Magic Kingdom (General Discussion)

[belloq87]

I enjoyed it but I found the guns more difficult to use, not in movement, but in actually gaining points. Even if you have your laser pointed on a target, in my experience, you had to wait a beat until the gun vibrated which triggered points. It was nice seeing effects brought back that I feel like I hadn’t seen working in at least 15 years, and the tunnel with the new projections is so much better. Overall the cosmetic enhancements work really well for it and it is a better ride, just a slight learning curve with the new guns.

We can definitely live with that trade-off to get the wide range of motion.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Was at MK Friday and Saturday. It was stunning seeing ROA gone. I love the castle original color being back as well. We’re just relaxing today but a few thoughts as someone who’s not been to MK since pre covid.

- This time of year is simply best to be in Orlando cause while busy I felt the crowds were manageable. Traveled this time of year growing up and I’m glad to see as an adult it’s the same.
- Tron and Tiana’s were new to me. I absolutely loved both!!! Tron was indeed short but the launch is just pure fun. Tiana’s surprised me as the score for the ride was so fun, playful, people in our vehicles were vibing, it felt joyous to me. From what I could tell all was working too but we were also dancing a lot. 10/10 refurb which seems to be an unpopular opinion and I don’t know why.
- Beak and Barrells was not for us. We’re not obsessed with Pirates anyways but drinks were just okay. We got the Port of Call and Barrells Ablaze (I think those were the names), fine. For the hassle and being timed for the experience I’m all set here. More lounges in MK to even out crowds and availability I am down for tho.
- Rode the PeopleMover 4 times each day
- There was a proposal near the castle that was sooo sweet!!! Idk if it made rounds on social media but I really hope it did.


Overall, this is still not my personal favorite of the 4 Disney parks, we also were lucky with crowds mostly, but I can’t deny when Big Thunder is back, Cars is done, and Villains opens, man this park is gonna slap even harder. It’s my BF’s first time in Orlando and he was amazed at all the park offerings. I assured him it’s not the same at the other parks. Great time though!

 

[Mad Dog]

Was at MK Friday and Saturday. It was stunning seeing ROA gone. I love the castle original color being back as well. We’re just relaxing today but a few thoughts as someone who’s not been to MK since pre covid.

- This time of year is simply best to be in Orlando cause while busy I felt the crowds were manageable. Traveled this time of year growing up and I’m glad to see as an adult it’s the same.
- Tron and Tiana’s were new to me. I absolutely loved both!!! Tron was indeed short but the launch is just pure fun. Tiana’s surprised me as the score for the ride was so fun, playful, people in our vehicles were vibing, it felt joyous to me. From what I could tell all was working too but we were also dancing a lot. 10/10 refurb which seems to be an unpopular opinion and I don’t know why.
- Beak and Barrells was not for us. We’re not obsessed with Pirates anyways but drinks were just okay. We got the Port of Call and Barrells Ablaze (I think those were the names), fine. For the hassle and being timed for the experience I’m all set here. More lounges in MK to even out crowds and availability I am down for tho.
- Rode the PeopleMover 4 times each day
- There was a proposal near the castle that was sooo sweet!!! Idk if it made rounds on social media but I really hope it did.


Overall, this is still not my personal favorite of the 4 Disney parks, we also were lucky with crowds mostly, but I can’t deny when Big Thunder is back, Cars is done, and Villains opens, man this park is gonna slap even harder. It’s my BF’s first time in Orlando and he was amazed at all the park offerings. I assured him it’s not the same at the other parks. Great time though!

We love MK. Theres such a magical feeling when you walk through the gates. And the park is so very balanced. There's attractions for everyone, and lots of them. Interesting article on WDW Magic today. Transcripts released from the Reedy governing body related to the DeSantis/Disney public dispute show that Disney delayed the WDW expansions due to the uncertainty around the aims of the new directors. But that's been settled now, thus all the expansions in progress.

 

[SeventyOne]

Went Saturday, Buzz 100x better. The clean-up alone went a long way, but really like the new game play, and the scores on your photo are a nice bonus.

New Peter and Wendy effect in parade looks even better in person. All-in-all new parade is growing on me--lighting is impressive, feels a perfect length.

 

[belloq87]

This seems like a terrible idea to me!

Disney Building Tall Wall Around Big Thunder Mountain to Hide Cars and Villains Land Construction

Disney Building Tall Wall Around Big Thunder Mountain to Hide Cars and Villains Land Construction

www.wdwmagic.com

Unless this is the most thematic wall ever designed, I have to believe seeing the Cars and Villains construction would be less intrusive than a wall erected with little care.

