Originally Posted By The Goddess Mara Good journalism forbids you from making a point by selectively printing photographs that support your view. I have indeed been in Tokyo Disneyland, sometimes first thing in the morning, when I could have taken lots of photos of empty walkways if that was my agenda. All you have to do is walk straight back to the farthest areas of the park and start snapping away. The changes in Disneyland, which were obvious, unmistakable, and wonderful, are due entirely to changes in management and pressure from within. Not some Internet jaberwocky whose incessant caterwauling is so obviously biased to those who know what's really going on.
Originally Posted By Mr X Well, obviously my opinion on the matter doesn't matter to you, so I'll stop here.
Originally Posted By Mr X Except to say that, on most days, you'd have to be at the gates at least 2 hours early and then RUN to the ends of the park to snap those pics...unless you visit only in the dead of winter. I'm telling you you're wrong on this one (and I spent nearly every day in the park for 6 years, so take my word for it).
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<Don't be so quick to dismiss the power of the 'net.>> You misunderstand my meaning, X. I am not saying Al (or anyone else) doesn't have some effect. I am sure there are people from the company that monitor his column, discussion boards, etc. I was/am referring to the statement about DL being better now than it was six years ago. IMO that had much more to do with a difference in management of the park(s) than what Al wrote then and now.
Originally Posted By The Goddess Mara X, as an (ex?) employee you certainly know more about park operations at a ground level than any of us, so your opinion is a most valuable one. I can only speak from my own experience of having gone to TDL about half a dozen times in October or December. I'm always on line 45 minutes before the gates go up, and while I am hustling my middle-aged body toward Pooh's Hunny Hunt, I can see areas where photos could be taken that gave the impression only a few people were in the park in those areas. Even after exiting Pooh, and walking toward Splash Mountain, I again saw more opportunities for this type of photo. (I started looking for this type of thing years ago when Lutz began publishing the empty walkway photos of DCA. The relentless nature of his rant made me suspicious.) I'm the editor and publisher of a magazine, and I know how easily people can be manipulated via media (something we go out of our way to avoid).
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<And I'm devestated about the proposed Tomorrowland redo for Tokyo. It's the very last Tomorrowland in the all-white "world on the move" motif. I will seriously cry if they change it. >> I know what you mean. After Disneyland Paris' Discoveryland, the classic and clean look of Tokyo Disneyland's is probably my favorite.
Originally Posted By Mr X **I can see areas where photos could be taken that gave the impression only a few people were in the park in those areas. Even after exiting Pooh, and walking toward Splash Mountain, I again saw more opportunities for this type of photo. ** Of course, I believe you. Personally I haven't seen that all too often though. In fact, I think TDL is probably the fastest amusement park in the world to "fill up" in the mornings, due to all the running and the huge crowds. But then again, you've got everyone dashing to "priority lines" too, so there's that little quirk which might leave other corners empty for a short time. Anyway, sure. You could get such pics if you really want to. Heck, if Al Lutz were really nefarious, he'd need only to enlist the help of an employee to snap some cell phone shots of the park before it opened. But anyway, personally I found him to be pretty acurate in his critiscisms (albeit heavy handed and sometimes mellodramatic). It's what he does. It makes him happy. To each his own, imho. **I know how easily people can be manipulated via media** The media is a gigantic pack of lies and hidden agendas imo, so one guy ranting about Disney parks doesn't even register on my radar to be honest.
Originally Posted By fredddy TDL Tomorrowland is the ugliest land I have ever seen ! It feels so empty. And it is not a "world on the move" as there is no peoplemover, no monorail, no submarine voyage and no skyways (they closed 10 yeats ago). And even the Starjets are not in the central part of the land. I hate this Tomorrowland and they can rebuilt it...
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan I wouldn't say it's ugly. I happen to enjoy the pristine and spotless look of it, though it is getting a bit bland.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan I think that for an upcoming refurb of Tomorrowland, they should just remove the Grand Circuit Raceway. It's pointless and not futuristic in the smallest sense of the word. And it's a big waste of space in my opinion. They ought to take it out and replace it with an E-ticket attraction.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris Autopias/raceways should be removed from ALL MK type parks. Go-karts lost their novelty value back when disco was starting to wane(sorry TDLFAN, it's over! ; ) ). It always disappoints me when they put something kiddy or silly in a MK park when space is at a premium(oops, does that make me a Lutz follower? ; ) Nope-I just like immersive attractions that look fanciful and fantastic on the outside!). The only park that can kinda justify having a GP raceway is the MK, because space isn't an issue.
Originally Posted By The Goddess Mara Well, yes it does make you a Lutzite because Autopia is one of Disneyland's original attractions from 1955. Walt put it in the park and it's been popular for 55 years--there's always a line. Kids love it and it's something that parents and kids can do together. It's in every single Magic Kingdom around the world. If you had a kid, you'd know why Autopia is in the park.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Yeah, I'll defend Autopia rides too. Kids LOVE it. I know, I was one of those kids (40 years ago). Yeah, Pirates was amazing, but I drove those cars day and night. I'm sure I used all my C ticket coupons faster than any other.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris You seem to be getting VERY upset over this whole "kid" thing. Has somebody recently insulted your kids or something? As for being a Lutz disciple, I find his style humorous. Couple that with his "I will not tow the company line and get a free AP" and his writings just seem like a bit more of a balance. The truth is, of course, somewhere in the middle between his and say, some of the people who contribute to this site and other sycophants like Lou Mongello and his "EVERYTHING AT WDW IS WONDERFUL AND HEY! THEY JUST UPPED THE ADMISSION PRICE BY FIVE BUCKS AND THAT'S GREAT BECAUSE THAT MUST MEAN YOU'LL ENJOY YOUR VISIT MORE!!!!1" The adults amongst us KNOW the truth is NOT being espoused by people like Mr Mongello, Al or certain other contributors and webmasters. It's all just part of the tapestry.
Originally Posted By The Goddess Mara I'm not upset at all--you're mistaking discussion for emotion. No one has insulted my kid, but you don't know what you're talking about!
Originally Posted By Bob Paris In regards to kids, I'd agree. And personally don't care. If you're saying I don't know what I'm talking about in regards to the truth being somewhere between all the varying degrees of bias and factions of the online Disney commentators then you're arguing AGAINST YOURSELF, because my comment agrees with your own that Al does not speak the truth.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>Autopias/raceways should be removed from ALL MK type parks. Go-karts lost their novelty value back when disco was starting to wane(sorry TDLFAN, it's over! ; ) ).<< What's over? The go-carts or disco? Because the UK people love both, and as long as the UKers keep WDW in business...as they do, both go-carts, disco, and even bad fashions will forever be in vogue.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris LOL!!!! Indeed. There were times during my visit to WDW that I thought I had somehow been transported to the UK. And I didn't want to be in the UK!!!! > : (
