Sam Gennawey's Blog, page 4
July 30, 2013
EXCEPTIONAL: WDW MAIN STREET OMNIBUS
One of the big differences between Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom is the traffic along Main Street. Rarely do I see motor vehicles. Even the horse-drawn trolleys only runs for a brief period in the morning or used as a moving stage for performers. So much to my surprise I spotted the Walt Disney World Omnibus. Like all excited kids I ran toward the back to find my way up to the second level.
The Omnibus was designed by Imagineer and Disney Legend Bob Gurr. For Disneyland, Walt asked Gurr to see if he could design a bus based on a red model bus from Dinkie Toys of England that he owned. Gurr was very excited about the project because his father and uncle both worked for the Los Angeles Transit Lines omnibuses at one point. Gurr went to Travel Town in Griffith Park to begin his research.
The challenge was to get full-size adults into a double decker bus that had to fit the miniature scale of Main Street. Gurr started with a chassis from International Harvester that would typically be used for beer trucks. This allowed for a low inside center aisle. The truck weighed 8,500 pounds and was powered by a six-cylinder “in line” motor with a three-speed transmission. The two-level bus was beautifully detailed, with leather and oak and painted by the Crown Coach Company. He used the same decorative tooling that was applied to the horse trolley cars.
I hope management is starting to run these vehicles more often. They serve the useful purpose of providing transportation and they add life to the street. Good show.
The Omnibus was designed by Imagineer and Disney Legend Bob Gurr. For Disneyland, Walt asked Gurr to see if he could design a bus based on a red model bus from Dinkie Toys of England that he owned. Gurr was very excited about the project because his father and uncle both worked for the Los Angeles Transit Lines omnibuses at one point. Gurr went to Travel Town in Griffith Park to begin his research.
The challenge was to get full-size adults into a double decker bus that had to fit the miniature scale of Main Street. Gurr started with a chassis from International Harvester that would typically be used for beer trucks. This allowed for a low inside center aisle. The truck weighed 8,500 pounds and was powered by a six-cylinder “in line” motor with a three-speed transmission. The two-level bus was beautifully detailed, with leather and oak and painted by the Crown Coach Company. He used the same decorative tooling that was applied to the horse trolley cars.
I hope management is starting to run these vehicles more often. They serve the useful purpose of providing transportation and they add life to the street. Good show.
July 29, 2013
More Epcot Rankings
ACCEPTABLE: THE SMOKING AREA IN EPCOT'S FUTURE WORLD
Over the years, Disney has tried to cover up the 1970s modernist design sensibilities from Epcot's Future World. Thankfully they have not been completely successful. My favorite bathroom in all of Walt Disney World can still be used at the Odyssey thing at Epcot. Another spot I discovered can be found if you go to the left side of Future World (Mission Space, Ellen's Energy Adventure, and Test Track) on your way toward Mission Space. Turn left and you can see an outdoor space designed in the Brutalist tradition. What appears to be a canyon carved into the ground is now a smoking area with shade. This style of public space was very popular at the time. It is as if the earth shifted in sharp angles to create a sunken garden. Kind of. In general, I have noticed that many of the smoking areas within Walt Disney World tend to have wonderful views and this is no exception. Next time you have to light up, step back in time.
EXCEPTIONAL: MISSION SPACE PAVILION PLAZA
This is not a ranking for what is inside. Instead, it is a look at the actual building. Most guests either go to the left to enter or the right to walk up the slight ramp toward the FastPass machines. In between in a plaza that I have rarely seen anybody go. Sure there are a lot of people standing on the rocks toward the front for a photo opportunity but few venture into the actual plaza. What a wonderful space. The soaring wings of the building seem to wrap around you. You also get an understanding that these structures really are wings with flush rivets. There is a sense that you are apart from the rest of Epcot, and have entered an outdoor room. It is not the most people friendly space. No where to sit, no shade. But go for a few minutes while Test Track is down. Another Disney zen moment.
