Saturday, September 3, 2011

Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover

Relax and enjoy a leisurely 10-minute journey above the Tomorrowland area aboard this pollution-free mass transit system. Each car seats 4 Guests with 2 riding forward and 2 riding backward.



"What's the point?" - There really, is no point. I guess the main point is to either.. 1., get out of the crowds and look at them flow from below. 2., relax. or 3., take a tour of tomorrowland.



The GOOD - Never a wait. EVER. Even if it looks like a small wait, it isn't. The reason: It's sort of like an omnimover ride, it never stops. So you never wait. If there's a line, you don't stop moving. Also, it's relaxing in the florida heat as a nice breeze cools over you. It gives you a good look at the inside of Space Mountain, especially if the lights are on. You can see where everything is, and it also gives a view of Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. As well as the original model concept for EPCOT. It's enjoyable and relaxing, great for a nap and if there isn't a line (most likely not), they'll let you ride again if you want to relax a bit more.

The BAD - It could seem pretty boring for some kids and teens. So the problem with this? They tend to start talking, screaming, crying or whatever and ruin your relaxation. It has a tendency to break down some times. Not all the time, but not on a low basis. The new audio sounds more playful and kiddish, unlike it's original audio which went with the theme of tomorrowland.

Should YOU go on it? - If you're tired and end up in Tomorrowland, or Tomorrowland is crowded, or if Space Mountain is broken down, or if you think you would enjoy it, sure. It's not on that top-to-do list of course, it's just there. It's like the Main Street Vehicles in Main Street, there isn't that much of a purpose. It isn't bad, it's actually quite enjoyable, even tho it doesn't like like any fun from down below. So, it's 50/50. If you want to, go ahead, you never need to wait for it to start. If you don't, you aren't missing much.

RATING: 2/5

Space Mountain

Blast off on a journey into outer space on this classic attraction. Board a sleek, rocket-shaped vehicle in the glow-in-the-dark Space Port and begin a steady climb up the 180-foot high mountain, passing the Mission Control booth and myriad pulsating lights along the way.



"What's the point?" - Enter the queue line as you feel like you are in space based on the design, play some video games as you wait, the queue extends into the "space port" and you board your space rocket vehicles and prepare for launch on an indoor roller coaster in 90% total darkness.



The GOOD - The queue line is absolutely amazing and the music sets a mood. Especially if you wait for over an hour. They allow you to play video games while waiting. In all truth, the coaster doesn't really go that fast, but considering it's placed in basically total darkness, it is very thrilling not knowing where you turn or drop. There are on-ride sound affects and it feels like you are actually in space, considering the space objects and space screen on the inside of the roof of Space Mountain.

The BAD - You usually wait for an extremely long amount of time. Especially on Summer and School Breaks. Sometimes when there isn't even a wait the line seems endless, but still nice. It doesn't go upside down, which should be changed. Considering that the Rockin' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios is the only coaster in WDW that does. Also, Space Mountain does tend to have a good bit of break downs, so if it breaks down and the lights turn on, rush over to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover to go inside Space Mountain and see what the coaster looks like with the lights on!


RATING: 4/5


Friday, September 2, 2011

Laugh Floor Comedy Club

The Laugh Floor at Monsters, Inc. has been transformed into a comedy club for visiting humans. Inspired by the Disney·Pixar movie Monsters, Inc., in this show the audience must help "Monster of Ceremonies" Mike Wazowski and his wild and crazy pals power the city of Monstropolis—with laughter! Skeptical manager Roz, however, isn't so sure Mike can pull it off.



"What's the point?" - Enter the (indoor) queue line, which really isn't that big. Which makes sense because the theater takes in hundreds of people at a time. So don't think it's unpopular because the theater usually at least has half of it full. So, you enter the queue line, wait for the door to open and walk into a very, VERY big preshow. Showing you that they decided to stop powering monstropolis with screams and with laughter, as it produces more energy. Then you enter the very large theater. The show is similar to Turtle Talk with Crush at EPCOT. The characters from the PIXAR film Monsters Inc. and can actually communicate with guests as they tell jokes and make you laugh.



The GOOD - The main good thing, it's actually FUNNY! Ain't that something? A theme park attraction that will actually make you "laugh out loud". Get it? ..no? Okay. Well anyways, this show is funny and entertaining. It also involves guest participation, tho not the kind you are thinking of, like "stand on your feat and shout mikey sulley 4 times!" No, they use some park guests to make some jokes. Very entertaining, there's only one theater so the only thing you're waiting on (if you are) is for the next show to start. It won't matter if the wait is long, because the theater takes in a LOT of people.


