As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours exploring virtual worlds and immersive experiences, I can say that the real-world theme parks like Disney World hold a special place in my heart. Having grown up visiting these magical lands with my own children, I’ve seen firsthand the joy they bring to families and the memories they create that last a lifetime.
At Disney World, the park is constantly evolving, with fresh experiences always being introduced. However, there are some iconic elements that visitors anticipate will remain unchanged. For instance, if Cinderella Castle or the Haunted Mansion were slated for renovation, it would come as a surprise. This week, we found out that the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, areas believed to be untouchable, are being cleared to accommodate two new attractions inspired by Pixar’s “Cars” films.
I’m just as sentimental about bidding farewell to the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island as anyone else. For more than half a century, these features have been cherished landmarks within the park. However, my concerns about what is disappearing and what is being put in its place go beyond mere age and nostalgia. Instead, they stem from the evolving purpose of the space.
Disneyland And Disney World Are Losing Places For Their Youngest Guests
I must confess it’s been quite some time since my last visit to Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom. Part of the reason is that Tom Sawyer Island functions as a large playground. It offers an open space where children can frolic, scale rocks, traverse caves, and burn off energy – activities they often can’t engage in while waiting in lines or even on most attractions.
Simultaneously with the unveiling of fresh Cars attractions at Magic Kingdom, announcements were made about numerous new attractions set to debut at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. This development has sparked debate among fans, who speculate that either Hollywood Land, currently housing a Monsters Inc. dark ride, or the Grizzly Peak region of the park could be in line for renovation. Such changes might signal the closure of Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, a play area featuring rope bridges, slides, and other areas where children can enjoy themselves.
It’s disheartening to note that such changes occurred at DCA, where the latest renovation swapped out A Bug Land for Avengers Campus. This transformation saw four attractions tailored for young children being replaced by a single one, which a child under five might be able to sit on but may not actively engage with. If this trend continues, there could be a scarcity of play areas suitable for kids in the parks.
Indeed, I do have children who are at an age that brings such thoughts to the forefront of my mind. A decade ago, when I was still a childless individual often criticized as a Disney Adult, I might not have given these matters much thought. However, it’s important to understand that this perspective could be short-sighted, with potential long-term repercussions.
Kids Who Love Disney Parks Become Disney Adults Who Spend Money
Theme parks are often perceived as primarily catering to children’s entertainment, but this viewpoint is misguided. In reality, theme parks are intended as family-oriented activities, offering attractions suitable for all ages and interests. These can range from shared experiences such as enjoyable dark rides or interactive shows, to activities tailored towards specific age groups like thrilling rollercoasters for teenagers and young adults, or sophisticated dining options for couples.
As a devoted Disney Parks enthusiast, I’d like to express that these magical destinations aren’t exclusively for the little ones, but they should undeniably cater to the kids too. Rides with lengthy queues might not appeal to younger children who may tire easily or have shorter attention spans. It’s essential to remember the vast array of children with diverse personalities and preferences, and we must consider their needs thoughtfully.
If considering the guest’s well-being isn’t convincing enough, let’s discuss the financial aspect instead, shall we? To clarify, I’m a self-proclaimed Disney Adult, and one of the primary reasons for this affection stems from my childhood experience. When I was just nine years old, I visited Disneyland for the first time, and it was nothing short of magical – so much so that I spent hours exploring Tom Sawyer Island.
Currently, I’m supposedly an adult, and I don’t skimp on spending a substantial portion of my spare funds at Disney theme parks. Over the past few decades, Disney has deliberately aimed to attract adults because that’s where the financial resources lie. Even Walt understood this back then.
To truly embrace the magic of Disney as an adult, it’s essential to rediscover the child within. If your early experiences at Disney Parks were dominated by long lines, being too small for certain rides, or spending the day mostly stationary, you might not cherish those memories as fondly. Reflecting on this decades later, would you be eager to share these less enjoyable experiences with your own children?
While Disney Seems To Be Focusing On Older Guests, Universal Is Moving In To Capture Them
Instead of focusing solely on headline-grabbing attractions, Universal Orlando Resort has chosen to cater to its youngest guests by renovating a dedicated area called DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida. Contrary to expectations, they didn’t opt for another thrill ride after the success of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Jurassic World Velocicoaster. Instead, they prioritized an area where children could enjoy themselves without long lines, as most of the attractions are open for free play. There’s only one attraction that necessitates waiting in a line.
Universal is pushing boundaries by building a unique resort specifically for children, known as Universal Kids Resort, currently being constructed in Frisco, Texas. This new venture demonstrates their belief that catering to younger guests is a smart investment for the future. I anticipate that this decision will pay off over time.
If Disney doesn’t exercise caution, there’s a good chance that many children will grow up cherishing the memories they made at Universal Parks more than those at Disney Parks. In two decades, it might become common to joke online about people who grew up with a strong affinity for Universal Parks being called “Universal Fans.”
It’s clear that there’s still much uncertainty about what these latest additions to Disney Parks will bring in the future. It’s possible that the new Cars section of Frontierland might incorporate a play area beyond the two already announced attractions. Fingers crossed that any losses at Disneyland Resort get compensated with something fresh as part of the DisneylandForward expansion. Here’s hoping that Disney doesn’t solely cater to high-income guests, forgetting that those who are currently overlooked will eventually become the ones spending the money in the future.
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2024-08-18 01:09