Originally Posted By SuperDry Regarding the Mansions: TDL: walking book, morphing painting, smoking door in Hallway of Doors. MK: new multi-channel sound in stretching room, floating Leota, stereo sound in Doombuggies, footprint "Escher" stairs, new bride/attic, illuminated eyes that fade into custom wallpaper pattern. Coming off the recent huge refurb (was it in 2007?), I would give the MK's Mansion the nodd as "best" at this point. Hopefully, now that they have such a gem, they'll give special attention to its maintenance so that it stays in great shape. The one thing I don't like about MK's Mansion is the way they load the foyer: it seems that the narration is usually almost done and Master Gracey has already turned into a skeleton by the time you get in there. At TDL, they seem to do it properly: wait for the room to be loaded, the front doors closed, and then the narration and show starts so that all guests get to see the full sequence.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>And we have unique effects as well, such as the walking books and the morphing painting.<<< These haven't been mentioned in WDI HM book I have, nor have I read about them before. Care to enumerate?
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>MK: new multi-channel sound in stretching room, floating Leota, stereo sound in Doombuggies, footprint "Escher" stairs, new bride/attic, illuminated eyes that fade into custom wallpaper pattern.<<< And don't forget the newly enhanced portraits of the sinister 7. Agreed on how they load WDW's. In the summer it's how you describe. For MVMCP, it's done the ride way. LOVE IT.
Originally Posted By SuperDry The "walking book" (I though there was only one?) is in the Library scene. The library is otherwise the same, including the book on the desk with the self-turning pages. but additionally there is a book that stands upright on the floor and walks forward and back by itself. The morphing painting is one where the 3D impression of a skull pushes through the painting from time to time, making the face on the portrait come alive and almost seeming that it might touch you. But, based on the timing, you don't always get to see it even if you're looking, and there's probably only a 20% chance that you'll catch it at maximum effect. These two effects, while unique to TDL and detail-oriented, and therefore a fanboy's dream, are relatively minor when you compare the new stuff in Florida: the floating Leota and the staircases are major enhancements that every guest will notice.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***there's probably only a 20% chance that you'll catch it at maximum effect*** The very first time I rode after that particular enhancement was created, I happened to be riding with a couple of young Japanese chicks who were otherwise already slightly afraid of the Mansion. We rounded the corner and got the effect full on, me smiling at how cool it was while the girls began to scream full on. Way cool. Ever since then I've only seen the effect a few times though I always look, and perhaps only once or twice (such that the picture is normal for just a second as you turn towards it, then suddenly grows and is fully 3D as you turn away).
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<"greedy corporate mindset". You got it Spirit, that's the problem with the world today.>> Yep, it's the biggest problem because of all the evils that follow from it ... corruption and an acceptance of it ... the 'it is what it is' mindset ... or the sheep having to accept 'the new normal' etc ... <<Now can someone please come up with a solution.>> Making rules and laws and forcing corporations and individuals to be accountable would be a great start. <<People who work for it, deserve to make a good income. But the need for excess income is wrong. >> Ah, but what is excess? Is Bob Iger's salary and benefits excessive? What about Snooki? Or LeBron James? Or Michael Vick? Or Robert DeNiro? Or Lady Gaga? You give me $3 million and I can be comfortable living for a few years. You give me $30 million and I'm set for life, giving plenty to family and friends. Some folks would burn through that in a few years (really!)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ///TDR's attractions blow all WDW versions out of the water./// <<Exception: Haunted Mansion...... Magic Kingdom's is far, far superior. (and Magic Kingdom's Pirates is better also with its very cool queue)>> I strongly disagree with that. MK's Mansion is terrific these days, but TDL's certainly holds its own (although to be fair, I saw the Holiday Nightmare version) and TDL's PoC is worlds better than MK's. I am so beyond hearing about the queue. TDL's is a damn near perfect version ... from the bayou beginning to the beating heart dead man's chest after the drop (only version to have this) to the perfect audio, including the loud thunder and lightning that is perfectly staged with the skeleton at the helm to the final scene with Captain Jack. MK's is easily the worst PoC version in the world ... again, unless we're rating on queues ... and even then I think I'd put Paris's ahead.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Still, "far far superior" is quite a bit of exaggeration.>> Ya think?
