Early this morning a Disney airport bus shuttle was involved in a traffic accident on the way to Orlando International. It was hit from behind by a semi-truck. (Update: It appears the collision was more serious, see updated OS article.) Five passengers were taken to… Read More »Disney’s Mickey’s Magical Express Bus Accident Injures 5
Just read an excellent indepth analysis of the current status of the class action lawsuit seeking to allow disabled patrons the ability to use their Segway mobility devices inside Disney’s theme parks. When last we left this story, the two parties had agreed to seek… Read More »Walt Disney World not able to ban Segways Yet says DOJ
What’s the one thing Steelers fans want see this year? A repeat of this commercial from 2009: It’s not just a matter of winning the Superbowl anymore, but who will be chosen for Disney’s famous ‘What’s Next?” campaign. It’s been asked of star athletes, singers,… Read More »Who’s Next for Disneyland “What’s Next?”
click for larger version. The updated version of the Star Tours attraction is nearing completion as evidenced by this visit from Star Wars creator George Lucas to Disneyland in Anaheim where the attraction is already undergoing test rides. Lucas was accompanied by producer Rick McCallum… Read More »George Lucas test rides new Star Tours
Over the weekend the deal combining Comcast with NBC/Universal was completed. In addition to the big shake up with control of television stations now handled a cable giant, we get a new co-owner of the Universal Orlando Resort property. Comcast joins the Blackstone Group with… Read More »Universal Studios Orlando has new co-owner, shake-up coming?
In the same week that multiple rumors have started to spread about an expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure even to the point of survey equipment being spotted backstage, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts held a media event to highlight changes coming to Disney’s properties.
Below Al Weiss, President of Disney Parks and Resorts explains all the changes coming to Disney’s properties outside of Central Florida:
Forgetting the developments in the Disney parks around the rest of the world, and there are many, it’s hard not to compare the improvements coming to Walt Disney World with the very successful Harry Potter themed land. In the scheme of things Disney is doing a lot more than Universal Studios, but is quantity better than quality?
Follow below the jump for more from the press event:
Last week the Magic Kingdom rolled out the carpets for visiting media and VIPs to showcase the latest promotion for Disneyland and Walt Disney World, “Let The Memories Begin.” The centerpiece of that promotion will be a nightly show on Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom and the facade of It’s A Small World at Disneyland.
“The Magic, The Memories, and You!” is a new show is gracing the spires and turrets of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom. Sixteen digital projectors throw photos and videos of park guests and the history of the Walt Disney Company directly onto the facade of the castle using new digital mapping and projection technology. The result is a show that will amaze and move you as only Disney can do.
We saw the show standing about 4/5ths of the way across the hub (right near the popcorn cart). The angle wasn’t a problem, the projections cover both the front and the sides of the castle, but the distance was. To really make out all the details of the guest photos that are added to the show, you have to be somewhere between the Partner’s statue and the Castle stage. You will get a slightly different show from the sides, so maybe view it twice, three times if you want to view it from Main Street for the longer range view.
Overall I was impressed with how the show used the technology to wrap the castle with images and video. I don’t want to go into too much detail to the story and pacing since I’ve only seen it once. But as the show itself is only 10 minutes long and you can probably walk up and get a good spot 10 minutes before the show starts, I recommend you check it out for yourself on your next visit.
Follow below the jump for a special preview of the show and my complete show video, plus more on the magic behind the show:
Read More »The Magic, The Memories, and You! debuts at Magic Kingdom
Some beautiful photos of a Steampunk Wedding over at the fan run Disney Wedding Blog. Turns out the Victorian styling of the Grand Floridian offer the perfect backdrop to Steampunk goodness. And check out this cake. Congrats to Cheryl and Adam and be sure to… Read More »Steampunk Disney Wedding