Originally Posted By leobloom I went with my family to MGM/DHS/Studios/whatever last week (by now, last year). Some brief observations, not all of which are negative. If you want a dose of positivity, check points 4-6. If you want to avoid criticism, skip all the other points. 1) I was looking forward to Toy Story MM, because I really enjoyed it when I last visited MGM in May 2009. I didn’t really buy into the criticism that the ride is just a video game. But a funny thing happened since that last visit to the park: I got a Wii. I don’t have the Midway Mania game, but have played other shooting games on Wii in the past year. And sadly enough, the fun of the ride felt greatly diminished to me this time around. My wife, who had never ridden it before, thought the ride seemed like a large scale Wii game, too. Not a good sign, since that was one of the few reasons I wanted to visit MGM again. 2) Great Movie Ride was a very lame experience. The biggest problem here was the lousy gangster woman who hijacked our car. Absolutely no one in our group could understand a word she was saying. The film quality of the montage at the end of the ride looks very uneven. Older movies look blurry, the newer movies that shouldn’t even be there (Pearl Harbor, really?) look crisp. Our car didn’t see the Alien AA moving, which took something away from the scene. And when was the last time the script for the ride was updated? 3) Backlot Tour is a complete waste of time. Just embarrassing. 4) The Muppetvision film looks wonderful. Have they gone digital, because the picture looks amazingly crisp. 5) Osbourne Lights seemed better than the last time I saw them. The artificial foam snow was pretty meager, but the lights themselves and the props along the sidewalks looked very good. 6) Went to the Magic of Disney Animation, which I don’t think I’d seen since the animation studio was shut down. The most pleasant surprise of the day was the “Animation Academy,” where you are taught how to draw a Disney character. It had the feel of the old Disney Institute classes. My wife really wanted to do this, and I’m glad we did, because it was one of the few things at the park that I completely enjoyed. 7) Ate at Studios Catering Co., which was alright. However, if the map says they serve sandwiches, wraps, and salads, I expect a menu with more than ONE wrap and ONE salad. 8) Lights, Motors, Action. I’d seen this show years ago when it first opened, and didn’t like it then. So I tried it out again with my family who had never seen it. Two of them rated it a 5/10, one of them said 3/10. There’s just not much variety in the show. The storyline is stupid and unimaginative. The cars are noisy and the smell of burnt rubber is not terribly magical or pleasant. Thank God, I will never have to see this show again. 9) Saw Indy, too. And I realized that, for me, one of the most irritating things about these two stunt shows is how they pretend that they’re actually filming the stunts for a movie. I was annoyed when the “director” or “stunt coordinator” would talk to the cameraman or the stunt persons using the technical jargon of the profession—not to educate the crowd about the profession but to “wow” us with hearing the scripted banter of professionals. Another pet peeve of mine is when they introduce the stunt men and directors using a first and last name and act like these people are major players. As if I’m supposed to be impressed that I’m seeing Mark Smith or whoever. Oh, I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular hasn’t changed since 1989. Over twenty years, same show, same plant in the audience. 10) Last thing: is MGM supposed to be devoted to showing how movies are made or putting us in the movies? I’d never really bought into the criticism that the park is a mess thematically, but after this last visit, I’m inclined to agree. The stunt shows don’t simply tell a story using stunts (like the Sinbad show at IoA); they supposedly are teaching us how movies are made. So does the Magic of Disney Animation. I have no idea what the Backlot Tour is trying to do. Most of the rides are devoted to plain ol’ escapism, transporting you into a different time and place. I wish they’d just scrap the edutainment side of things, since it’s silly to talk about making movies in a place where nothing is filmed.
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 I love the Magic of Disney Animation. when I went last we drew Minnie Mouse. I would love to go again and see who we get to draw next.
Originally Posted By leobloom ^^The guy who was teaching our class said he likes to make sure that he picks a character no one in the class has had before. He ran through a long list of characters and a couple of ladies in the front of the room said they had drawn all of them. So he finally narrowed it down to three characters: Stitch, Scrooge McDuck, and Buzz Lightyear. He let us vote on the choice by raising our hands. A couple of hands were raised for Stitch. The teacher/artist said, "That's really sad." No one voted for Scrooge. We got Buzz Lightyear, which was neat.
