BeemerBoy

Best concert? Easy. Paul McCartney/ Driving Rain Tour 2002. I've been to a ton of shows, but this one stands alone simply because of who it is, the stage set-up, and the fact that he played 3+ hours. Followed closely by three others that immediately come to mind: Take your pick....any Buffett concert I've ever been to. C'mon, tailgating in S. Florida starting at 10am for a 8pm show. Brews, friends, Buffett. Nuff said. The Boss - The guys put on an amazing 3 1/2 hour show without one single break. Bruce is unreal, and easily the hardest working performer I've ever seen. Pearl Jam - 1996 No Code Tour - This was the first time the band had toured in a couple years due to their big fight with TicketMaster. It's hard to tell from the ticket, but that's because they were using a different ticketing company. Ben Harper opened, and rocked. Then PJ kicked arse for 2 1/2 hours in a great show which even saw Eddie climb the scaffolding all the way up the side of the stage and flick off the oncoming hurricane that was only days away. A true rock moment. So can you tell I love to keep all stubs?

^^ Great recap, Wes. I appreciate it. It sounds as though it's gonna be a bit of both worlds on this one for me, and many others. While it'll definitely lose some "charm" for diehards, the changes involving updated technology (battle scenes, Davy Jones, fire scene, etc.) may not hurt as badly as imagined. I don't think I'll ever get over the presence of Hollywood in the ride, but perhaps in time it'll dissipate a bit. It's funny, I was just thinking that I loved the first movie in the series so much, that I didn't want the new version of the ride to make me look down upon the film for the feelings it's caused. Strange how things play out sometimes.

and you're to blame...you give love a bad name. Sorry bro, I couldn't resist. I'm just gonna say that as a Christian, my views on homosexuality basically consist of what someone else said much earlier in this thread. I disagree with homosexuality; yet as a practicing Christian, I'm taught by the word of God to treat every individual as an equal, regardless of their lifestyle choices. In other words, it's okay to disagree with what I feel is a sin, but continue to treat and respect each other as human beings. And that's exactly what I continue to do. He who is without sin cast the first stone, right? It'd be nice if we could all adhere to that, huh?

I figured we were probably on a similiar wave length regarding the changes, and that's cool. It's a good point about getting the good changes due to the movie's popularity. The Davy Jones effect has caught my curiousity a bit. Sounds pretty interesting. Overall, I was never gonna be the type to say "I'm never riding again because of this," and even though I'm still completely against Depp and company being there, it's pretty much just an adjustment period, I guess. I am glad to hear you say you're satisfied with the way things were approached. That is somewhat, um, comforting. Without spoiling it for anyone who still wants to be surprised from the changes, could you shed some light on how the new characters were weaved into the "storyline?" I'm just curious what major scenes were altered, and to what extent. And regarding the Haunted Mansion, yeah, even though there are changes being made to one of my all-time favorites, it's easier to stomach considering the difference of not having a hollywood personality involved. I'm with you though....still a bit wary. Anyway, I guess we should let this die soon. If anything, for the sake of everyone else in here who could give two flying, um, donkeys what I think.

^ Thanks Jahan. I had heard or read somewhere that it had been removed. I stand corrected on that one, then.

Well, ya know, I guess what really irritates me more than anything is basically the movie tie-in. I mean I understand Disney's motive - to attempt to appeal to a younger crowd through the popularity of the hit film, blah blah blah. The result of that, and what saddens me most is that many of the kids who are targeted will never get to appreciate the ride in it's original form, you know? When we all go to smaller parks around the country (or world for that matter), part of the fun in taking in the various old dark rides is the simple appreciation you have for the humble beginnings of the industry itself, which are displayed by the non-updated technology still present in many of the rides. Let's face it, so many dark rides were inspired by Disney creations, and especially the invention of audio-animatronics. With Pirates being the ultimate "shrine" to this history if you will, in my eyes it just becomes unfortunate to see some of what made the original version no longer being the ultimate focus of the ride itself. For insatnce, it may seem insignificant to most, but removing the iconic talking skull and crossbones may be the one thing that stuck out to someone, and is a great memory of the ride experience to either adult or child. As far as if Disney had done a complete "refurb" of the ride, such as enhancing the audio, touching up the characters, etc......I could justify that much easier. When I walk into the park now and I see promotional movie banners plastered all over it, it's just so glaringly obvious that many people (and this shouldn't be limited just to children) will approach the ride only wanting to see Johnny Depp. The understanding and ultimate appreciation of the fact that the movie was inspired by the ride, and not vice versa, will be lost by many. When all is said and done, Wes, that's the toughest pill to swallow for many "old school" Disney fans such as myself. I do ultimately agree that a Pirates with JD is better than none at all though. I'll give you that. I guess I'm just becoming the crotchety old man I never wanted to be.

^ lol...."now with 99.9% more venting" You're wise beyond your years, my friend. Side note: Does this mean that Drayton Manor will need to update their knock-off version now too?

Oh boy, here we go....gonna sit back and enjoy the show now.

Responsibility? What's that? Sometimes I wish the owners who act like this towards their pets would be denied medical attention when they themselves need it. It would be great to hear a doctor say "I'm sorry, it didn't cost a dime to create you....we can always make another."

All I can keep thinking of now is that annoying commercial that used to run over and over for this event. "Be there. The FAIR!! It's all theeeere, the FAIR!! BE THERE!!" Please tell me they don't still use this stupid jingle in the commercials.

