tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post5826993325147438135..comments2024-02-08T07:33:49.907-08:00Comments on Re-Imagineering: Step Right Up!Mr Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952506736745891323noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-10042866223125023222013-05-30T10:07:08.737-07:002013-05-30T10:07:08.737-07:00TSM is absolutely incredible.
The theming makes y...TSM is absolutely incredible.<br /><br />The theming makes you feel like you're just another toy in the remarkable Toy Story movies.<br /><br />You have a problem shooting pies and rings and such as Toy Story Characters? Why? Andy had no such problems in the movies. <br /><br />I think what you're missing is that <i>this is how children play.</i> You're not putting yourself into the spirit of the ride. <br /><br />I avoid waiting in lines by either going the moment DHS opens, or by grabbing a fastpass and coming back later. In this case, i was almost sad, I didn't get to take in the wonderful attention to detail in the queue. (Almost. I still don't wait in lines.)<br /><br />I loved every second of it, and am sure Walt himself would have been proud of this attraction. Reimagineering was out to lunch on this review.Jackienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-32804981583724860072012-06-13T17:05:06.353-07:002012-06-13T17:05:06.353-07:00Ok, first of all: have you ever played the video g...Ok, first of all: have you ever played the video game? I can assure you, the ride is not an advertisement for it as you seem to think. And the ride is much better; itis more immersive, engaging and interactive.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-21868828331225728532011-06-28T11:14:07.438-07:002011-06-28T11:14:07.438-07:00That is not to say that the show is without shortc...That is not to say that the show is without shortcomings. It isn't. The environments in between game screens are woefully underthemed and it is here (and only here) where it is obvious that the ride designers were trying to save some dough. How great would it have been to glide past fully recreated sections of Andy's room (as seen from Toy perspective of course) or even fully realized 3 dimensional props of other toys and parts of the playset? Would it have effected the actual ride experience? Not at all, but it would have completely immersed us in the theme and made the entire attraction seem more like a classic Disney experience and less like a huge-scale video game. Does, however, the minimal theming between scenes ruin the ride or hinder it in any way? Not in the least. The attraction still achieves exactly what it set out to achieve admirably but I do see that just a few more details and touches would really evoke that Disney mystique to a much more tangible degree. <br />In closing, this ride is innovative, exciting, sensuous experience that is indeed fun for all ages. To me, that is what makes a successful Disney attraction.Mike Murdernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-7304567439937061942011-06-28T11:13:24.517-07:002011-06-28T11:13:24.517-07:00With that general note out of the way, all I can s...With that general note out of the way, all I can say is that this critique of TSMM is highly opinionated and generally off the mark, completely missing the point of the attraction and how it fits into the evolution of Disney attractions and themed entertainment in general. The basic idea of the show is to present the ultimate shooting gallery, based around the timeless and easy-to-learn fun of simple carnival games and dressed up with the theme of a popular movie franchise. Is it really all that different than the Shootin' Exposition in Frontierland? Not at all, with teh exceptions that it is infinitely more immersive and won’t cost you an extra quarter. As a child I actually looked at that very Frontierland attraction as a beautiful, if fairly insignificant example of why Disney theme parks are so great - taking a basic concept and amping it up with great animations and attention to detail. There is nothing to be gained by shooting the various targets upon Boot Hill except the satisfaction of triggering a series of funny and increasingly elaborate animations. TSMM should be thought of in much the same way, an innovative interactive experience that rewards the guest by taking what could be a generic experience to the next level. Not only are the individual games fun and fresh(while ostensibly being very similar) but the wild animations and 4-D effects triggered when you hit targets are satisfying and stimulating in a way that traditional video and carnival games are not. Add all the fun sound clips and wild animations zooming past you and you have a marvelously kinetic, immersive experience in which you can actually interact with the characters! Sort of brilliant if you ask me. Also, the articles gripes about not being true to the theme and "rules" of the Toy Story films seems uniformed as the set-up is basically recreating exactly what Ian describes in the beginning of the post - the Toys are creating an elaborate fantasy world in which you can play with them (much as they do