Epcot82Guy
Well-Known Member
It seems like the general response has either been overwhelmingly positive or overwhelmingly negative depending on who you talk to. Having finally ridden it in person recently, I found myself somewhere in the middle. All this talk about it being an upgrade or a downgrade but it truly feels like an equal trade off. The "bones" of Splash Mountain are still there and anything that was removed was replaced by something equally substantial (even if not always in the same exact location). It really just felt like the same ride in a different font.
I think that sums up a number of problems with current projects. They are a trade off. Leaving aside the other parts of this story for Splash itself and its inspiration material, to take something that is enjoyed, spend this time and money on it - for it to basically be a lateral move - is hard to justify as success. It shows a disconnect with the broader audience.
I think the fairer comparison in these scenarios is the existing attraction with the new attraction's budget as a massive renovation/redo budget. Not the old attraction on its last legs to the new attraction on its first legs.
I genuinely wonder if a significantly renovated/enhanced Splash (again, ignoring the other issues) would result in the same result for you - or anyone else.