of late. The temporary and cheap approach to the parks. The deluge of watered down live-action remakes that always fall short of their previous versions. The Marvel movies and shows that keep performing worse and worse. They are so focused on hitting calendar dates for pumping out new content and things to consume, that they are no longer focused on making it something that will stand the test of time.

I hope they can turn it around. The Disney Renaissance along with Eisner's push for the parks helped bring Disney back from the brink of bankruptcy in the 80's. We need another proper CEO.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Except the success of Disney has been built on nostalgia. Creating memories that span generations. Kids who grow into adults and dream of taking their kid to experience the ride they loved as a kid.

Making things feel temporary means we never get attached. And the need to return drops off significantly.

I loved the original Star Tours. The new one....leaves me bored. Its no longer a must-see. Mission BO feels temporary. Even the new Snow White feels shoved in with a mirror under a bridge for some reason. People remembered having spears thrown at them from the brush. Nobody is going to remember a butterfly and a monkey.

Disney needs to focus on what made them successful. Moments that stick with people that make them want to come back year after year and generation after generation.

Unfortunately, Disney has been tanking their own brand as of late. The temporary and cheap approach to the parks. The deluge of watered down live-action remakes that always fall short of their previous versions. The Marvel movies and shows that keep performing worse and worse. They are so focused on hitting calendar dates for pumping out new content and things to consume, that they are no longer focused on making it something that will stand the test of time.

I hope they can turn it around. The Disney Renaissance along with Eisner's push for the parks helped bring Disney back from the brink of bankruptcy in the 80's. We need another proper CEO.

Nostalgia is unique to the person. It’s not the same for everyone. The rides you don’t enjoy will be nostalgic for others at some point in time.

As far as I know, people are continuing to flock to the parks for whatever reasons. I highly doubt Disney sees a big problem here that they’re trying to find a solution to.

 

[Professortango1]

Nostalgia is unique to the person. It’s not the same for everyone. The rides you don’t enjoy will be nostalgic for others at some point in time.

As far as I know, people are continuing to flock to the parks for whatever reasons. I highly doubt Disney sees a big problem here that they’re trying to find a solution to.

Very true about nostalgia.

And the decisions of today will not affect things today. They affect things 10-30 years from now. My generation is still tied to Disney based upon our childhood. It will be interesting to see how the children of today see the parks when they are adults.

I've already seen it begun with friends' kids having nostalgia for Universal rather than Disney. It will be interesting to see how it all develops and if Disney was right to go cheap and low-brow or if it bites them in the butt with whittling away at their pedestal as an industry leader.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

I hate losing nostalgic rides also but I think the bigger factor is whether the replacement is considered better or worse.

A lot of people still bemoan the loss of Figment and Horizons because they view the replacements as inferior, you hear much less complaining about the loss of world of Motion becoming Test Track because most people feel that was an upgrade.

The sting of losing a nostalgic ride is a lot less painful if the new ride is amazing.

 

[Professortango1]

I hate losing nostalgic rides also but I think the bigger factor is whether the replacement is considered better or worse.

A lot of people still bemoan the loss of Figment and Horizons because they view the replacements as inferior, you hear much less complaining about the loss of world of Motion becoming Test Track because most people feel that was an upgrade.

The sting of losing a nostalgic ride is a lot less painful if the new ride is amazing.

So far, most replacements have been a downgrade or a lateral move.

Mission BO < TOT
WEB Shooters<TTBAB
Incredicoaster is about the same as California Screamin'. They added stuff, but it does make the ride feel cheaper.

Frozen Ever After is a mixed bag compared to Maelstrom. Maelstrom had some great moments, but also some mediocre filler. Frozen is cute, but one-note and kind of bland. The filler moments are now better, but the ride lacks great moments and any conflict.

Star Tours 2.0<OG Star Tours
MMRR<GMR

I haven't ridden the new GOTG coaster. It looks just like Ghost Galaxy to me, but I also can acknowledge that Universe of Energy was dated, even if I loved the concept and overall flow.

