postcardsfromfloridathemeparks:
Pirates of the Caribbean receiving an update.
From the Disney Parks Blog
Walt Disney Imagineering dropped us a line today to let us know that something from the most recent film, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” is about to be added to the attraction here at Walt Disney World Resort.
———————————————————————————————————
I think it’s great that Disney wants to spend money plussing attractions, but in this situation I’m a little disappointed that even more money is being shoved at an attraction that doesn’t need anything when other attractions in the Magic Kingdom are in desperate need for refurbishments or updates.
I don’t see why it makes sense to put time and effort making changes to an already “good” attraction that doesn’t need an update. Pirates of the Caribbean received a major refurbishment in 2006 and a minor update last year. The Haunted Mansion recieved a Major refurbishment in 2007 (that was needed) however in the past year they’ve added new effects and an interactive queue that again are very nice. Test Track, possibly the only attraction in Future World that is a quality attraction and popular with guests is receiving a major refurbishment this year (Granted this is due to the Sponsor requesting it).
It’s great that Disney is updating the rides, but here is the problem I have. Stich’s Great Escape (arguably the worst Disney attraction ever created) is 8 years old, yet is still sitting in Tomorrowland desperately needing a replacement. The final scene in Carousel of Progress has been letting us know that the future lies in “Laser Discs” for about 18 years. Ellen DeGeneres has been pulling out a cell phone the size of a brick in Ellen’s Energy at EPCOT for the past 16 years. The Wonders of Life building sits vacant at EPCOT with planters set up in front of it. At Disney Hollywood Studios the backlot tour attraction now consists of driving past parking lots, office trailers and cast member costuming and the rehearsal area for Lights Motors action (a show which is wildly unpopular and only being put on twice a day). A large portion of the effects on Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom haven’t been working in years, not to mention that NONE of the special effects on Expedition Everest have worked in the past 5 years let alone the Yeti. In all of the parks areas once utilized for attractions sit vacant behind planters.
But yet money is being spent on something that is fine. It’s a bit disheartening.
Do you agree or disagree with my views? Comment or let me know your thoughts!
Let me just say that I see your views, and I understand them completely. Originally I thought the same thing, however, I have also talked with some other people, some of my managers and some managers from other parts of property here and I’ve been told why some things are happening and some aren’t. Let me just share that information with you right now and maybe you’ll understand more.
Let me just start off by saying of course Walt Disney Imagineering is going to update Pirates of the Caribbean with something from the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”, it’s a no brainer. Pirates is one of the most popular Disney film franchises, if not the most popular. When it comes to the attraction, it is also on the most popular list for Disney attractions so it’s no wonder why they are going to add to it. The thing Disney has figured out a long time ago, people do love their pirates. For instance, look at the crowds that show up for Captain Jack’s Pirate Tutorial, whereas some other shows barely get a crowd. The bottom line for all of this is that Disney does not want to waste their money on an unsuccessful attraction again (Remember Habit Heros at Epcot? Oh wait, that’s right, it closed during testing) and they can very well bank on people enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Eventually, every attraction needs an update (with some exceptions, but we’ll discuss that later…) and the Pirates updates have always been successful. Not to mention, it gives people a reason to come back and visit Disney World and ride Pirates just to find out what changed. Another point that I do feel needs to be made is that this refurbishment is only scheduled to take around 24 hours, and Disney cannot afford to lose another Magic Kingdom attraction to a long term refurbishment.
Just to add a little information here, as far as refurbishments go for the Magic Kingdom park there are three currently scheduled. The Country Bear Jamboree closed its doors on September 1st and they are not scheduled to reopen until October 16 – this is a long needed refurbishment that I personally am glad to finally be happening. Also The Magic Carpets of Aladdin closes on October 18 and will remain closed until October 25. The before mentioned Pirates of the Caribbean refurbishment is scheduled to take up time on October 9th.
I really don’t think as many attractions are in as desperate need as a lot of people are saying. I will say there are attractions that do need updating, but I don’t think they’re absolutely desperate. As far as Pirates go, they’re going to keep refurbishing it as long as they keep having successful movies. Why? Because otherwise the proper tie-in would not be there, and the imagineers like for their stories and attractions to make sense and tie together properly.
