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What is Disneyland’s Thesis Attraction?
- Thread starter mickEblu
- Start date
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Disney Irish
Premium Member
EPCOTCenterLover
Well-Known Member
Well, I finally voted. 
Since trains of various sorts have been around for decades, even though its a major piece of the plan for the park... I had to place my vote for Jungle Cruise. It took theming for an amusement park ride to the next level- much like what Pirates would do a decade plus later.
Since trains of various sorts have been around for decades, even though its a major piece of the plan for the park... I had to place my vote for Jungle Cruise. It took theming for an amusement park ride to the next level- much like what Pirates would do a decade plus later.
Well, I finally voted.
Since trains of various sorts have been around for decades, even though its a major piece of the plan for the park... I had to place my vote for Jungle Cruise. It took theming for an amusement park ride to the next level- much like what Pirates would do a decade plus later.
Man knows what he’s talking about.
Nirya
Well-Known Member
I...honestly think it might be the Matterhorn?
Think about it: the ride did not exist at the opening of the park, but became an attraction because Walt saw something and decided it fit in his part. It was multi-purpose at the time of its building (it hid the central beam for the Skyway and today still is used in fireworks shows) and was a technological innovation (first tubular steel coaster in the world). It has been plussed over the years (addition and upgrade of the Abominable Snowman) and it's the only major attraction that has never been cloned at another Disney park, though I guess if you want to argue Expedition Everest is a spiritual successor, I won't fight you.
Think about it: the ride did not exist at the opening of the park, but became an attraction because Walt saw something and decided it fit in his part. It was multi-purpose at the time of its building (it hid the central beam for the Skyway and today still is used in fireworks shows) and was a technological innovation (first tubular steel coaster in the world). It has been plussed over the years (addition and upgrade of the Abominable Snowman) and it's the only major attraction that has never been cloned at another Disney park, though I guess if you want to argue Expedition Everest is a spiritual successor, I won't fight you.
Well, I finally voted.
Since trains of various sorts have been around for decades, even though its a major piece of the plan for the park... I had to place my vote for Jungle Cruise. It took theming for an amusement park ride to the next level- much like what Pirates would do a decade plus later.
That’s a great point by the way. How can it be the train when trains exist in various forms all over the world? Not that this fact disqualifies it but I’d say it’s tough to ignore and not factor in. Not only did the Jungle Cruise display the biggest commitment to theming and pave the way for other signature E tickets/ Disneyland attractions but it was the only thing like it in the world at the time. Not to mention it was there on opening day. I’m honestly shocked it only has 2 votes out of 42 people. I knew POTC and the DLRR would have more have more votes but I didn’t think it would be by a landslide.
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Disney Irish
Premium Member
Your question isn't defined as having to be unique to a Disney Park.
To me it all comes down to, what is the one attraction that invokes Walt the man who created the park, and that is the DLRR. From his love of trains to what his intention was on how guests should start out their day when he created the park.
He says it all in the original pitch deck for the Park:
"The Railroad Station, situated at the main entrance to Disneyland, is recommended as a starting point for the visitor. Here you may board a 1/3 scale train pulled by a 12 ton steam engine, six fee high.
The Railroad Train, with its beautifully appointed coaches, takes you on a skyline tour around Disneyland, where you will see from your window, Main Street, True Life Adventureland, The World of Tomorrow, Lilliputian Land, Fantasy Land, Recreation Park, Frontier Country, Treasure Island, the home of Mickey Mouse Clud, and Holidayland and back to Civic Center."
Obviously some of the concepts and names changed, but it was always meant to be the starting point for guests. Start with a trip around the railroad to get like a "preview" or vignette of things to see in the park.
So to me that is the attraction that defined and is the thesis attraction for the Park.
Disney Irish
Premium Member
BTW, if you had asked what the thesis attraction of Adventureland was, I'd agree with you its Jungle Cruise. But not for the entire park.
