Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt It doesn't, but once you know it the whole experience makes more sense.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< It doesn't, but once you know it the whole experience makes more sense. >>> That's right. It would not have occurred to me to consider why BTMRR appears to be "run-down Old West" whereas GG appears to be "spit-shined Old West." As a typical passive guest, I just enjoy the attractions and lands for what they are, without putting too much thought into it. But when we get into minute discussions here on LP, then I start thinking about things a bit more. In that context, I can see why they made the choices they did. But it's not necessary to have this level of awareness to enjoy it. As designed, they tend to exude the vibe that they want you to get, without having to put any thought or analysis into it.
Originally Posted By friarthe Ok, while a big fan of the new land, this discussion does bring up a funny contrast. On the one hand, there's a lot of evidence around Grizzly Gulch of daily life going on -- posters for shows & businesses, props belonging to citizens of the town, the Wet Goods store being fully stocked with shirts & snake oil etc. I actually expected a live venue at the Lucky Nugget at first, a la Golden Horseshoe. On the other hand, while there's evidence that the mine is still in use (the queue elements all belong to current miners, as do some props scattered through the ride itself) once you're on the ride, it largely seems like all the miners just walked away and left the place to the bears.It's a little weird, with live blasting equipment, chunks of gold lying on the ground, etc. and no people at all. One or two human AAs would have fixed this, though there's precious little room for them. (Maybe along the paths where the train moves really fast, looking shocked like the groundskeeper in HM.) But these would be seen from the land itself, and would look really hokey with limited motion. In the land itself, sound loops like in NOS and Main Street might have been nice. Live performers (besides Minnie, Mickey, Chip n Dale, and those Brother Bear characters) would also change the feel. But when I went to ride for the first time, I'll admit I was confused if it was supposed to be an abandoned mine (which it seemed to be, except for the bears) or a working one (which the land and queue indicate).
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt That isn't all that different from Big Thunder and Everest I guess, hence the inevitable comparisons. Why are we riding in driverless train in the 1800s through an abandoned mine in the old American frontier? Maybe the upcoming redo of Big Thunder in California will set up the story a bit better.
Originally Posted By oc_dean Well, I'll say again. It looks too new. Reminds of rides at Magic Mountain when they were new. Spilliken Corners, the Revolution's queue. The entry building when they were new. As they say - The devil is in the details. An aged look would have been more appealing. A bit more "charming" and a slight sense of "the romantic old west" ... Rather than this SO CLEAN environment - that takes me back to memories of Magic Mountain back in 1974, and a few years beyond .. Into the nice, clean, new look of a wooden building. Oh well. Makes no difference to me. I see myself going to TDL and DLP, for the first time, long before I ever set foot into DL-Lite. Their version of the Haunted Mansion, that is something I'm quite curious about, though!!
Originally Posted By oc_dean Is that the Gold Rusher at Magic Mountain, or Grizzly Gulch in HKDL? <a href="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/8/817358-Gold_Rusher_Valencia.jpg" target="_blank">http://cache.virtualtourist.co...ncia.jpg</a>
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt You need to adjust your computer settings. That looks nothing like Grizzly Gulch.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN I understand that everyone will have an opinion but...forgive me. No one here ^^^ seems to knows enough about what they are talking about. Take it from me since I just visited Grizzly Gulch last week and rode the "Big Grizzly Mountain runaway mine train". The entire area is much more than I expected considering HKDL's restrained budgets. It's beautifully designed and lovingly crafted. The theming here is top notch. It's a pity they did not call it Frontierland because that name would fit here. I loved all the small details and storyline that exist all over the area. The fact that this Grizzly Gulch town is built on an unstable waterbed adds many fun visual elements.. with geysers and colorful water pools. The Lucky Nugget cafe and other buildings add an element of cohesiveness that even feels missing in other Frontierland areas at other DL parks. Then there is the Big Grizzly ride.. My rating for this ride is a well deserved "A". Again.. the imagineers have created something new and yet familiar. Borrowing show and technical elements from the classic Big Thunder rides, DAK's Everest, DCA's water rapids, and even DHS' R&R coaster.. the new Big Grizzly ride *delivers* tons of fun and most importantly.. has REPEAT-ABILITY APPEAL. It has becomes the best ride in the park and it's pulling guests into a corner of the park (Adventureland area) that used to be a ghost town after Sun down. Big Grizzly ride is paced enough that can be enjoyed by many guests young and old, but packs a good punch at the end (the 3rd act) with several moments of air time and g-force turns. The screams from guests are real at this point and I caught myself reaching for the hand bars to hold on tight. Unlike Everest, Big Grizzly actually have several AA figures that WORK on cue. It is the resident AA bears create many funny moments that unpredictably turn the riders' experience into an adventure of unexpected consequences. The snapping cable prop and stress sounds that accompany it during the 2nd lift experience is one of Disney's best story telling ride props and I hope this particular and pivotal ride prop is maintained to work flawlessly for years to come. You can hear the noise from