With little fanfare, today (September 3, 2012) marks the last performance of “The Magic, The Memories and You”. The show originally premiered on January 18, 2011, as part of the “Let the Memories Begin” marketing campaign.
The Magic, The Memories and You, SamsDisneyDiary
The nightly projection show transforms Cinderella’s Castle into a canvas filled with videos and images taken by Disney Photo Pass photographers. The technology is outstanding! Imagineering created a digital map of the entire castle (It’s a Small World in California) and positioned projectors with state of the art capabilities to completely engulf the castle. From the front view, every inch is covered in precise detail. This allows the castle to be completely transformed into just about anything. From an It’s a Small world overlay to holiday specials like Gingerbread, the castle is transformed.
(Sams Disney Diary Video Episode #17 below – Click the Photo to Play, the Blog contiues after the video, so keep reading)
The show also provides the technology to allow new additions as appropriate. This past spring saw the Valentine’s Day addition including Tangled, Cinderella, Snow White, and Lady and the Tramp. The summer theme included “Surfin Adventure with Goofy”, Timon and Pumbaa singing Hakuna Matata and a Rocking under the Sea Adventure with Ariel and Sebastian. Phineas and Ferb got a spot as well. Disney could easily promote the latest movie or television show.
It’s been a short run, but the technology introduced in “The Magic, The Memories and You” will no doubt be part of the new “Celebrate the Magic” show.
If you search Youtube, you’ll find lots of versions of the show, most of them different.
There is an online version of the show over at http://www.disneymemoriesshow.com/, using your Facebook pictures to create a personal show… Thanks for following.
The last two episodes of Sams Disney Diary were all about Star Wars Weekend 2012; Episode #14 was a recap of events and the full Legends of the Force Motorcade while Episode #15 focused on my favorite Star Wars Weekend event, the HyperSpace Hoopla. I covered my personal experience with “Carbon Freeze Me” in Episode #14 here.
Well, it took over a month, but I finally have the results of the experience… and I love it!!!
After about 6 months, my “Carbon Freeze Me” from Star Wars Weekend 2012 finally arrived!
The figure is about 7 inches tall and features my face “Frozen” on the Han Solo in carbonite figurine. The face is mine, the hairline isn’t so it makes it a little difficult to make out, but that’s me. The experience was first introduced as part of Star Wars Weekend 2012 as a limited engagement. Disney D-Tech brought back the experience as part of Star Wars Celebration VI at the Orlando Convention Center. Since then, D-Tech “Me” has extended the technology to the “D-Tech Me Princess”. The 10-minute experience uses the same technology, this time allowing guests ages 3-12 to add their likeness to a three-dimensional Disney Princess Figurine. Choose one of seven princesses. The experience started August 26 and is offered at World of Disney located in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Look for an update on this experience as I accompany my daughter as she becomes a Disney Princess, at least in figurine form.
Kids love the Casey Jr Splash and Soak zone, make sure you come prepared!
The Casey Jr Splash and Soak Station is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. The theme adds additional background to the story of Storybook Circus. The circus train has arrived! Stand in the middle of the soak zone, and you can see all of the tracks and the roundhouse itself. The Roundhouse is the restrooms and the new Fantasyland WDW Railroad Station. Of course, every circus has a main act, and in this circus, that attraction is the new Dumbo. In addition to the main attraction, every circus has a secondary act, the act that is constantly looking to get attention. Who better than Goofy as the Great Goofini for just such an attraction? Looking at the detail you can see where the elephants walked to the Dumbo attraction, and the monkey tracks headed to the Barnstormer. Some of the circus animals are still in the train cars. Those are the animals that found the water and started a water bottle, and Casey joined right in. The train cars are numbered… 71, 82, 89, and 98 (the years each of the Florida Parks opened).
The Merchantile Cart is loaded with Towels and shoes, come prepared and you won’t need to purchase.
As is the case in every Disney attraction, the music is front and center, yet in the background. The synchronization of the water effects with the music is a wonderful touch. Casey Jr joins the show with the classic…“ I think I can. I think I can.”, ending with an explosion of water from Casey. It’s hard to get past the attraction without the little ones running right in… That’s good, and that’s bad… If you’re a parent you know exactly what I mean. It’s possible to navigate the area without getting wet. (Look at the ground, it’s not all wet. Stay in the dry area, and you’re fine.) Let’s be real. What kid is going to “NOT” get wet?
The nearby Casey Jr. Railroad Mercantile is nearby and loaded with towels, sunscreen, water shoes, and various other “water” necessaries… So COME PREPARED.
