Attractions - The Art of Plussing (Haunted Mansion)

There is so much that could be written about this classic attraction.  From the “Doom Buggies” to the hitchhiking ghosts; from the stretching room to the graveyard scene, this attraction is a testament to the art of Imagineering.  As your ghost host carries you on a journey through the dark halls of this attraction, the imagery, sounds, and Imagineering tricks are woven together with one of the most memorable soundtracks of any attraction to create a totally immersive experience suitable for young and old alike.  And though this attraction is a classic, it too has been a focus of “plussing” over the years. 

Grim Grinning Ghosts have been socializing here since 1971, and in that time only a few minor changes have taken place.  The majority of updates to this attraction have been minimal or have had no real bearing on the storyline.  However, recent changes in the queue graveyard area add a greater dimension to the experience.  The most interesting point – at least to this author – is that Disney has chosen to invest time and money into making guest experiences in the parks more enjoyable on the whole, not just inside the attractions.  As you may know, lines do get long during certain peak times of the year.  Standing in those long lines, while trying to simultaneously control the heat and your children, may result in a less than fond memory.  To help alleviate those moments of stress, make the wait time seem shorter - or at least more enjoyable, Disney has focused efforts on improving attraction queues.  The Haunted Mansion is among the most recent of attractions, along with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Space Mountain, to receive such attention. 

So, what might you encounter in the queue?  Well, for starters, you will encounter the sharp wit of the Imagineers.  Only Disney could make epitaphs that invoke the sparkle of eternal youth – laughter.  While some are simply funny, others give clues to encourage interaction with the queue itself.  For example, one tombstone claims that “He’s gone from the world of trouble and strife.  But a touch of your hand brings his music to life.”  Curious guests are now fully engaged in the attraction before ever setting foot inside the mansion itself.  Hands brush across the tombstone as music now fills the air.  Music isn’t the only way to engage guests.  Disney does a great job of trying to engage multiple senses in this process.  Another grave, for a sailor of course, squirts water. 

The last portion of this attraction to recently be plussed involves the “Hitchhiking Ghosts”.  For years the ghosts simply rode along with guests who refused the offer to fill the vacancy for one more resident.  Now, these intrepid ghosts actually interact with the guests to once again create a fully immersive, interactive and enjoyable guest experience.  So, “don’t close your eyes and don’t try to hide, or a silly spook may sit by your side…” because these grim grinnin’ ghosts truly do socialize.

Let us know what you think.  Do you like these changes?  Do these changes help reduce the feeling of long wait times?  Add your comments below.

Attractions - Storybook Circus First Look

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has been undergoing the largest expansion in it's 40 year history, which will allow Fantasyland to double it's size by the year 2014. The project will open in phases with the first phase recently opening on March 12th. DLuminations visited the park and was able to experience the opening of Storybook Circus, which is taking the place of Mickey's Toontown Fair. Though still surrounded by construction walls this is a welcome addition to the Magic Kingdom.
The backstory of Storybook Circus has a circus pulling up to the new train station. From the train station you can follow animal footprints in the walkway to the attractions. Two sets of elephant prints, a mother and her baby, will lead you to the entrance of Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Storybook Circus is set in Carolwood Park. Disney enthusiasts may recognize the name, it pays homage to Carolwood Pacific the railroad Walt Disney built in the backyard of his home in the 1950's.
At this time only three existing attractions are running, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Barnstormer coaster and the Fantasyland Train Station with the rest of the attractions opening later this year. Dumbo was always one of MK's most popular attractions, when the project is complete there will be a pair of Dumbo rides side by side. Dumbo now features story panels, a new soundtrack and multi colored water fountains. The Barnstormer is basically a reboot of its previous incarnation with added elements to fit the circus theme. Eventually a Casey Jr. water play area, Pete's Silly Sideshow, a gift shop and a character meet and greet location will open. New colorful costumes have been created for the castmembers, these resemble something a carnival barker might wear and the trash receptacles have been made to fit into the circus theme.
The "Royal" side of Fantasyland is expected to open in late 2013 or early 2014. Once complete this section will include attractions based on classic Disney animated features including:

A Beauty and the Beast themed area that will include the Be our Guest restaurant, Gaston's Tavern, Belle's Cottage and Maurice's workshop.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster that will take riders through the story of Snow White. This attraction will feature ride vehicles that swing back and forth.

The Princess Fairytale Hall will serve as a meet and greet location for Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana and Rapunzel. This will take over the spot that now houses Snow Whites Scary Adventure which closes May 13th.

Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid will be a dark ride identical to the attraction that opened in California Adventure back in 2011.

