Cranky Mouseketeers: Chill Out and Enjoy the Ride

There are quite a few cranky mouseketeers out there who continue to lament what they consider the sorry output of Walt Disney Imagineering over the past few years. There definitely seems to be a “good old days” mentality being embraced by many folks, and while not totally unjustified, it can often become bitter and mean-spirited.

Much of this I feel can be traced directly back to Disney’s California Adventure. Its creation was clearly a reflection of corporate arrogance and a lack of respect for the audience they so greatly covet. The basic strategy seemed to be the recycling of abandoned concepts from Disney’s America and the duplication of popular attractions from Disney World. The result is a mish-mash of unrelated ideas very loosely themed to the state of California. It was done on the cheap, and it shows.

Unfortunately, and sadly, the frustration over DCA and the legacy of Michael Eisner’s final years have of late been channeled by many into attacks on just about everything that Imagineering produces. It is criticism that is often unfair and increasingly malicious.

A few weeks back, an anonymous comment was made in response to one of my posts that opinioned:

“I think what most people whine about nowadays is the general lack of thought and "magic" put into today's attractions . . .”

It’s an interesting statement. But a very blatant overgeneralization.

First off, all attractions are not created equal. By Disney’s own standards, there is an A-E ratings system that is still informally used by fans and Imagineers alike. But so many have the expectations of an E Ticket for everything that Imagineering produces. Sure, Pooh’s Playful Spot is lacking in thought and imagination when compared to Splash Mountain. But so is Dumbo the Flying Elephant or Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride for that matter. But they all have a place in the A-E hierarchy. Even those attractions much maligned by the Internet minority deserved to be viewed more fairly in this context. Stitch’s Great Escape, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Chester and Hester’s Dinorama--they all attract and serve their target audiences.

Second, I can provide a number of examples where the assertion of “lack of thought and magic” is just fundamentally wrong:

Mickey’s PhilharMagic - a truly amazing and entertaining experience. In my opinion, it is the best of all the 3-D movies produced for the parks. It pays homage to both the original character driven shorts and the Disney animation renaissance of the early 1990s. It’s clever, fast and funny, with brilliant 3-D effects, and has generated enthusiastic applause at nearly every showing I’ve attended. But alas, the cranky mouseketeers can’t resist taking potshots at the attraction’s lack of a pre-show.

One Man’s Dream - an extensive and often emotional tribute (both exhibits and film) to the man responsible for it all. Not a thrill ride, but still thrilling to those who look beyond the theme parks to the very foundations of what Disney is all about.

Soarin’ - four and half minutes of pure “Wow!” And with the promise of expanding beyond the confines of California, it will be a perennial for years and years to come.

Turtle Talk with Crush - simple in both setting and execution, yet revolutionary in design and technology. It is clearly a precursor of things to come. The expressions on the faces of the kids as Crush interacts with the audience are priceless. A lack of magic? You’ve got to be kidding.

Expedition: Everest - from the minute you approach the entrance, to the moment you stumble off and attempt to regain your balance, an incredible, all encompassing experience. The attention to detail throughout is nearly without equal in all of Disney World.

Finding Nemo-The Musical - an imaginative and innovative interpretation of the Pixar hit film, using puppetry techniques similar to those employed in the Broadway production of Lion King. I was fortunate to have been able to see the first preview on November 5th.

As well-received as all these examples have been, I have seen and heard comments deeply critical of many of them at one time or another. The negativity often precedes the actual opening of the attraction in many cases. Many become so cemented in their feelings that often times their egos will not permit them to ever really enjoy or compliment these new endeavors because it would run counter to their already established preconceived notions.

Me personally? I’m just gonna sit back and enjoy the ride(s).