It is a great feeling...!

It certainly is a good feeling when a rumor is reported and it becomes true. In February I reported (citing my many sources across the web) that WDI was contemplating returning the Tropical Serenade to its original state in Magic Kingdom. Turns out that this information was true and it was made official via the Disney Parks Blog on May 15. It will be a nostalgic return of a beloved attraction that had Walt Disney's hands all over it. One can only imagine what it will be like to walk into the attraction and not have to hear a certain birds voice (considering he also does not voice a particular duck on tv anymore either)

Slated to open somewhere around August 16 (just in time for my next WDW vacation) stay tuned for a ride review around that time.

Disney That Never Was: Great Gonzo's Pandemonium Pizza Parlor

Every once in a while a concept comes by that makes you want to shout, "why didn't they do this...?" Seeing photos, concept plans, and even blueprints tend to make these voices yell even louder. I find myself in the position of standing on a platform screaming when I think of the Pandemonium Pizza Parlor. I would tend to guess that 8/10 people probably have no idea what exactly I am talking about, but those who do would probably be lined up right next to me.

In the mid 1980's Jim Henson was in the midst of selling the Muppets, as well as Jim Henson Productions (with the exception of the Sesame Workshop) to the Walt Disney Company. While this sale was picking up steam, so was the idea of a land within the newly created Disney/MGM Studio. Included in the land would be a 3D attraction (Eventually MuppetVision 3D) as well as a Muppet Movie Ride (a satire of the attraction that resides in the Chinese Theater) and a restaurant. Sadly, Jim Henson's passing led to major issues between Disney and Henson Productions that would not be rectified until 2004. The only remnants of the planned land is the MuppetVision attraction and the nearby studio shop.

The original plan for the Great Gonzo Pandemonium Pizza Parlor called for the creation of audio animtronic rats. Led by Rizzo, they would deliver food to all the guests via a train track system. This coupled with speakers projecting Gonzo's voice from above, with pounding and stomping sounds would create the illusion that Gonzo was somehow stuck in the duct work above. Other plans also had the Swedish Chef popping out through the kitchen doors on occasion, as well as commotion coming from the kitchen as guests ate. Many screens depicting famous scenes from the Muppet Show throughout the restaurant. The location of this restaurant may have been in the current locations of either Pizza Planet, or Mama Melrose.

Looking back on such plans show us what could have been in and around the MuppetVision attraction. Where it is now an area without much identity, we could be looking at a well themed and well designed area to the park. This would have added to the Disney/MGM Studio experience that was really missing until the late 1990's. As we look to the future of both this area and the Muppet franchise, one cannot help but look to the upcoming Muppets film as the last hope of seeing a larger Muppet presence within the Disney parks. A good showing may bring this concept back onto the table, and replace a restaurant in that area the desperately needs to be updates.

Star Tours Officially Opens

Today Star Tours took its opening tours. Early returns seem extremely favorable, however until I go down in August we will keep our opinions here quiet for now. As the attraction officially opens it begs two questions.




1. Will the MGM (Hollywood Studios) crowd tracking change now that this attraction is up and running?

Obviously as Star Tours opens, it will have a huge affect on the crowds at MGM. There will be many long lines to come in that corner of the park. I wonder though what will happen once the attraction is open 6 weeks, 6 months and so on. Will the Star Tours Adventures bring down the long lines found at Toy Story Mania? Will the shorter lines at Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster get even shorter? I suspect that this may take more away from Toy Story Mania simply because it will split the park. People will have to decide which they want to visit first, and that may cause each to have tolerable lines.

2. What will happen with Sounds Dangerous?

Please tell me this is the end. It is embarrassing to see this attraction is still open. I was a huge fan of Monster Sound Show and I can tell you that this show could not even tie Monster's shoes. The fact that it has lasted as long as it has is a travesty. Remember, this attraction opened in the so-called height of the Drew Carey Show days. That just dates the attraction (considering Drew Carey is 100 lbs. lighter now it seems) I have heard that this has already happened, but you never can tell with Disney. Just when we think it is gone, it comes back for some more. This attraction is like that cold that you can never get rid of.


Let's see what the future brings. But without further adieu, welcome Star Tours The Adventure Continues!