Seeing the progress so far we are very impressed and are looking forward to the completion of the project more than ever. If you visit WDW in the near future be sure and visit Storybook Circus which is located just past the Mad Tea Party spinning tea cup attraction.

Attractions - The Art of Plussing (Hall of Presidents)

Continuing our popular series on Disney's rich tradition of "plussing" attractions, we will take a look at the Hall of Presidents.

For many, this attraction is an ideal location for taking a power nap during a mid-afternoon jaunt through the Magic Kingdom. For others, it is second only to the Carousel of Progress as the best place to sit and cool down during the sweltering summer months in Orlando. But, for many of us history buffs and Disney fanatics, this attraction is nothing short of magical.

The magic begins as soon as you enter the doors. The Presidential Seal greets you in the floor, directly in the center of the room; while portraits of many past presidents gaze upon you as you wait. In several areas around the room are glass cases containing personal objects and artifacts from a few select presidents. George W. Bush's boots, a wine glass from James K. Polk, coat buttons from John Adams, Ronald Reagan's belt buckle, and Herbert Hoover's fishing reel are among the objects on display. This glimpse into the personal lives of past presidents simply solidifies that fact that these giants among men were and are merely men - human beings called upon by a nation to serve in the highest office imaginable, only to willingly give back the mantle when their time for service has passed.

Once ushered into the auditorium, you rest (after moving as far down the aisle as possible) in a seat facing the large, red curtain. After the announcement that "Walt Disney proudly presents The Hall of Presidents" it occurs to you that this attraction most likely highlights Walt's own love of America. You nostalgically begin remembering images of Walt-as a child-dressed as his childhood hero, Abraham Lincoln. Suddenly, the curtain draws and the narrator carries you through a summary of America's founding and it's struggles from 1776 until today. The narration is captivating, while the images stirring. Each working together to stoke the fires of a building pride in America. Each serving to remind us that America is more than a location, it is more than even a nation of laws, it is a nation of ideals, of people. A resilient nation that has fought diligently over more than 2 centuries to establish and maintain a home for freedom. A beacon of hope for the world. And, at the head of that nation sits one man, who represents all mankind within its borders. One man, who has more power than imaginable, yet willfully gives up that power once his term is finished; without struggle, without strife; the President of the United States.

The Hall of Presidents honors both the men who have held that office and the office itself. Highlighting the uniqueness of this country and its government. But, while the history buff swells with pride, the Disney fanatic sits with childlike elation, taking in the details of the surroundings. One noteworthy detail comes in the presidential clothing. In fact, Disney Imagineers not only took painstaking measures to create lifelike audioanimatronic figures of the presidents, the clothes worn by those presidents is both authentic in the look and in the manufacturing process. That's right, Thomas Jefferson's shirt is not only period correct, it is sewn using the very sewing techniques that were correct for that time as well. Just another Disney detail that makes WDW so amazing.

This attraction, one of my favorites, opened in 1971 and remained unchanged at Walt Disney World until 1993; with the exception of adding Ford, Carter, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush when they were in office. When Clinton was added in 1993, the show received an overhaul, which lead to a greater focus on slavery and other historical issues. Lincoln's speech was also re-written, and a new musical score was added as was Maya Angelou as narrator. Clinton also recorded a speech as well.

In 2001, George W. Bush followed suit, while another narrator took the place of Angelou. Finally, in 2009, Obama was added as was his recorded speech. The voice of Morgan Freeman also became our guide through time as he elegantly highlighted points of our nation's story. For this history buff, the greatest addition was a speaking role for "His Excellency" George Washington (voiced by David Morse who portrays him in the 'John Adams' HBO miniseries based on David McCullough's best selling biography).

Though your opinion of whether or not these changes actually "plussed" the attraction may depend on your personal political views, in all, it is my opinion that the attraction has indeed improved.

Let us know what you think. Are the attraction changes always positive? Add your comments in the comments box, we would love to hear from you.

Attractions - The Art of Plussing (Pirates of the Caribbean)

As mentioned in previous posts, Disney has a rich tradition of what they term "plussing"; or the act improving on ideas or attractions.

Originally opening in Disneyland, the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction was added to Walt Disney World in 1973; though there are differences in the two. In the 1990s some audio tracks were re-recorded, though only the most die-hard Disney enthusiasts would notice. In 2004, a few additional changes were made, including having the ladies chase the pirates instead of the pirates chasing the ladies.

The most significant changes took place in 2006 when Jack Sparrow was added to the attraction, as was Barbosa. As a result, the storyline changed also. In addition, a projected image of Davy Jones was added to the falls at the beginning of the ride.

