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Disney Decision Poll: Attraction Overlays in Orlando

haunted-mansion-holiday-disney

Attraction overlays have long been a topic of controversy among Disneyland visitors. Haunted Mansion Holiday is the prime target of love and ridicule from the Disney fan community. The only seasonal overlay found in Orlando is the Jingle Cruise, while Anaheim receives it along with a holiday “it’s a small world”. As a Walt Disney World-centric community, I want to know how you would feel if Orlando’s attractions received the same treatment. (Side Note: Nothing has been announced this is purely speculative)

In honor of today’s Presidential Election, I’m giving you the chance to make your voice heard on a divisive Disney topic. I’ll present the arguements for both side, then you will vote on the poll, and give your take in the comments. If this goes well, maybe we can do it again (and not wait 4 years).


 

The Case For Overlays:haunted-mansion-holiday-sally-disney

Variety for Frequent Vistors/ Locals:

Overlays like Haunted Mansion Holiday  bring variety to attractions that for the most part stay the same over the years. As a limited time affair, it gives guests a reason to go back during specific seasons.

Broaden the Appeal:

Nightmare Before Christmas is a huge property for Disney thanks to its Gothic appearance. It acts as a draw for many who didn’t think Disney Parks were for them. As anyone who has gone with a first-timer knows, initial skepticism tends to fade once they experience it for themselves, and overlays like this are a great way to get skeptics into the park.

Character Inclusion:

Haunted Mansion Holiday provides a Nightmare themed attraction, giving characters without a proper place in the parks a temporary attraction. When considering the popularity of Jack Skellington, its surprising that he doesn’t have a more permanent place in the parks in general.

 

The Case Against Overlays

jingle cruise - disneyDisrupts Classic Attractions:

A large portion of visitors to Walt Disney World don’t have the ability to visit multiple times a year, many might only come visit once their whole lifetime. Attraction overlays make it harder to experience rides in their original form. If you can only visit around the holidays, Jingle Cruise can end up being your only frame of reference for the attraction. Jingle Cruise Christmas jokes just aren’t as usable throughout the rest of the year when recommending the classic boat ride.

Narrow The Appeal:

As much as I love Nightmare Before Christmas, there is no doubt many people don’t. Haunted Mansion Holiday takes an attraction that is usually loved by all, and makes it something for a smaller audience. Disney Parks have always had a focus on attractions the entire family can enjoy together.

Character Inclusion:holiday-its-a-small-world-disney

The fallout in the Disney community that followed characters being added to “it’s a small world” was quite large. The Walt Disney Company of today is relying heavily on the use of existing, well-known characters in the parks rather than creating new unique properties. Whatever your thoughts, you can’t deny that many classic rides that have been around for upwards of 40 years were original ideas with original characters.

(Photos ©Disney)


haunted-mansion-holiday-hat-box-ghost-disney

Make Your Voice Heard! Vote and leave a comment explaining your stance:

[poll id=”304″]

 

 

 

 

Zack Kaplan may be situated far away from a Disney Park, but even in the Disney-less Massachusetts his passion burns strong. You can talk to him about Disney, video games, or philosophy over on Twitter @SteelDiver 

 

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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