So this came out, & I'm not sure what I thought was the best thing about it. First, there's tallest peak of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge being completed. This is awesome in itself, especially in the video when they lay the model over the real-life construction that is there right now. Galaxy's Edge is going to be huge! The second piece of this is for anyone needing yet another reason to work at the parks. Cast Members were allowed to sign & tag up all the "bones" to the land. This made each one of them a part of history. To some it may sound stupid, but that's a small piece of "immortality" right there. They are technically all part of the Star Wars universe now. All in all this just helps prove that this amazing thing is actually happening! What are y'all's thought on not only Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, but also this awesome cast member experience? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Celebrate Scallywags With "A Pirates Life For Me: Disney's Rascals, Scoundrels, Really Bad Eggs" Exibit At D23
This was really cool. It's some of the action from the D23 exhibit, A Pirates Life For Me: Disney's Rascals, Scoundrels, Really Bad Eggs. I love me some pirates, & not only do you get to see some behind the scenes, rarely shown stuff, you also get a look at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction located in Shanghai Disneyland. Which if you haven't seen is a real treat. It might be one of the most amazing rides I've ever witnessed, & I've only seen it in video form. I can't wait to actually ride it one day. Any fans of Pirates of the Caribbean should check this video out though, it's a neat little trip through Disney's Caribbean. Anyone been to Shanghai Disneyland & experienced this? Is it everything it looks? Let us know in the comments, like, & share.
"One Man's Dream" To Become "Walt Disney Presents"
We that are into comic books know this as a "soft reboot". Beginning in September the Hollywood Studios' attraction known as One Man's Dream will become Walt Disney Presents according to Chip & Co.. It will host the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge model from the D23 expo. As well as a never-before-seen model of Toy Story Land with concept art & look at ride vehicles as well. In addition guests will also get a first look at concept art for the new Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction scheduled to eventually take the place of the former Great Movie Ride. The best part of this news lies in the fact that they go on to mention the space will still continue to feature sketches, photos, & storyboards from Walt Disney's history, Host character greets like Star-Lord & baby Groot, & sneak previews of upcoming Disney films. This makes it sound like a majority of the original walk-through attraction is staying the same which totally works for me just fine. This is just something that should just always be around to keep a piece of Walt in the parks no matter what. I can't wait to get back down this fall to see what still going to be there. Does anyone else feel anyway about this? If you've been, is there anything you hope stays? (For me it's the multi-plane camera.) Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Newest Details On The Immersive "Star Wars"-Themed Resort Are Unbelievable
The more I hear about Hollywood Studios future Star Wars-themed resort, the more I can't believe it's actually possible. According to Chip & co. this thing seems more immersive than I thought was even possible. Plan to set yourself back about $1300 for a two-night stay (minimum due to the experience) with additional guests clocking in at $400 each. This seems pretty steep at first, but you have to take in to consideration the actual immersion of this experience. The resort will be themed as a spaceship. Yes, you will be able to see "far off alien planets" out the windows. You will be given missions which determine your reputation while there. All the while getting help form the droid by your bed to complete them. The resort will be located right by Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, yet not actually inside Hollywood Studios. They can't really even put a price tag on something like this. This sounds absolutely amazing, & I can't wait. I get to live out a childhood dream that I thought was impossible. What do y'all think? Want to live like you're in a galaxy far, far away? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disneyland's Updated "Fantasmic" Is Fantastic!!
If you've never seen Fantasmic, do yourself a favor & watch this. Preferably as big as you can possibly watch it. I've seen the Hollywood Studios version of this at Disneyworld many times, & it's the most amazing live show you'll ever see. It combines water, fire, live-action, projections, lights, sound, music, fireworks, & laser in an amazing spectacle of a show that combines a ton of Disney favorites. They've added some more scenes to this one at Disneyland which were really impressive. The Aladdin & Jasmine carpet ride, Pirates of the Caribbean, & Tangled lanterns really stood out. Disneyland added a new mist screen that makes the projections a lot more clear. At first I thought California got robbed. Florida's ends with a giant realistic live-action dragon fighting the live-action Mickey Mouse. If you keep watching the video though they explain though it was missing it's still part of the show. (I'm guessing technical issues) They did show some test video of it though & it even improves on the show I've seen. I hope some of these changes now get implemented into the Hollywood Studios version. That'd make it a lot easier for me to see it live. Check it out & let me know what you think in the comments, like, & share.
