Sad Sad Sad
It’s no secret that I drink the Disney Kool-Aid. I love Disney World (hence the Annual Pass). I’ve ridden every ride at the Magic Kingdom. Several times. I love Space Mountain (who doesn’t), I can’t get enough of Big Thunder Mountain, and my favorite is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (sure, it’s not a thrill ride, but it does make for a nice respite from the crowds, and you get 10 minutes to sit down and get your feet up). Of all of the rides at the park, though, I have a special place in my heart for the Haunted Mansion. I can remember riding in my Doom Buggy with my mom when I was 7. I was scared out of my mind, but we had a blast by the time it was over. I love that the Haunted Mansion hasn’t ever really changed. Until now.
It seems that some people have become offended by the gently macabre humor that the hosts and hostesses use (i.e. “Drag your bodies to the dead center of the room”), and now Disney Imagineers are “re-imagineering” the scripts. I recognize the fact that I am a Disney purist (I still mourn the loss of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), but haven’t we regressed a little too much as a society if we have to re-script a 40-year old attraction because a couple of people complained? I recognize that Walt Disney’s intention was for his parks to stay fluid, and while I don’t buy into the whole “gift shop at the ride’s exit” concept, I understand it. I like that Disney let their Castmembers improv a little bit. And I get that they want to be consistent. But don’t try to fix what hasn’t been broken.
I told you I drank the Disney Kool-Aid.
January 3rd, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I have a fun Disney Haunted Mansion story. You know, I’m with you on this. I don’t care for the Kool-Aid though. 😉
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I’m not down with the change, although I’m not a purist — I think they should update the entire Mansion using 21st century technology.