Over the years, Disney has tried to cover up the 1970s modernist design sensibilities from Epcot's Future World. Thankfully they have not been completely successful. My favorite bathroom in all of Walt Disney World can still be used at the Odyssey thing at Epcot. Another spot I discovered can be found if you go to the left side of Future World (Mission Space, Ellen's Energy Adventure, and Test Track) on your way toward Mission Space. Turn left and you can see an outdoor space designed in the Brutalist tradition. What appears to be a canyon carved into the ground is now a smoking area with shade. This style of public space was very popular at the time. It is as if the earth shifted in sharp angles to create a sunken garden. Kind of. In general, I have noticed that many of the smoking areas within Walt Disney World tend to have wonderful views and this is no exception. Next time you have to light up, step back in time.
EXCEPTIONAL: MISSION SPACE PAVILION PLAZA
This is not a ranking for what is inside. Instead, it is a look at the actual building. Most guests either go to the left to enter or the right to walk up the slight ramp toward the FastPass machines. In between in a plaza that I have rarely seen anybody go. Sure there are a lot of people standing on the rocks toward the front for a photo opportunity but few venture into the actual plaza. What a wonderful space. The soaring wings of the building seem to wrap around you. You also get an understanding that these structures really are wings with flush rivets. There is a sense that you are apart from the rest of Epcot, and have entered an outdoor room. It is not the most people friendly space. No where to sit, no shade. But go for a few minutes while Test Track is down. Another Disney zen moment.
July 26, 2013
ACCEPTABLE: PLAY IT SAFE GAME IN INNOVENTIONS
Whether you like Innoventions or wish Communicore was back or just think these big barns could be used for a more creative purpose, the attractions inside represent the state-of-the-art of Corporate interactive public communication. I spent a little time checking things out wishing they still had the Innoventions road maps. Those seem to be a thing of the past.
The Play It Safe game is intended to teach families about fire hazards in their home. The premise is pretty simple. You can play as an individual (as I did) or in a small group. A handful of groups are clustered into either the red team or blue team and the competition begins. Each group will be sent to a room inside of a house with a special flashlight. Shine the lit on a display and it will illuminate either hazards or regular household items. If it is a hazard you push a button and score points. Hit the button on the wrong item and you lose points. There is a clock to put on pressure and every few minutes you move into another room and start all over.
It works. Each team member must place their light on the object for the scoring to happen. This forces the little ones to understand what their parents may have found or visa versa. There is that second of shared knowledge acknowledged that reinforces the message.
The Play It Safe game is intended to teach families about fire hazards in their home. The premise is pretty simple. You can play as an individual (as I did) or in a small group. A handful of groups are clustered into either the red team or blue team and the competition begins. Each group will be sent to a room inside of a house with a special flashlight. Shine the lit on a display and it will illuminate either hazards or regular household items. If it is a hazard you push a button and score points. Hit the button on the wrong item and you lose points. There is a clock to put on pressure and every few minutes you move into another room and start all over.
It works. Each team member must place their light on the object for the scoring to happen. This forces the little ones to understand what their parents may have found or visa versa. There is that second of shared knowledge acknowledged that reinforces the message.
July 24, 2013
Epcot Rankings
ACCEPTABLE: INNOVENTIONS REST AREA
It seems when the weather gets really hot and muggy or it is raining, Innoventions does not seem like such a bad idea. I am not sure they meant this but there is one spot that rises above the rest. The Test The Limits game is very popular with children because it gives them a chance to make a lot of noise, feel like they are destroying things, and gives them a chance to create a lot of havoc without bothering anyone. What better way to keep the young ones occupied while the parents take a seat near on one of the curved benches near the exit. There is a tremendous lack of seating within Innoventions and this is an example of doing it right. As an example of doing it wrong....
REGRETTABLE: THE INNOVENTIONS GAME WALL
So your parents pony up almost $100 to get you through the front gate in Epcot. What do you do. Race to Innoventions and start playing video games that are already on the market. Even though each station had a guest playing games, you would think they could find a better use of thier time while on vacation. Plus, the seating for adults is just awful. A couple of benches tucked to the sides and that is all. Maybe it is just me but this is like watching kids wearing headphones and listening to an iPod while touring the parks. You have to ask yourself, are they not stimulated enough already?
It seems when the weather gets really hot and muggy or it is raining, Innoventions does not seem like such a bad idea. I am not sure they meant this but there is one spot that rises above the rest. The Test The Limits game is very popular with children because it gives them a chance to make a lot of noise, feel like they are destroying things, and gives them a chance to create a lot of havoc without bothering anyone. What better way to keep the young ones occupied while the parents take a seat near on one of the curved benches near the exit. There is a tremendous lack of seating within Innoventions and this is an example of doing it right. As an example of doing it wrong....
