The Attractions Only I Dislike
A couple of Podcasts ago we asked the question "what are the Disney attractions or shows where it feels like you're the only one in the world that doesn't like it?" Columnist Greg Maletic picked up on this for his blog and posted his list here. Below is mine:
Journey Into Imagination (the original)
As a Disney fanatic, one of the attractions I most looked forward to
experiencing during my first visit to Walt Disney World in 1997 was the original
Journey Into Imagination. Everyone had told me how amazing this ride was with
its ride system, Figment and catchy song. So it was with much enthusiasm that I
boarded it. All I can remember during that first ride was sitting there with my
mouth agape at what I was experiencing. When I got off I turned to the person I
was riding with and said "that is the worst Disney attraction I've ever been
on." (to the best of my recollection he agreed with me). The distinction of
"worst" has been surpassed now but Imagination is still my biggest
disappointment.
Main Street Electrical Parade
I grew up in Southern California. I went to Disneyland every year. I'm a student
of Disneyland history. I understand the nostalgia of the Main Street Electrical
Parade and it's importance in the history of the park. What I don't understand
was the clamor to see it stay around beyond its (original) 1996 closing. I was
at the park almost nightly during the summer of 1995 and no one cared about the
Electrical Parade. It was that wonderful old friend that you never actually had
to spend time with (ie: no one saw it). But as soon as they announced the
closing, it became the most popular thing in the world and everyone wanted to
see it stay. I felt it was a parade long past its prime and it was overdue for a
change. Unfortunately, its replacement didn't fare well, DCA didn't fare well,
and the parade once again is found at the Disneyland Resort. A once great
champion past its prime and ready for retirement.
Buzz Lightyear
I'll agree with Greg on this one (so you're not the only person in the
world). It's fine as another Fantasyland-style dark ride but the interactive
element does nothing for me. I generally just sit there without playing. But
this is nothing personal against Buzz, I do the same thing when I ride Men in
Black at Universal Studios. Hopefully Toy Story Mania will be fun even if you
choose not to play.
Wishes
First there was Believe...There's Magic in the Stars. Then there was
Believe...In Holiday Magic. Then LuminAria (yes, I loved it!). Then came Wishes,
the next in a distinguished line of new school firework shows that blew me away
(unlike typical firework shows that bored me). I just assumed I would love it as
much as all the rest. As I watched I just kept waiting for it to kick in. For
the emotion to overwhelm me as it always had. For that moment when I'd start
literally giggling in delight. But it just didn't happen for me. It's not a bad
show by any means, but most people I know feel it's great. I'll take LuminAria.
I'll take cover as I discuss these last two...
Pirates of the Caribbean
First off, I will admit that on a purely objective level, Disneyland's Pirates
of the Caribbean is one of the greatest experiences every put together for a
theme park. That said, I'm usually ready for a nap around before we meet the
mayor. But I take all the blame on this one. I don't like Pirate movies. I don't
like period films. And I never was a fan of the song. It's just not a Pirates
life for me. The Haunted Mansion is a whole different story.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
It's quaint. It's got charm. It's the original. All true, I suppose. And I've
never been accused of having particularly good taste, but I know what I like.
Sleeping Beauty Castle is nice. But when I walk onto Main Street, I prefer to
see the spectacle of Cinderella Castle at the end of it. A castle should be big.
For better or worse, it's as simple as that for me.
That's my list, how about you? Use the comment link at the bottom to share your opinions or leave a voicemail for the Podcast and we'll play it when we discuss this on a show very soon. Call toll free 866-718-9408. Or email us at [email protected].