Animal Kingdom falls short

[Park Hopper Dad]

I'll watch the parades as I'm walking to a ride somewhere, but I do not stand in one place to watch the same floats come by as I saw a year or more ago. Parades don't have staying power for me. And in all these years, I have yet to see either version of the Jungle Parade. Zero interest.

In my opinion,the best parade that I have ever seen at any disney park,was the tapestry of nations/dreams parade at Epcot. That parade along with the music,had me in tears;it will touch the heart if you let it.Luckily,I have the entire parade on tape,before they did away with it;like the have done to so many other good things in the past.That's one thing about these disney imagineers that makes me almost want to cuss,is that they get rid of stuff that is really good and things people like and bring in nothing but junk!Example:20,000 leagues,Mr Toad's,Horizons,World of Motion,The original Spaceship Earth,The skyway buckets,Magic Journeys,etc.All of that and more should have been left alone.

[supernova]

In my opinion,the best parade that I have ever seen at any disney park,was the tapestry of nations/dreams parade at Epcot. That parade along with the music,had me in tears;it will touch the heart if you let it.Luckily,I have the entire parade on tape,before they did away with it;like the have done to so many other good things in the past.That's one thing about these disney imagineers that makes me almost want to cuss,is that they get rid of stuff that is really good and things people like and bring in nothing but junk!Example:20,000 leagues,Mr Toad's,Horizons,World of Motion,The original Spaceship Earth,The skyway buckets,Magic Journeys,etc.All of that and more should have been left alone.

I do miss that parade, though I guess it's because of the music I can still listen to today. I was young when that parade was around, and I have vague memories of it, though I do seem to remember enjoying it.

[JNota0005DakMC]

i am still a fan of Aladdin's royal caravan parade... It was the first parade i saw in WDW on my ery first trip... plus there was something about a parade for a parade that i think made it almost believable...

anyways... back to the point... you know it is funny because there are some shows that i could easily skip... (Festival of LK, BTB stage show) and others that i feel that i cannot miss (Muppets, Philarmagic)

maybe it is because these are more attractions, than shows per say, but i think i would be devestated if i missed Muppetvision on a trip... not so much for FoLK...

then again... i could just be weird...

[Park Hopper Dad]

i am still a fan of Aladdin's royal caravan parade... It was the first parade i saw in WDW on my ery first trip... plus there was something about a parade for a parade that i think made it almost believable...



then again... i could just be weird...

I don't remember that Aladdin parade.When was it?what year?

And yes,you are,you are wierd! But guess what? So am I! And I'm more wierder than you! ha ha!

[WVParkfan]

they get rid of stuff that is really good and things people like and bring in nothing but junk!

Change is always difficult, and I agree that some classics should be left alone. But, I don't know how you could call any of these "junk:"

- Expedition Everest
- Turtle Talk w/ Crush
- Monsters Inc Laugh Floor Comedy Club
- Test Track
- Soarin'
- Mission Space
- Philharmagic 3D
- Rock n' Roller Coaster
- Toy Story Mania

These are just a few examples of newer rides/ experiences. They were all extremely expensive, incredibly innovative, massive successes, and have become new classics. And I'd take any of those listed above over tired, old "classics" like the Jungle Boat Cruise, Indy Speedway, Hall of Presidents, and the Country Bears.

[Park Hopper Dad]

Change is always difficult, and I agree that some classics should be left alone. But, I don't know how you could call any of these "junk:"

- Expedition Everest
- Turtle Talk w/ Crush
- Monsters Inc Laugh Floor Comedy Club
- Test Track
- Soarin'
- Mission Space
- Philharmagic 3D
- Rock n' Roller Coaster
- Toy Story Mania

These are just a few examples of newer rides/ experiences. They were all extremely expensive, incredibly innovative, massive successes, and have become new classics. And I'd take any of those listed above over tired, old "classics" like the Jungle Boat Cruise, Indy Speedway, Hall of Presidents, and the Country Bears.