Disney shouldn't let their protectionism over guests being able to see construction come at the expense of yet another attraction's aesthetic value. The Railroad has already been compromised (again...) until Villains opens. Haunted Mansion's queue experience has been severely degraded. And now this.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Agreed with all of these 100%.

Went Saturday, Buzz 100x better. The clean-up alone went a long way, but really like the new game play, and the scores on your photo are a nice bonus.

New Peter and Wendy effect in parade looks even better in person. All-in-all new parade is growing on me--lighting is impressive, feels a perfect length.

 

[OrlLover]

This seems like a terrible idea to me!

Disney Building Tall Wall Around Big Thunder Mountain to Hide Cars and Villains Land Construction

Disney Building Tall Wall Around Big Thunder Mountain to Hide Cars and Villains Land Construction

www.wdwmagic.com

Unless this is the most thematic wall ever designed, I have to believe seeing the Cars and Villains construction would be less intrusive than a wall erected with little care.

Disney shouldn't let their protectionism over guests being able to see construction come at the expense of yet another attraction's aesthetic value. The Railroad has already been compromised (again...) until Villains opens. Haunted Mansion's queue experience has been severely degraded. And now this.

I don’t believe the wall is gonna be permanent.

Just until construction is complete.

 

[LPCaptainDeath]

This seems like a terrible idea to me!

Disney Building Tall Wall Around Big Thunder Mountain to Hide Cars and Villains Land Construction

Disney Building Tall Wall Around Big Thunder Mountain to Hide Cars and Villains Land Construction

www.wdwmagic.com

Unless this is the most thematic wall ever designed, I have to believe seeing the Cars and Villains construction would be less intrusive than a wall erected with little care.

Disney shouldn't let their protectionism over guests being able to see construction come at the expense of yet another attraction's aesthetic value. The Railroad has already been compromised (again...) until Villains opens. Haunted Mansion's queue experience has been severely degraded. And now this.

On one hand, i agree with you and everything you're saying here, but on the other hand... we really don't know WHAT is going on nor WHEN nor WHERE within that plot - it's all just a lot of dirt; Which does have the ability to be swept up and thrown around. I have to imagine this is primarily a safety precaution and i can't disagree with the Final Destination side of my mind that suggests they're simply covering their tracks (literally) for anything bad that could possibly happen. Lowest common denominator, the wall should stop any dust/dirt from directly encroaching onto swinging coaster trains near closest construction overlap. Most unlikely threat, some freak-happenstance where something goes flying off toward the ride or its track in whatever way/shape/form; Even the smallest rock can still crack a brand-new windshield, you know what i mean?

I'd rather hear that a wall was constructed as a safety precaution and nothing ever came of it than hear that they didn't put something up and something awful happened to the ride or anyone on it. The alternative being they simply shut down the ride for being too close in proximity to where they're trying to work. It's almost like they could have timed the refurb of this ride with the construction of the land shared between this and CARS so they could work on it as fast as they could and re-open it at a later date where development is less cumbersome and spatially infringing on BTMRR.

 

[belloq87]

I don’t believe the wall is gonna be permanent.

Just until construction is complete.

I mean, it's obviously not permanent.

But it's going to be a downgraded ride experience for the next 4-5 years... just when Big Thunder is supposed to be re-opening in a refreshed state, better than ever.

On one hand, i agree with you and everything you're saying here, but on the other hand... we really don't know WHAT is going on nor WHEN nor WHERE within that plot - it's all just a lot of dirt; Which does have the ability to be swept up and thrown around. I have to imagine this is primarily a safety precaution and i can't disagree with the Final Destination side of my mind that suggests they're simply covering their tracks (literally) for anything bad that could possibly happen. Lowest common denominator, the wall should stop any dust/dirt from directly encroaching onto swinging coaster trains near closest construction overlap. Most unlikely threat, some freak-happenstance where something goes flying off toward the ride or its track in whatever way/shape/form; Even the smallest rock can still crack a brand-new windshield, you know what i mean?

I'd rather hear that a wall was constructed as a safety precaution and nothing ever came of it than hear that they didn't put something up and something awful happened to the ride or anyone on it. The alternative being they simply shut down the ride for being too close in proximity to where they're trying to work. It's almost like they could have timed the refurb of this ride with the construction of the land shared between this and CARS so they could work on it as fast as they could and re-open it at a later date where development is less cumbersome and spatially infringing on BTMRR.

Per the thread on Magic, somebody who claims to have knowledge of the situation says it's not a safety-related issue, but a late-in-the-day "executive request."

 

[OrlLover]

just when Big Thunder is supposed to be re-opening in a refreshed state, better than ever.

I’m just a little confused how a wall is gonna downgrade an experience?

