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New Star Tours video released

The Star Wars convention Celebration V is in Orlando this weekend and Disney has used the moment to debut a new video that teases the upcoming changes to its Star Tours attraction. The video was introduced by Imagineer Jason Surrell, and C-3PO himself, actor Anthony… Read More »New Star Tours video released

The Out and In Disney Predictions for 2010

Out / In Endor / Anywhere Adventures by Disney / Destinations by Disney Charging for Internet / Free Wi-Fi DVC Construction / Affordable Family Suites Parades / Street Parties LOST / ??? Broadcast TV / Apple TV Stitch / Harry Potter Open Seas / Desert… Read More »The Out and In Disney Predictions for 2010

Star Tours II – Details Leak Out

When Star Tours II (aka Star Tours 2.0) was officially announced at D23 they showed some 3D podracer footage with your StarSpeeder actually racing along the Tatooine course. While the footage was amazingly cool, it led to some speculation that the whole show would be… Read More »Star Tours II – Details Leak Out

Star Tours 2.0 In 3D Arriving in 2011

Update: New Video of the Star Tours II 3D footage that was shown at the expo below. The eventually arrival of Star Tours 2.0 was worst kept secret over the last few years. From artists at Lucasfilm talking about their work to Anthony Daniels reporting… Read More »Star Tours 2.0 In 3D Arriving in 2011

D23 Confirms Fantasyland Expansion Rumors

The leaked plans for the Magic Kingdom Fantasyland expansion appear to be mostly, if not totally, true. This based on announcements from Jay Rasulo at the D23 Expo today. There’s some good detail of the plans at my previous post looking at the blueprints. Now we also have some gorgeous concept art to go with it. (click for larger versions)

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Update: download 2.5 mb larger version here.

This concept art shows the expanded area from the POV of above Cinderella Castle. In the front left you see the ‘castle walls’ from which you will travel through into the various Princess Realms. Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel all have their own castles (aka meet and greet areas). The Beauty and the Beast realm will also have a new dinner show.

Ariel’s castle will contain the Little Mermaid attraction that’s also being installed at California Adventure.

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At this point the Fantasyland Expansion concept art differs a bit from the blue prints we saw. Tinker Bell and the fairies still get their Pixie Hollow (which will be phase two of the expansion), but the Dumbo attraction (see concept drawing below) is moved to the other side where Goofy’s Barstormer and Donald’s boat is now. There is also a coaster in the back that is not on the blue prints. I’ll be curious to see how this all turns out in the final version.

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The new Dumbo attraction will have two spinners and, apparently, more of a circus theme. The blue prints specify an ‘interactive queue’ which, based on this art, would appear to be more living character initiative animatronics. Think Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story Midway Mania queue.

All this, Jay says, will be open in 2012. A year late for the 40th Anniversay of the MK. But not too shabby a schedule. I would like to have seen another solid ‘ride’ type attraction, something aimed at the whole family instead of another meet and greet/mini-show. But the dinner show and the themeing look pretty outstanding.

Follow below the jump for the full press release related to all of Jay’s park announcements:

Read More »D23 Confirms Fantasyland Expansion Rumors

Star Tours 2.0 filming at last?

Over on /film, Word has leaked that filming for the long rumored Star Tours 2.0 has finally begun. We already know that some voice tracks have been laid (confirmed by the Anthony Daniels, the voice of C-3PO at Star Wars Celebration IV) and that some… Read More »Star Tours 2.0 filming at last?

Friday Morning Roundup – Disney Links and News

It’s Friday morning and time to close some of my open tabs by passing those links along in what is perhaps a more brusque fashion than the topics really deserve. My apologies in advance.

  • A woman who missed her journey on the Titanic celebrates her 100th birthday in style at Disneyland. Great feel good story.
  • Gardenwalk, the formerly vaperware mall that finally opened adjacent to Disneyland last year, is having mixed results for its tenants. Frankly, they’re lucky any guests are coming in this economy.
  • Disney Channel rolled out Disney XD this week and Amy Quinn, who calls herself Citizen Mom, takes on Disney’s attempt to market to boys, her boy in particular.
  • IDEAS a design and marketing studio, previously located in the backlot offices of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, has moved to new digs in downtown Orlando.
  • The Orlando Sentinel reports that Disney and other theme parks continue to spend money lobbying the government for various projects even while they’re cutting back on other expenses.
  • KryptonLogic.com believes in the rumors that Star Tours 2.0 is coming soon, or at least a formal announcement of it’s eventual installment is. May 2010 is the expected date. Also remember Star Wars Weekends is coming beginning in the last two weekends of May this year. A great place to make the announcement if you ask me.
  • I’ve updated my list of ‘Dream Ticket’ winners from Disney’s American Idol Experience attraction. Still a few holes to plug, but I’m getting more names. Thanks for your help in continuing to provide the names of the winners. Photos or confirmation to help verify winners names are also appreciated.
  • I particularly enjoyed this description of the American Idol Experience Premiere weekend by Billboard Magazines ‘Jaded Insider’ blog.

Finally, below the cut meet TOFU. He’s a robot that emulates the ‘squash and squat’ techniques of Disney animation developed by students at MIT. I hope someone from Imagineering already has this inventor on the phone.

Read More »Friday Morning Roundup – Disney Links and News

LaughingPlace.com confirms Star Tours 2.0 (and Soarin’!)

LaughingPlace.com, which is known for being conservative when announcing rumor confirmations, has just confirmed that Star Tours 2.0 will be coming to Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, other parks with the attraction have not yet signed on. I take this as a near certainty now… Read More »LaughingPlace.com confirms Star Tours 2.0 (and Soarin’!)