Actually,all of those you mentioned I've done except Turtle Talk and Toy Story mania,and they all are cool.Matter of fact,those are the types of new things they we do need and like.I probably could have said my comment differently,because all of those things you mentioned are awesome as new stuff coming in.I think,now that I am taking time to think about it,what I really mean,is when all of the cool classics are taken away and replaced,instead of keeping the classics and just adding to the parks new stuff,but re-locate the new stuff somewhere else,so the classics can stay.But then of course,we all say,but where would they put the new stuff? I agree,where?
Again,my opinion,but I have never liked ToonTown,Mickey's Starland,or whatever they decide to call it.That space could definitely be used for some cool new technology type rides/attractions.But with this new fairyland being built(I am against it,think it is space wasted),if I am correct,it will do away with or at least downsize Toontown area.Again,to me,that is what I was trying to refer to as junk.Because everyone will not always be happy with the new stuff and tearing out of the older classics.I do welcome new stuff,but since both of girls are in their mid teens,new stuff like this fairyland,will be considered a waste of space for older kids and adults.Truthfully,only those with smaller kids from toddlers to elem school age will probably enjoy it the most.Will we walk through it and check it out?Sure we will! because it is Disney and we always try to do all things at least once.But will we be thrilled or overwhelmed like say,on Expedition Everest,or Mission Space,most assuredly no.
Thanks for emphasizing my previous comment,because I do not want to portray the wrong attitude or image in these forums.I basicly typed too fast without really thinking about the best way to say what Iwas trying to say.It's cool.

[WVParkfan]

Again,my opinion,but I have never liked ToonTown,Mickey's Starland,or whatever they decide to call it.That space could definitely be used for some cool new technology type rides/attractions.

I agree 100% with you there! I'd say the same thing about Tom Sawyer Island! I've always felt that was an incredible waste of land. I grew up in a rural area, and climbing rocks and trees was what we did every day as a kid. Not something I'd want to have to pay $80 to do at an amusement park!

HOWEVER, I do realize that for some kids who have grown up in a city, the Tom Sawyer Island area is foreign to them. And that should be available to them.

So, it is a fine line to decide what stays and what goes. To determine what is a "classic," and what has the potential to become a "classic" later in time. I'm glad that I don't have to make those decisions!!!

[Park Hopper Dad]

I agree 100% with you there! I'd say the same thing about Tom Sawyer Island! I've always felt that was an incredible waste of land. I grew up in a rural area, and climbing rocks and trees was what we did every day as a kid. Not something I'd want to have to pay $80 to do at an amusement park!

HOWEVER, I do realize that for some kids who have grown up in a city, the Tom Sawyer Island area is foreign to them. And that should be available to them.

So, it is a fine line to decide what stays and what goes. To determine what is a "classic," and what has the potential to become a "classic" later in time. I'm glad that I don't have to make those decisions!!!

How true,how true.I partially agree with you about Tom Sawyer's island,because it takes so long to get over to it on the rafts and then walking around on it,but,going in the caves and the escape paths from the fort is cool.

[JNota0005DakMC]

Park Hopper Dad- Aladdin's Royal Caravan ran in 1993-94 id say... it looked just like the Prince Ali caravan from the film...

[zippitydoodah]

At this point, I've been to WDW enough that now every park is a half-day park. I purchase a 7-day park hopper ticket, and that usually lasts me for about five or so years. Last time down I hit all four in one day, visiting only for the attractions I wanted to see. I may slow down a bit this time since I have two tickets left and one day on each, but I'm going down solo this time around. Otherwise, it's the Christmas Party one day, and then the other three parks on one ticket.

I hope I never get like this about Disney World. That makes me sad...
On many trips I go on I can only afford to do one or MAYBE two days at a park, and it's never ever enough. The one time where we decided to get a 2 day hopper so we could do all 4 of the parks in the 2 days was one of the worst experiences at Disney for me.. I didn't get to see or do half of what I wanted, or enjoy the little details.