There is construction going on and I think blocking views is smart for the guests trying to enjoy the ride.

 

[SkiBum]

On one hand, i agree with you and everything you're saying here, but on the other hand... we really don't know WHAT is going on nor WHEN nor WHERE within that plot - it's all just a lot of dirt; Which does have the ability to be swept up and thrown around. I have to imagine this is primarily a safety precaution and i can't disagree with the Final Destination side of my mind that suggests they're simply covering their tracks (literally) for anything bad that could possibly happen. Lowest common denominator, the wall should stop any dust/dirt from directly encroaching onto swinging coaster trains near closest construction overlap. Most unlikely threat, some freak-happenstance where something goes flying off toward the ride or its track in whatever way/shape/form; Even the smallest rock can still crack a brand-new windshield, you know what i mean?

I'd rather hear that a wall was constructed as a safety precaution and nothing ever came of it than hear that they didn't put something up and something awful happened to the ride or anyone on it. The alternative being they simply shut down the ride for being too close in proximity to where they're trying to work. It's almost like they could have timed the refurb of this ride with the construction of the land shared between this and CARS so they could work on it as fast as they could and re-open it at a later date where development is less cumbersome and spatially infringing on BTMRR.

Completely agree. When the Epcot hub/spine was being worked on, we hated walking through the east side of Futureworld as we kept getting blasted by dust. It was a very bad experience.

What else is Disney supposed to do? Does this wall truly ruin Big Thunder? It seems so nitpicky to get our knickers in a bunch because a wall was added. What about the wall that runs all along where the RoA used to be? Maybe they should have just shut down Big Thunder, Frontierland, and Haunted Mansion until construction was complete and then reopen.

 

[Jake S]

If the choices are a big ugly wall or visible construction, I’d probably vote for visible construction. But… I don’t feel very strongly about it — neither are ideal and I can’t think of something that would completely avoid it.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Team Wall

 

[belloq87]

I’m just a little confused how a wall is gonna downgrade an experience?

There is construction going on and I think blocking views is smart for the guests trying to enjoy the ride.

I think a bare (I assume) wall would be much less preferable than a wide open view. Every guest in the area is going to know something is happening behind all these walls anyway; I'd find it way less intrusive to leave Big Thunder's sightlines (the views from Big Thunder) alone than construct a barrier that only draws more attention to the dirt pit in the heart of the park.

Does this wall truly ruin Big Thunder? It seems so nitpicky to get our knickers in a bunch because a wall was added.

Nobody but you used the word "ruin."

What about the wall that runs all along where the RoA used to be?

Also a very sub-optimal visual experience, as several of us pointed out would be the case for years on end when the project was announced.

In light of that, and in light of the other ways in which these projects are already impacting the park, my position is to try to leave as much as-normal as humanely possible, and if that means guests riding Big Thunder catch glimpses for a few seconds, so be it.

 

[LPCaptainDeath]

Per the thread on Magic, somebody who claims to have knowledge of the situation says it's not a safety-related issue, but a late-in-the-day "executive request."

Apologies for not having read the actual article before articulating my opinion, but i had assumed the wall's purpose from the pictures alone is almost exclusively safety-related because of the placement being exactly where the rollercoaster track is exposed.

If someone 'on the inside' suggested it's NOT safety related, i hope they understand how willfully dense and purposefully obtuse they sound. On one side of the wall we have ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION and on the other side of the wall we have a ROLLERCOASTER SENDING AN UPWARDS OF 15,000 DAILY GUESTS 30+ MILES PER HOUR... There's no way it's NOT a safety precaution.

The only way to REALLY stop people from knowing what's going on over the wall is to send Bioreconstruct a C&D. lol

 

[belloq87]

Apologies for not having read the actual article before articulating my opinion, but i had assumed the wall's purpose from the pictures alone is almost exclusively safety-related because of the placement being exactly where the rollercoaster track is exposed.

If someone 'on the inside' suggested it's NOT safety related, i hope they understand how willfully dense and purposefully obtuse they sound. On one side of the wall we have ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION and on the other side of the wall we have a ROLLERCOASTER SENDING AN UPWARDS OF 15,000 DAILY GUESTS 30+ MILES PER HOUR... There's no way it's NOT a safety precaution.

The only way to REALLY stop people from knowing what's going on over the wall is to send Bioreconstruct a C&D. lol

Perhaps, but it seems like it's clearly being thrown together quickly (the ride re-opens in less than a week), which you wouldn't think would be the case if it was a safety mandate that was expected from the beginning.

 

[Brian G.]

which you wouldn't think would be the case if it was a safety mandate that was expected from the beginning.

You'd be surprised...

But IDK the reason here.