David Wallace » All Things Disney

I’m To Be Honored Next Year At The Magic Kingdom

David Wallace — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:53:55 +0000

Don’t know if it is due to the fact that I write about Disney stuff at Disney-O-Rama or simply because Disney Parks bring such joy to me but the Magic Kingdom is honoring me next year throughout the park. Don’t believe me? Well just watch the video below to see for yourself.

“Save Small World!” Ride Creator’s Family Begs Disneyland

David Wallace — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:58:30 +0000

“An ‘idiotic plan’ to add Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters as well as an American tribute scene to Disneyland’s It’s a Small World represents a ‘gross desecration’ that would ‘bastardize’ the stylized artwork and ‘marginalize’ the original theme of the boat ride,” wrote the family of the classic attraction’s creator in an open letter to Disney executives.

The letter was published on the Re-Imagineering blog, a blog which often speaks out when corporate Disney looks to dismantle authenticity from Walt Disney’s Disneyland. The LA Times picked up the letter and published a commentary on it in their Daily Travel and Deal Blog.

The Times includes a statement from MiceAge’s Al Lutz saying, “Disney Imagineers are considering changes to Small World that include adding Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Peter Pan, Belle, Simba, Nemo, Lilo and Stitch to locations throughout the ride while replacing the Papua, New Guinea, rain forest scene with an American tribute.”

I also recently wrote of my own disgust that corporate Disney would do such a thing.

And what does Disney itself have to say thus so far amist the outcry from many Disney fans? From the Times article itself:

Disney officials said some additions — known as “plussing” in Imagineering parlance — will be made to Small World but that no decision had been made on specific creative changes to the 14-minute ride despite the speculation.

MiceAge’s Dateline Disneyland columnist Andy Castro has championed an online campaign to “Save the Rainforest,” urging Small World fans to call, write or e-mail Disneyland, Walt Disney Imagineering or Disney’s corporate headquarters to put a halt to the proposed changes. Additionally, Kevin Blair sent snail-mail versions of his protest letter to Disneyland President Ed Grier, Disney Imagineering’s Marty Sklar and Tony Baxter and Pixar chief John Lasseter.

Disneyland Updates: WDI Changing the Face of ‘It’s a Small Word’

David Wallace — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 17:17:14 +0000

Most everyone that has visited the “It’s a Small World” attraction in Disneyland knows all to well that its theme song will stick with you for the rest of your day. Many would also agree that it is not as “thrilling” as Space Mountain, Indiana Jones or other thrill rides at the original theme park. However, it is nostalgic Walt Disney. Add to that the original intent of the attraction of clearly suggesting the core similarity of many peoples inhabiting a single planet and that we should be able to share the world in equality and peace. Sadly, this is all about to change.

The attraction is currently on a 10-month hiatus so that the boat flumes can be replaced with a deeper design more appropriate for todays heavier boatloads. However, that is not all that is changing. WDI (Walt Disney Imagineering) is staking out areas throughout the attraction to place a selection of smiling Disney characters to spice up the proceedings. Imagine a grinning Stitch in Hawaii, a demure Belle in Paris, a Peter Pan in London.

The Re-Imagineering web site even reports that the gorgeous New Guinea rainforest scene, replete with some of Mary Blair’s most whimsical character creations (a crocodile with an umbrella, colorful birds hatching from eggs) and her drummer children with Tiki Masks on the opposite shore will be replaced with a Hooray for U.S.A sequence.

Why is this wrong? Not only will this move be a brutal dismissal of May Blair’s profound and enduring influence on the Disney esthetic, it will also take away from the original message of shared humanity using children. “Cute as they may be, Belle, Mickey, Stitch or Nemo have nothing to do with selling the core values of UNICEF, the show’s original partner. Their appearance not only trivializes the central theme but more disturbingly seems to emphasize global brand marketing and franchising above all else,” states theRe-Imagineering site.

When WDI made the decision to incorporate the Captain Jack Sparrow character from “The Pirates of Caribbean” movie into the original attraction that was the source for the movie, many feared it would ruin one of the last projects Walt personally worked on before his death in 1966. However, I feel they did a great job placing the character throughout the attraction without taking away from its originality. In fact, now that a series of movies had been made based on the story of the attraction itself, it seemed a natural fit to place Johnny Depp’s character within the ride itself.