I'd love for TBA to be amazing and far better than Splash. But sadly, given Disney's track record of replacements and even scene replacements (JC, POTC, Snow White), I don't see them knocking it out of the park. Hopefully I am wrong.

 

[Rich T]

So far, most replacements have been a downgrade or a lateral move.

Mission BO < TOT
WEB Shooters<TTBAB
Incredicoaster is about the same as California Screamin'. They added stuff, but it does make the ride feel cheaper.

Frozen Ever After is a mixed bag compared to Maelstrom. Maelstrom had some great moments, but also some mediocre filler. Frozen is cute, but one-note and kind of bland. The filler moments are now better, but the ride lacks great moments and any conflict.

Star Tours 2.0<OG Star Tours
MMRR<GMR

I haven't ridden the new GOTG coaster. It looks just like Ghost Galaxy to me, but I also can acknowledge that Universe of Energy was dated, even if I loved the concept and overall flow….

I personally think Frozen Ever After is the single stupidest ride I’ve ever been on. It is utter nonsense built around taking riders to see and hear one verse of that song.

Olaf: You people are so lucky! You get to see Elsa!
Rock Troll: It was the greatest story everrrrr.
Olaf: I’m back! And you’re still so lucky!
Anna and Kristoff: What a great day to see Elsa!
Elsa: I know you all love me! Get out, plebes!
Frosty Sr: What was my line again?
Anna, Elsa and Olaf: How did we get here? Who cares? What’s storytelling?

Cosmic rewind is a top-notch and (surprisingly for Disney) lengthy coaster with a great layout and one outstanding moment (going through the helix around the moon with the cars facing inward to create a centrifuge effect). In my opinion, the Guardians story elements bring it down a notch. The fun party-in-space atmosphere makes up for the obnoxious dialogue, but the smug, twee preshow sequence of talking heads just goes on and on and on…

I think it’s a bigger crowd-pleaser than Universe of Energy or Ellen’s Energy Adventure, but the older attractions definitely belonged in Epcot and Rewind feels like a visitor from Hollywood Studios. I would have much preferred it if this had been themed to the Big Bang (NOT the sitcom!)

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

Olaf: You people are so lucky! You get to see Elsa!
Rock Troll: It was the greatest story everrrrr.
Olaf: I’m back! And you’re still so lucky!
Anna and Kristoff: What a great day to see Elsa!
Elsa: I know you all love me! Get out, plebes!
Frosty Sr: What was my line again?
Anna, Elsa and Olaf: How did we get here? Who cares? What’s storytelling?

This is one of the best things I've read on here in a long time!

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Agreed. At the end of the day, it's a theme park.

It’s not though. Disneyland especially, and other Disney parks as well to a lesser extent, are indeed special. We all know this, that’s why we are here on this forum.

A home is just a building, a church is just a structure, but we all know that’s not true.

 

[Californian Elitist]

It’s not though. Disneyland especially, and other Disney parks as well to a lesser extent, are indeed special. We all know this, that’s why we are here on this forum.

A home is just a building, a church is just a structure, but we all know that’s not true.

It is absolutely a theme park, when all is said is done.

 

[Professortango1]

It is absolutely a theme park, when all is said is done.

Sure, but for many, its the highest form of Theme Park and has value far deeper. A movie theatre is just a building, but for me, someone who was raised bonding over films, someone who visited my dad every weekend and caught a movie for almost 20 years now, a movie theatre is something that means a great deal to me. The idea of movie theatres closing to replaced by streaming affects me in a big way.

And that's something incredibly specific. Its not hard to imagine that Disneyland, for many, is something more. For me, I was potty-trained there. It was a second home. My mom is laid to rest there. So yes, its a theme park. But its also so much more.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Sure, but for many, its the highest form of Theme Park and has value far deeper. A movie theatre is just a building, but for me, someone who was raised bonding over films, someone who visited my dad every weekend and caught a movie for almost 20 years now, a movie theatre is something that means a great deal to me. The idea of movie theatres closing to replaced by streaming affects me in a big way.

