What I think...as of today...for now...

[jt04]

its a much better thread now that the doom and gloomr of JT is gone, he makes my head spin. Now were back to reality.:hammer:

There is a method to my madness. Some day you will thank me.

That just made me realize that merf was probably a Vogon, too... :lookaroun :lol:

I found out where he is. Actually he exists in three places. Gotta admit he still had the best photo updates going.

And everything I write is poetry in a manner of speaking.

 

[NoChesterHester]

I understand the backlash against the "circus" theming, but hear me out.

We keep discussing "richly themed" areas. Why can't the Dumbo's Circus area be amazingly themed as a circus? Why is a forest, or European village, exclusive on "richly themed?"

We all have memories from our childhood about the circus, or the traveling carnival that stopped at our local fairgrounds. I have some magical memories of that as a child. Looking back as an adult most were dirty, dingy, and cheap... and I believe that is what is inducing the bad reaction from some. I remember when I was six I didn't see that. It was fun, and crazy, and loud, and amazing.

What if they were able to recreate the whimsy of how you viewed the circus as a little kid? Just look at the Dumbo concept art for a minute. It is richly themed. Could be truly amazing, and very different from any circus that I have ever seen in person. What if it was circus done right, only the way Disney could do it?

 

[WDWGoof07]

L....O.....N....G..... wait. Short Ride. Crazy slow loading. The dual spinners will help tremendously.

The NextGen queue will also make that wait more enjoyable. I'm actually really curious about this aspect of the expansion.

 

[IWant2GoNow]

I understand the backlash against the "circus" theming, but hear me out.

We keep discussing "richly themed" areas. Why can't the Dumbo's Circus area be amazingly themed as a circus? Why is a forest, or European village, exclusive on "richly themed?"

We all have memories from our childhood about the circus, or the traveling carnival that stopped at our local fairgrounds. I have some magical memories of that as a child. Looking back as an adult most were dirty, dingy, and cheap... and I believe that is what is inducing the bad reaction from some. I remember when I was six I didn't see that. It was fun, and crazy, and loud, and amazing.

What if they were able to recreate the whimsy of how you viewed the circus as a little kid? Just look at the Dumbo concept art for a minute. It is richly themed. Could be truly amazing, and very different from any circus that I have ever seen in person. What if it was circus done right, only the way Disney could do it?

:sohappy: Well said.

As long as it is themed well enough I won't have any problems with it... except for maybe being able to see huge tents from Tomorrowland.

But just imagine what it would look like at night! I think if done correctly it would look amazing.

 

[NewfieFan]

So, if SWSA is going to leave, how about replacing it with a Robin Hood dark ride? All kinds of characters that boys will love and there is even a princess, Maid Marian. Plus all kinds of merchandise. We can have plush toys, hats with little fix years, bow and arrow sets (the sticky, suction cup kind), and Maid Marian princess outfits for the girls.

And it wouldn't be too far from the Friar's Nook!

Would love to see some Robin Hood... my boy loves that movie!

L....O.....N....G..... wait. Short Ride. Crazy slow loading. The dual spinners will help tremendously.

Yes, it is very long. I only ride early in the morning with my kids and even then the wait is painful.

I understand the backlash against the "circus" theming, but hear me out.

We keep discussing "richly themed" areas. Why can't the Dumbo's Circus area be amazingly themed as a circus? Why is a forest, or European village, exclusive on "richly themed?"

We all have memories from our childhood about the circus, or the traveling carnival that stopped at our local fairgrounds. I have some magical memories of that as a child. Looking back as an adult most were dirty, dingy, and cheap... and I believe that is what is inducing the bad reaction from some. I remember when I was six I didn't see that. It was fun, and crazy, and loud, and amazing.

What if they were able to recreate the whimsy of how you viewed the circus as a little kid? Just look at the Dumbo concept art for a minute. It is richly themed. Could be truly amazing, and very different from any circus that I have ever seen in person. What if it was circus done right, only the way Disney could do it?

I'm hopeful about the "circus" theme as well! I'm excited... and can you imagine how it will look once the sun sets and the lights come on!?! Could be a very fun area!

 

[jt04]

I understand the backlash against the "circus" theming, but hear me out.

We keep discussing "richly themed" areas. Why can't the Dumbo's Circus area be amazingly themed as a circus? Why is a forest, or European village, exclusive on "richly themed?"

