Opinion: On the Modernization of Fantasyland

One of the main complaints amongst Disney Parks fans recently has been that the people in charge do a poor job of balancing innovation with meddling with the classics. Often times the management fails to maintain the spirit of the attraction when it is updated. An example cited by these fans of a modernization done right is the refurbishment of the Alice in Wonderland ride in Disneyland. The ride was closed for five months to fix some external safety features, but the interior elements of the attraction itself were changed as well. Visually, it is a far more cohesive, appealing experience. The parts that were merely painted board became cleverly disguised screens that featured animations of the scenes, while the animatronics in front of them made a nice-looking contrast. This change was well-received by practically all who experienced it. The ride felt fresh and new without losing the quaintness it held when it first opened.
An instance of a poorly-done update had occurred around the same time as the reopening of Alice in Wonderland. Club 33, a "secret" area within Disneyland's New Orleans Square had its exterior refurbished in the spring to summer of 2014. The only section of it that was visible without membership, known as the Court of Angels, was closed off for the public. The windows and balconies were changed, making them look bulky and off-kilter, especially in the case of the window as it had been installed slightly off center. Fans were very upset about the changes and blamed Disney's management for the foolish move.
It has been confirmed that other dark rides in Fantasyland are going to receive similar treatment as Alice in Wonderland for Disneyland's 60th anniversary. Amongst the fans, there seems to be a divide in opinions about this occurring. As someone who does not hold decades' worth of memories of Fantasyland, I cannot give that perspective. I can only advocate my perspective as a young person. The way I see it, the editing of Fantasyland could be a hit or miss depending on how it's done. If executed well, the refurbishment could pique the interest of a new generation while keeping afloat the nostalgia from older visitors. However, a misstep could create a divide between Fantasyland and its visitors.
A good way to implement modernization into the dark rides would be to keep the major elements the same. The dark rides are popular the way they are for a reason. Clever use of the screens (the animations on them fits seamlessly into the scene) would be one possible way to keep the theming intact. Overall, the changes should be that of enhancement than that of major alteration. The Fantasyland rides are popular for holding their magical spirit, and I am confident that technology will only improve that wonder.