Toy Story Mania! (Plus Other Cool Disney News) Thread

[Jew]

Attendence for DCA is already up, they keep blowing through their projected daily attendence forcasts often, and I'm sure it has a lot to do with this ride and all the (actually positive) media surrounding the park and it's upcoming improvements.

 

...or the 2fer ticket.

[rcrider]

Bummer, does look more like a video shoot 'em up, compared to the more real-world Buzz Lightyear darkride. Hopefully there's more than what the online video shows. Mr. Potato Head looks great, so at least they've got that going for them....

 

I've been out of the loop, *is* the Disneyland ride pretty much the same as this one at Disneyworld?

[KGA29]

Their going to spend 1.1 billion to raise attendance to a goal of 9 million people. when they've already spend at least 300 million on the above. I just don't see it happening.

 

If I'm not mistaken I do believe the 1.1 billion did not include Toy Story Midway Mania.

[Zen Coaster]

Looks pretty fun. Probably more of a time-filler really or to do on a whim.

 

Still, I'll reserve judgement for when I hit Orlando next year. Did expect something a little more fleshed-out in execution though.

[packfanlv]

Their going to spend 1.1 billion to raise attendance to a goal of 9 million people. when they've already spend at least 300 million on the above. I just don't see it happening.

 

If I'm not mistaken I do believe the 1.1 billion did not include Toy Story Midway Mania.

 

That is correct. The new Pixar Play Parade and Midway Mania were already in development and paid for before the $1.1billion was approved. I also believe that I read the upcoming World of Color lagoon show is outside of the $1.1 billion as well, but I am not 100% sure on that.

[disneyland255]

I'm not sure what I was expecting from this attraction, but I think it was a LOT more than that. I looks more like something that would be PERFECT for DisneyQuest, but as a major attraction for a park? I'm not sure.

 

Then again that begs the question, is this SUPPOSED to be a "major?"

 

I think I was expecting something more like Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters that had the screens incorporated into the sets, not that the TV screens *ARE* the sets. I guess I was expecting "Spider Man meets Men In Black." I think I was wrong.

 

I know you can't judge it on a video, which is fine, I'm not passing judgement, but you can "learn" a lot from a video, and what I've learned from watching that is that I need to lower my expectation....

 

--Robb "I feel like I can play this on my Wii..." Alvey

 

This, therein, lies the problem. Why should we be lowering our expectations of Disney? Isn't Disney the leader in meeting or exceeding our expectations? Or have they lost it? I'm not sure as to how I feel about this ride. Probably won't be able to ride it until next year. But, Robb's comment is one I think many have been asking themselves with the last park and attractions being built by Disney.

 

what I've learned from watching that is that I need to lower my expectation....

 

It is sad when we expect less from Disney than what we used to. You make a great point Robb

[dr.gumbo]

I personally think people are making too much of a fuss over this ride. They never said this would be earth-shattering, it was always going to be nothing more than another ride, I saw that from the beggining and judging from what I have read, so did others.

 

Imagineers are IMO one of the most inventive ride designers out there (hence the name), they have brought you some of the best rides out there and, judging from Expedition Everest, their not getting any worse at it. Another E-Ticket will come eventually, we just have to wait for it.

 

-Dr. 'Usually enjoys rides for what they are, not complain about what they could be' Gumbo-

[disneylanddork50]

I for one am really looking foreward to this opening. It does look a little weak with just the video screen set up, and not very many anamatronics, but it's still going to be a great ride nontheless. The potato head AA looks great, and so does the facade of the building. I can see it getting a refurb maybe after Toy Story 3 comes out. The video makes it hard to judge, and I think people are being a little critical. The ride IS in 3d and the effects don't really show, but you have to ride it to make a final statement. And btw, Pianojohn, thanks for you report on how the ride was in Orlando. Well I gotta get back to class.

>>Jake

[robbalvey]

I personally think people are making too much of a fuss over this ride. They never said this would be earth-shattering

It doesn't matter if it's the next big "E" ticket, a low-budget movie, or a flash video game. The point is that it seems many people felt it was going to be more than what it ended up being.

 

Here's a good example -

 

Nemo at Epcot is not a major attraction, but I was absolutely impressed! It was actually MORE than I thought it was going to be. And I learned this from watching and early video, and then was solidified by when I rode.

