Attractions - Hurray for Hollywood

     Traditionally, this site has been and still is dedicated to reviewing or introducing ideas, tips and insights into WDW attractions, restaurants, resorts and magical moments in order to potentially increase your fun at WDW.  Today, however, we will take a slight departure from that approach.  Over the past few years, I’ve had many conversations with others regarding Hollywood Studios – specifically my ideas on how to make it a more premiere destination park for WDW.  The issue arose this past week in a conversation on our DLuminations Facebook page, which prompted more off-line questions regarding those ideas.  As a result, I felt that the topic may warrant a post, in the hopes that like Walt, we can dream about what might be possible in the hopes that it will become possible.

First and foremost, I must admit that I know three key points: (1) Disney does not take unsolicited ideas.  So, unless I get a job as an Imagineer, the probability of any of these ideas coming to fruition may be slim at best. (2) Disney is a business.  Though these ideas will require a substantial investment, the idea is to make money.  I have not conducted a cost/benefit analysis of these ideas, but do know that more people spending more time in any given park results in increased profits.  If Hollywood Studios suddenly became a park that required a longer day to visit and enjoy, the length of stay is extended which results increased profits from resorts, restaurants, and souvenirs.  And, as the new Fantasyland Expansion proves, we – as guests – are willing to pay for it if Disney delivers upon expectations.  (3) Universal Studios scored a big win with Harry Potter, and though I believe Disney still delivers a better overall experience, they suddenly found Hollywood Studios playing catch-up to a popular franchise taking a prominent role at Universal.

So, what can be done?  Touring Hollywood Studios from left to right, here are a few simple ideas – any of which may add to the overall park experience and ticket value.  Oh, and to help you visualize, here is a conceptual map of what the park might look like if all these ideas were added.

Indiana Jones:

    Over the past few years, Disney has made two investments that could single handedly transform Hollywood Studios.  LucasFilm is the first of those two investments.  The key to Harry Potter – for Universal Studios – is that prior to its addition to the park, there was a built-in, loyal fan base started through the series of books, and nurtured through the movie franchise.  This fan base spent years growing with the characters of the stories.  Indiana Jones – along with Star Wars – shares this very attribute. 

As you pass Echo Lake and come to the end of the path, there is a space between 50’s Prime Time Café and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular that would be the perfect location for a new Indiana Jones attraction.  Currently, the space is home to a few topical souvenir shops and the exit for the stunt spectacular.  If the exit to the stunt spectacular could be re-routed, this could serve as the entrance to an attraction similar to that found in Disneyland.  Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye would tie-in with the current theme and also make the current stunt spectacular more relevant for years to come.   

Star Wars Universe:

     The new Star Tours upgrade has been a great addition to this park already.  However, imagine being fully immersed in the Star Wars universe.  Imagine a restaurant modeled after Mos Eisley Cantina.  Imagine a Pod-Car Race attraction similar to Test Track in EPCOT.  Imagine seeing X-Wing fighters or the Millennium Falcon flying around at night – shooting lasers!  (This technology is already available to Disney.  The para-hawk dragon that flew around Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom already proves it can be done.)  Imagine a playground across from the exit to Star Tours modeled after the Ewok Village.  Imagine a Jedi Outfitters that resembles what Disney does for Pirates in the Magic Kingdom, or at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique; a place where all kids can get fully outfitted with Jedi gear.  Lastly, imagine a dark-ride through Star Wars Saga attraction like the Great Movie Ride, but it takes you through the Star Wars story.

Streets of America:

     As of now, there are no real Princesses associated with Hollywood Studios.  Unlike Magic Kingdom or even EPCOT, this park doesn’t offer the possibility of a chance encounter for little girls with their heroines.  A simple, and relatively inexpensive, solution would be to add daily appearances for Giselle (from Disney’s 2007 movie Enchanted).  However, these appearances should be more than photo opportunities.  Instead, imagine Giselle suddenly making her way onto the Streets of America where she will sing “That’s How You Know”, while street workers and other extras dance along in a choreographed show.  What a better way to add relevance to a portion of the park that currently has none (other than during Christmas with the Osborne Lights) than to leverage this favorite of 80^th Academy Awards?  

