Hello everyone! I hope you're all having an awesome weekend, especially those of you who are at Walt Disney World for the Be Our Guest Podcast Cruise! I hope everyone has a magical time!
Today's Attraction Review is a little different from the usual. As I'm sure you're aware, it's DisneyQuest's turn to have an attraction featured in this article, and the attraction I have chosen from there isn't really your regular attraction, with it being neither a ride nor a show. It is, however, identified as an attraction on the awesome DisneyQuest guide map, so hitherto qualifies to be reviewed here.
Anyone who's ever visited DisneyQuest will know that one its main draws is it's ubiquitous selection of arcade games which feature alongside some of the major attractions in this "Indoor Interactive Theme Park", such as the Virtual Jungle Cruise and CyberSpace Mountain. Of course, this being Disney, these arcade areas are themed beautifully, fitting perfectly into the rest of DisneyQuest, and the environment the Imagineers have created here is much, much better than a regular arcade.
My favourite of these arcade areas in DisneyQuest, which each feature games which are similarly themed and are themselves classified as attractions, is the Sports Arena Arcade, which is on the fourth floor of DQ. As the name would suggest, this area of DisneyQuest features games themed to sports, with some being more interactive than others. A vast variety of sports are represented, including baseball, fishing and basketball, amongst many others, and the majority are included in admission to DisneyQuest. The only things not included in admission to DQ are prize play games and photo booths.
As DisneyQuest isn't amazingly popular, queues and crowds aren't going to be horrific apart from in peak season and when the weather's bad, so you can pretty much go anytime. Generally, the middle of the day and early afternoon are quietest in Downtown Disney and DisneyQuest, so that's the best time to visit. As for the Sports Arena Arcade specifically, I would recommend experiencing it after DisneyQuest's major attractions.
Here's how I would rate the Sports Arena Arcade in the following areas, and why...
Thrill~ 6/10
None of these games are particularly thrilling, but there is of course the feeling of thrill associated with playing video games and striving to win or get a high score!
Scariness~ 1/10
Again, these are sports games, so aren't at all scary!
Theming~ 7/10
For what it is, DisneyQuest's theme is great, and this area is no exception. Whilst I'd like to see more complete theming across DQ, it really isn't that bad. Seeing as this area is full of sports games, it would be nice to see the theme reflect this more, with more things such as sporting memorabilia added to the existing theming. Nevertheless, I do think that the Imagineers got the theme and atmosphere in this arcade pretty much spot on!
Educational~ 7/10
Whilst it's certainly not the most educational of DisneyQuest's numerous offerings, Sports Arena Arcade does have some cool educational aspects. As well as the obvious teaching of the rules and techniques of certain sports, which is awesome, these games do feature some references to maths, which is obviously a fundamental part of sports!
Fun~ 10/10
It really is true that sometimes the simpler things in life are some of the best. I've always said that this 'rule' applies for Walt Disney World, and I can't think of many better examples than DisneyQuest attractions, with Sports Arena Arcade being one of the best! I personally, as many people do, really enjoy sports, and for that reason Sports Arena Arcade is one of my favourite areas at DisneyQuest. I always really enjoy the interactivity of the games here, especially the ones such as the basketball game, where you actually throw real basketballs into a real basketball hoop. It's also a great opportunity to get to do some sports, even if the majority are virtual, as there aren't many other opportunities to play sport on Disney Trips. You might even discover a new sport that you enjoy playing as a video game and then decide to try out for real!
Naturally any combination of sports, video games and Disney is going to be incredibly spectacularly fun!!!
Interactivity~ 10/10
The best thing about DisneyQuest has to be its abundant interactivity, and that's especially true at the Sports Arena Arcade. The fact that YOU are in control of the game is more than enough to justify this perfect score!
Repeatability~ 9/10
It's a given that the high score for interactivity is gonna reflect in the score for repeatability; the two are so closely linked. A lot of these games take time to master, and you'll want to play them again and again because they're so fun! Add to this the prospect of improving high scores and honing your skills and you have an attraction that has enormous potential to be repeatably experienced again and again!
And finally, my overall rating of Sports Arena Arcade~ 8/10
I really do like this area. Sure, it's no Soarin', Expedition Everest, or even CyberSpace Mountain, but what it is is fun, and there's no questioning that! Whilst it's never a priority for touring (DisneyQuest itself isn't always) I do try to spend time here if I can. I would really recommend trying this wonderful collection of Sports Games out if you haven't already- I'm sure you'll really enjoy the experience!
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed reading my views on this commonly overlooked DisneyQuest attraction! Please also check out the awesome We're Going To Walt Disney World Podcast! Have a magical day!
Welcome to the World of Dreams Walt Disney World FanBlog! I hope you enjoy exploring the blog, and that you have a magical day!
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Attraction Review- Kali River Rapids
I'll be honest, there aren't many places that I can visit, get drenched with freezing cold water, and yet still somehow have an enjoyable experience. Whilst this of course excludes swimming pools, Waterparks and the like (I make no secret of the fact that I love swimming, especially at Typhoon Lagoon), it certainly speaks volumes for a place if people actually visit it in the knowledge that they may well leave soaked through, and are still enthusiastic about it.
Naturally, Walt Disney World is one of the only places where this is true for me, as I'm sure it is for many of you. More specifically, I'm talking about an attraction over in the Asia area of the Animal Kingdom, the abundantly popular Kali River Rapids. Disney's first ever river rapids type ride, Kali River Rapids whisks adventurous guests around the winding Chakranadi River in 12 passenger circular rafts, which spin freely throughout the journey. This is due to them not being attached to a track at any point of the course, with even the lift hill using a conveyor system, and therefore makes this ride one of Walt Disney World's most unpredictable, especially with regards to how soaked you will get on this ride. Whilst some people do somehow survive without taking home half of the Chakranadi in their trainers, you will more often than not get wet, and completely soaked if you're going backwards down the attraction's sole drop. My advice would be to bring a heavy duty poncho with you to the park if you don't want to get wet, and not to buy one from Disney. I hate to criticise them, but whilst the design of the poncho is pretty cool, the price is a bit too high. Yes, the Disney ponchos are remarkably durable, but if you're just going to use it for Kali, buy a cheap one outside the parks. There are some great poncho tips on this DisBoards Thread if you want to learn more.
Kali River Rapids is a slow loader, and is for obvious reasons very popular on hot Florida days, which are plentiful. Therefore, you will on occasions have to wait a considerable amount of time to board your creatively named boat and begin your adventure. In spite of this, during your wait you will be treated to one of the most elaborately and thoroughly themed queues in the whole of Walt Disney World. The line contains many beautiful artefacts, and in my opinion just pips Everest's as the park's best, meaning that encountering a long line here isn't necessarily as bad as if you were waiting for an attraction with a plainer queue.
My only big complaint with the queue for this awesome ride is that the immersion is slightly blighted by the sound effects which can be heard about midway through the line. Seeing as the ride seeks to highlight the problem of deforestation, a chainsaw sound effect can be heard in the distance for a good stretch of the queue, and regularly proves to be a distraction to guests. Whilst I do get that the Imagineers were merely looking to explore this aspect of the attraction's theme to initiate the storytelling, the sound is so realistic that it leaves many guests to believe that there is actually a construction project going on nearby in the park. Indeed, almost every time I go through this line, I begin to wonder if this is really the case, before remembering that the noise is merely an element of the theming. I have also spoken to several other people around me in line who reported being similarly fooled by this clever sound effect. This certainly says something for the Imagineers' ability to create immersive and convincing themed environments, even if the effect doesn't have its desired impact on guests' understanding of the developing storyline. I understand that it would prove difficult to do this, too.
It's a given that Kali's line will always be at its peak during the warmer hours of the day, as droves of guests seek escape from the searing heat which Animal Kingdom has a reputation for. With any other, drier attraction, the simple solution to this problem would be to visit either at the beginning or end of the day, when the attraction is understandably much quieter. However, due to the amount of freezing cold water which is one of the main 'joys' of the Kali River Rapids experience, it's considerably more uncomfortable to ride it at the beginning or end of the day, the time when temperatures are at their lowest. Whilst this isn't the case every day, especially in the May to September period, the temperatures in Florida can fluctuate quite dramatically, so if Kali is a priority for you it's well worth checking the forecast a couple of days before you visit the Animal Kingdom, and adjusting your touring strategy accordingly.
Of course, you would then think that Fastpass would be the way to go to get on Kali at a time when it's actually warm enough without waiting too much. There are two reasons why that might not be the best idea. Firstly, there are other attractions in the Animal Kingdom which you're much better off getting Fastpass for due to several factors, namely Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris, and to a lesser extent Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl. Secondly, whilst getting a Fastpass for Kali is usually surprisingly simple, actually using it isn't. The two lines don't actually split until about a third of the way through the standby line, and most of the time that they run side by side there is little or no division between them. The part where the two do split has no partition whatsoever, and I've never seen a Cast Member managing that part of the line. This leads to embarrassment for Fastpass guests who must often squeeze past those in the standby line, as well as anger for the Standby guests, especially those who don't understand the Fastpass system and believe the Fastpass holders are attempting to jump the line. Whilst this only relates to my own personal experiences, and I'm sure it isn't always the case, I have found it to be a problem in the past, so thought it was worth mentioning.
As with every Walt Disney World attraction which offers Fastpass, both the Standby Line and Fastpass itself have their pros and cons, it's ultimately your decision how you get to experience this awesome attraction!
Below I have commented on how I rate Kali River Rapids in the following areas, and why (I have rearranged the order this week, to make the article flow better):
Theming~ 10/10
There's no other way to put it- the theming of Kali River Rapids is perfect. I consider landscaping and horticultural features to be a massively important part of aesthetics, especially in environments like the Disney Parks, and therefore believe that Animal Kingdom is Walt Disney World's most beautiful park. As with every Disney Park, everything comes together wonderfully to create a stunningly realistic environment which immerses you in the enchanting stories from the moment you set foot in the park to the moment which you depart it. And while Animal Kingdom is the most beautiful park, I think that Kali River Rapids and the surrounding area is the most beautiful part of it, even more so than the Oasis, which also holds a special place in my heart. When I visit Kali River Rapids, I feel so very immersed in the story, and have fond memories of actually thinking that my hotel room was part of the queue on a very hot day the first time I visited WDW- it's that believable! I'm not saying that other Disney Attractions don't boast believable environments, every single one does so, rather that Kali does more so than some of the others.
It's a bit like staying at a Disney Resort, for (a pretty bad) example. I'm sure that we all want to stay at a Deluxe Resort on our Disney trips, as they boast more amenities, better facilities and richer theming. However, for whatever reason, we may not be able to stay at the Contemporary, for example, and so will opt to stay at a Moderate or Value Resort, such as Coronado Springs or Art of Animation. Whilst, when given the choice, we might still want to stay at the Deluxe, we're still thrilled to be staying at the Moderate or Value, as they're still Disney, still out of this world. Not a very good example at all, I know, especially since there aren't to many limitations with regards to experiencing attractions, but I hope you get what I'm saying! Anyway, the theming on Kali River Rapids is simply sublime (let's just ignore any misleading sound effects for the moment), and is, as I say about many parts of Walt Disney World, a real testament to the talent of the awesome Imagineers. The central theme of the attraction is a focus on conservation of the rainforests rather than the animal inhabitants themselves, highlighting the problems caused by deforestation and other forms of habitat destruction, thus fitting with the theme of the park itself. This message is perfectly conveyed by the striking juxtaposition guests encounter as their raft floats out of the lush rainforest, and picks up pace (showing the effects of deforestation on the river itself and other aspects of the local geographical landscape), as it passes through an area which has been 'destroyed' by loggers, before plunging down Kali's famous 30 foot drop.
Thrill~ 9/10
Thanks to the amazing theming, Kali scores highly for the sensual thrill, as guests are enthralled by the beautiful landscape which surrounds the river. The kinetic thrills are also in the limelight here- with the boats free to float and spin pretty spontaneously along the river there's never a dull moment.
Scariness~ 8/10
Apart from the deforestation and drop section, this ride is *relatively* calm, with just the occasional splash to worry about. The section in question is fast moving and turbulent, and is made worse if you're facing backwards. Thankfully, this usually won't last long, as the rafts are constantly freely spinning due to the river's fast and winding course. Facing backwards at any point of this ride can be intimidating, let alone when going down the drop, when you'll experience a double whammy of not only going down backwards, but being the ones in the boat who get absolutely drenched courtesy of the huge wave created by the raft's decent. Uncertainty plays a sizeable role here too- not only do you have little indication of when you'll be facing backwards, when you are you have little or no idea, depending on whether you've ridden Kali before or not, where your vessel is headed, and if you will be randomly doused by ice cold water, but hey, that's half the fun. If you think about it, in this sense, Kali's actually scarier than Expedition Everest, which by the way you get a great view of just before the big drop.
Educational~ 10/10
Perhaps it's less so than Epcot, but there's no mistaking the fact that Animal Kingdom is an educational park. As I discussed earlier, Kali's strongly themed to promote conservation, and to shine a light on the shocking problems caused by deforestation for the beautiful environments we love our planet for, and the fascinating creatures we share it with. As I'm sure you're well aware, deforestation is a very big, very real dilemma faced by every single precious rainforest on our planet, and is tragically causing their areas to decline at an alarming rate. Not only is this bad news for us, as less trees means more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, hence speeding up climate change, it's even worse news for the thousands of species, many still undiscovered, who exclusively call rainforests their home. I'm extremely passionate about preserving our amazing planet, and am therefore ecstatic to see Disney endeavouring to educate their guests about these issues, by highlighting them in attractions in their parks. I just really hope that as many Animal Kingdom visitors understand what Disney are doing here as possible, so that deforestation might be done less, or even stopped altogether.
Fun~ 9/10
The great thing about Kali is that it perfectly balances a very serious conservation message with an incredibly fun attraction that everyone can enjoy. Whilst not everyone sees getting soaked through with water as a particularly enjoyable activity, especially at colder times (see above), the unpredictability and thrill of Kali makes it unmissable.
Repeatabilty~ 8/10
Whilst it's the same basic ride every time, as I have mentioned, it's extremely unpredictable as to which direction you'll be facing at different points of the ride, and can therefore give you a different experience every time you ride Kali. This also means that you'll pick up new little details almost every time, especially since the theming of this ride is so good. This is especially true for the queue, which has so much to look at that it's impossible to take it all in on just one walkthrough. I would recommend that you ride Kali as much as you can, as the spinning boats can lead to you missing out on parts of theming, and there's so much to look at throughout the whole experience.