A pair of water shoes is essential. Where the ground is wet it’s very comfortable, but just a foot or two onto the sun-baked ground, and the ground is too hot for little ones. Even a walk to the nearby restroom requires shoes. Pack the backpack or diaper bag accordingly. A pair of water shoes, a change of clothes, and towels are essential and will keep everyone dry and happy.
In addition to Casey, the second Dumbo and the new Circus Tent (Interactive Queue) have both opened. Not only has Dumbo doubled in capacity, but the introduction of Fastpass makes it a much more manageable attraction. Dumbo Fastpass distribution is currently near Mickey’s Philharmagic along with the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
Little Ones won’t want to leave the New Dumbo Queue!
For some attractions, the addition of Fastpass would have been enough, but the Imagineers took it one step further and Plussed the experience. The standby queue now includes the most interactive play area I’ve ever seen… (Not only is it indoor and air-conditioned, but the little ones will never want to leave… When you enter you will get a pager, and the little ones can play in the circus tent. When your ride is ready you get paged to return to Dumbo.
Get a Pager, Play in the Circus, Retun to the Ringmaster and Fly with the Amazing Dumbo.
Walt Disney World – Hollywood Studios – Star Wars Weekend, it just keeps getting bigger every year, and 2012 saw a quantum leap in changes. Updates this year (2012) include: Hyperspace Hoopla and the Padawan Mind Challenge moved to the “Event Stage”, in front of the Sorcerer Hat.
Star Wars Weekends 2012 included Darth’s Mall merchandise location
Event Merchandise relocated to “Darth’s Mall” located in the courtyard between Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror… (the Courtyard, otherwise known as a cast member parking lot).
The Carbon Freeze Me Experience at the Carbon Freeze Chamber in the ABC Sound Studio.
The new Carbon Freeze Me Experience at the Carbon Freeze Chamber in ABC Sound Studio (Take that Sounds Dangerous) and new snacks including the Kids Power Pack (an R2D2 loaded with kid-friendly snacks) and the “Darth Vader Cupcake”. I was able to experience the final weekend of Star Wars Weekend 2012 (June 8-10). There was so much to cover that it took two episodes of Sam’s Disney Diary.I did my best to capture the highlight of the event while including the complete Celebrity Motorcade in Episode #14 and the full HyperSpace Hoopla in Episode #15. The main stage featured the Padawan Mind Challenge, where “Younglings” use knowledge of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” to pass trivia trials and become official Padawan learners (Ages 11 and under)… Personally, I was looking for the Episode IV Trivia for ages 35 and up… maybe next year! (And for the record, Episode IV is Star Wars, not Episode 4). The main stage also featured the always popular and daily event finale, “Hyper Space Hoopla”. The Hoopla has been a mainstay of Star Wars Weekend and is updated annually with new music and dance routines. Hyperspace Hoopla is a great way to end the day with a whimsical look at the Star Wars universe. As always, Celebrity appearances and autographs are a big draw. Autographs this year included… Jame Arnold Taylor (The Voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars the Clone Wars, Ashley Eckstein (Voice of Ahsoka Tano in The Clone Wars), Daniel Logan (Boba Fett in Episode II and III), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett in Episode V and VII), Michonne Bourriague (Bounty Hunter Aurra Sing in Episode I) and Nika Futterman (voice of Asaj Ventress in The Clone Wars).
Hyperspace Hoopla moved to the Hollywood Studio Sorcer Hat Stage in 2012.
Just like prior years, if you want an autograph, you’re going to need a Fast Pass. Distribution is “outside” the main gate, to the right of the turnstiles, and typically starts before park opening. If you want an autograph, you need to be at the park before opening. Everyone in your party looking for an autograph will need to be at the distribution location. No sending a single person to get passes for the group.
In addition to signing autographs, Ashley Eckstein and James Arnold Taylor hosted events at the Premiere Theater, (Behind Muppet Vision 3D, the old Hunchback Theater). Behind the Force was hosted by Ashley and featured a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. While James Arnold hosted “Stars of the Saga” a live interview with Jeremy Bulloch, Daniel Logan, and Michonne Dorriague on their personal journeys in the Star Wars universe. James Arnold also hosted “Obi-Wan and Beyond” a fascinating journey into the world of voice acting. James has performed over 150 voices including “Fred Flintstone” .
As always, Merchandise was everywhere, with Darth’s Mall being the showcase of everything Star Wars. From limited-edition pins, Vinylmation, artwork, collectibles, and unique family apparel, you could find just about anything.
