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Theme Parks & Roller Coasters |OT| The Happiest Place on GAF

aparisi2274

aparisi2274

Member
Big Rumors on a 5-6month closure for Pirates of the Caribbean at WDW:

Screamscape sources have confirmed to us that Disney is planning a major refurbishment to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. According to one source, the scope of the work included the complete replacement of the concrete and rock-work along the slides of the flume, as well as a major refurbishment to the pirate ship. Lots of other items are also planned to be address, as with any water attraction, it is a never ending battle to deal with rust and water damage issues throughout the attraction.
Other sources were also very forthcoming that the ride has not been the same since they replaced the boat fleet with the current crop, which are lighter and make use of more plastic materials. The work on the flume itself may be to deal with the various issued caused by the new boats.
These issues including them getting stuck along the course until they are bumped free by the next boat behind them, or have to be pushed by a cast member. How they ride through the flume sections differently has also been documented before, as the back row tends to get far wetter than it ever did before during the splashdown, leading them to close off the last row quite often. And finally, there is some internal speculation that the legal department may also have a hand in this, due to the accident where a guest lost a finger a few months ago while sitting in the back row and had his hand outside the boat, so some kind of new barrier or way to force guests to keep their hands inside may also be in the works.
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Seems like a pretty big refurb is coming...
 
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brerwolfe

Member
You know what I hate about Disney rides? Almost everything.

I hate that I never feel like the experience is tailored to me. I get on a conveyor belt, get strapped into a ride-vehicle and come across scenes already in progress. I come in at the end of whatever statement and leave as a new line of dialogue is being said-- I'm missing everything. Not only that, I can see 20 other ride vehicles at any given moment. It's awful and takes me out of whatever scene I'm supposed to be a part of.

I'm mostly speaking about the standard rides-- Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear, Haunted Mansion, etc.

There are some exceptional rides that push the envelope and are/were good for their time. I loved Alien Encounter before they turned it into Stitch, and Mission to Mars is pretty unique. I dunno, I've just never understood the hype around Disney. I wanna like it, but in a world where Universal Studios exists (for comparison sake), I can't find the appeal.

Animal Kingdom is my exception, but that's because of the animals and nothing else.
 
S

Sting

Neo Member
brerwolfe said:
You know what I hate about Disney rides? Almost everything.

I hate that I never feel like the experience is tailored to me. I get on a conveyor belt, get strapped into a ride-vehicle and come across scenes already in progress. I come in at the end of whatever statement and leave as a new line of dialogue is being said-- I'm missing everything. Not only that, I can see 20 other ride vehicles at any given moment. It's awful and takes me out of whatever scene I'm supposed to be a part of.

I'm mostly speaking about the standard rides-- Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear, Haunted Mansion, etc.

There are some exceptional rides that push the envelope and are/were good for their time. I loved Alien Encounter before they turned it into Stitch, and Mission to Mars is pretty unique. I dunno, I've just never understood the hype around Disney. I wanna like it, but in a world where Universal Studios exists (for comparison sake), I can't find the appeal.

Animal Kingdom is my exception, but that's because of the animals and nothing else.
Click to expand...

I sorta see where you are coming from, I hate that immersion breaking stuff to. (Waiting in line long enough to see the same time waster twice in a row is pretty terrible).
 
S

SmithnCo

Member
brerwolfe said:
You know what I hate about Disney rides? Almost everything.

I hate that I never feel like the experience is tailored to me. I get on a conveyor belt, get strapped into a ride-vehicle and come across scenes already in progress. I come in at the end of whatever statement and leave as a new line of dialogue is being said-- I'm missing everything. Not only that, I can see 20 other ride vehicles at any given moment. It's awful and takes me out of whatever scene I'm supposed to be a part of.

I'm mostly speaking about the standard rides-- Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear, Haunted Mansion, etc.

There are some exceptional rides that push the envelope and are/were good for their time. I loved Alien Encounter before they turned it into Stitch, and Mission to Mars is pretty unique. I dunno, I've just never understood the hype around Disney. I wanna like it, but in a world where Universal Studios exists (for comparison sake), I can't find the appeal.

Animal Kingdom is my exception, but that's because of the animals and nothing else.
Click to expand...

I get that sometimes, but not quite to that extent. IE, on Great Movie Ride when I'm not seated on the front vehicle I know I won't be able to see the cool Alien animatronic at all, which totally breaks immersion for anyone seated in the back.
 
