Latest look at Tiana's Bayou Adventure construction at Walt Disney World

doctornick1 minute ago

I'm both very down on losing Splash but also pretty optimistic that this ride will be good. I do think a bunch of the negativity generally seem valid but nitpicky. To me, there is a good bit to be optimistic about because the ride mechanics/layout is so strong as a basis, PatF offers a good template for a ride combining cute characters and engaging music, and there's probably a lot of will (and $$$) being put forth to make sure this is executed at the highest level. Will it succeed? I dunno and I will be honest that today's crop of engineers don't give me unbridled hope but I also think it wouldn't be that difficulty to make an overall great ride as long as they stick to good basic storytelling and use the resources that are available for this.

Ghost933 minutes ago

I initially wasn't a fan of the exterior when the model was revealed, but grew to appreciate it once I realized they are trying to de-emphasize the "Mountain" aspect of the ride in favor of it more authentically representing a "bayou." It's not as imposing as Splash Mountain because it's not supposed to be.

𝕴𝖒𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖓𝖊𝖊𝖗978 minutes ago

I wasn't even talking about on social media; I meant right here! Can bots join this forum?

doctornick9 minutes ago

Others have already replied with the same basic thoughts that I have, but my point would be that Splash was beloved because of the absolutely fantastic execution of the dark ride portions. The characters, stories, music, sights - it was all absolutely fantastic and just worked incredibly well to create a massively enjoyable experience. I do not think that the experience was great simple because of any specific affection for Br'er Rabbit or Br'er Fox, et al (although I would argue that Zip is a truly classic all time song for Disney that would be tough to replace). No, the ride was amazing because of how well they used those characters to provide a story and experience. And it was the kind of engaging experience that you didn't have to be a super parks fans to get - much like other great rides like Haunted Mansion and POTC, the sum was so much greater than the whole that even the "masses" fell in love. It's entirely possible to use other characters and song and visuals to tell an equally compelling story and have a similar in quality ride - but that will be extremely hard to do simple because of how good Splash was. Basically, it's a massively high bar. And just meeting it - let alone exceeding it - would be unbelievably difficult because Baxter is one of the pinnacle artists of the field. Creating those kinds of master class rides is not simple and is certainly not as straightforward as just having some compelling music, high quality AAs and good scenery together. I am optimistic that TBA will end up being a pretty awesome experience on its own, but it might unfortunately end up living in the shadow of the master class attraction it replaced.

mickEblu9 minutes ago

I feel like I see a lot more detailed explanations from people who are feeling negative. Sometimes the positivity doesn’t feel like a whole lot more than “yay new Disney ride” or “yay exited to have a ride based on PatF characters.” Also it feels like people that are higher on TBA feel some sort of duty to be extra positive to balance out some of the negative opinions. Just my perception. In other words, for better or worse, it feels like more honesty comes from the folks who are not as high on TBA. It also seems like some of the people who are high on TBA just have lower expectations and standards. This is probably healthy considering some things we see come out of WDI/ Disney these days.

Professortango111 minutes ago

The majority of the reactions I see are people gushing over how AMAZING it all looks and how they are so happy that it is replacing the racist attractions. But many of those could also be bots. You never know nowadays.

𝕴𝖒𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖓𝖊𝖊𝖗9714 minutes ago

I think sometimes some of us are just extremely surprised or perplexed that what's being revealed is so celebrated by some. Like the fact that some people here say that the exterior looks fantastic and others think (and I agree) that it looks like a giant piece of broccoli. It seems like blind positivity because it differs so strongly from how some of us see it.

Bocabear24 minutes ago

darn it! That scab had just healed over and you had to go pick it again! ...lol

Ghost9330 minutes ago

We haven't seen any signs of Dr. Facillier.

LittleBuford31 minutes ago

I am genuinely surprised that you feel this way. The positivity that has been expressed has almost always been in response to things we can see and therefore assess (the exterior, the animatronics, etc.). It is far from blind. That really can't be said for the negativity, much of which has been based entirely on speculation.

Sirwalterraleigh35 minutes ago

The problem there is Comcast is kinda enjoying this exercise in a way long gone from Disney Some little troll started getting tugged in 5 different directions 20 years ago and this part of the business is no more than necessary evil for him. Most not excite Willow either

mickEblu36 minutes ago

The thing is we have been talking about this subject for 4 years now. Not every post is going to be carefully crafted with pros/ cons, thought out analysis etc. Sometimes you just want to express your disappointment with the newest thing. There are a few people who instantly categorize anyone with a few “negative” non nuanced posts in a row as a “hater” and respond to them as such. Im not sure I can expect people to remember everyone’s posting history though that can work both ways anyway with people boxing others in based on their perception of the users posting history. Lastly, sometimes their just isn’t anything good to say. I wouldn’t expect one to throw something positive in just for positivity’s sake. I think the vast majority of people who aren’t high on this project are having conversations in good faith and want Disney to succeed but are just disappointed with what what they re seeing or hearing. I feel like I see a lot more blind positivity than blind negativity.

monothingie36 minutes ago

4. Quality of the attraction. Even in its decrepit state that it was left in for the last several years, it was still regarded as being one of the highest quality attractions at the MK.

Andrew2538 minutes ago

I agree that Disney tried stupidly to develop the parks into some sort of "premium" experience for rich whales... but that blew in their face quite quickly. Disney is losing attendance, but not at a catastrophic rate as some make it sound like. I believe they've learned their lesson from not expanding/upgrading the parks to match modern-day crowds. It'll take a few years, but I think they'll give us a good idea this D23 of the direction/steps they plan on taking. Disney (and Universal) we're getting a bit ahead of themselves over the past 2 years raising prices to meet (what was always seen as temporary) demand from post-Covid travel. Both resorts are offering massive discounts at the moment with tickets.