 

Another example -

 

Tower of Terror is an "E" Ticket at DCA and I was seriously let down. I knew before hand what to expect, and I was still let down. I saw videos before I rode, and even though my expectations were lowered, I was still disappointed and to this day I sometimes don't even bother wasting my time giving it a 'courtesy ride' during my DCA visits.

 

Yet another example -

 

Mission:Space I had NO IDEA what it was going to be. Never saw a video, never followed it's development. I rode it and I was like "huh? are you KIDDING ME?!?!" And then for whatever reason is grew on me to be one of my favorite Walt Disney World attractions. (It must be Gary!)

 

So as far as Toy Story Mania goes -

 

1. I wasn't expecting it to be a "C" or "D" ticket. I really honestly DID think this would be the "E ticket of dark rides" like Disney's answer to Men In Black.

 

2. Now that I've seen the video, my expectations are lowered to it being more of a "C" or "D" ticket ride.

 

3. Even though that's what it is, you can either still be disappointed or impressed.

 

4. I will reserve my judgement until I ride.

 

I hope that clears up my stance!

 

--Robb

[robbalvey]

I personally think people are making too much of a fuss over this ride. They never said this would be earth-shattering

It doesn't matter if it's the next big "E" ticket, a low-budget movie, or a flash video game. You can be blown away or dissapointed with any calibur of entertainment attraction.

 

The point is that it seems many people felt it was going to be more than what it ended up being.

 

Here's a good example -

 

Nemo at Epcot is not a major attraction, but I was absolutely impressed! It was actually MORE than I thought it was going to be. And I learned this from watching and early video, and then was solidified by when I rode.

 

Another example -

 

Tower of Terror is an "E" Ticket at DCA and I was seriously let down. I knew before hand what to expect, and I was still let down. I saw videos before I rode, and even though my expectations were lowered, I was still disappointed and to this day I sometimes don't even bother wasting my time giving it a 'courtesy ride' during my DCA visits.

 

Yet another example -

 

Mission:Space I had NO IDEA what it was going to be. Never saw a video, never followed it's development. I rode it and I was like "huh? are you KIDDING ME?!?!" And then for whatever reason is grew on me to be one of my favorite Walt Disney World attractions. (It must be Gary!)

 

So as far as Toy Story Mania goes -

 

1. I wasn't expecting it to be a "C" or "D" ticket. I really honestly DID think this would be the "E ticket of dark rides" like Disney's answer to Men In Black.

 

2. Now that I've seen the video, my expectations are lowered to it being more of a "C" or "D" ticket ride.

 

3. Even though that's what it is, you can either still be disappointed or impressed.

 

4. I will reserve my judgement until I ride.

 

I hope that clears up my stance!

 

--Robb

[dr.gumbo]

^ I see what you mean now.

[disneyland255]

Tower of Terror was a disappointment. Especially after riding the one in Florida. They really lessened the themeing all around on this ride. Especially the element of going into the Twilight Zone like they have in Florida.

 

While I am still excited for this ride, Toy Story Mania, I am a little apprehensive at what I have seen so far....mainly the screens with really no other type of immersive scenery. I really didn't know what to expect, but I am slightly disappointed at what I have seen in the video. But, I will not disregard the ride until I've ridden it. It still looks like fun. My wife and I ride Buzz over and over just for the sheer fun of it always being different.

 

I think what it comes down to is we see what Imagineering has done in the past and expect that same lever of imagineering in todays rides. Unfortunately, more than not, they have disappointed (California Adventure).

 

Now, I do look forward to the new Cars ride at Radiator Springs. This should be awesome. Hopefully it won't disappoint.

 

In closing, so as not to end off topic, I think Toy Story Mania will be a good ride. It will pull in a lot of people, get the families involved (which is a must as Disney builds more rides), and give people a chance to enjoy something new. It may not meet my expectations, but, not everything can.

[BeemerBoy]

I'm pretty much with Robb on this one. I didn't really follow it too closely during the building phase, and only had limited preview stuff to go on, but I certainly thought it'd be a little more than what it appears to be. Is that bad? Not necessarily. Sure, I would've liked to see MIB/Spidey, but I'm at least happy that MGM (yes, I continue to call it that) got a little love....it certainly needed it.

 

A fun, interactive, competitive dark ride. The GP will always eat this stuff up, so I don't see this as being a failure by Disney in the grand sense. I do have a *slight* concern though.

