Originally Posted By wahooskipper I don't think Buzz Lightyear "sucks" and that has proven to have a pretty good shelf life so far. I'd say it was a pretty good effort at marrying a video game-type experience with a ride. And, what I like about TSMM is that it can be fun for everyone. We had three generations on it during our last visit and my then 3 year old has as much fun as my 67 year old in-laws. If my 90 year old grandmother was with us she would have enjoyed it too. (Not too mention the improvements they made on that ride for the loading process for people with disabilities.)
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<I don't think Buzz Lightyear "sucks" and that has proven to have a pretty good shelf life so far. I'd say it was a pretty good effort at marrying a video game-type experience with a ride.>> I love Buzz, but it needs some updates and some love. But that can be said about basically the entire Magic Kingdom attraction line up. And don't forget Men in Black: Alien Attack!, which is one of the top 5 rides in Orlando, IMO.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Have you visited a museum lately? They're doing the very things they learned from Disney edutainment. ----------------- exactly and drawing larger crowds because of it-- in SPringfield Illinois they opened a new Lincoln museum and two of the attraction shows assisted by Disney. I am very fortunate to live in a city like Chicago with many many museums- the most populaar- the 'hands on' ones like the museum of Science & Industry...many of the things they do little different from EPCOT. geez, what's wring with a little edu-tainment--I think this country is afraid of learning any more which is why others blowing past us
Originally Posted By vbdad55 And do you know what? On our last trip, my son was not quite 4. His two fav attractions in all of WDW, not just Epcot? Spaceship Earth and Listen to the Land ----------------- my kids have loved EPCOT since they were very little - never bored..
Originally Posted By vbdad55 And, what I like about TSMM is that it can be fun for everyone. We had three generations on it during our last visit and my then 3 year old has as much fun as my 67 year old in-laws. If my 90 year old grandmother was with us she would have enjoyed it too. (Not too mention the improvements they made on that ride for the loading process for people with disabilities.) --------------------- ditto here- everyone from the youngest to grandma likes the ride. Is it 'life changing'- no, not at all- but it really for me harkens back to old time fun--simple. I don't want a lot more of these rides but I also think they have a place when themed well.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 >>I dunno about you, but for me no video game can compete with a ride on Splash Mountain or a Journey into the Kilimanjaro Preserve or fighting crime with Spiderman or going to Hogwarts. If they think that's their problem, I think that the problem is that they think that's their problem. They're NOT going to "build a better video game" with in-park rides. In fact, they mostly totally suck. What they CAN do is offer alternative, incredible experiences that kids CAN'T get from their little hand-held devices. Let's hope these park operators get a clue before we're all shooting lasers around Space Mountain and waving wands around Hogwarts to, let's face it, ultimately very lame effect compared to even a hand held playstation! << I personally totally agree with this. I have fun at Buzz and TSMM. But they do seem to be chasing down the gimmicky stuff. And yes, it does grab the attention of kids. But the repeatability is limited, and the wow factor is over almost immediately. I am not out to bash these rides, but X is dead on that they are chasing a rabbit hole going for video game style stuff. Those can improve and change so fast and are in every home. That arena is covered! Get your own thing, Disney! Or more accurately, stick with the thing you have that's been working. Just actually DO IT again. Anyone else's kiddo do the MagicQuest stuff with the wands at Wolf Creek Lodges and Mall of America and the like? Same sort of thing, and this is what I fear dreadfully will be what all the RFID dollars are about. Yikes.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<But the repeatability is limited>> Really? If anything these are more repeatable. *shrugs*
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Yeah, I would agree that those ride are more repeatable than many of the "classic" rides. I'm ok with one ride on Pirates or Splash but I do like to see what I missed (or how I can improve my score) on Buzz and TSMM.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 I think whether the ride is repeatable or not has a lot to do with your interest in video games to begin with. I find them mildly amusing, even at home, but have no need to get a great score or be competitive. I would venture to guess from your statements that you are getting some enjoyment from the competitive gaming aspect. (Even if it's only competitive with yourself.) I don't think this is a new phenomenon. There were always friends of mine back in the 80's when video games were first getting popular that were crazy for them. And others were only so-so. I don't even think it is an age thing. My son thinks that stuff is fun, but he is good with one ride and done as well. This falls into different strokes sort of category. But I would still contend that what X said is correct: video games do it better. If you try to compete with that, you will probably lose. Doesn't mean a couple of rides of that sort can't be fun!
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Have you tried the Pirates game at DisneyQuest? While not a ride that is a great game that gets many people involved at once.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 Okay, you nailed the one exception to my feelings on video games. My family LIVES for this game. And god help you if you go in with us and aren't any good! lol We love it, play very seriously, and would put it in our living room if we could. They just need to add some chapters or something. We've explored most nooks and crannies we can find! Now if they would just give you something interesting to do on the virtual jungle cruise....
Originally Posted By wahooskipper That virtual Jungle Cruise makes me reality sick. I'm getting nauseous just thinking about it.
Originally Posted By plpeters70 While I really do enjoy TSMM, I think they screwed up by not having any actual props or animatronics in the attraction. Aside from the ride vehicle, you're basically just watching a series of video screens - you could pretty much be stationary and have a similar experience. It would have been nice if WDI had mixed in some show scenes between the games - would have made for a more "complete" experience.
Originally Posted By plpeters70 Is DisneyQuest still open? I thought Disney was dropping that whole concept? Has there been any updates to the place recently? I always really enjoyed it, but they really needed to change up the games offered more, and keep up with the latest in technology. Some of those graphics just look sad now.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Agreed plpeters70. It is pretty sad that the only thing that interests me in TSMM is the Mr Potato Head in the queue. And yes, I do like the PotC game at Disney Quest too. My problem is this, TSMM and attractions of it's ilk could be done at home or a Dave and Busters. This is not what Disney should be reaching for IMHO, just like 3D probably is not something they should bother with much anymore either, especially now you can buy 3D TVs.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Well, I suppose you could buy merchandise (or eat a turkey leg) at home too but I see DisneyQuest as an enhancement...not too mention a good option for a rainy day activity. I don't think DisneyQuest has ever been what Disney wanted it to be but I understand they are doing ok. Not well enough to be franchising them across the country but well enough for it to hold a place, at least for now, in Orlando.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>ditto here- everyone from the youngest to grandma likes the ride. Is it 'life changing'- no, not at all- but it really for me harkens back to old time fun--simple. I don't want a lot more of these rides but I also think they have a place when themed well.<<< Right. Disney should do these things, but not exclusively. And they shouldn't bill it as the best thing since sliced bread when they can do so, so, SO much greater.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<And they shouldn't bill it as the best thing since sliced bread>> I don't think they ever have.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <Disney, IMO, should stick to what it does best: entertainment. Let's leave the education to universities, libraries, museums, and the like> CBS Sunday Morning had a nice story about the new Dallas Cowboy stadium and how the owners Jerry and Gene Jones have started a collection of specially commissioned contemporary art in the stadium. It reminded me of this discussion. <a href="http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/art_gallery1.cfm" target="_blank">http://stadium.dallascowboys.c...ery1.cfm</a> I think it's really beautifully done. So, I suppose the argument here would be 'What sports fan, who is there to watch the big game and buy nachos and a beer, cares about seeing contemporary art?' Thank goodness not everybody believes in the separation of 'art' and 'entertainment.' The Jones are also planning to put some sculpture in the outside gardens of the stadium too.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I don't think they ever have.<<< Please... to them it's an E Ticket and Potter-esque. LOL
