Fantasyland Expansion - Part 2

[rhino4evr]

Now days, yes, I agree there. In years past, however, the gap was not so glaringly obvious and, unfortunately, I fear Disney has started to forget part of the audience who originally propelled them into success in the first place. I also fear that if they don't soon remember that they must appeal to a broader audience, their audiences as a whole (as well as their profits) will eventually begin to suffer as a result; no matter what Disney optimists may think. Even a restaurant chain knows to sell food that appeals to people of all ages and Universal has been getting much better at this concept steadily over the last ten years or so. Disney, on the other hand, seems to have been going the opposite way over the same time span, I just don't understand their logic. All the hotels and resorts in the world won't bring people in if there is nothing new worth doing in the parks for adults anymore. An exaggeration now, sure; but in the future? Nothing and nobody is truly too big to fail. Even if Disney has been on top since before some of you were born (myself included), I hate to have to be the one to break it to some of you but nothing lasts forever.

Back on topic, good to see some news on this thing again (referring to the brief video and previous photo link). I still look forward to riding this thing someday, whenever they finally finish it and when I can get another free ticket to go there :thumbs:. I know it won't be anything 'ground breaking' but I like all rides personally (excepted little kiddie ones, which this obviously won't be) and especially roller coaster rides. Yes, even the tamer ones like this are still fun. Have you ever rode Primeval Whirl? When me and my friends first saw it we almost didn't go on it because it looked so kiddie like. Thankfully, and mostly because Animal Kingdom has very little else to do if you spend a whole day there, we tried it. While its small and not super fast, we still loved it (although I would have definitely preferred the ride originally proposed much more). It was still a lot of laughs! I still think Seven Dwarfs will end up being the best, and obviously most thrilling, ride in the new Fantasyland.

We've gone over this 100 times, but there is plenty of things for adults (WITH KIDS) to do. Disney (and Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom especially) caters to young families. Always has, and always will. If you are gonna pick on Fantasyland, pick on the fact that most of the attractions are girl/princess oriented.

Epcot, MGM are much more "adult" parks.

The main problem isn't who they are catering too, the main problem is the lack of new rides and state of the art experiences. Especially when UOR is 20 mins down the road and pulling out all the thrill ride stops.

Have you ever thought that maybe Disney doesn't want to be considered a Thrill ride park? Hell, they opened Mission Space and immediately had to offer a "non-thrill" version for all the adult babies, who complained of "being dizzy" or "motion sickness". Do you think those same people would ever step foot on the Hulk, Spiderman, or even Harry Potter.

Disney knows exactly who they cater too, and it's a VERY broad audience. I agree they need to add some new high quality attractions, but don't think becuase YOU feel you are "too old" or "too cool" for the mouse that everyone else does.

 

[mainejeff]

Have you ever thought that maybe Disney doesn't want to be considered a Thrill ride park? Hell, they opened Mission Space and immediately had to offer a "non-thrill" version for all the adult babies, who complained of "being dizzy" or "motion sickness". Do you think those same people would ever step foot on the Hulk, Spiderman, or even Harry Potter.

Yeah...me. I went on the original version of Mission Space once and that was enough for me. I felt like MS affected me differently than Hulk, Spiderman and Harry Potter.......I've been on those rides dozens of times and will continue to ride them in the future.

Disney knows exactly who they cater too, and it's a VERY broad audience.

I don't think so. They cater to 3 to 8 year olds.......anyone else will end up being bored or frazzled out of their minds by the end of the day.

 

[TylerDurden]

There are 18 million people a year who would disagree that Disney caters to the wrong audience. I think that Disney offers more of a themed "experience" that remains fresh with special events and an equal emphasis on atmosphere along with rides (World Showcase). Universal offers more of an amusement park mentality...still a highly themed environment, just with more of an emphasis on rides (and therefore thrills) than Disney. So as you can see, thats two completely different audiences being targeted. Im not saying one is better than the other, just that in a group of locals who go often and are entertained primarily by rides (cough, this board, cough), of course Disney is going to be criticized more than Universal. Its a matter of opinion.

I think its fair to knock Disney on taking forever to build one single ride (although to be fair, theyre catering to a market that doesnt come often and therefore can take their time while still seeming fresh to less frequent visitors), but not for building a ride that a few of you wont find thrilling enough. Being thrilling has never been Disneys perogative. And its worked pretty well for them so far.

