The Official "Use of Screenz" Thread

[Fatality]

Agreed on almost all accounts. Especially the last paragraph.

Haha, because of me admitting my guilt?

 

[tielo]

Universal makes it clear they try to fiind the best way to represent. That is coming up with a ride system and ride vehicle that is at best part of the ip. Most of the time that is a unique vehicle or a combination of ride technics never done before in say a dark ride.
Most of the times the 3 d screen approach is the best way to tell the (always unique) story. It's never a one on one rehash of the movie. That doesn't mean there are no aa's. Alone ini diagon alley there are ton's of aa's to tell the story of the land or the first part of the ride, the queue. You can't see those two seperate.

In the end manny of the most succesfull rides at WDW are screen rides or depend heavy on screens like Soarin, Test Track, Tower of Terror Star Tours and Toy Story Mania. They also have some very bad screen based rides like Nemo, Mission Space and the many 3d and 360 movies that are old and add nothing but a passive experiance. Universal lack those rides imho.

I think everyone who is saying Universals's 3d rides wear you out are somewhat right. They go often in full blazing and in your face. It's the main reason I can't do Transformers. But Spiderman and Gringots do that much better taking there time. I hope if Universal ever gets to get LotR they take their time and will transport you to all those magical places to enjoy before the action kicks in.

On the matter of F&F, that movie doesn't demand actors in the ride (queue sure) so I wish it was not a screen ride.

 

[Nick]

In the end manny of the most succesfull rides at WDW are screen rides or depend heavy on screens like Soarin, Test Track, Tower of Terror Star Tours and Toy Story Mania. They also have some very bad screen based rides like Nemo, Mission Space and the many 3d and 360 movies that are old and add nothing but a passive experiance. Universal lack those rides imho.

I agree with this to an extent beyond the classics at MK, Spaceship Earth and Kilimanjaro (so I guess a fair amount then lol).

However, the rides/attractions you mention, while they all use screens, the pacing on them is different in almost every case. The pacing is very similar for Universal's: Fast and Action packed. Nothing wrong with those type of rides. I love them, but the same type of pacing from ride-to-ride is what wears people out. This is why i'm looking forward to Kong, as I know it will be different.

On the matter of F&F, that movie doesn't demand actors in the ride (queue sure) so I wish it was not a screen ride.

Yeah, they could easily just do a voice-over in the ride vehicle.

 

[Brian G.]

They don't explain this longer because people on here get MAD if you post something that is more than 170 characters. (I hate the fact that @IzzyB feels pressured to apologize for "long" posts - this is not Twitter, post as much/long as you want - I love it. )

I don't agree with this all. I don't think anyone has problems on here with long posts, unless it was 4 paragraphs of thoughtless dreck.

If you feel pressured to apologize for long posts, @IzzyB; I'm sorry. That shouldn't be the case.

 

[JungleSkip]

I know exactly how you feel. Its a legitimate topic. But we are forced to talk about it in a separate thread that is purposely mis-spelled as joke.

The issue is it's the same discussion every time. Every. Single. Time. There's the "We don't really like screens" people and the "Just give me the best ride people". They go back and forth for 3-4 pages, largely off topic, wash, rinse, repeat 2 days later. It's so tiring and flat out boring.

 

[Mad Dog]

The issue is it's the same discussion every time. Every. Single. Time. There's the "We don't really like screens" people and the "Just give me the best ride people". They go back and forth for 3-4 pages, largely off topic, wash, rinse, repeat 2 days later. It's so tiring and flat out boring.

Boring is in the ears of the beholder. Myself, I enjoy a good spirited discussion. And often, it seems to draw out some insider info that might not have been said. It seems all the threads are more vibrant when people are in the spirit of discussion.

 

[JungleSkip]

Boring is in the ears of the beholder. Myself, I enjoy a good spirited discussion. And often, it seems to draw out some insider info that might not have been said. It seems all the threads are more vibrant when people are in the spirit of discussion.

