Suggestion Box; Do something with the Atlantic Dance Hall
I am a big fan of the Boardwalk. The theme is exceptionally well done and reminiscent of an old mid-Atlantic seaboard destination. It just may be my favorite place to stay at Walt Disney World. It has is all. A wooden walkway? yup. Funnel cakes? you betcha. An ice cream store and candy shop? both are covered. Street entertainers? every night. Midway games? check. Bars and restaurants? check and check. Rides? ummm…..no.
Lets face it, any boardwalk worth its salt has a pier with some fun rides, but at the Disney version. In order to be a truly accurate representation, I feel Disney needs to add this last element. Or, at the very least, one ride in particular. At one end of the Boardwalk, there is the Dance Hall. This is a colossal waste of prime real estate. For starters, its often empty. I say we put the space to better use and have Disney construct that classic boardwalk ride, the Ferris wheel.
A Ferris wheel at that spot would give incredible views of MGM and Epcot as both are in walking distance. How great would it be to watch parts of Fantasmic or Illuminations while taking a spin? I would like to see some of the more common rides the Tilt-a-Whirl, the Himalaya, or a swing ride, as well, but we’ll start with a good old fashioned Ferris wheel.
Today’s Suggestion Box is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra.
Matt said,
June 20, 2007 @ 1:37 pm
I’m always in favor of doing something with real estate that is currently doing nothing. Wasted space is a pet peeve of mine when it comes to the parks.
biblioadonis aka George said,
June 20, 2007 @ 2:26 pm
I’ve seen the concept art for the Boardwalk and it did include plans for a Ferris Wheel. I can’t remember exactly why they didn’t proceed with it. (I think that was in the now defunct Disney Magazine or it was profiled in the DVC publication.)
With the Boardwalk, you probably want to see something very family friendly. A carousel or ferris wheel makes a lot of sense. I wonder about other midway rides. So many people were angry and upset about the carnival attractions at the Animal Kingdom and DCA. Even though the Boardwalk is a different feel.
Jeff Pepper said,
June 20, 2007 @ 3:34 pm
George is right, the initial concepts for Boardwalk had not only a Ferris Wheel but also a traditional wooden coaster as well. The area was also going to be heavy on dinner shows as well. At one point, three such venues were planned–one themed to Little Mermaid, one a magic show (long before the MGM Copperfield plan) and one that centered around a family reunion theme. As the resort/dvc aspect of the area became more pronounced, these ideas were ultimately abandoned in favor of more upscale dining and adult-based entertainment.
David said,
June 20, 2007 @ 3:43 pm
However the Ferris Wheel lasted longer into the process. The coaster was abondoned quickly, and I can’t remember why, but not the wheel. It’s a good idea, if only for the aesthetic quality.
The Boardwalk is hands down my favorite resort, with anything else being a distint second. But more can be done. However, this is pie-in-the-sky…DVC’s investments are going to be in more rooms, not carny rides.
Eric said,
June 20, 2007 @ 3:51 pm
I like the idea, but I just don’t see Disney moving this way. There are dozens of other areas in the resorts and parks that truly help, and I don’t think the Boardwalk is one of them.
But, if we are dreaming up some rides to add, how about some bumper cars? I always loved those as a child. (Not sure what that says about me, but….)
Good idea, Mike!
Eric said,
June 20, 2007 @ 3:53 pm
Correction to previous post:
“…that truly NEED help…”
Lou Mongello - DisneyWorldTrivia.com said,
June 20, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
Let’s not forget the “Noah’s Ark” show that was once planned for Crescent Lake. Written by Andrew Lloyd Weber (yeah, the Phantom of the Opera guy), it was supposed to be a huge musical show that would have taken place ON the Lake itself!
I believe that “Disney’s” Boardwalk was intended to be quite different from the Steel Piers that are found up and down the Atlantic seaboard, and not full of some of the “cheap midway” rides that are the subject of many people’s poor opinion of Dinoland, USA. Based on what is there today, it clearly evidences Disney’s intention of it being directed to a more adult audience (sports bars, dance clubs, over-21 piano bar), although it remains kid-friendly (just not kid-centric - which would be the result if rides and games were the focus).