Originally Posted By Mr X ^---yup. Save THAT sort of comment for stuff like Pooh's Hunny Hunt vs. its' pathetic worldwide siblings.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ^^That will come, X ... all in good time ... say next year! BTW, I think I am timezoned out because I am trying to come up with examples of why Holiday Nightmare is plussed in some ways from the Anaheim version and other than the extra AAs, including in the first scene after loading, and something behind Leota (painting?) I am drawing a blank.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***BTW, I think I am timezoned out because I am trying to come up with examples of why Holiday Nightmare is plussed in some ways from the Anaheim version and other than the extra AAs, including in the first scene after loading, and something behind Leota (painting?) I am drawing a blank*** Wish I could help, but I've never experienced the Anaheim version (or if I did, it was only once and it has morphed into what I've seen in Tokyo several times).
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>EPCOT will never be repeated. The only time it came close was with Westcot. I don't know what the theme would be. I've only heard a few folks even mention the fact it has been talked about and gone beyond blue sky.<<< I must add a correction. One of DLP's masterplan versions actually had a european epcot as the third planned gate, complete with Monorail. But like Lava Lagoon, the Beauty and the Beast AA attraction and the Capt Nemo underwater restaurant, I doubt we will ever see it.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Enjoying the thoughts so far. I wondered about writing about how my $240 break at Alton Towers was better than Disney has offered outside of California and Asia service wise, but then people rarely read about stuff in Europe on here. Pics here if anyone interested <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=258963&id=744599997&l=6de6a25e30" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/album....e6a25e30</a> The water park was of a similar quality as Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach (but smaller) and the mini golf was as good as Fantasia Gardens. Look forward to reading more of your thoughts on Tokyo.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>The "walking book" (I though there was only one?) is in the Library scene. The library is otherwise the same, including the book on the desk with the self-turning pages. but additionally there is a book that stands upright on the floor and walks forward and back by itself. The morphing painting is one where the 3D impression of a skull pushes through the painting from time to time, making the face on the portrait come alive and almost seeming that it might touch you. But, based on the timing, you don't always get to see it even if you're looking, and there's probably only a 20% chance that you'll catch it at maximum effect. These two effects, while unique to TDL and detail-oriented, and therefore a fanboy's dream, are relatively minor when you compare the new stuff in Florida: the floating Leota and the staircases are major enhancements that every guest will notice.<<< Oh, COOL. WANT. I strongly believe that the Mansion will be receiving another refurb in the next few years in conjunction with the movie. It's already getting that new queue, which, I am excited for. Providing that it's done right...
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>I am so beyond hearing about the queue.<< Why? First of it's kind, it holds a LOT of the story and sets the vibe for the ride. Ours is the only one to do that. A large plus.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***>>I am so beyond hearing about the queue.<< Why? First of it's kind, it holds a LOT of the story and sets the vibe for the ride. Ours is the only one to do that. A large plus*** Meh. If the line is that important, it shouldn't be. No way you can could that as "part of the ride" in the sense that if the ride is lacking you can make up for it by pointing to the line. YES, there are awesome and immersive waiting lines out there (Pooh in Tokyo, Journey and 20,000 Leagues in Tokyo, Indy in Anaheim and Tokyo (both very different but both very cool), and yes Pirates in Orlando as well is pretty decent), but it only counts towards "part of the awesome" if the whole thing is awesome all around...otherwise you might as well just climb the treehouse because THAT is the most awesome ride line anywhere anyway.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Meh. If the line is that important, it shouldn't be. No way you can could that as "part of the ride" in the sense that if the ride is lacking you can make up for it by pointing to the line.<<< Well, I certainly think that WDW's PotC does have a advantage over the other versions, seeing it has better queue, in that respect. Is the ride better? No, it's different. But in terms of setting up the story, I would think our version is a bit better at that.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer <a href="http://passport2dreams.blogspot.com/2010/06/case-for-florida-pirates.html" target="_blank">http://passport2dreams.blogspo...tes.html</a> Passport agrees...
Originally Posted By Christi22222 I think it must be from years of going as a child and therefore programming my specific brain, but as neat as the WDW Pirates queue is, nothing says PIRATES and gets me excited for the ride like DL's. I like entering the courtyard - it's sort of like you leave the park and enter NO. Then I love getting in the building and seeing the boats, smelling the water, hearing the music, and seeing the birds. Then boom, you are on! I think there is a benefit to the condensed entry-to-ride time. Increases the impact. I will be anxious to hear how the TDL queue is (unless I've missed it!). Clearly for me, the WDW version isn't the ultimate, so does TDL get it done the DL way, or it's own way, or not at all? Maybe the 'spirits' will talk to us and let us know soon!
