Hi
I just wanted to share some thoughts.
From the time I heard about the new Ratatouille attraction in EPCOT, I have been underwhelmed.
Let me explain. I am based in the uk and as such, regularly am exposed to material for Disneyland resort Paris. As this attraction is from the Walt Disney studios park in Paris, I have seen it advertised regularly. I am also aware that feedback is 'excellent'. I just didn't understand this.
My mental model was related to the nature of the ride:
- Dark ride
- Motion
- 3D glasses
The only comparable I could think of was Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure. And it just seemed like a pale imitation. Indeed, the movie was not action filled or exciting in anyway, so why would such an attraction make sense. Surely, Finding Nemo, Cars, Monsters inc, incredibles all make more sense. Photos of families sitting in a plastic rat with big fake looking sets of cheese and kitchen tools just doesnt look impressive.
But things have changed. This weekend I took my 2 eldest kids to DLP and we experienced the attraction. Wow. Everything i said was right - and i completely missed the point!
The technology is amazing - trackless sounds like a tech term. The ride is amazing. The ride vehicles dance and the whole ride displays that - from passing within inches of sets and other vehicles to coordinating movement - you get the immediate impression you are a passenger on the back of a living creature - the photos just don't reflect this.
Secondly, my concerns with the subject matter - again, this is so impressive. The feeling of being lodged under a trolley in a busy restaurant and being whisked along - moving wheels at the side in full size, with a big screen all working with the ride vehicles movement. 'This is imagineering at its best, transporting you into action you dont even perceive as action until you live it! And then, doing it in a family friendly way that your whole family can enjoy.
And finally, the theming. 'This is Parisian through and through. I think it fits perfectly to EPCOT - even more so than in DLP - celebrating fake Paris when real Paris is 20 minutes away and 60% of off season visitors are Parisian is a little silly. I only hope we get the attached restaurant we have in Paris.
Wherever you sit on the new direction of EPCOT, there is no where else in world this would fit better.
I look forward to you all getting to enjoy it!
I just wanted to share some thoughts.
From the time I heard about the new Ratatouille attraction in EPCOT, I have been underwhelmed.
Let me explain. I am based in the uk and as such, regularly am exposed to material for Disneyland resort Paris. As this attraction is from the Walt Disney studios park in Paris, I have seen it advertised regularly. I am also aware that feedback is 'excellent'. I just didn't understand this.
My mental model was related to the nature of the ride:
- Dark ride
- Motion
- 3D glasses
The only comparable I could think of was Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure. And it just seemed like a pale imitation. Indeed, the movie was not action filled or exciting in anyway, so why would such an attraction make sense. Surely, Finding Nemo, Cars, Monsters inc, incredibles all make more sense. Photos of families sitting in a plastic rat with big fake looking sets of cheese and kitchen tools just doesnt look impressive.
But things have changed. This weekend I took my 2 eldest kids to DLP and we experienced the attraction. Wow. Everything i said was right - and i completely missed the point!
The technology is amazing - trackless sounds like a tech term. The ride is amazing. The ride vehicles dance and the whole ride displays that - from passing within inches of sets and other vehicles to coordinating movement - you get the immediate impression you are a passenger on the back of a living creature - the photos just don't reflect this.
Secondly, my concerns with the subject matter - again, this is so impressive. The feeling of being lodged under a trolley in a busy restaurant and being whisked along - moving wheels at the side in full size, with a big screen all working with the ride vehicles movement. 'This is imagineering at its best, transporting you into action you dont even perceive as action until you live it! And then, doing it in a family friendly way that your whole family can enjoy.
And finally, the theming. 'This is Parisian through and through. I think it fits perfectly to EPCOT - even more so than in DLP - celebrating fake Paris when real Paris is 20 minutes away and 60% of off season visitors are Parisian is a little silly. I only hope we get the attached restaurant we have in Paris.
Wherever you sit on the new direction of EPCOT, there is no where else in world this would fit better.
I look forward to you all getting to enjoy it!