Marvel Universe:

   Marvel offers the same thing that LucasFilm does.  Imagine a Marvel Universe area behind – or instead of – the Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt show.  An Avengers Action Show, Spiderman attraction, X-Men attraction, or any single coaster or thrill ride based on one or two of the multitude of Marvel characters.  Make it happen, and watch Disney become the new destination to host Comic Con.  For that matter, what about a Marvel Marathon at Disney World!  If people will run 26.2 miles dressed as Cruella Deville, or Cinderella, they will do it dressed as Spiderman, Wolverine, Iron Man, or Captain America.  Instead of starting and ending at Epcot, do it at Hollywood Studios.

The Golden Age of Disney Movies:

     The neat thing about Disney fans is that we are loyal and we love tradition.  That is perhaps seen in no better way than when an attraction changes or is “plussed”.  The resulting buzz and debate goes on for years – if not decades.  There are still people who wish Food Rocks was still in EPCOT.  Disney needs to recognize and cash in on this fact.

Remove the Studio Backlot Tour.  For starters, it hasn’t been the same since the TV houses were removed, or since TV production stopped being associated with Disney in Orlando.  Secondly, the Catastrophe Canyon and Harbor Attack – though neat – have witnessed dwindling numbers in guests over recent years.  Replace this with a Golden Age of Disney Movie attraction.  Imagine a dark-ride combination of Peter Pan’s Flight and the Great Movie Ride.  Fly through the attraction in a Model-T (a la The Absent Minded Professor) while viewing scenes from The Shaggy Dog, Pollyanna, Parent Trap, The Sign of Zorro, Son of Flubber, That Darn Cat, The Rocketeer, The Newsies, and more.  Revive the past while celebrating the future of Disney live action film.     

Pixar:

     Like many others, I’ve heard the rumor about a Monster’s Inc Coaster – and I LOVE IT!  This should absolutely be added, and as soon as possible.  Beyond that, bring Cars Land to Orlando!  Lastly, add hints of UP! And other great Pixar films in various places in the area.  There is so much to work with here, and so much to come, it’s a natural add that guests would flock to.  Don’t believe me?  Look at Toy Story Mania!

The Golden Age of Disney Animation:

   In the words of Walt, “It all started with a mouse.”  I, for one, like Animation Courtyard.  I absolutely love attempting to draw the animated greats.  But, this needs to be where Mickey and the gang are celebrated for their contributions to Animated Movies.  Move Mickey & Minnie’s homes from the now defunct Toontown Fair.  Introduce more meet & greet opportunities for popular animated characters from the past.  A walk through attraction or continuous ride attraction that explored some of the animated greats like Robin Hood, Lion King, Bambi, Fantasia, and others would be ideal.  If all else fails, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, the Mickey Mouse Revue, and the Scary Adventures of Snow White could easily fit the theme here and would appeal to Disney enthusiasts and the younger guests who might not currently enjoy this side of Hollywood Studios.   

So, there you have it, a few simple ideas that would catapult Hollywood Studios from a B-Grade park at WDW to a premiere park for Disney.  What do you think?  Would you like to see any of this happen?  What would you do to improve Hollywood Studios?  Add your thoughts in the comments section below.

Attractions: Disney Traditions - Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

     Disney is known for adherence to traditions.  They pay homage to their past, reuse or plus ideas possibly more than any other company.  This is one of the things that makes the Disney Archives so vitally important to what Disney does.  In fact, Disney University conducts a class for all new cast members titled "Traditions" where Disney history and culture serve as the core topics during this on-boarding process.

 

Many of these traditions go unnoticed to most of us, but some can be fun for a real Disney enthusiast.  So, since we have received such interest in our series of posts on the Art of "Plussing", we've decided to add a short series of posts on Disney Traditions.  Once such tradition or nod to the past involves placing homage's to extinct Disney attractions, in or around their previous location.  Such is the case with Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

 

Mr. Toad:  Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was a Magic Kingdom attraction adapted from the Disney film The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.  It appeared in Walt Disney World from opening day 1971 until 1998.  Once the ride was replaced with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mr. Toad had no home.  However, Disney Imagineers found a new home for Mr. Toad in the pet cemetery located at the exit of the Haunted Mansion.  Look in the top left corner for a peek at Mr. Toad.  Paintings of Mr. Toad are also found within The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction as well.  One such painting shows Mr. Toad handing over the deed to the Owl, proving that Imagineers are not only creative, but have sense of humor as well.

 

 

How many references to old attractions can you locate?  Let us know which ones you have found and send us a photo DLuminations@gmail.com.

Attractions - Splitsville Downtown Disney

 Last month at Downtown Disney Westside Splitsville Luxury Lanes opened, taking over the spot formerly held by the Virgin Mega Store.  Splitsville is a retro style bowling venue that features 30 lanes of bowling, billiards tables, 5 bars, a full menu and live entertainment.