REGRETTABLE: THE INNOVENTIONS GAME WALL
So your parents pony up almost $100 to get you through the front gate in Epcot. What do you do. Race to Innoventions and start playing video games that are already on the market. Even though each station had a guest playing games, you would think they could find a better use of thier time while on vacation. Plus, the seating for adults is just awful. A couple of benches tucked to the sides and that is all. Maybe it is just me but this is like watching kids wearing headphones and listening to an iPod while touring the parks. You have to ask yourself, are they not stimulated enough already?
More Disney's Animal Kingdom Rankings
ACCEPTABLE: DINOSAUR
I must admit I have always found this a rather silly attraction. In my head it is Indiana Jones in the dark with the dinosaurs who could not get a job at Jurassic Park over at Universal. However, I was reminded that there are many guests who have not ridden Indiana Jones so they don't realize the true potential of the ride mechanism. So I guess it is better than a Princess meet and greet and it has moved up a notch in my opinion. Also, did you know there is actually a real life animal in Dinoland U.S.A.? Look closely and you might spot the American Crocodile.
EXCEPTIONAL: RESTAURANTOSAURUS
In this case, I am not referring to the food. I am concentrating on the interior design. Since this park is so bloody hot most of the time I find wandering through this restaurant fairly early in the day is a nice way to take a break. There is rarely anybody inside and you can spend some time looking at all the eye candy. I also rank the Mahararajah Jungle Trek as one of the best immersive environments that Disney (and landscape architecture firm EDAW) has ever created and the Flights of Wonder bird show as one of the best surprises in the park.
I must admit I have always found this a rather silly attraction. In my head it is Indiana Jones in the dark with the dinosaurs who could not get a job at Jurassic Park over at Universal. However, I was reminded that there are many guests who have not ridden Indiana Jones so they don't realize the true potential of the ride mechanism. So I guess it is better than a Princess meet and greet and it has moved up a notch in my opinion. Also, did you know there is actually a real life animal in Dinoland U.S.A.? Look closely and you might spot the American Crocodile.
EXCEPTIONAL: RESTAURANTOSAURUS
In this case, I am not referring to the food. I am concentrating on the interior design. Since this park is so bloody hot most of the time I find wandering through this restaurant fairly early in the day is a nice way to take a break. There is rarely anybody inside and you can spend some time looking at all the eye candy. I also rank the Mahararajah Jungle Trek as one of the best immersive environments that Disney (and landscape architecture firm EDAW) has ever created and the Flights of Wonder bird show as one of the best surprises in the park.
July 22, 2013
REGRETTABLE: KILIMANJARO SAFARIS
Let me start by stating that I believe that Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of the most beautiful of the North American parks. It has remained consistent in its theming by featuring animals of the present, animals of the past, and animals from mythology. With that said, it seems that we may have trouble in paradise.
In a backhanded way, I have to say congratulations to the folks WDI. Way back in the beginning, Walt Disney wanted to create an attraction that featured real animals for his True-Life Adventure Land. Based on the popular nature series, Walt felt he could provide a new kind of experience as guests floated past the animals in little boats. However, Imagineer Harper Goff talked Walt out of the idea because he knew that the only thing that most guests would see are sleeping animals. Not very exciting. In order to provide a consistent show, they decided to use an early version of Audio-Animatronics. Imagineer Bob Sewell, who was responsible for the giant squid in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, designed and built many of the mechanical animals. They were pretty simple but effective. Once animator Marc Davis got involved a few years later, a touch of humor was added to an otherwise very serious attraction.
What WDI has created in Florida is exactly what Goff was trying to avoid. When the Kilimanjaro Safaris first opened, the attraction was based on a very heavy handed conservation theme where the guests would become responsible for chasing away poachers. The very first version even came with a dead elephant carcass as the grand finale but that was pulled just after the previews. Over the years, the conservation theme was dumbed down. First they got rid of the lady naturalist who was constantly being put down by Game Warden Wilson. Now Wilson is gone, the TV monitors in the queue remain silent, and there is only a tour guide driving the truck and going through the motions to entertain you.