The original ride was butchered in 1997 (or whenever they went all PC on the ride and added some pointless stuff), so why complain now? The PC changes that were made in the mid-late 90's were made in an effort to be more sensitive towards a widespread audience. Although it sucks to see any artist bend towards public perceptions or ideals, it was understood given who the artist was (The WD Co.) and the audience it catered to (basically people of every single ethnicity on the planet). The newest changes were simply made to make a buck based on the "dumbing down" of America in general. When Julie (USRoadTripper) mentioned the exit polls used to decide whether the changes should occur, it was said that many folks wondered why he wasn't in the ride to begin with (or something along those lines). You ask why I complain, I guess that's your answer right there. It's scary to think that if the Haunted Mansion movie had made Pirates money, we may have seen Eddie Murphy's mug in that ride. The excesive amount of tie-ins is unfortunately inevitable these days.....trust me, I understand the business side of the matter. I just also feel very strongly about preserving some of the best examples of theme park history in their closest to original state, that's all. And nothing's sacred anymore. Even Walt's scaled down vision of Marceline, Missouri (Main Street, USA) has had the Penny Arcade, which housed some classic games (and no kids, I'm not talking Galaga and Pole Position) ripped out in favor of larger retail opportunities. I don't mind being ripped for my opinion, either. Even if I'm the only "old school" Disney fanatic in here willing to step forward and say I think the changes suck, I will. Yes, Walt said that Disneyland will never be complete. It is always going to evolve. Is it so wrong to want maybe just a couple things left as is? I mean, think about it, if Walt himself wasn't concerned about preserving some parts of history the way they were, why would he have even created Main Street, USA? I might as well tackle Wes's comments briefly right here. No, I haven't ridden it yet...October is when that will reluctantly happen. Yes, I am basing my opinion on my prior hate towards some things new. My opinion was based primarily on a matter of principal (enough movie tie-ins!)....as crazy as that may sound to some folks out there. And believe it or not, Wes, I value your opinion, and I'm happy you felt the new changes were tastefully done. Please, keep the "attacks" coming in the future, you two. I'd be sad if you didn't take the opportunity to try and devalue my opinion. EDIT: Wes, I will say this. The thought of an enhanced battle scene is fairly enticing. There's nothing wrong with updating lights, sound, etc. Scott "call up the Imagineers immediately and have them scout out Marceline, MO to see what we can retrofit" B. P.S. Brent, I too should apologize for using your thread in this manner. It is nothing personal towards you. I am glad you, and whoever rides the new version enjoys it.

^Since 1974 I've been more times than I even care to try and count, yet never had one turkey leg. Anyway, it's not the turkey legs......the frozen chocolate covered bananas are what it's all about.

I know I'll catch hell for saying it, but so be it. To Marc Frasier Davis (3/30/13 - 1/12/00), I'm just gald you didn't get to see this done. Sadly, money wins out again. Eh, nice pics though. Scott "over Macho Grande?....no, I don't think I'll ever get over Macho Grande" B.

Uh oh, don't let Robb see this. Maybe you should speak to woah_killa about this one.

Jesus.

For the love of God, Boomers is not in Miami. Depending on who you ask, it's either Fort Lauderdale or Dania Beach (hence the name of the coaster there). Sorry, had to vent. End rant.

^^ Care to elaborate on that one?

^^ obeygiant, that's cool. I just noticed you're from Lauderdale, too. What high school you goin to? STA grad here! Anyway, that was nice of your teacher to let you guys do that.

^ Yeah, and especially as a kid, the one thing my brother and I always hated was standing in line for the monorail after the crowds from the Main Street Electrical Parade and fireworks were filtering out. But then again, if there was no Seven Seas Lagoon, there'd be no kick arse monorail......and the Simpsons may never have had the song my wife loves to annoy me with.

Ah, yeah, that would make a little more sense then. Thanks.

And yet some even say you could take the monorail around it too. Or did I just completely miss your sarcasm...if so, sorry. The seven seas lagoon, or lake, if you will, was the result of digging up land to build up the foundation for the Magic Kingdom. The land was built up in order to hide underground tunnels used to facilitate daily operations out of sight from the park's guests. Not exactly "theming. I think it also helps "pace" the crowd that would stack drastically at the front gate if they didn't have to ride the tram and then take the monorail/ferry from the ticket/transportation center. Either way, glad you enjoyed your trip, and nice pics.

I'm gonna agree that SFMM really should be sold off by SFI. There really is no point in trying to convert that park into something that would fit into the company's restructured business plan ("family-freindly" for those who may still be wondering). I'm actually starting to really like the idea of Busch becoming a possible suitor. It would take a massive overhaul to turn that place into something worthy of Busch status, but nothing's impossible. Perhaps sell some of the coasters to the new owner of EG? (sorry, crazy thought there) It really wouldn't be bad for Busch to have two properties within reasonable driving distance, a la Orlando/Tampa. A two park pass may work well, right? Enough of that though. Onto one perplexing question on my mind. Can anyone come up with a logical reason why SFKK is worth keeping? Yes, I have been there. Yes, it was a couple years back before the supposed "changes for the better" started taking place. Still, at the time, it seemed like a glorified carnival with no promise for any kind of expansion, which is why if someone can prove me wrong on that account, please help me understand why it would fit into long term plans for SFI.

Would it happen to be a highly themed water park? I'm thinking of one, but the name escapes me.

Yes. Played beach and indoor for years. Have you seen the show Treasure Hunters?

^ Um, okay, that sure was out of left field. I think I'm just gonna bite my toungue now, and steer clear of this one.