Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt I don't know if I'd call the design's 90s in the same way that I would say that DL's graphic style screams 60s. In my opinion the look of Paris' Small World resembles the universal look of children's storybook illustrations more than being representative from any particular era.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I have to say that in my opinion the DL and WDW versions have far more charm than the Paris version. I also agree that the art in the Paris version looks rather cartoonish. But I will also admit that you tend to like what you are most familiar with, and obviously for me that is the WDW and to a lesser extent NY World's Fair and Anaheim versions.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>But I will also admit that you tend to like what you are most familiar with...<< I completely agree with this. I'm most familiar with the US versions of the ride (specifically DL's version), so to me there's supposed to be a certain amount of 60's kitsch to it. I'm sure that if I was used to Paris's version, the updated scenery and props would seem perfectly normal to me. To an extent, I also think it helps that I wasn't alive during the 60's, so that style looks timeless to me instead of dated
Originally Posted By u k fan Thanks Ferret, I see what your saying. Growing up I had a handful of American children's books published in the 60's and IASW always reminded me of those. Given Hans' mention of storybook illustrations I guess it tied into my recollection of those books. I think the Paris version of IASW seems as timeless as any other though. Their styles may be influenced by the era in which they were created, but either way both versions are as relevant today as they were on opening!!!
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Hello Gurgitoy2, first up just wanted to say how much I enjoyed meeting and hanging out with you in Paris this past Sunday afternoon. It was really great getting to meet you in person after all the years we have been communicating thru LP or via emails and texts. I hope you had as much fun as I did hanging out, and particularly enjoyed our time at the buffet for dinner!!! It was great discussing the same issues you have posted here about DLP, and even though it can be a nice park to visit, it is a bloody shame that being the prettiest DL park, it is still a maintenance fiasco and that culturally speaking, guests can't be respectful and behave properly in public or refrain from their constant smoking everywhere when outdoors in the parks and even in queues. But I do agree with you with most everything you commented on. The Discoveryland issue is distressing. It's obvious this land needs the most attention and I was shocked to read about the Nautilus conditions since I recall the water pond and Nautilus itself being under refurbishment a few months ago when I visited over the xmas holidays. As for your opinion on Fantasyland... the Paris version is IMO still the best one cosmetically. While the MK has been upgraded with a nice look in the new areas, The fact that they did not invest to re-design the old portion's Facades with a different non-circus tent look, still impact the MK's FL in a bad way. In regards to the Phantom Manor.. you got lucky. The last time I rode, it was in shambles, with broken AAs and some effects not working properly or totally inop. DLP's POTC remains my favorite version of them all..but even so it's a sore spot for me because I have seen some of the original effects and animated props permanently turned off, such as ... the moving chains in the uphill waterfall lift, or some other special touches like the pirate spilling liquor from his bottle from the bridge in the auction scene.. or the bullet hit flash on the wall in the dunking well scene next to the screaming major's wife. Glad though that you got to see the sword fighting scene working.. it's always a hit or miss to see, just like the real rats that hang out around the edge of the water in the tropical lagoon scene where the restaurant is at.... Now that's gross. Now when you go back, most definitely do the Fantasyland dark rides. While similar to the DL or TDL ones, these Paris versions actually feature some nifty effects.. (when they work properly) such as the pixie dust gold sprinkle over the galleon in the Peter Pan finale, or the unique Snow White and Prince AAs in the final scene of the Snow White ride. IASW however, I disagree as I think it's a lovely and unique version exactly for NOT featuring Mary Blair's look. That's not say that this is better or worst than the others, even if I think HKDL has the best version overall. But.. similarly to other rides at DLP, it is the poor upkeep of the ride that troubles me a lot like .. how dirty the moat is around the boarding area with fountains that have seen better days. All in all you gave us a great assessment of the parks for your first visit. You just have to make your way to Tokyo and Hong Kong now and complete your "collection". And I hope this won't be the last time we get to hang out and enjoy some time together. God luck with your studies in Paris Gurgitoy2... A Bientot.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>>Thanks Ferret, I see what your saying. Growing up I had a handful of American children's books published in the 60's and IASW always reminded me of those. Given Hans' mention of storybook illustrations I guess it tied into my recollection of those books. I think the Paris version of IASW seems as timeless as any other though. Their styles may be influenced by the era in which they were created, but either way both versions are as relevant today as they were on opening!!!<<< I agree with you UK Fan. I love the DLP version of IASW for being unique and I don't get that 90s vibes that FerretAfros talks about. Personally I think He/she is over analyzing this. If we are going to talk about being stuck in a bad era, let's be real and mention that most of WDW's MK rides are still very much stuck in the 70s and they are the worst versions of ANY of the clones found at other Disney parks. It's ironic that a park that actually and officially calls itself the "Magic" Kingdom can actually be the least magical Disneyland style park on Earth. Sighs. As you mention, some people will tend to favor what they are most familiar with. In my unique position of being a Disney resort world traveler? I'm very familiar with all the Disney parks so at this point in time I can come to appreciate the good and the bad without being selective. Even in my precious TDR I can point out flaws as well.. such as the bad 70's version of their Dumbo or some areas of their 70's minded Tomorrowland. But I call it as I see it.. and the main problem DLP has right now is the poor maintenance and upkeep practices, followed by poor guest behaviors. Gurgitoy gave us a very fair assessment from the point of view of someone who knows what Disney should be all about and what he expected for being his first visit. I appreciate this point of view.
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>read about the Nautilus conditions since I recall the water pond and Nautilus itself being under refurbishment a few months ago when I visited over the xmas holidays<<< The Nautilus and the pond just reopened a few days ago after a rehab. The pond looks really good now and they fixed the Squid. >>>The last time I rode, it was in shambles, with broken AAs and some effects not working properly or totally inop.<<< When did you ride it the last time? I'm asking, because in January the ride was in perfect condition. I've never seen PM in such a good shape. The graveyard csene never looked better and all AAs were working fine, even the light and the special effects looked great. >>>he moving chains in the uphill waterfall lift, or some other special touches like the pirate spilling liquor from his bottle from the bridge in the auction scene.. or the bullet hit flash on the wall in the dunking well scene next to the screaming major's wife. Glad though that you got to see the sword fighting scene working.. it's always a hit or miss to see, just like the real rats that hang out around the edge of the water in the tropical lagoon scene where the restaurant is at.... <<< The rat problem was gross, but according to DLP management, they were aware of the problem and took care of it. They said that during a fan event last fall. The chain on the lift hill didn't work, but the swinging pirate and the sword fighting pirates worked properly in January.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN My last visit was in late November or early December. The holiday version of Disney Dreams was on, and park was decorated for Xmas. That xmas tree there is SPECTACULAR. Best Xmas tree of any Disneyland park.. Worst one being the MK's.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN And also visited in late October when the décor was half Halloween and half Xmas.
Originally Posted By u k fan I was going to add that the Nautilus pond came out of rehab just a few days ago, but dagobert beat me to it. I do hope that refurbs continue for a long time, but I doubt guest behaviour will change much!!!
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>I do hope that refurbs continue for a long time, but I doubt guest behaviour will change much!!!<<< I think DLP will continue its way with the refurbishments. It has improved a lot since a few years. Now they start to replace the wood of the MS buildings with artificial material. I think that will save a lot of money and refurbishments in the future.
