Re-Imagineering Disney
I am a big fan of theme parks/amusement parks etc, and always enjoy visiting them, but in my opinion, the Disney parks (and Universal's Islands of Adventure) stand above the others.
This is because they are more than just a collection of rides, they provide the full themed experience. Each ride aims to tell a story, and each 'land' is distinct, from the architecture, to the sounds, to the shops, all designed to provide a fully immersive experience. To transport you away from everyday life!
However, if you look at some of Disney's more recent projects, a lot of people feel they are not up to scratch. For example the Dinorama area of Animal Kingdom, and the Walt Disney Studios and Californian Adventure parks in Paris and LA respectively. I've never been to DCA, but I visited WDS in Paris soon after it opened, and although there are some good attractions (eg the Rock n Roller coaster and The Lights, Motor, Action show) the whole park is too small, and represents a car park with the amount of concrete everywhere. There's no real attempt at theming anywhere, with the possible exception of the entrance building!
On this theme, there is a great blog from current Disney Imagineers talking about where things have gone wrong in the past, and what can be done to improve for the future. Be sure to read the comments with each post, as these really continue the conversation! I think I agree with pretty much all that is being said here, with perhaps the exception of criticising Mision:Space. I think that's a great ride, even though it could have been better with a full 'pavilion' around it!
There is renewed optimism surrounding the Disney parks now, partly from the recent changes in management, and things are being done. Both DCA and WDS are getting new rides and other improvements for example!
I just hope that these people continue to blog their thoughts and hopes and dreams for the Disney parks, after all, to quote Figment
and if they continue to always strive to amaze and astound us Disney will have "A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" to look forward to for many years to come!
This is because they are more than just a collection of rides, they provide the full themed experience. Each ride aims to tell a story, and each 'land' is distinct, from the architecture, to the sounds, to the shops, all designed to provide a fully immersive experience. To transport you away from everyday life!
However, if you look at some of Disney's more recent projects, a lot of people feel they are not up to scratch. For example the Dinorama area of Animal Kingdom, and the Walt Disney Studios and Californian Adventure parks in Paris and LA respectively. I've never been to DCA, but I visited WDS in Paris soon after it opened, and although there are some good attractions (eg the Rock n Roller coaster and The Lights, Motor, Action show) the whole park is too small, and represents a car park with the amount of concrete everywhere. There's no real attempt at theming anywhere, with the possible exception of the entrance building!
On this theme, there is a great blog from current Disney Imagineers talking about where things have gone wrong in the past, and what can be done to improve for the future. Be sure to read the comments with each post, as these really continue the conversation! I think I agree with pretty much all that is being said here, with perhaps the exception of criticising Mision:Space. I think that's a great ride, even though it could have been better with a full 'pavilion' around it!
There is renewed optimism surrounding the Disney parks now, partly from the recent changes in management, and things are being done. Both DCA and WDS are getting new rides and other improvements for example!
I just hope that these people continue to blog their thoughts and hopes and dreams for the Disney parks, after all, to quote Figment
A dream can be, a dream come true, with just a spark, from me and you!
and if they continue to always strive to amaze and astound us Disney will have "A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" to look forward to for many years to come!
posted by Gezz at
10:53 pm
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1 comments