when Andy is pulling their strings). This time it happens to be centered around a miniature carnival playset, which creates the minimal back story needed to enjoy the ride without it just being a random sequence of events. In this regard it is actually much more richly themed than it's incredibly boring predecessor, Buzz's Astro Blasters (which, for some reason, posters on this blog seem to find preferable). Could the theming have been a little more imaginative? Sure. But the theme is there and it is totally appropriate. As for the misplaced animosity aimed at the training sequence where you lob pies at the ride's "protagonists", that may be the silliest thing I have read on a blog of this nature. There are no antagonists in this attraction, and no real story to speak of, because the experience doesn't necessitate one. The only story needed here is that you are joining the Toys in their games to simply be silly and have fun - again, just as Andy would. The pie throwing scenes simply convey the main characters teaching you how to play in a fun and energetic way. No one is "shooting Woody" (even though, as a cowboy this would not be wholly inappropriate), we are merely tossing pies at him and his friends as they laugh and take cover. No harm there at all.<br />(cont'd)Mike Murdernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-28564852474867117052011-06-28T11:12:18.816-07:002011-06-28T11:12:18.816-07:00Okay,
First of all I just need to get this off my...Okay,<br /><br />First of all I just need to get this off my chest - I am a total "Disney theme park fan boy" and I am seriously tired of all the Walt worship. Walt Disney was a great innovator as well as a great entertainer but he did not single-handedly design Disneyland or any of the attractions therein and most of the elaborate theming that most attribute to Mr. Disney was actually added to the park long after his death. For example, the Matterhorn was originally a minimally themed "generic" roller coaster (albeit one using groundbreaking ride technology for it's time) encased in a hollow man-made mountain. It wasn't until 1978 that the mountain was "filled in", truly themed on the inside and outfitted with incredibly basic AA yetis - 12 years after Walt died. Fantasyland was basically a glorified carnival, devoid of individually themed exteriors until the major redesign in 1983 and even the effects and dark ride interiors were significantly more simplistic prior to said overhaul. Frankly, the argument that anything post-Walt is inferior to what came before it or that current attractions are "not what Walt would have wanted" doesn't hold much water.<br />(cont'd)Mike Murdernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-85987330601102853502011-03-10T07:41:15.220-08:002011-03-10T07:41:15.220-08:00My daughter and I love this ride. I recommend gett...My daughter and I love this ride. I recommend getting there early or using FastPass to avoid the LONG wait times. I'm not so sure 'anything" could have replaced Toy Story as the theme for this game/attraction. This was well played by Disney/Pixar.John Clintonhttp://www.magicalendeavors.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-55868628221532284212010-12-12T10:18:44.100-08:002010-12-12T10:18:44.100-08:00One thing I find interesting about this particular...One thing I find interesting about this particular article is how angry it is. Re-Imagineering is used to publishing articles on unpopular, crappy attractions, so the analysis is usually pretty easy. It's not hard to find out why the <i>Tiki Room: New Management</i> is a bad show.<br /><br /><i>Midway Mania</i>, on the other hand, has proven to be a very, very popular attraction at DCA and DHS. So the writer of this can't just say, "See Disney, even the masses know you've made a crappy ride!" because the masses like it. Heck, you've even got people in the comments section saying they like it!<br /><br />The writer now has to create an article about how <i>Midway Mania</i> has tricked you into enjoying. Don't you see, you didn't actually find the ride fun, but Bob Iger and his minions forced you to have a good time! <br /><br />All the analysis in the article is the writer desperately trying to justify why he hates <i>Midway Mania</i> and his complete bafflement that people don't agree. Can everyone but him be wrong?<br /><br />The article raises some decent points, but it suffers from a sense of misplaced anger. The writer didn't like the ride, that's OK! Nobody's going to like every Disney ride ever. But just because you don't like something, doesn't mean it's bad or has no redeeming qualities. <i>Midway Mania</i> is not the traditional Disney, but I don't think people should take it as a threat to their way of life. <br /><br />I mean, at the end of the day, it's just a ride isn't it. Chill out, have some fun.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-23429737016006941852010-12-07T19:25:38.905-08:002010-12-07T19:25:38.905-08:00I'm afraid that it's time to re-animate Re...I'm afraid that it's time to re-animate Re-Imagineering. <br /><br />The current situation at WDI is again beginning to fall apart. While politics still continues to impact things there, it's actually the company's whole structure and business philosophy that has been degraded to the point where projects suffer major problems due to shortsighted financial strategies.