There is no story. There is no humor. There is no conflict. It also seems like there are far fewer animals out on the savannah. I rode the attraction multiple times on this trip and each time was the same; a disappointment. Considering that the park's other E-Ticket, Expedition Everest, also delivers less than promised and you have a park in serious condition. It would not surprise me if one of the Universal parks in Florida has a higher attendance at year's end than Disney's Animal Kingdom. That will be a news story that will reverberate throughout the theme park industry.
In a backhanded way, I have to say congratulations to the folks WDI. Way back in the beginning, Walt Disney wanted to create an attraction that featured real animals for his True-Life Adventure Land. Based on the popular nature series, Walt felt he could provide a new kind of experience as guests floated past the animals in little boats. However, Imagineer Harper Goff talked Walt out of the idea because he knew that the only thing that most guests would see are sleeping animals. Not very exciting. In order to provide a consistent show, they decided to use an early version of Audio-Animatronics. Imagineer Bob Sewell, who was responsible for the giant squid in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, designed and built many of the mechanical animals. They were pretty simple but effective. Once animator Marc Davis got involved a few years later, a touch of humor was added to an otherwise very serious attraction.
What WDI has created in Florida is exactly what Goff was trying to avoid. When the Kilimanjaro Safaris first opened, the attraction was based on a very heavy handed conservation theme where the guests would become responsible for chasing away poachers. The very first version even came with a dead elephant carcass as the grand finale but that was pulled just after the previews. Over the years, the conservation theme was dumbed down. First they got rid of the lady naturalist who was constantly being put down by Game Warden Wilson. Now Wilson is gone, the TV monitors in the queue remain silent, and there is only a tour guide driving the truck and going through the motions to entertain you.
There is no story. There is no humor. There is no conflict. It also seems like there are far fewer animals out on the savannah. I rode the attraction multiple times on this trip and each time was the same; a disappointment. Considering that the park's other E-Ticket, Expedition Everest, also delivers less than promised and you have a park in serious condition. It would not surprise me if one of the Universal parks in Florida has a higher attendance at year's end than Disney's Animal Kingdom. That will be a news story that will reverberate throughout the theme park industry.
July 19, 2013
DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS RANKINGS
Now it is time for a quick trip to Disney's Hollywood Studios. With the money that was poured into Disney California Adventure starting to pay off, there are a lot of rumors running rampant about major changes coming to DHS. The park could use the help.
ACCEPTABLE: LIGHTS, MOTORS, ACTION! EXTREME STUNT SHOW
First off, this show must cost a fortune to operate. It seems the target audience for this show is the same for Disney XD. With that in mind, it succeeds. The chase sequences are impressive and pointless. Of course, what is a modern Disney attraction without a tie in to one of its many intellectual properties? Since the release of Cars 2, they have found a way to insert Lightning McQueen into the show. It works. Once again, the inner 12-year old boy comes out in me. I am also impressed with how they quickly fit 7,000 people into that stadium and get people to walk more stairs than they probably have done in their lives.
What does not work for me is the overall pace of the show. This is also a problem with the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular! The audience is wowed with an intricate stunt sequence then everything stops as a fake director and his "team" try to explain what is going on. This theme park left the world of trying to explain behind a long time ago on its way to becoming another fantasy park. These two stunt shows and the dreadful backlot tour are remnants of a time long gone. And that is not necessarily a good thing.
REGRETTABLE: THE GREAT MOVIE RIDE
I thought there were no rides at a Disney park just attractions and adventures? It is time to either put this good idea to rest or spend the money on a major update. I would prefer the latter. Like the Jungle Cruise, the level of entertainment is dependent upon your guide. Their abilities allow you to overlook all of the non-working elements. However, talent is spread unevenly and most of our tour group was voting for Mugsy to win and knock off our guide.
In Disney's latest pricing move even they have acknowledged that Animal Kingdom and the Studios are not the equal to the Magic Kingdom. Regrettably, they lumped Epcot in with the second tier parks. From what I can see, the management has spent a lot of money and effort transitioning toward an electronic media that makes spending and scheduling easier for the guest and helps the bottom line for the Company. They have built some beautiful eye candy with the New Fantasyland even if it is only a restaurant, a couple of fancy meet and greet areas, and a basic dark ride that does not so much tell the story but provides impressions from the films (like all classic Disney dark rides). They have tried every which way to score a food item hit like Butterbeer at Universal. I have to ask; why does it all feel so shallow?
