Monthly Archives: August 2012
World That Never Was: Discoveryland and the Astronomer’s Club
Aug 29
Tomorrowland, one of the original lands of the Disneyland park. Without question, it made its way to the Magic Kingdom park when it opened as part of Walt Disney World in 1971. It’s become a household name with favorite attractions such as Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress, and so many others. It’s kept our fascination for years, but unlike the rest of the lands at the Magic Kingdom, it has to forever evolve with the times. When Tomorrowland opened at Disneyland in 1955, the future looked similar to that of the “Jetsons” and attractions like The House of the Future, quickly became irrelevant. The world’s knowledge of our solar system, space, and what we could invent for the future was rapidly increasing, and unfortunately Tomorrowland has had to suffer because of it.
Imagineers, did however, come up with a plan in the late 1980s to solve the problem of always “reinventing tomorrow” by creating a futuristic look from the Victorian era. A Jules Verne like future was imagined to be a great answer. Using architecture, costuming, and paint schemes more related to today’s “steampunk” trend more than anything else. This same thinking was also put into play at Disneyland Paris. With this new look and feel, Tomorrowland would have been changed to Discoveryland, a salute to thinkers like Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Leonardo da Vinci. Many of the most popular attractions would stay in Discoveryland, just getting new paint jobs and overhauls. Several other ideas were planned for this area, including a concept that eventually became a Downtown Disney favorite.
The Astronomers Club was to sit between Main Street U.S.A. and Discoveryland, currently where the Tomorrowland Terrace sits. This transitional restaurant would lend to the turn of the century thinking towards what would later become an infatuation with space. Guests would be seated and would be surrounded with Victorian decor, telescopes, and murals of the solar system. This funky restaurant would not only be a work of art, but a living work of art as actors playing famous, or not so famous, astronomers throughout history would walk around talking with guests and putting on a show for the crowd waiting for their dinner. It is unclear what the menu at the Astronomer’s Club would look like, or if these actors would also be considered part of the wait staff.
So what happened? Discoveryland went from fantasy to reality at Disneyland Paris, however the Astronomer’s Club, which was also planned there, was part of a phase two expansion. the European park floundered for it’s first few years, nixing any plans that were involved in phase two. At the Magic Kingdom, it was thought that changing Tomorrowland would be a big leap, both in expense and in keeping guests happy. Several themes from Discoveryland were brought in, including part of the paint scheme, but the eventual theme of Tomorrowland was brought to life in 1994 as the Headquarters for the League of Planets. The Headquarters theme gave the Florida Tomorrowland an American appeal, resembling something you’d of seen on Buck Rogers.
Along with the cost effective change in themes, the Astronomer’s Club was also nixed, keeping many of the restaurants, shops, and attractions unchanged in the 1994 re-theme. The idea did however morph into the very popular Adventurer’s Club that opened in 1989 when Pleasure Island opened as part of an extension at Downtown Disney. Disneyland Paris also got the similar Explorer’s Club. Unfortunately, and to much criticism, both the Adventurer’s Club and Explorer’s Club have closed. The cast from the Adventurer’s Club do make appearances from time to time but they have yet to establish a new home.
So what are your thoughts on Discoveryland? Would you have liked it to have come to Walt Disney World? Do you prefer Tomorrowland? What if the Astronomer’s Club opened in Tomorrowland now, would it work? Leave your thoughts and as always, thank you for reading.
Josh Taylor
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Sneak-Peak-Sunday: Celebrate the Magic
Aug 26
(Editor’s Note: I apologize for not having a mid-week article. Between starting a new job and WordPress being down on Wednesday and Thursday, I was unable to get a new article up, but I have it ready to go for this week, meaning that the regular schedule of articles posted on Wednesdays and Sundays will resume this week. Apologies to anyone looking forward to reading this week.)
Let’s be honest, if you knew about it, you were at bit skeptical when Disney announced “The Magic, Memories, and You” projection show for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Why a projection show with family photos? What’s with the cheese ball name? How long is this going to last? All of those questions were asked before Disney even had a preview of the show. Luckily for us, we were all wrong. Yes, the name still stuck, which grew on me, but the show was magnificent.
