Ah, yes--the Ferris wheel that was used in Director Carol Reed's The Third Man. That makes it twice the classic. I've wanted to visit this park ever since I saw the movie when I was in college.
I like it when parks "theme up" their old scenic railway rides, too. The tunnels, mountains, and little village really add something to it.
I thought it was one of the better GCIs (there's a surprising amount of airtime). The setting really helps, too. That being said, Knight Valley is, well, a rather odd park.
^^Florida's Little Mermaid has a moch nicer setting than California's, too. The building at DCA is very nice and goes well with the Paradise Pier area, but I like that Disney has given the ride a much grander facade in Florida's Fantasyland.
Very nice work here and with the new circus area in Fantasyland. It's good to see this section of the park getting such a great upgrade, and I'm looking forward to checking it out for myself (particularly the new coaster and Be Our Guest restaurant).
^I agree with this, too. The Disney Hollywood Studios photo was so "enhanced" that I couldn't identify the place until I read the caption (and I've been there quite a few times).
The price ($30 million) doesn't seem that out of line for a major ride. (I remember hearing that Verbolten at BGW cost more than that.) I think you're right that the terrain is probably a big factor in the price.