When I was a kid, I disliked the idea of a show at Disney. Why the hell would I want to go see the boring Tiki Birds or the Hall of Dumb Presidents when there were rides to ride. The thrill of Space Mountain seemed to have everything The Carousel of Progress didn't. In other words: fun.Now, as an adult, I feel a bit differently. Not only is Micky's Philharmagic and Muppets in 3D good, solid fun, it's also an opportunity to STOP for a few minutes and sit in the air conditioning. Like a break and a show combined.
And yet ... I STILL find it hard to make myself go to the Carousel of Progress.
What do you think? Shows or rides?
I know people hate the shows, but I kind of dig most of them. The American Adventure in Epcot, for instance; though it's pretty long, there's something pretty cool about it.
ReplyDeletePart of it is, YES I am getting old, my feet hurt and I'm sweaty; GLORIOUS SEATS AND AIR CONDITIONING! THANK YOU GODS OF AC AND WOODWORK! ...still, I'd rather be Soarin or RnRoller Coaster.
I'm not sure the Muppets, Philharmagic and other 3d shows count in the same way the Hall of Presidents and such do. They're kind of in their own category.
Also, is Carousel of Progress still there? I thought the Monsters Inc Laugh Factory had replaced it. Maybe they're adjacent.
Rebelcomix,
ReplyDeleteI *think* Carousel of Progress is still there. Can anyone out there confirm or deny?
Still there in Tomorrowland's central hub.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I thought, Elizabeth. But it's been so long since I've actually see in, I wasn't sure. And it does move, right? So maybe it qualifies as a ride.
ReplyDeleteCarousel of progress is still there. Amen to AC and woodwork. Hall of Presidents and American Adventure are an important piece of Distory. Did you know that the Clinton version of the Hall of Presidents, the one narrated by Maya Angelou, was written by the famous leftist history professor Eric Foner?
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that, LS. But I WILL be using the term "Distory" in the future.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I know Disney is hesitant to get rid of Carousel because it was the first thing Walt imagineered for the World's Fair. But I thought Monsters Inc needed the space. Sigh. I have brought shame to my Mouselors Degree.
ReplyDeleteWell, you have found me out....yes, we mainly use the shows to sit and get cool after standing in line for rides. But there is some entertainment while you are doing that. We did the Carousel of Progress twice (it was a very hot day) last October. I do admit to taking a nap once or twice in the Hall of Presidents....quite refreshing and recharged my batteries for a few more rides in The Haunted Mansion.
ReplyDeleteI like 'em both. It's actually referred to as "Carousel of Awesome" (when you need an AC break).
ReplyDeleteI remember when we needed tickets for rides at Disney and the Carousel of Progress was FREE! no tickets needed! My sister and I would run out of tickets and go on the Carousel of Progress just because it was a ride and we could.
ReplyDeleteWe saw the France movie for the first time ever in Epcot in April. I'm not sure I ever even knew there was a movie there, but it was glorious: a real auditorium with real seats (no standing up leaning against bars like in Canada) and air conditioned. We were tempted to just stay there and watch it over and over.
I've always liked the shows. When I was a kid, perhaps the coolest thing I'd ever seen in my life was over in Tomorrowland at Disneyland and the stage would rise up OUT OF THE GROUND (near the rockets and the space food pavilion) and some cheesy cover band would come out and sing. AWESOMENESS.
ReplyDeleteJeff,
ReplyDeleteWhen you said "cheesy band" I had a Grad Night flashback.
Karen,
ReplyDeleteFrance has a movie?!?!?
I thought it was just a place for wine and pastry. And wine.
What about Country Bear Jamboree? It's been so many years since I've seen it, I don't remember if I liked it or not.
ReplyDeleteI like the shows as a change of pace because they last more than 30 seconds. My daughters love the princess Faire (this is all at the Anaheim DL where my daughter and wife are today as we speak)
ReplyDeleteBut sometimes a show offers a break from standing in line that doesn't leave you with a, "That was it?" feeling.
Now, the night time line-up-for-3-hours-beforehand light shows and junk I think are kinda dumb. Mostly because if you don't snag one of the good seats, you're screwed.
One other thing with the shows though: sometimes I don't know what I'm going to get, y'know? With the rides I can see what I'm in for. Most shows are indoors with vague names and so I never know if it will be worth the time. I think they could do a better job of letting people know just what the hell Star Tours is or what happens inside that weird Innoventions building that I've never dared go inside. (No one ever seems to come out!!!)
Just took our kids for the first time last month. The Muppets & the Philharmagic were, as you said, welcomed breaks and quite enjoyable. However, we attempted the hall of presidents, and it is not tailored for 4 & 7 year old boys that are hepped up on adrenaline.
ReplyDeleteVictor: The France movie is a good one. It's in the auditorium to the right of the pastry/wine shop, as you face the pavilion. And yes, unlike Canada and China, you get to SIT DOWN.
ReplyDelete