We all have memories from our childhood about the circus, or the traveling carnival that stopped at our local fairgrounds. I have some magical memories of that as a child. Looking back as an adult most were dirty, dingy, and cheap... and I believe that is what is inducing the bad reaction from some. I remember when I was six I didn't see that. It was fun, and crazy, and loud, and amazing.

What if they were able to recreate the whimsy of how you viewed the circus as a little kid? Just look at the Dumbo concept art for a minute. It is richly themed. Could be truly amazing, and very different from any circus that I have ever seen in person. What if it was circus done right, only the way Disney could do it?

Personally I think they have begun to rely way to heavily on the circus/carnival/fair/festival themes and they are losing there charm.

Cirque, TSMM, Boardwalk, Dumbo, Dinorama, Medieval Fair tents and whatever ones I'm forgetting.

Secondly, Dumbo and the circus are Americana which creates serious backstory isssues. I'd be all for a medieval fair setting or land as part of the FLE if the theme did not already dominate FL. Think jesters instead of clowns and jousting and all the other typical stuff. That would work. An american circus would not plus it is just an easy way out. IMO.

 

[WDWGoof07]

I understand the backlash against the "circus" theming, but hear me out.

We keep discussing "richly themed" areas. Why can't the Dumbo's Circus area be amazingly themed as a circus? Why is a forest, or European village, exclusive on "richly themed?"

We all have memories from our childhood about the circus, or the traveling carnival that stopped at our local fairgrounds. I have some magical memories of that as a child. Looking back as an adult most were dirty, dingy, and cheap... and I believe that is what is inducing the bad reaction from some. I remember when I was six I didn't see that. It was fun, and crazy, and loud, and amazing.

What if they were able to recreate the whimsy of how you viewed the circus as a little kid? Just look at the Dumbo concept art for a minute. It is richly themed. Could be truly amazing, and very different from any circus that I have ever seen in person. What if it was circus done right, only the way Disney could do it?

You're right, especially the bolded. The Magic Kingdom is supposed to be idyllic, and I believe both adults and children are still somewhat enchanted by the circus. I think the Circus land will be richly themed, and I agree with the poster who said he can't wait to see it at night.

 

[Ignohippo]

Words absolutely cannot express how much I hate this idea. While I didn't think we needed a whole land for Pixie Hollow, at least it fit with the class of what WDI had come up with for the rest of the FLE. The chateau was one of the things that I felt added the most grandeur to the area.

I find the idea of an entire circus area to be completely wrong for MK. It was like a sore thumb as the small area in the previous plans, now it's more like a black eye.

IMO, all that needed to happen was to replace the Pixie mouse ride with a Neverland area (pirate ship water play area and Skull Rock) - the pixie meet and greet would stay as designed in the corner. The large pirate ship would look great in the distance from the chateau, would fit with the waterways from The Little Mermaid ride and would appeal to boys AND girls. A meet and greet for Peter, Hook and Wendy would also be there.

 

[Studios Fan]

Thanks Lee for all the work you've done on this.

 

[jlg263]

L....O.....N....G..... wait. Short Ride. Crazy slow loading. The dual spinners will help tremendously.

Yes, I'll agree with that. I was always amazed at the amount of time people will wait for dumbo. It also has to be one of the most miserable lines to wait in. Hot, crowded, and not much to do. The double capacity and new queue will be an amazing upgrade. Also, hopefully they'll do away with the "boarding passes" with the new system. I used to work Dumbo and I can't count how many angry guests I encountered because of mix-ups with those stupid things! And that long wait definitely didn't help matters...

However, I have to wonder if Dumbo will lose a certain charm with its new placement. It's always been right behind the castle and in the middle of the fireworks when they're going off, which definitely helps boost the appeal of the otherwise simple ride. Hopefully it will fare well in it's new location though. Guess we'll see

 

[Magenta Panther]

Even worse, as temporary as Mickey's Birthdayland/Toontown Fair. I'm hoping we'll see the meet and greet move elsewhere after a few months, to be replaced with a Mary Poppins dark ride.

Now you're talking. The lack of a Mary Poppins anything in the parks is kind of criminal. But what kind of a dark ride could it be? Flying over rooftops is already covered by PPF. Hmmm...maybe it's not so difficult to understand why Poppins gets so little coverage. What exactly can one do with it in terms of an attraction?

