Originally Posted By TDLFAN On Aug 3rd, I had the chance to visit TDS and check out their newest attraction "Raging Spirits". Not a ground breaking ride (but more like neck breaking due to it's bumpy nature) the ride simulates an expedition thru a ceremonial temple. Contrary to rumors...there are not fireballs or water cannons aimed at the guests as they ride thru this attraction. At best, guests go thru foggy curtains a couple of times and that's about it. However, this being TDS, the theming around the ride is quite nice and beautiful to look at, especially at night when mood lighting makes it even more colorful and mysterious. With that said and done, I hope you enjoy looking at the photos of the new ride, and rest assured your neck won't be broken looking at these... <a href="http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4079221&a=31856931&f=0" target="_blank">http://albums.photo.epson.com/ j/AlbumIndex?u=4079221&a=31856931&f=0</a>
Originally Posted By aracuanbird Thanks TDLFAN! I have been waiting to see shots of this ride. Man, what a weird, weird looking attraction. When you are there, does Raging feel like it has the same heft as the rest of the temple structure in Lost River Delta? It looks kind of open and airy and slight in all the shots I have seen.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney Oh, believe me, it fits in nicely. I was surprised how nice they made it actually. As far as theming goes, it deserves to sit in that area. As for the actual RIDE though, if it doesn't leave you completely paralyzed by the end of it, then chalk it up to being lucky and move on .
Originally Posted By Faith The warning sign includes something about fatigue... don't think I've seen that before. Guess I ought not to ride if I hit the park the day I arrive in Japan, eh?
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>When you are there, does Raging feel like it has the same heft as the rest of the temple structure in Lost River Delta?<< Yes, very much so. The ride does feel very much a part of River Delta, unlike DLP's Indy where it's isolated in a corner, just sitting there.
Originally Posted By CMM1 It sounds like the same old dog with fleas in a new doghouse. It's extremely disappointing that Disney folks choose to take this kind of approach in terms of new attractions. It seems like the same thinking about adding a ferris wheel or a mad mouse (attractions found in DCA) as "unique Disney attractions" was used on this ride. Wouldn't one rather have a new major attraction like the "real" Indy or the Everest Expedition every 3 years instead of some turkey off-the-shelfer every 18 months?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Sadly, this does not seem much better than DLP's version. At least at DLP, there is rockwork around the loop, so you do not know it is there until you see a car go through it. Also, Indy seems to feel more like real scaffolding around a temple. This is quite poor looking. DLP's once looked great. Thankfully, we know OLC will keep this one looking great.
Originally Posted By jmuboy Hmmmm, I hope this ride is a success with the general public since it's already on the drawing boards for HKDL.
Originally Posted By leemac <<Yes, very much so. The ride does feel very much a part of River Delta, unlike DLP's Indy where it's isolated in a corner, just sitting there. >> Well that is the point of DLP's version. You discover the ruins at the limits of Adventureland as opposed to it being rammed inches from IJA and a road exit. The most disappointing element of RS at TDS is that the front entrance draws your attention from almost the second you exit Mysterious Island and then almost immediately behind you see the official hotels. Very strange.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney <<The most disappointing element of RS at TDS is that the front entrance draws your attention from almost the second you exit Mysterious Island and then almost immediately behind you see the official hotels. Very strange.>> LMAO, Leemac, I'm sorry, but I'm starting to think someone is paying TO talk negatively about TDS here . You seem to go out of your way to point out the negativity about this park and like I said many times, there is NOTHING wrong with that, nothing, even though everyone ELSE here seems to have a completely different view of RS theming. But then you go to the HKDL section and its NOTHING but high priase for that park. Yes, pretty, but with a total of MAYBE 3 decent rides, but HKDL doesn't seem to have done one bad idea in your book thus far while TDR can't seem to get one thing right. Now, THAT is very strange .
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Well... since Leemac is my (prettier) evil twin, its only fitting that he was as negatively biased about anything TDR as he accuses me of being biased against WDW. But kidding aside... I do agree that they dropped the ball in regards to not properly covering the backside of Raging with a taller wall or more trees to cover up that parking lot and the hotels out behind TDL.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney The difference is TDLFAN.....you have a real point ;D. No kidding. I think though that what you point at WDW, even if maybe overcritical at times is what many people pick up too, especially when compared to earlier years of the upkeep and attitudes. As for Leemac and TDR, I'm pretty convinced that Jesus himself can come down and claim the resort as the new Garden of Eden and he would argue that the trees are too low to be given that option . Or whatever, I'm an athiest, so if I screwed it up, I'm sorry .