Jones was temporarily replaced by Blackbeard in May 2011 to coincide with the release of the current installment of the Pirate movie franchise; Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides. Though only temporary, this was a fresh addition that further entwined the ride with the movie in order to create or at least continue the illusion that the Pirate world exists in a time all its own.

One might think that such significant changes would dramatically alter the attraction; however, it is the opinion of this author that these changes did not contribute to altering the ride beyond its original spirit.

Want to take a quick ride through the attraction? Click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1iMRvwvGs0&feature=plcp&context=C3aef3b8UDOEgsToPDskIQEiIgz9kUCv_VBXItNWez

Let us know what you think. Are the attraction changes always positive? Add your comments below.

Attractions - The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Driving backstage at WDW recently I was able to see the Christmas decorations being prepared so that the parks can start being decorated for the holidays. It's hard to believe it's that time of the year again, but in a few short weeks the holiday festivities will begin all over WDW. One of my favorites and one that starts the earliest is The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, which goes from November 10th to January 7th (there is no performance on 12/8, the park closes at 5). If you have an opportunity to go to WDW make sure this is near the top of your list of things to do.

Jennings and Mitzi Osborne lived in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1986 their daughter asked that their house be decorated with lights for Christmas, which Jennings and Mitzi did, stringing 1000 lights on the house. Every year afterwards the display got bigger and bigger eventually encompassing the two surrounding properties which the Osborne's purchased. By 1993 the display became so big and was visited by so many people some neighbors filed a law suit to end the display, complaining that it had become a nuisance. The case went all the way to the Arkansas Supreme Court who ordered the display be taken down permanently in 1995. This is when Disney stepped in and moved the display permanently to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Originally presented on the "Residential Street" in the backlot section, the display is now seen on the "Streets of America". With over 10 miles of lights it is truly a spectacular sight. The lights turn on and off automatically and are choreographed to the music giving the appearance that the lights are dancing to the music. After each performance the lights remain steady for about 10 minutes before the next performance. Some of the selections that the lights "dance" to are; Jingle Bells (Barbra Streisand), Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano) and The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Andy Williams). Along with the lights and music, "snow" falls during the performances.

Sadly Jennings Osborne passed away earlier this year, but it's nice to know that something he loved so much and put so much effort into continues to bring joy to thousands of people each holiday season. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is not to be missed! Keep in mind that Thanksgiving week and the weeks before and after Christmas are some of the busiest all year long, I try to see the display its opening week or the first weeks of December to avoid the crowds.

Attractions - Main Street USA

So, you might be thinking "Main Street USA, an attraction? You don't ride it. You don't stand in line for it. Disney doesn't refer to it in 'ticket terms' like 'E-Ticket Attraction'. Why are you counting Main Street USA as an attraction?" The answer, for us, is a simple formula; Attention to Detail + Immersive Experience = Attraction.

Main Street USA is the opening scene in Walt's vision for a park. It is the destination for a nostalgic journey into the idyllic days of yesteryear. A place where memories of what was and what one might imagine was, are blurred just enough to create magic. Though, technically, it is a themed land, it is also every bit of an attraction.

Stepping onto Main Street USA is a magical experience in a very real sense. Looking around to see buildings representative of early 20th-century America, seeing a horse drawn trolley and hearing the music piped in all around you completely immerses you in another time and place. I can't help but feel like Terrence Mann stepping onto the Field of Dreams, surrounded by players like Shoeless Joe Jackson and Buck Weaver, waving my hand in front of my face as I hear the crunch of the warning track below my feet; reminding Ray Kinsella that the memories will be so thick, people will have to brush them away from their faces.Much like Terrence Mann's speech in Field of Dreams, guests come in droves and they return to a childlike innocence, longing for the past, and dipping themselves in the magic waters offered in a way that only Disney can provide.

As your feet carry you from the past and toward timeless fantasy, don't allow them to move you too quickly. Take a moment to take in the sights, sounds and smells that blanket you on Main Street USA. Allow the sounds of "Goodbye My Coney Island Baby" and the smell of popcorn take you back to eternal childhood. And as you walk, take in the detail of the buildings around you.

The buildings lining either side of the street not only represent those of the early 20th-century, but they model the design magic of Disney Imagineers. Using a technique called forced perspective makes the buildings look taller than they are. This illusion not only gives the impression that the buildings on Main Street are much taller than they are, but as a result makes Cinderella Castle ever the taller. Forced perspective works by making each story shorter than the one below it.