this prop as you approach the Grizzly Gulch from the Adventureland side corridor. It's a crucial aspect of the story and Grizzly land, and immediately creates interest in what we are about to see as we walk past the "Welcome To Grizzly Gulch" sign. One other simple visual element that I love is when the train speed by the geyser and water pools and water splashes by the side of the ride as if the trains are going into the water.. and this is a similar element found on all Big Thunder mountain rides in operation. The mountain itself is spectacularly crafted, as is everything else in the ride. (Look for a hidden Mickey sculptured on the rocks) The overall thought, work and effort that went here is first class. It makes the recent refurbishing of WDW's BTMRR look like it never did take place (a missed opportunity for WDW and their guests). But here in Hong Kong? The HKDL guests are being treated to a first rate Disney E-ticket experience NOT found in any Disneyland park anywhere. HUGE KUDOS. Apart from Grizzly Gulch, the new Mystic Manor attraction is being built next to Big Grizzly and will borrow story and technical elements from TDL's Hunny Hunt and TDS' TOT, plus the yet foreboding atmospheres of the classic HM rides. Part of the Manor has been reveiled and the house looks STUNNINGLY beautiful. The accompanying Adventurers' Club will be equally as lavish in look. (It does NOT look 'plastic' as some forum participants have commented) on disney fan sites. Again, it will be an exquisite departure from more familiar themes. I for one am happy to see HKDL being expanded with unique experiences, which will solidify HKDL's position as a worthy Disney park to visit. Don't count this little park out just yet, as it even surpasses the MK at WDW in theming and charm.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Good to hear TDLFAN -- I just had one more questi.... oh, he's gone for another 9 months.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>Unlike Everest, Big Grizzly actually have several AA figures that WORK on cue.<< In all fairness, at this point in Everest's operation, it's (solitary) AA was working fine. The bears seem to have much simpler motions than the Yeti and are a time-tested size, so I suspect they will last a lot longer between need to be repaired
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle Looks good to me! I'm stopping over at HKDL in January, so I'll look forward to seeing it in person.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>In all fairness, at this point in Everest's operation, it's (solitary) AA was working fine. The bears seem to have much simpler motions than the Yeti and are a time-tested size, so I suspect they will last a lot longer between need to be repaired<< Ok then.. so how do you explain that TDS' JTTCOTE's solitary (plus bigger and complex) AA, the Lava Monster, performs flawlessly even after 11 years in operation? Please..let's not make excuses or apologies for WDW's lack of quality control. In regards to Grizzly Mountain.. it is the BEARS that are the stars of the ride, whether they be small or 'classic' in size and motion, they are integral to the ride's plotlines. The Yeti at DAK *is* the sole star and the fact that it continues to be inop, after all the build up to our encounter with him (or her), the resulting disco effect is a HUGE letdown. That does not happen at Grizzly Mountain. So yes, the comparison IS FAIR, and more so when you consider the lower admission price for a day at HKDL versus DAK's overly priced 1-day admission. @Jim.. c'mon, like you really miss me?? Bye you all.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <@Jim.. c'mon, like you really miss me??> I like all the controversial posters.... you, jonvn, Spirit, et al, It's mush more fun with drama... Hope all is well with you.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I think that the Yeti and Lava Monster are completely comparable, in terms of size, complexity, and importance in the attraction's storyline, and the Lava Monster is a testament to how good maintenance (frequent and long-lasting in the case of JTTCOTE) can keep an important AA running. And while I'm not intending to make excuses for WDW's poor maintenance, I really don't think it's fair to compare small AAs with simple motions to much larger and more complex ones, no matter how important they may be to an attraction's story line. I haven't heard any complaints about WDW's AAs on the Jungle Cruise, which are comparable to the Grizzly bears in size (and complexity of motion, to a certain extent) and seem to be running just fine after all these years. Yes, it's shameful to have the cornerstone of an attraction be out of repair for the better part of a decade, but I really just can't bring myself to see the parallel between HKDL's brand new moderately-sized and simple-motioned AA's and the Yeti that was billed as one of the most complex AA's ever created. Yah, they're both important to the storyline and should be kept in top working order from a guest's perspective, but the technical differences are so huge that they are completely different animals (so to speak) That said, it's great to see you posting again. Like JiM, I think it's a lot more interesting when there's someone to stir up some controversy!
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>It does NOT look 'plastic' as some forum participants have commented on disney fan sites.<<< I think I was one of those. Good to know that the building doesn't look plastic. I guess it just looks that way on pictures and you have to see it in real life to get the real look of Mystic Manor.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: Some say the same thing about Joan Rivers--she looks plastic on Televsion and then when you see her in real life-- ORGOCH: --she looks even MORE plastic!!!
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt I agree. I've seen her in person and her skin is eerily similar to an audio animatronic.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< I've seen her in person and her skin is eerily similar to an audio animatronic. >>> Is that before or after annual servicing?