Originally Posted By leemac WorldDisney once you get to go and see how beautiful HKDL is irrespective of the attraction roster you will agree I am certain. It is undoubtedly the most visually pleasing MK in the world. On the TDS front I do have plenty of decent things to say about it (I love Aladdin's Whole New World and the theming and in Issue 3 of Tales give it a glowing review). I just don't see how anyone can argue that seeing outside TDS is a good thing. I just don't get it at all. Raging Spirits is an okay attraction and nothing more. Theming is very average IMO. Effects are disappointing. What else is there to say? Tower looks good though and I'm excited for next September. I find it so amusing that people criticise me for seeing the failings in TDS when most of the TDR posters on LP.com sing its praises to the rafters. I'm trying to be a bit more of a leveller here about it. HKDL is stunning in my view. I don't necessary go to Disney parks just for the attractions. It is about enjoying the park (rides and shows), the environment, good restaurants and shopping. I really feel HKDL has the right combination. As I've said numerous times before I believe in starting small with Disney parks. I saw enough new things coming online in the next few years to get genuinely excited about.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney <<WorldDisney once you get to go and see how beautiful HKDL is irrespective of the attraction roster you will agree I am certain. It is undoubtedly the most visually pleasing MK in the world.>> Dude, you're speaking to the chior here. Yeah, I been seeing the pics, I'm already convinced of that. I guess, for me, ALL the MK's have been pretty amazing in their own right. I mean, you have to try REALLY hard to screw it up at this point . But yeah, it's the first MK park that has the surrounding natural beauty to take full advantage of and that makes it pretty unique in that regard. You obviously KNOW what my gripe is with that park, but *sigh*, I'll be there anyway this year lol. <<On the TDS front I do have plenty of decent things to say about it (I love Aladdin's Whole New World and the theming and in Issue 3 of Tales give it a glowing review).>> Okay, I'll admit, you do say positive things about it from time-to-time. I guess what bothers me (and a few others) is that your posts seem to be LOOKING to say something negative, like you are trying a slant to go against the grain. Again, if it's simply how you feel, my apologies, it's just VERY odd to me how you constantly defend parks like DCA, WDSP and to an extent HKDL, but you seem to give very little props to TDR? Yeah, I know you like DCA more than TDR obviously, but it just seems like these double-standards with ALLLL the short comings, bad decisions and cheap offerings that DCA has been criticized for (outside AND inside the company ) that you just chalk up as just a small misstep while a park like TDS shouldn't even have been made. But, that's for ANOTHER discussion . <<I just don't see how anyone can argue that seeing outside TDS is a good thing. I just don't get it at all.>> I don't think anyone does here. People realize TDS has shortcomings like any other park. The DIFFERENCE is that everyone knows OLC isn't God, they can't make EVERYTHING perfect. I'm MORE than sure if there was a way to block things better, then they would and honestly MOST of the outside world IS blocked. Again, with DCA is a different matter. They DIDN'T care. Granted, they had an uphill battle too of trying to keep things blocked out in a industrial city, but they took SOO many short cuts, it hurts my heart. I mean, something as SIMPLE as building indoor stairways in the Aladdin theater so we won't have to see the 7-11 on our way up to the 'magic'. Why they didn't do it? Because they were too cheap to care and thought no one would care about things like that. It's quite evident everywhere there. It's THOSE differences that is a BIG difference in a park like TDS that goes out of its way to lower the monorail track so you can't see it from 90% of the park and a place like DCA that didn't even bother to build a berm. Again, you just seem to GLANCE over the obvious mistakes at DCA as no big deal, but then jump over TDS that DOESN'T do shortcuts, at least not as glaringly bad as DCA does. (BTW, that view of Tokyo Harbour connecting to TDS on the bridge of Lost River Delta is one of the greatest engineering feats done. Now, THAT is taking advantage of the outside world and connecting to your theme....not looking at the Hilton smack in your face and just say, "Well, it's in California and our park is ABOUT Calif." Really, it makes me want to puke, seriously.) <<Raging Spirits is an okay attraction and nothing more. Theming is very average IMO. Effects are disappointing. What else is there to say?