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Test Track Re-invisioned Puts You In The Computer

EPCOT’s re-imagined Test Track attraction will put the guest inside a computer as they partake in a digital test environment from the queue, through the ride, and even into the post ride experience. Modern day automotive design relies on computer aided-design significantly more than it did when they original blueprints for Test Track were drawn up. Now that Chevrolet has become the attraction’s new sponsor Disney is taking the opportunity to update the experience to a new concept.

Guests in the queue will be able to make design choices for their car based on the four qualities of Capability, Efficiency, Responsiveness, and Power. After they experience the attraction they will be able to compare the results of their choices with other people in their car.

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What’s Next for Disney Parks

Update: Clarified which attraction opening dates were announced for later this year. This morning I attended the annual What’s New, What’s Next presentation for Disney Parks. Among the presenters were Meg Crofton, president of Disney Parks and Resorts, Chris Beatty, lead Imagineer on the New… Read More »What’s Next for Disney Parks

New Fantasyland Expansion, Video Tour from Behind The Walls

Yesterday I had the great privilege to get a tour of the New Fantasyland expansion from Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty. No photo or video was allowed on that tour, but Disney has made available the following two very recent videos from the construction site. Up first is an interview with Art Director Ted Robledo who talks about the project and what guests can expect when this exciting project is complete.

Below the jump is a more extensive look at the work being done, particularly around the Be Our Guest restaurant, Maurice’s Cottage, and The Little Mermaid attraction.

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Samantha Brown on Making Disney Memories

This morning I had the good luck to interview Samantha Brown of the Travel Channel for a few brief moments. She’s just as gracious, authentic, and lovely in real life as she appears on TV. Alas, demand for Samantha’s time was great, so I only… Read More »Samantha Brown on Making Disney Memories

Phineas and Ferb to Host All New “The Magic, The Memories, and You” Castle Projection Show

Have you ever been at the beach and tried to build a replica of Cinderella Castle out of sand? It ain’t easy, trust me. But this summer, you’ll be able to see how Disney turns the real Cinderella Castle into a sand castle as part… Read More »Phineas and Ferb to Host All New “The Magic, The Memories, and You” Castle Projection Show

New Fantasyland Update – Magic Kingdom Expansion Progress

Took a stroll through the Magic Kingdom over the weekend and discovered that things are really in high gear throughout most of the new Fantasyland expansion project. Here are photos with some of the highlights (all the photos have larger versions if you click on them).

Work is in high gear to get the Casey Jr Soak Zone ready for the summer. Since I took this photo they’ve added even more, including many of the circus animals that will double as water fountains. Also note the landscaping and work on the red tent. Apparently the red-tent will be a meet and greet area featuring Donald, Chip & Dale, Goofy, and similar classic characters..

Although the Dumbo ‘tent’ was once all beautifully painted, they’ve stripped off that finish and started new work on the exterior.

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Interview With Steven M. Barrett, Author of Hidden Mickeys

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Steven M. Barrett, Author and Mouse Hunter

If you’ve been to the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, or even on a Disney Cruise, chances are you’ve seen people walking around with a bright yellow book and a tendency to periodically stop and stare at rather obscure signs, windows, and random bits of architecture. Those folks are hunting Hidden Mickeys. Be very, very quiet.

The book in question is by Steven M. Barrett, and is part of his popular series titled Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to (insert Disney location here)’s Best Kept Secrets. There’s also an app for that!

Each book offers a number of Hidden Mickeys for Disney guests to search for on their visit. What is a Hidden Mickey? “A partial or complete image of Mickey Mouse that has been hidden by Disney’s Imagineers and artists in the designs of Disney attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas. These images are designed to blend into their surroundings. Sharp-eyed visitors have the fun of finding them.” — from Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Disneyland Resort’s Best Kept Secrets, Chapter 1 “Hidden Mickey Mania”

Barrett has been canvasing Disney parks (and ships) to track the elusive Hidden Mickeys for over 20 years. He’s found a few.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Barrett via Skype about his books, the website that they have spawned (HiddenMickeyGuy.com), and life as America’s most-celebrated Hidden Mickey hunter.  Read More »Interview With Steven M. Barrett, Author of Hidden Mickeys

Disney Institute growing its business consulting role

The Disney Institute started as a dream of Michael Eisner that guests coming to the resort would carve out a bit of their time to learn something of they way Disney crafts its magic brand. Turns out, not so much. But a rather large nugget… Read More »Disney Institute growing its business consulting role