T

The Xtortionist

Member
brerwolfe said:
You know what I hate about Disney rides? Almost everything.

I hate that I never feel like the experience is tailored to me. I get on a conveyor belt, get strapped into a ride-vehicle and come across scenes already in progress. I come in at the end of whatever statement and leave as a new line of dialogue is being said-- I'm missing everything. Not only that, I can see 20 other ride vehicles at any given moment. It's awful and takes me out of whatever scene I'm supposed to be a part of.

I'm mostly speaking about the standard rides-- Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear, Haunted Mansion, etc.

There are some exceptional rides that push the envelope and are/were good for their time. I loved Alien Encounter before they turned it into Stitch, and Mission to Mars is pretty unique. I dunno, I've just never understood the hype around Disney. I wanna like it, but in a world where Universal Studios exists (for comparison sake), I can't find the appeal.

Animal Kingdom is my exception, but that's because of the animals and nothing else.
Click to expand...

This post is pretty insightful. Like you said, many of Disney's rides exist somewhat independently of the guests going through them - they're often operating on cycles that don't account for ride vehicle positions. On the other hand, Universal's heavy hitters are optimized to give each vehicle a specific experience. I think it comes down to personal preference in the end - Disney rides might have a bit more re-ride value since you can catch different stuff on repeat rides, while Universal gives to you straight each and every time so you don't have to worry about hitting the correct timing for dialogue, an effect, etc... It's an interesting difference in philosophy.
 
B

brerwolfe

Member
The Xtortionist said:
many of Disney's rides exist somewhat independently of the guests going through them - they're often operating on cycles that don't account for ride vehicle positions.
Click to expand...
I mean, another way to look at it could be that Disney rides are alive and you're popping in on their lives for a brief moment wherever they happen to be. But when I'm on one all I can think is that they're trying to move as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time-- that the numbers are more important than the provided experience.

Just my thoughts. My wife and I took a hiatus on Universal annual passes to give Disney a go a couple years ago. It was such an awful experience for us (comparatively), we were excited to get back to Universal. It was like going home again.
 
Z

zeemumu

Member
brerwolfe said:
I mean, another way to look at it could be that Disney rides are alive and you're popping in on their lives for a brief moment wherever they happen to be. But when I'm on one all I can think is that they're trying to move as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time-- that the numbers are more important than the provided experience.

Just my thoughts. My wife and I took a hiatus on Universal annual passes to give Disney a go a couple years ago. It was such an awful experience for us (comparatively), we were excited to get back to Universal. It was like going home again.
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I have the opposite reaction, but then again, Universal Studios Hollywood is only half the park that Orlando's is (literally)

I'm planning on heading to Disneyland on Friday after work to go check out the Frozen Fun section that they added to California Adventure, and to also see if they added in Hatbox early during the takedown of the Haunted Mansion Holiday.
 
E

Exterminieren

Banned
The tyranny is almost over!

B74CH3zCAAAFMb6.jpg
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Z

zeemumu

Member
So I went to the haunted mansion to see if they added hatbox ghost when they changed it back (nope) but I did see...something. I don't know if it's because I was too used to the holiday one, but there was something in there that I don't think I ever noticed. I think it might be new. At the end of the attic, after you go past the bride and you're out of tge room, there's a window with a bright purple hue over it blocking the side where you used to see part of the roof, and I can see what looks like one of the bat candlesticks in it. If it's anything, maybe it's there to cover something up while they build.

Also Disneyland is still dealing with the measles outbreak, apparently.

Edit: Turns out I was right
Riders will notice a new faux-wall added to the right of the ride track immediately after exiting the attic scene. The wall looks temporary and stylistically unlike anything else in the Haunted Mansion. This has led a lot of fans to speculate that it’s a temporary addition, likely hiding the new home or staging area for the long-rumored return of the Hat Box Ghost.
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01-26-15-DSC_5905.jpg
 
J

Jailer of Hope

Member
S

SpacePirate Ridley

Member
Jailer of Hope said:
Disneyland 60th anniversary celebration starts May 22. New fireworks, a new World of Color show, a new nighttime parade, and new park décor.

D5cjvwc.jpg


SJmGzJU.jpg


fn4s0gS.jpg


http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...may-22-will-feature-sparkling-decor-and-more/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ed-for-disneyland-resort-diamond-celebration/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...of-the-disneyland-resort-diamond-celebration/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...-resort-diamond-celebration-beginning-may-22/
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It has to be horrible going to disneyland and having to see the fireworks from mainstreet. At least they are adding cool effects to main street facades if you are so behind.
 
