Originally Posted By Kimmy Kay Phenix - I give your review a one...since you haven't even been on the ride. I too saw the video...it doesn't even give you HALF the experience. I mentioned in my review why I feel the grounds work differently and tie in MUCH better with The Twilight Zone. They could have cut the budget on the Boiler room and made the grounds very similar to WDW if they wanted by just adding a bunch of trees and making it more overgrown. There is a reason they didn't. I am convinced of it. Since you have not even been on the ride, I can tell you had already made your mind up EVEN before you saw any video. It is evident in your second paragraph..."(the fact that it is in Florida and therefore better by default not withstanding)"...that pretty much negates your whole review right there. We know where you are coming from and couldn't possibly be unbiased.
Originally Posted By SpaceScreamin socalguy: The time spent indoors waiting to get onto the elevator (i.e. once you step into the lobby until you board the elevator) is somewhere between 10 and 15 minutes. This is based on my 13 rides on Friday. HOWEVER, I think that when you figure in FastPass, you could be waiting in the Lobby area a tad bit longer, which might make the indoor time 20 to 25 minutes. Beaumandy: FastPass people miss nothing, except some 1930's music that is played in the Standby zig-zag line. FastPass people actually get to see a fountain up close that the Standby folks do not.
Originally Posted By pheneix >>>I mentioned in my review why I feel the grounds work differently and tie in MUCH better with The Twilight Zone.<<< I don't have any qualms with the building and landscaping itself. That they did well, and I sorta agree with you in that the normal to scary transition is a really cool idea. The problem is, at some point you have to look up from the flowers and see that big blue staircase, and it's just like letting the air out of a balloon. >>>It is evident in your second paragraph..."(the fact that it is in Florida and therefore better by default not withstanding)"<<< That was kind of a joke, but it is true that my heart is Florida biased (and let's face it, I've seen hundreds of posts on here about how the Magic Kingdom is dry and plastic compared to Disneyland, so justice works both ways).
Originally Posted By CTXRover I have never seen anything beyond rumors that on message boards that a "cave" room was going to be used. Maybe at one point during the planning phase an Imagineer said "wouldn't it be cool if..." and somehow that got out, but its not like it was ever *really* planned and/or announced officially and then when riding it we found out it was cut. The new tower looks amazing from that video. Considering that is the only way I will get to see it for at least a year and a half, I am incredibly impressed. The audio sounds incredible, I can only imagine what it sounds like in real life. It looks to me that Imagineers have done a very amazing and impressive job of tweeking the original formula and providing a similar yet very unique and distinctive experience. I can't wait to see the mirror scene in real life. I'm a little jealous the WDW version doesn't have that, and I'm saying that just from what is visible on a video!
Originally Posted By DlandDug So, pheneix, did you find all that masticated crow tasty> >>I just finished watching a video of this ride.<< And that's your sorrow, my friend. To offer a "definitve" review on the basis of an on-line amateur video is really pretty silly, isn't it? >>1.) New mirror effect kicks ass. I like the 5th Demension better (the fact that it is in Florida and therefore better by default not withstanding) because it has more going on, but the effect and overall execution just rules. Job well done.<< Yes... (But, as noted above, your bias is showing.) >>2.) The voiceover in the ride doesn't sound like Rod Sterling at all. This is one of those glaring errors that can not be excused under any circumstances.<< If this were even remotely close to being an accurate statement, I would still find it petty. You've listened to a HOME VIDEO, filtered through your 'puter. Think for a moment. I've been through four times, and each time I have been astonished at the fidelity with which they have recreated Serling's voice and style. BTW-- didja read the article about the designer? Serling's widow has been closely involved every step of the way. She protects her husband's voice and likeness very carefully. >>3.) Ayee, they're really gonna regret that narrow stairwell in unload. I personally think it's cool that they came up with that concept, but this ride wasn't built for me. It was built for Joe Blow from Pasadena who just gulped down two chili dogs from a vendor cart and has a 50% chance of finding out that he gets motion sickness when he crawls on this thing. Think of how he and dozens of others who already come off of Tower of Terror kind of wobbly and dazed. Now imagine those people having to face that stairwell right after riding. If I had motion sickness and saw that I'd probably keel over and puke.