For those that have been intimately involved with IOA from early on, what has been some of your biggest surprises to guest reaction to the park?
What rides are more or less popular than expected? Did everyone know that Spiderman was going to be the signature ride that everyone would talk about? Maybe, frustrations about how the park has been labeled (often called a coaster park, or thrill ride park) or guest feedback that continues to puzzle you?
It seems no matter how well intended, understanding the theme park audience is a tricky business. OLC was surprised to find the Japanese wanted everything to feel very American when they opened Tokyo Disneyland. Disney misread the European market for DL Paris, and very recently even their West Coast market. I assume that there were a few surprised here as well.
What rides are more or less popular than expected? Did everyone know that Spiderman was going to be the signature ride that everyone would talk about? Maybe, frustrations about how the park has been labeled (often called a coaster park, or thrill ride park) or guest feedback that continues to puzzle you?
It seems no matter how well intended, understanding the theme park audience is a tricky business. OLC was surprised to find the Japanese wanted everything to feel very American when they opened Tokyo Disneyland. Disney misread the European market for DL Paris, and very recently even their West Coast market. I assume that there were a few surprised here as well.