Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<From only observations I would suggest that the DCA Soarin' is still seeing more first timers than repeat APers since DCA got off to a slow start. The same can't be said about EPCOT.>> What observation is that? I would think DCA's Soarin has a much higher rate of AP ridership than Epcot's has/will have in repeat riders.
Originally Posted By ChiMike The observation that any time I am near the place I hear a lot of conversations from first timers. "What do you think this will feel like?" "That was awesome!" "Did you bring your feet up so they wouldn't get wet?!" No doubt there are more APers. My point is that Soarin' is still on display for first timers. I probably could have worded it better. I don't know if it was Al or Jim but I remember an update pre-ToT where they mentioned that TDA was concerned that Soarin' wasn't getting as many rerides as Screamin'. I think that makes sense and once more people have become accustomed to Soarin' and once there are more E-ticket options in the park I think you will see it drop off. So it might not be 7 years from 2001. O.K., how about 10? Back to WDW, I do think that in 2012 you will not see the same demand as there is now. Not like it has been for TT 1999 to TT 2006. So two different dynamics with the same eventual outcome. Does that help?
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<My point is that Soarin' is still on display for first timers. I probably could have worded it better.>> But more than Epcot? That was my point. I think Soarin' will "still be on display" at WDW just as much in five years as it is at DCA today, if not more, because WDW has more new guests every year than DLR does. <<Back to WDW, I do think that in 2012 you will not see the same demand as there is now. Not like it has been for TT 1999 to TT 2006.>> While I agree that film-based attractions generally don't have the repeatability as a dimensional attraction, I think the Soarin' ride mechanism adds a great deal to the experience. Some here suggest it is *the* reason why it is so popular. The other factor is it's family-friendly nature. While it still has a height restriction, it has a gentle thrill which, excluding those who fear heights, everyone enjoys immensely.
Originally Posted By ChiMike >>But more than Epcot? That was my point. I think Soarin' will "still be on display" at WDW just as much in five years as it is at DCA today, if not more, because WDW has more new guests every year than DLR does.<< And, hey, that is a pretty good point. But whether it 3 years or 30 years, I do believe it will age faster than an Everest or a ToT. Just as some people still haven't experienced TT, there will be some 7 years from now who have never rode Soarin'. No doubt. But my point has always been that it will see a larger % decrease then a TT in the same time frame. I think that point can stand even with your outlook.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Funny, to me Soarin' is one of the best attractions Disney has produced for a long time. But what do I know, I considered Star Tours and even Timekeeper to be almost on par with PotC and HM.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ^^True. What do you know, Dave? (sorry, but Star Tours and Timekeeper?!?)
Originally Posted By Beatrice Arthur It's too bad DCA wasn't around during the run of "Golden Girls". I'm sure many a man would have loved a ticket for admittion to "Soarin' Over Blanche".