ACCEPTABLE: LIGHTS, MOTORS, ACTION! EXTREME STUNT SHOW
First off, this show must cost a fortune to operate. It seems the target audience for this show is the same for Disney XD. With that in mind, it succeeds. The chase sequences are impressive and pointless. Of course, what is a modern Disney attraction without a tie in to one of its many intellectual properties? Since the release of Cars 2, they have found a way to insert Lightning McQueen into the show. It works. Once again, the inner 12-year old boy comes out in me. I am also impressed with how they quickly fit 7,000 people into that stadium and get people to walk more stairs than they probably have done in their lives.
What does not work for me is the overall pace of the show. This is also a problem with the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular! The audience is wowed with an intricate stunt sequence then everything stops as a fake director and his "team" try to explain what is going on. This theme park left the world of trying to explain behind a long time ago on its way to becoming another fantasy park. These two stunt shows and the dreadful backlot tour are remnants of a time long gone. And that is not necessarily a good thing.
REGRETTABLE: THE GREAT MOVIE RIDE
I thought there were no rides at a Disney park just attractions and adventures? It is time to either put this good idea to rest or spend the money on a major update. I would prefer the latter. Like the Jungle Cruise, the level of entertainment is dependent upon your guide. Their abilities allow you to overlook all of the non-working elements. However, talent is spread unevenly and most of our tour group was voting for Mugsy to win and knock off our guide.
In Disney's latest pricing move even they have acknowledged that Animal Kingdom and the Studios are not the equal to the Magic Kingdom. Regrettably, they lumped Epcot in with the second tier parks. From what I can see, the management has spent a lot of money and effort transitioning toward an electronic media that makes spending and scheduling easier for the guest and helps the bottom line for the Company. They have built some beautiful eye candy with the New Fantasyland even if it is only a restaurant, a couple of fancy meet and greet areas, and a basic dark ride that does not so much tell the story but provides impressions from the films (like all classic Disney dark rides). They have tried every which way to score a food item hit like Butterbeer at Universal. I have to ask; why does it all feel so shallow?
July 16, 2013
THE EPCOT LIGHTNING ROUND
EXCEPTIONAL: THE CREW AT ELLEN’S ENERGY ADVENTURE
My trip was during the time that Andrea was rolling through Florida. I am from California. I have never seen that much rain. Wow. But I digress. I was in Ellen’s Energy Adventure when lightning hit and the power went out. I was in the final room at the time and the film was very close to the end. The CMs did as they trained, made all the right announcements, nobody was concerned. Then the film recycled. This time the audio was off. So two very entertaining CMs reenacted the audio portion of what we had just seen. Yes, they have seen the film a few too many times. People were rolling and most of use really did not want to leave. Brilliant.
REGRETTABLE: SPACESHIP EARTH
Not going to talk about it right now. Just going to remember to bring an iPod with Jeremy Irons or Walter Cronkite next time.
REGRETTABLE: THE SEAS WITH NEMO & FRIENDS
Let’s see. The submarine ride without the water. The cartoon fish at the end are so brightly colored compared to all of the grey fish in the water the contrast is remarkable. Big empty fish tanks.
ACCEPTABLE: LIVING WITH THE LAND
For some reason I just love this ride. My first visit to Epcot was in 1996 so I missed the golden era of edutainment. I would like to think that this is the one glimpse into the past. I am not sure why the raise baby alligators. Could somebody answer that?
EXCEPTIONAL: CLUB COOL
Free cold beverages and Beverly for the inexperienced. What could be better?
EXCEPTIONAL: MY FAVORITE ONE-TWO PUNCH
On every visit to WDW I make a special effort to catch The Voices of Liberty in the rotunda of the American Pavilion and take in The American Adventure. This may be my favorite way to spend one hour in all four parks.
REGRETTABLE: CONSTRUCTION AT MOROCCO
So sad. I can see a future where the only way to have a good seat to see Illuminations (or its successor) is to pay an upcharge for it. Does this mean the restaurant out back goes away? Who is going to make that trek when the new kid opens out front. And do they have to cut down the trees on the little island in the lagoon to improve the view of the fireworks show?