Gary Sinise Will No Longer Be Preparing You To Blast Off To "Mission: SPACE!" At EPCOT
I've already mentioned the new missions that will be added to Mission: SPACE! in EPCOT. It seems as if those won't be the only changes to the attraction when it reopens August 13th. According to Chip & Co. the "pre-launch" segment of the ride where they prep you for your trip out of the atmosphere will be changed. No longer will Gary Sinise prepare you to launch. In his place will be Gina Torres who's resume includes Westworld, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, & Xena: Warrior Princess. I know her best from the show/movie I learned about from watching backwards, Serenity & Firefly. If those are new names to you, you're welcome. Honestly though? I think it's really cool to have these rides introduced by celebrities, but in the long run I almost forget who introduces the rides shortly after leaving the park. What does everyone else think though? Is the pre-show to the attraction your thing? Do you cherish who in those videos as much as the attraction itself? Or is this no big deal? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Star Wars: Secrets Of The Empire Looks Like It's Going Beyond Virtual Reality
“A truly transformative experience is so much more than what you see with your eyes; it’s what you hear, feel, touch, and even smell. Through the power of The VOID, guests who step into Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire won’t just see this world, they’ll know that they are part of this amazing story.” Those were the words of Curtis Hickman, co-founder and chief creative officer at The VOID. I couldn't think of anything that sounded cooler than that. This is being described as a first of it's kind Star Wars & is produced by Lucasfilm & ILMxLAB in collaboration with The VOID. It's gonna open to the public this holiday season in two VOID Experience Centers. One at Downtown Disney, Disneyland & the other in Disney Springs, Disneyworld. The description of this thing at face value is very exciting. Moving freely through an untethered, social, multi-sensory Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire experience that will allow you to interact & engage with friends, family, & Star Wars characters. I'm hoping I'm not hyping this thing up in my head, but after using words like "transport" & phrases such as "invoking all the senses" further along in the announcement sets the bar pretty high. My curiosity is definitely peaked though. I gonna keep my eye on this, it might wind up being my Christmas wish this year. What do y'all think? Any wishes or guesses on how immersive this things gonna be? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disneyland Video Celebrates The Return Of Some Of The Classics
Disneyland re-opened some classic attractions last week, & now they've put up this little video celebration of it. I've been hearing Walt talk about these for years growing up as a kid with re-runs of The Wonderful World Of Color & Disneyland. I even own some of those episodes in Walt Disney Treasures form now. These rides meant a lot to Disney, as he not only loved trains, but they captured a time forever, throughout all the progress. This has helped my decision, along with some of the D23 announcements that sometime sooner than later, I'm going to have to take a trip across the states to Disneyland. Anyway, celebrate Walt & the original Imagineer's pride & joy. I'm not sure if the video started off with classic footage, does anyone know if you can still canoe? Let me know in the comments, like, & share.
I Have To Meet Baymax!
I loveme some Big Hero 6, & after watching this, I don't know if I want to meet this Baymax or be this Baymax. This thing is friggin' awesome! Definitely take some time out to check out this Oh My Disney video. Baymax takes a stroll down the beach & offers some medical advice to people. It's truly another magical moment from the folks over at the house of mouse. I not only wish I was there for this, EPCOT needs one of these yesterday. What do y'all think? Sound off in the comments who wants to meet Baymax, versus who wants to be Baymax? Don't forget to like & share.
Disney Is Releasing Some Awesome Retro Gear For Epcot's 35th Anniversary!
October 1st what better way to celebrate Epcot's 35 Anniversary at Walt Disney World Resort than to take it back with some retro-themed merchandise. This stuff is so cool I'm having trouble narrowing down what I actually want to get. I do know at least some of that Figment & Spaceship Earth stuff will be going home with me on my fall visit to the parks though. This really captures the spirit of the original Epcot Center vibe. The nostalgia of the whole thing really gets me, as I'm one of those people who think Epcot is on it's way to, while still being a fun place, abandoning it's original mission to take us into a prosperous future. As a child that theme really stuck with me, & it's a shame we tend to not have a futurist point of view as whole in American society now. It's been replaced with an almost cynical approach to an inevitable post-apocalyptic future or Idiocracy (Great movie, check it out!), whichever comes first. So this is positively a great line of merch in my eyes as it inspires back to a time that actually in itself was inspirational. Can't wait to pick some of this up. Am I alone? Let me know in the comments, like, & share.
Where Have All The Jawas Gone?
With multiple sites confirming the Jawas are no longer residing in the Hollywood Studios' Star Wars Launch Bay, the real question is will they return? I thought the Jawas were a real pleasant surprise in the Launch Bay last time I visited the park. They were fun. Even though I think one was sizing up my little girl who was asleep at the time. I made sure to let them know she wasn't for sale. There's rumor their empty spot is to be filled with Rey & BB-8. I'm hoping they will reappear once Galaxy's Edge opens up in 2019. Especially since I just found out apparently you can trade with them for various trinkets. Looks like a big land though, if they want a Star Wars level of immersion they'll have to fill it with something. So I think it's a safe bet the little traders will return. Any thoughts on the absence of Jawas from the Launch Bay? Even better, any Jawa stories from visits to the Launch Bay? Put 'em in the comments, like, & share.