This is not the case with incorporating Disney characters in the It’s a Small World attraction. It is more of a corporate “for profit” move than anything else. What’s to follow – making people exit the ride through a merchandise store? We will have to wait and see.

My personal feeling is that it is okay to “spruce” up the ride, even enhance its technology as they have done with many other older Disneyland attractions. But don’t take away from its original theme by placing characters that have no place within the attraction.

Re-Imagineering is suggesting a “Save the Rainforest” campaign where they urge those interested in preserving the originality of the attraction to send letters out to all corners of the company pleading for a halt to the desecration of Small World once and for all. The hope is that with enough of a hue and cry from those of us who actually pay the bills at WDI, corporate Disney might do an about face.

In summary I take a quote from the Re-Imagineering post that brought this to my attention:

“It’s a Small World” is a work of art. Those fortunate enough to be the caretakers of a masterpiece are more than welcome to try on a new frame once in a while, to carefully restore its surface, switch out the lighting or even move the piece to another room. But even the most fool-hardy owner knows not to paint over the original canvas.

Disneyland is your land – don’t let this happen.

For further details, check out the original Re-Imagineering post that exposes what corporate Disney is trying to do as well as a follow up post as well.

Disneyland Updates: Disney To Revive ‘House of the Future’

David Wallace — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:00:30 +0000

I am too young to remember the original “House of the Future” that debuted in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland in 1957 and closed its doors in 1966 (one year before I was born). The walk-through attraction provided park visitors of that era a glimpse of how they might be living in future. As you can see by the picture below, it looked like something out of a Jetson’s cartoon. The space-aged looking home featured futuristic gadgets such as handsfree phones, wall-sized televisions, plastic chairs, and electric razors and toothbrushes, things that we are all too accustomed to now.

Disney now plans to revive the ‘House of the Future’ this time in partnership with 21st century technology giants. The Associated Press reports that the 5,000-square-foot modern looking home is scheduled to open in May. While on the outside it will take on the appearance of a normal suburban home, inside it will feature hardware, software and touch-screen systems that could simplify everyday living. The $15 million home is a collaboration of The Walt Disney Co., Microsoft Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., software maker LifeWare and homebuilder Taylor Morrison.

Here are some of the features we can expect:

Lights and thermostats will automatically adjust when people walk into a room.

Closets will help pick out the right clothing for an event.

Countertops will be able to identify groceries set on them and suggest menu options.

When clicking on the TV remote, lights will dim, music will shut off and the shades will draw as the network realizes a movie is about to start.

The system will allow residents to transfer digital photos, videos and music among televisions and computers in different rooms at the click of a button.

“Other applications still in development could include touch-screen technology built into appliances, furniture and countertops,” said Joe Belfiore, Microsoft’s vice president for entertainment services. “The home will also feature new uses for devices that many visitors may already own, as well as technologies that are still five or 10 years down the road,” said Mike Seamons, vice president of marketing at LifeWare, which makes home automation software.

When it comes to aesthetics, designers decided to stray from the Jetsons-style house built in 1957 which was an all-plastic cross design with four wing-shaped bays that appeared to float. The house was so tough that wrecking balls bounced off it when Disney ripped it down in 1967. “The new home will be made of wood and steel and finished in muted browns and beiges,” said Sheryl Palmer, president and chief executive of Taylor Morrison in North America.

The experience of the house will be accompanied by cast members acting out the role of a family of four preparing for a trip to China. The actors will be in a flurry cooking, packing and picture-taking, all designed to emphasize cutting-edge features in the home’s two bedrooms, living room, kitchen, dining room, study and back yard. I only wonder how long before the human actors are replaced by Audio Animatronic actors? Disney certainly has the technology, but maybe not the budget for this initial installation.

The new Home of the Future will be located in Tomorrowland but the article didn’t indicate exactly where. One would assume that they would place it in the original location which currently is adorned with softscape materials. However, I’m not sure that space will hold a 5,000 square floor plus structure. The article also didn’t say if the attraction will be a walk thru or ride thru. One would assume it would be a walk-thru, but it would be more practical to make it a a ride thru as this would allow them to move a lot more traffic through the home.

