Originally Posted By mstaft I had some fun with a little photoshopping- but it could be really cool. Certainly would keep Harry Potter at bay: www.insightsandsounds.blogspot.com
Originally Posted By barboy I have to invoke Everest into this topic as it seems particularly relavant. I want to preface by saying Exp. Everest shows that Disney can still pump out a high budget true E experience. But Everest was supposed to be the most ambitious specific project on US soil yet, a fully realized and immersive thrilling train ride in the Himalayas/Nepal, but fell very short. Everest came so close to being Disney's finest achievement anywhere but failed to deliver all the goods. 1) Everest is a 3/4 built mountain set 2) too few AA's/show scenes 3) The star of the movie makes one appearance and we zip right past the him with no meaningful interaction--- such a waste and letdown-- better if riders had interaction with Yeti in different show rooms. Video projection of Yeti tearing up track just doesn't cut it either and shows emagineering laziness and/or misappropriated funds on the project. 4) some glaring weaknesses like the painfully obvious track switching during the lousy bird on a stick scene If Disney were to create a 'Journey To The Center Of The Earth' by bringing their same B+ game to the table like they did with Everest then don't bother--spend the money elsewhere like in maintenance and upkeep. JTTCE needs an 'A' effort or it might come out 3/4 baked leaving us frustrated knowing Disney's true glory is found in Disney Sea. Think Magic Kingdom Pooh vs Tokyo Disneyland's Hunny Hunt. Now if they got a hold of those same blue prints as Disney Sea's JTTCE and tweaked it just slightly by embellishing a bit here and there like what they did to an already existing masterpiece like Dl Anaheim's IJ and make it better to create IJ Crystal Skull then we're good to go.
Originally Posted By CDF1 IMO 1. Everest seems to succeed in what it set out to do - sure, you might have expected a more "inside the mountain" experience like you get on the Matterhorn but it did provide some great thrills and a great special effect (Yeti) at the end. Yes - they did cut a corner a bit on not plastering the backside of the mountain but you don't see any of that cost cutting from the front or within the AK park. 2. Based upon the ridethrough videos and other representations of JTTCOTE I have seen, JTTCOTE seems to suffer from something of lackluster finale where the ride just circles the volcano caldera inside a long tunnel after the thrilling drop. Perhaps in future versions there might be plans to provide more of a show along the way after the that drop. Isn't the big question still: where might Disney choose to drop in the next version of JTTCOTE? Personally, I'd like to see it in the old area of the 20K Leagues ride in MK but chances are it will show up someplace like Studios or maybe even AK where they need more "E" attractions.
Originally Posted By barboy CD, you have good points about Everest. And I should be fair and bring up EE's best, most impressive traits: imagineers worked some magic with the mountain facade. I could look at it for hrs without getting bored imagineers masterfully brought a legend to life with that fully realized yeti the ride's queue impresses me more than any other in WDW As to JTTCE I should tell you that the final partial lap around the caldera is merely the resolution to the story and not the climax. The ride climaxes when, of course, the subterranian vehicle stumbles upon the lava bitch who is none too amused to see trespassers in her lair and culminates in a emergency escape out of some pressure hole. The ending of the ride does more than just circle the perimeter--- it gives the explorer a chance to take stock of what just unfolded like that close encounter with lava girl and the subsequent breathtaking sudden drop.
Originally Posted By mstaft I LOVE E:E- and wopuld be thrilled for another epic attraction vs. more maintanence
Originally Posted By barboy Of course I would too-- who wouldn't! I just want it done right and not halfassed.
Originally Posted By barboy And since AK hosted Disney's last very ambitious single project in any country I doubt AK will see another attraction of the JTTCE magnitude anytime soon.
Originally Posted By CDF1 Agree that AK may be last place to expect another major investment - but then again, won't it depend upon attendance between the 4 parks where the next big investment is made? Seems like MK will always be tops, Epcot #2 because of its diversity and dining possibilities - so kind of leaves AK and Studios to fight it out for #3 on the WDW list Maybe it's time for a JTTCOTE or maybe a new Indy ride at Studios
Originally Posted By mstaft Yeah, its time. And DHS needs the most help. Its so disjointed. But DAK has such great potential- and it needs to be filled out before its mastermind chooses to retire.
Originally Posted By barboy ///Seems like MK will always be tops, Epcot #2 because of its diversity and dining possibilities - so kind of leaves AK and Studios to fight it out for #3 on the WDW list/// I theorize that AK for the foreseeable future will continue to rank 4th among the parks irrespective of what Disney drops in there. Even if they opened 3 more E tickets I just don't see it affecting attendance enough to compete with MK or EPCOT. I base my theory on two factors: 1) location..... AK sits remote and unlike the MK/EPCOT tandem, AK has no monorail service. 2) theme.... AK departs from the traditional Disney themes.
Originally Posted By CDF1 It may be close to 20 years old but isn't MK still the US park with the highest attendance? Is that the "mooing" of a cash cow we hear in the background?
