HOP and COP
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Cruella · 01-07-2001, 04:40 AM

Rumors have been flying about the fact that WDW will be closing both the Hall of Presidents and Carousel of Progress this year. I was just wondering - how do you all feel about this? Will you miss them? I, for one, will miss both, since they are part of the original magic that made WDW so indelibly etched on my mind, but especially COP, since it is Walt's legacy.

What do you think?

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Cruella ºoº

"...where the young at heart, of all ages, can laugh and play and learn, together!"

Cruella

pinkerbell · 01-07-2001, 07:31 AM

I agree Cruella. These are classic Disney attractions that I remember seeing as a child back in the summer of 1972 when the Magic Kingdom first opened. How can they even consider getting rid of any original "Walt" rides? If they want to build something new, why not do it where 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea used to be?

coffeechef · 01-07-2001, 11:20 AM

I agree too. I for one love the Carousel of Progress. I went on it 3x on my last visit. My 8 yr old Nephew enjoyed it too. As for the Hall of presidents I have not been on it my last 2 trips because I thought my nephews would find it boring. But you are right, its a Walt Disney original and I would feel really bad if they took it away. I taped COP when we were there, so that I would always have it.

**Dave Marx** · 01-07-2001, 11:42 AM

My thoughts swing back and forth on issues like this. As someone who grew up watching Walt on TV, I still have a soft spot for each and every attraction he described back then. I first rode some of them at the NY World's Fair in '64/'65!

I'm also sympathetic to the need to present new, fresh attractions to replace those that are either losing their popularity or physically wearing out. The best explanation/rumor I've heard for the Carousel of Progress situation (reduced operating hours, increased breakdowns) is that some key mechanical parts are wearing out and are too costly to replace. If that's so, then it's just a matter of time before the final farewell. Let's hope it lasts through Walt's Birthday celebration!

I believe that if Walt were alive today neither he nor we would be quite as nostalgic about some of the older attractions. Walt would go on TV, catch our imaginations with his newest creation-in-progress, and we'd be ready for whatever the future brings. It's a bit harder to accept change without the help of such an inspiring leader.

In many ways, Walt's greatest legacy isn't the individual attractions at the parks, but the parks themselves, and the spirit and philosophy he set in motion. It's far more enduring than any one attraction, and has infected and inspired hundreds of thousands of castmembers over the years - from Imagineers to the cleaning staff. They don't always hit a home run, but then, neither did Walt. Still, each and every bit of Walt Disney World (and every park but the original Disneyland) was built after Walt's passing. That's quite a legacy, and it leaves me confident that there's still lots to look forward to.

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Co-Author, PassPorter Walt Disney World 2000
http://www.passporter.com/wdw/

MrsPotts · 01-08-2001, 10:08 AM

I personally will miss both very much. In recent years, I've planned my day at MK, around the times that COP are open.

I think they should keep them... its one of the few things anymore that can show young people how far we've come in the last century.

As for HOP, I've just always loved it. May be they could move it from Liberty Square, and add some space to the American display in Epcot, and put it there? I'm sure that would be a hassel, and loads of $$$, but then we would still have it.

I'll be very sad if these should close, but will tell you this.... they are two things I will definitely do when I'm down there this week, just in case I never have the chance again.

coffeechef · 01-08-2001, 10:56 PM

Hey Dave ... Well said !!
Though you did bring a tear to my eye. You make a very good point.
Even though Walt's Legacy lives on & it shows in so much of DL & WDW. I find myself thinking sometimes about what else Walt would have imagined.

imported_Carole · 01-11-2001, 12:05 AM

I love COP and was soooo disappointed when I found it wasn't open for MVMCP in 1999, as that was my only time scheduled at the MK for that trip. You'd better believe that I made a special morning at the MK just to see COP this past visit to WDW (NOV-Dec 2000). "There's a great big beautiful tomorrow...waiting at the end of every day...". I just LOVE IT!!!!!

All Ears · 01-11-2001, 08:25 AM

If you can believe this one.... I have never been on COP. My next trip is in 3 weeks, so I will definitely add it to my "Must See List." Re: it's limited operating hours, where could I obtain this schedule? I want to be sure that I fit it into my plans.
As for HOP, I am not a huge fan of this one. I think it is interesting, but it has not been a "must see" for me. I would be disappointed to see it go, though, as my DH really enjoys this one. He also happens to be working on his PhD in History, so this could partly be the reason why!!

All Ears

whoSEZ · 01-11-2001, 02:22 PM

I missed these both on my first two trips to WDW, but put them on my must-see list for Trip #3 (last July) and Trip #4 (March 2001). As long as COP and HOP are open, I'll be sure to fit them in, and yes ... I'll miss them terribly. It's a little easier knowing (or at least hoping) that something fabulous will replace them.

Sandy

**Dave Marx** · 01-12-2001, 12:58 AM

Carousel of Progress (CoP) generally opens later in the morning (around 10 or 11) and closes down at 5:00 PM. Less wear-and-tear on the equipment that way, I guess. You can check the Tip Boards on Main Street or in Tomorrowland for the actual schedule during your visit.

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Co-Author, PassPorter Walt Disney World 2000
http://www.passporter.com/wdw/

Disnygirl · 01-14-2001, 03:36 PM

I have heard these rumors before and I always hope they're not true! COP is one of my favorite attractions at WDW. I would hate to see it go. But like they say, out with the old in with the new. But it doesn't make it any easier on us. Sometimes I think we go forward with so much progress that we forget the past and how everything got started. But I guess that's what progress means, it still seems a shame that we will have to lose these 2 "old" attractions.
Disnygirl

debe · 01-14-2001, 03:55 PM

I have alread told my DH that if these two are open, then we better see them while we are down this trip. I too hate seeing things go but we all have to remember.... changes are good!

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"Remember the Magic!"
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Take Care, debe-nj

LauraBelle V. Hime · 01-14-2001, 05:57 PM

I'm hoping they are still open in April because they haven't been on my list of things to do for too long!

I'm with you, Dave, the NY World's Fair sure does bring back some great memories!

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Take care-
Laura
"When you wish..........

laura

**Fortissimo** · 01-14-2001, 08:50 PM

During our trip, CoP was down everytime we went to MK, even when it was supposed to be running. I love this attraction so I was very disappointed that we didn't get to see it.

Both CoP and HoP are worthy of renovating and keeping. If they want to add an attraction or two, there is a very large space where 2000 Leagues used to be.

mattjs · 01-16-2001, 12:17 AM

Extraordinarilly well said Dave. With Walt gone it's no easy task balancing the old with the new. Not without alienating longtime visitors who may feel like "Eisner just doesn't get it".

I actually think Eisner's done a pretty good job. Not a perfect job but then, not even Walt batted a thousand. And to me, Animal Kingdom is the best example of the great things to come.

AK sometimes takes it on the chin for being too small, without enough to do. But, I actually think Disney's done this one just right. They took the time to get the foundation theming right. And now, from a theming standpoint, you've got arguably the most spectacular park of all. I don't really know anything about the business but it seems like expanding and putting up new rides over time is the easy part. Just look how fast IOA and Seaworld throw up those monster coasters. Disney could certainly have done the same with AK but didn't. I think that bodes well for the future.

They're still taking the time to be sure they have unique attractions and experiences that set Disney apart from the "thrill parks". It's still about finding yourself in another world. About letting go of age and reality for 2, 3, 6, 10 however many days. It's still the greatest place on earth.

Now... if Mr. Eisner could just expand the monorail

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Por favor mantengan se alejado de las puertas

[This message has been edited by mattjs (edited 01-15-2001).]