As the project is scheduled to be open in May (I assume this year), hopefully I can see it when I visit the park later this year. I’m waiting for Disney to complete the new Toy Story attraction in California Adventure before returning for my 8th visit to the park in my lifetime.

Disneyland Updates: Disneyland Dream Suite Complete & Ready For Guests

David Wallace — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:41:38 +0000

I originally wrote about The Disneyland Dream Suite in October of last year and how Disney Imagineers were converting the former Disney Gallery into a luxurious suite where Disneyland guests could stay overnight in the park. The suite is now complete and ready to house the fortunate few who will have the opportunity to stay in this wonderful place.

The original plan for this space was to house luxurious accommodations where Walt and Roy Disney along with their families could stay in the park. They also planned to use the suite to entertain dignitaries and celebrities. Unfortunately, Walt died before the suite could even be started and the space was used for several other purposes throughout the years, including housing the Disney Gallery for 20 years. Only now is that space being used as Walt himself had originally intended.

Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix of MousePlanet was one of the lucky few who got to preview the suite before it opened to the public. She has provided an excellent review of the suite along with many pictures. I have featured some of the pictures along with captions below.

With no further ado, I present to you, The Disneyland Dream Suite.

The entrance while it was still under construction.

The Living Room. (click to enlarge)

Fireplace in the Living Room. (click to enlarge)

The faux fire creates sparks that look like fireworks over the Sleeping
Beauty Castle fire screen. (click to enlarge)

The grandfather clock lights up to reveal new images during the magic
moment. (click to enlarge)

One bedroom is decorated with the types of toys and models Walt
Disney was fond of collecting. (click to enlarge)

Custom light fixtures are used throughout the suite. (click to enlarge)

The model train chugs around the track during the “Magic Moment.”
(click to enlarge)

The Interior Patio. (click to enlarge)

The Master Suite. (click to enlarge)

Bathroom in master suite. (click to enlarge)

The whirlpool tub is set into a tiled alcove, decorated
with a replica Tiffany panel. (click to enlarge)

Guests will have an excellent view of the Rivers of
America and Fantasmic!

Disney is planning to award 266 one-night stays in the Disneyland Dream Suite during 2008 as part of their “The Year of a Million Dreams” giveaway. It is rumored that the suite will be converted to use as a high-priced hotel room after the promotion concludes. While the cost may be prohibitive for many, what I fear most as someone who would love the opportunity to stay there is the waiting list.

Check out MousePlanet for full article and additional photos not shown here.

Disneyland Updates: First New Monorail Car Arrives at Disneyland

David Wallace — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:04:19 +0000

The OCRegister reports that the first new monorail car in two decades slid onto the Disneyland track on Thursday as the theme park prepares for guests to ride it starting in late February. Starting Monday, five flat-bed trucks transported five cars of the first redesigned train from Vancouver, Canada, where they were built. Crews ripped off white shrink wrap, which made the cars look like a Space Shuttle, and took about an hour and 15 minutes for a crane to hoist the nose of the first red-striped train to the parking area.

The current fleet of Monorail trains have had their share of problems over the years including breaking down frequently and even situations where parts have fallen off of them in operation. Not too long ago, Disney decided to have new trains built rather than continue to fix the aging ones. However, there is discussion as to how “new” they really are meaning that the company that is rebuilding them may be using some of the original components.

As far as what is different, the biggest change is the look of the new train. The first electric cars have blue glass and red stripes that change color in the sunlight. The next two cars will be blue with purple glass and orange with blue glass. Additionally, bench seats will face the windows, allowing visitors a full view of the parks, Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Hotel. The capacity and speed are reported to remain the same.

More pictures can be found at MousePlanet. There is also a pretty active discussion going on about them at MiceChat.

