Monday, August 23, 2010

Fixed Plans For Fantasyland?



Since plans for a completely updated Fantasyland expansion at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, some have been unhappy with the new attractions and meet and greets in this expansion. Ever since the $300 million dollar expansion plan was revealed at the D23 Expo last September, people have been arguing that 'there is too much princess' and 'not enough for boys'. Luckily for some, Tom Staggs has heard you. And he has agreed.


Most of the expansion is covered by a new forest.


Rendering of the new Fantasyland at Walt Disney World


Gaston's Tavern is a rumored Beauty and the Beast quick service restaurant.



A leaked blueprint of such updated plans shows that the rumored meet and greets with Aurora and Cinderlla are completely scratched, as are plans for Pixie Hollow.







But the plans also feature exciting, new plans. Such as the Snow White Mine Coaster Ride. Rumors for such an attraction have been floating around with the new Fantasyland for quite some time, and it looks like this rumor could turn into a reality.


Also, Dumbo has a very large new area in the expansion, overtaking most of the current Mickey's Toontown Fair area. This new area includes Dumbo's Big Top, which has a second Dumbo attraction, and a new tent with interactive games and more while guests wait to ride. A new Casey Jr. themed Food Stand and Shop is also pictured.


While all of this could be fake, we do know that the plans have been altered some how, but we will just have to wait and see what the final version looks like in a matter of years.


Photo Courtesy of Disney
Saturday, August 21, 2010

Top 10 - Best Ride Vehicles



Intro:
Every Disney attraction has its animatronics, music, etc, but no one seems to pay attention to the vehicle that they are riding in. Every ride has a powerful piece of technology moving them from scene to scene, and we are here to break down the best that there is. Only attractions currently operating are listed.

The List:
10. Tomorrowland Transit Authority Tram
A very simple vehicle, the blue TTA Tram just drives and turns, and there really isn't anything special to it. But it's still a great vehicle, as it falls into Number 10.

9. Soarin' Hang Glider
A simple hang glider, it actually takes a lot of power and technology to be able to bring guests to the height that it does, and it even has small tilts to add to the effects of the film.

8. Pirates of the Caribbean Boat
The classic boats in Pirates had to have a spot in the Top 10. They can hold a hefty maximum capacity of 23 people. (but usually only hold 18)

7. Mad Tea Party Tea Cup
A classic attraction, the cool designs and bright colors of the tea cups are very whimsical, and appeal to a large crowd.

6. Dumbo The Flying Elephant Elephant 
What's cooler than sitting in an Elephant and flying high with a pretty great view of Fantasyland? 

5. Rock n' Roller Coaster Stretch Limo
There is no better way to get to an Aerosmith concert then in a stylish stretch limo, now is there?

4. The Seas With Nemo And Friends Clam 
Admit it, it's very cool to sit inside this fun Clam as you enjoy Nemo and Friends swim along in The Seas.

3. Jungle Cruise Boat
Another classic, the Jungle Cruise boats are stylish, long boats skippered by a cheesy comedian as you tour the vast setting of the Jungle.

2. Haunted Mansion Doom Buggie (Omnimover)
Extremely simple, just an Omnimover 'ball', the Doom Buggies mainly earn their spot here at number two for their name, but they're also a good classic.

1. Peter Pan's Flight Pirate Ship
An original attraction at both Disneyland (1955) and the Magic Kingdom (1971), these nostalgic pirate ships are unique, as you ride under the track, rather than over it, giving you a sensation of flying. 

Disagree? Have your own opinion? Leave a comment!

Michael Giacchino To Compose Star Tours II Score


Rumors are leading that John Williams has declined to compose the new score for Disney's upcoming updated Star Tours: The Adventures Continue attraction at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios, and that another solid composer Michael Giacchino, has reportedly accepted the duty of arranging the fresh, powerful new composition for the upcoming attraction. 

Giacchino has composed many pieces for films, TV shows, shorts, and many other miscellaneous things. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue opens sometime in 2011.

Midway Mania Surprise Refurb





Many are curious about the reason for an unexpected closure to Toy Story Midway Mania at DHS. The prime of summer crowds may have passed by now, but what is the stiff reason for the refurb at this time?  

A few months after Toy Story 3 came out, this attraction boosted it's popularity by a small amount. But think of how popular it was before hand. Then just add the crowd who befanned the latest installment in the film series. That's a huge crowd of riders, huh?

So, most Dis sites, boards, etc are reporting that this week long refurb (reported), is to add exit gates after a CM accident, in which the man was injured. Some say it was no gates, but rather guests would not go to the yellow line, as told my other Cast Members. Whatever the reason, TSMM won't be re-opening until August 28th. 
Sunday, August 8, 2010

Via Napoli Opens at World Showcase

After months of heavy construction on the brand new authentic italian restaurant, Via Napoli Pizzeria e Ristorante has opened for walk-in dining at Italy at EPCOT, as of Thursday, the 5th.

Mickey and Minnie were dressed in Italian clothes at the opening event:
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A shot of Via Napoli as the sun sets:


The interior design heavily nods to Italian architecture:


Mickey thumbs up his pizza, as Mickey shaped pizzas were on display on opening day.



Two Italian women acted as comedians during the event:


Photos from www.wdwnewstoday.com
Thursday, August 5, 2010

PeopleMover Returns...sort of.

1967 marked the opening of the WEDWay PeopleMover at Disneyland, but the system of transportation has since then been closed for a while. However, a similar attraction still exists at Tomorrowland at the Magic Kngdom at Walt Disney World, but it was known as the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Until today. The attraction has been renamed to Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and it is presented by Alamo. Check out the new sign:

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Monday, August 2, 2010

The Best Disney Animated Movie Songs Ever


Intro:
Disney has certainty had a strong impact on the movie industry as a whole, but if you think about it, it has also made a heavy impact on music as well. Just think of every Disney animated film you can, and now you realize 'Hey, there is at least one great song in this movie!' So, lets break it down to the Top 10 Best Disney Songs of all time!


Honorable Mentions:
The Bear Necessities
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Beauty and the Beast
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
Kiss The Girl
Zip A Dee Doo Dah


The Best:
10.  Hakuna Matata from The Lion King
9. I Can Go The Distance from Hercules
8. Heigh Ho from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
7. I Just Can't Wait To Be King from The Lion King
6. Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast
5. Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid
4. Under The Sea from The Little Mermaid
3. Circle of Life from The Lion King
2. Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas
1. When You Wish Upon A Star from Pinocchio




Disagree? Anything you'd like to say? Leave a comment!

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