Just got back from 12/1 - 12/7
1. I am going to have to stop lurking here. I went to the World looking for things to be mad about. What did I find? NOTHING.
* There were plenty of busses and the same amount of boats on the Boardwalk.
* Although Epcot FW stated they were closing @ 7:00 they kept the most popular rides open until 9:30.
* Just as clean as always - And was especailly looking at this.
* Did not notice any decline in maintenance.
* Osborne Light are unbelievable.
* Candlelight Proccesional is absolutly inspiring.
* CMs were super friendly.
Also I went to IOA/US .... Here is goes:
1: US advertised they were open @ 9:00 - only THREE rides opened at 9:00 the rest opened at 10:00. Do we hear people complain about that on the IOA board - NO.
2. What is so great about the themeing of the the IOA coasters?? The Hulk is just painted green and the dueling dragons has a great queue thats it - no story. IMHO RNR is much better themed and has a story line that is incorporated into the ride itself. It might be off the self and not as thrilling but it is better themed.
3. Most of the IOA themeing was bright colors and cardboard cutouts of superheros and cartoon characters. What is so original about that?
4. CMs were HORRIBLE - Not friendly and I actually felt like the rides where NOT safe as they had teenage kids running them and they were not paying attention and fooling around. When I went back to WDW I specifiaclly noticed the ride operators and they were very professioal. I was so mad about this I am going to write IOA.
5. Spiderman is AWESOME - Best ride in Orlando. (But I am waiting for Space!!)
6. Rides and resteraunts were closed.
That all being said I will go back to IOA because I liked the coasters - But I do not understand all of the comparisions with WDW and that IOA is far superior. I did not find that to be the case. Yes they have some great coasters and Spiderman. Also I did think some of the lands especially Port of Entry and the Mythical part has great themimg on par with Disney. The other areas were lacking.
DinoRama - My wife who is not a Disney nut thought is was a great addition to the Dinoland area (we do have a 1yo). Once the whole area is complete I see this as being a good addition to AK.
I guess the bottom line of this whole thread is that some folks hold Disney to unrealistic standards - I did not see the magic fading at all. And as I said I went looking to find faults with Disney and praise for IOA. I get frustrated when forks say they are cancelling Disney trips and spending time at Universal because of the PERCIEVED differences. All the while US/IOA are making the same cuts - they just do not have the Sentenial down thier backs.
I did not receive a IOA/US discount because 75% of the park did not open until 10:00am. In effect it was a 10:00 am opening with 9:00am early entry.
Going back in April - but this time with a better attitude.
Dave O.
1. I am going to have to stop lurking here. I went to the World looking for things to be mad about. What did I find? NOTHING.
* There were plenty of busses and the same amount of boats on the Boardwalk.
* Although Epcot FW stated they were closing @ 7:00 they kept the most popular rides open until 9:30.
* Just as clean as always - And was especailly looking at this.
* Did not notice any decline in maintenance.
* Osborne Light are unbelievable.
* Candlelight Proccesional is absolutly inspiring.
* CMs were super friendly.
Also I went to IOA/US .... Here is goes:
1: US advertised they were open @ 9:00 - only THREE rides opened at 9:00 the rest opened at 10:00. Do we hear people complain about that on the IOA board - NO.
2. What is so great about the themeing of the the IOA coasters?? The Hulk is just painted green and the dueling dragons has a great queue thats it - no story. IMHO RNR is much better themed and has a story line that is incorporated into the ride itself. It might be off the self and not as thrilling but it is better themed.
3. Most of the IOA themeing was bright colors and cardboard cutouts of superheros and cartoon characters. What is so original about that?
4. CMs were HORRIBLE - Not friendly and I actually felt like the rides where NOT safe as they had teenage kids running them and they were not paying attention and fooling around. When I went back to WDW I specifiaclly noticed the ride operators and they were very professioal. I was so mad about this I am going to write IOA.
5. Spiderman is AWESOME - Best ride in Orlando. (But I am waiting for Space!!)
6. Rides and resteraunts were closed.
That all being said I will go back to IOA because I liked the coasters - But I do not understand all of the comparisions with WDW and that IOA is far superior. I did not find that to be the case. Yes they have some great coasters and Spiderman. Also I did think some of the lands especially Port of Entry and the Mythical part has great themimg on par with Disney. The other areas were lacking.
DinoRama - My wife who is not a Disney nut thought is was a great addition to the Dinoland area (we do have a 1yo). Once the whole area is complete I see this as being a good addition to AK.
I guess the bottom line of this whole thread is that some folks hold Disney to unrealistic standards - I did not see the magic fading at all. And as I said I went looking to find faults with Disney and praise for IOA. I get frustrated when forks say they are cancelling Disney trips and spending time at Universal because of the PERCIEVED differences. All the while US/IOA are making the same cuts - they just do not have the Sentenial down thier backs.
I did not receive a IOA/US discount because 75% of the park did not open until 10:00am. In effect it was a 10:00 am opening with 9:00am early entry.
Going back in April - but this time with a better attitude.
Dave O.