Disneyland Updates: Christmas Time at Disneyland Resort

David Wallace — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:03:12 +0000

Each holiday season, the Disneyland Resort goes all out in decorations and special events to amaze and delight guests. MousePlanet staff photographer Frank Anzalone visited the Resort on December 15 and took a number of photographs – in fact, four pages of them. If you can’t have a Disney Christmas this year (like me), then you are sure to enjoy the photos Frank took.

Check out all four pages. One of my favorites is below – A rare view inside the Lilly Belle luxury car which is part of the Disneyland Railroad.

Disneyland Updates: It Has Snowed at Disneyland

David Wallace — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:35:07 +0000

Well at least there is snow on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. It’s all part of the Christmas decor that is currently being put into place at Disneyland. Unfortunately it looks like I am not going to make it this year (have gone the last four years in a row). I’m still holding out that we might be able to get over there for a couple of days before the year ends, but we will see.

At any rate, here are some photos of the castle with snow with compliments from MousePlanet.

Snow blankets most of the castle spires

A closer look reveals tiny LEDs buried in the “snow.”

The covering is so well crafted that it’s hard to tell that the “tiles”
are part of the wrap.

Strings of icicle lights hang from one of the towers.

A side view of the castle decorations shows the full daytime effect.

All photos by MousePlanet’s Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disneyland Updates: $1 Billion Revamping of Disney’s California Adventure

David Wallace — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:42:24 +0000

Many would argue that California Adventure, Disney’s theme park adjacent to “the happiest place on Earth” is not Disneyland, however I beg to differ. True Disneyland and California Adventure are “separate” parks but when I am at Disneyland or rather The Disneyland Resort, I consider the Disneyland park itself, California Adventure and even Downtown Disney all part of the same experience. Therefore I have justified including a major update to the California Adventure theme park in an ongoing segment I call “Disneyland Updates” classified under the “All Things Disney” category of this blog. Whew – enough housekeeping already, let’s get on to the good stuff.

The latest news out of the Anaheim resort is that Disney will spend $1 billion to add major improvements to California Adventure, a park that has struggled to not only define itself since its birth, but also to attract the crowds they had hoped for. Before I write about what improvements and modifications are being discussed at this point, I’d like to focus on some of the good points of the park as well as what is wrong with it.

Four Great Attractions

In case you were unaware, Disney does not refer to rides as “rides” but rather “attractions.” California Adventure has four that are outstanding and well worth a visit to the park.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – This attraction is probably one of the most thrilling I have been on. The theming is superb. The ride itself is out of this world. This is a must-do for me everytime I visit the resort.

Soarin’ Over California – This attraction is so awesome in that it makes you feel like you are at an IMAX film but actually flying at the same time. I love its ending where you fly over Main Street and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle while a fireworks extravaganza is taking place. Also a must-do each time I visit the resort.

Grizzly River Run – This is in my opinion the best rapid style rides I have been on. It seems that every major theme park has an attraction like this but Disney’s is somehow better.

California Screamin’ – Although Millennium Force is my all-time favorite coaster, I rate California Screamin’ as my favorite steel sit-down coaster simply because it is a blast to ride. It has a great launch (0 − 55 mph in 4 seconds), is pretty lengthy (6072 feet), maintains very decent speeds throughout (55 mph), has a loop and a fantastic ending. I can ride this coaster over and over again and typically do when I visit the park.

In addition to these great attractions, Mulholland Madness is always fun to ride and the 4-D movies Muppet Vision 3D and It’s Tough to Be a Bug! are simply awesome.

The Main Problems With the Park

Although California Adventure has these four great attractions as well as a few others that are noteworthy, the park lacks the magic that its neighbor has. Disneyland to me is an escape from the real world. Once I pass under the tunnels on to Main Street U.S.A., I have left planet Earth and am now in Walt’s world. California Adventure just doesn’t carry that same element. It could be due to the fact that it does not include the “hub” concept that Disneyland has. It could be the lack of original Disney characters. It could be the quantity of attractions compared to Disneyland. In all reality, California Adventure lacks the magical touch of Walt Disney himself.