Replacements & New Additions At Disney's Animal Kingdom
This is great for so many reasons. One of the main reasons being I have a trip to the parks scheduled in October. According to Chip & Co. that will put me in there in prime time to get a peak at the exciting, new additions coming to the Disney's Animal Kingdom. Sohni the Sumatran tiger is expecting cubs to be delivered in August. It's so great to see thriving animal families in a totally protected area, & we should start seeing these little cubs sometime this Fall. This has added a whole other level of excitement to my trip, as will definitely be keeping an eye peeled for some little tiger balls of cuteness. In other Animal Kingdom developments if meeting Tarzan was your thing, make sure to get out there by the end of September. October 1st, Timon (Where's Pumba?) will be taking over for the man-ape. Yeah, this totally makes sense. My kids & I would totally rather meet Timon than a guy with nappy hair in a loincloth. I do feel sorry for the ladies though. Guess it's kinda payback for them covering up Jasmine. Anyway, everyone loves tiger cubs, so what are your thoughts on this change? Tarzan or Timon? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Behold! The Magic Bench
I had been hearing about this bench for a couple days, but everything I tried to watch this video on seemed to have other ideas. Finally, I got to see "the magic bench". I must say, I was very impressed by this little contraption. It's a bench, in front of a screen, riddled with speakers & actuators. Two motion cameras, way above my realm of understanding, project you on the screen with 3D characters & environments. Meanwhile, the speakers & actuators under the bench simulate the sound & feel of the characters & environments, pulling in all of your senses. This video gets real technical, but it's definitely worth checking out. The 3D characters are cool, but I'm more interested in the environments. The rain & being underwater for instance. I really want to see how this works. These folks seem to really feel this stuff. This tech could be used in so many ways around the parks. I can't wait to see what they'll ultimately do with this. Check it out, I really want to know what y'all think. Let me know in the comments, like, & share.
RIP Marty Sklar
We lost a true legend Thursday with the passing of Marty Sklar. Inducted as a Disney Legend in 2001, he was one of the last links to Walt Disney himself. He worked closely with the founder of mouse in his 54 year career, with his handiwork all over Disney Parks. He started in college with The Disneyland News, a 50s-themed newspaper a month before Disneyland opened. By 1956 he was responsible for most of the park's marketing & publicity. In 1961 he moved to WED Enterprises (Walt Disney Imagineering) where he worked on the famous attractions brought to the 1964 New York World's Fair. His signature is on the Enchanted Tiki Room & It's A Small World. For the next 10 years he wrote personal materials for Walt to be used in publications, television, & special films. Yeah, when you heard Walt talk, there's a good chance it was Marty Sklar. In 1974 he was named vice president of concepts/planning, followed by president of Imagineering. In these positions he guided the creative development for EPCOT & supervised the design & construction of Tokyo Disneyland, Disney-MGM Studios, Disneyland Paris, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney California Adventure, Tokyo DisneySea, Walt Disney Studios Park, & Hong Kong Disneyland. This guy is Disney Parks, & through those achievements, he will live forever. My heart goes out to his family. Thank you Mister Sklar for everything you have done.
I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me
This technically isn't park news, but in all honesty, I didn't know where else to put this little piece of creepiness. I figured at sometime or another this had to take some Imagineering though. So it ends up here. If you find the picture below as terrifying as I do, then this might be a little unsettling for you. Chip & Co. just reported that the next time you go watch a Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars movie, they may just be watching you back. Apparently, Disney Researchers have developed a neural network that allows them to receive your immediate reaction to a scene in a movie. It can detect a range of emotions from laughing to crying, & will be used to see if the movie is working on a "granular scale". With implications for use in the Disney Parks creating instant magical moments, this was tested on 150 audiences for showings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens & The Jungle Book. This tech isn't new, but it is enhanced to the point it can predict which facial expressions people will make through the rest of a movie. This is some crazy, Sci-fi stuff. Part of me thinks this is no big deal. Then, I look at the picture & get creeped out all over again. I also have this strange feeling that the more this gets out, someone will develop a lawsuit. Said lawsuit will be followed by notices on theaters that participation in the theater experience may involve you being recorded with facial recognition. I am betting this could be used for some awesome park experiences though. I guess all in all, I really I don't mind this. As long as the don't go full Sci-fi, & try to replace me with a robot copy developed through use of facial recognition software. Very curious as to what others think of this though. Let me know in the comments, like, & share.
