Soarin, whats the draw here?

[Mr Wiggins]

All I am saying is to grateful for what we already have.

No offense, but given how Disneyland's standards of services, merchandise, food, attractions and imagination have declined over the last fifteen years, and considering how we're being charged ever-increasing prices for less and less, the idea that we should be "grateful for what we have" is ridiculous.

[Datameister]

No offense, but given how Disneyland's standards of services, merchandise, food, attractions and imagination have declined over the last fifteen years, and considering how we're being charged ever-increasing prices for less and less, the idea that we should be "grateful for what we have" is ridiculous.

I disagree. Now, as my posts in this thread and others have demonstrated, I am unafraid to criticize what I perceive to be mistakes on Disney's part. I do it all the time, and yes, they've given us plenty of material to work with over the last decade or two. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't appreciate the many things about the park - about the parks - that do work. We should expect more of Disney, considering the sky-high admission prices and the fact that Disney is capable of so much more, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be grateful for the things they've done that are right on the money.

[Coheteboy]

No offense, but given how Disneyland's standards of services, merchandise, food, attractions and imagination have declined over the last fifteen years, and considering how we're being charged ever-increasing prices for less and less, the idea that we should be "grateful for what we have" is ridiculous.

I agree.


But I am grateful to live so close to such a great entertainment locale. I'm grateful that I can go on these rides as often as I can. I'm grateful for a lot of things.

But it doesn't mean I have to kid myself into thinking that everything is just peachy great and whatever disney does is amazing. I know there was an obsession with hating on DCA when it opened, but now there seems to be an obsession with defending every little aspect of the place too. I'm just seeing it how it is. A great movie and but poorly presented E-Ticket. I still see the draw of it, but for an attraction that is a popular favorite, it could be better. It SHOULD be better.

[sassy*tink]

I have been reading through a lot of these posts and have been thinking about this question. Soaring is one of my favorites in DCA, not my all time favorite, but it is one of those that I have to do while I'm at the park. It is usually the last one I do before leaving DCA.
I think what I like the most about it is the way the music fits what you are seeing. And the way it swells before you end up flying over Disneyland. I also like the feeling when you 'take off'. Being in the front row gives you the best feeling and you also don't end up with feet in your view. I enjoy the smells, as fake as they may be to some people, and I enjoy the wind in my face feeling.
I know someone mentioned Back to the Future at Universal and how it immersed you before you got into the car, but I remember being on the ride one time and looking out the side of the car and seeing another delorian right next to us. So it took away from the feeling a little. Soaring doesn't do that for me because I know there are other people flying with me. I see them, and I know from the start and I actually forget there are others around.
The hanger is also a nice touch. I enjoy seeing the parts of aviation, and the aviators who made history or are making history.
I guess there is just something about it that I really like. For me it's hard to explain. It's like explaining why do you like Disneyland or Disney so much. Some people ask, what is there to like and it's a hard question to answer because to the people who like it, you just do. There are lots of reasons, but it's not easy to explain them and make someone understand what there is to like.
Ok, I hope that last explanation made sense...but I like the ride because of the music and the flying sensation.

[Mr Wiggins]

I disagree. Now, as my posts in this thread and others have demonstrated, I am unafraid to criticize what I perceive to be mistakes on Disney's part. I do it all the time, and yes, they've given us plenty of material to work with over the last decade or two. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't appreciate the many things about the park - about the parks - that do work. We should expect more of Disney, considering the sky-high admission prices and the fact that Disney is capable of so much more, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be grateful for the things they've done that are right on the money.

I agree with the sense of your post, and I do appreciate the things that Disney does right (many of which, let's face it, were created long before Jay and his current team took over).

What I disagree with is the oft-repeated suggestion from some other posters that we should quit complaining and be grateful.

The fact is that Disneyland is a business built on extremely high standards of excellence in all areas of theme park operations, from imaginative rides to immersive experiences in entertainment, dining and merchandise. When those standards slip, fans have every right to squawk. And telling them to "be grateful for what we have" doesn't cut it.

[Datameister]

What I disagree with is the oft-repeated suggestion from some other posters that we should quit complaining and be grateful.

Understandable. All I'm saying is that one can be grateful and still point out the issues. Which you understand, as far as I can tell. Just makin' sure we're on the same page.

[Mr Wiggins]

Different paragraphs, but same page.

Bottom line for me is Soarin' isn't bad, it's just off-the-shelf thinking when it comes to the thing I grew up with at Disneyland: knock-your-socks-off imagination and innovative use of technology combining to create "only-at-Disneyland" attractions. What Soarin' is would be fine at a State Fair, Museum of Science & Industry or Vegas. What Soarin' isn't -- but could have been with more imagination (not necessarily more budget) -- is what's disappointing to me. IMO WDI phoned this one in, like with most of DCA.