Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Some random thoughts on Al's most recent column and how it sheds life on what's going on at WDW (and other places): Al is biased, of course. I doubt even his most ardent supporters would say differently. But I don't have any problem with it so long as it doesn't effect the veracity of the information he puts out there. I'll let his track record speak for itself. I can only say I wish WDW had an Al Lutz of its own out there. Rest assured, if it did they would have a much tougher time WalMarting the product. Hey Al -- up for a WDW visit soon? I'm quite sure some of Al's account may have been hyperbole, but the facts are correct. And that is what matters. Rasulo and Weiss and many other Orlando execs descended on DL, they toured the parks, they experienced how much superior almost every DL attraction is to its MK counterparts. Both Space Mountain and Jungle Cruise are up for major rehabs. There are currently three scenarios for the Space redo. They are: 1.) a complete gutting, with two totally new experiences being put in with one significantly more of a thrill ride (ALA Mission Space); 2.) a complete gutting and new experience combining the two tracks into one longer ride, with better effects etc ... but not very much more thrilling; 3.) basically a total track redo ad cleaning with new effects added, but NO change in the two tracks when they're rebuilt. All three will add sound to WDW's Space Mountain. The leading contender was (you guessed it) version 3 ... Weiss and Rasulo figure it worked well at DL with a more discerning theme park guest, so it should go over just as big at the MK. But there are some at WDI who (naturally) favor the other versions, which incidentally don't cost all that much more. The Jungle Cruise is likely to receive some of the plussing that DL's version has over the years with a possibly more thrilling experience inside the Cambodian temple ruins. Apparently, (who would have figured) some WDW execs who hadn't ridden the MK E-Tix in years were actually surprised by the horrible condition they were in (especially Space and Mansion). Gee, all they had to do was read sites like this to know that. Jay Rasulo is so out of touch with reality he should reside in the White House. The man has absolutely no clue what he is doing other than desperately clinging to his job and hoping globalization will save it. Guess what? It won't. Not with China unhappy with Disney. Not with Paris run by inept management. Heck, not with Disney trying to forcefeed the OLC on dumbing down the quality of its parks. He doesn't get the most obvious point. People love DL or WDW ... some people (like me) love them both. They don't give two turds about 'the Disney brand' or 'Disney parks' or any other blanket nebulous term to homogenize something that should be unique and special. He still thinks Disney parks are like McDonald's or Starbucks or the Gap. He's pinned his job on this and won't change. And just wait ... I predict those Disney Dreams tees and merchandise at the outlet stores by Christmas. Disney Cruise Line expansion is a GREAT idea. Just one that's years behind schedule. DCL could and should support four ships, not two. But getting a west coast operation up and running is such a no-brainer (which is why we are still waiting for it to happen). Yes. The exchange rates don't favor Disney, but who cares? Has that stopped anyone else? See how many orders for huge liners have been placed recently. Also, unlike its hotel inventory, which is ALWAYS discounted due to overbuilding, DCL is in such high demand that the vast majority of sailers pay close to list price to sail with Mickey. How about DVC expansion on the west coast? Gee, another idea whose time has come ... came actually, around a decade ago when Disney sold its incredible Newport Beach land to Marriott to build one of the nicest timeshare resorts I have ever seen. Now, they finally think 'yeah, we should build one of dem in SoCal ... but where? Carson? Garden Grove? Artesia? On to DCA: PP has always been the weakest part of DCA, not because of its theme but because of its lousy execution. A Disneyfied version of a classic boardwalk would have worked. But what was built clearly doesn't. Midway Mania is a lot closer to an E-Ticket than a typical C-Ticket. I have less problem with the characters at DCA than say Tomorrowland. BTW, I have heard the Disney-MGM version will (naturally) have a lower budget. More thoughts to come ...
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I think that Space Mountain should definately keep the same track layout. If they are completely rebuilding it anyway, I think they should probably upgrade to the rockets like they have in DL that can fit twice as many people, and are easier to load. I don't know if there would be enough room for the wider track, but I don't really see where this would be a problem. While they are doing all the work, they should also add a roof to the switchback area at the end of the queue, and light that area more. With brighter lights in the queue, it will be harder for guests to make out the track once on the ride. They will also no longer be able to see the people waiting in line, as they will be on the other side of the ceiling. If they want to add another ride in the Space Mountain building, I see no reason not to. There is a ton of space in there (that's why they call it Space Mountain, after all), and they just need to use it wisely. If they were creative enough, they could actually build the new ride on top of the switchbacks for Space Mountain, or have it mixed in with portions of the track. It could be done, but would require a lot of creativity. As long as they are rebuilding the track anyway, I see no reason that the supports for it couldn't be updated to leave more room for the new attraction.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ^^Really? Do you happen to know when? I will be around at the middle of the month and if he's there, I might drop an email.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer I know the dates, but not comfortable in saying it online. I would contact him directly at... al@miceage.com
Originally Posted By irishfan >>If they want to add another ride in the Space Mountain building, I see no reason not to. There is a ton of space in there (that's why they call it Space Mountain, after all), and they just need to use it wisely.<< Will the proposed new Incredibles attraction have anything to do with the Space Mtn building? Anyway, it's good to hear that the Magic Kingdom E tickets may be getting some much needed TLC.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA I would say that you need to keep Space Mountain as an indoor roller coaster in the dark. Space Mountain is essentially a franchise, and exists in every Magic Kingdom park [Hong Kong too?]. Plus, it's a thrill ride that almost all family members can go on together -- which is a good thing.