EXCEPTIONAL: IMPRESSION DE FRANCE
My favorite travelog film at Epcot. Canada is funny (I like addition of Martin Short). China is beautiful and exotic. France is just perfect. Incredible music, a new crisp, clean digital print, and wonderful scenery. The movie seems to be timeless. Bill Zanetti suggested to me that you rarely see a car and that helps. Mostly, it is the combination of music and ageless vistas that makes for one of the most pleasant experiences in Epcot.
As you exit, the shop has been expanded to include a much bigger bakery with a much larger selection. Now you can buy sandwiches and other items and sit indoors. There is a new ice cream shop with one of the worst policies. After you pay for you ice cream, you must choose your flavor. Okay. But you cannot have a taste of one of the exotic flavors. Even after you have paid. The ice cream shop was empty virtually every time I passed by.
That is my story. What is yours?
My trip was during the time that Andrea was rolling through Florida. I am from California. I have never seen that much rain. Wow. But I digress. I was in Ellen’s Energy Adventure when lightning hit and the power went out. I was in the final room at the time and the film was very close to the end. The CMs did as they trained, made all the right announcements, nobody was concerned. Then the film recycled. This time the audio was off. So two very entertaining CMs reenacted the audio portion of what we had just seen. Yes, they have seen the film a few too many times. People were rolling and most of use really did not want to leave. Brilliant.
REGRETTABLE: SPACESHIP EARTH
Not going to talk about it right now. Just going to remember to bring an iPod with Jeremy Irons or Walter Cronkite next time.
REGRETTABLE: THE SEAS WITH NEMO & FRIENDS
Let’s see. The submarine ride without the water. The cartoon fish at the end are so brightly colored compared to all of the grey fish in the water the contrast is remarkable. Big empty fish tanks.
ACCEPTABLE: LIVING WITH THE LAND
For some reason I just love this ride. My first visit to Epcot was in 1996 so I missed the golden era of edutainment. I would like to think that this is the one glimpse into the past. I am not sure why the raise baby alligators. Could somebody answer that?
EXCEPTIONAL: CLUB COOL
Free cold beverages and Beverly for the inexperienced. What could be better?
EXCEPTIONAL: MY FAVORITE ONE-TWO PUNCH
On every visit to WDW I make a special effort to catch The Voices of Liberty in the rotunda of the American Pavilion and take in The American Adventure. This may be my favorite way to spend one hour in all four parks.
REGRETTABLE: CONSTRUCTION AT MOROCCO
So sad. I can see a future where the only way to have a good seat to see Illuminations (or its successor) is to pay an upcharge for it. Does this mean the restaurant out back goes away? Who is going to make that trek when the new kid opens out front. And do they have to cut down the trees on the little island in the lagoon to improve the view of the fireworks show?
EXCEPTIONAL: IMPRESSION DE FRANCE
My favorite travelog film at Epcot. Canada is funny (I like addition of Martin Short). China is beautiful and exotic. France is just perfect. Incredible music, a new crisp, clean digital print, and wonderful scenery. The movie seems to be timeless. Bill Zanetti suggested to me that you rarely see a car and that helps. Mostly, it is the combination of music and ageless vistas that makes for one of the most pleasant experiences in Epcot.
As you exit, the shop has been expanded to include a much bigger bakery with a much larger selection. Now you can buy sandwiches and other items and sit indoors. There is a new ice cream shop with one of the worst policies. After you pay for you ice cream, you must choose your flavor. Okay. But you cannot have a taste of one of the exotic flavors. Even after you have paid. The ice cream shop was empty virtually every time I passed by.
That is my story. What is yours?
July 15, 2013
More WDW Magic Kingdom Rankings
ACCEPTABLE: THE UPDATED COUNTRY BEAR JAMBOREE
I know that there are many purists out there who are not happy with the revised version of the Country Bear Jamboree. I am not one of those. The new version forgoes the jokes and just sticks to the music. A cynic would suggest that trimming the show by just a few minutes is only to increase turnover. They would probably be right. But the reality is the show moves along just fine. This is due to the brilliant work by Imagineers Marc Davis and Al Bertino. They just happened to pick all the right songs and created memorable characters that bring them to life. The crowd was roaring with laughter when hearing classic favorites like Little Buford or when Trixie sings the blues. For those familiar with the show, you will probably fill in the jokes inside of your head but your ears won’t mind. It is nice to sit down and watch Audio-Animatronics entertain you. I fear we will never see anything quite like it ever again. For that reason, I am happy.