 

My only concern is that, as stated by many, the ride lacks that "immersive" feeling that so many Disney darks have (at least judging by a YouTube video, anyway). It seems as though the story telling element of ride creation was side-stepped a bit in order to showcase technology. Although I doubt it will, I hope it doesn't begin a trend in any way.

 

They may have missed the "E Ticket" mark, but this doesn't really diminish my faith in Disney to deliver the goods.

 

Still, I love the fact that they can drop 70-100 million into something new and fun, and be criticized like crazy, but the MK gets a free pass for having the same freakin' ride three times in the same park (Dumbo, Astro Orbiters, and "Alumbo").

[taytig]

I'm kind of on the fence about this ride. It looks fun and I'm sure the average kid (or parent) will really enjoy it. Could it have been a lot more - I think so.

 

If Disney was to have animatronics at each of the sections that did a 10 sec blurb on the goal/aim of the game then the screens, it would be an improvement and make it more immersive. For example - you come to Woody's Round Up section and an animatronic Woody tells you what you are aiming at and how to get the most points. The lights go off and the screen turns on and you begin the game. I think this would have "stepped it up a bit" and made it more enjoyable for the families and the enthusiasts.

 

Just a thought.

[BeemerBoy]

^ Even with animatronics at each section, I think what makes this ride a bit odd is the overall pacing of it. The start/stop of it all is just a bit repetitive to me. I think that's why I enjoy most of the quality shooters out there...the continuing pace of it heightens the senses a bit more, at least in my opinion.

[cfc]

My only concern is that, as stated by many, the ride lacks that "immersive" feeling that so many Disney darks have (at least judging by a YouTube video, anyway). It seems as though the story telling element of ride creation was side-stepped a bit in order to showcase technology. Although I doubt it will, I hope it doesn't begin a trend in any way.

 

They may have missed the "E Ticket" mark, but this doesn't really diminish my faith in Disney to deliver the goods.

 

 

It's pretty tough to judge the ride's "immersive feeling" from this video; after all the person with the camera can shoot what he wants, while riders may have to look at whatever the imagineers want them to look at. But we'll see--I'm looking forward to riding it this year.

[mcjaco]

They may have missed the "E Ticket" mark, but this doesn't really diminish my faith in Disney to deliver the goods.

 

But with RnRC and ToT, does MGM/DHS really need another "E" TIcket? I don't think so.

[BeemerBoy]

But with RnRC and ToT, does MGM/DHS really need another "E" TIcket? I don't think so.

 

It wouldn't hurt. Even with "good tower" and RnRC, that park was/is still getting pretty stagnant. Actually, I'm still holding out hope that George Lucas gets a call here sometime soon.

[mcjaco]

^ Star Tours II. Your tour guide, Jar Jar Binks.

 

This will at least help liven up a pretty dead area of the park. I think for the masses, this will get a huge following. I'm resrving judgement until I see it first hand.

[laqueefa]

^ Star Tours II. Your tour guide, Jar Jar Binks.

 

This will at least help liven up a pretty dead area of the park. I think for the masses, this will get a huge following. I'm resrving judgement until I see it first hand.

 

Agreed. This ride definitely looks more entertaining than the games previously in its place.

[borisdag]

DCA is kinda lame, and this new ride leaves me underwhelmed. The experience doesn't look immersive! The edges of the screens are a distraction, and there was a time when Disney attractions told a story. This is just a high tech shoot 'em up!

 

... a hyped up version of the very games that have plagued DCA's boardwalk since it's inception. I thought Walt didn't like the whole games in an arcade concept. It's cheap and tawdry.

 

Eh. Whatever.

[laqueefa]

^ As I stated before, it will probably be a nice change of pace once the park is filled out with all the other new major attractions.

[TheRapidsNerd]

Despite misgivings, Mr Potato Barker rocks. I really do like what they've done with him.

[Rastuso]

Looks neat, but definitely underwhelming. Hell, they don't even try to make it look nice. You can see the whole ride as you enter, all the screens, the whole layout. That's just bad show. They could have at least had immersive tunnels and rooms between game screens. I think this will look pretty damn good, if it's perfect digital 3-D, but the games all look very similar. MIB blows this away.

 

It's some amazing technology, but not implemented great. Imagine a SPidey type ride base with these interactive screens and weapons themed to Call of Duty. NOw THAT would kick ass.

 

RO

[Wes]

^ Or the implementation Tokyo Monsters Inc will have...