So, my recollection of the "old school" WDW was that of a Magic Kingdom that was basically (with a few exceptions) unchanged from what it is today. The premise and look and feel of the park is still the same as a whole. Honestly, I preferred the "old school" Tomorrowland as opposed to the new one, but I have never really been extremely attached to anything at Magic Kingdom. So for Magic Kingdom, I don't mind where it is today. To me, not much is different there.
Epcot and Hollywood Studios are my two main "concerns". I'll start with Epcot first. Epcot was, and always will be, the park closest to my heart. I have always been more of a scientific thinker. I always loved Epcot, even as a child. I much prefer the "old school" version of Epcot; The Living Seas, World of Motion, Wonders of Life Pavilion, the old version of Living with the Land (with the person narrating in the boat)...I could go on and on. Don't get me wrong...I like Test Track and I love Soarin', but Epcot of the past was more of a learning center than it was Disney based. I understand Disney for wanting to brand more rides and stuff to their movie franchises, and I'm sure most kids, and probably adults, enjoy that more, but this fan prefers the old "generic" style of rides, with more of the educational message and feel. Also, I don't feel Epcot is what it set out to be anymore. It was supposed to be a futuristic park with futuristic technology showcased...among other things. I remember walking in to CommuniCore and seeing hundreds of Sega Genesis game systems with Sonic on them. This was when Sega Genesis was brand new or not even out yet. I just feel that Epcot has lost it's futuristic appeal. I would love to see this park reverted back to it's old style...although I know that is impossible.
Now on to Hollywood Studios. This park was never really a huge draw for me, but it is not because of the concept. I love the concept and I love the way the park used to be in the past; however, I never felt this park was complete (even as a child). Something was just "off" about it. The backlot tour back in the 90s was awesome. Driving through an actual backlot with the house facades and the props of vehicles used in movies was really cool and interesting to me. Now, it is a waste of time. I am not a big thrill ride type person, so the Rock'n Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror don't do much for me, but Star Tours, the Great Movie Ride and Muppet Vision 3D / Indiana Jones were always a good time for me. Now, I really only visit this park for the nostalgia and because I am the type that has to visit all 4 parks each visit. This park is a shell of it's former self...and to me, it's former self was a shell of what it could have been...this park needs a ton of TLC...perhaps they are beginning that with the Pixar Place rumors that keep coming up and the redoing of Star Tours. I hope that is not the end of the changes for this park.
And finally, Animal Kingdom. I enjoy this park, but I really only spend half of a day there. For me, I do Kilimanjaro Safari and DINOSAUR and I am done. I still have yet to see the stage shows, which I have been wanting to see for a while, but it just never fits in the schedule. I can't really say that there is an "old school" Animal Kingdom because it is still considered a new park...to me at least. Also, the last time I was there as a kid, they just announced the park and they started clearing the land, so my first experience of Animal Kingdom was when I was grown (about 4-5 years ago was my first visit), so not too much has changed for me since then.
I am very interested in hearing everyone's opinions on this topic. I know not everyone will agree with everything everyone says, so please stay respectful if you want to "argue" a point someone makes...and I know people are pretty good around here for respecting people's opinions. Let's hear them! Thanks!
![Mickey :mickey:](./images/smilies/mickey_smile_01.gif)