Interactivity~ 6/10
Whilst neither the queue or ride have any interactive elements, there is a neat little system where guests exiting or watching the ride from a bridge can control jets of water which are directed at riders as their boat approaches the unloading platform. Unlike similar features at non Disney parks, this is completely free, and merely involves pressing a button. It's immensely fun to control, especially as the jets come from the trunks of some beautiful Elephant statues, though admittedly it's not quite as amusing if you're on the ride! In most instances, the raft will be stationary for a short time, so those guests on it are like sitting ducks.
And finally, my overall rating of Kali River Rapids~ 10/10
The numbers say it all, Kali River Rapids is truly a superb attraction. Whilst many people complain that it's far too short, I think that it's a great length, and that Disney have done a great job with it. Whilst it could maybe be ever so slightly longer, this really doesn't bother me- it's just such a well designed experience.
So what are your thoughts? Do you share my concerns about the Fastpass Line, and are my ratings accurate enough? Please don't hesitate to share- it's always a treat to hear from you! You can on the Facebook Page, in the comments, or by emailing me at worldofdreamsblog@gmail.com
Thanks for reading, I hope you're having a magical week!
Naturally, Walt Disney World is one of the only places where this is true for me, as I'm sure it is for many of you. More specifically, I'm talking about an attraction over in the Asia area of the Animal Kingdom, the abundantly popular Kali River Rapids. Disney's first ever river rapids type ride, Kali River Rapids whisks adventurous guests around the winding Chakranadi River in 12 passenger circular rafts, which spin freely throughout the journey. This is due to them not being attached to a track at any point of the course, with even the lift hill using a conveyor system, and therefore makes this ride one of Walt Disney World's most unpredictable, especially with regards to how soaked you will get on this ride. Whilst some people do somehow survive without taking home half of the Chakranadi in their trainers, you will more often than not get wet, and completely soaked if you're going backwards down the attraction's sole drop. My advice would be to bring a heavy duty poncho with you to the park if you don't want to get wet, and not to buy one from Disney. I hate to criticise them, but whilst the design of the poncho is pretty cool, the price is a bit too high. Yes, the Disney ponchos are remarkably durable, but if you're just going to use it for Kali, buy a cheap one outside the parks. There are some great poncho tips on this DisBoards Thread if you want to learn more.
Kali River Rapids is a slow loader, and is for obvious reasons very popular on hot Florida days, which are plentiful. Therefore, you will on occasions have to wait a considerable amount of time to board your creatively named boat and begin your adventure. In spite of this, during your wait you will be treated to one of the most elaborately and thoroughly themed queues in the whole of Walt Disney World. The line contains many beautiful artefacts, and in my opinion just pips Everest's as the park's best, meaning that encountering a long line here isn't necessarily as bad as if you were waiting for an attraction with a plainer queue.
My only big complaint with the queue for this awesome ride is that the immersion is slightly blighted by the sound effects which can be heard about midway through the line. Seeing as the ride seeks to highlight the problem of deforestation, a chainsaw sound effect can be heard in the distance for a good stretch of the queue, and regularly proves to be a distraction to guests. Whilst I do get that the Imagineers were merely looking to explore this aspect of the attraction's theme to initiate the storytelling, the sound is so realistic that it leaves many guests to believe that there is actually a construction project going on nearby in the park. Indeed, almost every time I go through this line, I begin to wonder if this is really the case, before remembering that the noise is merely an element of the theming. I have also spoken to several other people around me in line who reported being similarly fooled by this clever sound effect. This certainly says something for the Imagineers' ability to create immersive and convincing themed environments, even if the effect doesn't have its desired impact on guests' understanding of the developing storyline. I understand that it would prove difficult to do this, too.
It's a given that Kali's line will always be at its peak during the warmer hours of the day, as droves of guests seek escape from the searing heat which Animal Kingdom has a reputation for. With any other, drier attraction, the simple solution to this problem would be to visit either at the beginning or end of the day, when the attraction is understandably much quieter. However, due to the amount of freezing cold water which is one of the main 'joys' of the Kali River Rapids experience, it's considerably more uncomfortable to ride it at the beginning or end of the day, the time when temperatures are at their lowest. Whilst this isn't the case every day, especially in the May to September period, the temperatures in Florida can fluctuate quite dramatically, so if Kali is a priority for you it's well worth checking the forecast a couple of days before you visit the Animal Kingdom, and adjusting your touring strategy accordingly.
Of course, you would then think that Fastpass would be the way to go to get on Kali at a time when it's actually warm enough without waiting too much. There are two reasons why that might not be the best idea. Firstly, there are other attractions in the Animal Kingdom which you're much better off getting Fastpass for due to several factors, namely Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris, and to a lesser extent Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl. Secondly, whilst getting a Fastpass for Kali is usually surprisingly simple, actually using it isn't. The two lines don't actually split until about a third of the way through the standby line, and most of the time that they run side by side there is little or no division between them. The part where the two do split has no partition whatsoever, and I've never seen a Cast Member managing that part of the line. This leads to embarrassment for Fastpass guests who must often squeeze past those in the standby line, as well as anger for the Standby guests, especially those who don't understand the Fastpass system and believe the Fastpass holders are attempting to jump the line. Whilst this only relates to my own personal experiences, and I'm sure it isn't always the case, I have found it to be a problem in the past, so thought it was worth mentioning.
As with every Walt Disney World attraction which offers Fastpass, both the Standby Line and Fastpass itself have their pros and cons, it's ultimately your decision how you get to experience this awesome attraction!
Below I have commented on how I rate Kali River Rapids in the following areas, and why (I have rearranged the order this week, to make the article flow better):
Theming~ 10/10
There's no other way to put it- the theming of Kali River Rapids is perfect. I consider landscaping and horticultural features to be a massively important part of aesthetics, especially in environments like the Disney Parks, and therefore believe that Animal Kingdom is Walt Disney World's most beautiful park. As with every Disney Park, everything comes together wonderfully to create a stunningly realistic environment which immerses you in the enchanting stories from the moment you set foot in the park to the moment which you depart it. And while Animal Kingdom is the most beautiful park, I think that Kali River Rapids and the surrounding area is the most beautiful part of it, even more so than the Oasis, which also holds a special place in my heart. When I visit Kali River Rapids, I feel so very immersed in the story, and have fond memories of actually thinking that my hotel room was part of the queue on a very hot day the first time I visited WDW- it's that believable! I'm not saying that other Disney Attractions don't boast believable environments, every single one does so, rather that Kali does more so than some of the others.
It's a bit like staying at a Disney Resort, for (a pretty bad) example. I'm sure that we all want to stay at a Deluxe Resort on our Disney trips, as they boast more amenities, better facilities and richer theming. However, for whatever reason, we may not be able to stay at the Contemporary, for example, and so will opt to stay at a Moderate or Value Resort, such as Coronado Springs or Art of Animation. Whilst, when given the choice, we might still want to stay at the Deluxe, we're still thrilled to be staying at the Moderate or Value, as they're still Disney, still out of this world. Not a very good example at all, I know, especially since there aren't to many limitations with regards to experiencing attractions, but I hope you get what I'm saying! Anyway, the theming on Kali River Rapids is simply sublime (let's just ignore any misleading sound effects for the moment), and is, as I say about many parts of Walt Disney World, a real testament to the talent of the awesome Imagineers. The central theme of the attraction is a focus on conservation of the rainforests rather than the animal inhabitants themselves, highlighting the problems caused by deforestation and other forms of habitat destruction, thus fitting with the theme of the park itself. This message is perfectly conveyed by the striking juxtaposition guests encounter as their raft floats out of the lush rainforest, and picks up pace (showing the effects of deforestation on the river itself and other aspects of the local geographical landscape), as it passes through an area which has been 'destroyed' by loggers, before plunging down Kali's famous 30 foot drop.
Thrill~ 9/10
Thanks to the amazing theming, Kali scores highly for the sensual thrill, as guests are enthralled by the beautiful landscape which surrounds the river. The kinetic thrills are also in the limelight here- with the boats free to float and spin pretty spontaneously along the river there's never a dull moment.
Scariness~ 8/10
Apart from the deforestation and drop section, this ride is *relatively* calm, with just the occasional splash to worry about. The section in question is fast moving and turbulent, and is made worse if you're facing backwards. Thankfully, this usually won't last long, as the rafts are constantly freely spinning due to the river's fast and winding course. Facing backwards at any point of this ride can be intimidating, let alone when going down the drop, when you'll experience a double whammy of not only going down backwards, but being the ones in the boat who get absolutely drenched courtesy of the huge wave created by the raft's decent. Uncertainty plays a sizeable role here too- not only do you have little indication of when you'll be facing backwards, when you are you have little or no idea, depending on whether you've ridden Kali before or not, where your vessel is headed, and if you will be randomly doused by ice cold water, but hey, that's half the fun. If you think about it, in this sense, Kali's actually scarier than Expedition Everest, which by the way you get a great view of just before the big drop.
Educational~ 10/10
Perhaps it's less so than Epcot, but there's no mistaking the fact that Animal Kingdom is an educational park. As I discussed earlier, Kali's strongly themed to promote conservation, and to shine a light on the shocking problems caused by deforestation for the beautiful environments we love our planet for, and the fascinating creatures we share it with. As I'm sure you're well aware, deforestation is a very big, very real dilemma faced by every single precious rainforest on our planet, and is tragically causing their areas to decline at an alarming rate. Not only is this bad news for us, as less trees means more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, hence speeding up climate change, it's even worse news for the thousands of species, many still undiscovered, who exclusively call rainforests their home. I'm extremely passionate about preserving our amazing planet, and am therefore ecstatic to see Disney endeavouring to educate their guests about these issues, by highlighting them in attractions in their parks. I just really hope that as many Animal Kingdom visitors understand what Disney are doing here as possible, so that deforestation might be done less, or even stopped altogether.
Fun~ 9/10
The great thing about Kali is that it perfectly balances a very serious conservation message with an incredibly fun attraction that everyone can enjoy. Whilst not everyone sees getting soaked through with water as a particularly enjoyable activity, especially at colder times (see above), the unpredictability and thrill of Kali makes it unmissable.
Repeatabilty~ 8/10
Whilst it's the same basic ride every time, as I have mentioned, it's extremely unpredictable as to which direction you'll be facing at different points of the ride, and can therefore give you a different experience every time you ride Kali. This also means that you'll pick up new little details almost every time, especially since the theming of this ride is so good. This is especially true for the queue, which has so much to look at that it's impossible to take it all in on just one walkthrough. I would recommend that you ride Kali as much as you can, as the spinning boats can lead to you missing out on parts of theming, and there's so much to look at throughout the whole experience.
Interactivity~ 6/10
Whilst neither the queue or ride have any interactive elements, there is a neat little system where guests exiting or watching the ride from a bridge can control jets of water which are directed at riders as their boat approaches the unloading platform. Unlike similar features at non Disney parks, this is completely free, and merely involves pressing a button. It's immensely fun to control, especially as the jets come from the trunks of some beautiful Elephant statues, though admittedly it's not quite as amusing if you're on the ride! In most instances, the raft will be stationary for a short time, so those guests on it are like sitting ducks.
And finally, my overall rating of Kali River Rapids~ 10/10
The numbers say it all, Kali River Rapids is truly a superb attraction. Whilst many people complain that it's far too short, I think that it's a great length, and that Disney have done a great job with it. Whilst it could maybe be ever so slightly longer, this really doesn't bother me- it's just such a well designed experience.
So what are your thoughts? Do you share my concerns about the Fastpass Line, and are my ratings accurate enough? Please don't hesitate to share- it's always a treat to hear from you! You can on the Facebook Page, in the comments, or by emailing me at worldofdreamsblog@gmail.com
Thanks for reading, I hope you're having a magical week!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Attraction Review- Toy Story Mania
Before I start, I would like to issue yet another apology for the lateness of this post. I am having the dreadful misfortune to experience yet more technical issues with Blogger, which I am trying to find a permanent solution to. In the meantime, I thank you for your patience, and pledge to publish posts as soon as I possibly can. The show must go on!
Arguably the biggest innovation in theme park attraction technologies in the last decade is the many ways in which attraction designers can add whole dimensions of interactivity to the experiences they create. The Disney Imagineers were the pioneers of this massive advance in how theme park attractions function, and remain to this day the best in the world by far at creating interactive attractions. Naturally, shows are the attraction genre which are best suited to becoming interactive, but the ingenious Imagineers have concocted a winning interactivity formula which works for rides too. And considering how far ahead Disney's interactive attractions are of those of other parks, I shouldn't think they'll be giving away their secret ingredient any time soon!
It's undeniable that the Walt Disney World attraction which best epitomises the vast range of technology available in this respect is Toy Story Mania over at Hollywood Studios. The sole attraction in the park's 'Pixar Place' area, Toy Story Mania takes riders through an area themed as a carnival midway, where they play a host of interactive games on 3D screens which their ride vehicle stops in front of. The games, which all involve throwing virtual objects to hit targets, are controlled by a drawstring 'gun' fixed to the ride vehicle, with one gun per rider. This system is similar to that of Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom, indeed many people argue that the two attractions make each other redundant, due to them both being themed around the same characters and having similar conceptual features. Despite this, however, both attractions do have their differences, most notably how Buzz Lightyear's targets are really there, whereas on Toy Story Mania, they're on a 3Dvscreen. Apart from the aforementioned concerns, both attractions quite happily co-exist in Walt Disney World.
There are so many other ways in which guests can interact with this experience, and I was going to list them all now for you. But then, I had a brainwave! I have decided to add 'interactivity' as a category in which I rate the different attractions I review. So, starting today, every attraction review will also include my comments on the attraction's interactivity!
Anyway, back to TSM. Whilst the attraction itself is pretty cool, anyone whose ever been to Hollywood Studios will tell you that actually getting to experience it is a nightmare. TSM is by far the Walt Disney World attraction with the longest lines, and has been since its May 2008 opening. This is most influenced by the attraction's extreme popularity, largely caused in turn by the popularity of the Toy Story movies on which the attraction is based. When coupled with the fact that this attraction is a slow loader, the equation becomes disproportionate, therefore making long lines ubiquitous due to the attraction's inability to accommodate the droves of eager guests who rush to it each morning at rope drop, and continue to inundate it throughout the day. And it's not just peak times when these kind of waits are common, it's all year round, with the attraction rarely, if ever, having waits of less than 40 minutes. It's usually considerably more than that too! As you would expect, it is also insanely hard to get your hands on a Fastpass for TSM, especially one with a reasonable return time. Fastpasses are typically all gone by 11:30am, and you have to obtain one much earlier than that if you want to return at a decent time. Therefore, my biggest piece of advice if you're looking to ride TSM is to arrive at the Studios prior to park opening, and dashing to TSM as soon as that rope drops to either ride the attraction, or obtain Fastpasses- maybe even both! Try any other time of day and you'll most likely be greeted with a massive wait of 90+ minutes, and little or no Fastpasses available with which to bypass it. The only advantage all this causes is that Hollywood Studios' other major attractions have had their early morning waits significantly shortened by the arrival of TSM.