<br /><br />Outsourcing is probably the most problematic issue that ends up costing the company in more ways than one.<br /><br />So, get all the Bothen's back on line and let's see what we can do to help.Curawenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-80011718792521389702010-12-05T12:57:42.815-08:002010-12-05T12:57:42.815-08:00Exactly nine months have passed since the last art...Exactly nine months have passed since the last article was posted. Perfect timing for a birthing metaphor, if I was so inclined.<br /><br />I do believe this blog has come to an end. The founders are obviously busy with their <i>real lives</i> and rightfully so, I might add. Work is difficult enough to come by these days, so giving 200% on the job front is reason enough to discount any energy this site would require to maintain. <br /><br />Between postulations over the fate of Imagineering and daily endeavors to keep food on the table and a roof over one's head, the latter will always be the proper course of action. At least amongst the sane of us who view Disney as a pleasant distraction and not the essential ethereal elements of life. (Insert obligatory disparaging remark about fanbois here.)<br /><br />As a last shout out to those glorious Imagineers who strive to keep Walt's legacy alive... I'd like to congratulate <b>Kim Irvine</b> as this year's recipient of the THEA Buzz Price Award for her lifetime achievement in themed entertainment. YES!<br /><br />It's absolutely amazing to me that Kim and Tony Baxter were both hired in 1970 to work in the WED model shop. That would make them roughly the same age, give or take a few years. And that completely astounds me, given how <i>terrific</i> Kim looks! WOW!! (Tony? Eh not so much.)<br /><br />It's good to see someone so creative -- especially of the female persuasion -- last this long at WED/WDI, with such a successful career to boot. Disney chews up and spits out so many genuine bonafide creatives on a regular basis, it's truly heartening to see long term survivors like Kim, who can and do make a difference for the parks.<br /><br />Congrats, Kim. You definitely deserve it!judihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15415067631504911897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-45183132074842989342010-11-11T05:30:57.315-08:002010-11-11T05:30:57.315-08:00Dear Friend Re-Imagineers -
Too, too sad to see t...Dear Friend Re-Imagineers -<br /><br />Too, too sad to see this great Blog seeming to expire..... <br /><br />I felt great admiration for the keen perceptions and knowledgeability of Mr. Banks and all the other great contributors who left sensible (and generally polite) reactions.<br /><br />I still stop by once in a while hoping that a new thread will have been ignited, and I rue the day that I will read; "This site is no longer available...." <br /><br />Can't anyone help Mr. Banks re-engineer this site?<br /><br />I am headed to Florida on December 1 for a four-day/four park Disney imaginaton energy infusion. I thank all whose whose writings here have made me more perceptive and more thoughtful. Bravo all!<br /><br />Donntheatremanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04803823338652745012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-24622671776182285572010-10-26T16:18:04.853-07:002010-10-26T16:18:04.853-07:00I will also concede that you did seem to suggest t...I will also concede that you did seem to suggest that the ride fails to match the spirit of the film in a few locations. But it was only after read the article three or four times did I finally catch on to that point. It was drowned out by some of the other points which I felt you gave undue weight to.Digital Jedihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02374739586203788564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-68782688139224613172010-10-26T16:15:31.308-07:002010-10-26T16:15:31.308-07:00I've yet to comment on this article for the si...I've yet to comment on this article for the simple reason that I haven't seen Midway Mania yet. I've only heard accounts from third parties. In all honesty, I can't imagine it's as bad/good as the accounts suggest. I could probably rail against it without seeing it if it fell into one of the three categories that past missteps fell into: improper theming, cheap design, antiquated technology. It doesn't seem to fit into any of those.<br /><br />What I'm hearing from this article, though, I don't feel is completely in the spirit of Re-Imagineering. I understand critiques of things that can't be easily fixed because too much has been invested in it, shouldn't have been changed or that aren't in the spirit of Disney. There are a lot of "fun things" in Disney's parks right now that fail to meet that high standard. But when I only read things like "guilt trips", complaints about the comfort of the seats and comparisons of masturbation (however jocular), my suspicions get raised.