 

[Magenta Panther]

I understand the backlash against the "circus" theming, but hear me out.

We keep discussing "richly themed" areas. Why can't the Dumbo's Circus area be amazingly themed as a circus? Why is a forest, or European village, exclusive on "richly themed?"

We all have memories from our childhood about the circus, or the traveling carnival that stopped at our local fairgrounds. I have some magical memories of that as a child. Looking back as an adult most were dirty, dingy, and cheap... and I believe that is what is inducing the bad reaction from some. I remember when I was six I didn't see that. It was fun, and crazy, and loud, and amazing.

What if they were able to recreate the whimsy of how you viewed the circus as a little kid? Just look at the Dumbo concept art for a minute. It is richly themed. Could be truly amazing, and very different from any circus that I have ever seen in person. What if it was circus done right, only the way Disney could do it?

I'm one of those who was mystified as to why Dumbo was getting to much attention in the expansion. Then I remembered the reason I've never ridden Dumbo...the lines for the ride are impossible. I guess that's because many people feel like it's an important ritual to ride Dumbo at least once when visiting the parks; it's that iconic. Perhaps expanding it is the best way to make that ritual more possible for guests, while plussing the experience in a (hopefully) creative way. If the expanded Dumbo area could have a calliope and other authentic circus elements, it could be truly fun. I can't wait to see pictures of the layout and building designs. Maybe there'll be an AA of Timothy Mouse. That would be awesome. (I suppose AAs of the crows are out of the question though...too bad...some find them racially insensitive, but they're still some of the best characters in the movie).

 

[JustInTime]

Now you're talking. The lack of a Mary Poppins anything in the parks is kind of criminal. But what kind of a dark ride could it be? Flying over rooftops is already covered by PPF. Hmmm...maybe it's not so difficult to understand why Poppins gets so little coverage. What exactly can one do with it in terms of an attraction?

She is in the Great Movie Ride. Nuff for me. Bring on Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

 

[WDWGoof07]

Now you're talking. The lack of a Mary Poppins anything in the parks is kind of criminal. But what kind of a dark ride could it be? Flying over rooftops is already covered by PPF. Hmmm...maybe it's not so difficult to understand why Poppins gets so little coverage. What exactly can one do with it in terms of an attraction?

*armchair Imagineering* You could ride a wooden horse off a carousel through the "Jolly Holiday", horse race, and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" scenes. ***

I wonder what lies in store for SWSA or any future rides there, but I won't worry about that until after FLE has opened. The likelihood of two new rides, and the possiblility of a third, is exciting, though.

 

[Magenta Panther]

Words absolutely cannot express how much I hate this idea. While I didn't think we needed a whole land for Pixie Hollow, at least it fit with the class of what WDI had come up with for the rest of the FLE. The chateau was one of the things that I felt added the most grandeur to the area.

I find the idea of an entire circus area to be completely wrong for MK. It was like a sore thumb as the small area in the previous plans, now it's more like a black eye.

IMO, all that needed to happen was to replace the Pixie mouse ride with a Neverland area (pirate ship water play area and Skull Rock) - the pixie meet and greet would stay as designed in the corner. The large pirate ship would look great in the distance from the chateau, would fit with the waterways from The Little Mermaid ride and would appeal to boys AND girls. A meet and greet for Peter, Hook and Wendy would also be there.

I really like your idea of a Neverland area. It's much better than my idea regarding Pixie Hollow. In fact, it's so good it's a shame it can't be presented to the artisans behind the expansion. I can see your idea really adding a touch of real magic to the area. Do Imagineers ever visit here?

 

[GIO]

Dumbo

The Dumbo hride as a special place in my son's heart... he was lucky enough to be asked by by a cast member to ride Dumbo with Pluto... a priceless magical moment.... he glowed for a week.

I think the crcus theme could be fun, but I hope they leave the Barndtomer alone... Love that ride, it is a great intro to coasters for the little ones.

 

[Magenta Panther]

*armchair Imagineering* You could ride a wooden horse off a carousel through the "Jolly Holiday", horse race, and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" scenes. ***

I wonder what lies in store for SWSA or any future rides there, but I won't worry about that until after FLE has opened. The likelihood of two new rides, and the possiblility of a third, is exciting, though.