And now for my ratings of Toy Story Mania:
Thrill~ 8/10
This attraction is another which will delight your senses, predominantly your sight and sound senses. This is enhanced by the impressive 3D graphics showcased by this attraction, made even more impressive by the fact that they aren't showing a set recording, but instead a real-time game. The games are the creme de la creme of this attraction, bringing life to an environment which otherwise contains minimal theming, and providing the most thrill as well, as guests compete in lighthearted contests for high scores.
Scariness~ 1/10
There really is nothing which is at all scary in any way about TSM! It's one of Walt Disney World's most family friendly attractions, and has no features which are at all intimidating. The focus here is having fun, and that is exactly what this attraction delivers.
Theming~ 9/10
Like I said previously, a lot of the theming of the actual ride is virtual, but despite this Disney have still managed to strike a perfect balance between both the virtual theming and the environmental theming. It all flows remarkably well to create a very believable environment as a setting for your interactive adventure. An honourable mention goes to the queue, which is one of those great queues which perfectly gets you in the right mood to best experience the attraction. It uses giant versions of various popular real life toys to create the illusion that you've been shrunk down to the size of one, creating a visually interesting environment to queue in. Whilst I've only ever used Fastpass for this attraction, I have been in the main queue areas, and whilst they are very well themed, they don't really have enough to keep guests occupied, especially considering the amount of time some guests spend in line for this attraction. It's only a matter of time before Disney install an interactive queue into this attraction, if you ask me.
Educational~ 2/10
There really isn't much to be learnt from TSM, apart from how to perfectly pull of an interactive attraction!
Fun~ 10/10
As I have hinted several times earlier in this article, Toy Story Mania is all about fun! As with Journey Into Imagination With Figment, last week's attraction, the focus on Toy Story Mania is 100% fun, with the lightheartedly competitive experience contributing a great deal to this. It's impossible not to enjoy all of the beautifully devised games, or at least the spirit of competition!
Repeatability~ 10/10
Because you play games on TSM, it becomes incredibly easy to repeat, as you get a slightly different experience each time you ride it, with each one being unique to you. Whether you're trying to beat your own high score, beat that friend we all have who's worryingly good at winning all the games, or just trying to simply hone your skills as a beginner, there are so many ways to experience TSM, and so many mentalities in which to do so.
Interactivity~ 10/10
TSM is without a doubt WDW's most interactive ride, and if it weren't for Monsters Inc Laugh Floor over at the Magic Kingdom, it would most likely be the most interactive attraction too. Not only is there the innovative Mr Potato Head animatronic in the queue, who engages with guests in real time, but the very essence of the attraction itself, where YOU control what happens on the screen, and ultimately your own 'destiny', at least as far as the attraction goes. The friendly competition within your ride vehicle adds a great deal to this, a whole new dimension of interactivity, if you will.
And finally, my overall rating of Toy Story Mania~ 8/10
I'll be honest, for me TSM didn't really live up to its excessive hype. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exceptional either, and whilst I hate to say this, it wasn't quite up to the standard I expected and was made to expect. True, it is still early days for a lot of the technology adopted in the attraction, and as a 15 year old boy I don't exactly fit into this attraction's target demographic, but as a family attraction, TSM really does need to be as universally appealing as possible. It's not like my opinions have been influenced by my preferred type of attractions either. Whilst I, like most people my age, am a big thrill seeker, I also have a lot of appreciation for rides with a rich storyline, they are in fact my preferred attraction type, something a little less common amongst people my age!
Despite all this, however, I do think that TSM is a truly great attraction. I have no doubts in my mind that Disney will update it as new technology available, and that it will remain a major part of the Hollywood Studios attraction lineup for many decades to come.
So, what do you think? Is Toy Story Mania really Walt Disney World's most interactive attraction, or is there one which exceeds it in this field? Are interactive attractions the way to go for the future? Share it with the world in the comments below, or on the blog s Facebook page!
Thank you for reading, and have a magical day!
Arguably the biggest innovation in theme park attraction technologies in the last decade is the many ways in which attraction designers can add whole dimensions of interactivity to the experiences they create. The Disney Imagineers were the pioneers of this massive advance in how theme park attractions function, and remain to this day the best in the world by far at creating interactive attractions. Naturally, shows are the attraction genre which are best suited to becoming interactive, but the ingenious Imagineers have concocted a winning interactivity formula which works for rides too. And considering how far ahead Disney's interactive attractions are of those of other parks, I shouldn't think they'll be giving away their secret ingredient any time soon!
It's undeniable that the Walt Disney World attraction which best epitomises the vast range of technology available in this respect is Toy Story Mania over at Hollywood Studios. The sole attraction in the park's 'Pixar Place' area, Toy Story Mania takes riders through an area themed as a carnival midway, where they play a host of interactive games on 3D screens which their ride vehicle stops in front of. The games, which all involve throwing virtual objects to hit targets, are controlled by a drawstring 'gun' fixed to the ride vehicle, with one gun per rider. This system is similar to that of Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom, indeed many people argue that the two attractions make each other redundant, due to them both being themed around the same characters and having similar conceptual features. Despite this, however, both attractions do have their differences, most notably how Buzz Lightyear's targets are really there, whereas on Toy Story Mania, they're on a 3Dvscreen. Apart from the aforementioned concerns, both attractions quite happily co-exist in Walt Disney World.
There are so many other ways in which guests can interact with this experience, and I was going to list them all now for you. But then, I had a brainwave! I have decided to add 'interactivity' as a category in which I rate the different attractions I review. So, starting today, every attraction review will also include my comments on the attraction's interactivity!
Anyway, back to TSM. Whilst the attraction itself is pretty cool, anyone whose ever been to Hollywood Studios will tell you that actually getting to experience it is a nightmare. TSM is by far the Walt Disney World attraction with the longest lines, and has been since its May 2008 opening. This is most influenced by the attraction's extreme popularity, largely caused in turn by the popularity of the Toy Story movies on which the attraction is based. When coupled with the fact that this attraction is a slow loader, the equation becomes disproportionate, therefore making long lines ubiquitous due to the attraction's inability to accommodate the droves of eager guests who rush to it each morning at rope drop, and continue to inundate it throughout the day. And it's not just peak times when these kind of waits are common, it's all year round, with the attraction rarely, if ever, having waits of less than 40 minutes. It's usually considerably more than that too! As you would expect, it is also insanely hard to get your hands on a Fastpass for TSM, especially one with a reasonable return time. Fastpasses are typically all gone by 11:30am, and you have to obtain one much earlier than that if you want to return at a decent time. Therefore, my biggest piece of advice if you're looking to ride TSM is to arrive at the Studios prior to park opening, and dashing to TSM as soon as that rope drops to either ride the attraction, or obtain Fastpasses- maybe even both! Try any other time of day and you'll most likely be greeted with a massive wait of 90+ minutes, and little or no Fastpasses available with which to bypass it. The only advantage all this causes is that Hollywood Studios' other major attractions have had their early morning waits significantly shortened by the arrival of TSM.
And now for my ratings of Toy Story Mania:
Thrill~ 8/10
This attraction is another which will delight your senses, predominantly your sight and sound senses. This is enhanced by the impressive 3D graphics showcased by this attraction, made even more impressive by the fact that they aren't showing a set recording, but instead a real-time game. The games are the creme de la creme of this attraction, bringing life to an environment which otherwise contains minimal theming, and providing the most thrill as well, as guests compete in lighthearted contests for high scores.
Scariness~ 1/10
There really is nothing which is at all scary in any way about TSM! It's one of Walt Disney World's most family friendly attractions, and has no features which are at all intimidating. The focus here is having fun, and that is exactly what this attraction delivers.
Theming~ 9/10
Like I said previously, a lot of the theming of the actual ride is virtual, but despite this Disney have still managed to strike a perfect balance between both the virtual theming and the environmental theming. It all flows remarkably well to create a very believable environment as a setting for your interactive adventure. An honourable mention goes to the queue, which is one of those great queues which perfectly gets you in the right mood to best experience the attraction. It uses giant versions of various popular real life toys to create the illusion that you've been shrunk down to the size of one, creating a visually interesting environment to queue in. Whilst I've only ever used Fastpass for this attraction, I have been in the main queue areas, and whilst they are very well themed, they don't really have enough to keep guests occupied, especially considering the amount of time some guests spend in line for this attraction. It's only a matter of time before Disney install an interactive queue into this attraction, if you ask me.
Educational~ 2/10
There really isn't much to be learnt from TSM, apart from how to perfectly pull of an interactive attraction!
Fun~ 10/10
As I have hinted several times earlier in this article, Toy Story Mania is all about fun! As with Journey Into Imagination With Figment, last week's attraction, the focus on Toy Story Mania is 100% fun, with the lightheartedly competitive experience contributing a great deal to this. It's impossible not to enjoy all of the beautifully devised games, or at least the spirit of competition!
Repeatability~ 10/10
Because you play games on TSM, it becomes incredibly easy to repeat, as you get a slightly different experience each time you ride it, with each one being unique to you. Whether you're trying to beat your own high score, beat that friend we all have who's worryingly good at winning all the games, or just trying to simply hone your skills as a beginner, there are so many ways to experience TSM, and so many mentalities in which to do so.
Interactivity~ 10/10
TSM is without a doubt WDW's most interactive ride, and if it weren't for Monsters Inc Laugh Floor over at the Magic Kingdom, it would most likely be the most interactive attraction too. Not only is there the innovative Mr Potato Head animatronic in the queue, who engages with guests in real time, but the very essence of the attraction itself, where YOU control what happens on the screen, and ultimately your own 'destiny', at least as far as the attraction goes. The friendly competition within your ride vehicle adds a great deal to this, a whole new dimension of interactivity, if you will.
And finally, my overall rating of Toy Story Mania~ 8/10
I'll be honest, for me TSM didn't really live up to its excessive hype. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exceptional either, and whilst I hate to say this, it wasn't quite up to the standard I expected and was made to expect. True, it is still early days for a lot of the technology adopted in the attraction, and as a 15 year old boy I don't exactly fit into this attraction's target demographic, but as a family attraction, TSM really does need to be as universally appealing as possible. It's not like my opinions have been influenced by my preferred type of attractions either. Whilst I, like most people my age, am a big thrill seeker, I also have a lot of appreciation for rides with a rich storyline, they are in fact my preferred attraction type, something a little less common amongst people my age!
Despite all this, however, I do think that TSM is a truly great attraction. I have no doubts in my mind that Disney will update it as new technology available, and that it will remain a major part of the Hollywood Studios attraction lineup for many decades to come.
So, what do you think? Is Toy Story Mania really Walt Disney World's most interactive attraction, or is there one which exceeds it in this field? Are interactive attractions the way to go for the future? Share it with the world in the comments below, or on the blog s Facebook page!
Thank you for reading, and have a magical day!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Attraction Review- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Before I begin, I would like to apologise for what is another delayed post. To cut a long story short, I have had a lot of school work in recent days, and have wanted to concentrate on that, as I'm determined to get a good grade. What with also visiting family over the weekend, I have only had sufficient time to draft this post, with today being my first opportunity to actually write it. I haven't forgotten about the Pin of the Fortnight either, and that will be published next week after being likewise delayed by my hectic schedule. This allows the Photo of the Week to be published tomorrow!
Anyway, back to Disney! Writing this, and escaping to my favourite place will be a great way to relax!
This week, I am focusing on an Epcot attraction which celebrated its 30th Birthday last week, having itself opened a few months after the entire park. As with the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, which I reviewed last week, Journey Into Imagination With Figment, this week's attraction, became an instant favourite with guests, in this case due to its loveable characters, fun theme and catchy theme tune, named 'One Little Spark'. Currently on its third incarnation, this entertaining ride gives you a guided tour of the 'Imagination Institute', courtesy of Dr Nigel Channing (Eric Idle), as well as Figment, the adorable purple Dragon who loves imagination.
After being introduced to their enthusiastic hosts, guests are taken in spacious ride vehicles to various labs around the 'Institute', each relating to a different one of the human senses. However Figment, who thinks the tour to be too structured, starts to cause mischief and mayhem, much to the dismay of Dr Channing. Insistent that imagination should be set free, Figment continues to disrupt the tour, eventually forcing Channing to postpone it. Thrilled, Figment then takes everyone to his own house, where he showcases his own unique and wonderful imagination for all to see. The attraction ends with a magical tribute to imagination, with both Figment and Dr Channing working together to ensure that the ride quite literally ends on a high note!
I would like to stress at this point of the article that I have only actually ridden the attraction's current incarnation. This is partly down to me being a relatively new WDW visitor (even though I've always loved Disney), and partly down to the fact that I'm only 15, and so wouldn't be above to remember any of the previous two versions of the attraction, even if I had ridden them. Therefore, I can't provide as good a perspective as some of the incredibly talented Disney Bloggers out there, but I'll certainly try my best!
Every article which I read about Journey Into Imagination criticises Disney for tampering with what was a pretty good attraction in the first place, as well as some of the changes they've made to the pavilion in general. Having obviously no experience of this attraction in historic terms, I can make no comment on this, especially since I love this attraction as it is, which is how I've always known it. It's by far one of my all time favourites, currently sitting third in the dynamic list of my the attractions I love the most, just behind the Tower of Terror and Splash Mountain. Considering how marvellous the attraction is in its current form, I can barely begin to imagine (pun not intended) what it was like in the good old days!
Another trait which Journey Into Imagination shares with the TTA is its huge popularity amongst Disney fans, yet its 'habit' of still always having short to moderate waits. It's pretty much the norm to see waits of about 10-25 minutes, with it also not bing unusual to see waits of less than ten minutes as well. The line for this attraction moves surprisingly fast, and has plenty to keep you entertained, provided you are familiar with the attraction, the pavilion and parts of the backstory. Even if you aren't there's an abundance of cool things to look at as you await your 'tour' of the Imagination Institute. Due to the quintessentially reasonable lines here, you can pretty much visit when you like, but I would recommend doing so before midday and after 4pm.