Z

zeemumu

Member
SpacePirate Ridley said:
It has to be horrible going to disneyland and having to see the fireworks from mainstreet. At least they are adding cool effects to main street facades if you are so behind.
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It's a little compressed, but in terms of view it's not that bad, actually. A lot of people even sit in the area outside of the park to watch them. I'm pretty excited for what they're doing for the park for the 60th. Right now, Critter Country, Matterhorn, the castle, and a few other things are closed for modifications, plus the aformentioned wall in Haunted Mansion that everyone thinks is Hatbox Ghost.
 
S

SpacePirate Ridley

Member
zeemumu said:
It's a little compressed, but in terms of view it's not that bad, actually. A lot of people even sit in the area outside of the park to watch them. I'm pretty excited for what they're doing for the park for the 60th. Right now, Critter Country, Matterhorn, the castle, and a few other things are closed for modifications, plus the aformentioned wall in Haunted Mansion that everyone thinks is Hatbox Ghost.
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Thought it would be worse, glad is not the case. When i saw them, it was from the plaza, so I had a great view from there.

Goldrusher said:
Efteling's new coaster finally fully unveiled:


B-NVoZ7IcAEOCjf.jpg:orig


B-NUYKEIUAA7bsQ.jpg:orig


B-NTxr9IMAAwNCd.png:large



Gorgeous.
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Looks really beautiful.
 
aparisi2274

aparisi2274

Member
Am I the only one who thinks that aside from the gorgeous queue building and first lift hill, the rest of the ride looks pretty meh...
 
B

bucknuticus

Member
aparisi2274 said:
Am I the only one who thinks that aside from the gorgeous queue building and first lift hill, the rest of the ride looks pretty meh...
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Was going to post the same thing, looks rather boring, the station and lift hill are aesthetically pleasing, but im not sure whats so unique or great about this coaster.
 
Z

zeemumu

Member
aparisi2274 said:
Am I the only one who thinks that aside from the gorgeous queue building and first lift hill, the rest of the ride looks pretty meh...
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Reminds me a lot of the Saw coaster for some reason. Maybe it's the lift hill. But yeah, you're right. The building looks nice but the coaster itself looks pretty tame.
 
S

SpacePirate Ridley

Member
It reminds me of the SAW coaster, and that had also a small and not that interesting track design (apart of the lifthill), but at the end I had a great time in it (and the dark ride surprise is really good).
The underground part could have some sort of surprise maybe.
 
Z

Zoso

It's been a long time, been a long time, been a long lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely time.
OXx9RNW.jpg


New art and video released for the AVATAR expansion at Animal Kingdom.
Jim said, “I think one of the things that people loved about the movie is that they felt as if they had visited Pandora… now, thanks to Disney’s amazing Imagineers, people are going to truly experience Pandora firsthand. From the details in the plants to the production and design, extraordinary thought and care has gone into this entire world. The teams have really created something special, and it’s not going to be like anything else.”
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Blog Post

Video
 
G

Gunstarheroes

Member
LuuKyK said:
lol failing to imagine how they will manage to make it look anything like that in real life, but seems awesome. Never underestimate Disney I guess.

I love the reactive ground in that video.
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I'd love nothing more then to see them pull this off. I'm just not buying it.
 
L

Leeroy3101

Banned
I hope the number one priority, after Pandora and Star Wars Land, is to get rid of the Disneyfication at EPCOT.

EPCOT is such a shell of its original 1982 goal. Cutting Nemo from the seas, rebuild communicore in the giant character meet and greet, connect innoventions/communicore back to both sides, and fix the whole Imagination/Captain EO area. Oh, and get rid of Frozen in the showcase.
 
X

Xun

Member
Leeroy3101 said:
I hope the number one priority, after Pandora and Star Wars Land, is to get rid of the Disneyfication at EPCOT.

EPCOT is such a shell of its original 1982 goal. Cutting Nemo from the seas, rebuild communicore in the giant character meet and greet, connect innoventions/communicore back to both sides, and fix the whole Imagination/Captain EO area. Oh, and get rid of Frozen in the showcase.
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Yeah, that's not going to happen anytime soon.

If anything it's going to become even more Disneyfied, sadly.

I have nothing against building a Frozen ride, but it simply doesn't belong in EPCOT.