I need to get this out: My Spaceship Earth Rant

Today I feel I need to jump on top of my soapbox, clear my throat and begin a rant that has been stewing within me for probably about three years. Spaceship Earth, the icon of  Epcot (Center), which has seen many changes, refurbishments, and renovations since it first greeted guests in 1982 needs a new storyline once and for all. Though it is three years too late I fear I cannot stay quiet about this anymore. The attraction, once a thrill to visit upon entering the park has become a barren wasteland within its geodesic sphere. I cannot believe that almost four years have past since Siemens completely ruined this attraction. It is not just the terrible script read by dame Judi Dench (who I do not blame or have ill will toward over this disgrace), but rather the "minusung" that took place in the design. It had always been Walt Disney's quest to "plus" his attractions, never letting his parks and resorts become museums, and many guests have embraced that aspect of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, as well as the parks outside of the US. It is here that Disney allowed this attraction, the face of a park, to be steered in the completely wrong direction. But who is to blame. Well lets see.

One could take the easy way out and simply blame Bruce Broughton, the composer, or even Judi Dench for "dumbing down" the entire script. But to understand what happened here is to look deeper. After the AT&T sponsorship ended, Disney found a new sponsor in Siemens. There idea was to completely revamp the attraction, complete with a new score, narration, and new "interactive" elements. To my knowledge Disney was kept pretty much out of the loop, and because they were not paying for the renovation it seemed as though they were ok with this. It seems that the blame falls onto the sponsorship because they seem to be completely to blame for the lack of a finale, which many people thought was a joke, or an unfinished part of the attraction. After four years it is official, Spaceship Earth is completed in its current state. There is absolutely no chance of this changing anytime soon, especially with Siemens having a 12 year sponsorship agreement with Disney that was signed in 2005. By my estimation, we may see changes in 2017.

So past the obvious sadness many had when the Mickey wand overstayed its welcome

we have now been subjected to four years of an attraction that has already overstayed its welcome. Though the attraction has its positive elements, (i.e. the early animatronics in the stone-age scene, the Romans, etc) the attraction to me seems to be a lost cause right now, and as long as the sponsorship holds up we are in for more of the same. So long Walter Cronkite. Good-Bye Jeremy Irons. See you later Larry Dobkin. We shall see you again.

Alot That's Been Happening in the World

Much has been happening in Walt Disney World over the past few weeks. Many of the rumors from the past few months are beginning to take shape, while others are still under wraps. What we can say is that the World is going through some major changes.


First, with the closing of Toontown Fair came the news that Mickey and Minnie would be moving to Main Street,  USA. While I was one of the first people worried about the possible logjam that would in sue having Mickey in Exposition Hall, it seems that meeting the soon to be Magician Mickey at Town Square Theater has gone off without a hitch. The new meet and greet, complete with fastpass (which is linked to the other attractions, so be careful) new themed backstage areas and a what seems to be two new shops has since opened without much of an issue. I am wondering how it will hold up during the major busy times, especially with the Princesses sharing the space until next year when Snow White's Scary Adventures goes down for good.

Secondly, the Haunted Mansion interactive queue seems to be up and running. It seems to be a hit with most guests, although I hear a few Disney enthusiasts claim it is ruining the integrity of the opening day attraction. Personally, it is in everyone's own opinion, but it seems that this has become a welcome addition to a proud attraction. Remember, interactive queues seem to be the wave of the future. Only time will tell how the reception turns out but early returns seem promising.

Lastly, coming out of MGM (Hollywood Studios, though you will rarely hear it mentioned this way here) Star Tours 2 is proving to be a major draw; considering it has yet to even drop the curtain. With walls going up around the entrance, and Tattoine Traders going down for a quick refurbishment, it seems as though new information regarding the much anticipated attraction is coming out by the day. With new costumes announced, Disney has also announced a list of planets and characters that guests will be in contact with. The list is as follows:

• R2-D2
• C-3PO
• Ace (AC-38) (New character, the pilot)
• Spokesbot Aly San San (New character, voiced by Allison Janney)
• Darth Vader
• Stormtroopers
• Skytroopers (New characters)
• Boba Fett
• Yoda
• Admiral Ackbar
• Princess Leia
• Chewbacca

Also DisneyParksBlog.com has offered up this as a hint as to the possible locations for the attraction:

With the destinations set and also a character list it seems we are starting the countdown to the attractions opening. The idea that there maybe 50 different combinations of rides for guests to experience is enough to make many Disney and Star Wars fans drool. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.