Originally Posted By tonyanton I'd be happy with scenario 1 or 2 for Space Mountain at WDW. The current track layouts do not give one a sense of flying through space, IMO. <Jay Rasulo is so out of touch with reality he should reside in the White House.> Spirit...thank you for making me laugh on a dreary, rainy NY morning! I have no issue with the expansion of the Disney "brand" around the world. But, there is no reason why it can't and should not be adopted to the unique cultures/locations where it is located (and that includes even CA and FL). Expanding globally does not have to mean homogenization...someone should tell Mr. Rasulo that.
Originally Posted By jmuboy PLEASE AL!!!! Write a REAL report on WDW! And send it to the Orlando Sentinel! I can't wait to hear what he thinks of WDW!!!
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>Space Mountain is essentially a franchise, and exists in every Magic Kingdom park [Hong Kong too?].<< Yes Jim in Oblivious CA, HKDL too.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I wanna meet Al too. >> The Spirit has met Al before in another lifetime, brother ...
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I'd be happy with scenario 1 or 2 for Space Mountain at WDW. The current track layouts do not give one a sense of flying through space, IMO. >> I agree, but at one time they did. I am old enough to recall when Space Mountain was actually DARK! But I do think that when you update/upgrade a 30-plus year-old coaster, you shouldn't just put back the exact same ride track layout with sound. This attraction was once tops on the planet and is now a joke. There's no reason it can't be an incredible state-of-the-art experience again ... except for incompetence in the exec suites. <Jay Rasulo is so out of touch with reality he should reside in the White House.> <<Spirit...thank you for making me laugh on a dreary, rainy NY morning!>> Anytime. It's kinda dreary and humid here in So FLA right now too. I'm just glad one of the few supporters that W has left didn't come out from under the rack at WalMart and start a political discussion! <<I have no issue with the expansion of the Disney "brand" around the world. >> Well, I, like Roy Disney, have a problem with using the term 'brand' to describe Disney to begin with. A 'brand' means you aren't unique and you have competition. That goes against the first 40 years of Disney theme park history. <<But, there is no reason why it can't and should not be adopted to the unique cultures/locations where it is located (and that includes even CA and FL). Expanding globally does not have to mean homogenization...someone should tell Mr. Rasulo that. >> Yes ... but its all about financials and economies of scale and all that crap I forgot about in my college economics 101 class. Disney THINKS it can save money by homogenization. So they don't care that you can expand globally and still have unique parks, resorts, attractions,shows etc ... It's the same mistake they made with the Disney Stores ... and it is a RETAIL business model. Not a theme parks and resort one.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<PLEASE AL!!!! Write a REAL report on WDW! And send it to the Orlando Sentinel! I can't wait to hear what he thinks of WDW!!!>> Al doesn't have the knowledge of WDW required to write about it the way he does DL. I believe he hasn't been to WDW since prior to DAK opening. And the Orlando Sentinel's editors and publisher are afraid of angering the Mouse. Their tourism writers wouldn't know a story if they were reading a book.
Originally Posted By imagineer1985 Al Has numerous informants in the company who our quite acurate in many cases. Many doubt him and say oh look you were wrong about this and that yet, Disney truly does change its mind all the time some time on a whime. I do agree however that when it comes to refurbishments One attractrion that I thought was embarrasing in my recent visit was Buzz Lightyear. Completely chipped paint in every seat this was just discussing it felt so dirty, I work at Buzz lightyear in Disneyland and I can tell you first hand there is a big difference in upkeep. Regarding Space Mountain, As a person living in California I am really not going to plan a trip based on a Re-launched space mountain. Give Me a new ride Ive heard budgets tossed around as much as 30,000,000 for a refurb for this. Lets built a brand new ride instead!
Originally Posted By imagineer1985 Oh and the whole Disney Parks things reminds me of my local Six Flags Magic Mountain Gift shop.... Bland Six Flags Logo on Bland products.
Originally Posted By brotherdave I'm all for fixing up Space Mountain. But, hopefully, no looping inversions are in it's future. I also like the two track configuration, which makes WDW's Space Mountain unique from the others. I DO like the idea of two DIFFERENT layouts, one milder, one a little wilder. But PLEASE, no loops!!!
Originally Posted By tonyanton Spirit...I agree with your take on the Disney "brand," hence why I put it in quotes. Unfortunately, worrying about the brand so much has hurt the name/image of the company. sadly ironic.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 The whole deal with Disney these days is branding. The idiot consultants started it. The idiot MBAs picked up and ran with it. And the idiot execs think it all makes perfect sense. TWDC is now all about two 'brands' -- Disney and ESPN. That's it. Plain and simple. By next year, there won't even be an ABC Sports Division at all. Shame no one is buying those Mobile ESPN phones.
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