I love the DLRR and understand its role in the story of Disneyland. With that said, the train itself is a transportation ride which is still pretty great but does contain some unthemed areas. I can only imagine some of the not so great vistas on opening day. Some people may say it’s just a practical way to get around the park although that’s not why I ride it.
I’d argue the people leaving the park on opening day were much more impressed with Jungle Cruise than the train. And that’s because it was the first of its kind and paved the way for similar attractions. The kind of attractions people go to Disneyland for and keeps them coming back. The train is a wonderful part of the experience and the station makes a great entrance for the park but it’s more like the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae. Not the ice cream. The train isn’t why most people are going to the park. It wasn’t then and it isn’t now.
To bring it back to Walt I’d argue that the Jungle Cruise was closer to his vision for the kind of experience he wanted to create for his guests at the park. Something truly transportive. I know I’m in the minority here but I don’t even think it’s close.
Disney Irish
Premium Member
I'm not sure I follow your logic given how you've posed the question for the thread. Or maybe you need to clarify on what you specifically mean by "thesis" attraction.
Because while I like the Jungle Cruise I wouldn't say it is/was the pinnacle of themed entertainment as you seem to be alluding to.
I take “thesis attraction” to mean something along the lines of an attraction that most encapsulates the purpose or intention of the park. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an opening day attraction but it certainly helps an attractions case especially when said attraction was the template for headliners to come. Not to mention the attraction still exists today and the park was never rebranded. Still has all the same original lands. Considering these unique circumstances I think JC has to get nod.
I don’t think Jungle Cruise is the pinnacle anymore but it was in 1955.
Disney Irish
Premium Member
Thank you for your clarification.
To me though JC just isn't elevated over any other attraction from the early years of the Park, like say a Pirates or Mansion. Yes it was an opening day attraction, but so was the Castle. And to me the Castle outside of the DLRR is "Disneyland", without either its just not Disneyland anymore. Heck they could get replace JC (and while many would be upset) it would still be Disneyland. But remove the Castle or the DLRR and its no longer Disneyland, they are the defining attractions or identity of the Park. Its like you know when you walk down Main St and see that Castle, you're transported to another world, you're in Disneyland. And that is the encapsulation for the purpose of the Park, to give you that feeling that you are transported to another world, both the Castle and the DLRR do that.
So yeah I still stick with DLRR, but tied with the Castle.
I agree with you to an extent but the castle isn’t really an attraction. I mean it is on the park map because of the walk thru but you know what I mean. Plus it wasn’t an attraction on opening day as the walk thru didn’t exist. If the question was what is Disneylands icon or the most important thing at Disneyland then my list would look very different. I’d have the castle, ROA, DLRR, TSI, Matterhorn etc. But we re talking thesis attractions, not icons.
Disney Irish
Premium Member
The fact that guests both new and returning flock to the Castle to take pictures and such indicate its an attraction, at least my book.
But be that as it may, JC still just doesn't fit the bill for me when it comes to being the defining "thesis" attraction for all of Disneyland. For me its still gonna be DLRR and the Castle.
We all look at the Parks in very different ways, that is what makes them great. So I don't know if there will ever really be a consensus on this since its all from very different and very personal perspectives. Just my opinion anyways.
So is floral Mickey an “attraction” too? Regardless, interesting discussion and thanks for the response.
Disney Irish
Premium Member
Lol I mean yeah if its something that a guest "does" it can be considered an "attraction". Not every "attraction" is going to be a ride or show, its always been a broad term. So while the Floral Mickey and the Castle might not be "official" attractions on the list other than for Photopass, for this discussion they could be considered "attractions". But again just my opinion.
Yes its an interesting topic and discussion.
I think it might by Peter Pan's Flight? You're stepping into the world that Disney has presented in Movies and TV, you're getting a unique physical sensation while not being overly scared/thrilled, and you get to experience multiple visual aesthetics (Edwardian London, Indian Tribe, Pirate Cove) in short order that somehow work together. Those all feel like key parts of Disneyland to me.