New this year was the Carbon Freeze Me experience at the Carbon Freeze Chamber in ABC Sound Studio… Something I just had to do. I’m looking forward to my frozen likeness any day now.
Of course, character encounters were numerous, both the Rebel Alliance and the Empire were well represented. From Jedi Mickey to Darth Vader himself, there were lots of photo ops, some with lengthy lines. So plan accordingly.
Jedi Mickey in the Celebrity Motorcade
The celebrity motorcade was again used to introduce all of the weekend’s celebrities and showcase the 501st Legion. If you haven’t heard of the 501st, they are just awesome. From their website“…The Legion is an all-volunteer organization formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity within which to operate. The Legion seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work…”
The Darth Vader Cupcake as featured during Star Wars Weekend 2012R2D2 Churro and Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Or maybe an R2D2 full of churros and chocolate dipping sauce, or an R2D2 loaded with frozen lemonade… Nice touch. My personal favorite was the R2D2 with Yuengling. (For the record, I was sold an R2D2 and a glass of Yuengling. It was I that combined them, not the cast member.) No trouble here, try next year you should!!!
All that, and I never mentioned “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue”, new last year (2011) the all-new Star Tours has new destinations and new adventures in 3D… and that’s at Hollywood studios year-round, no need to wait for Star Wars Weekend…
Two video episodes WOW, that’s a lot of work!!… I hope you enjoy it
Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure Kept Kids occupied from January 2009 until May 2012
As part of the Imagineering Living Character Initiative, the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure opened in January 2009; although early game testing and development can be traced back to 2006. I personally played the game in early 2009, and I can honestly say it is (was) outstanding!!! I know the game had its critics, as just about every Disney attraction does, but they missed part of the magic. Most of the issues were resolved early, which were mostly crowd control and noise (The occasional child running through the stores in Japan or China noted). The main criticism I’ve heard is “replay ability”. Sure, for an adult, doing the same mission multiple times could get somewhat mundane. But that isn’t what the attraction is about. The Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure combined state of the art technology with an active adventure sending players on missions throughout Epcot’s World Showcase.
The Adventure, included with park admission, started at one of the recruiting stations: inside Innovations, on the walkway between Future World and World Showcase, near Norway, and one at the International Gateway. You could join the team as early as 9am when Future World opens, and the adventure would begin at 11am when World Showcase officially opens. Give the cast member your park ticket in exchange for a Fast Pass, and arrive at the destination at the pre-determined time to pick up your Kimmunicator.
Now Recruting – Kim Possible AgentsThe Kimmunicator is your connection to “Wade” and defeating evil
More impressive, the attraction would take you deeper into each country, into shops and gardens that you may not have visited otherwise. While the kids played, mom and dad could explore areas that the kids just wouldn’t have been interested in otherwise. Or, if they decided to do the same adventure a second time (and they would), mom and dad could wait near the finish, sit back, enjoy the scenery, have a glass of wine and unwind. Where else could you do that??!!
I tried to capture a small sample of items that became part of the adventure. Sam’s Disney Diary Episode #13 looks at one of the adventures in The United kingdom pavilion, along with some future and concept art. So, if the attraction is so great…. Why close it???
Close it they are not. Update it they are… (Must be Star Wars Weekend while I type….)
After finding the hideout in the UK, use your Kimmunicator to “Flood” out the villains.
Here is the History: an early version of the attraction was “play tested” in the summer of 2006. On a side note, that testing included a final encounter with Shego and Dr. Drakken in the upstairs of the Image Works at the Imagination pavilion, marking the first time it was open to the public since 1998, and the last time it was open to the public. With that testing in 2006, it’s a safe bet that concept development could have happened as early as 2004. In 2004, Kim Possible was set to be the franchise of the future at Disney. In 2002, the first episode of the Kim Possible series “Crush” was nominated for a Primetime E
mmy, and Kim Possible was the highest rated show on the Disney Channel. Kim Possible looked to be the franchise of the future for Disney. Kim was the obvious choice to battle the forces of evil around World Showcase. Times…they do change, and change fast… The last original episode of Kim Possible “Graduation” aired on September 9, 2007. Meaning, when Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure opened in January 2009, the show had been off the air for 16 months (Ouch).
It’s obvious, at least to me, that Disney is a marketing machine. The attraction did everything but push merchandise… not many kids asked for Kim Possible T-Shirts or Naked Mole Rat plush toys. The Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure closed on May 18, 2012.