Also, I don't understand how people can hate so many rides, all parades, all shows, not be an animal person, etc... and enjoy WDW? Gosh and how anyone could watch Nemo and NOT cry is beyond me lol. I didnt want to see it because nemo is NOT a musical and it seemed strange, but oh boy. The first time I saw it I was with 5 friends, 4 of whom had never been to Disney before (and who were in their 20s), all of whom bought the nemo soundtrack IMMEDIATELY upon leaving. Two of these were guys... 25 year old (ish) guys who had never been to Disney World before.

[supernova]

Gosh and how anyone could watch Nemo and NOT cry is beyond me lol. I didnt want to see it because nemo is NOT a musical and it seemed strange, but oh boy. The first time I saw it I was with 5 friends, 4 of whom had never been to Disney before (and who were in their 20s), all of whom bought the nemo soundtrack IMMEDIATELY upon leaving. Two of these were guys... 25 year old (ish) guys who had never been to Disney World before.

I saw it and I did cry. Or maybe I was just bored to tears.

[elvistelth]

Also, I don't understand how people can hate so many rides, all parades, all shows, not be an animal person, etc... and enjoy WDW? Gosh and how anyone could watch Nemo and NOT cry is beyond me.

What you need to understand is not everyone loves WDW for the same reasons you do. I saw Finding Nemo and liked it but I have no desire to see a show about it. I didn't cry when my grandmother, whom I dearly loved, died 3 years ago...so crying for a puppet fish is highly unlikely even if someone managed to give me the Clockwork Orange treatment and forced me to watch that particular show by holding my eyes open.

[JNota0005DakMC]

you have to understand something here... many of us have been there soo many times...


lemme see if i can explain what i mean... this is tough...


i can go to wdw and not see any parades... they do not really have the staying power for me... the same with the shows...

many ppl say, "if youve seen it once, you do not need to see it again." i get that feeling...

but the rides are a different thing altogether... alot of ppl live for the classic attractions and rides of their childhood... most shows just dont last...

take mgm for ex... look at all of the shows that have come and gone... but something like Pirates... will hopefully be in wdw till the end of time...

[zippitydoodah]

I go at least once a year now (this year its looking like 3 times, but at least twice) and I still watch each parade on each trip... plus youtube them at home in between. Same with the fireworks shows, I once saw wishes 3 times in one trip before and I frequently youtube it. I don't really see the difference between a show/parade and a ride... except that a show or parade is usually longer than a ride, and you don't have to stand in a lineup (if you wait you can at least sit).
Anyways, I guess if people are going more than 1-3 times a year you could get sick of things. I go to the zoo at least once a year and never get sick of it, but I love photography and animals (I took 4 animal behavior classes in university). I guess if you're not an animal person there's not so much of a draw. Frankly I can do Hollywood studios once every 2 years and I'm done... and even then I'm usually doing ToT, RR and toy story mania now that it's there over and over (after everything else gets done once). To me there's just so much more to LOOK at and photograph (again, probably being into photography helps my interest) at AK than HS. And I've done a full day at AK before WITHOUT doing the shows or parades before, and this is with night time EMHs... (and then went back a few days later for more, plus the shows and parade). Maybe I'm just more easily entertained, or I go when its busier (although its usually late august and not that busy) and so the lineups take more time up?


Also, I'm not going to argue that MK and Epcot aren't way better than AK... the classic rides of MK are wonderful, and AK isn't my favourite park by a long shot. I just still really like it (and think its way better than HS). Especially if they change the rockin roller coaster to the Jonas Brothers. Also, on my first trip to Disney when I was a kid I remember going to the AK preview and being SO excited, and then the second trip it was there... so AK rides are part of my childhood just as much as anything else! I think a lot of older people don't want things to change but don't realize that if it doesn't have the sentimental value of being "from your childhood", it's kinda boring (like when I youtube videos of old rides people are really upset about being gone).

[wdwkid32]

I agree. There should be more shows. And second they should have never taken tarzan rocks away!