Disney California Adventure has never needed two hang-from-chains-and-fly-in-a-circle rides. One of those chain-spinners, Golden Zephyr, succeeds in offering a rare old-time experience on a contraption that, I believe, only has one duplicate on the planet.
The other is about as unique as a box of Pop Tarts. Silly Symphony Swings certainly looks better than it did during its awful Orange Stinger years, but -- despite the cheerful facelift--it's still the exact same ho-hum swing ride found at every traveling carnival and county fair in the country (and most non-Disney theme parks).
On top of that, the name has always been annoying, because the cartoon it's based on (The Band Concert) isn't a Silly Symphony at all.
In all seriousness, I'll bet that if Disney somehow removed this ride overnight and replaced it with a bandstand, 95% of repeat park visitors wouldn't even realize it was gone.
In this case, "refurb" simply means "relocate." A fun ride in an unwelcome location -- That's Astro Orbitor. Once upon a time, this attraction's Rocket Jets soared high above the PeopleMover station, offering a breathtaking, high-altitude thrill. Now it actually boards below ground level and spins within the narrow, crowded confines of the Tomorrowland entryway, offering views of rotting Peoplemover tracks and the tops of heads crowding the queues for Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear.
The effect was better when it had the Rocket Rods zipping along in the background, but those days are long gone
Future park plans point toward a welcome change of venue for this out-of-place ride. It can't happen soon enough.
Disneyland's Dumbo is the Granddaddy of all Disney spinners, and it remains the most charming. I honestly don't understand the Disney fans who poo-poo this masterpiece as "just another carnival ride." I don't care how old you are; If you don't feel something light up in your soul as you nudge the little control lever and begin to rise upward--with that wonderful music playing and the rooftops of Fantasyland whirling around you--how can that not make you smile? I mean, this ride is the heartbeat of Disneyland. If happiness could be converted to electricity, Dumbo could power the entire West Coast.
Is it worth a long wait in line in the hot California sun? No. Is it worth getting up early for to avoid the lines and enjoy a magical whirl through a still-waking park? You betcha!
As we leave the borders of Fantasyland, some of you might be wondering about the fifth aerial spinner of Disneyland Resort. It's Flik's Flyers in DCA's A Bug's Land. It's no Dumbo, but it is one of that area's highlights.
I hope you enjoyed our take on Kill, Refurb, Mary. Be sure to check out all the participants' entries listed below for more opinions on which Disney spinners should get the crown and which ones should get the axe!
You are sooo right about Disneyland's Dumbo! We got up early one morning on our visit to hit all of the Fantasyland attractions before the crowds showed up. One of the highlights was definitely Dumbo. I couldn't stop smiling! :)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting to see the Disneyland side of things! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteALWAYS interesting to get your side on things. I had no idea there were two swing rides at DL!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing a little slice of Disneyland! You made this transplanted California girl's day :)
ReplyDeleteI strongly disagree on Silly Symphony Swings. Leave it alone!
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DeleteI'm glad to hear someone speaking up for the ride! :) It does have its charms...and looks great at night. Even though it's my least favorite DLR spinner, I wouldn't really be happy to see it go *unless* they immediately replaced it with something much better...and found a new home for the awesome statue of Bandleader Mickey.
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