<br /><br />I'll conceded two points, having not seen it up to now. The carnival themes and the out of character suggestion that the toys are doing something for Andy (Though one could argue that the toys do lots of things for Andy, even though he isn't aware of their contribution. But I digress...) do seem to fall into an area where it looks like someone wasn't paying attention to theming or precedence. However, we are talking about the first attraction to be built since rising out of the heavily Eisner influenced era. I suspected it wouldn't be perfect.<br /><br />But some of these critiques seem more mean spirited then honest constructive deconstruction. You can concede that Test Track is a great ride, but doesn't fit thematically in it's location, and is designed somewhat on the cheap. You can concede that Soarin' is a great ride, while also pointing out that it's misplaced and without theme. You can concede that Nemo didn't belong in Epcot, thematically skews it's location, but that it would have worked perfectly in Fantasyland. I'm not seeing that type of criticism here. <br /><br />If the queue doesn't work, then why doesn't it? Is it the colors? The design? The mood? What did you observe Guests doing/not doing while in line? If the ride isn't in the spirit of Disney, why is it not? Why is shooting pies at a Disney character a bad thing? Why is the experience in general not worthy of being... well, whatever it is your saying it's not worthy of. Your summary suggests that there's a lot of things you don't like about it, but I don't really see the argument of where it doesn't work. First you've got to suggest what it is the ride was supposed to do. Then you've got to show why it fails to do that.<br /><br /> This isn't Horizons being torn out and something sub par put in its place. This isn't a classic attraction being stuffed with movie/cartoon tie-ins. This is something being created out of whole cloth. You've got to show us what it was meant to achieve in order to show us what it fails to do. You can't just rail against it, you've got to rail for something else. Otherwise, it just comes across as another old guy (whether your actually old or not, notwithstanding) rant. And that's just not good enough. Maybe I'm wrong and it's a horrible attraction, but you've not given me any reason to feel that way other than siting reasons why YOU don't like it. And that really shouldn't be good enough.Digital Jedihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02374739586203788564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-89582205382029109212010-10-07T20:38:48.973-07:002010-10-07T20:38:48.973-07:00Ooh does anyone remember the old Toy Story game? I...Ooh does anyone remember the old Toy Story game? It was the first computer game I ever bought :)Online RSAhttp://www.rsanow.com.aunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-13649968122443704682010-09-22T08:06:15.081-07:002010-09-22T08:06:15.081-07:00This article headlined today on DisneyDispatch.com...This article headlined today on DisneyDispatch.com: <br /><br />Toy Story Mania: Will the Real Ian Kay Please Stand Up - Ian Kay Channels Emperor Zurg for His Review of Toy Story ManiaDisney Dispatchhttp://www.disneydispatch.com/blog/2010/09/toy-story-mania-will-the-real-ian-kay-please-stand-upnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-2083825450588769262010-08-13T15:09:45.244-07:002010-08-13T15:09:45.244-07:00Eddie Murphy redo so soon?! If they are casting ac...<i>Eddie Murphy redo so soon?! If they are casting actors for this movie, I'm extremely concerned for the attraction's future. Hopefully, it will be completely CG based like the newly ruined "Yogi Bear" movie. Hollywood along with Disney, have completely lost their imaginations. Blame it on the Wii's,<br />PS3's, and Toy Story Midway Mania's...The under 35 crowd, just doesn't seem to get it.</i><br /><br />This is an example of a good joke post. It's deliberately over-the-top, makes numerous, insane statements, and generally feels like it was written by a fourth-grader. At no point in reading of this do you ever think the poster is being sincere, and everyone is allowed to have a good laugh. If only all the troll posts on Re-imagineering could be this entertaining.<br /><br />Also, congrats to WDI folk who run this blog for the success of "Toy Story Midway Mania!" You guys have a real hit on your hands.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-8336859753321395402010-08-02T09:57:07.657-07:002010-08-02T09:57:07.657-07:00Eddie Murphy redo so soon?! If they are casting ac...Eddie Murphy redo so soon?! If they are casting actors for this movie, I'm extremely concerned for the attraction's future. Hopefully, it will be completely CG based like the newly ruined "Yogi Bear" movie. Hollywood along with Disney, have completely lost their imaginations. Blame it on the Wii's, <br />PS3's, and Toy Story Midway Mania's...The under 35 crowd, just doesn't seem to get it.Tom S.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-81854732659394848632010-07-22T20:50:32.300-07:002010-07-22T20:50:32.300-07:00Welp, enjoy it while it lasts, folks.