REGRETTABLE: TANGLED TOWER
One of the signature elements of Disney design is the lack of visual contradictions. Removing visual conflicts creates a sense of reassurance that immediately puts the guests at ease. With that in mind, what were they thinking with the Tangled Tower. This icon, high above the fanciest bathroom in the Magic Kingdom, is clearly visible in Liberty Square. Maybe this is an intermediate step?
I know that there are many purists out there who are not happy with the revised version of the Country Bear Jamboree. I am not one of those. The new version forgoes the jokes and just sticks to the music. A cynic would suggest that trimming the show by just a few minutes is only to increase turnover. They would probably be right. But the reality is the show moves along just fine. This is due to the brilliant work by Imagineers Marc Davis and Al Bertino. They just happened to pick all the right songs and created memorable characters that bring them to life. The crowd was roaring with laughter when hearing classic favorites like Little Buford or when Trixie sings the blues. For those familiar with the show, you will probably fill in the jokes inside of your head but your ears won’t mind. It is nice to sit down and watch Audio-Animatronics entertain you. I fear we will never see anything quite like it ever again. For that reason, I am happy.
REGRETTABLE: TANGLED TOWER
One of the signature elements of Disney design is the lack of visual contradictions. Removing visual conflicts creates a sense of reassurance that immediately puts the guests at ease. With that in mind, what were they thinking with the Tangled Tower. This icon, high above the fanciest bathroom in the Magic Kingdom, is clearly visible in Liberty Square. Maybe this is an intermediate step?
July 12, 2013
Even More WDW Magic Kingdom Rankings
ACCEPTABLE: LIBERTY TREE TAVERN
I thought the comfort food to be found in the Liberty Tree Tavern would hit the spot and I was right. Got there just as the restaurant opened, just in time for the family of the day to stumble through the opening announcement and the ringing of the lunch bell. As always when I travel alone, I asked for a table with a view and they took good care of me. I knew what I wanted. The pot roast was calling my name. To demonstrate how quick the service was, my entree came out before they could deliver my drink. From now on I proclaim the dish to be the Liberty Tree Tavern Minute Man Pot Roast. New to me was the added bonus that I can get a refill of my drink in an adult size "to go" cup. A trip to WDW is always a learning experience.
Well that is enough of my impression of Andy Rooney. Next week I will visit Disney's other two Florida parks. Love the comments. Keep them coming.
REGRETTABLE: MAIN STREET STATION
It is bad enough they removed the Penny Arcade. The few machines remaining were moved into the Main Street station where they still stand, broken. I am going to continue this rant to include the stage in front of Cinderella Castle. Just one time I would like to visit and see Herb Ryman’s original vision of ramps that act as welcoming arms and the castle set properly on its podium.
I thought the comfort food to be found in the Liberty Tree Tavern would hit the spot and I was right. Got there just as the restaurant opened, just in time for the family of the day to stumble through the opening announcement and the ringing of the lunch bell. As always when I travel alone, I asked for a table with a view and they took good care of me. I knew what I wanted. The pot roast was calling my name. To demonstrate how quick the service was, my entree came out before they could deliver my drink. From now on I proclaim the dish to be the Liberty Tree Tavern Minute Man Pot Roast. New to me was the added bonus that I can get a refill of my drink in an adult size "to go" cup. A trip to WDW is always a learning experience.
Well that is enough of my impression of Andy Rooney. Next week I will visit Disney's other two Florida parks. Love the comments. Keep them coming.
REGRETTABLE: MAIN STREET STATION
It is bad enough they removed the Penny Arcade. The few machines remaining were moved into the Main Street station where they still stand, broken. I am going to continue this rant to include the stage in front of Cinderella Castle. Just one time I would like to visit and see Herb Ryman’s original vision of ramps that act as welcoming arms and the castle set properly on its podium.
