what makes it less special?

This. You just can't create the same introduction twice and have it be equally as special. There will be some elements from movie one that can't be repeated (or it will be like watching the same movie twice) and thus not as captivating. As such, you have to "add to the mix." I thought that this movie did a very good job of adding to it. It wasn't overbearing, but it didn't repeat the same story. To me, the movie stands on its own as a story that anyone can follow along.

Perhaps there was a lot going on, but I think anyone who caught the first movie can easily piece things together. Everytime I read a post about someone who "thought the movie had too much going on" its either because they didnt' see the first movie, or they were expecting a kids movie with simplistic themes story lines (at least that's what I gather from a lot of the comments in these forums). Because in the movie theatre I was in, I heard 8 year olds behind me explaining the movie to their parents. So for those complaints, I'm happy that this movie disappoints those people.

My guess is that the first was so fresh and novel. People loved it and remember that. There's just no way a second film would capture that. I think the movie does a great job moving on in the story arc.

Well lack of "Forbidden Friendship" and "Romantic Flight" if that's what people are complaining! I'm not cause I loved the grandeur!