 

[MrRoamer]

We've gone over this 100 times, but there is plenty of things for adults (WITH KIDS) to do. Disney (and Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom especially) caters to young families. Always has, and always will. If you are gonna pick on Fantasyland, pick on the fact that most of the attractions are girl/princess oriented.

Epcot, MGM are much more "adult" parks.

The main problem isn't who they are catering too, the main problem is the lack of new rides and state of the art experiences. Especially when UOR is 20 mins down the road and pulling out all the thrill ride stops.

Have you ever thought that maybe Disney doesn't want to be considered a Thrill ride park? Hell, they opened Mission Space and immediately had to offer a "non-thrill" version for all the adult babies, who complained of "being dizzy" or "motion sickness". Do you think those same people would ever step foot on the Hulk, Spiderman, or even Harry Potter.

Disney knows exactly who they cater too, and it's a VERY broad audience. I agree they need to add some new high quality attractions, but don't think becuase YOU feel you are "too old" or "too cool" for the mouse that everyone else does.

Epcot and MGM are definitely the more adult parks, but they could definitely use a little more not necessarily meaning thrill rides. Hollywood Studios is a broken park due to layout and the rides available. It was rushed when it was originally built and definitely shows it.

Epcot was always my favorite as a kid but is still my favorite as an adult all because of its theme, but its rides are mostly viewed as boring to children and adults and the nostalgia has been killed. A little more work and I think it could easily return to its glory days. Original Spaceship Earth, Horizons, and Original Journey to Imagination generally rank highly on anyone's list of favorite rides.

As for mission space, they didn't have much of a choice but to tame it down and offer the green side. A ride that kills a 4 year old boy and a 49 year old woman, makes several other guests severely ill or pass out, will most likely end up needing to be reworked. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incidents_at_Walt_Disney_World#Epcot

 

[rhino4evr]

Yeah...me. I went on the original version of Mission Space once and that was enough for me. I felt like MS affected me differently than Hulk, Spiderman and Harry Potter.......I've been on those rides dozens of times and will continue to ride them in the future.



I don't think so. They cater to 3 to 8 year olds.......anyone else will end up being bored or frazzled out of their minds by the end of the day.

You honestly believe that Disney only caters to 3 to 8 year olds? I mean honestly?

I'm sorry, but that seems like a very uninformed and very immature perception. You would think that a theme park board would attract people that actually understand umm...Theme Parks.

 

[Disneyhead]

There are 18 million people a year who would disagree that Disney caters to the wrong audience. I think that Disney offers more of a themed "experience" that remains fresh with special events and an equal emphasis on atmosphere along with rides (World Showcase). Universal offers more of an amusement park mentality...still a highly themed environment, just with more of an emphasis on rides (and therefore thrills) than Disney. So as you can see, thats two completely different audiences being targeted. Im not saying one is better than the other, just that in a group of locals who go often and are entertained primarily by rides (cough, this board, cough), of course Disney is going to be criticized more than Universal. Its a matter of opinion.

I think its fair to knock Disney on taking forever to build one single ride (although to be fair, theyre catering to a market that doesnt come often and therefore can take their time while still seeming fresh to less frequent visitors), but not for building a ride that a few of you wont find thrilling enough. Being thrilling has never been Disneys perogative. And its worked pretty well for them so far.

You are right that Disney and Universal cater to 2 different audiences. Disney fans wet themselves from joy overload because they can open their hotel room door with a silly band with Mickey Mouse on it. And I LOVE Universal's "Thrill Rides" like Ollivander's and "Oh! The Stories You'll Hear!". And once again remind DVC owners that even though they dropped almost $20K that "once in a lifetimers" matter more to TDO.

 

[rhino4evr]

I like all theme parks. I don't understand why there always has to be a pissing contest on the internet. Disney vs Universal, Six Flags vs Cedar Pointe, PS vs Xbox, Star Wars vs Star Trek, Republican vs Democrat. Why can't more people be in the middle ground? Life isn't Black or White.

That's my comment on society for today.

 

[Disneyhead]

You honestly believe that Disney only caters to 3 to 8 year olds? I mean honestly?

I'm sorry, but that seems like a very uninformed and very immature perception. You would think that a theme park board would attract people that actually understand umm...Theme Parks.

Today's TDO, YES! Alien Encounter replaced by Stitch. Timekeeper replaced by Monsters Inc. If You Had Wings replaced by Buzz Light Beer. Mr. Toads replaced by ****, sorry , I mean Pooh. Snow White's Scary Adventure replaced by Princess M&G, 20K Leagues replaced by Ariel. Iago and Zazu added to Tiki (Thank God it burned down). Dropping a Persian Carpet and Camel kiddie ride in French Polynesia (toddlers and Southerners are to uneducated to see the problem, neither of them ccould find Persia or French Polynesia on a map). Nemo taking over The Living Seas. Donald and Friends invading Mexico.

