Originally Posted By Manfried Hey, I love the Land Boat Ride. It is more than a pleasant diversion. My nieces and nephews all love the ride too!
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA ^^^I agree about The Land boat ride. I always felt that it captured the true essence of what EPCOT is all about. And again, does a nice job of doing that 'edutainment' stuff. Also. I always found 'Symbiosis' to be an excellent movie about the environment. When they added Simba and all the Lion King characters, it just sort of became silly.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Yea...this isn't necessarily true. While they aren't as popular as TT, M:S, or Soarin', both attractions pull in pretty decent numbers. Far from "ignoring them like the plague --- I would disagree from my last few visits- also why it's not open in EMH
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I like the ladn ride too- but when was the last time you waited for the ride ? very short lines
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<I like the ladn ride too- but when was the last time you waited for the ride ? very short lines>> So? It's a people eating attraction. It shouldn't be expected to have long lines.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Hey, I love the Land Boat Ride.>> As do I. Second best attraction in Epcot. Have you taken the Behind the Seeds Tour? It's really fun.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 So? It's a people eating attraction. It shouldn't be expected to have long lines. --- also boats should not be 1/2 empty - and we're talking about summer time
Originally Posted By plpeters70 I love Living with the Land too - I just think that it needs some updating to keep it fresh. They done a really nice job with the greenhouses, but the opening and closing sections of the ride could use some updating. (And like I've always said, they should really bring back the song!)
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA "Let's listen to the land we all love Nature's plan will shine above Listen to the laaaaa-aaaa-aaaaand Listen to the land."
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb My son and I both enjoy Living with the Land and waited in line for it just last June. We ride it at least once per trip. I think we've only ridden Soarin' once (but we've been on Soarin' Over California many times ;->).
Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt Everyone love this!! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MjnfhCwyOc" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...nfhCwyOc</a>
Originally Posted By danyoung Wow - what a thread! I really have nothing to add to the discussion of edutainment vs. thrills (I think there's plenty of room and need for both!). But I did want to make a couple of comments about IllumiNations. This is my second favorite outdoor mixed media show anywhere (my favorite being DL's version of Fantasmic!). I usually hit it 3 or more times on a WDW visit. I love the music, I love the mix of fireworks and lights and lasers and water. And I think the globe video screen is one of the most amazing pieces of technology on the planet. That said, I do think the middle section with just the video globe is a bit too long. I know I get a little itchy when it's doing its thing, and I can see in the crowd around me that they're getting restless, always a bad sign in any show. When the first portion of the show is so strong and has such kinetic energy, and then the show slows down for this element - well, it's a nice element but it simply lasts too long. I have the same problem with the water screen elements in WDW's Fantasmic! - way too long. The timing is just perfect in DL's version, but not in Florida's. The other comment I had was about the story elements of the show. I think leemac said it best a few posts ago - that the best Disney attractions can work on multiple levels. You can watch IllumiNations as just a great fireworks show, or you can follow the story from the big bang right up to current times and the promise of the future. The message is there, but it doesn't club you over the head (nor should it). Just because someone doesn't know the whole story doesn't mean they're dumb or not paying attention. But once you know that there is a story element there, it really adds to the richness of an already great presentation.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>Color me confused - you say that "all of history is biased" and then add this? Are you saying that you like your history to be idealized? Seems at odds for someone that is lamenting the fact that (US) news has shifted to op-ed talking heads (you can't aim the same accusations at the UK news media).<<< My assertion is that a good story told through an architecture of reassurance helps hook you more in to learning than the harsh realities of the world. then once you have learned to appreciate the topic, then going to see the real thing is cool.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>So are you saying that instead of having toons and thrills, you think that Disney should have graffitti and people urinating on the streets? It certainly would add some realism to Hollywood Blvd at the Studios if they added some skanky lingere stores and a handful of hookers, instead of the Citizens of Hollywood. Part of what's great about Disney stuff is that it isn't real and never will be. It's the only place to get that. Yah, the toons and thrills get old, but to an extent I would rather have those than too much realism.<<< I a mnot advocating too much realism. I think the Frontierland of pre 1977 at DL, or Main Street USA before it became one big Disney Store, or the World Showcase pavillions are spot on. Add thrills or toons, and it diminished the theme.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 danyoung - that was a great post! This part especially is very well put and still respectful to different opinions and needs. Just great. Thanks, I needed this! >>The other comment I had was about the story elements of the show. I think leemac said it best a few posts ago - that the best Disney attractions can work on multiple levels. You can watch IllumiNations as just a great fireworks show, or you can follow the story from the big bang right up to current times and the promise of the future. The message is there, but it doesn't club you over the head (nor should it). Just because someone doesn't know the whole story doesn't mean they're dumb or not paying attention. But once you know that there is a story element there, it really adds to the richness of an already great presentation.<<
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>also boats should not be 1/2 empty - and we're talking about summer time<<< That's Mr. Potter's fault.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer It was crowded in December, I should add. Waited 30 mins for it... I think it was the longest wait of the day.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I think there is a point where too much of one thing can be bad ... in the mid-90s, EPCOT Center's attraction mix was largely geared toward long, slow, educational type attractions, some getting long in the tooth. But today FW is just as pulled in the other direction with too many three minute thrill rides with no pavilions around them. On another subject, I'd love to hear more of Lee's musings on his Disney Dream experience (did you just do the first 'real' cruise or some of the short freebies?) ... the point you made about the boorish behavior of some guests over merchandise resonated with me as I've seen that too.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 >>>also boats should not be 1/2 empty - and we're talking about summer time<<< That's Mr. Potter's fault. this was the last few years long before Mr Potter landed
Originally Posted By danyoung >...the best Disney attractions can work on multiple levels...< It's always interesting to me to see people really dig in and try to convince everyone that their experience is the only one. The beauty about Disney parks is that everyone can have their own experience. My friend the Spirit can go to the MK and see nothing but wood rot, and I can go and still see nothing but magic. His experience has no lesser or greater value than mine (although mine is MUCH more fun!).
