Originally Posted By AutoPost This topic is for Discussion of: <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/News-ID513880.asp" target="_blank"><b>LP Feature: 8/12/11 Four Underrated Walt Disney World Attractions</b></a> Doobie's list of four attractions - one in each park - that he feels are vastly underrated by Disney fans.
Originally Posted By Mary Poppins Thanks Doobie for bringing these rides/shows to my attention. I didn't know about them before reading your article.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper Funny, I consider the first three to be three of the most overrated attractions in the parks. As for Nemo, I'd say it's a very popular attraction.
Originally Posted By 3disneylocations Great post! I know the woman who played Belle at Dl and worked w/the producers when they were setting up B&TB on Broadway (she also played Jasmine @ DL) recently did Joseph & the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat with her in SoFla @ a local Historic Community Theatre. Finding Nemo the Musical could be on Broadway. It's that good IMO. LMA, while technically amazing can be a little slow,but you have that view of the entire park during set ups. Philharmagic ... Still don't think people know what to expect, but I find myself looking at all the behind the scenes movements of that Amazing theater. Test Track... I am always amazed that all those actions are happening in a vehicle NO ONE is operating!
Originally Posted By Doobie I agree Nemo is very popular, but I don't usually hear it talked about as one of Disney's great shows let alone the greatest (as I feel it is). While I disagree, I think I can see what someone would consider Philharmagic and Test Track overrated. But I'd love to hear why you think LMAX is. Doobie.
Originally Posted By barboy2 I don't understand. All 4 attractions host substantial crowds and receive lots of praise. Underrated would be: One Man's Dream, Marahaja Jungle, Oh Canada and from the Magic King. the old Alien Encounter, or Hall of Presidents if we're talking something current.
Originally Posted By Doobie I agree they're popular with guests in most cases. But I don't believe they're particularly popular in the Disney fan community for one reason or another. In the first 3 cases I think that's pretty accurate - they're more or less put down for one reason or another. In the last case (Nemo), I think it's just ignored. I could be wrong, but that's my sense anyway.
Originally Posted By leobloom Philharmagic is a good 3D show. Usually see it when we're at MK. Agree with Doobie that the show works well because of its reliance on music instead of dialogue. Test Track is overrated if you're going by standby wait times. I wouldn't miss it if it closed down tomorrow. The ride doesn't have any show scenes that are particularly spectacular. The outdoor portion would be the most spectacular section, and even there it's more interesting for the peek at backstage and Epcot CM's parking lot than for any serious thrill. And LMA is quite possibly my least favorite thing at WDW. Saw it once and that was enough. Made the mistake of seeing it a second time years later and I felt like it was a total waste of time. When I think of underrated attractions, I think of Frontierland Shooting Gallery or Impressions of France or the now defunct Timekeeper or Dream/Take Flight. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, it doesn't seem like WDW adds many smaller attractions that have the potential to be underrated. Everything they add is hyped beyond all measure meaning we get far more overrated attractions than underrated ones.
Originally Posted By DlandDug I do like PhilharMagic, but cannot get past the early CGI versions of the classic Disney characters. Some are pretty good, a couple are just off a bit, and then there are the ones that are just awful. As for Test Track, the set up inside the show building is, for me, just a clunky mess. It doesn't help that I have vivid memories of the excellent World of Motion attraction that was gutted to make room for this unimaginative collection of faux tests. I do agree that the ride system, and the outdoor portion of the attraction, add much that was needed to Future World. LMA is a great show. I have never seen the Nemo musical-- it's always been too crowded on those days I have toured DAK. Maybe next time!
Originally Posted By CDF1 I've always enjoyed Test Track - they did what they could with the space they had. It is pretty amazing from a technology standpoint what they have done with essentially life-sized slot cars. I definitely would like to see what they did with the technology at DisneySea and looking forward to RSR at DCA next year. The old WOM attraction was interesting with all of the AAs - a classic Disney dark ride.
Originally Posted By Disneyland55 We love the first two! My wife especially loves Mickey's Philharmagic. I am not a fan of Lights Motors Action though. But while I find it boring, I do get why others would enjoy it. It's just not my thing I guess.
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS I 100% agree with all but the Nemo show. We just didn't enjoy that at all.
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS I 100% agree with all but the Nemo show. We just didn't enjoy that at all.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 I understand what Doobie's saying about Test Track, but I think it's great in theory rather than execution. In theory, you've got a queue that explains what's going on, a dark ride portion with some infotainment about the tests cars go through, and then an exciting climax with some thrill. I remember reading about the attraction (and being disappointed on a visit to EPCOT when it was slated to be opened, but was still months away) and being very excited about the whole concept: i.e. "you go through the tests that cars go through, while you're in the car? Cool!" In theory, it IS the perfect EPCOT attraction, but in execution I think it falls short. Not way short - I do enjoy it. But for me, it just doesn't quite work as intended.
Originally Posted By Doobie That's a very fair statement. I'm glad you agree with the theory. And I do agree - it could've been better.
Originally Posted By Labuda I absolutely adore all of these attractions, BUT I will admit that it takes a lot for me to stand in line long enough to see Nemo, and I don't find LMAX highly repeatable. I do Philharmagic every time I'm in the MK, though - it's my favorite of the non-Muppets movies in the parks. Muppets always win for me since, well, they're Muppets.
Originally Posted By ChiMike Phil: I agree. A very worthy successor to Mickey Mouse Revue. Great overall attraction, music, good location, people-eater for FL, good 3D, good in theater effects when working. Test Track: A let down, as Dabob says, in execution. Too many shortcuts in the show, understanding that most of the focus and dollars went towards implementing the ride system. Still light years better then Body Wars (1st Future World thrill) and Mission Space. Has more longevity than Soarin'. The upcoming refurb will either be meaningless or could seriously reinvigorate the attraction. Nice low height requirement, but with that comes too light of a thrill aspect, which makes the motivations behind it and the removal of WoM somewhat impotent. Still, a well-fitted attraction for little Katie to ride with Grandpa. Stunt Show: ZzzzzZzzzZzzzzzz, oh, yeah that's right MGM now has two stunt shows. Yep, that's what it needed. That, there, was the silver bullet. Combined with American Idol, I almost think there must be some tax loophole Disney wants to take advantage of by intentionally lowering the gate for MGM. Nemo: Gave it a try, walked out before it finished. In my eyes, vastly overrated. I'm not a big fan of shows to begin with, but I think I have a good handle on what a typical Disney guest likes. I see a large amount of value in Lion King or Aladdin shows on both coasts, but I can't figure out the appeal for this show. Way too over the top in acting with puppets for me. I just don't understand how it improves on the film, reinterprets the film, offers a twist on the film. The other park shows do that. It came across as a highlight reel for b-grade vocalists. Not my thing to spend time at the parks on.
Originally Posted By standor I am not impressed with test track. It skips over the test track theory and relies on thrills.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom I agree with Mickey's Phillharmagic. Great show, lots of entertainment value. Althought I enjoy Test Track.... I think it's more hype than anything else. Honestly you can get the same sensation driving a jeep or convertable on a highway. And I don't have to wait in a stand-by line for an hour to ride in a jeep or convertable. I have never been to the Nemo show.... not sure how much I would enjoy it. I did however enjoy Alladin at DCA. I have no intrest in watching LMAX, it's just not my thing. I realize other people love the show and so be it.
