Does anyone think Disney was expecting this much backlash? I think we got used to seeing Imagineering prove audiences wrong.
Wonder if they got cocky after their triumph of recent successes where they proved that all change is not necessarily a bad thing. One example I can think of is Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.
Again, there's always going to be negative reviews to a change at first. But this is one of those special exceptions where the general reaction has been quite negative. Even content creators who have defended Disney this far for the change have been outweighing their pros with many cons.
There's no storyline. No buildup. Dead areas. Visually pretty, but you can only hide that for so long. And the opposite of that is what differs Imagineering and the Disney Parks from a Universal or Six Flags. That's why we hold them to such a high standard. Usually, each ride and attraction is handled with such artistry and care.
Splash Mountain wasn't visually kept as it were "up to date" according to many people. But the general thrill, buildup to the drop, and catchy songs held the ride to be certified as a forever classic. Many people, like myself, put this on the Mount Rushmore of Disney attractions, one that would truly stick around from now until the end of time.
I wish that Disney had updated Splash Mountain instead of retheming it entirely. It would have shut up the naysayers who had complained about the off-putting lighting and poor state of animatronics, that Splash Mountain was a ride truly worth keeping forever. If only. Man if only. To think that now the majority of people are starting to appreciate now what was so hard for them to appreciate before is surreal.
Moral of the story is, be careful what you wish for. Especially in this era of Imagineering.