And that's something incredibly specific. Its not hard to imagine that Disneyland, for many, is something more. For me, I was potty-trained there. It was a second home. My mom is laid to rest there. So yes, its a theme park. But its also so much more.

Trust me, I understand. I feel the same way, to an extent. Disneyland is very special to me. But it absolutely is a theme park. Not only is it a theme park, but it’s a theme park that is run by people I don’t know, a theme park that has gradually changed over the years, and one that will continue to change. The decisions made for it are out of my control. So, while I love Disneyland and it is near and dear to my heart, when it comes down to it, because it’s a theme park, it’ll never make my personal list of the most important and treasured things in my life.

 

[Consumer]

It’s not though. Disneyland especially, and other Disney parks as well to a lesser extent, are indeed special. We all know this, that’s why we are here on this forum.

A home is just a building, a church is just a structure, but we all know that’s not true.

Disneyland is special among theme parks, but it is still just a theme park. Admittedly, Disneyland is special as a piece of American history, hence why I believe Sleeping Beauty Castle or "it's a small world" should be preserved, but I'm not as concerned about the preservation of Big Thunder, Space Mountain, or even Splash, as much I enjoy all of them.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

It is absolutely a theme park, when all is said is done.

Disneyland is special among theme parks, but it is still just a theme park.

And you and I are mammals. At the end of the day that’s what we are.

But to the people who love and care for us, we are much more.

Joe Rohde made a post once about how disney parks have become “a sacred space” for many people. I’ll try to find it, it was brilliant of course.

 

[Californian Elitist]

And you and I are mammals. At the end of the day that’s what we are.

But to the people who love and care for us, we are much more.

Joe Rohde made a post once about how disney parks have become “a sacred space” for many people. I’ll try to find it, it was brilliant of course.

To compare human beings, who are complex living, breathing organisms who think, feel, innovate, invent, study, love, etc. to a theme park that was created and built by said human beings is ludicrous.

I love and cherish Disneyland. When it comes down to it, regarding the most valuable things in life that hold the most importance, I’d put us human beings…or mammals, if you will, particular the ones in my life that affect me and my existence on this earth the most, over Disneyland any day. Because, indeed, it’s a theme park.

If you hold a theme park to that caliber, that’s fine. That’s your choice.

 

[SuddenStorm]

Here's an interesting blog post that's related to the conversation- https://passport2dreams.blogspot.com/2015/03/seeingnot-seeing-parks-and-fan-typology.html

 

[Rich T]

It’s not though. Disneyland especially, and other Disney parks as well to a lesser extent, are indeed special. We all know this, that’s why we are here on this forum.

A home is just a building, a church is just a structure, but we all know that’s not true.

They used to be special. In my opinion, the experience has become worse—much worse—under corporate decisions over the last couple of decades. There’s still awesomeness there, struggling to stay charming amidst all the greed-driven BS. And DL is still the best.

But, for me, Universal Orlando is catching up by leaps and bounds, and a lot of it is because UOR is simply an easier, less-hassle, show up on a whim, no-app-required good time right now. I genuinely feel relaxed at UOR, whereas I feel continually insulted and disappointed by the current state of the WDW parks.

All fixable, of course. This is Disney’s game to lose.

But back to the big picture: In the grand scheme of things theme parks are just theme parks. Disneyland is the gold standard. But it’s still just a theme park. It’s fantastic pop art, and for a long period of time, Disney as a company had reached a perfect balance of art and business in the way they ran and developed Disneyland. I hold onto those memories of growing up visiting that wonderful park during those times, because the charm, for me, is getting more difficult to recognize these days as the upcharges and add-ons and the continual drive for every last dime really seem to warp and twist the meanings of words like “magic” and “dreams.”

Thank Heaven for the CMs.