Matt said,
June 20, 2007 @ 4:06 pm
I was thinking (A dangerous past time…)and I can’t think of something other than a ferris wheel I’d want. A coaster would not be fun for anyone staying at Boardwalk (too much noise) and we don’t need anymore of those god awful games where you pay like $5 for a chance to throw something to hopefully win something worth less than $5. A ferris wheel is classy and would be fun for all. Adding more than that would transform it into Disney’s Country Fair resort, in which case I can’t wait for the animal pull pavilion to open up!
David said,
June 20, 2007 @ 4:25 pm
To be fair to Mike’s idea, I don’t think it is totally without merit. A ferris wheel, that would offer just amazing views of Epcot, mgm, and crescent lake, combined with a couple of small things like a Tilt-a-Whirl or Bumper Cars culd potentially be seen as a draw to get people over to the restaurants and bars at the BW after the parks close.
Ray said,
June 20, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
I’m also on the Ferris Wheel bandwagon. I just cannot think of any other boardwalk-type attractions/games that I would like to see. I’m in that group that doesn’t really like the boardwalk theming of California Adventure at Disneyland. I pretty much only ride California Screamin’ over there and that ride that lifts you up the tower and drops you (the boomer???)
Every Ferris Wheel I’ve ever ridden has that point where you get stopped at the top while they are unloading people. Just think of the panoramic photos you could get of the other parks from up there.
Lou Mongello - DisneyWorldTrivia.com said,
June 20, 2007 @ 9:50 pm
Hmmm…. looks like my earlier post isn’t showing up (must be Matt’s doing LOL), so I’ll try again….
In talking about the original intention of the Boardwalk, as well as things that never saw the light of day, does anyone recall the plans for the Noah’s Ark musical show that was to be played out ON Crescent Lake? Yes, it was actually scored by Andrew Lloyd “Mr. Phantom of the Opera” Weber, but was shelved way back when.
I think the reason why we haven’t, and likely will not, see things like a Ferris Wheel, bumper cars, etc. is that Disney intended from the very beginning that THEIR Boardwalk be quite different from the Steel Piers that can still be found up and down the Atlantic seaboard. While still remaining kid-friendly, Disney’s Boardwalk is definitely aimed at the adult crowd - the promenade is lined with a sports bar, brew house, over-21 piano bar, dance hall, and upscale dining. Sure, there are things to keep families entertained, but by adding carnival and “off-the-shelf” attractions like bumper cars and the like, as well as the midway games that so many people curse at in places like Dinoland, you are now refocusing this incredibly themed area of WDW.
While I agree that a well-placed Ferris Wheel would afford an amazing view of Epcot and MGM, could you really just have one ride on the Boardwalk? Would you be trying to attract only those Guests that are walking the promenade already, or luring people over from elsewhere who might be frustrated (at least their kids may be) that there is only one “ride”. If a parent drives their family over after seeing/hearing about the Wheel and then having not much else for their kids to do for any length of time, they might be a little disappointed.
YoHo said,
June 21, 2007 @ 12:15 am
Take Paradise Pier please.
No seriously, take the whole thing and put it in the boardwalk. I want my parking lot back. I’ll bring a wrench and help.
I’m generally opposed to boardwalk style carnivals, because that’s exactly what Walt didn’t want. He hated them, but you’re correct, the boardwalk should have some form of ride.
Mike said,
June 21, 2007 @ 1:16 am
My idea is basically for the ferris wheel as a stand alone. You want to add a few smaller things OK. But if it was just a wheel thats fine too. And thanks for your thoughts
Corinn said,
June 21, 2007 @ 2:27 pm
I really like the idea of a ferris wheel, but maybe a carousel could work in that space also? The only problem might be for the guests staying at the BoardWalk who have to listen to the annoying music playing on the ride over and over again.
The space could definitely be great and right now it is completely useless. Having a focal point like a feature ride at the end of the BoardWalk would be such a great thing…that area is so great to begin with that a new ride would only make it that much better.
Mike said,
June 21, 2007 @ 8:42 pm
a carousel isn’t bad, but there are some at WDW. A ferris wheel is absent from the World
Mike said,
June 23, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
I just can’t believe Yoho agrees with me