The solution…Design an overlay. Leverage as much of the existing technology and displays and “overlay” the missions with some new twists while harnessing one of the most popular Disney Channel original “tween” series ever.
Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure – Set to open “Late June 2012”
Enter Phineas and Ferb: Agent-Ps World Showcase Adventure. Talk about a merchandising opportunity. Out with the mole rat (Sorry Rufus), and in with the platypus (Perry, aka, Agent-P)! Those T-shirts are already in the parks, along with a meet and greet over at Hollywood Studios. It’s a natural fit!The back story from Disney Files Magazine: “Perry, the anthropomorphic platypus also known as Agent P on the animated series “Phineas and Ferb”, has become locked in a cat carrier while his host family is on vacation. So the O.W.C.A. (Organization Without a Cool Acronym) is recruiting Epcot Guests to step into Agent P’s missions. Look for the Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure to replace Kim Possible’s World Showcase Adventure this summer, and watch for additions to the interactive experience this fall.” The experience is expected to open in late June 2012.
www.SamsDisneyDiary.com
Disney recently released concept art and a short video on the official Disney Park Blog. The Zip Line appears to be in France, while the barrel is in Germany. It’s easy to spot some of the obvious changes, but I’m most intrigued by the statement, “Watch for additions to the interactive experience this fall.” Does that mean not all 7 countries will be ready day one? Or are there even more “new” adventures to be found? Either way, my kids can’t wait, and I can’t wait to experience what Agent P has in store for us.Thanks for reading and watching www.SamsDisneyDiary.com. You can contact me via email at SamsDisneyDiary@mail.com, twitter @SamsDisneyDiary and get all the video by subscribing to the youtube channel at www.youtube.com/SamsDisneyDiary
“New Test Track puts guests in the designer’s seat this fall.” It’s a simple enough headline, one we’ve come to expect from Disney. An arguably classic attraction is getting a facelift. It happens all the time. “Re-imagined”… that’s a different story for those of you who remember the “Re-imagined“ Journey into Imagination. To be clear, that re-imagination removed Figment and the Dream Finder and created a pre-internet fan rebellion that lead to Figment being “re-introduced” into yet another ride. Even with Figment, Journey into Your Imagination with Figment is a far cry from the original. Where’s Dream Finder anyway???? Needless to say, re-imaging an attraction can lead to less than desirable results. After reading the headline, I had two completely different thoughts at almost the same time. (Is that possible?)
First Thought…. I spent the better part of 20 minutes at the D23 Expo (2011) with one of the Imagineers working on the new Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. The Imagineer was working directly on the Radiator Springs Racer and explained the attraction and ride vehicle. It was obvious to me that Radiator Springs Racer is the Test Track Disney wanted to deliver back in 1996 when Test Track was being developed. If you know the history of Test Track, you know that the official opening was delayed over 19 months while “Technical Issues” were being worked out.
The Original Test Track Queue took over 4 years to complete. How many Hidden Mickey’s? The world may never know…
It was a classic case of technology not being able to keep up with the Imagineers. After all, Test Track was the first attraction where each ride vehicle was a stand-alone system that needed to communicate with a central control system. The Test-Track vehicle travels along a “bus bar” that provides power, but little else. Acceleration, deceleration, braking, and all safety mechanisms are controlled by computers on the vehicle itself. No “Omni-mover” pulling all the vehicles here. Every year the rides get more advances, the technology gets better, and the Imagineers get better at making the most efficient ride systems in the world.
Pushing the technology hallmark is natural for WDI. After all, that was one of Walt’s philosophies. Someone has to go first, like Test Track. The lessons learned have been used on many attractions since its opening. I’m sure the new Test Track will benefit from the testing recently completed in California for Radiator Springs Racer. That’s a topic for another Blog.
Second Thought… I couldn’t help but think of my early trips to Epcot and the original transportation attraction, World of Motion. As a kid, I loved the first traffic jam scene. There was just so much to see. I didn’t realize it then, but looking back, it was the Ward Kimble touch I was in love with, and it was over World of Motion. I’d even go out of my way at Mickey’s Toon Town Fair to find of the chickens from that World of Motion scene. They were in the Wise Acres Farm barn, the one Goofy’s Barnstormer flew through (Pre-Story Book Circus). If you see the chickens, let me know.
The Florida 97 road sign in the Test Track Queue (and in the ride) refers to the original planned opening in 1997, actual opening didn’t happen until March 17, 1999.
