Imagineers at Disneyland take us behind the walls at Disneyland’s classic Matterhorn roller coaster to show what’s been going on since it went down toward the beginning of this year. The refurbishment has been fairly extensive with new safety railings and a lot of work… Read More »The Matterhorn’s Fresh Coat of Snow – Behind the Scenes
While the presentation is not as slick as the recent Google Glass idea, the concepts behind “Touché” by Disney Research Pittsburgh could be equally as revolutionary. In fact, the two products working together make what was science fiction now very real. Here’s how they describe… Read More »Disney Research Reveals Revolutionary Concept
I’ve been out of circulation from the various the Disneyland collectors groups for a few years, but I recognize Alex George as a kindred spirit. George has put together the following video of his project to make the Main Street Electrical Parade run down the miniature Main Street USA as recreated by artist Robert Olszewski.
First, I’m just impressed that George has the complete set of Main Street Disneyland miniatures from Olszewski. But to then take it to the next step and bring the MSEP to life is awe inspiring.
Below the cut is the actual parade running, in miniature, through the Olszewski version of Disneyland’s Main Street:
My brother and sister-in-law have stopped watching all previews for future episodes of shows they like because they feel these previews give too much away. And I completely agree with them. I just can’t help myself from watching them. This time, the preview gave away the ending of the episode. But that didn’t stop it from being gripping. And I can NOT wait until next week to see what happens next. (BTW, we need to be working on theories of the season ending cliffhanger because I will do much better waiting all summer if I can guess what’s coming.)
In the world of Fairy Tale, we got the next chapter in the Snow/James saga. When last we’d seen them, James had been captured by his “father” and Snow was promising to come for him. She’d better hurry because King George isn’t wasting any time in executing James. Then again, James pretty much dares him to, saying he would rather die for love than live with the riches he was offered to play the part of the prince. But as the guillotine is falling, the blade turns into water. Wait, what? That’s what everyone is thinking until Regina walks in. She is willing to pay George for James, what George would have gotten from the marriage. James is a trap for Snow White.Read More »Once Upon a Time 1-21: An Apple Red as Blood
We’re really beginning to see the fruits of Disney’s $2 billion investment in integrating technology into the way guests experience their theme parks. According to Bob Iger one of the big changes will be how much of their vacation families will be able to make schedule from home. Instead of just dining, you’ll soon be able to schedule rides, parade viewing, show seating, and more. The first step in that is integrating a new type of RFID based Fastpass into the parks.
Magic Kingdom is ground zero for the beta-test for this advanced version of Fastpass. During the test select Disney World hotel guests are given the opportunity to schedule 4 rides a day using this new pass. Since it’s RFID, you carry around a unique identifier and the computer knows who you are, a few personal items (if it’s your birthday, anniversary, etc), and what your reservations are. If you forget the latter, you can swipe your card at a terminal and it will let you know what you next reservation is for. Eventually you’ll be able to change your Fastpass reservations at that terminal or even via your mobile device.
Read More »New Fastpass Invades Magic Kingdom, Are You Ready for Next Gen?
Bob Iger’s move to buy the rights for The Avengers from Paramount is looking pretty sage right now. The film is smashing all sorts of records. Here are a few: This weekend marked the biggest domestic opening weekend of all time. It is the fastest… Read More »Marvel’s The Avengers has Heroic Box Office
Today’s videopolis is one I missed from January. Nick Pitera, whom I just highlighted doing his One Man Newsies Tribute, but early this year he released his cover version of “I See The Light” from Disney’s Tangled. It’s one of my favorite songs from the… Read More »Videopolis: Nick Pitera covers “I see the Light” from Disney’s Tangled
The Indiana Pacers are in Orlando for the NBA Playoffs and the coach of the Indiana Pacers gave them a couple days off. Indiana Pacers team members Paul George (22) and George Hill (26) both celebrated birthday’s this week, and what better place to spend… Read More »Indiana Pacers Players visit the Magic Kingdom