The toddlerization of WDW is relentless!

 

[rhino4evr]

Today's TDO, YES! Alien Encounter replaced by Stitch. Timekeeper replaced by Monsters Inc. If You Had Wings replaced by Buzz Light Beer. Mr. Toads replaced by ****, sorry , I mean Pooh. Snow White's Scary Adventure replaced by Princess M&G, 20K Leagues replaced by Ariel. Iago and Zazu added to Tiki (Thank God it burned down). Dropping a Persian Carpet and Camel kiddie ride in French Polynesia (toddlers and Southerners are to uneducated to see the problem, neither of them ccould find Persia or French Polynesia on a map). Nemo taking over The Living Seas. Donald and Friends invading Mexico.

The toddlerization of WDW is relentless!

you act as if likeing any of these cartoon characters makes you a toddler. There are plenty of adults that liked Finding Nemo, amoung other Disney cartoons. You call it toddlerization, I call it brand recognition, and merchandising. Splash Mountain features cartoon characters. Haunted Mansion features friendly Ghosts. That's just as childish.

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I'd argue that "feeling like a kid" is the whole point of Magic Kingdom in the first place. I'm sorry you grew up so cynical.

And the other poster was referring to ALL of Disney only being entertaining to 3 to 8 year olds. If that's really your view of things, then you may want to lighten up a bit.

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Mock Disney for lacking on new rides, cutting costs, and over pricing their tickets/hotels/etc and I'm with you. but to say Disney is ONLY for kids is completely false in my opinion, and the millions of people that pay those insane ticket prices to go on the same old rides every year probably would agree with me.

 

[Miketheboss]

you act as if likeing any of these cartoon characters makes you a toddler. There are plenty of adults that liked Finding Nemo, amoung other Disney cartoons. You call it toddlerization, I call it brand recognition, and merchandising. Splash Mountain features cartoon characters. Haunted Mansion features friendly Ghosts. That's just as childish.

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I'd argue that "feeling like a kid" is the whole point of Magic Kingdom in the first place. I'm sorry you grew up so cynical.

And the other poster was referring to ALL of Disney only being entertaining to 3 to 8 year olds. If that's really your view of things, then you may want to lighten up a bit.

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Mock Disney for lacking on new rides, cutting costs, and over pricing their tickets/hotels/etc and I'm with you. but to say Disney is ONLY for kids is completely false in my opinion, and the millions of people that pay those insane ticket prices to go on the same old rides every year probably would agree with me.

I agree. Why have a ride about the sea and not use the 3rd highest-grossing animated film of all time, Finding Nemo. If you want realism and no cartoons Holly Land might be perfect for you.

 

[Hatetofly]

Name 5 things Disney has done in their parks that specifically caters to the following. Please note only list attractions within the last 5 years.

-Males ages 18-35
-Children ages 13-17
-Any life form regardless of age looking for a thrill ride

 

[Miketheboss]

You are right that Disney and Universal cater to 2 different audiences. Disney fans wet themselves from joy overload because they can open their hotel room door with a silly band with Mickey Mouse on it. And I LOVE Universal's "Thrill Rides" like Ollivander's and "Oh! The Stories You'll Hear!". And once again remind DVC owners that even though they dropped almost $20K that "once in a lifetimers" matter more to TDO.

With those bands you can customize your own virtual car at test track. And in the future they can play bigger roles in adding to a visitors experience.

 

[Miketheboss]

Name 5 things Disney has done in their parks that specifically caters to the following. Please note only list attractions within the last 5 years.

-Males ages 18-35
-Children ages 13-17
-Any life form regardless of age looking for a thrill ride

They redid test track. They haven't done much for just adults but they dont have to because thats not their target audience. They already have thrill rides. Avatar which is still far from now will bring those thrills. When they do build something its done with extreme detail that many kids dont see or care about but adults do. I do believe that the WDW resort does need to add attractions for adults but not as frequently has attractions for children.