Sure is. The possibility of the Dwarf Mine Train ride alone has really lifted my spirits in regard to the expansion. It's an idea that seems like it has a spark of real creativity to it, instead of just another idea to cash in on the princess fad and stuff. The Dwarfs themselves are so fun and so beloved that surely they deserve an attraction that focuses on them. I can't wait to see some concept art for it. Hopefully it'll exceed everyone's expectations, as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror certainly exceeded mine (and as did Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey). I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised...

 

[Skyway]

Before attacking the circus theme, consider the amazing thing WDI is trying to do with the FL makeover, and how a popular attraction has tied their hands.

Rather than haphazardly plopping a bunch of random experiences next to each other (as Walt's original Fantasyland had done), WDI is finally trying to give FL a cohesive story.

There is a castle. There is a castle courtyard. There is a "fantasy forest" beyond the castle walls.

Where, in any of those thematic areas, do you recommend putting a bunch of flying elephants??

Dumbo does not really fit inside the castle courtyard (one can argue that flying pirate ships and international boat tours don't fit either, but at least the facades hide the attractions inside. Dumbo is out in the open.)

And I cannot imagine a way to re-theme Dumbo to fit alongside Gaston's Tavern, Prince Eric's castle, Pooh's forest, and the Seven Dwarves' mine.

So at this point WDI has three choices: get rid of Dumbo, randomly drop it among the other FL attractions, or try to build a "mini-land" around it to make it a fuller experience.

I think everyone will agree that WDI cannot get rid of Dumbo. It is a classic Walt attraction, a fan favorite, and among the most recognizable park icons.

And it appears that WDI is trying to get BatB, TLM, Pooh, and Seven Dwarves Mine to blend together as smoothly as possible. Dropping in some colorfully-dressed elephants would interrupt that thematic flow.

That leaves creating a "mini-land" for Dumbo, as it appears WDI is doing.

Rather than just installing one lone attraction out in the open, it appears WDI is trying to bring some additional "story" to the attraction.

Placing Dumbo near the railroad tracks makes perfect sense.

As much as I don't love the idea of incorporating Barnstormer into "Dumbo's Circus", that attraction has also tied WDI's hands. It can't be economically moved, and it is too expensive and popular to simply remove. Yet I cannot think of any other franchise that could take it over and also have room to create yet another "mini land" around that.

I guess that the Mad Tea Party could theoretically moved closer to Barnstormer to create a Wonderland "mini land". But realistically, that seems like an unnecessary expense (I'm sure Dumbo would also be kept in its current location if there wasn't the need to double it's size and build a large indoor queue building.)

So given that WDI needed to move Dumbo somewhere, the train station is an important element of the Dumbo story, and Barnstormer is permanently anchored on that side of FL (far from any other franchise attraction), it really seems WDI had no choice but to go with the circus theme.

Unlike Dino-rama and Paradise Pier, in which WDI was forced to justify the use of cheap carnival rides, at least Dumbo comes to FL with its own rich story, characters, and sets. In this case, WDI is expanding the existing circus story.

 

[Magenta Panther]

The Dumbo hride as a special place in my son's heart... he was lucky enough to be asked by by a cast member to ride Dumbo with Pluto... a priceless magical moment.... he glowed for a week.

I think the crcus theme could be fun, but I hope they leave the Barndtomer alone... Love that ride, it is a great intro to coasters for the little ones.

What if they leave it essentially whole, but dressed it up in circus themes?

 

[WDWGoof07]

Sure is. The possibility of the Dwarf Mine Train ride alone has really lifted my spirits in regard to the expansion. It's an idea that seems like it has a spark of real creativity to it, instead of just another idea to cash in on the princess fad and stuff. The Dwarfs themselves are so fun and so beloved that surely they deserve an attraction that focuses on them. Again, I can't wait to see concept art for it. Hopefully it'll exceed everyone's expectations, like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror certainly exceeded mine (as did Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey). I just love to be surprised...

I like SWSA, but a good Dwarf Mine Ride would be tons of fun. I'd get over losing SWSA for the coaster :lol:, especially since a new ride is within the realm of possibility for that space. Of course, that would be contingent upon FLE being successful, but, if all goes well, that shouldn't be a problem. However, the plans for the current construction aren't even set in stone, so I won't worry about the future of the SWSA just yet.

By the way, is your user name a reference to the Pink Panther? I love the cartoons and the Peter Sellers movies!