<< First of all, not all guests exit down the stairs. Second, your bias again shows, but now it is directed against the good folks who go to the Parks ("Joe Blow from Pasadena"). The vast majority of people who will experience this attraction will understand what is involved. The Imagineers have been designing attractions for many more years than you or I have been arguing about them. The stairs are fine. But I imagine you were very pleased to find at least one aspect of this to criticize so vehemently. Too bad it's so minor. >>4.) Surrounding grounds still suck. I mean, you come right out of the gift shop and ka-boom, big blue stairwell and scaffolding from a cheap looking auditorium. There's no excuse, simply none.<< The "big blue stairwell" isn't surrounding grounds. It's the big, ugly attraction next door. The point is to maintain the experience all the way in. By the time people are leaving the GIFT SHOP they are pretty well ready to see the "real world" (no matter how badly designed) again. >>5.) Maybe I'm just biased...<< Maybe? >>...but if I were to grade DCA's Tower of Terror I'd have to give it a 90 vs a 100 for the ride in Florida, and that is with the extra 10 points given to it for being able to accomplish so much under the current regime running Disney. There is simply so much more that is accomplished in Florida that simply wasn't in DCA. Things like the Rod Sterling audio (which was a pain for WDI to accurately produce in Florida) and the exterior grounds are just accomplished so much better in Florida, end of story.<< Thanks for the numerical review. Next. >>That being said, a grade of 90 by my standards is just earth shattering for a Disney attraction these days.<< Really? >>Considering that I have spectacularly failed every Disney attraction built since Alien Encounter (sole exception is Buzz Lightyear, which just squeaks by with a 70 because it is interactive and wildly addictive on E-Ride nights), this is a triumphant accomplishment for Imagineering.<< I am sure they are breaking out the champagne and coolers of Gatorade... >>Too bad the guys that put it together will probably get laid off next month.<< Bitter, bitter, bitter. Time for another heaping platter of crow?
Originally Posted By tangaroa >And that's your sorrow, my friend. To >offer a "definitve" review on the >basis of an on-line amateur video is >really pretty silly, isn't it? No. And we're gone over this only a zillion times before. People make opinions based on whatever information they have all the time. They don't have to experience something to form an opinion on it, otherwise people would never go to the movies, would never go on vacation, and never decide that something is worth doing. It's simply rediculous to think the world works otherwise.
Originally Posted By pheneix >>>So, pheneix, did you find all that masticated crow tasty<<< Tastes like chicken! >>>offer a "definitve" review on the basis of an on-line amateur video is really pretty silly, isn't it?<<< Go back and reread my post. Nowhere did I day it was a definitive review. In fact, my words were actually "somewhat informed look," which means that it is not final. In fact, my numerical grade has a big fat "if" in front of it, which means that it is not final, it's just what I would think it deserves if I saw it in person. >>>You've listened to a HOME VIDEO, filtered through your 'puter.<<< I figured that might have had something to do with it, so I went back and dug up a video of the ride in Florida. And yes, there is a lot of difference in the narration. It sounds like they probably used the same voice-actor but neglected to put him through the voice-filters and enhancers that the Imagineers used in Florida. >>>Second, your bias again shows, but now it is directed against the good folks who go to the Parks ("Joe Blow from Pasadena").<<< First off, that wasn't mean't to be a reference to our good friend Jim From Pasadena. Secondly, despite my making fun of Californians, be rest assured that I will ream a Floridian redneck waiving his confederate flag a heck of a lot faster than poor Joe Blow. BTW, I just re-watched two videos of WDW and DCA's rides back to back again. If it weren't for how well they executed that mirror room (because went straight for the impression of "say goodbye to the real world, because you're ****** now!"), I don't think that there would be much that this ride would have over Florida. But, they have the mirror room, so it's all cool for me.
Originally Posted By tangaroa >I don't think that there would be much >that this ride would have over >Florida. But, they have the mirror >room, so it's all cool for me. Yeah, it's a shame it only lasts for what, 5 seconds? Far too short.