I'm all for the spirit of discussion when it's not the same discussion ad naseum

 

[IzzyB]

I don't agree with this all. I don't think anyone has problems on here with long posts, unless it was 4 paragraphs of thoughtless dreck.

If you feel pressured to apologize for long posts, @IzzyB; I'm sorry. That shouldn't be the case.

lol - I don't. I make fun of myself because I do talk and write too much. I am the type of person that knows my weaknesses and can joke about them. I never have gotten the impression long posts are not welcome here. I don't even go back and edit them down most times, where when I am posting on my community forum because I am on the HOA I go back and edit them down a lot, since I need to be more professional in those environments. So I correct my weakness when I feel I need to. This is a fun forum, so honestly 90% of the time I don't edit them down.

The issue is it's the same discussion every time. Every. Single. Time. There's the "We don't really like screens" people and the "Just give me the best ride people". They go back and forth for 3-4 pages, largely off topic, wash, rinse, repeat 2 days later. It's so tiring and flat out boring.

I don't know, I don't always agree with this. I think there are angles to this discussion that get shut down because of the Disney has screens too. Which why compare to Disney? Why can't Uni be better? I also think that sometimes people who are on the we want something different side get misrepresented. For me I feel Studios has too many screens and they tore down two that didn't to add two that do. I think this throws the balance of the park off even more. For me it is all about balance and not the same. No, Transformers is nothing like Gringotts, which is nothing like DM. However, DM, Fallon, and Simpson all do sim cars in front of a large screen. Those are very similar in style. Transformers and Spider-man not only use the same tech, but the same story elements. F&F and Kong are going to be very similar in vehicles, 360, etc. I just think we need 2 rides added to studios that are not screen based and I was slightly disappointing to see that 2 screen based rides are being added.

 

[JungleSkip]

I don't know, I don't always agree with this. I think there are angles to this discussion that get shut down because of the Disney has screens too.

I don't think I've ever used Disney as an excuse, other than to say Disney and Universal just have two different design philosophies when it comes to rides.

Why can't Uni be better?.

That's assuming someone thinks they need to be better.

However, DM, Fallon, and Simpson all do sim cars in front of a large screen.

Sure, but I've complained about Fallon in the past. It's a dumb decision.

Transformers and Spider-man not only use the same tech, but the same story elements. F&F and Kong are going to be very similar in vehicles, 360, etc.

But they're in different parks? I wouldn't complain about similarities in IJA/Dinosaur if IJA showed up at DHS tomorrow. Same with TT/RSR.

I just think we need 2 rides added to studios that are not screen based.

You will.

 

[belloq87]

The issue is it's the same discussion every time. Every. Single. Time. There's the "We don't really like screens" people and the "Just give me the best ride people". They go back and forth for 3-4 pages, largely off topic, wash, rinse, repeat 2 days later. It's so tiring and flat out boring.

I think this is a side effect of some being unwilling to concede that the "other side" has any validity at all. Those who have no qualms about screens usage, for example, just can't seem to fathom how those of us who do have some possibly could feel that way in good faith.

And again, characterizing the two camps as "We don't really like screens" and "Just give me the best ride" is really unfair, and paints us as being "anti" something. I like screen-based rides! A lot! I just don't need 70% (that's an arbitrary number) of the headliner attractions in USF to follow that methodology. I wouldn't like it if 70% of the big rides in Magic Kingdom were variations on Pirates of the Caribbean, either.

 

[IzzyB]

I think this is a side effect of some being unwilling to concede that the "other side" has an validity at all. Those who have no qualms about screens usage, for example, just can't seem to fathom how those of us who do have some possibly could feel that way in good faith.

