Tower of Terror better at DCA... uggghh!?

[marni1971]

Re: is Paris really that good?

Originally posted by paulcmartens
DisneyFan...is Paris really that good? I've heard rave reviews of TDS...but is Tokyo Disneyland not so hot as compared to Paris Disneyland?

Hey Paul!!

DLP (the `MK` park) is AWESOME... the attention to every single detail, the design problems from earlier MKs resolved, the signiture attractions being taken to the next level and then some.... I`m afraid it is streets ahead of WDWs MK (but as I`ve said before, thats progress) I have posted the specific points before, let me know if you want me to again (can`t remember what thread it was in.. Doh!) tomm4004 was right - if it had Splash and Indy EMV it would be the most `complete`park (they were mothballed early on in the final design - imagine Splash as a hybrid water coaster (think Atlantis at Seaworld Orlando). Not to mention Geyser Mountain (ToT technology in a flooded mine) and the aforementioned B & Beast show and Mermaid dark ride. The land is still available for most of these.. and then there was Discovery Mountain... God, I can waffle can`t I??

Personally, I`ve not done TDL (my dad has), and I`ve researched it as much as poss. The OLC wanted originally an EXACT replica of Orlandos MK - only when most of the designs were set did cultural and logistical changes creep in. The layout copies Florida a lot more than Paris does, and the Castle is identical. Even their (still existing) Tomorrowland was a direct lift of the phase 1 WDW MK design (without the WEDWay balconys)... but then of course you have TDS next door for an (unfortunatley) unique park...

BTW - interesting side note - how quickly was DCAs ToT decided on? Was it always going in DCA, but maybe not so soon? The reason I ask is there seems to be a certain ammount of feeling it was a rush job to get the parks attendence up, and rush jobs invaribally lead to corners (and floors) cut. I have noticed TDLs ToT was in model form on the masterplan model before 1996 - so that one has been in the planning for at least 8/9 years (Walt Disney Imagineering book, page 75), and dosn`t open for a while yet... comparissons will inevitably be drawn between DCAs and TDS.. only time will tell if the extra time in planning (TDS) reveals any real cost cutting (at DCA), or if the 5d level was removed from both. Don`t get me wrong - I am glad DCA is getting one, and hope it will be a great success (sure it will be!), but it seems to be an E Ride in shining armour to save the park (like DLPs Space Mountain is quoted on doing). Now, speaking of Paris, about the ToT there... it certainly is very different to the others... nice artwork and real porcelin..:lol:

 

[Lee]

The ToT for DCA was designed along with the rest of the park, but not built at opening. Pressler and Co. decided to hold it back in order to make it the first major addition to DCA.
Unfortunately, it should have been there opening day, as that could have saved DCA much of the bashing it has received.

Reports I have gotten from the WDI party at ToT yesterday are all positive. Few say it's better than WDW's, but all are favorable, and all agree that it should be the shot in the arm the park needed. Now.....one more big E and DCA will earn it's keep.

 

[paulcmartens]

I don't know about it being designed for opening, hadn't heard that it been 'cut' for opening day. The fact that balloons were used to judge heights just before construction suggests the opposite. Or at least severe changes were implemented beforehand. Those sorts of design issues are resolved before planning, not after.

Wow, I see the picture you're referring to...good eye! (that's a great book).

I don't particularly trust imagineers responses to designs they have created. Of course they are not going say the ride bites, or is less than in comparison.

In all honesty, I believe the ride will be o.k. Not as impressive as TOT (not as much money spent -- its a pretty simple math equation). Won't stop me from riding it, but I know what to expect.

TOT TDS will absolutely rock. Looking at the model, it definitely looks to include the 5d room which DCA got 'cheaped' out of.

 

[Lee]

ToT has always been in the plan for DCA eventually, not exactly "cut" from opening, so much as held back.
The balloons were used to test the height. That ToT is a bit shorter than the one at WDW, so as not to loom too much over Main Street.
The reviews from the WDI preview have not all been from Imagineers. Other were given access as well, and most reviews were generally positive.

 

[paulcmartens]

That means little. Anybody to ride that will say its cool.

Get a newbie person to ride TOT WDW then TOT DCA...compare the two (or ride the other way around)...then I'm listening.

 

[xfkirsten]

Re: you're up late...

Originally posted by paulcmartens
Whoah negative? I didn't use the word 'disgust'...

I'm just not setting my hopes up, I'm not judging the thing...I'm just thinking it will be o.k. for what it is! Calm down!

I just was in San Diego this evening...top of the hyatt...I love that city.

I'm sorry if it came off sounding like I was trying to jump down your throat. But you said "Although I'm excited as all get out that we've got a new attraction, and I can't wait at all to ride it, I'm pretty much setting myself up for a less than WDW TOT experience." To me that came across as meaning that you already thought TOT was gonna be worse than WDW's. And I've heard too many people these days jumping the gun and saying that when they haven't even been on DCA's yet. I am of the opinion that having a pre-formed notion like that just sets you up to look at the ride negatively when you finally do get on it. Like I said, I'm sorry for jumping at you like that.

It was a nice day here in San Diego... nice day to be up there! I, unfortunately, was at work all day.

-Kirsten

 

[paulcmartens]

I'm just not getting my hopes up. I mean, I love that ride, even though I've never been on it...I have that room hanger hanging outside my apartment door. I'm sure they will do a great job.

Just from the outset it looks like they spent a little less money (from my one time imagineer source and from musings around this board).

So, yah, I am expecting it to be a little worse, or less 'wow'...but of course would be overjoyed if it ended up being on par.

I'm just not wanting to set myself up for disappointment by keeping it 'real' -- realizing that less money spent, usually indicates a lesser e-attraction (not always the case though).

And that's totally o.k. These things happen...budget cuts or less planning.

 

[DisneyFan 2000]

Originally posted by tomm4004
but they are lacking Jungle Cruise

I think it doesn't fit in with the new Adventureland theme. That is what I read somewhere

 

[tomm4004]

but they are lacking Jungle Cruise...I think it doesn't fit in with the new Adventureland theme. That is what I read somewhere

At the time DLP opened I read that a park in Germany already had a Jungle Cruise and that's why Disney didn't build one. It seemed an odd explanation.

Jungle Cruise would fit fine in the Adventurland theme, along with the Tree House. Part of the land is themed to Aladdin and another to Pirates but the left section with Colonel Hathi's Pizza Outpost and Restaurant Hakuna Matata would be perfect for it - and there appears to be a huge empty area behind Hathi's where it could fit. It's very jungly there.

 

[marni1971]

Originally posted by tomm4004
At the time DLP opened I read that a park in Germany already had a Jungle Cruise and that's why Disney didn't build one. It seemed an odd explanation.

Thats what I heard too.. maybe they figured the ride had run its course (no pun intended).. or maybe a Winter weather factor (although TDL has a JC). There again, with the Indy EMV originally going in Adventureland, there wouldn`t have been room for both.