2010 Best Theme Park Attraction: Waterworld vs. Lights! Motors! Action!

March 25, 2010, 9:52 AM · The second round of the 2010 Best Theme Park Attraction Tournament continues with a contest from the Best Live Show bracket.

You can click the links or pictures below for a full description of each show, along with show video and comments from other Theme Park Insider readers.

10. Universal Studios Hollywood's Waterworld
(Round One: Defeated Katonga)

Universal Studios Hollywood's Waterworld

vs.

15. Lights! Motors! Action! at Disney's Hollywood Studios
(Round One: Defeated Aladdin)

Lights! Motors! Action! at Disney's Hollywood Studios


Please tell us in the comments why you voted the way you did.

Wanna know the best way to keep up with the tournament, so you never miss a vote?

Next up: We go to the roller coaster bracket for 3. El Toro vs. 6. Griffon

Replies (19)

March 25, 2010 at 9:58 AM · LMA! all the way!!
March 25, 2010 at 10:13 AM · Have to go with LMA as my daughter was once selected to "drive" the car.
March 25, 2010 at 10:21 AM · I thought Waterworld was great, but I'm going to have to continue my Lights! Motors! Action! fanboy-ness again today. I love the show, mainly due to my love of cars and driving, and LMA just makes my day. I hope it wins.
March 25, 2010 at 10:30 AM · Wow, I just found out that LMO defeated Aladdin! I was sure Aladdin would go to the finals. Come on, LMO isn't bad, but Aladdin beats the pants off this show.
March 25, 2010 at 10:43 AM · This should be Aladdin and Waterworld. In any case, Waterworld should advance. It's probably the best stunt show out there, rarely losing any momentum, which is the primary flaw in Disney stunt shows.

I also like that the Waterworld performers are acknowledged after the show, just as live performers should be. Universal evidently has more respect for their employees' hard work.

March 25, 2010 at 10:51 AM · I'm trying to send some traffic to the site from Universal fan clubs. Unfortunately, the Hollywood fan club pales in comparison to the Orlando one.

Robert - have you noticed many people directing here from Facebook?

March 25, 2010 at 11:24 AM · Kevin Costner will win...
March 25, 2010 at 11:44 AM · Waterworld by far. It is more of a 'show' in the sense that they don't stop, tell you how they did it, take time to set up the next stunt,etc... It flows a lot better. Both are great shows, but Waterworld takes this one.
March 25, 2010 at 11:45 AM · Waterworld is the best live show in the nation, I can't believe that it is curently loosing
March 25, 2010 at 11:55 AM · This shouldn't even be a contest. Waterworld is without question the very best stunt show that has ever been staged at a theme park.
March 25, 2010 at 12:04 PM · Joshua, last time i went to DHS they acknowledged all the stunt actors at Indiana Jones and they acknowledged the stunt drivers at Lights! Motors! Action!
March 25, 2010 at 1:06 PM · Crud, here is where I think that Waterworld may get bumped off as many people haven't seen it. It is by far the best stunt show at any theme park. There's a storyline that's easy to follow considering the limitations. Also, there's a beginning, middle, and end with no strange breaks inbetween. The action actually flows from stunt to stunt.

I'm sure LMA is great, but from what I've seen on TV and online videos, there isn't the same flow between acts/ spots. And yes, I understand I haven't seen LMA yet in person, but it just doesn't have the same feel as Waterworld which is a complete stunt show. You're basically watching a movie/ tv show in front of you. LMA doesn't seem that way as much especially with the "ballet" style stunts. I think they're awesome, but they don't fit in with a story.

March 25, 2010 at 1:32 PM · No Universal fans today? Sigh. It looks like LMA is poised to take a down second far superior show.
March 25, 2010 at 3:20 PM · You're kidding me. Wow.

Waterworld >>>>> LMA

For God's sakes, they crash a damn airplane in front of the audience! LMA is just a glorified car ballet!

March 25, 2010 at 4:03 PM · Wow I'm shocked. LMA is ok but it can't compare to Water World. WaterWorld is 15 minutes of jam packed action and stunts. You are also a lot closer to the action so you feel more immersed in the show. Pre-show is fun as well. LMA just has to much down time. Aladdin is way better than LMA and WaterWorld is a more entertaining one as well but I guess since more people visit Orlando than thats why we get these results, thats the only way I can explain this.
March 25, 2010 at 4:33 PM · You know, the primary criticism directed towards LMA is its downtime, but perhaps some people like that. I know with Waterworld, I almost felt like I missed part of it, because so much happened so fast I didn't have time to digest it all. The scene breaks in LMA not only let you digest what you just saw, they take the opportunity to explain some of it.
March 25, 2010 at 6:23 PM · I would like the downtime if they used it wisely. Instead, it's packed with Herbie and an audience prank, and only one moment of interior car shots.
March 26, 2010 at 5:44 AM · Once again, East Coast beats West Coast. Only way to explain it.
March 26, 2010 at 9:30 AM · Yep, I'm very disappointed that Waterworld didn't go through. East vs. West seems to be the main reason.

As for the idea of "missing" details, I think it gives you all the reason for repeat visits to an attraction. I understand that repeat visits aren't always possible due to geography or finances, but I love pacing in any show. If there's too much dead time, it makes things look "spotty".

I think there's something beautiful in a show or movie or whatever when stunts, dances, or whatever flow together where it holds your attention from beginning to end.

Waterworld's Airplane feels like it almost lands on the front row. No other show does that. AND it happens every show everyday.

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