Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt LOL... you and me both! I'd rather die a thousand deaths than stand in a 75 minute queue waiting to meet some perky 20 something in a princess costume. For some reason Disney meet & greets have always embarrassed me.
Originally Posted By dagobert Scaffolding comes down at Fantasia Gelatti: <a href="http://twitpic.com/6vvu98" target="_blank">http://twitpic.com/6vvu98</a> I'm glad they kept the old look, because all buildings in that area aren't supposed to look new and shiny. Bus Station update: <a href="http://twitpic.com/6vv67t" target="_blank">http://twitpic.com/6vv67t</a> World of Disney Store update: <a href="http://twitpic.com/6vjezm" target="_blank">http://twitpic.com/6vjezm</a>
Originally Posted By u k fan No way would I wait 75 minutes to meet a "Princess". You'll get no arguments from me on budget or capacity, but in terms of location I think it's fine. It needed to be in FL near the castle and other than removing an attraction as at WDW or a shop (and the FL shops are very well done) this was the next best place. The IASW after show was largely ignored. It's pretty clear this space is now more popular than before. In terms of quality, I don't really consider meet n greets quality entertainment in the Disney tradition, but it certainly seems well done in terms of theming. I'd quite like to tour the queue and then leave before I meet the Princess at the end!!!
Originally Posted By dagobert Here are some pictures of the Princess Pavilion: <a href="http://www.disneygazette.fr/princesses-disney-invitation-royale-fantasyland-pavillon-princess-news-532.html" target="_blank">http://www.disneygazette.fr/pr...532.html</a>
Originally Posted By dagobert By the way the castle of Beauty and the Beast in the stained window looks very similar to the one that's going to be built at SHDL.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I was actually a little disappointed with the look. It seems really plasticy compared to the rest of the land (the Genie's lamp especially, which fits more in Adventureland, but there you go). and the stain glass was not of the same quality as the castle or main street. Also, it would have been better placed in the grass area between Fantasia Gelati and the shop IMHO. I know it is a dark ride expansion pad, but I doubt we will ever see that day.
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>By the way the castle of Beauty and the Beast in the stained window looks very similar to the one that's going to be built at SHDL.<<< I'm sorry I got that wrong. I was confused by the rose and the other flower. It's not the castle from Beauty and the Beast. But the last picture of the castles, the one before DLP's castle, looks still similat to SHDL's.
Originally Posted By dagobert Although I don't care about the princesses, I think the pavilion doesn't look bad. In fact it looks a lot nicer than expected and Disney put a lot more effort in it than in recent projects.
Originally Posted By u k fan Dave, I see what you mean about it looking plasticy, but I agree with dagobert on this. I think some of what you've picked up on is due to it's newness and I think it's difficult to know for sure until it's seen in person. The Genie's lamp is an icon from a fairytale - it fits there as well as the other icons IMHO!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Fair point, that photos do look different than when you are there. And I will admit my exasperation of shoving toons does start me off with a negative prejudice (I know they are popular, but balance please). But I would have hoped with it being something that looks like it is here to stay, it would look more like the rest of fantasyland, and less like the photo locations that went in for this year's promo (or the jungle animals that went into Discoveryland for the Lion King - shudder - great show, wrong location)
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "I'd quite like to tour the queue and then leave before I meet the Princess at the end!!!" LOL. My thoughts exactly.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Funny, I'd like to queue and have them do a little dance while I get out the money that folds ;-)
Originally Posted By Bolna Finally got around to look at the pictures. I think the old infrastructure with the curved walkways is a bit strange for the pavilion. But otherwise it looks nice. I did notice the plastic feel Dave mentioned, but I think that might be due to the flash being used for these pictures. One really needs to see it in person (or better photographs). However, I can't imagine spending time in the queue - neither for the current Disney version of the meet & greet nor for the version Dave suggested...
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I didn't actually mean it, just needed a little humour to blow off steam on a tough day. But I have seen some men at the princess/fairy meet and greets act as if it were that kind of entertainment. I am saddened that these kids will never know the joy of bumping into the characters that I knew as a kid. With the horrid behaviour of modern society I get why it is like this however.
Originally Posted By Bolna Yes, I thought it was quite funny! I just thought that this type of meet&greet would more appeal to a male audience than to me as a woman... ;-) And while I agree that it is sad that characters aren't free roaming anymore, it does create a more "personal" experience if you actually have the time to interact with the characters a little bit.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "I am saddened that these kids will never know the joy of bumping into the characters that I knew as a kid." Apparently they still roam at DLR, however I haven't been in several years so I can't confirm. I believe that someone posted images of Star Wars characters roaming around Tomorrowland this summer in honor of the new Star Tours attraction. I think one reason why you are seeing this kind of development, aside from the popularity of the Princess franchise, is demand from customers to see the characters in an organized fashion without having to fight the crowds. It has certainly worked will with Mickey in Toontown.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I don't mind as much if like anaheim we had plenty of entertainment, long hours, and fireworks too. DLP pretty much only does rubberhead/princess crap.
Originally Posted By dagobert Floor refurb: <a href="http://twitpic.com/6w2ahk" target="_blank">http://twitpic.com/6w2ahk</a> World of Disney Store backside: <a href="http://twitpic.com/6w2h18" target="_blank">http://twitpic.com/6w2h18</a> Starbucks roof: <a href="http://twitpic.com/6w2j7r" target="_blank">http://twitpic.com/6w2j7r</a> New York Style Sandwiches: <a href="http://twitpic.com/6w2ke3" target="_blank">http://twitpic.com/6w2ke3</a>