Here's how I rate Journey Into Imagination With Figment in the following areas and why:
Thrill~ 10/10
As with many great Disney attractions, Journey Into Imagination is more sensually thrilling than thrilling in the sense of motion. With different segments of the experience celebrating imagination's connection with three of the five senses (two of them are avoided as the tour diverts to Figment's house), it really isn't difficult to see why that is. Each scene has clearly been thought through a lot to best represent the use and significance of each of the respective senses, and does so perfectly, with a little help from Figment, of course!
Scariness~ 9/10
Whilst this attraction features no drops or anything like that, it is extremely unpredictable as to what Figment will do next, and I promise that he will really make you jump and take you by surprise. Near the end of the ride, as he is speaking, a massive flash and loud noises occur suddenly without warning, plunging you into total but momentary darkness, before revealing the aforementioned magical tribute to imagination, which I won't spoil by describing. This moment is as intense as it sounds, and will make you jump even when riding the attraction a second time! There are also a couple of other, less intense surprises earlier in the attraction.
Theming~ 9/10
This is a tough one to talk about. Whilst the attraction itself has been designed and built extremely well to create an immersive themed environment, I don't think that it's even close to exploring its own central theme of imagination enough. It definitely takes steps in the right direction to epitomising imagination as a concept, but has barely scratched the surface in reality. It's not just the ride either, I think that this is true for the entire pavilion. I know that I echo the sentiments of many others when I say that there is so much more that Disney can do with the theme of imagination, hey, they could easily build a whole park based around it. Imagination is one of the vital elements of everything Disney is all about, and you'd think they'd want to pay tribute to that. This point aside however, the theming on Journey Into Imagination is truly superb.
Educational~ 7/10
There aren't too many scientific facts in this one, but you still learn a great deal about your imagination and its breathtaking potential to create and innovate. The real opportunity for intellectual stimulation comes after the ride, in the ImageWorks exhibits, which is technically a diversion.
Fun~ 10/10
Put quite simply, Journey Into Imagination With Figment is Walt Disney World's most fun attraction! What with its upbeat soundtrack, cheerful characters and interesting theme, it is truly impossible to find fault in Journey Into Imagination's enjoyment factor. It's nigh on impossible to exit the ride vehicle without being at least twice as happy as you were when you started, and being won over by the adorable Figment! Every single element joins together perfectly to create this, creating levels of fun which simply cannot be found anywhere else!
Repeatability~ 8/10
Although it's the exact same experience each time, Journey Into Imagination is a sensational attraction, one of those rare rides which never get boring. As I mentioned, this is due to it's winning formula, all the elements binding together to create an attraction which is hard to beat by anything.
And finally, my overall rating~ 10/10
Like I said, I'm probably not the best person to review this attraction having only experienced the one version, so being unable to make any kind of comparisons whatsoever. The simple fact is that I love this attraction, better older versions or not, because it's just awesome. A very plain observation, I know, but true nonetheless! I think it's wonderful for all of the reasons listed above, and that the future is a bright spark for this great attraction (pun intended)! My only bugbear is the animatronic Figments which can be found in various scenes of the attraction, and desperately need replacing. In fact, I would love to see the Imagination Pavilion as a whole get an update, and it's beginning to look likely that this will happen. However, that's a completely different topic, one which I hope to discuss in the near future.
So, what's your view? Do you also enjoy Journey Into Imagination, or do you think of it as grossly overrated? And do you love Figment as much as I do?! Please use your imagination accordingly, and share your opinions in the comments below or on Facebook, it's always a treat to hear what you think!
Thanks for reading, I hope you're having a magical week!
Anyway, back to Disney! Writing this, and escaping to my favourite place will be a great way to relax!
This week, I am focusing on an Epcot attraction which celebrated its 30th Birthday last week, having itself opened a few months after the entire park. As with the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, which I reviewed last week, Journey Into Imagination With Figment, this week's attraction, became an instant favourite with guests, in this case due to its loveable characters, fun theme and catchy theme tune, named 'One Little Spark'. Currently on its third incarnation, this entertaining ride gives you a guided tour of the 'Imagination Institute', courtesy of Dr Nigel Channing (Eric Idle), as well as Figment, the adorable purple Dragon who loves imagination.
After being introduced to their enthusiastic hosts, guests are taken in spacious ride vehicles to various labs around the 'Institute', each relating to a different one of the human senses. However Figment, who thinks the tour to be too structured, starts to cause mischief and mayhem, much to the dismay of Dr Channing. Insistent that imagination should be set free, Figment continues to disrupt the tour, eventually forcing Channing to postpone it. Thrilled, Figment then takes everyone to his own house, where he showcases his own unique and wonderful imagination for all to see. The attraction ends with a magical tribute to imagination, with both Figment and Dr Channing working together to ensure that the ride quite literally ends on a high note!
I would like to stress at this point of the article that I have only actually ridden the attraction's current incarnation. This is partly down to me being a relatively new WDW visitor (even though I've always loved Disney), and partly down to the fact that I'm only 15, and so wouldn't be above to remember any of the previous two versions of the attraction, even if I had ridden them. Therefore, I can't provide as good a perspective as some of the incredibly talented Disney Bloggers out there, but I'll certainly try my best!
Every article which I read about Journey Into Imagination criticises Disney for tampering with what was a pretty good attraction in the first place, as well as some of the changes they've made to the pavilion in general. Having obviously no experience of this attraction in historic terms, I can make no comment on this, especially since I love this attraction as it is, which is how I've always known it. It's by far one of my all time favourites, currently sitting third in the dynamic list of my the attractions I love the most, just behind the Tower of Terror and Splash Mountain. Considering how marvellous the attraction is in its current form, I can barely begin to imagine (pun not intended) what it was like in the good old days!
Another trait which Journey Into Imagination shares with the TTA is its huge popularity amongst Disney fans, yet its 'habit' of still always having short to moderate waits. It's pretty much the norm to see waits of about 10-25 minutes, with it also not bing unusual to see waits of less than ten minutes as well. The line for this attraction moves surprisingly fast, and has plenty to keep you entertained, provided you are familiar with the attraction, the pavilion and parts of the backstory. Even if you aren't there's an abundance of cool things to look at as you await your 'tour' of the Imagination Institute. Due to the quintessentially reasonable lines here, you can pretty much visit when you like, but I would recommend doing so before midday and after 4pm.
Here's how I rate Journey Into Imagination With Figment in the following areas and why:
Thrill~ 10/10
As with many great Disney attractions, Journey Into Imagination is more sensually thrilling than thrilling in the sense of motion. With different segments of the experience celebrating imagination's connection with three of the five senses (two of them are avoided as the tour diverts to Figment's house), it really isn't difficult to see why that is. Each scene has clearly been thought through a lot to best represent the use and significance of each of the respective senses, and does so perfectly, with a little help from Figment, of course!
Scariness~ 9/10
Whilst this attraction features no drops or anything like that, it is extremely unpredictable as to what Figment will do next, and I promise that he will really make you jump and take you by surprise. Near the end of the ride, as he is speaking, a massive flash and loud noises occur suddenly without warning, plunging you into total but momentary darkness, before revealing the aforementioned magical tribute to imagination, which I won't spoil by describing. This moment is as intense as it sounds, and will make you jump even when riding the attraction a second time! There are also a couple of other, less intense surprises earlier in the attraction.
Theming~ 9/10
This is a tough one to talk about. Whilst the attraction itself has been designed and built extremely well to create an immersive themed environment, I don't think that it's even close to exploring its own central theme of imagination enough. It definitely takes steps in the right direction to epitomising imagination as a concept, but has barely scratched the surface in reality. It's not just the ride either, I think that this is true for the entire pavilion. I know that I echo the sentiments of many others when I say that there is so much more that Disney can do with the theme of imagination, hey, they could easily build a whole park based around it. Imagination is one of the vital elements of everything Disney is all about, and you'd think they'd want to pay tribute to that. This point aside however, the theming on Journey Into Imagination is truly superb.
Educational~ 7/10
There aren't too many scientific facts in this one, but you still learn a great deal about your imagination and its breathtaking potential to create and innovate. The real opportunity for intellectual stimulation comes after the ride, in the ImageWorks exhibits, which is technically a diversion.
Fun~ 10/10
Put quite simply, Journey Into Imagination With Figment is Walt Disney World's most fun attraction! What with its upbeat soundtrack, cheerful characters and interesting theme, it is truly impossible to find fault in Journey Into Imagination's enjoyment factor. It's nigh on impossible to exit the ride vehicle without being at least twice as happy as you were when you started, and being won over by the adorable Figment! Every single element joins together perfectly to create this, creating levels of fun which simply cannot be found anywhere else!
Repeatability~ 8/10
Although it's the exact same experience each time, Journey Into Imagination is a sensational attraction, one of those rare rides which never get boring. As I mentioned, this is due to it's winning formula, all the elements binding together to create an attraction which is hard to beat by anything.
And finally, my overall rating~ 10/10
Like I said, I'm probably not the best person to review this attraction having only experienced the one version, so being unable to make any kind of comparisons whatsoever. The simple fact is that I love this attraction, better older versions or not, because it's just awesome. A very plain observation, I know, but true nonetheless! I think it's wonderful for all of the reasons listed above, and that the future is a bright spark for this great attraction (pun intended)! My only bugbear is the animatronic Figments which can be found in various scenes of the attraction, and desperately need replacing. In fact, I would love to see the Imagination Pavilion as a whole get an update, and it's beginning to look likely that this will happen. However, that's a completely different topic, one which I hope to discuss in the near future.
So, what's your view? Do you also enjoy Journey Into Imagination, or do you think of it as grossly overrated? And do you love Figment as much as I do?! Please use your imagination accordingly, and share your opinions in the comments below or on Facebook, it's always a treat to hear what you think!
Thanks for reading, I hope you're having a magical week!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Attraction Review- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Before I start today, I would just like to give you a massive apology for the lateness of this post. I would have published it last Friday, as per normal, but it seems that Blogger had a problem with their servers, and I was unable to access my account for several days. Obviously this is all out of my control, but I will endeavour to prevent this happening again.
One of the things I love most about Walt Disney World is how the wonderful theme parks are still full of classic Disney Attractions. For me, the Magic Kingdom shows this better than any other park, creating a perfect balance of both old and nostalgic, and new and exciting attractions. The thing Disney does so well with these classic and nostalgic attractions is to maintain the high standards which have come to be expected of the Disney Parks, whilst still retaining the charm and character of the attraction in question.
When looking at the Magic Kingdom in particular, many such attractions spring to mind, with the task of picking out just one outstanding attraction almost impossible. Each one has, obviously, always been a guest favourite, a crucial factor in the longevity of any Disney Attraction. The Magic Kingdom attraction I'm looking at today, however, perfectly epitomises all these points, having been a Tomorrowland staple since it opened in July 1975, 4 years after the park itself. I am of course referring to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, or the TTA as we Disney Fans affectionately know it.
This incredible attraction takes guests on an interesting tour around Tomorrowland, including glimpses into several of Tomorrowland's exciting attractions, such as Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. Narrated by Mike Brassell, this attraction represents a mass transportation system of the future as imagined by the Disney Imagineers, and is actually considered to be a genuinely feasible prototype for future transportation systems. Indeed, the same ride systems used in this attraction are used in the Inter-Terminal Train at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which was built by the Disney Imagineers for the Airport. It still functions and operates today as a means of transportation around the airport.
Guests board the TTA at a second floor station below the Astro Orbitor attraction, with the entire attraction taking place above Tomorrowland. Your adventure around this magnificent area of the Magic Kingdom takes place in one of the attraction's 32 ride vehicles, which are extremely pleasant, and lovely and comfortable for your 10 minute journey.
The TTA really is one of those remarkably rare attractions which are absolute perfection, however it is unique amongst the small group of attractions of this pedigree. When you think of such attractions, the Tower of Terror and Expedition Everest, among others, spring to mind. These Imagineering masterpieces are state of the art, utilising some of the most complex and mind boggling technologies known to man, creating a stunning attraction. The TTA, on the other hand, is about as technologically advanced as the WDW buses!
Weirdly enough, instead of being a criticism, this is actually a compliment! It is the blissful simplicity of the attraction which is one of the crucial ingredients to its winning formula, and when combined with the setting, atmosphere and theming which Disney does so splendidly, it makes the TTA pretty much unbeatable. On its own, the ride is very basic, nothing special. If you took just the track and vehicles and placed them in an empty parking lot, it would be nowhere near as enjoyable. Whereas, when you put it into the whimsical setting of the Magic Kingdom, it instantly makes the attraction so much more than a track and some vehicles.
With such a perfect attraction on offer, you'd think that lines for it would be longer than the time it's taking Disney to build a fifth WDW park (and that's a WHOLE other topic), but I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised by the reality. The TTA is actually one of the easiest attractions at WDW to get on! Although it's very popular, especially amongst Disney fans, lines for the PeopleMover are almost always a walk on, and if not, under 10 minutes. I've visited the Magic Kingdom at one of the busiest times of year, and still only waited 5 minutes for the TTA at the busiest time of day! For a ten minute attraction, that's a great time return (200%). Therefore, you can visit the TTA pretty much whenever you want!
Here's how I rate the TTA in the following categories, and why:
Thrill~ 9/10
Whilst the TTA is awesome, it's not thrilling in the traditional way, but more sensually. The raised track is the perfect vantage point to take in the exquisite sights, sounds and smells of Tomorrowland, which combine to make it one of my favourite themed areas in all of Walt Disney World.
Scariness~ 6/10
This attraction has no speed or drops, but does feature a fairly lengthy segment in the dark, and I mean DARK, as you go through Space Mountain. This can be pretty scary, as you can't see a thing, and can hear the Space Mountain cars whizzing all around you, creating a cool but scary effect. It's not really all that bad, but can be scary, especially for guests who are uncomfortable in the dark.
Theming~ 9/10~
Like I previously mentioned, the theming is such an integral part of this attraction. We all know that a good theme should really make you feel like you are wherever its portraying, like you are living, or visiting, that world. Whilst not WDW's most elaborate, the TTC's theme does this perfectly, transporting you to the dream version of the future which the whole of Tomorrowland represents so well.
Educational~ 7/10
The clever narration on the TTA does inform you of Tomorrowland's many attractions, just not in a particularly factual way. You do, however, pass a model of 'Progress City', which was Walt Disney's vision for a futuristic city, the concept which inspired Epcot, the theme park we know and love today. This is an awesome touch, and provides an awesome opportunity to learn about the city, if only very briefly. The attraction also represents a very probable future mode of transportation- very interesting to learn about, especially since PeopleMovers could be a massive part of our everyday lives in 50, or even 40 years time.