I can remember the headlines when Test Track was being developed; Epcot is getting that thrill ride it so desperately needed. There was a preview center with a detailed video with previews of the attraction and what was happening behind the construction wall. An early design challenge was getting as much track inside the building as possible; the test track would use the same building as World of Motion. One solution was to take the high-speed section of the track “outside”. A cast member parking lot was repurposed and the track would travel behind the Mexico pavilion around the world of motion building. The contents of the world of motion were entirely removed, the only thing that stayed was the round building. The building was shaped like a wheel in keeping with the transportation theme. All 30 world of motion scenes were removed and replaced with the test track design.
Test Track has always been a part of our family trips, ( Soarin’ Fastpass, Test Track Fastpass)… maybe not in that order. So it was natural to dedicate a SamsDisneyDiary.com to Test Track. No problems, just record the queue, take some pictures, get the pre-show, and take a ride. Done… upload next video. It just didn’t work out that way ;-)
I recorded a quick introduction, took some video then got it back home for editing. That usually means looking through “lots” and “lots” of pictures I’ve taken over the years…. That’s when I found some old World of Motion “stuff”. It just wasn’t right to do a show on Test Track and not mention World of Motion.
Original Blue Print – EPCOT Center World of Motion
So, my quick video turned into a month-long project! I also realized that my family had grown up riding Test Track. I had pictures of everyone at various ages in locations in all of the queue and post-show areas. I didn’t realize it, but as you get close to the pre-show doors there is a wall showcasing the crash test dummies sizes (“Large Man”, “Small Woman” etc…). Without realizing it, I had been taking pictures of my daughter in front of the “Small Girl” for years.
Speaking of crash test dummies…. They are GONE!!! I’d expect to see a nod to them in the new attraction, but the entire physical crash testing is gone from the new experience. The New Test Track (“Test Track presented by Chevrolet”) will focus on current design and testing. As explained in the video by an Imagineer today, just about everything is designed and tested using computers. Not only does Disney extensively use computers in design and testing, but Chevrolet designs and tests cars with computers. So in the queue of the new Test Track, everyone will get a design card with an RFID chip. As you are going through the queue, you will
encounter “Design Stations”. These stations will allow you to design your car. Using specific design criteria you can design a sports car, an SUV, a hybrid or all-electric… lots of choices. Then you “ride” your design. Each test will take your car through the Test Track tests (no word on what those tests will be). Your car also follows you into the post-show, and you can get a photo with your car. You also get a score on how well your design did.
As I mentioned, the crash test dummies are gone; however, the track stays the same. It’s not clear what the tests will be. Will Bill McKim still take us into the environmental tests? (Put up 2, 5, and 7…. Yeah, 7).
If I were a betting man, I would bet that there will be something from World of Motion and at least a part of a crash test dummy and reference to Bill McKim. (Who knows, maybe he will do the new pre-show).
Concept Art for the New Test Track.
SamsDisneyDiary Episode is a labor of love. If I were looking for the history of Epcot Test Track, this is the video I would want to see.
The Walt Disney World Epcot line Monorail passes over the 2012 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Festival Blooms
It’s a sure sign of spring or at least a sign of our annual spring break trip out of the cold and into the magic. It’s The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Every year since 1993, Epcot has “Sprung to Life” for this annual special event. 2012 marks the 19th annual festival and every year since there are more and more activities, special events, special themed weekends, and even more reasons to visit Walt Disney World Epcot. Don’t get me wrong. Epcot is a beautiful destination any time of year, but during Flower and Garden Festival it just gets that Disney plus. If you arrive via Monorail, the scene is unbelievable. The festival blooms in Future World East and West Lake create a blanket of color that can be a perfect background for just about anything. The festival is 75 days long, running from March 7 until May 20, 2012, and features over 100 character topiaries, live music, and shows/programs by many of HGTV’s on-air and nationally recognized designers.
The Disney topiaries include more than 75 Disney characters. The Flower Power Concert Series features performers from the 60s and 70s every weekend. You will find exhibits, displays and merchandise stand all around the park.
The center hub of activities is the “Festival Center” located between Ellen’s Energy Adventure and Mission Space. Or, if you remember EPCOT Center, it’s the Wonders of Life Pavilion between
One of many merchandise locations inside the Festival Center at the 2012 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Universe of Energy and Horizons. Regardless, just getting into the old Wonders of Life to look around is sort of neat. In
prior years, you could “look behind the curtain” and see the queue area for Body Wars. This year there was a more “permanent” temporary wall.