And again, characterizing the two camps as "We don't really like screens" and "Just give me the best ride" is really unfair, and paints us as being "anti" something. I like screen-based rides! A lot! I just don't need 70% (that's an arbitrary number) of the headliner attractions in USF to follow that methodology. I wouldn't like it if 70% of the big rides in Magic Kingdom were variations on Pirates of the Caribbean, either.

Agreed.

Also, I stated Disney is used as an excuse and JungleSkip said he doesn't. But in the other thread I said something about needing variety and the first response I saw was about HM, LM, etc. and how that is not variety. I hear it ALL the time on here. While Disney does have omni-movers in their parks they also have coaster, water rides, boat rides, movies, etc. It isn't just put 3D glasses on and here you go. I have said I don't feel like Gringotts and DM are anything alike and that is good variety, but DM, Simpsons, and Fallon are very similar. I also think the different parks things is hard to do with Uni because most people have 2 park passes and hop back and forth especially with the HE being there now. So many people do Spiderman and Transformers in the same day.

Again, I am not anti-screens at all. I think they can be used to enhance rides, I think they can be used as a focus for a ride in many cases, and they can be used 50/50. My thing is needing variety so people don't feel like they are putting 3D glasses on at every ride. IOA has good variety, but Studios is turning into 3D/Screen village especially after 2017.

 

[belloq87]

But in the other thread I said something about needing variety and the first response I saw was about HM, LM, etc. and how that is not variety. I hear it ALL the time on here. While Disney does have omni-movers in their parks they also have coaster, water rides, boat rides, movies, etc. It isn't just put 3D glasses on and here you go.

Absolutely agree.

I'd be much more sympathetic to the argument that anybody who complains about "variety" should, therefore, dislike the similar rides at Magic Kingdom if, you know, Magic Kingdom wasn't one of the most varied and balanced theme parks (in terms of kinds of experiences) on the planet. No one technique or approach is overdone in that park. Don't like the boat rides? Here are some themed roller coasters! Don't like those? Here are some elaborate AA stage shows! Those don't do it for you? How about some classic omnimover dark rides? Still not happy? Try the Peoplemover, or the railroad, or the riverboat.

Frankly, MK could actually use a ride in the Spider-Man style, because there's nothing even close to that in the park.

 

[martymcflyy85]

The issue is it's the same discussion every time. Every. Single. Time. There's the "We don't really like screens" people and the "Just give me the best ride people". They go back and forth for 3-4 pages, largely off topic, wash, rinse, repeat 2 days later. It's so tiring and flat out boring.

In my personal opinion this is not what happens. In my view, what seems to happen is that someone brings up something negative about screens and then immediately they are made to feel like that is a stupid view that people are tired of hearing and please take it to the screenz thread.

I find many things get repeated over and over in this forum (for example: "I told you about this months ago" and "other insiders on other websites don't know what they are talking about") but I just don't let it bother me and I keep reading...because eventually I find a post that makes me want to hit the "like" button again.

I think all people want is to be respected and let their voice heard. And to not be told that something is boring. I hope you don't think I"m trying to put you down or anything. I really enjoy reading your posts 99 percent of the time, especially the Nintendo stuff.

 

[JungleSkip]

I wouldn't like it if 70% of the big rides in Magic Kingdom were variations on Pirates of the Caribbean, either.

I'd argue there are 2 type of headliners at MK: slow moving dark rides and themed coasters. Pirates, Mansion, Small World, Mermaid just aren't all that different to me in the slightest. They're all great and I love them, but I don't see them as these super diverse offerings. Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain are analogous to Mummy and RRR for me, as in BTM/Mummy are awesome and RRR/Space Mountain suck. The only headliner that breaks the mold in MK, IMO, is Splash, and Splash is one of the best rides on the planet.

What MK has, and all DL style parks have that others just don't, are a ton of things that aren't headliners. The small Fantasyland dark rides and such that newer parks were kind of never designed for and built with.

I'll agree that's unfortunate, but I personally don't see MK's headliner offerings to be all that much more diverse than USF's. It's just that USF is all headliners, which is just how that park was designed.

