2/10: it's a mall whirl

[Al Lutz]

Trashing an attraction; Disney and the '64 World's Fair box set. Discuss it here...

DIRECT ARTICLE LINK: MiceAge.com - A different look at Disney...

[KISSman]

I'm not surprised that Al would decide to trash the changes, but disappointed that such an article needed to be written. Leave everyone else to decide if the attraction has been ruined, improved, or whatever. Stuff like this influences people's opinions before they've ever seen it for themselves. And it's not like it's coming from the most open-minded person on the changes since Al was against them from the get-go. So far, fellow MiceChatters are not in agreement.

[Emarc182]

Al - Frankly, I think you are being ridiculous. This is yet another example of Disney superfans acting unreasonably and believing that Disneyland should serve as some sort of shrine. Its a work in progress, it always will be. The very design, colors, music and overall experience of Its a Small World DO NOT entertain and ARE NOT relevant to anyone under 25 years old. Disney is a business, after all. A 1960s-era snooze cruise that takes up a vast amount of real estate in Disneyland and is, by most accounts, a waste of time, needed to become more relevant. I think its a smart move. The changes are subtle and I just think people need to stop thinking that everything Disneyland does to update attractions is a personal affront to them or an assault on Walt Disney's legacy.

[OTownGuy]

and overall experience of Its a Small World DO NOT entertain and ARE NOT relevant to anyone under 25 years old.

Thats why theres FOUR other versions in EVERY MK right? Your ignorance shows through.

[DisneyIPresume]

You were right on the mark, Al.

[shirleyfilms]

Originally Posted by KISSman

I'm not surprised that Al would decide to trash the changes, but disappointed that such an article needed to be written. Leave everyone else to decide if the attraction has been ruined, improved, or whatever. Stuff like this influences people's opinions before they've ever seen it for themselves. And it's not like it's coming from the most open-minded person on the changes since Al was against them from the get-go. So far, fellow MiceChatters are not in agreement.

Well said, KISSman.

80% of MiceChatters who voted on the changes either REALLY ENJOYED THEM or said that they made no difference either way.

But...I guess it must be nice to have a soapbox.

When you say things like:

"No time to enjoy the various dolls, costumes or scenery, or try to listen to the language the song is being sung in because it just might take you away from spotting Mickey, Donald or Woody."

...you make it sound as though it is impossible to see through this new layer to the underlying message. I don't think it is. I think kids will enjoy all the layers, just fine.

Also, for someone who claims to have been never been a fan of the ride:

"To those that say the kids like it just fine, they should remember they are on this planet to broaden horizons. To those others who don't think it's a big deal just keep in mind that if the suits succeed here, they will find other things to screw up."

All I can say is "wow". You sound like an angry, McCarthy-era teenager, lashing out.

It is glaringly obviously that the ride is not perfect. We will all miss the rainforest and lament it's replacement, but with an 80% approval rating, I (for one) hope your vitriol falls on deaf ears.

I would invite those who haven't been on the new Small World to ride it with an open mind... and HAVE FUN!

[Tinkbelle]

I respected your opinion until you started talking about a room with dolls talking to each other on the internet.

What?! Now THAT would ruin the ride.

[Monorail Man]

Originally Posted by shirleyfilms

Well said, KISSman.

80% of MiceChatters who voted on the changes either REALLY ENJOYED THEM or said that they made no difference either way.

But...I guess it must be nice to have a soapbox.

He does have a soapbox, and you know what - I totally agree with him. The changes made do not ruin the ride, but eat away at the history and classic nature of the park. I for one would like to see Disney (just once since the re-do of Space Mountain), open a non-character based attraction at Disneyland.

Just remember that Al started the whole news of it being changed to begin with, so I think that a man can state his opinion on his own articles on his own site.

[JiminyCricketFan]

While I respect Al's opinion, I think that the ride has lost its way a while back. The original ride was supposed to be "children" of the world living in peace and harmony. Unfortunately, the technology of day limited the lifelikeness of the "children" to be basically dolls. But Walt did add blinks and other additions to try to sell the illusion of children. Sadily, most if not all of those AA's have been removed. What we are left is just a doll show.

While I don't believe the new additions "ruin" the attraction, I do believe that they were put there not to improve the ride, but to sell people on coming to Disneyland to see the additions. It is a cheap way Disney can bring people out to the park. They get a "new" attraction for a fraction of the cost. I believe THAT is the real motivation for the changes. It IS about marketing and selling merchandise.

[Werner Weiss]

I usually don't comment about Al, but this time I'll throw in my two cents worth...

First, I welcome Al's plan to provide "shorter columns on a more frequent basis."

I am always interested in Al's opinions -- favorable, unfavorable and in-between. Al is clearly a top Disneyland expert, with a knowledge of Disneyland's past and present that makes him well qualified to discuss current and future changes. There are some here who wish he would never write anything negative about Disneyland -- or at least that he would never write anything they disagree with. The rest of us value his perspective, even when we disagree.

[shirleyfilms]

Originally Posted by Monorail Man

Just remember that Al started the whole news of it being changed to begin with, so I think that a man can state his opinion on his own articles on his own site.

I couldn't agree more.

And he is nice enough to have a forum for others to state their opinions, in response.

So, I have.

[Dustysage]

Originally Posted by KISSman

I'm not surprised that Al would decide to trash the changes, but disappointed that such an article needed to be written. Leave everyone else to decide if the attraction has been ruined, improved, or whatever. Stuff like this influences people's opinions before they've ever seen it for themselves. And it's not like it's coming from the most open-minded person on the changes since Al was against them from the get-go. So far, fellow MiceChatters are not in agreement.

So, everyone is entitled to an opinion except Al??? I happen to disagree with Al on this issue, but appreciate his point of view. As a noted theme park blogger, people read Al for his point of view as much as they do the information he imparts. That's how it works.

[ManaByte]

What once was a celebration of the children of the world has now turned into a game of spot the character, which of course is now for sale in plush at the exit in the gift shop.

Anyone know when that Gift Shop was installed? Wasn't it during the Pressler era and not during this refurb? I remember it always selling Disney character merchandise with only a very small amount of IASW stuff.

[shirleyfilms]

Originally Posted by Dustysage

So, everyone is entitled to an opinion except Al??? I happen to disagree with Al on this issue, but appreciate his point of view. As a noted theme park blogger, people read Al for his point of view as much as they do the information he imparts. That's how it works.

I think that this site can be a wonderful wealth of information. But I, for one, get tired of having to sift through the daily rhetoric and negativity to get the facts. Even the PHOTO REPORTS contain whiny addendums. It becomes trying, after a while.

I guess I just expect too much. This is not a news/press organization with standards. It is someone's blog. It would be nice if they had the ability to report information with the scruples of a legitimate news organization. But, that is not what they choose to do. This website seems to be closer to a gossip column, in form and function. Or maybe a movie review. Which is fine, I guess.

Yeah. To be honest, now that I think about it... I believe I am in the wrong with my initial expectations. Nowhere on this site do they claim to offer factual or unbiased reporting. For some reason, I just expected it...maybe because this site has become so prominent. But, in truth, that is probably unfair to expect.

I offer my apologies.

[Grumpy38]

Just asking everyone to make their own opinions after they ride it. Not based on someone else.