One of the magical things about Disneyland is the lands. When you are on Main Street, you actually feel transported back in time right around the turn of the 19th century. When in Fantasyland, you feel like you are in a Medieval setting – castle, court and all. Toontown makes you feel like you have been launched into a cartoon world. Tommorowland has Space Mountain. Need I say more? Adventureland and Critter Country reminds you of the early western era – Davy Crockett, Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn. Adventureland makes you feel like you are in an African jungle setting complete with village and all, and my favorite place, New Orleans Square, has two of my favorite attractions – Pirates of the Carribean and The Haunted Mansion.

California Adventure is just not the same. The lands do not make you feel like you have escaped but rather are a route to attractions you want to ride. For example, Hollywood Pictures Backlot to me is simply a path to the Tower of Terror ride. While Bug’s Land has some cool theming, it is nothing compared to Toontown. It does not make me feel like I have escaped reality like Disneyland does so well.

California Adventure’s problems are not due to a lack in talent in Disney’s Imangineers as today’s Imagineers are some of the most talented Disney has ever seen. Rather, I believe its problems are due to a lack of priority. Therefore I am glad to hear that Disney is going to dump as much funds into improving the park as they originally spent building it in the first place. Now on to some of the improvements we might expect to see.

What Does The Future Hold for California Adventure?

While Disney is typically pretty tight-lipped about coming attractions, improvements to its parks, etc., I did pick up on the following items from a Wall Street Journal story. The improvements will be completed over a five year span. All the while the park will remain open but guests may see a lot of signs of construction such as fences, scaffolding, tarps, etc. One of the main ideas is to make the park more like its successful neighbor, filled with references to company founder Walt Disney. A key component to this will be redesigning the entrance plaza, now a hodgepodge of California icons, and replacing it with something akin to Disneyland’s signature Main Street. This is a good move as California Adventure’s entrance has always lacked luster and magic.

The Journal reports, “just as Main Street harks back to Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Mo., in the early 1900s, California Adventure’s new entrance will trace the footsteps of Walt Disney from when he arrived in Los Angeles in the 1920s. Similar to Disneyland’s iconic castle, the redesigned park will feature a replica of Hollywood’s former Carthay Circle theater, where Walt Disney premiered the movie ‘Snow White’ in 1937.”

Additionally the park also will be expanded by around 12 acres and will bulk up its attractions, with a heavy emphasis on animated movies created by Disney/Pixar, including “Cars” and “Toy Story.” A new area will be created called “Cars Land,” which will re-create the fictional town of Radiator Springs from the 2006 Pixar movie “Cars.” The centerpiece will be a cutting-edge attraction in the style of Disneyland’s popular “Indiana Jones” ride. A flagship attraction based on the animated movie “The Little Mermaid” will be added as well as one based on the feature “Toy Story” (currently under construction).

It is still unclear what will happen to existing attractions. Some that could certainly be axed without this Disney fanatic shedding a tear would include The Bakery Tour, Bountiful Valley Farm, Golden Dreams, Mission Tortilla Factory and the Orange Stinger. There is also a lot of storefronts that either need to be populated with something or re-worked to provide better theming.

It will be an interesting process to watch unfold. In the meantime, I will still be sure to visit the park to ride the four great attractions I mentioned above as well as to see what unfolds in this re-inventing of California Adventure. Disney has done a great job with the various parks in Orlando so now that California Adventure is getting the attention (and money) it needs, I have confidence Disney’s Imagineers will work their magic.

[Update: The Orange County Register has created an excellent map detailing the Disney's California Adventure expansion project. Additionally, MousePlanet has an interesting summary of the project.]

Disneyland Updates: The Disneyland Dream Suite

David Wallace — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:43:06 +0000

How many people have dreamed of staying overnight in the “happiest place on Earth?” Besides trying to hide somewhere in the park such as Tom Sawyer’s Island, it has never been possible… until now. For the first time in history, lucky guests will have the chance to spend an unforgettable night inside Disneyland during the Year of a Million Dreams starting January 31, 2008 during the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway. Where will these guests stay? In the “Disneyland Dream Suite,” which is being created where the Disney Gallery used to reside.

In case you were unaware, The Disney Gallery, which sits above the entrance to the Pirates of Caribbean attraction, closed its doors on August 7th. Disney officials were pretty tight lipped about what would be done with that space only disclosing that it would be replaced by “a new guest experience.” It was speculated that the private Club 33 might annex some of the space and/or a royal suite might be created allowing the opportunity for guests to stay overnight.

