I agree, I have seen a lot of negative toward the boat and soarin 2.0 ride. But if Universal was doing this boat ride I feel people would be all over it as an awesome ride. I since the details were released have been the most excited about the boat ride and even more so since rumors have been out there about it using the new tech. But then again I am a sucker for a good boat ride.
Soarin is loved by many and not just because it is one of two good rides in Epcot, people always talk about it. So amping up the emersion and tech seems to me like it would be a winner.
Since I have never seen the movie I can't say what I would have wanted. But I think this will be a nice land with 2 solid rides and a good themed land with those floating mountains.