Originally Posted By CTXRover <<< If it weren't for how well they executed that mirror room, I don't think that there would be much that this ride would have over Florida.>>>> And that is exactly why the mirror room is there and is executed so well. It was always designed as a new scene as replacement for the 5D room and they knew it had to be something good. Without it, it would just be WDW's tower but completely without a second scene and then would be extremely lacking in comparison. The fact that it seems to be so well-received is indication to me that they knew what they were doing. The fact is, from just the reviews across the net, Imagineers have once again proven why they are the top theme park attraction designers. They took an original attraction and tweaked it to provide a familiar yet completely new and unique attraction that seems to be downright great. Naturally, comparisons will be made because they ARE different. If they were exactly the same, there would be no discussion.
Originally Posted By tangaroa >The fact is, from just the reviews >across the net, Imagineers have once >again proven why they are the top >theme park attraction designers. The only people who have been given the chance to ride, are those who are already predisposed to like the ride: ie the Disney fans. So of course the reviews are going to be mostly positive, because mostly those people who have ridden are biased. Wait until the public rides and waits in line for 2 hours to ride a 2 minute attraction. Then you can crow all you want.... if there's reason to.
Originally Posted By Kimmy Kay Just curious. Tangaroa, do you ever focus on anything positive? This is not a slam or saracasm. I just am really curious why you spend your time on a Disney board because I honestly haven't read anything you like that is Disney. Everytime someone says something they like, you find something negative to say about it. If you do have posts focused on things you like, then I apologize. Unfortunately, I have missed them, and I do admit I don't read every thread. I have just noticed that when someone says black, you will say white and then proceed to point out why the black is not black enough and how the person who imagineered the black is just a brown noser. Also, I have no problem with people making "opinions" on watching videos. The problem for me comes in when they write reviews on it and make comparisons of it to a ride that they have actually been on (probably more than once), in a park that is at their "favorite" resort. Then they state which attraction is better. I mean would you think it is fair for a film critic to review a movie he has only seen parts of against a movie, made by his favorite director, that he has watched more than once, go out and tell people the latter movie is better and edges out the former? I wouldn't give that critic much credibility. Then again, this isn't a site with professional critics, but I just still feel that it wouldn't be a fair "review", no matter who the author. Phenix - Well at least you admit your bias. All I can say is, the video didn't do the ride justice. I hope you can get out to ride it. It is a lot of fun. By the way, I never even noticed the "blue staircase" the whole time I was inside the ToT Plaza area. But then again, I don't look for stuff like that. I am under the impression that if people want to see the negative, no matter how hard they have to look sometimes, they will find it. The longer they live like that in day to day life...the better they get at finding the negative. I make it a point not to hang around with these type of people for very long. I actually feel it will shorten my life span if I do. haha. (phenix, I am not saying you are that way at all. I was just making a generic statement about a certain personality type).
Originally Posted By idleHands It looks as though the new ToT is a home run for Imagineering and DCA. I'm glad to see an attraction with "true" E-Ticket status finally debut at DLR since Indy, nine years ago. That being said... I still have a soft spot in my heart for the original in MGM. And, by and large for the most part... I'm really sick of clones, no matter how well they've been improved upon. I've already had a decade to burn out on MGM's ToT. So, having one in DCA, no matter how terrific, isn't making me jump for joy.
Originally Posted By tangaroa >Just curious. Tangaroa, do you ever >focus on anything positive? No. >Phenix - Well at least you admit your >bias. Everyone has a bias. Everyone. To say otherwise is to not accept reality.
