POTC Johnny Refurb

[Prudence]

Now that I've finally been on the "updated" ride, I have an opinion. I'm sure you've all been waiting anxiously for my verdict.

I have mixed feelings. I don't think it's ruined, and I'm still going to want to go on it just as frequently as before, but I can definitely see why some would be irked.

I'm not opposed to the concept of adding a movie tie-in or two. There's a lot going on in there, and I'm sure there's room for a new animatronic or two. I think adding just the one Captain Jack with the dress forms (or possibly the one in the barrel instead, since the original barrel occupant is already gone) would have been cute. It's a good animatronic, it doesn't get in the way, and it would have been a suitable nod to a very successful film.

However, I think they went way overboard. I am giving a big two thumbs down to the Barbossa animatronic. Not only did it replace the iconic pirate captain, but it sucks. That's two strikes for the price of one. And geeze Louise what is up with all the references in the soundtrack? WTF? In my opinion, that's what tips things from "nod to the film" to "changing the ride." The ride is not about looking for Captain Jack. It's one thing to have Jack appear in the pirate town - he does go there from time to time, it seems. But to change the plot of the ride? Egads!

And that last Jack? Ewww! It's one thing to have anonymous, slightly cartoonish pirates whose movements aren't totally natural - but an animatronic based on an actual person? Not cool.

So, I'm not totally thrilled with the rehab, but it won't kill me. I hope that in a year or so there will be some sort of festive restoration of the original soundtrack.

[RStar]

Originally Posted by Prudence

It's one thing to have anonymous, slightly cartoonish pirates whose movements aren't totally natural - but an animatronic based on an actual person? Not cool.

So I take it you don't like the Mr. Lincoln attraction, or the hall of presidents in WDW?

[Prudence]

Originally Posted by RStar

So I take it you don't like the Mr. Lincoln attraction, or the hall of presidents in WDW?

I'm not keen on some parts of the Hall of Presidents, for much the same reasons. I give a pass to those attractions starring long-dead people, as we don't have video footage of their movements to compare. I realize you may not see the same distinction I do. This is just my opinion, which is essentially worthless. But I can suspend my disbelief long enough when either it's cartoony - or at least I don't have newsreels providing a comparison. Actually, it's more than that - the first Captain Jack is "neat", possibly because the motions are limited enough that they can appear realistic. The last one exposes the limitations of the art (or budget) and looks stupid. The face doesn't look the same, the movements are jerky, and instead of thinking "Wow! that's pretty realistic for an animatronic!" I think "Wow! That's stupid!"

[RStar]

Originally Posted by Prudence

I'm not keen on some parts of the Hall of Presidents, for much the same reasons. I give a pass to those attractions starring long-dead people, as we don't have video footage of their movements to compare. I realize you may not see the same distinction I do. This is just my opinion, which is essentially worthless. But I can suspend my disbelief long enough when either it's cartoony - or at least I don't have newsreels providing a comparison. Actually, it's more than that - the first Captain Jack is "neat", possibly because the motions are limited enough that they can appear realistic. The last one exposes the limitations of the art (or budget) and looks stupid. The face doesn't look the same, the movements are jerky, and instead of thinking "Wow! that's pretty realistic for an animatronic!" I think "Wow! That's stupid!"

No, no, no, no. Your opinions are not worthless! In fact I share the same opinion about the AA Jacks you do. The first two look real enough, but that last one never should have been installed.

However, being a big fan of both POTC movies and ride, and a Johnny fan, I find it hard to say that I don't like the change. To me the ride was getting old and dated. I liked the changes they made in the past, with the exception of the pirates chasing food.