http://www....Welp, enjoy it while it lasts, folks.<br /><br />http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN229477420100722Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-85719862842596709192010-07-10T07:16:48.474-07:002010-07-10T07:16:48.474-07:00I had not been sold on this as a ride worth waitin...I had not been sold on this as a ride worth waiting for (I see wait times of an hour or close to it for a large portion of each operating day), regardless of the innovation it brought with it. Reading this article, even with whatever slant/bias it may bring, reminds me of why my kids will probably have more fun with our usual Studios fare and an ice cream treat at Beaches and Cream instead.Lidstromhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01299935418508698525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-27073867972929234952010-06-20T20:09:13.370-07:002010-06-20T20:09:13.370-07:00It would be nice to see a new post here. There ha...It would be nice to see a new post here. There hasn't been one since March.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-71399455210389289432010-06-14T15:44:35.570-07:002010-06-14T15:44:35.570-07:00What would be interesting is if they keep that par...What would be interesting is if they keep that part in World of Color once the Little Mermaid ride opens.<br /><br />Fear Part of Your World and Under the Sea in the ride, then hear it in the show. <br /><br />Then again, you've got Night on Bald Mountain in World of Color and Fantasmic!, so the precedent is there.Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-91192072831964114052010-06-13T21:17:56.532-07:002010-06-13T21:17:56.532-07:00" A group next to me was even reciting the wh...<i>" A group next to me was even reciting the whole exchange between Buzz and Woody, which is straight from the first movie. We all know this material and we've seen it a million times."</i><br /><br />Right. The clips they projected were the segments they use everywhere. When I heard Ariel sing "walking around on those . . . what do you call them . . . oh, feet", all I could do was groan. Most of the clips were in a similar vein.2.0 and Beyondnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-43639405683595908622010-06-13T00:37:34.835-07:002010-06-13T00:37:34.835-07:00"World of Color is fabulous and Spokker you n..."World of Color is fabulous and Spokker you need to turn in your annual pass."<br /><br />I don't have an annual pass and I liked the show overall. However, I think it's telling that if I told you about my favorite parts I would only be able to point out the cool effects I liked, such as this sequence that suggested diving under the sea or this other one where the water collapses on itself and leaves a figment of color on the mist screen, which is beautifully coordinated. <br /><br />I can't really say that I like classic Disney film sequences on mist screens though. Fantasmic has that covered and WDW's version proved that over-reliance on it can make for some boring parts.<br /><br />World of Color really is a character hunt, especially in the finale (omg Cheshire Cat!!!). Also, people singing along with the show, despite the fact that the show has only been playing to the masses for two days, is insane. A group next to me was even reciting the whole exchange between Buzz and Woody, which is straight from the first movie. We all know this material and we've seen it a million times.<br /><br />There's nothing inherently wrong with character-driven attractions and shows, but this show has this blueprint.<br /><br />1. Pick a bunch of random Disney movies.<br />2. Mash them all up.<br />3. ???<br />4. Profit.<br /><br />Plussing the Rivers of America slightly cannot be the only original idea they let Imagineering implement.Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-54528850559123395452010-06-12T23:29:06.226-07:002010-06-12T23:29:06.226-07:00anon, you are just irrational stirring the pot wit...anon, you are just irrational stirring the pot with minimal to no logic, no weight to support your defenses of this ride, or ones that you claim suck. it is as if you type, you do so just to read your own final thoughts, which are equivalent of a special olympian who just won a gold medal. question is, are you <b><i>really</i></b> a winner an the end of your empty arguement/statements? <br /><br />spokker, just another anon, and quite a few others whove discussed their points actually provided or at minimum attempted to provide cut and dry examples of what they debated. In fact you are the only one who keeps spinning the boat around with the same one liners. when paddling, both oars are supposed to be in the water. <br /><br />You like midway mania, and you despise pinochio, spokker and madder need to quit going to the parks, yada yadda yada...its incredibly old already, and if you do not know how to provide the reasons of your disputation, it may be more polite to let the others who know how to row the boat, do just that.<br /><br />i think they get it. they probably don't understand or even less care, but they most likely get it. <br />so for everyones sake, you are right. midway mania is the greatest ride ever built by mankind, and will shine for decades to come! its a shame the park isnt filled with more of these rides. pinochio and pooh suck...boo on them. so now i guess nothing else to see or post here now that this part is settled. <br /><br />now, hurry and run along so you can rave about your findings on midwaymaniaforever dotcom. we've all accepted your beliefs, and believe in you that you believe that midway mania is the Pièce de résistance of all disney attractions.<br /><br />seriously now, id nominate you the most annoying and most inept remark poster/contributor(?,strike contributor) this blog has seen, if there were such a contest(gold medal all the way!) ive been a lurker for a couple years now, and never seen such shallow if not vacant rebutals. no support, findings, or even a conclusion. <br /><br />ive seen children on barney dvds carry on with better debating skills than yourself. goodluck with that one sided horsebeating, and im pretty sure spokker and a few others could probably use a vacation from your repetitive hollow comments. It is also probably safe to say it still wont be going on midway mania for those guys anytime soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-19521681281911997162010-06-12T21:40:00.498-07:002010-06-12T21:40:00.498-07:00World of Color is fabulous and Spokker you need to...World of Color is fabulous and Spokker you need to turn in your annual pass.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-20730612990896686292010-06-12T04:41:44.102-07:002010-06-12T04:41:44.102-07:00Did you all hear about Marvel coming to the parks?...Did you all hear about Marvel coming to the parks? Character walk-arounds, new additions to Small World or Iron Man Mountain?Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.com