Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Discussion Thread

[jarmor]

3 hours ago, Garet said:

Why is this suddenly a thing for rides that have been around a while? I've seen more news articles on this issue this week than in my whole life. Is it because these rides originated in Asia? (Mario Kart from Japan and Tron from Shanghai). I know Asia can have pretty low limits, I've seen water slides here in Korea with a 90kg weight limit per rider.

Originated in Asia?!?  Stop listening to distwitter.  Vekoma had been making motorbike coasters long before one ended up in Asia.  No, the ride was not made for Chinese or any asian country.  And simply put, it's a thing now because we have gotten much fatter as a nation.  Coaster designs that we weren't getting in America are now here.  It's like how people blamed intamin because they couldn't fit the seats like they could on a beemer.

[bigboy]

8 hours ago, coasterbill said:

I would take all of this with a grain of salt. One person can post about it being restrictive on Twitter and there are endless horrible clickbait Disney blogs and YouTube sites that will cite that one tweet and make it a huge news story.

I would agree.  There were similar stories after FOP opened and I've heard little about it since.  I worried about my own ability to fit there and I do about Tron, but I have had little trouble with FOP.  I saw a YouTube video today from a guy making it on Tron on his second attempt.  His biggest issue was the size of his calves and the leg bar and he figured it out at the test seat with a helpful cast member.  For reference, his build (5'8", he said 42 inch waist and I would assume he was around 280 lbs) is similar to mine and I would have a similar worry about my calves.

[SharkTums]

Yeah, it just takes some practice to get on it if you have big legs or a big build.  Most people have not ridden a real motorbike coaster like this before.  That's the problem. They think they have! They think Hagrid's is a motorbike but it's not at all.  This Vekoma version is the real deal and you lay down like on a sport bike. I saw people yesterday refusing to get in the proper riding position and then getting angry that they couldn't fit.  If you can't get in the position or you have VERY large legs, just go ride in the back modified seats, no big deal.

[CaptainUnknown]

As this is the first WDW attraction with mandatory bunnies, how well does that system seem to work on a scale of Cedar Fair to Velocicoaster? Does the Shanghai version also have mandatory bunnies?

[SharkTums]

^Oh! Great question which I can answer!

The lockers were great! Better than VelociCoaster in a few ways...

- Bigger locker

- Bigger locker area (not as cramped)

- More lockers (so you're not waiting for a locker instead of waiting for the ride which I've seen a few times on VelociCoaster)

They use your magic band/ticket and it was a fast process. If you don't have a band/ticket (phone bluetooth app doesn't work as of now) they give you an RFID card.

There's also a little lighted cubby ON the bike itself where I would put my phone and keys. No metal detectors or anything so you can bring stuff with you as long as it's small. 

[Tim2009]

I found interesting video from ReviewTyme. 
Apparently, he is frustrated that Disney is making same ride in different place, like Runaway Railway, and Tron LightCycle Run. 

Some people say parks should have different, unique rides to make themselves special, but for Tron LightCycle Run, I disagree, since due to China's disastrous Zero-Covid policy, I became uncomfortable with visiting China anytime soon, so I hoped Disney could bring the Tron light cycle to the USA, and with that happening, I'm delighted to see it in Magic Kingdom, and I can't wait to go on it.

What are your opinion? 

Should Disney have different unique rides that could be experienced at only one park, or multiple parks so guests can ride it in their town without leaving to another country? 

[coasterbill]

The percentage of the population that plans to travel to more than one Disney resort is miniscule. I don't care.

[cfc]

^Yep--seriously, how many American Disney fans are going to visit Shanghai Disney? 

[Hilltopper39]

Yeah I could care less, but I do think it's kind of cool when they build slightly different versions of the same attraction. Like Tower of Terror what are there like 4 different versions using that same ride system across the planet? Space Mountains are all slightly different, there are more examples I can't think of but I always did appreciate those little changes.

[jarmor]

I mean, I kinda get it.  It would be nice to have unique and solitary rides and attractions at each park as the world has gotten smaller and more accessible.  However, my argument is more so towards disneyland CA and disney world.

[prozach626]

I'm positive most guests aren't even aware there is a WDW in China, let alone the chances of them ever visiting.

I hate myself for even replying.

[A.J.]

We have news out of Destination D23 for all sorts of new stuff coming to Magic Kingdom!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/09/new-country-bear-disney-songs-pirates-lounge-hatbox-ghost-coming-to-magic-kingdom/

Country Bear Jamboree will be getting new songs and the bears will be performing a new act!

Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty told the Destination D23 audience that when the show debuts, the bears will be reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music – like rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country and other styles. 

Imagineers are envisioning the new take as a homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and they’re working with Nashville musicians to get the authentic country sound.  The popular attraction will continue to have the fun and friendly tone and same characters.

 

In late November, the legendary Hatbox Ghost will be materializing in the Haunted Mansion attraction in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

The iconic grim grinning ghost will appear in the Haunted Mansion attraction as you pass the Endless Hallway, welcoming himself inside from the swinging wake in the cemetery and grinning at passing Doom Buggies.

Imagineer Daniel Joseph joined Josh on the Destination D23 stage over the weekend for the announcement and shared details about the arrival of Hatbox Ghost. 

 

Also, a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. 

This first-of-its-kind experience will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.  Imagineers are currently in the design process and more details will be coming.