We just got back, our first trip in 7 years. It's changed a lot; I think part of it is because so many parents are focused on getting their kids photographed with all the characters. I've seen those lines be longer than the ride lines; we walked right onto several rides at Epcot while there was a huge line snaking out of the Epcot character photo lines. And now all the kids want to get the characters' autographs too...
It was Star Wars Weekend at MGM. Boo. You talk about some weird people there! There were lots of adults (not the ones working at the park) all decked out as Star Wars characters.
There was a middle-aged woman who weighed maybe 300 lbs. all decked out like Leia and all these kids were gaping at her like, "Is that what happened to Princess Leia?" The host on one stage was asking, "How many of you saw Star Wars the first week it opened?" and I started to put up my hand until I noticed that the others with hands up were wearing costumes. Ew.
Lots of international families were there. I heard almost as much Spanish as English. We commented that when one wears a sari with Nikes or a Muslim headpiece with a Disney visor, much of the exotic intrigue goes away, lol.
Finally, pirates sell. In past years, there was no line to get on the ride but now there is. Plus there used to be that little shop right outside the ride that people passed through rapidly but now there's a huge store with hundreds of people buying pirate merchandise, lots of selections available too. I do like the new and improved ride, though!
Other comments?