Debuting in January 2011, The Magic, Memories, and You was an add-on to the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland’s already great evening lineup. If you were at Walt Disney World, SpectroMagic would be immediately followed by this projection show, which would be immediately followed by the Wishes fireworks show. Over at Disneyland, the Magic, Memories, and You was presented on the Mary Blair facade of It’s A Small World, a completely different experience than at the Magic Kingdom. The show has had some great additions as well for holidays and season changes, including turning the castle or facade into one big candy cane for Christmas. With a solid year and a half behind the show, whats next for the out-of-nowhere-smash-hit projection show? It’s changing competely.
The Magic, Memories, and You will be presented for the last time on September 3rd at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom parks. The Magic Kingdom will gain a new show called Celebrate the Magic. The show will have a completely new soundtrack and some extra special effects. Favorite projections from the previous show will be intertwined with other new projections. So why the big fuss about this show? Well, the unfortunate news is that the Magic Kingdom will be starting the new show in November, but the show will not come to Disneyland, at least for now. It’s A Small World will change over to it’s Holiday facade starting in November, meaning there isn’t room for the show and there isn’t time to find a new home for it.
Beyond a big name change, which was much needed, there isn’t much else to report here. We will all have to be patient to see what happens down in Florida. I’m very sad that the Disneyland version is kicking the can, but with all of the hype over at Disney’s California Adventure, I can see why Disneyland will be okay without this show. It will be missed for now, and I hope it returns to the Small World facade after the holidays are over.
Josh Taylor
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Sneak-Peak-Sunday: D-Tech Me Princess Experience
Aug 19
If you are in a major U.S. city, you know that the American Girl store has become a big craze among pre-teen girls. If you are unfamiliar with the American Girl stores, let me brief you. American Girl is a store similar to the Build-A-Bear concept, however the dolls sold at American Girl are designed for girls 12 and under. The dolls are quite expensive but the experience is what you truly spend the money on, being able to bathe, feed, and nurse your doll within the store itself. Now, it seems as though Disney is looking to capitalize on this trend in a whole new way.
Using the same technology they had for the Carbon Freeze Me Experience during Star Wars Weekends, Disney is unveiling a way to scan yourself into a Princess doll. The D-Tech Me Princess dolls are similar to the American Dolls with a new addition, the doll is actually you, well a smaller 7-inch plastic figure of you, but never-the-less, it’s you. The new dolls, launching on August 26th at the World of Disney store in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Marketplace, will be an experience for young girls. The “Princess” will be asked to stand in front of several cameras for a few minutes so that the images can be rendered. This is done to not only get the facial expression, but the skin tone, hair, color, and eye color. After all the cameras have taken their pictures, girls will choose which Disney Princess they want to be. They will also receive a silver necklace with the choice of a gem charm to go along with it.
Unfortunately, the purchased doll, due to the customization, won’t be ready in time for you to take it home from your next trip to Walt Disney World, but will be shipped to your home within 6 weeks. The cost of each D-Tech Me Princess doll is $99.95 plus shipping. That is a hefty price, but with this being a limited deal, could be worth your trip. Personally, I find the dolls to be a bit scary and for the price, unnecessary, but I’m also of the male gender and never got into dolls to begin with. I can see this becoming a popular item at the World of Disney store, and with it being announced as a limited engagement, could potentially make Disney quite a few bucks. If parents are willing to spend that kind of money at the American Girl store locally, I’m sure it wouldn’t be that big of a deal on vacation for a one of a kind item.
Disney does recommend making reservations ahead of time. Also, depending on your trip, I would ask when or if these dolls are still available if you plan on partaking in the experience. It is also limited to girls between 3 and 12 years old and that the child must be accompanied by someone 18 or older during the whole experience.
If you do partake in this experience whether you are getting a figure made for yourself, a parent, or know anyone getting the D-Tech Me Princess dolls, I would love to hear from you about the experience. What are your thoughts on the dolls? Do they scare you? Is it something you’d be interested in? Leave your comments here.