Originally Posted By Kimmy Kay >Just curious. Tangaroa, do you ever >focus on anything positive? No.> Well that explains alot. >Phenix - Well at least you admit your >bias. Everyone has a bias. Everyone. To say otherwise is to not accept reality. > I don't accept reality, why do you think I am a Disney fan? And now you can post..."Well that explains alot"...and another round of clever little one liners has folded back into itself. *chuckles ensue, lights fade to black* *curtain*
Originally Posted By WorldDisney "..but looking at these pics only proves how much they held back with the other 95% of the park and frankly it's embarrasing to go from something like TOT on one side of the park to end up at route 66 with a bunch of sterile, steele carnie rides." <<I get what you are trying to say but I don't really see how that is any different from Splash Mountain on one side of Disneyland and Dumbo, Teacups, Gadget's Go Coaster and Astro Orbiter on the other side. For me it wasn't so much what was available at DCA when it opened that was troubling, it was what wasn't there.>> C'mon dude, give me SOME credit here. It's not nearly the rides, but how they are themed and compliment the surrondings that I am REALLY talking about. The only reason we know we are at Rt 66 in DCA because a sign TELLS us and we are and left with sterile rides with little to no real themeing, only on a truly basic level. It's funny how you give an example of Gadgets Go-Go coaster to conunter argue my point when it actually PROVES my point. That coaster itself is just a basic kiddy ride, but look at the TREMENDOUS theming around it. Heck, it"s in TOONTOWN, one of the most creative and colorful part of the park. THIS is what I'm talking about, no matter you are walking around Dumbo or Astro orbitors, you are in a truly unique section of the park and you KNOW it because how everything plays off itself in the themeing. I'm not JUST talking about the rides here (although for DCA that's not hard ), but how strong they were tied in to something different or unique whether it's Dumbo or Indy. With DCA, most of it just feels like a carnival with the woodsy (but been done) area to compliment it. Those rides I mentioned and it"s "theme" are no different you find at MM. I know I'm "Mr. Negative", but I call it like I see it. As another poster said in a different thread, DL hasn't changed all that much in the last 49 years in terms of overall concept because it got it right from day 1, with a tweak here and tweak there. DCA on the other hand needs a complete overhaul and looking at the incredible themeing of TOT to see the less than stellar area's of the park with it lackluster story and que area"s only makes the point stronger.
Originally Posted By CTXRover <<<The only people who have been given the chance to ride, are those who are already predisposed to like the ride: ie the Disney fans.>>> Its not to difficult to see, from boards like this and others, that so-called "Disney fans" are Disney's harshest critics. If something can pass that test, it is sure to amaze and delight the crowds. Perfect example is DCA, in fact. There are a lot of people who really like DCA who aren't self-proclaimed Disney nuts. But the park has gotten a bad rap from day one because it doesn't pass that "Disney fan" test. The very fact that those who have rode both versions (and someone would be hard pressed to say the WDW TOT is not a huge crowd pleaser) are saying that although they are different, the DCA version is just as good, and to some better, than the original is very promising and is telling of how it will be received by everyday guests. I don't think my original statement you quoted was at all far from the truth. No need to be so negative about the fact that its being well-received thus far. I couldn't tell you how many posts were made all over the net that DCA's version would be lacking and would just be a cheap version, and on and on. I'm thrilled to finally see that those folks apparently were wrong and Imagineers have proven themselves once again.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney <<I don't accept reality, why do you think I am a Disney fan?>> Yeah, that explains a lot . (Sorry, couldn't help myself )
Originally Posted By Kimmy Kay CTX - Great point. I think the average person will be alot more forgiving of the elements that sooo many Disney Fans have been harping on. Some of the harshest critics have been and are now taking their first ride on ToT. Most of them will have had their turn before it opens to the public on May 5th.
Originally Posted By tangaroa >Its not to difficult to see, from >boards like this and others, that so- >called "Disney fans" are Disney's >harshest critics. If something can >pass that test, it is sure to amaze >and delight the crowds. Perfect >example is DCA, in fact. Not at all. As someone who criticized the plans for DCA from day one, I vividly remember the harsh criticism from the fans that was direct AT ME, and not at the park. Disney fans in general were eagerly awaiting the opening of DCA, and the park received GLOWING reviews from the press events in January. It wasn't until after the crowds failed to materialized that people began to question the success of the park - but until then all the negative things that were being said were dismissed. >I don't think my original statement >you quoted was at all far from the >truth. No need to be so negative about >the fact that its being well-received >thus far. Those good reviews mean absolutely nothing. Look at all the good reviews DCA got, Pooh got, New Tomorrowland got, and even Light Magic. It isn't until the paying public comes in that something can be proved or not.
Originally Posted By tangaroa >CTX - Great point. I think the average >person will be alot more forgiving of >the elements that sooo many Disney >Fans have been harping on. Riiiight... because if anything makes a person more forgiving, it's paying 49 dollars and waiting two hours in line for a 2 minute drop ride.