 Splitsville is opened from 10 am to 2 am.  The prices range from $15 per person for 1.5 hrs of bowling before 5 pm and $20 per person for 1.5 hrs of bowling after 5 pm.  Splitsville is a great place that the whole family will enjoy.  

 Don't expect typical Bowling Alley food when you go to Splitsville, the food is of a much higher caliber, though everyone in the entire family should be able to find something they like.  The menu includes Sushi, Burgers, and seven kinds of Pizza.  There is also a childs menu that includes burgers, chicken tenders and mac and cheese all for $7.

Attractions - Fountain of Nations

You may find our choice of subject matter for this week’s post a bit odd; considering that it is only a few days until the 20^th Anniversary of the WDW Marathon, there are a lot of topics we could focus on.  However, the marathon is the precise reason that this week’s topic has been chosen. 

Think about it for a moment, you have run 26 miles, your lungs heaving breath in and out like a freight train for several hours, sweat dripping down your limbs, your legs tired, your feet sore, your mind fatigued more than your body itself.  Though this experience is exhilarating, it is far more exhausting.  You are only 0.2 miles from the finish line for the WDW Marathon or Half Marathon, and you look deep inside for that little something extra, that something which no sports drink or performance enhancer can capture fully – that spark of adrenaline laced desire that fuels perseverance and fortitude.  Your feet now moving more out of habit from perpetual motion than athletic ability perhaps, you’ve crossed the bridge connecting Future World to the World Showcase and you’ve entered Innoventions Plaza - so close now.  If there was only a sign to signal triumph was upon you.  Then, you hear it. 

A roar liken to a cannon blast, followed by the thunderclap of water slamming against itself.  Did your ears deceive you?  Were the elements themselves cheering you on to finish this race?  Or was the park itself celebrating the arrival of first-time or long-time guests, the delight of the moment uncontainable?  No, it was indeed something elemental, and yet so simple in beauty that it seemed you and you alone may be the recipient of a water dance which rivals the most impressive fireworks displays at any location other than Disney.  Your eyes gaze toward the direction of the finish line which lies ahead, and there you see it, the Fountain of Nations. 

Designed by the same person who created the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, this water fountain provides an astonishing display for guests every 15 minutes throughout the day.   A ballet of water uses 200 jets to propel up to 50 gallons at a time skyward at a distance of approximately 150 feet; before it returns to the remaining pool below with a thunderous clap.  Only then to have the excess cascade gracefully down the stepped sides of the retaining area.  Even more impressive is the fact that, originally, the water within the fountain was comprised of water gathered from all over the world.  Absolutely beautiful, and in more ways than one.  This attraction welcomes newly arriving guests to the worlds beyond and wishes those leaving a magical evening as they exit.  And, as attractive as the display may be during the day, it is even more so in the evening as a variety of ever changing lights enhance the spectacle.  And, in either event, the robust sounds of the accompanying soundtrack help to complete the simple, yet memorable experience.

So, whether you are a guest in Epcot for the day, or a marathon runner who is so close to the reward awaiting you only 0.2 miles ahead – look to the Fountain of Nations.  Not simply for its subtle beauty, but for the inspirational message it provides in either situation or circumstance.  An aquatic microcosm representing the multitude of guests entering in the park, or those running to the finish line just beyond.  The resulting blend of cultures and nations propelling forth as an amazing display of strength, and ending in a graceful, gentle and peaceful cascade of joy and accomplishment.

Attractions - Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor

One of my absolute favorite WDW attractions is located in Tomorrowland.  Though some hardcore Disney fanatics might reminisce of the days when the location served as home to The Timekeeper, and while other real WDW historians may recall American Journeys, Magic Carpet ‘Round the World, or even America the Beautiful (if you are really old school), I think the current occupant of the location in question is the best by far.

 

Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is an interactive experience that will surely tickle your funny bone.  For those expecting to hear a Disney version of the Improv, where you may catch a glimpse of some up-and-coming comedians who stop off for a night of two before they move on, well, you’re a little out of luck.  In fact, if you are hoping to be witness to an ever changing array of one liners, humorous observations, or sharp witted tales, you may be slightly disappointed (because in WDW, the words highly and disappointed cannot be used together).  But, oddly enough, this isn’t the purpose, or the fun of the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.  To be honest, the regiment of semi-stale jokes and running gags is precisely what my kids, my wife, and I enjoy the most about it.  But, I don’t want to get ahead of myself.  Allow me to tour you through this Disney delight.