Originally Posted By leobloom Also wanted to add that we watched Mickey's Christmas Carol at the Premiere Theater. It was more than a little ironic to see that story in the park, considering CM pay and the Union disputes. What is the Premiere Theater used for normally?
Originally Posted By hopemax That's nice the animator polled the group. I have done it 4 or 5 times, and have done Mickey's face 3 of them. So now I'm not sure if I want to go back, because we could just get another Mickey.
Originally Posted By sjhym333 Disney's Hollywood Studios, is partly Disney, not in Hollywood and not a Studio. Discuss.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros "4) The Muppetvision film looks wonderful. Have they gone digital, because the picture looks amazingly crisp." I don't know about in WDW, but in DCA they went digital some time in the spring or summer, and it really does look fantastic. It also allows them to show the Tron preview at night for ElecTRONica, but it looks fantastic during the day. It's definitely one of those great bonuses that isn't really needed (the film looked fine, but this is way better), but make Disney stand out. "What is the Premiere Theater used for normally?" I don't think it's normally used for anything. When I was last there, during Star War Weekends, they had a few things in there, but as far as I know, it just sits empty. Which is particularly strange when you consider that they enclosed it a few years ago during the LMA-related construction, and it has yet to host any sort of regular activity.
Originally Posted By Manfried The Backlot Tour is a joke. All it really has is Catastrophe Canyon. Maybe they should turn it into the disaster ride.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 Nice summary, leo. Thanks! I would agree on the Backlot Tour emphatically. Interesting about TSMM. Indy's age is indisputably an issue, much like Star Tours. Too bad it's not being updated as well. GMR is such a great ride that it just makes me sick how bad it's gotten. My family actually did enjoy LMA the first time, but repeatability wasn't there. Maybe a re-write would help? But I love that the Muppet Movie is so good. Classic attraction in my book. Will have to see those Osborne lights some day soon. Love the Christmas light thing! Also have always enjoyed the Art of Disney Animation. But it sounds like you got a particularly good animator. I've never had a bad one, but this sounded particularly stand out. But seriously leo, how were the BATHROOMS??
Originally Posted By Christi22222 >>Disney's Hollywood Studios, is partly Disney, not in Hollywood and not a Studio. Discuss.<< Do we have to follow the new rule of being positive along with the negative?
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Great Movie Ride was a very lame experience. The biggest problem here was the lousy gangster woman who hijacked our car. Absolutely no one in our group could understand a word she was saying. The film quality of the montage at the end of the ride looks very uneven. Older movies look blurry, the newer movies that shouldn’t even be there (Pearl Harbor, really?) look crisp. Our car didn’t see the Alien AA moving, which took something away from the scene. And when was the last time the script for the ride was updated?>> I can't disagree more, leo. GMR is always one of the best experiences in the parks for me. I do agree there could be some updating of the script, though. << Lights, Motors, Action. I’d seen this show years ago when it first opened, and didn’t like it then. So I tried it out again with my family who had never seen it. Two of them rated it a 5/10, one of them said 3/10. There’s just not much variety in the show. The storyline is stupid and unimaginative. The cars are noisy and the smell of burnt rubber is not terribly magical or pleasant. Thank God, I will never have to see this show again.>> LMA sucks eggs. <<Saw Indy, too. And I realized that, for me, one of the most irritating things about these two stunt shows is how they pretend that they’re actually filming the stunts for a movie. I was annoyed when the “director” or “stunt coordinator” would talk to the cameraman or the stunt persons using the technical jargon of the profession—not to educate the crowd about the profession but to “wow” us with hearing the scripted banter of professionals. Another pet peeve of mine is when they introduce the stunt men and directors using a first and last name and act like these people are major players. As if I’m supposed to be impressed that I’m seeing Mark Smith or whoever.>> Meh, that doesn't bother me. It goes with the theme of the park. <<Last thing: is MGM supposed to be devoted to showing how movies are made or putting us in the movies? I’d never really bought into the criticism that the park is a mess thematically, but after this last visit, I’m inclined to agree. The stunt shows don’t simply tell a story using stunts (like the Sinbad show at IoA); they supposedly are teaching us how movies are made. So does the Magic of Disney Animation. I have no idea what the Backlot Tour is trying to do. Most of the rides are devoted to plain ol’ escapism, transporting you into a different time and place. I wish they’d just scrap the edutainment side of things, since it’s silly to talk about making movies in a place where nothing is filmed.