Josh Taylor
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Walt’s Home Away From Home
Aug 15
Entering Disneyland, especially for the very first time, is always a breathtaking experience you won’t soon forget. In fact, it’s such an overpowering sight, that you may get lost and dazed. At park opening, most guests make a mad dash for their favorite attraction, whether it be Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, or the Indiana Jones Adventure, but if you were to stop and take a few moments to wander Town Square right when you enter, you may find yourself having an unexpectedly good time. Personally, I’m a mark for Main Street U.S.A. with it’s nostalgic look at mid-western town.
A few years back, I had my biggest Disney Geek moment at Disneyland….EVER! I convinced all of my friends to wait around on Main Street with me to ride down to the castle in the antique firetruck. So, why would I tell this story on this blog? Well, it’s been told that the Firehouse held a special place in the heart of Walt Disney. Many mornings you would see him riding up and down Main Street driving the firetruck before park opening. It was his own vacation away from the studio. He loved the truck, and for myself and my friends to ride along in it meant more to me then blasting off on the fastest or longest attraction. There was a sense of history and childhood innocence to that ride towards Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Not only was Walt fond of his firetruck joy rides, but he decided early on that the Firehouse would be his home away from home. Above the first floor where the firetruck is parked is an apartment that Walt had designed and built for himself. In the early years of Disneyland, he would spend the weekends there, watching over the park from the second story balcony or entertaining his grandchildren. Lilly, Walt’s wife, was also a huge help in decorating the Firehouse apartment. Lilly’s love for antiques lent to the nostalgic and historic feel of Main Street U.S.A. making the apartment seem authentic to the atmosphere around it. Walt would also have business meetings there, or for a bigger party at Club 33. He also had plans to build a bigger apartment for himself and his family on the second story of the Pirates of the Caribbean building, however he passed before the project was completed.
Today, Walt’s Firehouse love can still be seen. Cast Members have a lantern in the window lit at all times and is visible to all guests who enter Disneyland. The light represents Walt’s spirit and his vision of the park will inspire generations to come. The apartment is still used by Disney executives and Disney family members from time to time. (You may notice that when the doors to the Firehouse are shut, that means there is someone in the Firehouse.) Meetings between executives are also held there but infrequently. The Pirates of the Caribbean apartment was finished in the vision that Walt wanted in October of 2007. The apartment was named the Disneyland Dream Suite. A one night stay in the Suite is given out as a prize through various promotions and contests that Disney holds.
So next time you step on to Main Street U.S.A., look for the Firehouse and bow to the lantern in the window, thanking Walt and his spirit for all he has given us, or make a mad dash for Space Mountain. I won’t tell you how to spend your day at Disneyland, but if you want a bit of history or Disney nostalgia, go the place Walt called his home away from home and take a ride in the firetruck.
Josh Taylor
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Sneak-Peak-Sunday: Pete’s Silly Sideshow
Aug 12
When the Magic Kingdom’s temporary yet permanent Toon-Town-Fair-Starland-Birthdayland closed, Mickey Mouse and friends lost their home and meet and greet areas, and with the announcement of the new expanded Fantasyland, it seemed as though the “Fab 5” (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and sometimes Pluto) still didn’t have a home at the Magic Kingdom. Finally…..finally, we’ve gotten our classic characters back in the former Toon Town area. Concept art and details have come out for a tent in Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus mini-land that will provide a meet and greet area for some classic characters in a unique way.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow will be opening this holiday season with the next phase of Fantasyland, which will complete the Storybook Circus area, filling out a big gap in the area that used to be Mickey’s Toon Town Fair. Storybook Circus has already made great strides in becoming one of the more interesting and exciting areas of the Magic Kingdom park to small children, with the Dumbo attraction being moved to the area, the Barnstormer kid’s coaster staying, and the addition of the Casey Jones water play area. To top that off, everyone’s favorite Disney toons return to their former area under the new tent, which also makes the area appealing to classic Disney fans as well.
