At least with Yoshi they would be able to see it from the ground and know immediately what kind of experience it was.
I don't think that would've helped at all. The entire ride of FOTH in Hogsmeade is completely viable, guests can clearly see exactly what it does while they wait in line--and the number one comment I always hear from guests at the end is, "Is that it?" Like, what else, exactly, did they think it did? Being able to see the whole ride from the ground did
nothing to temper guest expectations
.
I think the fact a "racing" ride is slow is going to disappoint many. There's just no getting around that. Not to mention the fact that the first time you ride, you sort of have absolutely no idea what's going on, it's just sort of sensory overload. However, strangely, I suspect this fact will
benefit with the APs in the long run... the locals may grow to enjoy it as time goes on, because they'll get to understand it better, and with the bands, continuously try to improve their score. But it'll take some time before it gets to that point.
Serious question... is it well-received in Japan? I realize there are differences, but the differences can't be this drastic to cause such a lackluster response. And if it does, what exactly are those differences, and could USH address those differences?