Fun~ 10/10
Fun is one of those vital elements that every attraction must have to be at all successful, and fun is the element which the TTA is richest in. Only Disney could take a prototype transportation network and turn it into an enjoyable attraction- and they've done so incredibly well. Another great thing they've managed to pull off is making the tour of Tomorrowland dimension of the attraction fun; instead of simply promoting each attraction. Also, the TTA is great for people watching, and has great views in general, including two segments of the ride which offer unmatched views of the Hub and Cinderella Castle, providing a great opportunity to snap a quick picture. And who could forget the ingenious joke which is cleverly incorporated into the attraction during one of its indoor sections. I won't spoil it for anyone, but I will say that it involves a certain person... called Tom.
Repeatability~ 10/10
Due to the length of this attraction, and the amount to see, you could ride it 1000 times and still not have taken it all in! The clever gags and spectacular theming will make you want to ride it again and again, it truly is one of those attractions which makes you want to get right back in line after disembarking! It's also really good for repeat rides if you enjoy people watching, as that's always constantly changing, of course.
And finally, my overall rating of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover~ 10/10
The TTA is, quite simply, one of my all time favourite attractions. It's wondrous, fantastic, awe-inspiring, everything I could possibly ask for in a Disney attraction. I love its charm and nostalgia as well, they are two of the defining principals of the TTA, and I also love everything else about it, to be honest!
It just goes to show that the magic is everywhere in the Disney Parks, and that the spirit and charm of a great attraction never falters. It's what sets aside Disney attractions from the rest.
Now I would love to hear what YOU think! Are my views valid, or am I a little too positive? Are you also a big TTA fan, or do you not see what all the fuss is about? Please share on Facebook, in the comments below, or by emailing worldofdreamsblog@gmail.com. I love hearing from my readers!
Thanks for reading, and may your day be full of magic!
One of the things I love most about Walt Disney World is how the wonderful theme parks are still full of classic Disney Attractions. For me, the Magic Kingdom shows this better than any other park, creating a perfect balance of both old and nostalgic, and new and exciting attractions. The thing Disney does so well with these classic and nostalgic attractions is to maintain the high standards which have come to be expected of the Disney Parks, whilst still retaining the charm and character of the attraction in question.
When looking at the Magic Kingdom in particular, many such attractions spring to mind, with the task of picking out just one outstanding attraction almost impossible. Each one has, obviously, always been a guest favourite, a crucial factor in the longevity of any Disney Attraction. The Magic Kingdom attraction I'm looking at today, however, perfectly epitomises all these points, having been a Tomorrowland staple since it opened in July 1975, 4 years after the park itself. I am of course referring to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, or the TTA as we Disney Fans affectionately know it.
This incredible attraction takes guests on an interesting tour around Tomorrowland, including glimpses into several of Tomorrowland's exciting attractions, such as Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. Narrated by Mike Brassell, this attraction represents a mass transportation system of the future as imagined by the Disney Imagineers, and is actually considered to be a genuinely feasible prototype for future transportation systems. Indeed, the same ride systems used in this attraction are used in the Inter-Terminal Train at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which was built by the Disney Imagineers for the Airport. It still functions and operates today as a means of transportation around the airport.
Guests board the TTA at a second floor station below the Astro Orbitor attraction, with the entire attraction taking place above Tomorrowland. Your adventure around this magnificent area of the Magic Kingdom takes place in one of the attraction's 32 ride vehicles, which are extremely pleasant, and lovely and comfortable for your 10 minute journey.
The TTA really is one of those remarkably rare attractions which are absolute perfection, however it is unique amongst the small group of attractions of this pedigree. When you think of such attractions, the Tower of Terror and Expedition Everest, among others, spring to mind. These Imagineering masterpieces are state of the art, utilising some of the most complex and mind boggling technologies known to man, creating a stunning attraction. The TTA, on the other hand, is about as technologically advanced as the WDW buses!
Weirdly enough, instead of being a criticism, this is actually a compliment! It is the blissful simplicity of the attraction which is one of the crucial ingredients to its winning formula, and when combined with the setting, atmosphere and theming which Disney does so splendidly, it makes the TTA pretty much unbeatable. On its own, the ride is very basic, nothing special. If you took just the track and vehicles and placed them in an empty parking lot, it would be nowhere near as enjoyable. Whereas, when you put it into the whimsical setting of the Magic Kingdom, it instantly makes the attraction so much more than a track and some vehicles.
With such a perfect attraction on offer, you'd think that lines for it would be longer than the time it's taking Disney to build a fifth WDW park (and that's a WHOLE other topic), but I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised by the reality. The TTA is actually one of the easiest attractions at WDW to get on! Although it's very popular, especially amongst Disney fans, lines for the PeopleMover are almost always a walk on, and if not, under 10 minutes. I've visited the Magic Kingdom at one of the busiest times of year, and still only waited 5 minutes for the TTA at the busiest time of day! For a ten minute attraction, that's a great time return (200%). Therefore, you can visit the TTA pretty much whenever you want!
Here's how I rate the TTA in the following categories, and why:
Thrill~ 9/10
Whilst the TTA is awesome, it's not thrilling in the traditional way, but more sensually. The raised track is the perfect vantage point to take in the exquisite sights, sounds and smells of Tomorrowland, which combine to make it one of my favourite themed areas in all of Walt Disney World.
Scariness~ 6/10
This attraction has no speed or drops, but does feature a fairly lengthy segment in the dark, and I mean DARK, as you go through Space Mountain. This can be pretty scary, as you can't see a thing, and can hear the Space Mountain cars whizzing all around you, creating a cool but scary effect. It's not really all that bad, but can be scary, especially for guests who are uncomfortable in the dark.
Theming~ 9/10~
Like I previously mentioned, the theming is such an integral part of this attraction. We all know that a good theme should really make you feel like you are wherever its portraying, like you are living, or visiting, that world. Whilst not WDW's most elaborate, the TTC's theme does this perfectly, transporting you to the dream version of the future which the whole of Tomorrowland represents so well.
Educational~ 7/10
The clever narration on the TTA does inform you of Tomorrowland's many attractions, just not in a particularly factual way. You do, however, pass a model of 'Progress City', which was Walt Disney's vision for a futuristic city, the concept which inspired Epcot, the theme park we know and love today. This is an awesome touch, and provides an awesome opportunity to learn about the city, if only very briefly. The attraction also represents a very probable future mode of transportation- very interesting to learn about, especially since PeopleMovers could be a massive part of our everyday lives in 50, or even 40 years time.
Fun~ 10/10
Fun is one of those vital elements that every attraction must have to be at all successful, and fun is the element which the TTA is richest in. Only Disney could take a prototype transportation network and turn it into an enjoyable attraction- and they've done so incredibly well. Another great thing they've managed to pull off is making the tour of Tomorrowland dimension of the attraction fun; instead of simply promoting each attraction. Also, the TTA is great for people watching, and has great views in general, including two segments of the ride which offer unmatched views of the Hub and Cinderella Castle, providing a great opportunity to snap a quick picture. And who could forget the ingenious joke which is cleverly incorporated into the attraction during one of its indoor sections. I won't spoil it for anyone, but I will say that it involves a certain person... called Tom.
Repeatability~ 10/10
Due to the length of this attraction, and the amount to see, you could ride it 1000 times and still not have taken it all in! The clever gags and spectacular theming will make you want to ride it again and again, it truly is one of those attractions which makes you want to get right back in line after disembarking! It's also really good for repeat rides if you enjoy people watching, as that's always constantly changing, of course.
And finally, my overall rating of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover~ 10/10
The TTA is, quite simply, one of my all time favourite attractions. It's wondrous, fantastic, awe-inspiring, everything I could possibly ask for in a Disney attraction. I love its charm and nostalgia as well, they are two of the defining principals of the TTA, and I also love everything else about it, to be honest!
It just goes to show that the magic is everywhere in the Disney Parks, and that the spirit and charm of a great attraction never falters. It's what sets aside Disney attractions from the rest.
Now I would love to hear what YOU think! Are my views valid, or am I a little too positive? Are you also a big TTA fan, or do you not see what all the fuss is about? Please share on Facebook, in the comments below, or by emailing worldofdreamsblog@gmail.com. I love hearing from my readers!
Thanks for reading, and may your day be full of magic!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Attraction Review- Storm Slides
You'll struggle to find a better themed waterpark than Disney's Typhoon Lagoon in the entire world, let alone Central Florida. Although older, its theme is substantially better than that of its sister park, Disney's Blizzard Beach, and lends a lot to the park's overall feel and charm, as all good themes do. When likened to other parts of Walt Disney World, Typhoon Lagoon's storm- ravaged tropical paradise most resembles The Oasis at Disney's Animal Kingdom or Adventureland over at the Magic Kingdom.
As with every Disney Park, Typhoon Lagoon's many attractions are all beautifully themed, and blend seamlessly together to create a immersive themed environment. However, one attraction which I personally consider to be exquisitely themed is (or should I say “are”?) the Storm Slides. More on the theme in a minute! Anyway, the Storm Slides are three unique open air body slides which whisk waterpark guests down the right hand side of Mount Mayday, twisting, turning and intertwining with one another before ending in a cool landing pool near the entrance of the neighbouring Humunga Kowabunga attraction. It's important that I stress that although they are three different slides, that is only in layout, and all three Storm Slides are collectively classed by Disney as a single attraction.
Unlike some of Typhoon Lagoon's other slides, I've never had a problem with riding the Storm Slides, even at the busier times of day. As with every other attraction in existence, long lines can and will materialise at peak times, but visiting the Storm Slides early or late in the day should help you to avoid this. Also, the three slides help the line to move at a decent pace, especially when compared to lines which only serve a single slide, which are notoriously slow. Even if you are made to wait, the Storm Sides boast what is in my opinion one of Walt Disney World's nicest queues, which I always like to meander my way through, appreciating the incredible detail of it.
Here's how I rate the Storm Slides in the following areas, and why:
Thrill~ 9/10
More than anything else, the Storm Slides are visually thrilling. As I previously mentioned, the theming is amazing, and this contributes a great deal to the overall feel of the attraction, and therefore the thrill. The thrill of anticipation also has a big role to play with this attraction, as there's really no way of knowing what awaits you once you hurtle around the next tight corner in the slide. For overall thrill, I find that the right hand slide gives you the best bang for your buck, although the other two aren't far behind. Nevertheless, if you only have time to ride one Storm Slide, I would recommend the right hand one.
Scariness~ 7/10
Whilst the slides themselves don't feature any of the signature drops of many Disney waterslides, they are very fast, and all three have extremely sharp turns incorporated into their layout. This, alongside the aforementioned anticipation, adds up to a moderately scary experience, which is a great way to introduce waterpark first time guests to waterslides.
Theming~ 10/10
Yes, I may have *forgotten* my usual attempts at optimistic impartiality when deciding on this rating, but I do genuinely consider the theme of this attraction to be fantastic. The Disney Waterparks both have their own theme, which is the only theme portrayed in the entire park, unlike the theme parks, which have a central theme, with several sub themes related to it. I just really like Typhoon Lagoon's! It's so laid back and relaxed, and really does transport me to a tropical paradise. To be honest, Typhoon Lagoon IS a tropical paradise, within the magical paradise which is Walt Disney World.
As I stated earlier, I consider the Storm Slides to be one of Typhoon Lagoon's best themed attractions. The gushing, winding streams in the beautiful queue are simply superb, as is the stream tumbling down off Mount Mayday, running straight through the loading area, or end of the queue, whatever the technical term is! It's no secret that I'm a sucker for a good water feature, especially in a Disney Park, and the ones which can be found at the Storm Slides make the attraction all the more realistic and immersive.
Educational~ 1/10
I really can't think of anything educational about the Storm Slides. At the end of the day, not every attraction is designed to educate, in the same way that not every book is written to entertain.
Fun~ 9/10
It's a basic scientific fact that all waterslides are awesome fun, and the Storm Slides are no exception! Although climbing up to the top of the slides on a blisteringly hot day is about as fun as being chased by an angry bear, the reward you get at the top is more than worth it. It's fun to pick a slide to ride (and to become a poet when you didn't know it), and the three slides themselves are incredibly enjoyable to ride and compare.
Repeatability~ 9/10
The fact that you have a choice of three awesome slides means that you could quite easily spend a whole day at Typhoon Lagoon and exclusively ride the Storm Slides. However- THOSE STAIRS! You have to climb a considerable amount of stairs to get to the top of the slides, with walking being your only option. Whilst I accept that stairs are inevitable for a waterslide, and that Disney have done a pretty darn good job with theming the queue, it doesn't change the fact that repeatably walking up long flights of stairs can be very tiring, especially on a hot summer's day.
And finally, my overall rating of the Storm Slides~ 10/10
Setting aside the fact that this rating was largely fuelled by my love for Typhoon Lagoon, the Storm Slides combine to make a truly great attraction, which is arguably WDW's best all round waterpark attraction. It's hard to top a good waterslide, especially when it's bursting with Disney magic!
Now it's your turn! I would love to hear your opinion on the Storm Slides! If you share my love for them, think my ratings are totally inaccurate, or have any other comments, please share them in the comments section below or on the Blog's Facebook Page! I would also like to thank you, the readers for your support- I really appreciate it. I love sharing my passion for Disney with all of you, and it's a great feeling to know that my work is being read by Disney Fans around the World! When I started the World of Dreams Blog, I had no idea that it would get so many pageviews, and I feel blessed that it has as many as it has- thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Thank you for reading, and have an awesomely magical weekend!
As with every Disney Park, Typhoon Lagoon's many attractions are all beautifully themed, and blend seamlessly together to create a immersive themed environment. However, one attraction which I personally consider to be exquisitely themed is (or should I say “are”?) the Storm Slides. More on the theme in a minute! Anyway, the Storm Slides are three unique open air body slides which whisk waterpark guests down the right hand side of Mount Mayday, twisting, turning and intertwining with one another before ending in a cool landing pool near the entrance of the neighbouring Humunga Kowabunga attraction. It's important that I stress that although they are three different slides, that is only in layout, and all three Storm Slides are collectively classed by Disney as a single attraction.
Unlike some of Typhoon Lagoon's other slides, I've never had a problem with riding the Storm Slides, even at the busier times of day. As with every other attraction in existence, long lines can and will materialise at peak times, but visiting the Storm Slides early or late in the day should help you to avoid this. Also, the three slides help the line to move at a decent pace, especially when compared to lines which only serve a single slide, which are notoriously slow. Even if you are made to wait, the Storm Sides boast what is in my opinion one of Walt Disney World's nicest queues, which I always like to meander my way through, appreciating the incredible detail of it.