Pete’s will have a walk in queue where you can pick which characters you’d like to meet, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy. Much like the former fair atmosphere, the circus theme has allowed for Disney to get creative with the outfits these characters will be wearing. Minnie “Magnifique” will be a spoof of the animal trainers in the circus. Daisy “Fortuna” will be the fortune teller of the troupe. “The Astounding” Donaldo is a take on the magicians and illusionist of the carnivals long past. Finally, “The Great” Goofini is the stunt man of the crew, which ties in to the Barnstormer attraction just outside the tent.
Unfortunately Mickey Mouse does not make an appearance here as the ringmaster, but will continue to keep his home on Main Street U.S.A. at the Town Square Theater. It is unsure if he will eventually be moved in with the rest of the classic Disney gang, but for now there are no plans for the circus tent to become Mickey’s home. On the same subject, Pete has also not been announced to be a character in the meet and greet. If he will join, it will be the first time that Pete has ever had a real presence and home at any Disney park.
What do you think of Pete’s Silly Sideshow meet and greet? Would you like to see Mickey or Pete join the cast in their new home or do you prefer Mickey on Main Street? Is this something you will be checking out when it opens this winter? Leave your comments and let us know.
Josh Taylor
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The World That Never Was: Dick Tracy’s Crime Stoppers
Aug 8
The Walt Disney Company saw a huge shift in the right direction during the mid1980s with Frank Wells and Michael Eisner taking control of the company and Jeffrey Katzenberg becoming head of the animation and motion picture department. Films like The Little Mermaid, Splash, and several others were put out during the beginning of this “boom” period. Business was strong and executives were looking to launch the next big franchise for the company. Katzenberg looked to a former project he had worked on with Warren Beatty during his time at Paramount. The project was Dick Tracy and had been previously dropped due to disputes over payments to Beatty who was going to direct, produce, and star. Katzenberg and the rest of the crew at Disney thought this could be a perfect storm and that Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracy could be a huge hit. The film went into production in February of 1989 and the concept of an attraction for the new Disney-MGM park at Walt Disney World quickly followed.
Dick Tracy’s Crime Stoppers was to be an E-ticket attraction at Disney-MGM Studios (Now named Disney’s Hollywood Studios) recreating the sets and pacing of the feature film. Guests boarding the ride would be in for a high speed chase through Chicago streets, chasing and shooting at gangsters as music and sound effects whiz by. The attraction would use the latest in audio-animatronic figures as well as new vehicles called Enhanced Motion Vehicles. You may now know these vehicles for their use in the Indian Jones Adventure at Disneyland and Dinosaur at Walt Disney World. The vehicles had been in development and Imagineers were looking for an attraction that would fit them. Dick Tracy was to be it.
Crime Stoppers was also to have had technology similar to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Guests boarding the Enhanced Motion Vehicles would be given a toy tommy gun. Aiming at certain areas as you passed through the Chicago environment would allow movements, making the experience different every time you were to ride. If you were to hit a trashcan, it may rattle, or if you were to shoot a window, you would hear the glass shattering.
Not only was Dick Tracy’s Crime Stoppers to be the standout attraction at the new Disney-MGM Studios, but was also to get its own land. Much like the inside of the attraction, guests in the park would wander into a 1920s Chicago, fitting with the themes of the parks Hollywood Boulevard area or the Streets of New York area. As you were to walk into this new Chicago land, you would find yourself inh an industrial area, with one of the buildings occupied by the Crime Stoppers attraction. Most likely a shop would be placed in the area to help sell and promote Dick Tracy and future sequels to the film, but nothing is really known of what else would fill out the land. (Crime Stoppers would also make its way to Disneyland in a new land called Hollywoodland, but that is another story for another time.)
Unfortunately for Disney and all of us interested in a Dick Tracy attraction, (My hand is raised as high as it can go.) Dick Tracy was not the success executives were looking for. Between filming and marketing, the film cost $101 million to make, a very high budget considering disney originally gave the film a $25 million budget. The film grossed $162 million and was nominated and won for several academy awards, but Disney executives, in particular Katzenberg, believed the film would match the previous years Batman film which grossed $411 million.