Since the building has been used for both Flower and Garden and the annual Food & Wine Festival every fall, it may have found a new purpose in life, if only for 6 months out of the year.
The old food court location was being used this year. In prior years, it was just merchandise and a lonely counter with covered menus. It’s nice to see it being used.
The Festival Center features the Designers Stage, Greenhouse Stage, Planting Pointers, HGTV Theater, Ask an Expert and is the “home” for the Special Themed Weekends.
The Designers Stage features different HGTV Personalities every weekend from John Gilding of Curb Appeal to Brandon Johnson of My Yard Goes Disney – Check the schedule. The Greenhouse Stage features garden experts from Disney and local universities with presentations ranging from Topiary in Miniature to The Edible Landscape.
And of course, the Festival Center merchandise location has just about every item you could find throughout the park. The Festival Center is open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (so it closes before the rest of Future World. (Keep that in mind if you are visiting).
Mickey and minnie Topiaries just outside the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Center 2012
Flower and Garden also feature exhibits and attractions specifically to the kids. Find Tinker Bell and her friends in the “Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden”, and visit “Bambi’s Butterfly House”. Check out the “Toy Story Alphabet Garden” and take a quick climb on the “Backyard Play Garden”.As I mentioned earlier, the topiaries are everywhere. It’s a great way to spend a day finding them all and filling up the memory card on your camera. Of course, the attention to detail follows you around World Showcase as you discover character topiaries in their country of origin. Winnie the Pooh in the United Kingdom, Beauty and the Beast in France, Lady and the Tramp in Italy…It just keeps going…But make sure you end up in “The American Adventure” at the end of the day. The Flower Power Concert Series at the American Garden Theatre features a different performer from the 1960s and 1970s every weekend. When I visited, it was Starship starring Mickey Thomas (I have some of it in the video). Oh yes, and did I mention there are merchandise locations…. Everywhere!!!
Inside Bambi’s Butterfly House at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2012
I started SamsDisneyDiary Episode #11 by saying “timing is everything”, and that is so true. If you are planning a visit to Walt
Disney World in late May here is something to think about. The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival typically runs through late May (this year until May 20, 2012). Over at Hollywood Studios, another special event (“Star Wars Weekends”) usually starts in mid May (this year May 18). So, if your timing is right, you can catch Flower and Garden and Star Wars Weekend on the same trip. Now that’s timing!!! I’d
Pluto as part of the Farmer Mickey Topiary Display at Epcot World Showcase Plaza – Flower and Garden 2012
love to hear from someone that was able to do both on the same weekend… Catch Micky Dolenz (Monkees Lead Singer) over at Flower Power, and catch Hyper-Space Hoopla on the same weekend…How great would that be??!!!
Snow White Topiary near Germany – Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2012Tinker Bell (and her friends) are in Pixie Hollow Gairy Garden at the Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012
Since the original announcement of the Walt Disney World Fantasyland expansion, the majority of the focus has been on the new Fantasyland Forest, and rightfully so. With the Be Our Guest Restaurant, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid (See Episode #5 for a preview), Princess Fairytale Hall, and The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (and that’s the highlights) how can you not be excited?
Storybook Circus as seen in the New Fantasyland Model during the D23 Event (August 2011)
In my opinion, lost in the excitement is Storybook Circus. Sure, the dual Dumbos with interactive queue has gotten lots of attention, but Storybook Circus is much bigger than that!! The theme and attention to detail are just amazing. The original concept art and map from the D23 Expo just couldn’t show the amount of detail. We have been teased with concept art and the models for long enough, and it’s finally time to see the real thing. Storybook Circus is much more than a new Barnstormer and relocated Dumbo! Starting with the new Fantasyland Train Station, the “Carolwood Pacific Railroad” logo can’t be missed. CPR, of course, is a shout-out to Walt’s backyard railroad. The station is a classic railroad roundhouse with tracks running from all of the garages underfoot and, unfortunately, under construction walls (as of March 13th).
Storybook Circus Phase II Construction as seen on March 13, 2012 from the Great Goofini lift hill.