Had TDO not rushed their plans on the cheap they could've put something in the Magic Kingdom since there's plenty of space.
 
S

SmithnCo

Member
Leeroy3101 said:
I hope the number one priority, after Pandora and Star Wars Land, is to get rid of the Disneyfication at EPCOT.

EPCOT is such a shell of its original 1982 goal. Cutting Nemo from the seas, rebuild communicore in the giant character meet and greet, connect innoventions/communicore back to both sides, and fix the whole Imagination/Captain EO area. Oh, and get rid of Frozen in the showcase.
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You forgot getting the Mexico ride back to former standards of comfiness rather than blaring Donald Duck all over it. Also not gonna happen but I can dream.
 
S

SpacePirate Ridley

Member
I know epcot is for original stuff, but I really dont have a problem when the theme works so well as nemo helping kids know more about the seas. Donald in Mexico and the frozen ride, not so good.
What they need to do is bring back Figment and tie it to a good original ride like its original was. Figment needs to be the face of epcot.
 
Z

zeemumu

Member
SpacePirate Ridley said:
I know epcot is for original stuff, but I really dont have a problem when the theme works so well as nemo helping kids know more about the seas. Donald in Mexico and the frozen ride, not so good.
What they need to do is bring back Figment and tie it to a good original ride like its original was. Figment needs to be the face of epcot.
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I thought Donald in Mexico was always a thing because of his bird group.
 
L

Leeroy3101

Banned
EPCOT needs to refocus futureworld. FutureWorld was supposed to be an optimistic look into the present and future of human technology and history. Nemo, Imagination, Captain EO, Ellen, and partly the whole land pavillion fail at the thematic focus.

The showcase, despite Frozen and Donald Duck, works for the most part. It'd be great if Disney and the countries could work hand in hand again.
 
F

flyover

Member
zeemumu said:
I thought Donald in Mexico was always a thing because of his bird group.
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That ride used to be kind of boring, but I loved it -- even as a kid -- because it was so relaxing. Now, with Donald and co., I think it's annoying. But I have to admit, I've ridden it with people who seem to like the Caballeros a lot. So maybe I'm in the minority.
 
B

BUNTING1243

Banned
Disneyworld kinda sounds like a mess now, but I haven't been there in years and years. Is it worth going from California or should I just stick to Disneyland?
 
Z

zeemumu

Member
Macho Madness said:
Disneyland is even more of a mess right now

https://instagram.com/p/zrGPKSL2Jj/
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Damn, I should have gone today.

Right now it is a bit of a mess. Everything's down for annual refurb/60th anniversary modification so things are a little cramped and hectic. Granted, there are no lines, but still...

They're actually having some kind of Annual Passholder event that has something to do with Adventureland I think (I skimmed the description) so I have that planned for Wednesday, but man, when May hits, there's gonna be a lot of stuff dropping out of nowhere at Disneyland.
 
L

Leeroy3101

Banned
BUNTING1243 said:
Disneyworld kinda sounds like a mess now, but I haven't been there in years and years. Is it worth going from California or should I just stick to Disneyland?
Click to expand...

I only prefer WDW due to EPCOT; that is primarily due the magic of the World Showcase at nighttime. In all other areas Disneyland is far superior. I just wish the pathways were wider at DL.
 
S

SpacePirate Ridley

Member
zeemumu said:
I thought Donald in Mexico was always a thing because of his bird group.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it becuase of the three cabelleros. Tehmatically the mexican on fits fine, and its great history about Walt when he went to south america, but donald is north american and the other is brasilean, so they dont fit there.

Macho Madness said:
Disneyland is even more of a mess right now

https://instagram.com/p/zrGPKSL2Jj/
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Holy shit! The huge fire looks like if they were burning a giant Falla on the festivities of Valencia. Hope it was not really that bad as it looks and nobody was harm.

EDIT Seems it was only a tree near the ride and the ride nor people were affected.
 
O

overcast

Member
Leeroy3101 said:
I only prefer WDW due to EPCOT; that is primarily due the magic of the World Showcase at nighttime. In all other areas Disneyland is far superior. I just wish the pathways were wider at DL.
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This is the worst part for sure. Walking can be hell at DL.


Speaking of DL anyone know when all the refurbishments will be done?
 
O

OchreHand

Member
So with the possible name change for Disneys Holywood Studios (again) anyone care to guess what they'll call it?


Frozenland? Florida Adventure?
 
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