On top of a disappointing turnout at the theaters, legal battles between Tribune Media Services, who previously owned the film and television rights to Dick Tracy, and Warren Beatty began soon after the release of the film in 1990. Warren Beatty had purchased the rights from Tribune in 1985, but due to the possible production of other films as well as a television show in the works by Tribune, they wanted their cut of profits or the rights to the character back. (After years of battles and court appearances, a U.S district court judge ruled in favor of Beatty and gave him the rights to the character in 2011.)
Needless to say, the Dick Tracy rights have been a mess and Disney did not see the monetary possibilities involved in future sequels nor a theme park attraction. So Crime Stoppers was nixed as well as the Chicago area of the Disney-MGM Studios and the future Hollywoodland at Disneyland. The technology to be used in the Dick Tracy attraction did not go to waste however, as Disney turned its attention to an Indiana Jones attraction at Disneyland. Eventually, several elements would also come into play in Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Buzzlight Year attractions at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom, and Toy Story Mania at Disney’s California Adventure and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Josh Taylor
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Sneak-Peek-Sunday: Party for the Senses
Aug 5
Every year, Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival continues to grow. It is an amazing array of chefs and countries putting together delicious small plates, and while you walk from booth to booth, you’ll wonder how much your stomach can handle. This year, the Food and Wine Festival has nearly 30 different booths for you to grab and snack or drink at. That doesn’t even include the already great selection of restaurants at Epcot’s World Showcase if you are still hungry. However, for several years now, Walt Disney World has hosted a party within the festival for people who really want to get serious about food and fun, The Party for the Senses.
The Party kicks off with a reserved front row spot for the Eat to the Beat concert series. A great deal considering many of the acts performing are still selling tickets to concerts around the U.S. at $40 or more. That includes acts like Smash Mouth, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Blues Traveler, Billy Ocean, Sugar Ray, and many more.
After enjoying an early concert from one of the acts during this years Eat to the Beat series, you’ll make your way over to the the ShowPlace pavilion at 7:30pm which is located between the United Kingdom and Canada pavilions. This large “warehouse” will become a showcase for around 50 different culinary booths, all free with the purchase of the Party for the Senses ticket. As the building opens up, you’ll find yourself wandering from booth to booth, picking a table for your home base, and trying everything you can. At least you should be doing that, because you paid to do so. Several of the booths outside along the walkway of World Showcase will be featured along with some interesting delights from culinary chefs around Walt Disney World.
When entering the ShowPlace pavilion, you will receive a plate with a hole cut in the side that will fit your wine glass perfectly. That was done so that you can wander the Party with one hand free. I do have to note that along with admission, you get the wine glass to take home. The wine glasses always look great with some sort of logo for the party etched into them, so you will always have something to remember your evening by, along with the countless memories.
Last, but certainly not least, performers take the stage within the pavilion each year. Last year was a huge hit with the cast of Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba performing throughout the party. The Cirque band played throughout most of the night, while a few acts took over 3 times to put on dazzling displays or athletics and beauty. If you’ve ever seen a Cirque show, you know what I mean here. Well, this was so popular among guests that Disney is bringing the La Nouba cast back this year. The music and talent is powerful and will be a great backdrop throughout your night.
If all of this wasn’t enough, you can add on to your ticket with the purchase of a reserved seat in the Wine View Lounge. In the lounge area, you will be guaranteed a seat at a table along with a full bar menu to drink from. The lounge guests will also get into the party an extra 15 minutes early. As for my personal tastes, I wouldn’t recommend this unless you are very much into hard alcohol, which is really all you are getting here. Yes, you get a seat, but the party is less than 4 hours long so standing shouldn’t be too much of a problem. As for the 15 extra minutes, if you can eat faster than most people and scarf down tons in 15 minutes, then be my guest, but I don’t believe this kind of occasion requires anyone to be downing food like that. This is a time in which you savor the tastes.
