[Chat] Removing the Mickey Wheel

[Sorcerer's Apprentice]

kinda like it.

[Santoanderson]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

Whatchu talkin' bout Willis?

The wheel has turned into a family tradition, simply because of the swinging gondolas. You can't find those everywhere.

[JerrodDRagon]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

I'm ok with it because....

1) It's used well in WOC....
2) Looks nice
3) not enough room to make another attraction in it's spot and it gets 30 mins lines

[Coolwowzer]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

I love It it help balance out the sight of Paradise pier, especially since they took out Malaboomer . The ride may not be a huge E or even D ticket but it a nice simple ride that is getting enough guests to be considered a success, Paradise Pier without the wheel would look like something is missing for sure without any balance between Screamin'.

[BrodyDanger]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

•If Walt had wanted one he could have put one in.

Sure, but you can probably say that about almost anything that was built post-Walt Disney. Technology permitting, of course.

[sbk1234]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

Lose Mickey's Puke-Inducing Death Wheel? I don't know...
Seriously, as much of a motion-sickeningly miserable time I had on that thing yesterday, I wouldn't be celebrating its loss. It helps make for a beautiful landscape and with it all lit up at night, it's truly gorgeous.

[Sorcerer's Apprentice]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

Sure, but you can probably say that about almost anything that was built post-Walt Disney. Technology permitting, of course.

I think he would have been down with most of the other DCA attractions... I said MOST... jumpin' jellyfish.... eh-hem... I dunno

[frollofan]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

my friend was terrified of this ride last week. I don't think it needs to be removed, but I probably still won't ride it often.

[Malina]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

I've said this before, but another thing about the Wheel is that it uses a design that is only used in one or two other wheels in the WORLD. If someone can't get to Coney Island to ride the Wonder Wheel--this is the only other place in America, and one of only three in the world--to use that double track design.

[jsmith11618]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

While its not a ride I enjoy or go on with any regularity, I don't see any reason to remove it. I think its unique enough to hold its place in the park. As others have said, its not a typical wheel ride, and its not like any of the local fairs etc have one.

[CupcakeTerror]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

While Mickey's Fun Wheel isn't my fave attraction in the park, it certainly adds to the wonderful skyline that is Paradise Pier! It makes me think of all the old amusement parks of yore and all the fun I had visiting them as a kid.

Will I ride the moving gondolas? Nope! LOL But I truly do LOVE the way the Fun Wheel looks next to Calfornia Screamin' at night all lit up and glowing... and beautiful. *Happy Sigh*

[ohmyjustin]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

•If Walt had wanted one he could have put one in.

This will forever be the one of the worst arguments regarding changes to any park.

[jasmineray]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

I can't stand when people try to use the "Walt wouldn't have wanted this" so-called excuse.

The Mickey Wheel is fine and I think it compliments the look and feel of Paradise Pier.

[calsig31]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

It really does look beautiful at night and during the day, but especially with the lights at night. The way it is integrated into the World of Color is brilliant. Not only that, but some of the best views of the resort are to be seen from the fixed gondolas.

it gets 30 mins lines

The slow load time and low capacity will account for the long lines.

[DCArocks]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

The fun wheel should stay. It is unique and beautiful. All it needs is a better que. I say remove jellyfish and zephyr!

[Chuuster]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

I agree with what everyone brought up. Despite it being a "generic ride" plus, it really is no different from the simplicity of teacups or the carousel in Fantasyland, which was from Walt's day. Disneyland's charm is in its variety, and a ferris wheel ride adds this variety perfectly in the seaside theme.

[swampymarsh]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

MFW also serves a big purpose. It is part of the berm for DCA. It creates a visual barrier so we don't see the outside world. MFW, along with CS, the Caddilac Range, ToT and the Hyperion Theater are all tall and the visual edge of the resort. These things block to long views from stretching further.

[chloealpert]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

I mean, with that logic, you could say Screamin' should be taken away because there are roller coasters at most amusement parks too....

[CASurfer65]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

I can't stand when people try to use the "Walt wouldn't have wanted this" so-called excuse.

The Mickey Wheel is fine and I think it compliments the look and feel of Paradise Pier.

Well, I think it's something that will probably continue to happen for a long time. The park does have his name on it still and he had a pretty clearly defined philosophy of what he wanted his park to be. Hence people will always take that philosophy of Walt's as they themselves interpret it and determine for themselves what they think he would and wouldn't have wanted in the park.

It's all speculation of course, and most of us know it is.

But for myself, having worked at the park from '83 through '94 and having been taught the Disney "way" not only through orientation but as a trainee in Attractions, you certainly can't help but take that philosophy that is ingrained in your thoughts and evaluate changes that occur at the park, wondering what he would have thought.

Walt is forever connected to this magical place and because it did have a philosophy behind it that was unique and a movement away from traditional "amusement" parks, people will definitely have their opinions about what THEY think Walt would have thought about his park 50+ years later. I know I do.

As for the Mickey Wheel, it certainly fits the area. With the types of rides it has, that part of DCA looks like an old time carnival so a ferris wheel fits it perfectly.

Now I used to hear that Walt never really wanted a ferris wheel in his park, but I don't know if that's a documented fact or not. I know he didn't want an amusement park in the traditional sense of the concept. And cleanliness was the biggest part of it.

It's one of those things though that, much to the irritation of some, will be debated as one of those "what would Walt have done (or thought)" questions. And who knows? Speculation will always be a big part of it, but you also can't separate him or his philosophy from the changes that occur, even today, because he was such a special man who brought a very special park to the world in his own unique way. And it still has his name on it.

[MANEATINGWREATH]

Re: Removing the Mickey Wheel

I have seen ancient concept art for a ferris wheel themed to the Old Mill for Fantasyland...if I recall correctly it was drawn in a pre-Disneyland time so you never know if he was up for one.