While Test Track is a very amazing attraction, I refused to say it is the only quality attraction in Future World. Spaceship Earth, Innovations (features attractions such as Sum of All Thrills), Universe of Energy: Ellen’s Energy Adventure, Mission: SPACE, Journey into Imagination, Captain EO, Living With the Land, Soarin’, and the Seas with Nemo & Friends: so knowing all of these rides exist and are part of Future World how could someone say that Test Track is the only quality attraction… but anyway back to the point of this.
Test Track is getting a refurbishment not because of the sponsor requesting it but because of the sponsor changing. Test Track is being refurbished because of the change from GM to Chevrolet.
Disney is not just updating random rides, they’re updating rides that they are actually able to and feel that need it. I have to remind you here that Magic Kingdom is meant for families, and therefore most of the rides are aimed enough to be acceptable for children. Stitch’s Great Escape is fine where it is in Tomorrowland and is easily one of the best decisions that Disney has ever made. Not only is it terrifying to children, and believe me it is, but the huge Stich fanbase enjoys this ride… and let’s be honest, Disney is making loads of money off of merchandise off of the attractions gift shop that you exit into. As much as you may want them to update Carousel of Progress, I really doubt that it’s going to be updated any time soon. That was Walt’s original dream, and people are always afraid to tamper with things like that.
I will agree with you that Ellen’s needs an update, and honestly I see it coming very soon in the future, as I have already heard it being discussed. The building is vacant because they don’t want to give you more reasons to complain… because you seem to like doing that.
Let me stop you right there when it comes to complaing about the Studio Backlot Tour. I do think the ride has grown rather dull, but most of that is due to the attraction losing its land to other attractions. I will agree that the ride is due for a major refurbishment, but guess what? Disney agrees too. On October 8th Studio Backlot tour is closing to the public for refurbishment and will not open again until November 16. Also closing at Hollywood Studios for refurbishment is the American Film Institute Showcase (October 8-November 16) and the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure just reopened on September 14 after its refurbishment. Although I do feel the need to correct you: Lights, Motors, Acton! is actually very popular (just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean it isn’t), and they actually fluctuate between 3-4 (on average showtimes a day). During off season the show is sometimes only shown 1-2 times, but that’s due to the length of the show, how much setting up the show requires and the performers. You have to remember that with a live action show with live performers anything can happen.
Now as far as Animal Kingdom goes there is a totally different story going on with that. First of all, The Boneyard recently reopened after its refurbishment, although people may not see why that needed a refurbishment to begin with. Well let’s think that through, it’s a playground… for children… if something was broken… it’s probably a very good thing that they fixed it. Anyway, moving on. Dinosaur, yes… a lot of it isn’t working. but they can pull it off without the effects working for now… and let’s face it… Animal Kingdom doesn’t really have that many big ticket attractions, and this is definitely one of them. So what if you’re in the dark for some of the ride? It’s still a lot of fun to ride and everyone always enjoys themselves. Eventually Dinosaur will have it’s time for refurbishment, but right now – it isn’t time. You may wonder why, luckily I have an answer! Avatar Land! Yes, it’s happening. The zoning teams have already been there, and no I did not hear this on the internet, so stop with the internet rumors saying that Avatar Land isn’t happening, it is, and you can’t stop it. Avatar Land is the reason all of the Animal Kingdom refurbishments will have to wait, all of the money is being put into the new land, not the current attractions. Although, we did just get lockers for Kali River Rapids, complimentary for up to two hours- those have been needed for a long time.
When it comes to Expedition Everest, every special effect has been working? You’re being dramatic. The only thing that has NOT been working is the Yeti, and that won’t be fixed anytime soon at all. Wanna know why? The Yeti is broken! Duh, that was a no brainer. When Expedition Everest was built they built the yeti first and built the mountain around the yeti. What’s wrong with the Yeti is, actually nothing! Except for the fact it completely cracked the infastructure of the mountain and if they turn it on the mountain will likely fall apart and with Disney’s luck, hit a guest. In order to fix this problem the ride would have to be closed for 6 months to a year and what would that do? Give you more reason to complain.
Money is being spent on things that the Imagineers feel need done. Let them finish telling their stories, because after all they are the ones who created them.
Disney Zone 