Upon entering the outer-queue, located directly next to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, you will notice – along with the normal Disney design details - a few signs urging you to text your own jokes for potential use in the show.  This is the first hint as to what you will encounter; a fully interactive experience made possible by Disney Imagineer Magic.  Please allow me to double down on this invitation – go ahead – text something.  Although my kids have had some of their jokes used, I have yet to be selected – though it may be due to my joke; “What do you call a fairy who hasn’t taken a bath in weeks?  Stinkerbell!”

After a few moments in the outer-queue, you will enter the inner-queue.  This is when your journey into the world of Monsters Inc. truly begins.  Take time to read the posts on the wall, look at the pictures, and enjoy what the Imagineers have prepared for you as you wait.  If you take the time to notice, you’ll find that there are a lot of hidden treasures and good humor in all the attraction queue areas.  A short video will welcome you to the Laugh Floor and provide an overview of what this attraction is all about.  In short, once the Monsters learned that laughter provided more power than screams, the occupants of the Monster world set out to harvest as much laughter as possible – thus, the Laugh Floor Comedy Club. 

A short wait later and the doors to the comedy club will open.  Here’s a tip – don’t just run to your seat as you become or remain preoccupied with your souvenirs, tickets, park map, etc.  Pay attention to what is going on around you.  Your host – Buddy Boil – spends some time greeting you as you enter the room, and this is worth your attention. 

For a brief moment, thanks to the fact that Disney has mastered the art of fully immersing you in fantasy, you might not even notice that Buddy is an animated character who fully interacts with living individuals.  Listen as he speaks directly to guests and even answers as they speak back.  More impressive is the fact that he, and the other Monster Comedians like Sam & Ella, and Marty Wazowski not only interact, they do so with expressive faces and wonderful comedic timing.  This bit of magic is known as digital puppetry, and began in WDW as a part of Disney’s Living Character Initiative.  Live actors perform voices while the digital renderings of the Monster personalities appear on screen.  Only Mike Wazowski and Roz are pre-programmed not to interact directly.  It is nothing short of magic.

Now, take a look at the screen to the left of the stage.  Buddy is a Grade-A heckler and wastes no time getting the audience involved in what is going on.  The object of his humor will be shown on this screen during the pre-show moments.  In the interest of full disclosure, this is my kids’ favorite part of the whole show.  Each time we try to find the magical location (still not sure if there is one) which guarantees your selection by Buddy.  So far, I’ve danced on screen, I’ve played Mike “with One eye/I”, I’ve been selected to buy Churros for everyone, and I’ve even had the honor of being “That Guy” (which by far is the best treat for my youngest son Joshua). 

There may not be magic seats for being selected, but I’ve noticed a pattern after my few hundred visits.  The first seems to be about 1/4 of the way back and on the left side (if facing the stage) of the crowd – if you want to be Mike, Sully, of Boo.  Closer to the front – about the third or fourth row in the right side of the audience (again, facing the stage) seems to be the location where “That Guy” usually is, or the guy who offers to buy churros.  Lastly, the back of the crowd is best if you want to be selected to dance on screen.  Although reflected in the name of the attraction next door, this attraction is the absolute blast in my opinion – which starts from the moment the doors open.

Roz takes a minute to introduce the container that holds captured laughter, and then notes how you are off to a “great start” before giving the show over to the stars.  The show follows the same interactive setup as the pre-show.  The next 10 minutes are filled with stories, gags and jokes by Buddy, or Sam & Ella.  It varies slightly on occasion, but still follows the same basic outline and gag list.  Nevertheless, it’s still funny to me.  Finally, Mike Wazowski’s nephew Marty arrives to tell a few jokes that also include a few which were texted from the audience during their time in the queue. 

Whether you’ve been selected to participate in the show, or whether you are simply taking in the sights – don’t just sit there.  Laugh, scream when the comedians say “Hello Humans” and enjoy it for what it is.  Watch the canister fill with laughter and see how well the comedians, and you are doing - after all, Roz is "watching, always watching".  But, remember, when you go to the Laugh Floor have a good time and don’t be stingy with the laughter – or they may have trouble opening the exit door! 

The Holdiay Season kicks off tonight at Walt Disney World with the start of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom and The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  November and December are two of the best months to visit WDW as there are many holiday events taking place.  The average high temps in Nov and Dec are 79 & 73 with the lows being 59 & 53.  Rainfall is at a minum this time of year.