 

[belloq87]

I'd argue there are 2 type of headliners at MK: slow moving dark rides and themed coasters. Pirates, Mansion, Small World, Mermaid just aren't all that different to me in the slightest. They're all great and I love them, but I don't see them as these super diverse offerings. Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain are analogous to Mummy and RRR for me, as in BTM/Mummy are awesome and RRR/Space Mountain suck. The only headliner that breaks the mold in MK, IMO, is Splash, and Splash is one of the best rides on the planet.

What MK has, and all DL style parks have that others just don't, are a ton of things that aren't headliners. The small Fantasyland dark rides and such that newer parks were kind of never designed for and built with.

I'll agree that's unfortunate, but I personally don't see MK's headliner offerings to be all that much more diverse than USF's. It's just that USF is all headliners, which is just how that park was designed.

Fair enough! I obviously see things a little differently (re: the bolded part), but your point about USF being all headliners is one I really hadn't thought of. I think you're basically right, but if anything that underscores - for me - the necessity of trying to make sure each new attraction justifies its existence by bringing something new and fresh to the table, since there aren't as many of the "smaller" D/C ticket experiences to add variety and round out the day. We could probably argue about whether or not USF's additions of late meet that standard, I'm sure!

 

[JungleSkip]

Fair enough! I obviously see things a little differently (re: the bolded part), but your point about USF being all headliners is one I really hadn't thought of.

I think it's the biggest problem of every non-Disneyland-style park, personally. DAK gets around it thanks to their animal offerings.

I think Nintendo could help in this regard, but we'll see.

I think you're basically right, but if anything that underscores - for me - the necessity of trying to make sure each new attraction justifies its existence by bringing something substantially new and fresh to the table. We could probably argue about whether or not USF's additions of late meet that standard, I'm sure!

I can see that, though I think companies look at one thing, for the most part: How it's going to attract guests. F&F and Fallon will move guest numbers even if they're not as revolutionary as the attractions we've gotten the past 5 years.

With that being said, Kong and Volcano Bay will completely break the mold, and things coming afterwards will as well. So maybe it's not such a huge deal that next year's rides won't be revolutionary

 

[belloq87]

I hope so! Despite what you might think, I do have a reasonable degree of trust in Universal's longterm strategy, and there are indications that they've got some attractions coming up eventually that will likely be a bit more in my preferred wheelhouse.

That said, 2017 is probably the year I refrain from taking a trip to the resort. Fallon and F&F hold little interest for me, and though Volcano Bay sounds like it's going to be awesome for those who like that sort of thing, I think water parks are, frankly, kind of gross!

 

[Mad Dog]

Nice arguments, on both sides of the coin. Well spoken.

 

[IzzyB]

I hope so! Despite what you might think, I do have a reasonable degree of trust in Universal's longterm strategy, and there are indications that they've got some attractions coming up eventually that will likely be a bit more in my preferred wheelhouse.

That said, 2017 is probably the year I refrain from taking a trip to the resort. Fallon and F&F hold little interest for me, and though Volcano Bay sounds like it's going to be awesome for those who like that sort of thing, I think water parks are, frankly, kind of gross!

I agree, I see some positive things coming. But the two non-E ticket rides coming in 2017 are more of the same. I wish their C/D Ticket rides would not be sitting in front of a screen for the majority of the ride. To me Gringotts was not a big deal having screens. I was OK with that because it needed screens and is not all screens. It was different. But they are replacing two rides that were different to put in rides similar to other rides.

I agree Nintendo could change all this, but it is many years away from opening and until then it will be a major hole for studios. Again, IOA is fine, other than I feel IOA needs more rides.

Wanted to add I was OK with Kong because it is in IOA which has very few 3D rides.

 

[epcyclopedia]

Also, everyone who keeps parroting that next ride to open will be scenery/props based and not a fast paced screen-venture is really off base...