The BAD - One bad thing is that the show allows you to text your own joke for one of the monsters to say to the audience. The problem with this? They never make you laugh. The only scene in the show that's never funny.

Should YOU go on it? - Yes. If you're having a crummy day, this show will make you a bit more happy no matter what age. It's fun for everyone and you're sure to enjoy it. Don't miss it, it's one of the few really good attractions in Tomorrowland.

RATING: 3/5

Stitch's Great Escape

Take a seat in this theater-in-the-round venue, get strapped in and reside in the midst of the mayhem during this out-of-control, high-energy escapade that will keep you on your toes. Magic Kingdom theme park may not be big enough to contain Stitch, and you never know when and where he will appear next!



"What's the point?" - You enter through the front doors and watch a preshow on how the "Galactic Federation" works. You are trainees and they explain what you do. Then you go to the second preshow and meet a humorous robot and further explains what you do. Two experiments also show up in the preshow. Later on, a "Level 3" experiment is brought in and you go to another room and strap yourself down in uncomfortable seats with restraints in a circular room as Stitch breaks out and spits and burp in people's faces in the audience... fun right?



The GOOD - Stitch is a great character and everyone loves him. The attraction is funny for some people and there's hardly ever a wait. The Stitch animatronic is cute and is somewhat thrilling.

The BAD - This is another one of those Disney mistakes. Stitch's Great Escape replaced a 10X better thrill called, the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. It was replaced by Stitch to make it more suitable for kids. Tho, it's still too scary for most. Disney, we need to have a talk. Being strapped in uncomfortable seats with restrainst and being spit, burped and bugged by an alien just isn't fun anymore.

Should YOU go on it? - In most cases, no. Unless you can't go on anything else because the lines are too long, or if it's too hot. But why come here when it's too hot when you can go to The Laugh Floor accross the way from Stitch. This ride is a waist of time for many people. Teenagers might get a kick out of it, but not many. This attraction is also #2 on the top 10 worst WDW attractions voted by WDWMagic.com.

RATING: 2/5


Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian

This attraction is closing next week. (Today's date: 8/30/2011) So, let's go ahead and review this waist of space.


Enter through the portal and see what rich enchantment the Disney Imagineers have created, working side-by-side with the filmmakers to produce this extraordinary three-dimensional extension of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.



"What's the point?" - Walk into a waiting room, a move starts on a flat screen TV. A boring film about how awesome and their efforts took to make the movie. Go through the over-sized closet doors and magically appear into a random room with the broken table surrounded by flat screens around you. Watch a movie. Enter a small museum. Leave.




The GOOD - You can get out of the heat. If you're a big Narnia junky, the museum is fun. It's closing.

The BAD - ALMOST everything. If you are a big Narnia junky, you'll sort-of like this attraction. Otherwize it is a complete waiste of space and time. Tho, there isn't much else they could've put in this small space but a meet and greet. It is basically an advertisement for the movie it represents. Another thing, Disney didn't even bother to update the film when the new one came out. There are no leaning rails, or seats. You must stand for about 30 minutes. The museum is incredibly small itself and it's just plain boring. It is also known as the #1 worst attraction in ALL of Walt Disney World. There's something to be said for an attraction that's ranked lower than Stitch's Great Escape. The votes are voted from http://www.wdwmagic.com/

Should YOU go on it? - 98.5% no. If you truly enjoy and are a huge fan of Narnia, go for it. You'll think it's pretty neat and will enjoy observing the costumes and props in the museum. If you're tired and need to take a break/nap, this is NOT the attraction to go on. You cannot sit down or lean on anything. Tho A.C., and usually never a wait. It's not even an attraction, this is more of an advertisement that should have just been set at a D23 Expo or something.

RATING: 1/5

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Frontierland Shootin' Arcade

Take your position on Boot Hill and test your marksmanship. There are almost 100 targets to shoot at including a jail, hotel, bank and cemetery, plus other pop-up, moving and stationary targets. The targets animate when a hit is recorded.



Located in Frontierland, Magic Kingdom, Frontierland Shootin' Gallery...exists.

"What's the point?" - Shooting targets in a western theme town called "Boot Hill" with scores and affects when shot.

The GOOD - The scenery looks nice.

The BAD - It's very existance. The guns are heavy, you can't see where you shoot, and it's a money-taker. It is also one of the last pay attractions. You shouldn't be using your money on a shooting gallery when you can do that at your local Gatti's Town or Chuck E. Cheese.