Here's how I rate the Storm Slides in the following areas, and why:
Thrill~ 9/10
More than anything else, the Storm Slides are visually thrilling. As I previously mentioned, the theming is amazing, and this contributes a great deal to the overall feel of the attraction, and therefore the thrill. The thrill of anticipation also has a big role to play with this attraction, as there's really no way of knowing what awaits you once you hurtle around the next tight corner in the slide. For overall thrill, I find that the right hand slide gives you the best bang for your buck, although the other two aren't far behind. Nevertheless, if you only have time to ride one Storm Slide, I would recommend the right hand one.
Scariness~ 7/10
Whilst the slides themselves don't feature any of the signature drops of many Disney waterslides, they are very fast, and all three have extremely sharp turns incorporated into their layout. This, alongside the aforementioned anticipation, adds up to a moderately scary experience, which is a great way to introduce waterpark first time guests to waterslides.
Theming~ 10/10
Yes, I may have *forgotten* my usual attempts at optimistic impartiality when deciding on this rating, but I do genuinely consider the theme of this attraction to be fantastic. The Disney Waterparks both have their own theme, which is the only theme portrayed in the entire park, unlike the theme parks, which have a central theme, with several sub themes related to it. I just really like Typhoon Lagoon's! It's so laid back and relaxed, and really does transport me to a tropical paradise. To be honest, Typhoon Lagoon IS a tropical paradise, within the magical paradise which is Walt Disney World.
As I stated earlier, I consider the Storm Slides to be one of Typhoon Lagoon's best themed attractions. The gushing, winding streams in the beautiful queue are simply superb, as is the stream tumbling down off Mount Mayday, running straight through the loading area, or end of the queue, whatever the technical term is! It's no secret that I'm a sucker for a good water feature, especially in a Disney Park, and the ones which can be found at the Storm Slides make the attraction all the more realistic and immersive.
Educational~ 1/10
I really can't think of anything educational about the Storm Slides. At the end of the day, not every attraction is designed to educate, in the same way that not every book is written to entertain.
Fun~ 9/10
It's a basic scientific fact that all waterslides are awesome fun, and the Storm Slides are no exception! Although climbing up to the top of the slides on a blisteringly hot day is about as fun as being chased by an angry bear, the reward you get at the top is more than worth it. It's fun to pick a slide to ride (and to become a poet when you didn't know it), and the three slides themselves are incredibly enjoyable to ride and compare.
Repeatability~ 9/10
The fact that you have a choice of three awesome slides means that you could quite easily spend a whole day at Typhoon Lagoon and exclusively ride the Storm Slides. However- THOSE STAIRS! You have to climb a considerable amount of stairs to get to the top of the slides, with walking being your only option. Whilst I accept that stairs are inevitable for a waterslide, and that Disney have done a pretty darn good job with theming the queue, it doesn't change the fact that repeatably walking up long flights of stairs can be very tiring, especially on a hot summer's day.
And finally, my overall rating of the Storm Slides~ 10/10
Setting aside the fact that this rating was largely fuelled by my love for Typhoon Lagoon, the Storm Slides combine to make a truly great attraction, which is arguably WDW's best all round waterpark attraction. It's hard to top a good waterslide, especially when it's bursting with Disney magic!
Now it's your turn! I would love to hear your opinion on the Storm Slides! If you share my love for them, think my ratings are totally inaccurate, or have any other comments, please share them in the comments section below or on the Blog's Facebook Page! I would also like to thank you, the readers for your support- I really appreciate it. I love sharing my passion for Disney with all of you, and it's a great feeling to know that my work is being read by Disney Fans around the World! When I started the World of Dreams Blog, I had no idea that it would get so many pageviews, and I feel blessed that it has as many as it has- thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Thank you for reading, and have an awesomely magical weekend!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Attraction Review- Downhill Double Dipper
Today's Attraction Review is my first of a Walt Disney World Waterpark Attraction. The attraction I have elected to look at is the Downhill Double Dipper, a dual racing waterslide over at Blizzard Beach. Guests ride in single inflatable tubes, which are picked up in the queue for the attraction, and experience one of the steepest drops in the two Walt Disney World Waterparks. The slide is a 'hump-backed' waterslide, adding to the awesome thrill of the ride, and it's not uncommon to briefly leave the surface of the slide as you go over the hump! And don't worry, it's perfectly safe!
The Downhill Double Dipper (DDD), involves a lighthearted race between the two slides, with an automated gate starting system, digital timers and superb finishing touches really contributing to and completing this theme. Whilst it isn't by any means Blizzard Beach's most popular attraction, DDD still typically sees moderate to long waits, even on normal attendance days. Therefore, I would advise that you experience it as early in the day as possible, after Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher. It's also worth noting that the tube pickup is often confusing and inconsistent, due to the conveyor which brings the tubes up Mount Gushmore being loaded by guests exiting the ride.
Here's how I would rate Downhill Double Dipper in the following areas, and why:
Thrill~ 9/10
Whilst perhaps not as thrilling as its fellow Blizzard Beach attraction Summit Plummet, DDD is a very thrilling ride. As all good thrill rides do, the Dipper stimulates all of you senses, which is hard to pull off with a waterslide, a homage to the incredible talent of the Imagineers to perfect anything they put their minds to. Even on its own, the slide is nothing to be sniffed at. Riders hit up to 25 miles an hour on the way down, ensuring that whilst it may be short, this attraction is undoubtedly sweet as well.
Scariness~ 9/10
Although you hit 25 miles an hour whilst riding DDD, it easily feels like twice that. This, coupled with the airtime you experience when you go over the hump, makes for an incredibly scary waterslide which will leave you clinging to your tube for dear life (at least, that's what happens to me!)
Theming~ 10/10
As with every other inch of the park, DDD fits in perfectly with the 'Ski Resort on the Meltdown' theme of Blizzard Beach, cleverly adapting a Ski Resort staple as a waterslide. The buildup to the main event is amazing, with the racing theme adding even more to the sense of anticipation. The great thing about DDD is that it's not just themed like a race, it IS a race, a prime example of how adding elements of interactivity to an attraction can really enhance the theme, giving it a whole new dimension.
Educational~ 3/10
The sole educational element of DDD is the finish line, which displays the word 'finish' in five different languages, therefore teaching guests how to say 'finish' in other languages. My only criticism of this is that there are no labels to tell you which language is which.
Fun~ 9/10
Downhill Double Dipper is one of those simple, but genuinely fun attractions which Disney is the master of creating. The slide on its own is very enjoyable, and when you add in the interactive race element, DDD truly is a winner. I always find it fun to check out my time on the timers displayed by the landing pool, and trying to beat my personal record (and, of course, the person I'm racing against!)
Repeatability~ 10/10
Again, the interactivity of DDD ensures that it gets high marks. It's great to repeat ride DDD to try to beat your best time, challenge a friend, or simply to see how much airtime you can get!
And finally, my overall rating of Downhill Double Dipper~ 9/10
For me, DDD is one of Blizzard Beach's strongest attractions. It is by far the park's most interactive and repeatable attraction too- traits which really can make or break a ride or attraction at any park, anywhere. It's not difficult to tell that a great deal of thought went into DDD, and, whilst it may always be overshadowed by Summit Plummet, which is Blizzard Beach's premier attraction, it's not far behind it in terms of theming and fun.
What are your thoughts on Downhill Double Dipper? Do you agree with me, or have I been too complimentary? Do you think that DDD is better or worse than Summit Plummet? Please share your opinions in the comments below, or on the Blog's Facebook Page!
Thanks for reading, and have a magical weekend!
The Downhill Double Dipper (DDD), involves a lighthearted race between the two slides, with an automated gate starting system, digital timers and superb finishing touches really contributing to and completing this theme. Whilst it isn't by any means Blizzard Beach's most popular attraction, DDD still typically sees moderate to long waits, even on normal attendance days. Therefore, I would advise that you experience it as early in the day as possible, after Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher. It's also worth noting that the tube pickup is often confusing and inconsistent, due to the conveyor which brings the tubes up Mount Gushmore being loaded by guests exiting the ride.
Here's how I would rate Downhill Double Dipper in the following areas, and why:
Thrill~ 9/10
Whilst perhaps not as thrilling as its fellow Blizzard Beach attraction Summit Plummet, DDD is a very thrilling ride. As all good thrill rides do, the Dipper stimulates all of you senses, which is hard to pull off with a waterslide, a homage to the incredible talent of the Imagineers to perfect anything they put their minds to. Even on its own, the slide is nothing to be sniffed at. Riders hit up to 25 miles an hour on the way down, ensuring that whilst it may be short, this attraction is undoubtedly sweet as well.
Scariness~ 9/10
Although you hit 25 miles an hour whilst riding DDD, it easily feels like twice that. This, coupled with the airtime you experience when you go over the hump, makes for an incredibly scary waterslide which will leave you clinging to your tube for dear life (at least, that's what happens to me!)
Theming~ 10/10
As with every other inch of the park, DDD fits in perfectly with the 'Ski Resort on the Meltdown' theme of Blizzard Beach, cleverly adapting a Ski Resort staple as a waterslide. The buildup to the main event is amazing, with the racing theme adding even more to the sense of anticipation. The great thing about DDD is that it's not just themed like a race, it IS a race, a prime example of how adding elements of interactivity to an attraction can really enhance the theme, giving it a whole new dimension.
Educational~ 3/10
The sole educational element of DDD is the finish line, which displays the word 'finish' in five different languages, therefore teaching guests how to say 'finish' in other languages. My only criticism of this is that there are no labels to tell you which language is which.
Fun~ 9/10
Downhill Double Dipper is one of those simple, but genuinely fun attractions which Disney is the master of creating. The slide on its own is very enjoyable, and when you add in the interactive race element, DDD truly is a winner. I always find it fun to check out my time on the timers displayed by the landing pool, and trying to beat my personal record (and, of course, the person I'm racing against!)
Repeatability~ 10/10
Again, the interactivity of DDD ensures that it gets high marks. It's great to repeat ride DDD to try to beat your best time, challenge a friend, or simply to see how much airtime you can get!
And finally, my overall rating of Downhill Double Dipper~ 9/10
For me, DDD is one of Blizzard Beach's strongest attractions. It is by far the park's most interactive and repeatable attraction too- traits which really can make or break a ride or attraction at any park, anywhere. It's not difficult to tell that a great deal of thought went into DDD, and, whilst it may always be overshadowed by Summit Plummet, which is Blizzard Beach's premier attraction, it's not far behind it in terms of theming and fun.
What are your thoughts on Downhill Double Dipper? Do you agree with me, or have I been too complimentary? Do you think that DDD is better or worse than Summit Plummet? Please share your opinions in the comments below, or on the Blog's Facebook Page!
Thanks for reading, and have a magical weekend!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Attraction Review- Primeval Whirl
This week I have chosen to write about an attraction which is by no means Walt Disney World's most popular. Primeval Whirl, which can be found in Dinoland USA in the beautiful Disney's Animal Kingdom, has more than its fair share of critics, who argue that it's ugly, and say that it really doesn't fit into the theme of the park. Whilst I can see the justification behind these views, I think that Primeval Whirl is a pretty good attraction when taken on its own terms.
One of the Animal Kingdom's two rollercoasters, Primeval Whirl, you may be surprised to learn, actually shares many elements with the Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain. Both are 'Wild Mouse' coasters, which are rollercoasters which don't feature big drops and inversions, but rather small, swift drops, and sharp turns. The other similarity between the two attractions is the fact that both have two 'sides', both featuring a duplicate of the same attraction, a mirror image if you will. Both sides share the same line, but one side, as with Space Mountain, is often devoted exclusively to Fastpass holders. The only real difference between the two sides, due to their being a mirror image of one another, is that they set out in opposite ways. For example, at the top of the lift hill on the left hand side, your car turns right, whereas on the right hand side, it turns left. The thing that makes Primeval Whirl unique within Walt Disney World is that the cars spin whilst going round the track, turning a pretty dull, uneventful coaster into a considerably more exciting one.
The two sides give the attraction a fairly reasonable capacity, but, due to it being very slow at loading, it is not at all unusual for Primeval Whirl to experience long waits. It's not a particularly long ride, so I wouldn't recommend waiting more than 20 minutes for it, as it's really not worth it. If you're desperate to ride Primeval Whirl, I would advise doing so early in the day, when all the crowds are riding Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris and Dinosaur, the Animal Kingdom's 'Big Three' attractions, or riding it at a time when the nearby Finding Nemo The Musical is showing, which can hold huge crowds. If these times aren't feasible, grab a Fastpass, they work pretty well for Primeval Whirl.
Here's how I would rate Primeval Whirl in these areas, and why:
Thrill~ 8/10
This lighthearted attraction will always thrill you, just not as much as some of its fellow Animal Kingdom attractions. Whilst it doesn't particularly stimulate your every sense, its extravagant decorations really make the charm of this attraction. The ride itself is pretty thrilling too, and is definitely worth checking out at least once!
Scariness~ 8/10
Like the Tower of Terror, which I reviewed last week, perhaps the scariest element of Primeval Whirl is the uncertainty as to what will happen. Whilst the cars all travel along the exact same track, they spin randomly, depending on how much motion and weight they have, really adding another dimension of thrill and scariness to the ride. The scariest part by far is the several sharp corners which the car travels around after ascending the lift hill, which really make it feel like your car is going to fall off the track. Primeval Whirl does feature some small drops, but none of them are particularly scary, unless your car happens to be travelling backwards at that point! The Dinosaurs featured are merely cartoons, not full sized animatronics like the ones in the neighbouring Dinosaur attraction, and are not scary in any way.
Theming~ 6/10
The theme for this attraction is unfortunately neither strong, nor well executed, and is one of the main reasons that Primeval Whirl has proven to be unpopular within the Disney Community. The backstory, however, is pretty cool, with guests seeing cartoon Dinos fleeing in a comical fashion from the meteorite which caused their extinction. Unfortunately, the maintenance stairs, and other parts of the ride's infrastructure are visible for all to see, and, whilst I appreciate that the attraction is supposed to represent a ride one might discover at a fairground, that really isn't made apparent, and ruins immersion in the story anyway!
Educational~ 1/10
The only way imaginable that Primeval Whirl can be classed as 'educational' is the fact that it features a reference to the meteorite which supposedly caused the Dinosaurs to go extinct. Even this isn't a set in stone theory, but merely the most commonly accepted one.
Fun~ 9/10
What Primeval Whirl loses in theming and education, it makes up for in fun. The lighthearted feel, and the clever humour incorporated into parts of the ride make this attraction a must see for anyone who likes to have a good time whilst experiencing Disney attractions.
