Theme Parks Were Better in the 90s (Part 3)

Theme parks were better in the 90s and this time in Part 3, I cover very different subjects from what was covered before. While Las Vegas developed its own brand of family entertainment, New York City, or specifically Times Square, did so in the 90s as well. While many businesses moved in to change the reputation of the area, Disney worked as the single largest catalyst, encouraging many other businesses like Hershey, M&M's, Toys R Us and even McDonald's to build flagship locations in the city. While themed chain restaurants moved in too, New York was also home to many unique themed dining options, including WFF New York, Mars 2112, and the Jekyll and Hyde Club. This video also dives pretty far into retail as well, exploring malls of the 90s and the rise of Mega Malls full of attractions and rides such as the West Edmonton Mall and Mall of America. Finally, I return back to Las Vegas to cover the many attractions I've barely mentioned, including MGM Grand Adventures, the Star Trek Experience and the Grand Slam Canyon (the Adventuredome today).

As always if you enjoy the content, please give the video a like. You can also hit the subscribe button and bell notification to know when new videos are released.

[PoseidonEntertainment]

Hey, this is a re-upload of the previous Part 3. Weirdly, the old video was taken down by the WWE for the old WWF commercial I briefly showed, illustrating the name change after the lawsuit from the World Wildlife Foundation. I felt that it clearly falls under Fair Use, but it was easier to just modify the video slightly and reupload, rather than going through YouTube's messy counter-claim system that could take up to 30 days to resolve.

For anyone wondering, I'm working on the final Part 4 and while I've gotten a lot of writing done, I was held up with a lot going on, so I haven't been able to get to it as I wanted. I'll still try to get it out as quickly as possible though.

[tymccarthy]

You hit the nail on the head with what caused the shift. With MGM removing the Wizard of Oz attraction for more floor space for slots/gaming. The mindset of the 00s and especially since the Great Recession is if it's not making money, don't do it. New rides added at parks don't have the landscaping elements anymore. And it's not just amusement parks that saw this contraction. Pensions and employee benefits start getting pulled back too. New office buildings, especially government ones, become shorter, and less ornate to cut cost. le sigh.

[chillabrew_glycolinstall]

YouTube is getting wild af. No reason for the last video to be blocked at all. Likes given. Always.

[jaball]

It's wild how all of the 80s/90s malls look exactly alike. The one in my small town has those same palm tree sculptures and pink and white exterior. Same tile inside, same ceiling, everything!

[richarddavis]

The Star Trek experience was amazing. I miss this attraction more than anything else that has been retired. It may have felt even more immersive than Rise of the Resistance with the Enterprise Bridge being incredibly life-like

[marcuschristensen]

Thank you for including the Adventuredome/Grand Slam Canyon and the Wizard of Oz exhibit at the MGM. Growing up in Vegas in the 90s meant that these two (along with the Treasure Island Pirate show) were core memories and experiences for a young boy.

They were our own sort of "Disneylands" and were very very special to myself and other young kids in that era.

[Raymundo_]

This video was fantastic!! I absolutely loved hearing you talk about Mars 2112 (my favorite place of all time if that wasn’t clear already lol) I also loved the Jekyll and Hyde segment which was incredibly cool. As someone who used to work at the original Grenwich village location as a scare actor, I always love hearing people talk about the place. I adore hearing people talk about these places since often it feels like most people either don’t care or have just completely forgotten about these awesome restaurants.
Awesome video!!

[christarusher]

As a teenager, I went on a girl scout trip to NYC with scouts of a variety of ages. Our tour guide took us to the Jekyll and Hyde restaurant on 7th Avenue. I remember it being a horrible experience! The silverware and glasses were dirty. The animatronics creeped us teenagers out, but the little girls were downright terrified. Not a good choice. What a surprise to be reminded of that right in the middle of one of your videos! Thanks for all you do!

[Ykulnu]

Cuppa coffee and a Poseidon video to start the day. A+ ambiance.

[princessravendiamond]

As a Minnesotan, I can tell you that MoA is basically the same as it was in the 90's. The theming is just removed. The theme park, aquarium, and comedy club are still here. Some of the theme park attractions actually stuck around just with new theming to mostly late 2000's shows. The only ride that remained completely unchanged was the Paul Bunion water ride. I don't have any idea if there's still a wedding chapel.

[legend_oflouis]

I’ve been loving this series! I’ve always had such a hyperfixation on this time period, I love the era of over the top themed experiences and shopping malls, such a shame it’s all but diminished these days!

Unrelated topic but I’d love to hear you talk about some more obscure UK Darkrides, I’m a huge fan of Professor Burps Bubble Works and Toyland tours. Both rides with such charm and great stories behind them!

[markproductions]

I think Disney World peaked between 1990 and 2010. After that, it's all been downhill. We have Mr. Paycheck to thank for that.

[charlesbarone]

I just watched 1 and 2, I thought I had lost my mind because I purposely waited until all three sections were out to start watching.
Love the vids

[tjpaige]

I've been binging your videos before bed on work days. This series, in particular, is really cool man. Thanks for the info. I'd never learn this stuff without your channel.

[noahcarter]

As an Albertan, when mall discussion was happening, I was half expecting West Edmonton Mall to be overlooked. I'm very happy it's history wasn't forgotten in this video. The West Edmonton Mall definitely is where my nostalgia for the 90s vibe/aesthetic comes from.

[pinkjellybean]

I’m from Louisiana and in April ‘01 took a jr high field trip to NYC for Beta Club. I remember going to Virgin MegaStore and the Space/Alien themed restaurant among other typical tourist spots. I never thought I’d see the Alien restaurant again. While watching this video I never imaged I’d see it. I remember watching theme park and roller coaster shows on travel channel with my dad as kid in 90s and 2000s. Your videos remind me of those shows and takes me back. Thank you for all the work that goes into these uploads ❤️

[kennethgreggs]

Now this is more to my liking! I miss the old mall aesthetics of the 90s

[mupty]

I miss the novelty mall stores and themed dining. Even though I was a kid of the 90s I was raised by penny pinchers and never got to really experienced any of these things in there prime saved for one trip to WDW in 1991.

[sunlitegodis]

Watching again and eagerly awaiting the next one! Because I’m still mad I never got a chance to eat at some of the Chicago versions of the themed NYC restaurants in the 90s. We had them too, along with DisneyQuest. Ed Debevic’s was my favorite and similar to the Stardust, and when it left they said it was coming back. Most never do, but they DID come back to Chicago recently. I have not gone but plan to this year.

[Vorloru]

I guess I can watch this again, looking forward to part 4!