Balancing of old and new I Remember... Lost Attractions of WDW & More Discuss Balancing of old and new in the I Remember... forums; So, I love, love, love all the old rides and the way things are at WDW right now. I wish that they would quit messing with my beloved classic rides ...

[amberpi]

So, I love, love, love all the old rides and the way things are at WDW right now. I wish that they would quit messing with my beloved classic rides (like It's a Small World - sheesh!) but I guess there this is not a good way for them to keep things like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and add a Pooh ride. Don't you just wish that they could just keep expanding the parks and never had to change the current attractions even if they are kitschy, because its such adorable kitsch!

So, anyway, I always write WDW about my thoughts and my experiences, and got the manager at Sci-Fi Drive-In in trouble for not selling me a milkshake (different story, I have to quit being so tangential, or at least learn to spell that word, but I should post about that too) and most recently I sent them the following idea:

Redacted from its long form, but basically, I asked if when they refurb or demo old attractions couldn't they put pictures, evolution of the site, etc. kind of info either in the que line, or if it would distract from the theming (which is one thing WDW kicks butt at!) perhaps along a walkway, etc. so that those of us avid fans could understand and remember the transformation over the years of the park. It would be like little Historic Markers. It woudl also give all clients the ability to see how the parks, resorts and attractions have evolved and I think that many people would find this interesting.

So, do you guys think this was the stupidest idea ever, or would you be pleased if they did that, or would it just be mucking up the scenery?

[wdw4us2]

I feel your pain as I hate it when something I love is taken away - never to be heard from again.

As to your suggestion, they did try to preserve part of a former attraction in the case of Mr. Toad/Pooh. I'm sure you know about the picture in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh that depicts Mr. Toad handing over a property deed to Owl.

I, and many others, have longed for Disney to build a fifth gate called "Yesterland" where Disney could put the closed attractions for those who never had the opportunity to enjoy them in their prime. Although Disney has already disposed of the attraction vehicles and the inner workings, they still have the original plans/designs and could rebuild them with today's technology.

[BamaJenn]

Oh how many times I've posted such similar thoughts. Much as I hate to admit it, I do understand why Disney does what they do when it comes to the "out with the old, in with the new" theory. I don't like it, but I get it. Today's families want such a different experience than those of even 10 years ago. The desire for ambience and an all immersive exprerience is secondary only to attractions that either offer a thrill or some tie into production media (i.e. tv, movies, etc.). It's not a *bad* thing, just a different thing.

While I love your idea, I unfortuantely don't realistically see it happening. I believe that remembering what was would detract from what is in their opinion. That said however it would be wonderful to maybe have a website with said photos. Or maybe even a location on mainstreet that is dedicated to what was with photos and even attraction pieces (i.e. one of the eyes from the squid in 20k etc.).

Alas either way I just don't see it happening. I think from a corporate point of view that'd be like admitting it was a mistake to have done away with the old. Disney certainly is much more focused on the new and exciting and bringing experiences to their guests that they can't get anywhere else (for the most part... I mean you can find coasters anywhere obviously etc.).

[mini-V]

Jenn stated some good points.

If I (Disney) have the technology to make something really new and different, I sure wouldn't want to sit on it just because the old stuff was good too. Disney loves innovation. You can't expect people who thrive on creating the unbelievable to just stop thinking about "what can I do next". Although space is probably not a real issue for WDW, money to keep all the old AND build the new does. All attractions need upkeep, maintenance and cms to run them.

Would you want photos of how you looked 10 years ago always shown with current photos? Probably not - especially if those were high school year book photos. I can understand why Disney doesn't show photos of changes. I think that's what sites like DWT and some of the really good "history" books can assist in showing the evolution.

[amberpi]

Originally Posted by mini-V

Jenn stated some good points.

If I (Disney) have the technology to make something really new and different, I sure wouldn't want to sit on it just because the old stuff was good too. Disney loves innovation. You can't expect people who thrive on creating the unbelievable to just stop thinking about "what can I do next". Although space is probably not a real issue for WDW, money to keep all the old AND build the new does. All attractions need upkeep, maintenance and cms to run them.

Would you want photos of how you looked 10 years ago always shown with current photos? Probably not - especially if those were high school year book photos. I can understand why Disney doesn't show photos of changes. I think that's what sites like DWT and some of the really good "history" books can assist in showing the evolution.

I agree I would NEVER want them to stop innovating. That's a great part of the WDW magic, but I would love Jenn's idea of someplace on property were you could see the evolution of the park and then go review it as it is presently. That would be heaven. I have several of the books that show the evolution of the parks, but lugging anything into the parks is not my bag. Part of the magic is the old and part of the magic is the new but its always awesome if it involves the mouse.