Repeatability~ 3/10
Primeval Whirl is very much a ''once you've seen it, you've seen it'' attraction, but there are a couple of reasons why you may wish to revisit it. Firstly, the random spinning makes every ride different, but you may only notice a distinct difference if you and your party sit in different places in the ride vehicle the second time you ride. There is also the possibility that you may wish to try both sides of the attraction.
And finally, my overall rating of Primeval Whirl~ 7/10
Whilst Primeval Whirl is in no way Walt Disney World's best attraction, there is no doubting the fact that it is still great fun! I love to ride it whenever I can, and, for me, it is as much a part of the Animal Kingdom as all the other attractions are. I do think that it deserves some much needed TLC, but, with rumours ubiquitous that the Imagineers are readying a replacement, the future is uncertain for Primeval Whirl.
What are your thoughts on Primeval Whirl? Do you always try to ride it, or have you never ridden it before? Do you think it should be replaced with something better, and if so, what? Please share your opinions in the comments below, or on the Blog's Facebook Page!
Thanks for reading, and have a magical weekend!
One of the Animal Kingdom's two rollercoasters, Primeval Whirl, you may be surprised to learn, actually shares many elements with the Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain. Both are 'Wild Mouse' coasters, which are rollercoasters which don't feature big drops and inversions, but rather small, swift drops, and sharp turns. The other similarity between the two attractions is the fact that both have two 'sides', both featuring a duplicate of the same attraction, a mirror image if you will. Both sides share the same line, but one side, as with Space Mountain, is often devoted exclusively to Fastpass holders. The only real difference between the two sides, due to their being a mirror image of one another, is that they set out in opposite ways. For example, at the top of the lift hill on the left hand side, your car turns right, whereas on the right hand side, it turns left. The thing that makes Primeval Whirl unique within Walt Disney World is that the cars spin whilst going round the track, turning a pretty dull, uneventful coaster into a considerably more exciting one.
The two sides give the attraction a fairly reasonable capacity, but, due to it being very slow at loading, it is not at all unusual for Primeval Whirl to experience long waits. It's not a particularly long ride, so I wouldn't recommend waiting more than 20 minutes for it, as it's really not worth it. If you're desperate to ride Primeval Whirl, I would advise doing so early in the day, when all the crowds are riding Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris and Dinosaur, the Animal Kingdom's 'Big Three' attractions, or riding it at a time when the nearby Finding Nemo The Musical is showing, which can hold huge crowds. If these times aren't feasible, grab a Fastpass, they work pretty well for Primeval Whirl.
Here's how I would rate Primeval Whirl in these areas, and why:
Thrill~ 8/10
This lighthearted attraction will always thrill you, just not as much as some of its fellow Animal Kingdom attractions. Whilst it doesn't particularly stimulate your every sense, its extravagant decorations really make the charm of this attraction. The ride itself is pretty thrilling too, and is definitely worth checking out at least once!
Scariness~ 8/10
Like the Tower of Terror, which I reviewed last week, perhaps the scariest element of Primeval Whirl is the uncertainty as to what will happen. Whilst the cars all travel along the exact same track, they spin randomly, depending on how much motion and weight they have, really adding another dimension of thrill and scariness to the ride. The scariest part by far is the several sharp corners which the car travels around after ascending the lift hill, which really make it feel like your car is going to fall off the track. Primeval Whirl does feature some small drops, but none of them are particularly scary, unless your car happens to be travelling backwards at that point! The Dinosaurs featured are merely cartoons, not full sized animatronics like the ones in the neighbouring Dinosaur attraction, and are not scary in any way.
Theming~ 6/10
The theme for this attraction is unfortunately neither strong, nor well executed, and is one of the main reasons that Primeval Whirl has proven to be unpopular within the Disney Community. The backstory, however, is pretty cool, with guests seeing cartoon Dinos fleeing in a comical fashion from the meteorite which caused their extinction. Unfortunately, the maintenance stairs, and other parts of the ride's infrastructure are visible for all to see, and, whilst I appreciate that the attraction is supposed to represent a ride one might discover at a fairground, that really isn't made apparent, and ruins immersion in the story anyway!
Educational~ 1/10
The only way imaginable that Primeval Whirl can be classed as 'educational' is the fact that it features a reference to the meteorite which supposedly caused the Dinosaurs to go extinct. Even this isn't a set in stone theory, but merely the most commonly accepted one.
Fun~ 9/10
What Primeval Whirl loses in theming and education, it makes up for in fun. The lighthearted feel, and the clever humour incorporated into parts of the ride make this attraction a must see for anyone who likes to have a good time whilst experiencing Disney attractions.
Repeatability~ 3/10
Primeval Whirl is very much a ''once you've seen it, you've seen it'' attraction, but there are a couple of reasons why you may wish to revisit it. Firstly, the random spinning makes every ride different, but you may only notice a distinct difference if you and your party sit in different places in the ride vehicle the second time you ride. There is also the possibility that you may wish to try both sides of the attraction.
And finally, my overall rating of Primeval Whirl~ 7/10
Whilst Primeval Whirl is in no way Walt Disney World's best attraction, there is no doubting the fact that it is still great fun! I love to ride it whenever I can, and, for me, it is as much a part of the Animal Kingdom as all the other attractions are. I do think that it deserves some much needed TLC, but, with rumours ubiquitous that the Imagineers are readying a replacement, the future is uncertain for Primeval Whirl.
What are your thoughts on Primeval Whirl? Do you always try to ride it, or have you never ridden it before? Do you think it should be replaced with something better, and if so, what? Please share your opinions in the comments below, or on the Blog's Facebook Page!
Thanks for reading, and have a magical weekend!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Attraction Review- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Apologies for the delay in posting this, I have been experiencing some technical issues, which are now resolved.
This week, the focus is on one of Walt Disney World's tallest, and arguably most thrilling, attractions. Located over at Disney's Hollywood Studios, standing proudly at one end of the magnificent Sunset Boulevard, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of the most high tech attractions in the entire world, and has been ever since is opening on July 22nd, 1994, thanks to several high profile upgrades in recent years.
The Tower of Terror (ToT) is 199 feet high, and second only to Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom in the stakes of WDW's tallest attraction. Both are under 200 feet due to regulations which require a red beacon to be placed upon any building whose height exceeds 200 feet, which the Imagineers thought would spoil the theming.
ToT, which is based on the events from the popular 'Twilight Zone' TV Series, has guests entering the abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel, which has been deserted since 1939, when a lightening strike caused 5 people travelling in the hotel's elevator to cross over into the 5th Dimension, or the Twilight Zone as it's more commonly known. Guests watch a short movie in the Hotel's Library explaining all this, before being told that 'their rooms are ready' (a nice touch), and boarding a service elevator which takes them on an awe-inspiring, adrenaline-pumping ride.
In the section of the ride where the elevator drops, it's actually PULLED down, faster than the speed of gravity, maximising the thrill and making it feel like you left your stomach at the top! I won't spoil it for those of you who have never ridden it, but I will say that the theming and detail of this entire attraction is absolutely exquisite, a real Imagineering masterpiece! I know I say that about a lot of things at Walt Disney World, but the Tower of Terror really is! The Unofficial Guide doesn't call it Walt Disney World's best attraction for nothing, you know!
For an attraction of its pedigree, the ToT can be surprisingly easy to get on, but still commonly experiences the insanely long waits typical of WDW super headliner attractions. I have always noticed that the posted standby wait is often wildly exaggerated, and have entered the queue before with a posted wait of 45 minutes, and got on the ride in under 10 minutes. The FastPass system is also especially good for the Tower of Terror.
Here's how I would rate the ToT in the following areas, and why:
Thrill~ 10/10
I'll be honest, the Tower of Terror is not by any means for the faint-hearted. Its 13 storey drop, which, by the way, is faster than gravity, is easily the most thrilling in any of the WDW Theme Parks, and the scenes which build up to it will always thrill every single one of your senses. It's really not hard to see why the ToT is widely regarded as WDW's most thrilling attraction!
Scariness~ 10/10
The imposing silhouette of the Hollywood Tower Hotel can be scary merely when it looms on the horizon, let alone when your actually riding it! I find it harder to imagine a spookier possibility than exploring a deserted, haunted hotel, especially when doing so in an elevator which has a habit of taking guests into the Twilight Zone! The theming, which I will talk about later in more detail, does a splendid job of setting the scene, and really getting every guest into the spooky mood of the ToT, as every good attraction should. And then there's the drop sequence. Each time an elevator approaches the drop shaft, an extremely powerful computer randomly calculates a drop sequence for it, meaning no two rides on the ToT are the same. As if the drops themselves weren't scary enough, this adds a level of uncertainty to the attraction, as you really don't know what's going to happen. You might start with a drop, or by shooting up. You might get a fake drop next, or you might get a full drop, there's really no way of knowing which it will be!
One thing I have found is that there are often slight variations in the level of scariness between different rides on this attraction. I have been fortunate enough to visit Hollywood Studios on days when crowds have been fairly low, and have therefore had the opportunity on several occasions to repeatedly experience the Tower of Terror. I can say that I have noticed quite distinct variations in the level of scariness of the ride, and although this may be just me, it really does feel like one ride is noticeably scarier than another previous one. Every drop sequence contains the same basic elements, with some variations to make the experience unique every time. I think that these variations in the actual events of the sequence, as well as their order, can really have an effect on the attraction's scariness. For example, a fake drop (where the elevator begins to drop but stops very quickly), can be scarier if it happens at the top of the tower, with the doors open.
I'm not saying that these variations in the level of scariness detract from the experience in any way, as the ToT will always be incredibly scary no matter which drop sequence is generated, merely that you should be aware of it!
Theming~ 10/10
Another perfect score for the Tower of Terror! As I mentioned earlier, the details in this attraction are absolutely extraordinary, from the cobweb-covered 'lobby' to the elevators themselves. The Imagineers have done a perfect job in creating an immersive themed environment, making every single rider really feel like they really are 'checking in' to Hollywood's spookiest hotel! Another thing I want to talk about is the Cast Members of the Tower of Terror. They play the part of 1930s Bellhops, and really play it well, adding an extra dimension of spookiness to the Hollywood Tower Hotel itself. Again, I won't spoil anything, but the way that they say farewell to guests as the elevator departs really adds to the experience! I also love their uniforms, which, by the way, are amongst the most expensive of any theme park in the world.
Educational~ 3/10
It's hard to see how the Tower of Terror is at all educational. At the end of the day, this attraction's purpose is to entertain and thrill guests, and not to educate them. That said, the ToT does a great job of telling the spooky story of the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
Fun~ 10/10
I always have tons of fun whilst experiencing the Tower of Terror, and, as a thrill ride enthusiast, it simply cannot be beaten on how enjoyable it is. I find it fun to anticipate the drops, to wonder what will happen, and to spot WDW landmarks in the brief seconds in which the doors on the front of the tower open.
Repeatability~ 10/10
The Tower of Terror is by far the most repeatable ride at the Walt Disney World Resort. The random drop sequence utilised by this attraction means that no two rides are ever quite the same, meaning that you can go round it again and again without getting the same experience twice. This is one of the ToT's greatest assets, and makes it so much more complete as an attraction.
And finally, my overall rating of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror~ 10/10
As one of my favourite all-time attractions, I think that the Tower of Terror is completely flawless. Although it may lack educational elements, they are by no means crucial, especially to an attraction whose primary purpose is to thrill and entertain. Don't get me wrong, I love an attraction which teaches me something, but I also love an attraction which thrills me in ways that only it can, that only a Disney attraction can, and the ToT is one of those attractions. There are so many things which I adore about the ToT that it would be impossible to write them all down, but I will say that in my eyes, this attraction has everything. It's the most complete attraction that I've ever had the fortune to experience, and can't see anything else coming along at any point in the foreseeable future which will match or exceed its level of perfection.
What are your thoughts on the Tower of Terror? Do you think it's too scary, or not scary enough? Do you agree or disagree with my perfect ratings of it? Please share your opinions in the comments below, or on Facebook or Twitter! I can't wait to hear what you think!
Thank you so much for reading, and have a magical weekend!
This week, the focus is on one of Walt Disney World's tallest, and arguably most thrilling, attractions. Located over at Disney's Hollywood Studios, standing proudly at one end of the magnificent Sunset Boulevard, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of the most high tech attractions in the entire world, and has been ever since is opening on July 22nd, 1994, thanks to several high profile upgrades in recent years.
The Tower of Terror (ToT) is 199 feet high, and second only to Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom in the stakes of WDW's tallest attraction. Both are under 200 feet due to regulations which require a red beacon to be placed upon any building whose height exceeds 200 feet, which the Imagineers thought would spoil the theming.
ToT, which is based on the events from the popular 'Twilight Zone' TV Series, has guests entering the abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel, which has been deserted since 1939, when a lightening strike caused 5 people travelling in the hotel's elevator to cross over into the 5th Dimension, or the Twilight Zone as it's more commonly known. Guests watch a short movie in the Hotel's Library explaining all this, before being told that 'their rooms are ready' (a nice touch), and boarding a service elevator which takes them on an awe-inspiring, adrenaline-pumping ride.
In the section of the ride where the elevator drops, it's actually PULLED down, faster than the speed of gravity, maximising the thrill and making it feel like you left your stomach at the top! I won't spoil it for those of you who have never ridden it, but I will say that the theming and detail of this entire attraction is absolutely exquisite, a real Imagineering masterpiece! I know I say that about a lot of things at Walt Disney World, but the Tower of Terror really is! The Unofficial Guide doesn't call it Walt Disney World's best attraction for nothing, you know!
For an attraction of its pedigree, the ToT can be surprisingly easy to get on, but still commonly experiences the insanely long waits typical of WDW super headliner attractions. I have always noticed that the posted standby wait is often wildly exaggerated, and have entered the queue before with a posted wait of 45 minutes, and got on the ride in under 10 minutes. The FastPass system is also especially good for the Tower of Terror.
Here's how I would rate the ToT in the following areas, and why:
Thrill~ 10/10
I'll be honest, the Tower of Terror is not by any means for the faint-hearted. Its 13 storey drop, which, by the way, is faster than gravity, is easily the most thrilling in any of the WDW Theme Parks, and the scenes which build up to it will always thrill every single one of your senses. It's really not hard to see why the ToT is widely regarded as WDW's most thrilling attraction!