 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on select nights from November 9 thru December 21 from 7:00 p.m to 12:00 midnight.  A separate ticket will need to be purchased for this event, we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance as this will be less expensive then purchasing them on the day of the event.  Tickets can be purchased from the WDW website.

 If you're like me and you love the Christmas Season, you will find no more festive place then the Magic Kingdom during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  When you enter the park you will first notice how beautifully it has been decorated for the holidays as well as the sounds of Christmas music playing throughout.  The first thing you will want to do is get a schedule of the events taking place so that you can plan your night.  Mickey's Very Merry features the enchanted Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle, live entertainment featuring Disney Characters, meet and greet opportunities featuring your favorite Disney Characters, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, snow falling on Main Street, as well as special access to many of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom.

 In addition to the features mentioned above, Mickey's Very Merry also includes the exclusive fireworks show, Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season as well as Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.  These two events are not to be missed so plan on arranging your evening around them.  The parade takes place twice a night and we've found that the second is the least crowded.  While the first parade is taking place this is a great time to hit your favorite attractions as they will be less crowded.  For fireworks viewing we recommend a spot near the middle of Main Street.

 The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights takes place nightly at Disney's Hollywood Studios from Nov 9th thru Jan 6th.  No separate admission is needed for this event.  During the OFSDL you will see 5 million multicolored lights all perfectly synchronized to Christmas Music as well as a magical snow fall.  The effect is breathtaking and again should not be missed.

The Christmas Season is truly a magical time at the Walt Disney World Resort.  The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas will be the least busy.  If you plan on attending Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party try to attend one of the earlier parties as these will be the least crowded.  As it gets closer to Christmas the parties tend to sell out.  If you decide to visit WDW for the holidays we hope you have a great time!

Magical Memories: Autumn at Walt Disney World

 Fall arrived this weekend and its the perfect time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort.  The weather is starting to cool down and it doesn't rain as much.  In October the average high is 85 and the low 65 with rainfall being about 2.7 inches.  Now that the kids are back in school the crowds aren't nearly as large as they were during the summer.

 There are a lot of great events that take place at WDW in the Fall.  A previous post talked about the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival that starts next weekend (9/28).  The Food and Wine Festival is a great opportunity to sample food and wine from around the world.  The Magic Kingdom has been beautifully decorated for fall.  Banners of fall colors are hung throughout the park along with pumpkins and scarecrows to really give you the feeling of autumn.  At the Magic Kingdom you can also experience Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party that runs select nights from Sept. 11 to Nov. 2.  Mickey's Not So Scary takes place after regular park hours so an additional event admission ticket is required to attend.  Depending upon the date, prices can range from $55.95-$62.95 + tax for ages 10 and up and $50.95-$59.95 + tax for ages 3 to 9.  The tickets are pricey but the event is well worth it.  If you are visiting during this time we highly suggest you attend.

At Mickey's Not So Scary you can expect to see the Magic Kingdom transformed into the "Spookiest Place on Earth" through lighting and fog effects, music and special theming.  Candy stations are set up so you can Trick or Treat throughout the park. Character Meet and Greats allow you to  have your picture taken with your favorite characters dressed up for Halloween.  Not So Scary is also a  great time to enjoy your favorite attractions at the Magic Kingdom.  Because a limited number of tickets are sold the lines for the attractions a practically non existant.  You will be able to experience attractions as many times as you wish.

The two highlights of the party are the "Boo to You" Halloween Parade and Happy HalloWishes the night time fireworks display.  The "Boo to You" Parade takes place twice a night (check the schedule for times) we recommend that you plan to see the second parade because it is the least busy of the two.  Anywhere on Main Street is a great viewing spot.  Be sure to get there before the start of the parade so you can see the Headless Horesman make his ride down Main Street.  Main Street is also a great location for the fireworks show.  The Halloween Party is the only time Happy HalloWishes takes place and it is a must see.  During the show the Villains take over the sky above Cinderella Castle.  If you decide to attend Mickey's Not So Scary some things to consider are:  buy your tickets online so you save money, think of attending one of the earlier party's because as it gets closer to Halloween the partys will start selling out,  plan on wearing a costume as its the only time guests can  wear costumes at the Magic Kingdom, check the weather and dress accordingly as some nights it can get pretty cool out. If you do attend Mickey's Not So Scary we hope you have a great time and let us know what you thought about it.  Maybe you will come up with some tips that would be great to share.  Have Fun.