The buildings also hold, quite literally, windows into Disney history. Take time to note the names on the fictitious businesses. These give nods to those cast members and Imagineers whose contributions have made Disney what it is. From those who designed costumes, and attractions, to songwriters, and even Walt himself; each window tells a part of the Disney story and serves as credits to the Walt Disney World movie line.

Not only are the buildings along Main Street USA a wonder to observe, but they house a myriad of shops, bakeries, restaurants, and even a barber shop - where you may truly take part in a magical moment.

Main Street USA holds a different feel throughout various times of the day. Arriving in the morning, as you are among the first to enter, gives the impression of the dawning of a dream. A mid-afternoon parade is like a perpetual 4th of July or Christmas Day celebration. And lastly, standing on the train station platform and looking out over the street at night, as it is all aglow with 60,000 lights, captures a romantic feel that lies in the heart of all timeless memories.

What is your favorite part of Main Street USA? When is your favorite time to visit this area of the Magic Kingdom? What part brings back the most memories; sights, sounds or smells? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Attractions - The Art of Plussing (Journey into Imagination)

Several weeks ago, DLuminations began a series of posts focusing on the "plussing" of attractions. In the first post, we took a look at the Enchanted Tiki Room and posed the question as to whether the "plussing" of this attraction was a positive, or a negative. This week, we continue the examination of attractions that have been "plussed", and once again pose the question for you to ponder and answer. This week's attraction of choice - Journey into Imagination.Journey into Imagination is another fan favorite gone astray. This attraction opened in 1983, a year after EPCOT's opening. I remember seeing Figment everywhere and also remember thinking that Disney must be positioning him as the main character of EPCOT. Figment would be the image associated with the brand that was Disney's EPCOT. The character who embodied that spark of imagination that fueled exploratory learning. But, then again, I was only 10, so what did I know?In 1998, Disney decided to retire the Dreamfinder, and gave the job to Dr. Nigel Channing (introduced previously in the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience attraction.) I can imagine how that meeting went down. Eisner and other Disney executives called the Dreamfinder in for a meeting. The Dreamfinder entered the room and noticed Dr. Nigel Channing sitting at the table with them already. Dr. Channing, it seemed, had formulated a different idea of how the attraction should move forward into the next millennium. Suddenly, the Dreamfinder found himself ousted from the attraction that he helped found. In short, it was a Disney version of what happened to Steve Jobs in 1984.

Nevertheless, this change called for a major overhaul of the storyline. It was also at this time that ImageWorks was closed in the upstairs portion of the pavilion.

Once reopened, the attraction was titled, simply, Imagination. Unfortunately, fans were upset (irate maybe a better assessment) to find the Dreamfinder gone and that Figment had been reduced to a very small role. It seemed that this change caused nothing more than one little spark of exacerbation! (I know, but I couldn't resist!)

Finally, in 2001, Disney decided to refurbish the attraction once more and brought Figment back as the star and central character. Though this has appeased many fans, it seems that there are many who will remain discontent until the Dreamfinder returns to his original job. Who knows, the re-emergence of the Dreamfinder may be like Steve Jobs returning to Apple, setting the ship straight again. Once more igniting the creative spark of imagination of all who pass through it's doors in order to produce a long-lasting, and highly desirable product. Though one drawback to that would be an attraction with an actual line or a wait once more.

Until then, maybe we can look forward to the Sequel to Roger Rabbit entitled "Who Framed the Dreamfinder?" It could show in the theater once occupied by Captain EO, or Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. But alas, we must be satisfied with the subtle reference to the Dreamfinder's contributions to EPCOT's early years by seeing the name "Dean Finder" on a door in the Imagination Institute.

Let us know what you think in the comments section below. Do you think this attraction was "plussed" or "subtracted"? Would you change it back to the original version? Would you bring the Dreamfinder back?

Don't remember the original? Watch these two videos to compare:

Journey into Imagination (1983 - 1998): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGe0psLTCdI

Journey into Imagination (2001 - present): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzbKrMaFVAo

Attractions - Top 10 Pools

For many, it just isn't a vacation unless you get to spend some time splashing around in a pool. This, coupled with the warm, central Florida sun, makes fun-time in the pool a must. At Disney, the combination of attention to detail and the understanding that everything speaks brings that hint of Disney magic which turns a normal pool into an aquatic adventure.

Although we can list many reasons for staying in specific Disney Resorts, what if our only concern was the pool? Well, that is the idea behind our Top 10 Pools list for the Disney Resorts. If swimming is your "thing", consider this list before booking your Disney vacation.