Scariness~ 10/10
The imposing silhouette of the Hollywood Tower Hotel can be scary merely when it looms on the horizon, let alone when your actually riding it! I find it harder to imagine a spookier possibility than exploring a deserted, haunted hotel, especially when doing so in an elevator which has a habit of taking guests into the Twilight Zone! The theming, which I will talk about later in more detail, does a splendid job of setting the scene, and really getting every guest into the spooky mood of the ToT, as every good attraction should. And then there's the drop sequence. Each time an elevator approaches the drop shaft, an extremely powerful computer randomly calculates a drop sequence for it, meaning no two rides on the ToT are the same. As if the drops themselves weren't scary enough, this adds a level of uncertainty to the attraction, as you really don't know what's going to happen. You might start with a drop, or by shooting up. You might get a fake drop next, or you might get a full drop, there's really no way of knowing which it will be!
One thing I have found is that there are often slight variations in the level of scariness between different rides on this attraction. I have been fortunate enough to visit Hollywood Studios on days when crowds have been fairly low, and have therefore had the opportunity on several occasions to repeatedly experience the Tower of Terror. I can say that I have noticed quite distinct variations in the level of scariness of the ride, and although this may be just me, it really does feel like one ride is noticeably scarier than another previous one. Every drop sequence contains the same basic elements, with some variations to make the experience unique every time. I think that these variations in the actual events of the sequence, as well as their order, can really have an effect on the attraction's scariness. For example, a fake drop (where the elevator begins to drop but stops very quickly), can be scarier if it happens at the top of the tower, with the doors open.
I'm not saying that these variations in the level of scariness detract from the experience in any way, as the ToT will always be incredibly scary no matter which drop sequence is generated, merely that you should be aware of it!
Theming~ 10/10
Another perfect score for the Tower of Terror! As I mentioned earlier, the details in this attraction are absolutely extraordinary, from the cobweb-covered 'lobby' to the elevators themselves. The Imagineers have done a perfect job in creating an immersive themed environment, making every single rider really feel like they really are 'checking in' to Hollywood's spookiest hotel! Another thing I want to talk about is the Cast Members of the Tower of Terror. They play the part of 1930s Bellhops, and really play it well, adding an extra dimension of spookiness to the Hollywood Tower Hotel itself. Again, I won't spoil anything, but the way that they say farewell to guests as the elevator departs really adds to the experience! I also love their uniforms, which, by the way, are amongst the most expensive of any theme park in the world.
Educational~ 3/10
It's hard to see how the Tower of Terror is at all educational. At the end of the day, this attraction's purpose is to entertain and thrill guests, and not to educate them. That said, the ToT does a great job of telling the spooky story of the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
Fun~ 10/10
I always have tons of fun whilst experiencing the Tower of Terror, and, as a thrill ride enthusiast, it simply cannot be beaten on how enjoyable it is. I find it fun to anticipate the drops, to wonder what will happen, and to spot WDW landmarks in the brief seconds in which the doors on the front of the tower open.
Repeatability~ 10/10
The Tower of Terror is by far the most repeatable ride at the Walt Disney World Resort. The random drop sequence utilised by this attraction means that no two rides are ever quite the same, meaning that you can go round it again and again without getting the same experience twice. This is one of the ToT's greatest assets, and makes it so much more complete as an attraction.
And finally, my overall rating of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror~ 10/10
As one of my favourite all-time attractions, I think that the Tower of Terror is completely flawless. Although it may lack educational elements, they are by no means crucial, especially to an attraction whose primary purpose is to thrill and entertain. Don't get me wrong, I love an attraction which teaches me something, but I also love an attraction which thrills me in ways that only it can, that only a Disney attraction can, and the ToT is one of those attractions. There are so many things which I adore about the ToT that it would be impossible to write them all down, but I will say that in my eyes, this attraction has everything. It's the most complete attraction that I've ever had the fortune to experience, and can't see anything else coming along at any point in the foreseeable future which will match or exceed its level of perfection.
What are your thoughts on the Tower of Terror? Do you think it's too scary, or not scary enough? Do you agree or disagree with my perfect ratings of it? Please share your opinions in the comments below, or on Facebook or Twitter! I can't wait to hear what you think!
Thank you so much for reading, and have a magical weekend!
Friday, January 18, 2013
Attraction Review- Living With The Land
For this Friday's Attraction Review, we head over to The Land Pavilion in Epcot's Future World. The focus this week is the oldest of the Pavilion's Attractions, appropriately named 'Living With The Land', which is a 14 minute boat ride which educates guests about agriculture, with a specific focus on how groundbreaking technologies can be utilised to enhance it.
As well as using dark ride elements, this water attraction involves a tour of the Land Pavilion's Greenhouses, where much of the food served in Epcot's many restaurants is grown. Notable plants in the Greenhouses which I would recommend looking out for include the World's Hottest Pepper and Mickey Pumpkins, amongst others. Perhaps the most exciting part of the attraction is the segment when the boat passes through a short tunnel, home to Alligators and Fish, which the boat provides an excellent view of. Unfortunately, these animals are housed in pretty small enclosures, but they always seem to look happy!
Living With The Land (LWTL) has been somewhat overshadowed in recent years by the addition of Soarin' right next door to it in The Land Pavilion, which is now arguably Epcot's most popular attraction. This can have numerous different effects on the line for LWTL, depending on the time of day and how busy the park is, but the line is generally tolerable, especially for the return you get (on an average Epcot day usually a 15 minute wait for a 14 minute ride for LWTL, as opposed to a 90 minute wait for a 3 minute ride for Soarin').
LWTL also offers FastPass on a seasonal basis, but most of the time you're better off getting FastPass for one of Epcot's bigger attractions, such as Test Track or Soarin', which will more often than not have waits of more than 3 times that of LWTL's.
Due to its proximity to Soarin', which sucks up huge crowds of Epcot guests, as well as its less exciting, more educational theme, LWTL is probably the only attraction in Epcot which always guarantees reasonable waits.
Here's how I would rate LWTL in the following areas, and why:
Thrill~ 1/10
LWTL is no Thrill Ride by anybody's standards! There are no drops, and nothing which is particularly thrilling at all.
Scariness~ 3/10
Although the attraction features no elements which are designed to scare you, it does feature a scene in which a mild thunderstorm is simulated in fairly dark conditions, as well as a scene which features Alligators. Neither are designed to scare anybody, but they both have the potential to be scary.
Theming~ 7/10
LWTL is pretty much the only attraction at WDW without an obvious storyline, yet the theming and the execution of this attraction is exquisite. For me, it's easily one of the most immersive attractions in WDW, and one of the handful of attractions left in Epcot which really promote the philosophy of the park.
Educational~ 10/10
LWTL is a competitor for WDW's most educational attraction- and for good reason. I find it truly fascinating to learn about how Epcot's Resident Scientists are constantly endeavouring to find better, more efficient ways to grow sufficient food for the growing population of our Planet. And it's not just that, LWTL also offers opportunities to learn about the plants themselves- I guarantee that the first time you experience LWTL, you'll say "I didn't know that grew like that" at least once! I also find it extremely interesting to learn how growing plants in different ways can improve the quality and yield of the crops they produce. If you really want to get the full experience, you should consider the 'Behind the Seeds Tour', which takes you even deeper into the inner workings of the Greenhouses, giving you experiences the ride itself simply cannot offer. The tour is at an additional cost, and is a great way to supplement your experience on the attraction. I would recommend doing both the ride and the tour if you want to get the full experience! Full details can be found on the WDW Website.
Fun~ 7/10
Also this attraction doesn't necessarily fit into most people's definition of 'fun', it has plenty of cool Disney touches to keep everyone entertained. There are some classic Hidden Mickey's cleverly integrated into this ride, which are great fun to spot, and it can also be enjoyable to spot the amazing plants which inhabit the Greenhouses.
Repeatability~ 8/10
There is so much going on in LWTL that you could ride it all day and learn something new every time! In addition to this, the Greenhouse/Fishery segment of the attraction is sometimes updated, as new agricultural technologies and methods are created. New plants are also added every once in a while.
And finally, My Overall Rating of Living With The Land~ 8/10
Whilst I accept that what has been called 'a glorified biology lesson on water' isn't every Theme Park Guest's cup of tea, I think that Living With The Land is a very strong attraction, and, as I previously mentioned, admire it for being one of the few remaining Epcot attractions which truly represent the ideals on which the park was created. Although it may not generally represent innovation in attractions, I think that LWTL is a very charming Disney Ride, especially the dark ride section, and can see it staying an integral part of the Epcot attraction lineup for years to come.
Now it's your turn! I would love to hear your opinions on Living With The Land! Do you agree or disagree with my observations? Please feel free to share your opinions on the Blog's Facebook Page, Twitter, Email, or, best of all, the comments section.
Thanks for reading, and have a magical weekend!
As well as using dark ride elements, this water attraction involves a tour of the Land Pavilion's Greenhouses, where much of the food served in Epcot's many restaurants is grown. Notable plants in the Greenhouses which I would recommend looking out for include the World's Hottest Pepper and Mickey Pumpkins, amongst others. Perhaps the most exciting part of the attraction is the segment when the boat passes through a short tunnel, home to Alligators and Fish, which the boat provides an excellent view of. Unfortunately, these animals are housed in pretty small enclosures, but they always seem to look happy!
Living With The Land (LWTL) has been somewhat overshadowed in recent years by the addition of Soarin' right next door to it in The Land Pavilion, which is now arguably Epcot's most popular attraction. This can have numerous different effects on the line for LWTL, depending on the time of day and how busy the park is, but the line is generally tolerable, especially for the return you get (on an average Epcot day usually a 15 minute wait for a 14 minute ride for LWTL, as opposed to a 90 minute wait for a 3 minute ride for Soarin').
LWTL also offers FastPass on a seasonal basis, but most of the time you're better off getting FastPass for one of Epcot's bigger attractions, such as Test Track or Soarin', which will more often than not have waits of more than 3 times that of LWTL's.
Due to its proximity to Soarin', which sucks up huge crowds of Epcot guests, as well as its less exciting, more educational theme, LWTL is probably the only attraction in Epcot which always guarantees reasonable waits.
Here's how I would rate LWTL in the following areas, and why:
Thrill~ 1/10
LWTL is no Thrill Ride by anybody's standards! There are no drops, and nothing which is particularly thrilling at all.
Scariness~ 3/10
Although the attraction features no elements which are designed to scare you, it does feature a scene in which a mild thunderstorm is simulated in fairly dark conditions, as well as a scene which features Alligators. Neither are designed to scare anybody, but they both have the potential to be scary.
Theming~ 7/10
LWTL is pretty much the only attraction at WDW without an obvious storyline, yet the theming and the execution of this attraction is exquisite. For me, it's easily one of the most immersive attractions in WDW, and one of the handful of attractions left in Epcot which really promote the philosophy of the park.
Educational~ 10/10
LWTL is a competitor for WDW's most educational attraction- and for good reason. I find it truly fascinating to learn about how Epcot's Resident Scientists are constantly endeavouring to find better, more efficient ways to grow sufficient food for the growing population of our Planet. And it's not just that, LWTL also offers opportunities to learn about the plants themselves- I guarantee that the first time you experience LWTL, you'll say "I didn't know that grew like that" at least once! I also find it extremely interesting to learn how growing plants in different ways can improve the quality and yield of the crops they produce. If you really want to get the full experience, you should consider the 'Behind the Seeds Tour', which takes you even deeper into the inner workings of the Greenhouses, giving you experiences the ride itself simply cannot offer. The tour is at an additional cost, and is a great way to supplement your experience on the attraction. I would recommend doing both the ride and the tour if you want to get the full experience! Full details can be found on the WDW Website.
Fun~ 7/10
Also this attraction doesn't necessarily fit into most people's definition of 'fun', it has plenty of cool Disney touches to keep everyone entertained. There are some classic Hidden Mickey's cleverly integrated into this ride, which are great fun to spot, and it can also be enjoyable to spot the amazing plants which inhabit the Greenhouses.
Repeatability~ 8/10
There is so much going on in LWTL that you could ride it all day and learn something new every time! In addition to this, the Greenhouse/Fishery segment of the attraction is sometimes updated, as new agricultural technologies and methods are created. New plants are also added every once in a while.
And finally, My Overall Rating of Living With The Land~ 8/10
Whilst I accept that what has been called 'a glorified biology lesson on water' isn't every Theme Park Guest's cup of tea, I think that Living With The Land is a very strong attraction, and, as I previously mentioned, admire it for being one of the few remaining Epcot attractions which truly represent the ideals on which the park was created. Although it may not generally represent innovation in attractions, I think that LWTL is a very charming Disney Ride, especially the dark ride section, and can see it staying an integral part of the Epcot attraction lineup for years to come.
Now it's your turn! I would love to hear your opinions on Living With The Land! Do you agree or disagree with my observations? Please feel free to share your opinions on the Blog's Facebook Page, Twitter, Email, or, best of all, the comments section.
Thanks for reading, and have a magical weekend!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
New Year, New Features For The World Of Dreams Blog!
Hello everyone, I hope that you're enjoying 2013 so far! I apologise for the recent lack of activity on the blog, I have been away from home, but I have returned and am ready to kick start 2013 with some exciting new additions to the blog!
Firstly, every Wednesday, starting next week, I will be posting a 'World of Dreams Photo of the Week' to the blog. I will be featuring photos which I have taken on my travels to Walt Disney World, alongside a short explanation what the photo's all about, and when I took it.
Secondly, each Friday I will be reviewing a different Walt Disney World Attraction which I have experienced, giving my own opinion on the attraction, as well as scoring it out of ten in several different categories. I will feature an attraction from a different park each week, and will rotate the parks (Magic Kingdom, then Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon and lastly DisneyQuest). I can't wait to write these!
Lastly, every second Sunday, I will be doing a 'Pin Focus'. I am an avid collector of Disney Pins, and each Pin Focus will put the spotlight on a different pin in my collection, as well as detailing where I bought it, and if it's likely to still be available in the parks.
I also have loads of great ideas for original posts, and I can't wait to share them all with you this year!
Have a magical day!
Firstly, every Wednesday, starting next week, I will be posting a 'World of Dreams Photo of the Week' to the blog. I will be featuring photos which I have taken on my travels to Walt Disney World, alongside a short explanation what the photo's all about, and when I took it.
Secondly, each Friday I will be reviewing a different Walt Disney World Attraction which I have experienced, giving my own opinion on the attraction, as well as scoring it out of ten in several different categories. I will feature an attraction from a different park each week, and will rotate the parks (Magic Kingdom, then Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon and lastly DisneyQuest). I can't wait to write these!
Lastly, every second Sunday, I will be doing a 'Pin Focus'. I am an avid collector of Disney Pins, and each Pin Focus will put the spotlight on a different pin in my collection, as well as detailing where I bought it, and if it's likely to still be available in the parks.
I also have loads of great ideas for original posts, and I can't wait to share them all with you this year!
Have a magical day!
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