But it’s a sure tie-in to the yet to be revealed Casey Jr. Splash-n-Soak Station (part of Storybook Circus Phase II). It will be interesting to see how the Splash-n-Soak Station area will be positioned in the roundhouse turntable. The station also includes lots of passenger luggage and baggage, all with unique details on where the bags have been. The roundhouse locomotive garages also include a new set of restrooms nicely hidden in the details. It’s obvious that the circus arrived at the station recently. By the looks of the walkways and amazing details, you can see the elephant tracks and trail of peanuts leading to the new Dumbo area. In addition, there are lots of animal tracks (some I can’t identify) leading in various directions. There are some monkeys towards the Barnstormer, and even more leading “under” the construction walls, leading us to speculate what Phase II will bring. I have personally found it interesting that it’s the Fantasyland Train Station, but it leads you directly into Storybook Circus. The themes work well, but shouldn’t it be the Storybook Circus Station? Some concept art and models do have the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train running just across the patch to the Dumbo exit queue… I’m sure the unknown details will tie it all together. Why exactly is the circus just outside of the walls of the castle?
As you pass the train station, the Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini will be the first new attraction you see. As we all know, this is the reimagined “Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm”. There is a great nod to the former attraction on the back of the Great Goofini sign. It looks like Goofy “recycled” the wood from the original sign. Yes, it’s the same kid friendly coaster, but that’s about
Entrance to the Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini. When you visit make sure you checkout the back of the sign, notice anything “familiar” to the area?
all that’s the same. The queue has been completely redone (in most of the space that was Donald’s boat). You experience Goofy’s failed attempts at various circus acts. They include – Canine Cannonball, Shootin’ for the stars, Aquamaniac – All the Tricks in the Book, Wheel of Peril – Never a “Dull” Moment, and Tiger Juggling – Razor Edged Thrills. You will find signs for all of the circus acts and great interactive references throughout the queue. How many can you spot? (I did my best to capture them in the video).
And of course, there’s Dumbo the Flying Elephant!! As noted back in Sams Disney Diary Episode #2 – Disneyland Fantasyland vs WDW Magic Kingdom Fantasyland, the Dumbo’s in the Magic Kingdom never had the water feature that was so popular at Disneyland. Not only has the water effect found its way to WDW, as Disney always does… it got Plussed! The LED lighting looks fantastic during the day and is a sight to see at night. The music is also a perfect blend of Disney and the Circus, exactly what you would expect. The music in the latest SamsDisneyDiary video is from the Dumbo area. During the Soft opening, there were parts of the Goofini queue that didn’t have much in the way of music. I expect that’s a soft opening item that will be fixed.
Though only one-half of the Dumbo’s are open in Phase I, they are well worth the wait. Having a second along with an interactive queue will be outstanding. The big question from episode #2 was, “ There is only one Timothy Mouse, so who will be on top of the new Dumbo?” The short answer is a stork-carrying baby Dumbo. But, if you step back you see much more than just a stork. Looking at the Dumbo from top to bottom you see the entire movie play out. From the stork on the top, to Dumbo’s mother watching carefully, to the circus graphics from the movie and the story told on the base as the Dumbo’s turn.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant as seen during the March 2012 soft opening of Storybook Circus phase 1.. Notice construction walls behind… stay tuned for much mroe.
I can’t wait to experience the interactive queue when it finally opens!!! This will turn what once was one of my most dreaded waits (the switchback of the old Dumbo) to an interactive experience for all ages.
What I found most intriguing about Phase I is the anticipation of what is behind the rest of the construction walls. The circus tents are coming along nicely, but what exactly is Pete’s silly sideshow? What characters will be in the meet and greet? What type of counter service restaurant can we expect in Storybook Circus??? And those questions are for Phase II!!!
With this much attention to detail and story in this small area of Storybook Circus, the rest of the addition is going to be an amazing transformation of Walt Disney World’s Fantasyland!! I can’t wait!
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1 (Storybook Circus) February 2012
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – under the Sea with Ariel starting to take shape
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- Beasts Castle taking shape high above the be Our Guest Restaurant (February 2012)
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- Rock work on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – February 2012
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- The View from to lift hill of the recently opened Barn Stormer
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- Storybook Circus – The Barnstormer
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- Train Station
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- Storybook Circus – The Barnstormer
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- Storybook Circus – The Barnstormer
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- The View from to lift hill of the recently opened Barn Stormer
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- The View of the “Old Dumbo” that will be the “Second New Dumbo”, follow?
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- The View of the “Old Dumbo” that will be the “Second New Dumbo”, follow?
