5/9/08 Toy Story Midway Mania! Preview (Rebekah's Blog)

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This topic is for Discussion of: <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/Blogs/Rebekah/View-198.asp" target="_blank"><b>5/9/08 Toy Story Midway Mania! Preview (Rebekah's Blog)</b></a>

 

Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove

Very well-written. It's going to be interesting to hear everyone else chime in when they've had their chance at it. Wonder what the final majority opinion will be... Thanks for the article.

 

Originally Posted By DyGDisney

Looks super cool. I love the Pixar Studios area. Is it going to be similar at Disneyland??

 

Originally Posted By Rebekah

I wouldn't expect so DyGDisney as the Midway Games theme of the attraction is a natural fit into Paradise Pier at California Adventure. At Disney's Hollywood Studios establishing this area within the park helps it blend into the story of the Studios.

Rebekah.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

Great revue Rebekah. I think TSM is going to be a huge hit for DHS. I really believe this attraction is going to have long lines for a very long time. I think the imagineers can be very proud of this one.

 

Originally Posted By davewasbaloo

Hmm, interesting Rebekah. It would be great to hear how you feel about it after more rides. Please keep us posted.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

Interesting review, thanks.

I'm wondering about the repeatability factor myself.

Although I think it may be overhyped as a criticism. I still enjoy Buzz (even the MK's worst version). And I love MiB. So I'd bet I'll ride this frequently, especially at the Studios where there isn't very much that appeals to me.

My personal concern would be in the 'big' picture ... that WDI seems intent on crafting attractions that are interactive be they shoot em ups or talk to the characters. I'm sure all the market research backs them up. I'm also sure all the market research is designed to back up the decisions that Burbank, Marketing and WDI have already made.

I guess I'm old school, but I'm looking forward to The Little Mermaid and Radiator Springs Racers at DCA more than I am this because I don't have to be part of the show to be entertained -- and as anyone who knows me will attest to, I'm very entertaining anyway!

 

Originally Posted By dennis-in-ct

is it true that MIDWAY MANIA will be able to "re-dress" itself for the holidays? Or do a Halloween version? I thought that was planned.

I am also drooling over Radiator Srings and Mermaid.

(and the Harry Potter section at IOA)

 

Originally Posted By kennect

Spirit, I am so with you on that last post...While good 3D can be entertaining it just seems everything at the moment it about some kind of projection based thing with interaction...Give us some of those apparently considered old fashioned thrills that actually are actually real and not something projected on a screen...I am so thankful that regardless of whatever anyone says about the different parks that Disney still believes in maintaining their existing dark rides from the olden days...They are classic and I don't mean because it is Disney...Dark rides, as we all know, had a rich history before Disney ever stepped in...He just upped it a few notches that no one seems to be really interested in competing with...

 

Originally Posted By davewasbaloo

I find it very ironic, we have indeed gone full circle. Disneyland was attempt to move away from screens in the Disney cannon and create fully realised environments. Now they put the screens in the parks. People criticise DCA for being a multiplex and yet Florida is having this happen left, right and centre - Philharmagic, MILF, Mission Space, Soarin' (ok, I do still love this one), Nemo ride and Turtletalk, new Canada film (ok, it was time), El Rio del Tiempo redo, and TSM. The only other additions are stage shows and thrill rides (albeit EE is very cool).

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a number of these, but the reliance on projected media is getting tired. And while not cheap (film production is costly), it feels it. SO yep, I'm looking forward to Carsland (even if it is character based, another major complaint have wit WDI?).

How soon till Fitzgerald retires?

 

Originally Posted By bobbelee9

Wish I could figure if MPierce meant to put a smiley face after #5.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

^^^ No, I was being sincere in everything I wrote. Plus it was to early for an adult beverage.

 

Originally Posted By bobbelee9

Yeah, I realized that you weren't being nasty when I read another thread. We'll be at WDW May 27th, so baring any problems we should be able to see TSM.
Never too early, I had a little vanilla vodka in my coke with lunch.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

It might be fun to add a little vanilla vodka in your coke before you ride.

 

Originally Posted By bobbelee9

Not for the people who would have to clean up. I wonder how bad it is that they warn you about motion sickness. Maybe that's just a standard warning.

 

Originally Posted By mstaft

I am tired of the film based attractions as well. The only two that really work for me are Soarin' and Crush.

 

Originally Posted By Witches of Morva

ORDDU: My sisters and I had the pleasure of experiencing this wonderful, new attraction on Saturday, May 10th, during the AP preview. It was a two hour wait time for us but was worth every minute. Since Disney Hollywood Studio's had become rather stagnant for us over the past several years, this was just the right sort of thing to help us to start enjoying this particular park again.

ORWEN: Yeah--that AND Block Party Bash!

ORDDU: So--for us, at least--Toy Story Mania is a winner and we hope all of you enjoy it as much as we did.

 

Originally Posted By bayrr326

Just got back. My GF and I rode it today and had a blast. I don't know why certain people are complaining. I thought the Q was great. Really cool design and it was neat picking everything out and figuring it all out. The loading area was neat with it being Andy's room. The ride it self was just fun. The games were cool and the 3d was pretty neat. My GF who sucks at Buzz Lightyear had no problem playing this and did really well. The key for me is we were smiling and laughing the whole time. It is a great addition to the Studio's and the lines are going to be pretty long. The crazy thing today was that the rest of the park was dead. It seemed like a third of the park was Ap's cause we walked on TOT and RNR.

 

Originally Posted By dshyates

"The key for me is we were smiling and laughing the whole time."

I have not been stoked for this addition, but this is the kind of statement that makes me feel better about it. That really is what it is all about. At least for this kind of attraction. The queue without a doubt looks great. I am a little disappointed at the detailing on the ride itself, but it looks fun. And I like that they already have seasonal overlays prepared.
I have heard several people say that the games are so engaging that you don't notice the lack of detailing inside, but I think that is where repeatability comes in. From the videos it looks stunningly stark inside. Unlike Buzz, which I feel would be mildly entertaining even if you didn't fire a shot, TSM looks.....empty.
Are there any show scenes that have anything other than the game and screens? Any AAs other than the Mr. Potatohead in the queue? To me, it doesn't look like its immersive at all after you leave the queue. You simply get in the vehicles and enter a giant show building and start playing video games.

 

Originally Posted By Indigo

I managed to get in one ride on TSMM this weekend. It's a solid attraction for what they were trying to accomplish. It was a lot of fun, even the 'times when the attraction was stalled' were fun (although points don't rack up).

A hint: listen to the characters as they talk during each game. They'll give you hints on how to score better.