>> Sure, I think it's safe to say everyone on here thus far has said the same as you. I don't see ONE super-positive post about the ride. You've read my posts about it right? But again, check out the theming for this so-so ride at TDS, then go and check out Muhalland Madness at DCA and their 'themeing' and it's apples and oranges. RS looks like it's ALWAYS been there and that alone is an amazing feat to me. <<Tower looks good though and I'm excited for next September.>> Me too . <<I find it so amusing that people criticise me for seeing the failings in TDS when most of the TDR posters on LP.com sing its praises to the rafters. I'm trying to be a bit more of a leveller here about it.>> Yeah, and I appreciate that, I do. It's the DOUBLE STANDARDS thing that bothers me . Also, sure most of us have high praise for it and maybe too much, but you KNOW what else Disney has opened in the last 5 years, so hey . But, hey, I'm HONEST about what I don't like in the park and have ALWAYS said it. IF I don't like it, I don't beat around the bush unless you are one of the people that missed my BraviGAYmo thread . Judging by all the death threats I'm still getting, not many did ;D. <<HKDL is stunning in my view. I don't necessary go to Disney parks just for the attractions. It is about enjoying the park (rides and shows), the environment, good restaurants and shopping. I really feel HKDL has the right combination.>> I agree, it's why I LOVE TDS so much . If HKDL turns out like we all hope it will, well, I will have to get a raise soon since it looks like I will be making more trips to Hong Kong in the coming years as well as Tokyo . Eitherway, thanks for clarifying dude. I know you're not evil because you don't like TDR as much as the others, that's okay because it's obvious more than enough that do. You're a GREAT guy and even though we agree on little, I know your heart is in the right place with all of this. Hell, we're talking theme parks and not the third reich lol. But don't worry, as much crap I am giving HKDL (because well, part of the park DESERVES it) I will be there. Keep the pictures coming too. Believe it or not, you are making me thisclose to eating my words ;D.
Originally Posted By Mr X >>>I don't necessary go to Disney parks just for the attractions. It is about enjoying the park (rides and shows), the environment, good restaurants and shopping. I really feel HKDL has the right combination.<<< To echo WD here, this opinion makes me amazed that you don't like DisneySea more...imo it is the restaurants, shopping, and general atmosphere that makes DisneySea so funn, "adult oriented", and special. But we are all entitled to our opinions (I just often find myself amazingly opposed to yours ;p).
Originally Posted By Mr X p.s. just so you know, I have felt myself becoming one of the "converted" regarding HKDL, thanks in no small part to your rave reviews, coupled with what TDLFAN had to say, along with the pics. I no longer think it's in league with DCA and WDSP, and in fact it is looking to be a beautiful addition to the MK family (Though STILL short on attractions, disappointingly, as we all know). I had no interest in visiting the park before the last month or two, but after all I've heard I'm getting excited and a little intrigued...I might just have to make a quick trip to Hong Kong after all.
Originally Posted By leemac <<the restaurants>> Ordinarily I would agree but I'm not a fan of the food at TDR. It is probably just because they aren't as veggie-friendly as the other resorts (even HKDLR). That makes it tough for me. <<general atmosphere that makes DisneySea so funn, "adult oriented", and special.>> Funny how different we can be. I see TDS as the complete opposite. Except for Aladdin this summer the park just lacks an atmosphere to me in general and more so it is just so plain serious and dark. Even Mermaid Lagoon just seems to have had all the fun sucked out of it to me. I just don't get the park. I also think that people overplay the attraction roster.
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 "It is undoubtedly the most visually pleasing MK in the world." What about Disneyland Paris? "I just don't see how anyone can argue that seeing outside TDS is a good thing." But DCA has the same problem, if not worse! How can that be good either? You can see power lines, the conventions center, and the giant Paradise Pier Hotel.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo "What about Disneyland Paris?" Unfortunately custodial, maintenance, poor cast members and aweful guest behaviour, take the most beautifully designed MK and pushes the quality of the experience below the other parks. Sad but true. Whereas I think the HK work ethic will raise the HKDL experience to new levels of fun in the pantheon of play.
