carolinakid wrote:This year I've set a record for myself.....3 visits to Disney!
Same for me, but instead of California it was Paris. And my 3rd "trip" is really just a day or two, but I'm counting it.
Walter wrote:Nowadays, before each trip to the parks, I have a Disney movie marathon.
Same, in fact most of the year I don't watch Disney movies very often. I like saving them for pre-trip purposes.
And now for my thoughts on
New Fantasyland:
Overall pretty, but not too much substance as of my February trip. It looks like more will be done in September, though. Best thing about it is it brings the theming of the land more to the level of Islands of Adventure. Unfortunately, the parts they ignored look terribly dated in comparison, or at least lacking in texture. And WDW's Fantasyland still pales in comparison to Paris and California for overall look and quality/quantity of offerings.
Enchanted Tales with Belle: Great for a meet and greet-type experience, not too much replay value. The exterior house is probably the best recreation of any BatB place in the area. I got lucky with a soft opening and didn't have to wait long to get in.
Belle's Village: Nice, some good unique merch for a change.
Mermaid Ride: I had already seen it in California, so I knew what to expect. Much better queue and exterior here without question. Ride still suffers from the same problems of obvious cut corners and the lack of a climax.
Storybook Circus: Better than Toontown Fair for sure. The new RR station is probably the biggest upgrade in my book. Dumbo looks better too, as does the street lamps, pavement and "placemaking". Kind of a waste to have the northern half be just tents. Especially when you know that was originally planned as Pixie Hallow with another new flat ride.
Be Our Guest: My opinion is no where near as glowing as Scaps. Is it a nice place to eat? Yes. Is the food better than say, Cosmic Rays? No question. Does it ultimately succeed at creating a
realistic immersive enviroment? No.
It's a great looking BatB restaurant. It is not, however, the kind of place that makes you feel like you're in the movie. Comparing it with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter makes that really obvious. I was more impressed with Three Broomsticks in that sense to be honest.
Ignoring how the rooms are connected to each other, the spaces have been obviously compromised to serve their function as dining rooms. The Ballroom's ceiling looks too low, the West Wing doesn't look anything like the movie (which I get why, but then, why bother?). The Rose Gallery is fine because it's an original space. The castle exterior only works from one specific location. Even from the queue for Enchanted Tales, it looks like a mini golf course prop.
There are nice details like the whispering suits of armour, or the rose with falling petals, the bridge with gargoyles, but I can think of better designed places in other theme parks. It falls a few feet short, and I think that's what irks my now upon reflection, that and having seen the interior of Le Chateau and Walt's in DLP.