>> Agreed, but I believe DHS is in a bit of a transitional stage right now, and I let the bad stuff slide a bit.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Do we have to follow the new rule of being positive along with the negative? not sure anyone ever said that or even suggested.. was nice to read a review with feelings on the attractions - at least for 12 posts that does not involve : 1/ Tokyo is way better, 2, they could do more if it wasn't for DVC 3/ Mgmt is stupid that's why whatever it is sucks.. the discussion is actually on the topic - notice the discourse-- Leo states why he doesn't like something and Hokie disagrees on GMR because they really enjoy the attraction for the record I am not sure anyone is going to argue that backlot tour needs a major overhaul- or just have a short ride thru the canyon. I also agree on the ending movie for GMR- very uneven film quality..really no reason for that..but I too Hokie really enjoy GMR..one of my faves so I likely cut it far more slack than most things..fearing a high speed whee ride replacing it one day. And my trip in August the Muppet movie really did stand out as amazingly cleaned up-- nice job
Originally Posted By Christi22222 ^^^My joke only applied to the specifically quoted post #6. I had previously addressed leo's very nice and fair report and was equally positive/negative. Sarcasm (i.e. my "joke") doesn't translate well in print - my apologies. Didn't mean to stir the pot.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Transitional? What's it transitioning into?>> I'd so like to discuss a certain Asian transexual that came up tonight in a conversation with two fellow LPers and a pair of very special guest stars ;-) But I must say this type of post is extremely negative and should be outlawed in the happy pixe dusted LP ... besides, I expect bathroom reports from Leo. ... Very disappointing ...
Originally Posted By leobloom >> GMR..one of my faves so I likely cut it far more slack than most things..fearing a high speed whee ride replacing it one day. << I wouldn't want to see the GMR disappear, either. And I, too, would hate to see it become a 2-minute thrill ride. My main gripe with the ride this time was the poor quality of the CM actor. But I realize this has been a problem with all the rides that involve live CM spieling.
Originally Posted By The Duck Of the 4 parks, DHS has always been my least favorite. I don't dislike it but there's just too little there that I truly enjoy. I have to agree that the Backlot Tour is pathetic. I haven't seen anything worthwhile on there in years (and even then, it wasn't anything special). The Muppets sound good though. I missed them last trip so I'll make sure that I see them next month when I visit.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I wouldn't want to see the GMR disappear, either. And I, too, would hate to see it become a 2-minute thrill ride. My main gripe with the ride this time was the poor quality of the CM actor. But I realize this has been a problem with all the rides that involve live CM spieling. >> I've had some VERY weak CMs on GMR the past few visits ... but the attraction also needs spiffing up. From the pre-show film that looks really bad to some of the show scenes (Alien always looks very bad) to the fact it appears the western scene with the 'splosion never seems to be working to the final montage that really is in bad shape. The GMR doesn't need major work, but a little plastic surgery wouldn't hurt.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer Interesting thread. I have a budding appreciation for DHS... when I'm in the proper mood. There's a lot of charm and "spirit" to the park... and then, you turn a corner and it's gone. Quirky place. >>>2) Great Movie Ride was a very lame experience. The biggest problem here was the lousy gangster woman who hijacked our car. Absolutely no one in our group could understand a word she was saying. The film quality of the montage at the end of the ride looks very uneven. Older movies look blurry, the newer movies that shouldn’t even be there (Pearl Harbor, really?) look crisp. Our car didn’t see the Alien AA moving, which took something away from the scene. And when was the last time the script for the ride was updated<<< It can be. Luck of the draw. Had a bad experience last year, great this year. Shame that WDW can't be more selective in their CMs. >>>3) Backlot Tour is a complete waste of time. Just embarrassing. 4) The Muppetvision film looks wonderful. Have they gone digital, because the picture looks amazingly crisp. 5) Osbourne Lights seemed better than the last time I saw them. The artificial foam snow was pretty meager, but the lights themselves and the props along the sidewalks looked very good.<<<< 3- It might be dumbed down, but I still enjoyed it. Nice diversion 4- LOVE that show. So glad it wasn't changed 5- YES.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Do we have to follow the new rule of being positive along with the negative?<<< It's the new reality and it is what it is. ~*~*~OBNOXIOUS DOOM AND GLOOM DINNER REFERENCE NO. 1~*~*~