Should YOU go on it? - No. Flat out no. As a matter of fact, it shouldn't be listed as an "attraction" at the Magic Kingdom. Although, if you are really into shooting and dont mind spending the money, go ahead. Noboy's stopping you! You might have a nice time, but in my personal opinion, Disney World has alot more to offer than a simple shooting gallery.

RATING - 1/5

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain, a popular flume ride at Magic Kingdom offers big thrills to big kids, teens and adults.


Located in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain is probably the best water flume ride in the world! As far as competition with the version in Disneyland, Disneyland's may have more animatronics, but it's a bit harder to figure out the story line and the factory ceiling gives the scenery away. Disney World's Splash Mountain is a real thrill. It has it's teens/kids theme and fun for adults too.

"What's the point?" - Splash Mountain, inspired by the classic "Song of the South" film, revolves around Brer Rabbit leaving his briar patch home to find himself a new place. Brer Fox and Brer Bear try to catch him with many fails but in the end when they almost have him, Brer Rabbit points out to Brer Fox, "Please don't throw me in that briar patch!" Hence, the main fall, which many people don't get. So Brer Fox basically just throws Brer Rabbit back into his home, and learns his lesson on staying where he belongs.



The GOOD - Unlike Disneyland's version, these logs have two seats per row instead of one. They're much more comfortable than most flume rides. The story is fun and humorous. One thing the adults will love is that you will not get totally drenched. Tho sometimes that can change if you sit on the front row. You don't get as wet as you think you will, but the attraction is still very thrilling with 3 drops leading up to the big one. The song is catchy, great in hot weather, and it offers the Fastpass tickets.

The BAD - A few teens and kids may not like that you will not get soaked on this ride. Also, there is always about 1 or 2 animatronics/affects that are broken, or not working during your ride. The line for waiting without the Fastpass can be up to an hour due to it's popularity. The new restraint bars that were just added this year (2011) are also sometimes a pain for larger guests.

Should YOU go on it? - This would have to be your decision. If you want to find an easy way to cool off, Splash Mountain is mostly indoors and offers some A.C. and some wetness. If you are afraid of heights, it shouldn't actually be a problem because you never know how high you are until the final drop, which lasts for about 10 seconds anyways. But by most reviews, you should definately at least get a fastpass to try it once.


RATING: 5/5

Country Bear Jamboree

Join the talented cast of 18 musically-inclined bears as they perform continuous 17-minute shows featuring country music-style classics—to the delight of fans big and small. The rustic review is infused with a down-home sensibility that includes plenty of great music, broad humor and a few unexpected surprises.



Located in frontierland, The Country Bear Jamboree opened it's doors with the rest of Magic Kingdom in 1971. It was one of Walt Disney's last project and was originally supposed to be put in  a Ski Resort that was never made. It also opened in Disneyland, but has since been replaced by "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh". It is also located in Tokyo Disneyland. It has been an instant classic since opening day.

"What's the point?" - The Country Bear Jamboree is an audio-animatronics show featuring singing bears. They play old country songs that date back to the 1930's, with humorous looking bears and scenes.



The GOOD - This show opened back in 1971 with Magic Kingdom, puting it on the list of opening day attractions. It first opened up as an E-Ticket attraction and was a hit success. Everybody loved it, and most people still love it to this day.

The BAD - Well, let's just say that it's pretty outdated. I, myself, love this ol' beauty. But we all have to face the facts, with the kids these days (I am aware that I'm 13, thank you), they want more funny things to laugh at. They don't want to be caught up listening to a fat bear singing a slow song (Tears will be the chases for your wine) and songs they've never heard of before. Disney used to produce two seasonal shows, The Country Bear Vacation Hoedown and The Country Bear Christmas Special. Two great shows, that were cancelled at about around 2000 or 2001 due to copyrights. They shouldn't have a problem with that today, but it would bring the show up a bit more with some well-known songs. Another problem, the animatronics move quite stiff and not like the AA's you'll be seeing on the new Little Mermaid dark ride. In other words, a lack of good refurbishment.

    Should YOU see it? - In all means, unless you've just got a big group of teenagers (mainly boys),  you should. Just to say you did. It's one of those attractions that you'll like okay, tho not great. But it's a 50/50. It's perfect for those hot days and if the park is crowded. It's an enjoyable show. Tho maybe not the cup of tea for prehaps between the ages of 12 - 17. Fun for kids, adults and seniors.


RATING: 3/5