Analyzing The New Future World In Epcot Along With Annoucements By Disney Parks & Resort At D23 Expo 2017
Disney Parks put up this video of all the announcements from last weekends D23 Expo. We talked about most all of these here, but Chip & Co. along with Inside the Magic really went in on this "Blue Sky" concept photo of EPCOT's Future World & broke it down. We know EPCOT is going to go through some major changes. The ball that is Spaceship Earth is going nowhere, but the Innoventions & Character Meet & Greet buildings are gone. This is no big surprise if you've seen the current state of the formally amazing Innovention buildings. Once a showcase for the future, I remember watching them empty out little by little over the years. It looks like EPCOT will be getting much greener with those buildings being replaced by vegetation. If you look in the corner over the announcers heads, there looks to be a hedge maze. Those are always fun, I'm sure Disney has a way to set theirs apart from your average hedge maze. Club Cool & Mouse Gear look like they're getting heavily updated or removed. Speculation points to a new shop & dining area, but we'll have to see. The biggest change is the extra paths to the World Showcase & a giant new water feature. Now even they go on from this point to mention how careful Disney was. With this being an initial vision & anything can happen between this & the final product. It looks a lot more alive than it did, I'll definitely give it that. I think it's funny, no one seems to be mentioning what looks like a small monorail track going around the whole thing though. That's got me a little more than curious. I hope they keep the futuristic theming & tone of the place. In this picture, I will say, it looks like they are. That's always been the intrigue of EPCOT for me though. It seems like one of the last places that paints out a positive future we're heading towards. We like to focus on the "doom & gloom" future now, & I like to have a little more hope than that. All in all, it pains me to see classics leaving. At the same time though, this is Future World. It has to change, if it is to live up to it's name. So, while I welcome the changes only time will tell what my thoughts will be when this is all said & done. Any thoughts on the changes? Anything you see that was missed? Let us know in the comments, like , & share.
Disney Parks & Resorts Sounds Like It Was The Real Highlight Of The D23 Expo
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts took the stage at Hall D23 with chairman Bob Chapek as host, & it blew everyone away. With news & rumor confirmations abound from everything from the Star Wars lands to the 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort in 2021 there's a lot about to be going on in the lands of mouse & they have concept art to prove it. That being said let's go over what we go coming:
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railroad: This one's fun. In an experience the Imagineers are calling 2 & 1/2 D (No Glasses), Walt's own Mickey Mouse will be getting his first attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Replacing The Great Movie Ride in the Chinese Theater, the most surprising thing about this announcement is this hasn't happened yet. This all started with this mouse, & as much as I'll miss The Movie Ride (a favorite of mine), it's about time. I hope this transition doesn't take too long.
Galaxy's Edge: What's this you ask? Well that just so happens to be the official name of the new Star Wars inspired lands. We also found out that they will set in a remote trading port on the edge of wild space. Chapek mentioned the scale of the attraction being unlike anything they've ever done, & judging from that model, I'd have to agree. Described as a living place where you might receive some "galactic credits", find yourself on a bounty hunter's list, pilot the Millenium Falcon, or find yourself inside the hangar bay of a Star Destroyer. Afterwards, you can hit up a cantina for some blue milk & some tunes from ex-Star Tours pilot droid Rex. This thing had me at Galaxy's Edge. I'm already in line for this one, I don't know if I can wait til 2019.
Star Wars Themed Resort: We talked about this awhile back & now it's going to become a reality. Upon arrival you will be thrust into the Star Wars galaxy in an immersive story all the way down to the clothes you wear. They say the story will touch every minute of the day, & end in a unique journey for everyone. Man, this thing sound pricey, but at the same time, sounds like it's worth every penny. This is the closest thing to Total Recall we're ever going to see.
Mission: SPACE: This EPCOT ride will not only be adding a new Green Mission that allows you to soar over Earth, but you will also be able to dine at a new restaurant adjacent to the attraction that also takes place outside the atmosphere. I expect the food to be truly out of this world. See what I did there? It's a space theme? Out of this world? Yeah? Really though, this sounds beyond cool. I'm usually not a sit-down restaurant kinda person at the Parks, but this might an experience worth checking out.
Ratatouille: Disney confirmed this rumor announcing the France Pavillion of EPCOT will be receiving this attraction. While being very similar to the ride at Disneyland Paris, I think this will be a welcome addition to the rideless side of the World Showcase. It'll give my kids something to look forward to as we traverse the world.
