Mouse Extra

I know the new Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor has been open for some time now, and you’ve probably read dozens of reviews or even seen it already, but I can’t help telling you what I think.  I only saw it for the first time last week and since Imagineering put so much effort into this, the temptation of throwing my two cents in is just too high.

I attended the new attraction at the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland very late in the evening of an already slow day.  There was no line at all, so in order to see some of the details in the queue, I needed to take my time walking through it.  Many people raved about this section, but not me.  It’s well done and funny, but it is rather simple.  It certainly does not compare to the amazing themeing in other queues, like Expedition Everest or the Great Movie Ride.  Basically there are some humorous banners hung on the walls, something that does not make one think of a great comedy club, or even Monstropolis.  In the waiting section just outside the doors to the theater, they played some fun videos, but they were way too infrequent.

The showroom itself is nice, and the screens are visually beautiful.  But again, this only hints at being a comedy club, rather than making you feel like you are actually in one.  Perhaps Monsters wouldn’t build something that looks like the Improv, but a more of an attempt would have added to the experience.

For those who don’t already know the storyline, the Monsters need our laughter to power their world.  To do this, they have created this comedy club with Mike Wazowski, Roz, and some new monsters as well.  There are three screens, and the animation is very nice.  Unlike Turtle Talk, it never once appeared even the least bit choppy.  Roz’s character is exceptionally well done.  The voice work is true to the characters and the fact that there are so many different characters really makes the show flow well.

What I find most interesting about this attraction is how little control the Imagineers have over people’s opinions as they leave the show.  These are not robots or looped films.  These are comedians doing the jokes and voices, and each audience will react very differently to each show.  The characters interact often with the audience, and the sense of humor in the people they choose to pick on is the essential ingredient in the show’s success.  Many people compare it in this regard to the Jungle Cruise, but the audience is even more of a variable here.

On a whole I liked it.  It’s not great, but good.  So far I have liked every Pixar inspired attraction they’ve built at Walt Disney World, and this is no exception.  It doesn’t have the re-ride appeal that other attractions may have, but it is worth seeing more than once because you can expect something new.  Kids will love it; adults may not love it as much unless the audience really has fun with it.  Most of the jokes are too corny for some adults, but there are enough funny ones to keep you smiling if not rolling on the floor holding your stomach.