1. Stormalong Bay (Yacht & Beach Club Resort): This 3-acre pool takes first place by a landslide. Featuring a 230-foot waterslide that starts inside a Pirate Ship, floating lagoon (also known as a "lazy river"), and whirlpools, this pool features something absolutely unique - sand. Yes, sand fills the bottom of this salt-water pool, giving it a tropical feel. Sliding out of the ship gives the feeling of escaping from the Black Pearl. The pool is like an attraction unto itself. That's enough for us.

2. Nanea Volcano Pool (Polynesian Resort): Overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, this heated pool puts you in the middle of the Pacific Rim. Featuring a 40-foot high volcano with a waterfall, and a 142-foot tubular waterslide, this zero-depth-entry pool makes for great Magical Moments. 3. Luna Park Pool (Boardwalk Resort): This pool features a 200-foot waterslide called the Keister Coaster. The opportunity to shoot out of the clown's mouth at the end of this roller coaster inspired slide definitely makes this slide worth getting your "keister" wet for! The circus atmosphere is completed by elephants on the pool deck that shower you with their trunks.
4. Silver Springs Pool (Wilderness Lodge): Overlooking Bay Lake, this pool appears to be carved from rock over time. You also get the feeling of swimming in a forest. This, along with the waterslide and geyser that erupts hourly, fits perfectly with the resort theme.5. Uzima Springs Pool (Animal Kingdom Lodge): Swim in this 11,000-square-foot, zero-depth-entry, natural watering hole. The 128-foot slide couples with the zero-depth-entry to make this an enjoyable spot on a hot African afternoon.6. Spanish Fort Pool (Caribbean Beach Resort): This pool's Spanish fort theme looks like a lost scene from Pirates of the Caribbean, making the pool almost and extension of a park attraction. A waterslide, waterfalls, and water cannons make anyone feel a little more like Captain Jack.

7. Mayan Dig Site Pool (Coronado Springs Resort): This 272,000 gallon pool surrounds a Mayan pyramid. It also features a 123-foot water slide and the largest outdoor hot tub in Walt Disney World. You may leave this pool in the mood for dinner at San Angel Inn!8. Old Key West Pool (Old Key West Resort): The best feature found at this pool is the sand-castle themed waterslide with a large Hidden Mickey at the opening. The mere incorporation of the Hidden Mickey design gives this pool a top 10 spot.
9. High Rock Spring Pool (Saratoga Springs Resort): A cascading waterfall feeds into this zero-depth-entry, heated, freeform pool. A waterslide rounds off the great list of features offered here.

10. Grand Floridian Pool (Grand Floridian Resort): Overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, this zero-depth-entry pool features a waterfall and a waterslide. Private cabana's are available for rental and seem to fit the luxurious, 19th century, Victorian era feel of the resort itself.
What? Your favorite is not listed here? What is it then? Let us hear it. What is your favorite Disney Resort pool? What made it your favorite?

Attractions - The Art of "Plussing"

The movie is never as good as the book, the sequel is never as good as the original, I think you get where I am going here. But, is it always true? For some Disney fans, the answer is a resounding "Yes!".

Disney has a rich tradition of what they term "plussing". Plussing is the act of taking an idea and making it better. Coupled with their extreme level of detail, plussing is a major part of the formula that makes Disney magic. It is what pushes Disney to take everything they do to the next level. However, does that mean they always get it right? We have taken a look back at several Walt Disney World attractions that were "plussed" over time to determine if "plussing" is always a positive; and will introduce them in a series of posts.
The Enchanted Tiki Room: "Welcome to our tropical hideaway, you lucky people you..." Yes, this fan favorite ranks among the most controversial due to the "plussing" that has occurred. When it opened at Disneyland in 1963, it was the first attraction to feature audio-animatronics. It was Walt's original intention to create a dinner show featuring the singing birds.

The attraction opened with Walt Disney World in 1971. In 1997, the attraction reopened as the Enchanted Tiki Room, "Under New Management". The addition of Iago (Aladdin) and Zazu (Lion King) had many hard core Disney fans screaming fowl (OK, bad pun). Nevertheless, for many, the new management took away some of the Tiki Room's enchantment. Even the pre-show, featuring the voice of the late Phil Hartman wasn't as popular. Most would say this "plussing" of an attraction was more of a "subtracting".

Alas, there is hope for those die-hard fans! In January 2011 a small fire broke out in the attic of the attraction, severely damaging Iago (that's what he gets for messing with the Tiki gods). Disney has taken the opportunity to refurbish the show and return it to the original attraction. This is scheduled to re-open in August 2011.

To watch a video of the Enchanted Tiki Room, Under New Management, click the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwqrBfdw0Ig

Let us know what you think. Are the attraction changes always positive? Add your comments below!