Guardians Of The Galaxy: Don't worry they're not taking away another Tower of Terror. This will seem to take the place of Ellen's Energy Adventure unfortunately though. This thing sounds friggin awesome. I like what they're doing though. Apparently, it was revealed that Peter Quill (Star-Lord) actually paid a visit to EPCOT as a young boy. This information will play a part in the adventure with roots in an EPCOT story. Using the park as part of the story is an epic decision that will just make the whole ordeal more immersive.
TRON Lightcycle Power Run: Magic Kingdom won't get left out of the 50th celebration either. The highest rated attraction of Shanghai Disneyland will be coming to an area near Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. So not only will the lightcyle rollercoster be coming, it sounds like the Tomorrowland Speedway might even be safe. This news is great, Tomorrowland needs something new.to keep it in the land of tomorrow.
Toy Story Land, Pixar Pier, & Haul-o-ween At Cars Land: Toy Story Land got an opening time next summer for Disney's Hollywood Studios, along with a really neat piece of concept art for the Slinky Dog Coaster. Meanwhile over on the other coast at Disney's California Adventure's pier becomes Pixar Pier. New name, new look. Starting next year, Pixar Fest will have a new fireworks show, special characters, & entertainment. At the same time, Pixar Play Parade will move to Disneyland, while Paint the Night will be moved to California Adventure with a new float. In addition to all this news this fall will feature a Halloween celebration in Cars Land. This stuff sounds so cool. I've never made it to the California Parks, but this is making an eventual trip a necessity.
Transportation: A couple of new ways to get around Disneyworld Resort were unveiled. One in the form of Minnie Vans. Minnie themed vehicles that will work very similar to Uber. The other a little more exciting in the form of the Disney Skyliner. A gondola system connecting Disney's Art of Animation, Pop Century, & Caribbean resorts, & other locations with Hollywood Studios & EPCOT. I have a feeling I will be riding these without reason when they go up. I love gondolas for some reason. Two new cruise ships were also announced, bringing Disney Cruise Line's fleet up to seven ships. If I had to guest this will mean bigger windows for Star Wars & Marvel Super Hero themed cruises. They might finally get me in the middle of the water after all.
Other Announcements: Also worth mentioning is an entertainment theater coming to Magic Kingdom based on the Willis Theater in 1920 Kansas City & Disney's Hotel New York, The Art of Marvel for Disneyland Paris, a reimagination of Disney's Hotel New York that will transport guests into the world of superheroes with art, costumes, & more. Speaking of Marvel Baby Groot came by to announce, "I am Groot." Meaning Spider-Man & the Avengers would be joining California Adventure for a new immersive super hero universe at the park.
Concept Model For Disney Parks Star Wars-Inspired Land
Disney Parks released this video of the model of the new Star Wars-Inspired Land that will be on display at this weekend's 2017 D23 Expo. It is awesome. I'm sure the finished product will vary here or there, but this look's absolutely amazing. I can't wait for this to be a reality. I now have a taste of what people were going through when Walt came out with his glimpses of Disneyland on television way back. I kept saying while we was at opening day that Pandora was so amazing, but it just made me want to see what was in store for Star Wars even more. If this is what we're looking forward to, I was definitely right. This looks like it will take the immersion of Avatar & raise it tenfold. Anyway, check it out, let me know what you think in the comments, like, & share.
Na'vi Drum Ceremony Full Of Energy In Pandora - The World Of Avatar
This was a really cool show. There's a lot of energy displayed at this drum show used to tell the stories of the Na'vi people. Everyone can get involved too. This is one more thing, right center stage that adds to the total immersing feel that you're in another world. If you haven't seen this, check it out. Let me know what you think of it in the comments, like, & share. Speaking of Pandora, you can see more in all of it's opening day glory from our visit here.
A Look At Updated Pirates of The Caribbean Ride At Disneyland Paris & I Still Want My Redhead
Not long ago, Disney not only let everyone know the "We want the Redhead!" Auction Scene would be removed, but that this would be repeated at all Pirates of the Caribbean attractions. It's an understatement to say that this did not go over well. Now Annual Passholders got a special glimpse of the ride & DLP Welcome has put up this first look. There's a couple really cool things like the swordfight & the skeleton changing Barbossa, so take the time to check it out. I still miss the Redhead scene though, I would even join in the chant. This new one seems to lack the character. As I said before, these are pirates, it added some realism. That's why it was there in the first place. Will it be missed? Yes. Is it a noticeable missing piece to a first timer going through? No. So personally, while I not only miss the scene, & really don't like the reason why this change has occurred, it does not take away from the ride either way. Love to know what you think though. Put it in the comments, like, & share.