The space was originally planned to be a deluxe accommodation for Walt Disney where he could have more room for family, friends and even dignitaries than the apartment over the Fire House on Main Street afforded. His dedication to the constant growth and development of Disneyland resulted in frequent overnight stays in the small private apartment which still remains today. In the 1960s, as plans were developed for the New Orleans Square area, Disney brought in illustrator and designer Dorothea Redmond (Gone with the Wind) and set decorator Emile Kuri (Mary Poppins, It’s a Wonderful Life) to help him create a larger, more lavish apartment where he could entertain friends, family, VIP guests and dignitaries.

Unfortunately, Walt passed away before the Suite was ever completed. Over the years, the rooms have been used as offices and to entertain visiting business associates until 1987 when the space became The Disney Gallery, a unique venue displaying artwork originally created during the development of various Disney movies and theme park attractions. Only now, 40 years later, is Disney’s dream being fulfilled.

Disney Imagineers are currently hard at work remodeling a suite of rooms, restoring them to Disney’s original vision of a deluxe living quarters. Vintage design illustrations, created under Disney’s personal direction, have been recovered and are being used as inspiration for the look, furnishings and other decor elements in the Suite. Special design touches are being incorporated to evoke memories of Disney’s diverse interests and the rich heritage of Disneyland.

“Our plan has been to use the renderings that Walt worked on with Dorothea Redmond and to replicate those as exactly as we can,” said Walt Disney Imagineering Art Director, Kim Irvine. “But to make it special for the guests, we want it to be more than just a beautiful suite. We want it to be filled with things that might have inspired Walt as he dreamed of Disneyland.”

The 2,600-square-foot Disneyland Dream Suite will include a living room, open-air patio, two master bedrooms and two bathrooms. In the first master bedroom, the spirit of early 20th century innovation and the American frontier will be summoned with an earthy color scheme, leather furniture, a cast-iron stove, an electric train and vintage mechanical toys. The other Master Bedroom is on the side of the residence nearest Adventureland, and its lush decor and atmosphere will evoke the exotic flavor of jungle adventure stories as told in the Victorian era.

The Bayou-themed Patio, central to the Suite and open to the sky above, will be filled with tropical vegetation, furnished with comfortable chaises and illuminated by Chinese lanterns. Using a type of Disney magic familiar to guests on Pirates of the Caribbean, the Patio will also be visited by fireflies.

As is typical with Disney Imagineers, special effects will be added which may include things like a special tune in a striking clock, a sunset or a starscape that appears when the lights go down, subtle audio enhancements, or something totally unexpected.

Disney is planning to award 266 of these one-night stays in the Disneyland Dream Suite during 2008. Winners will also receive a gift basket, VIP viewing for the parade, and dinner at a Disneyland Resort restaurant (would be nice if it was Club33 which will be next door). The winners also receive VIP viewing for either fireworks and/or Fantasmic!. An added plus is that winners will not confined to their suite after Disneyland closes. A concierge will be on hand at all times to arrange for special after-hours excursions into the theme park if desired.

I would speculate that after the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway ends, Disney will make the Suite available to paying guests, most likley at a hefty price tag. If I don’t win the contest (in which chances are slim anyway), it would be nice to have the opportunity to stay in the Suite as a paying guest, no matter how much it costs. The only thing that concerns me is how long the waiting list will be. I hear that the current waiting list to join the exclusive Club 33 is 18 years!

The Disneyland Dream Suite will be the supreme addition among the more than a million “dream come true” experiences awarded through random process to eligible Disneyland Resort guests and mail-in participants in the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway. See the Year of a Million Dreams section of the official Disney web site for more information on how to enter the contest once it begins. You do not have to visit the park to enter or in other words, no purchase necessary. Some of the other giveaways include an overnight stay at Cinderella Castle Suite in Florida or the Mickey Mouse Penthouse in California. I know one way or another, I’ll be signing up.

Credits to Mouse Planet and Yahoo! Finance for portions of this article.