If you would like to go to the Party for the Senses, it is every Saturday during the Food and Wine Festival, which add up to 7 different nights to choose from if you are looking to book your trip still. Be aware that admission to this party does not include Epcot park admission which you will need. That being said, basic admission to the party is $145 a person. That includes your front row viewing at Eat to the Beat concert series, and admission into the Party from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. That gives you plenty of time to try some great food and enjoy the sounds and sights from La Nouba.
If you are looking for a seat and a little bit more from the party with the Wine View Lounge seating, tickets are an extra $90 for that. Again, I don’t really believe this is necessary at all, but if you think this would be good for you or your group, go for it. As of this past week, tickets are on sale for these events every Saturday and tickets are limited due to space constraints so I would jump on that if you are interested in this bonus event. If you have never been to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, and are second guessing the Party for the Senses, I say don’t do it. It is a large ticket price and might be better for someone who has been to the Festival before. Trust me, walking around World Showcase, your senses will already be having a party.
Josh Taylor
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Eccentric? More Like Scary!
Aug 1
In the summer of 2006, I went on a great road trip from Denver, CO to Anaheim, CA. It was a great experience that was highlighted by my friends, Amy and Jason, being first timers at the California Adventure Park. I had a blast making great memories with new friends, but one of the funniest and most thrilling experiences in my life was riding Mickey’s Fun Wheel. I know, a Ferris Wheel shouldn’t be the peak of my vacation, but in some ways it was.
Mickey’s Fun Wheel originally opened as The Sun Wheel in 2001 when Disney’s California Adventure opened it’s gates. Paradise Pier, one of the bigger areas of the park, has always been seen as the home to California Screamin’, the areas major E-ticket attraction, leaving many of the other attractions in the area with short lines and less hype. Unfortunately for many guests wandering through the area, they don’t know the history behind Mickey’s Fun Wheel or it’s creative design with moving gondola ride vehicles.
When California Adventure was being built, Walt Disney Imagineers wanted to add as much authenticity into the park including its replica of a seaside boardwalk, Paradise Pier. One of the first attractions designed for the area was Mickey’s Fun Wheel. Designed to replicate one of America’s oldest and most notable Ferris Wheels, the Wonder Wheel from Coney Island, The Wonder Wheel was opened in 1920 and is still in operation, keeping thrills going. The wheel was the first eccentric Ferris Wheel to open in the United States. Mickey’s Fun Wheel kept true to the eccentric Ferris Wheel design of the Wonder Wheel. Being only one of two eccentric Ferris Wheels in the United States, both being at DCA and Coney Island, many people would be unfamiliar with the design and ride experience of the attraction.
Eccentric Ferris Wheels are similar to gondola seated Ferris Wheels, but have a distinct difference in how the gondola vehicles are attached to the inside beams of the wheel instead of being fixed to the outer rim. Sometimes nicknamed Sliding Wheels or Coaster Wheels, being attached to the inner beam allows the gondola ride vehicle to move as the wheel moves in rotation. As you rotate towards the ground, your vehicle will slide to the outer rim, and as you rotate to the top of the wheel your vehicle will slide to the hub. Mickey’s Fun Wheel in particular stands 160 feet tall and is stretched out over the man made lake. That allows for a much more thrilling experience for guests as they rotate around the wheel and slide out over the lake.
For a less intense experience, there are some fixed gondolas on the outer rim that will keep younger guests or easily scared guests happy as they rotate around the wheel without sliding. However, with only two eccentric Ferris Wheels in the United States, I recommend taking the scarier and more unique experience. I did with my friends and unexpectedly had one of the best attraction experiences of my entire trip in 2006.
Unfortunately for Mickey’s Fun Wheel, the current crop of guests visiting California Adventure are running straight for Cars Land. However, I would plead that once you get your fast passes for Radiator Springs Racers, you make your way over to Paradise Pier and enjoy the thrills and the laughter you will share on Mickey’s Fun Wheel as it truly is an experience you will never forget and could possibly top some of your other ride experiences throughout the Disneyland Resort.
Have you ever been on Mickey’s Fun Wheel/Sun Wheel or is it one of the attractions to visit on your next trip? After reading this article is it a priority? Whats your best unintentional ride experience? Let me know in the comments below.
Josh Taylor
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