Disneynut wrote: I agree, what was there before?
js3901 is right: Part of the space was used for meet & greets, usually with the Jungle Book characters. The rest of it was an open area containing seating for enjoying frozen treats from Sunshine Tree Terrace. It had some nice planters and tables and chairs with bright umbrellas.
The space is shaped differently than it once was, because when they began construction on the new attraction, they had to widen the walkway in front of the ramp leading down to Jungle Cruise because of emergency regulations. If you visit Adventureland at WDW today, you'll notice a large "boardwalk" type area around the corner from the Swiss Family Treehouse entrance. This was built to maintain the minimum road width required by Reedy Creek in case an ambulance or fire truck had to enter the area.
Though I don't like the Magic Carpets, I do admire the Disney execs for launching a brand new attraction in a space previously unutilized. That mentality seems much more in line with what Walt would appreciate. Also, it's important to keep in mind that the Magic Carpets were built for several reasons: 1.) There hadn't been a new attraction in Adventureland since Pirates of the Caribbean opened in 1973. 2.) Families with smaller children weren't spending as much time on the west side of the park as on the east. 3.) The line for Dumbo almost always stretches out of the queue. By building a similar attraction elsewhere in the park, the long waits might be alleviated. Before green-lighting Magic Carpets, the idea of building an identical Dumbo right next to the existing one in Fantasyland was even strongly considered.
Anyway, the ride is still terrible. But I stick by my guns: TriceraTop Spin at DAK is even worse!
Haha! Well, it's understandable that wouldn't make your top ten list.