Name 5 rides that Universal has done within the last five years for kids 5 and under. LOL

 

[TylerDurden]

You are right that Disney and Universal cater to 2 different audiences. Disney fans wet themselves from joy overload because they can open their hotel room door with a silly band with Mickey Mouse on it. And I LOVE Universal's "Thrill Rides" like Ollivander's and "Oh! The Stories You'll Hear!". And once again remind DVC owners that even though they dropped almost $20K that "once in a lifetimers" matter more to TDO.

Disneyhead, you have a lot of great posts and contributions, but you come off as such a foolish troll when you say things like this. You dont seem to understand what an opinion is...even at Universal, which you push as the Holy Grail of all theme parks, you insist on not only bashing attractions YOU personally dont like, but also the opinions of anyone else who enjoys what you dont. Do Disney fans really wet themselves to insignificant things, or do they get excited at things YOU personally dont enjoy? The first times I saw posts like this from you I thought you were just having a bad day or whatever but its a common thing and to be honest, you come off just as bad as the so-called "Pixie Dust Snorters"...opposite side, but just as extreme and ridiculous.

 

[Disneyhead]

I never said ALL of WDW was aimed at toddlers. But the overall direction of the resort is towards young families with young children. I don't believe that anything in Avatarland will be toddler suitable. And the last E-Ticket built at WDW was Everest, but that was like, what? 2006? But the vast majority of what WDW has added in the past decade is squarely aimed at the 8 and under set. Throw in closing Pleasure Island and I stand by my assertion that WDW is trending towards Toddlerland.

And yes, I am cynical in regards to WDW. I have been going since 1971, and my last visit was this morning.

 

[TylerDurden]

Name 5 things Disney has done in their parks that specifically caters to the following. Please note only list attractions within the last 5 years.

-Males ages 18-35
-Children ages 13-17
-Any life form regardless of age looking for a thrill ride

Besides one spinner, name five things Universal has added for the opposite age groups. Different target audiences, different demographics, different visitor frequencies. Nothing wrong with that, you just have to accept that theyre different and do what they each do differently best.

 

[Disneyhead]

Disneyhead, you have a lot of great posts and contributions, but you come off as such a foolish troll when you say things like this. You dont seem to understand what an opinion is...even at Universal, which you push as the Holy Grail of all theme parks, you insist on not only bashing attractions YOU personally dont like, but also the opinions of anyone else who enjoys what you dont. Do Disney fans really wet themselves to insignificant things, or do they get excited at things YOU personally dont enjoy? The first times I saw posts like this from you I thought you were just having a bad day or whatever but its a common thing and to be honest, you come off just as bad as the so-called "Pixie Dust Snorters"...opposite side, but just as extreme and ridiculous.

I'm not a Foolish Troll, just a Foolish Mortal.

 

[knokout1]

I just recently started becoming a way bigger Disney fan that Universal fan, not because all the rides are better, just because of that Disney feeling. I love being able to drive around or take a bus and always be in another world, something I'll probably never be able to explain. When it comes to new rides, I don't freak out too much, because after you ride it once it's not the same the second time around. It's easy to see Universal is doing WAY more, but Disney also knows they don't have to, their fan base has been long established, and every American family probably knows about Disney World, not to mention many foreign countries as well. I wish Disney did add more, and was more loyal to their pass holders, but that's not enough to stop me from going. And it's easy to see why veterans are tired of it, I just started going regularly, and in 30 years I'll probably be done with it if nothing changes too. Honestly maybe Disney just wants to fix their infrastructure problems before they add a host of new attractions to bring a lot more people in. They've added a lot since first opening, and maybe they realize they NEED to slow it down.

With all that being said, why can't people be allowed to have their opinions without being attacked for them? Who cares if Disney does target kids, obviously it worked for them. And I like the "kiddie" rides and animated movies. But some people are so cynical towards the other side, and this goes for both Disney and Universal fans. SOME fans, not all.

 

[Felipe]

It's undeniable that Disney has a legacy and a following because they have done great things and been pioneers IN THE PAST, and they do continue to put out amazing theming, plus they have a lot of land so you do feel like you're transported to another World. But it is equally undeniable that their LATEST efforts show that they are CURRENTLY catering to young children, which tangentially also covers people with young children and people who want to feel like children... but even though those people are attracted to going, it does not mean that Disney is actually catering to them as individuals.

 

[MrRoamer]

Splash Mountain features cartoon characters.

Splash Mountain is not based off of a movie or any cartoons ever created by Disney just look through their catalogs there is no such thing as those characters. Not to mention that Zippity Doo Dah SONG they play has never been a part OF any of their movies. It is a fun ride and I enjoy THE way that they have entire story head SOUTH in it.