Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom Tom isn't the only one not using the bathrooms. And that's why Injun Joe's cave smells like Lysol. Like I said there is always a line for the men's room.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom KJ says: 1) Soarin 2) Space Mountain 3) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 4) Great Movie Ride 5) Test Track I say: 1) Pirates 2) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 3) Spaceship Earth 4) Great Movie Ride 5) Kilimanjaro Safari
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I wish I cols say Great Movie Ride, but so much is broken I just don't care any more.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper Huh? What's broken? Everything was working fine (Save for Footlight Parade, obviously) last time I went through in July.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom The Western scene isn't even used. The ride vehicle just goes through that area and absolutely "no" fire anymore, No aliens, I don't even think they are doing the slime or the steam. As least most figures in the Wizard of Oz scene are working. I still enjoy the attraction and hit it everytime I'm there. But, it is not worth an hour wait for. I would have to say my biggest complain about GMR is the boring attitude of the castmembers. They seem to want to interact with the guests as minimally as possible. And quite frankly, I'm much more entertained trying to pick out the "hidden Mickeys", C3PO and R2D2 motifs than the temple acting thing.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<The Western scene isn't even used. The ride vehicle just goes through that area and absolutely "no" fire anymore,>> That's not true. Got the Bandit scene twice this past summer. The fire only happens when the bandit takes over your car, not if the gangster takes over. <<No aliens, I don't even think they are doing the slime or the steam.>> Both were going in the summer. <<I would have to say my biggest complain about GMR is the boring attitude of the castmembers. They seem to want to interact with the guests as minimally as possible.>> Funny, I think the cast has improved greatly the past 3 or 4 years. As for interaction, they aren't allowed to go off script at all. It's not the same as the Jungle Cruise.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom HS, I am glad to hear that you had a great experience on the GMR. It tells me that things can improve. But, I assure you those show elements were not working the last time I rode that ride/ attraction. Another thing to point out is that the GMR is another example of how long queue lines are artificially created. The last few times I have riden the GMR they have only been running one ride vehicle (hense the reason why I haven't seen the Western scene used in years). So at best the GMR is being run at 1/2 capacity. I suspect perhaps this is done during slower times of the year. In fact the last time I rode GMR the line started outside the opening doors to the Chinese Theater. I thought it was kewl as I had never noticed the detail done in that area since usually I'm just walking through that area into the theater queue area. I figured there must be a lot of people riding. Then I get to the ride vehicle and see they are only using one, ummm Bad Show. Still, it is one of my favorite rides in the parks. And I fondly remember every detail of the show. Just haven't seen some show elements in years. Also, most everyone has experienced this ride before, no newbies... so everyone is asleep while traveling through the Nostromo scene so it is much less intense ( I still like the looks of the stars through the Nostromo's windows ).
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper ^^^Next time you're there, and they're not doing the Western scene, just ask. I've done it before when it's not being done, and they accommodated.
Originally Posted By sjhym333 My 2cents on the Footlight scene. I worked for Imagineering on the Studio project and then opened the park for operations. The problem with the Footlight scene was that the water from the fountains made the swimmers very heavy...they are made of a foam substance and the weight of the swimmers kept burning out the motors. A stronger motor was put in and that helped for awhile but the motors took a beating because they were getting wet and causing problems with the bearings. There was a meeting with the Imagineers and there was a debate about losing the scene altogether but the decision was made to change the scene to the static one you have today. The general feeling is that the scene happpens early enough that it being static wouldn't be a problem. Another interesting fact about the GMR was that Clint Eastwood was covered in plastic for the first several days of CM previews. Frank Wells, who was one of Clint's closest friends, had told Imagineering that he would secure Clint's signature on the contract to use his likeness. When that didn't happen before previews, we were made to cover the figure up. Eisner rode, called Wells and the next day the figure was uncovered. Every major figure in the attraction had to be approved by either the star or their heir. Before opening we had Julie and Dick come out, Liza and her sister and brother one day, James Cagney's housekeeper (interesting story on that), as well as S.Weaver. Harrison Ford was sent pictures and Lauren Becall and her children came out for Humphrey Bogart. When John Wayne's children came out they said that his costume didnt seem right and overnighted his hat and some other pieces that were used on the figure. And of course most of you probably know that the Sorcerers Apprentice scene was originally Miss Gulch on her bike turning into the Witch. But because of a crazy contract with Ted Turner, who owned the MGM library, the scene was removed. It was Michael Einser's idea to use Mickey.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<And of course most of you probably know that the Sorcerers Apprentice scene was originally Miss Gulch on her bike turning into the Witch. But because of a crazy contract with Ted Turner, who owned the MGM library, the scene was removed. It was Michael Einser's idea to use Mickey.>> Wow, never knew that! That's awesome, and much better sounding than the Mickey scene, IMO.
Originally Posted By leobloom The Alien figures in GMR haven't worked the past few times I've been there. I truly prefer the western explosion to the gangster shoot-out.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom It's been so long since I have actually experienced the Western scene that I forget the dialog of the bandit. Time to tune into youtube.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 being from CHicago I like the gangster scene better but like them both-- saw both during the summer.. I could live without Aliens...
Originally Posted By vbdad55 not not working Alien- I mean replace that scene would be my choice but I know a lot ofpeople like it
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom I like the Alien scene, but I always thought S Weaver should be pointing the gun either down or up. Not at the people in the ride vehicle.
Originally Posted By sjhym333 I think the GMR, which is a great concept, could use an updating. Keep a couple of the classics, but design some new show scenes, pull out all the stops that I believe that Imagineering can do and give us an attraction that can wow us once again. I think the whole gangster/cowboy taking over the vehicle is past its time. And as much as I like Aliens and Indy, I think it is time to retire those scenes.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip The last time I saw the Western scene, even though it was the one being used, there was no fire. Alien was not working last couple of times I rode either. A great concept but badly in need of updating.
Originally Posted By libertysquare76 In no specific order 1. American Adventure 2. Spaceship Earth 3. The Hall of Presidents 4. Kilimanjaro 5. The Great Movie Ride Somewhat nostalgic, I did enjoy The World of Motion and Dreamflight. I lay claim to be that unique thing of a non-American who includes AA and HOP in my absolute 5.