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- View from Dumbo February 2012
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- View from Dumbo February 2012
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1- View from Dumbo February 2012
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1 – Dumbo February 2012
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1 – Dumbo February 2012
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1 – Dumbo February 2012
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1 – Storybook Circus Trash Can
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1 -New fantasyland Model
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1 – Dumbo February 2012
SamsDisneyDiary Episode #10 – New Fantasyland Phase #1 – Dumbo February 2012
In an attempt to reenergize the Disneyland Rivers of America area in the early 90s, Disneyland entertainment introduced a nighttime spectacular. The show would feature fireworks, live actors, fire, music, water effects, boats, and rafts along with mist screen projectors showcasing Disney Animation. In order to accommodate the large-scale project, the rivers of America along with Tom Sawyer Island needed to be reworked…
This construction, included draining the rivers of America, removing part of Tom Sawyer Island, and constructing a terrace of walkways and viewing areas along the rivers of America. Most important the new terrace should not be noticed during daylight hours. In addition, a multipurpose building needed to be constructed on Tom Sawyer Island, that building would double as the fantastic stage and show building for the nightly performance.
The Disneyalnd Fantasmic Dragon is amazing, WDW are you watching?
The Disneyland Fantasmic show is 22 minutes long and according to Disney has an audience capacity of about 10,000 guests standing along the banks of the Rivers of America, standing in Frontierland and New Orleans Square. There are a small number of “seats” that can be reserved with the “Fantasmic VIP Dessert Package”. I’ve experienced that package personally, the desserts are just OK, and you are essentially purchasing a seat for the show. If having a seat is worth $50 go for it, otherwise skip it. Fantasmic includes a Cast of 51 performers and 50 crew, the 51 performers will use 341 costumes. Most of the show takes place on the River of America; the main stage by day is the rest area in front of the Cider Mill on Tom Sawyer Island. At night it transforms into the main stage including a 20-foot by a 20-foot trap door which is part of the Maleficent and dragon effects.
The Three main mist screens are each 30 feet tall by 50 feet wide and feature HD projections originating from projects hidden in the island. Both the Mark Twain steamboat and the Columbia Watercraft sailing shop have roles in the show. The show also features three show barges and six additional barges used for pyrotechnic effects.
Some other cool facts:
KAA the Snake is 100 Feet long. Peter Pans Crocodile is 25 Feet long, 12 feet wide and 17 feet tall. Ursula the sea is 20 feet tall and 32 feet wide and the dragon is 45 feet tall!
Walt Disney World should take note, the Disneyland dragon is by FAR superior to the Walt Disney World version!!!
The Disneyland version was the only Fantasmic show until Walt Disney Worlds Hollywood studios premiered a similar (but not exact) show in October 1998, followed by a third in 2011 at Tokyo Disney Sea.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did putting the video together…
World of Color at Disney California AdventureWorld of Color, I can’t get enough! Yet another reason for a Walt Disney World fan to visit the Disneyland Resort!
World of Color premiered on June 11, 2010, as the new Nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure, part of the expansion first announced in 2007.
The show cost an estimated $75 million to design and build and took over 15 months of testing and prep.
The show has more than 1,200 fountains and includes lights, water effects, fire, fog, and lasers, not to mention High-Definition projections on mist screens. With the latest in technology and a little Disney magic, the show elements can be updated and changed to allow easy additions and replacements. Some additions to date have included Pirates of the Caribbean, Tron, and Christmas effects, giving Disney the ability to update the show based on the latest Disney properties. Get your fast passes; you’ll need them to watch the show.
It’s great family entertainment as you would expect, but… There are no seats, it’s a standing room only a crowd so be prepared. If you dare to venture close, you will get wet!!!
Be sure to check out the updated versions of World of Color for Disneyland 60th, and the Holidays and the backstory for Mickey’s Fun Wheel, now the Pixar Pal Around.
Sams Disney Diary Episode #7 – Disneyland Main Street USA (and the Firehouse 5 Plus 2)
The left side of Disneyland Main Street USA at Disneyland is set for some “referb” work in 2012, so I wanted to capture what I could before things change.
Main Street in Disneyland is similar but different from Main Street in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Sure, the building is a little smaller but the details are incredible. The Penny Arcade and the Carnation Café are wonderful, and at the time of editing both closed for refurbishment. The Penny Arcade is a throwback to all of the turn of the century arcades, complete with Penny Machines, and the Carnation Cafe is a wonderful spot for a quick-bight, smack in the middle of Main Street!
Here is hoping the penny arcade games get even better and keep the nostalgia of the time period. Like Walt Disney World there is entertainment all over Main Street. The Firehouse 5 Plus 2 band is an original all the way back to Walt himself. I was able to catch one of their shows. I wrap up with a look at the Firehouse Five + 2 Disneyland band, and original and a must-see. You never know who is going to help out with the show!
