Save Small World, ride creator’s family begs Disneyland

WDWNT on March 20, 2008

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.

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, reported MiceAge’s Al Lutz.

“Ripping out a rain forest (imaginary or otherwise) and replacing it with misplaced patriotism is a public relations blunder so big you could run a Monorail through it,” wrote Kevin Blair, son of Small World creator Mary Blair, on behalf of the family.

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.

“No one approaches our classic attractions with more reverence than Disney Imagineers who take great care when refreshing beloved attractions,” said Marilyn Waters, a Disney Imagineering spokeswoman. “As with all our classics, any enhancements made to It’s a Small World will be in the original spirit of celebrating the children of the world.”

Re-Imagineering, an unofficial online forum for past and present Disney Imagineers to catalog missteps and debate solutions, called the “egregious and downright disgusting” proposed Small World changes a “brutal dismissal” of Mary Blair’s “profound and enduring influence on the Disney aesthetic.”

“This is not a change at Disneyland to take lightly,” the Re-Imagineering editorial stated. “Letters should go out to all corners of the company pleading for a halt to the desecration of Small World once and for all.”

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.

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.

Small World went down for a 10-month rehab in January to replace the original flume and fleet of boats used at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, where the ride debuted.

The Mouse still insists the Small World overhaul has absolutely nothing to do with the ever-increasing waistlines of Americans.

— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Disney offers sneak peek at Toy Story Mania ride

WDWNT on March 19, 2008

Disney Imagineers allowed me to “play test” the new Toy Story Mania dark ride coming to California Adventure in June. From the preview I got, it’s clear the theme park giant has raised the bar again with this latest interactive attraction. (Play the online version of the game.)

Inside an unmarked, low-slung brick warehouse in Glendale dubbed the Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Lab, I climbed aboard a plywood and 2-by-4 mock-up of the Toy Story Mania ride vehicle quite literally held together in some places by electrical tape.

The stripped-down surroundings and slap-dash ride vehicle belied the technological wonders I was about to behold.

While Disney struggles to call Toy Story Mania more than a ride-through 3-D video game, it is just that and then some.

Poised behind a spring-action shooter, I fired virtual ammunition at virtual targets in an immersive environment unlike any other I’ve experienced — including Disneyland’s Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, which the new ride is often compared to.

Capable of firing up to six rounds per second, the spring-action shooter is nothing more than a rope with a bob tied on the end that works like a slack pinball machine plunger. (Here’s the Wikipedia explanation of this arcane entertainment device for the Wii generation.)

The ride starts with a practice round hosted by “Toy Story” characters Woody and Jessie before moving through five scenes that become increasingly difficult. The two-stage lightning round finale, the easiest of all the games, is where players rack up a majority of their points.

To call me competitive is to call Napoleon short.

My initial strategy of focusing only on high-point targets proved only partially correct. Another key to success in the target-rich environment was continuous firing. I discovered with my unlimited ammo supply that I could rack up plenty of unintended points while moving from one bull’s-eye to the next.

I found most of the high-value targets at the top and bottom of the 10-foot-square video screen in front of me. The most difficult prizes requiring the greatest accuracy resided in the top corners. In several instances, hitting one target triggered another of higher value. In other cases, taking out a group of identical targets generated substantial bonus points. Low-value, special effects-laden spoilers served only to distract me from my mission.

On my first attempt, I finished with 102,000 points to 112,000 points by new friend (and mortal enemy) Arthur Levine, who writes the well-regarded About.com theme park guide.

In my utter humiliation, I turned to Toy Story Mania chief Imagineer Chrissie Allen for assistance in finding the much-rumored “Easter Egg” targets within the game. She refused to budge (though I am determined to break her and reveal said secrets in future posts).

Kind and wise Imagineer Estefania Pickens, holder of the current in-house high score (210,000) among Disney staffers, offered to mentor me and guide my training. Her patient tutelage soon paid off.

On my second and final attempt at the game, I scored 125,000 points, besting my Disney host (who will remain nameless to avoid bringing shame on him, his family and his future generations).

The only downside to my new favorite ride is the repetitive stress injury I’m sure to suffer from repeatedly playing the game.

Toy Story Mania seems to be just the E-ticket that Disney’s California Adventure needs to draw bigger crowds. Expect a long line.

Check out WDW News Today for MSNBC video that features the Toy Story Mania ride vehicles in motion.

— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Disney’s Pixar Play Parade is all wet

WDWNT on March 18, 2008

Disney’s California Adventure’s new Pixar Play Parade — or, as I’ve taken to calling it, Pixar Puddle Parade — is about as much fun as watching a parade in the rain. Actually, it’s exactly like watching a parade in the rain.Some people like to get wet at theme parks. I prefer to keep water where it belongs — in water parks. The mere sight of drenched people stepping off a white-water raft ride sends chills up and down my spine.

The new Pixar parade, which features characters from the animated movies, replaces the old Pixar parade, Block Party Bash, which — wait for it — featured characters from the animated movies.

The water theme of the new parade is immediately evident as “Cars” star Lightning McQueen leads the procession accompanied by a pair of women dressed as mops (no, sadly, I’m not kidding) who squirt the crowd with water bottles and sponge off the red roadster. The car wash gag is an apt metaphor because you are about to be put through a soaking fit for a Ford Mustang.

Before the first float had even passed, I’d been squirted in the eye twice and dried my face three times with my shirtsleeve. By the time the second float went by, I was suitably annoyed — as were others who were fleeing the parade route as if attacked by a swarm of bees. As the third float passed, I uttered words not appropriate for a family publication.

After the 12th and mercifully final squirting, spitting and splatting float rolled by, a mop brigade brought up the rear — a first for any parade I’ve ever seen. And an apt ending to a parade that, in my opinion, is all wet (sorry, it was unavoidable).

It’s a shame, really, because the Pixar Play Parade looks like an improvement over Block Party Bash, of which I was never a big fan. I loved the beautiful new floats, the must-see “Incredibles” hovercraft and the twirling acrobats.

But mostly I felt bad for the 100-odd performers in the show, from whom I shielded my eyes for fear they’d assault me with a water pistol or douse me with a fire hose. Sadly, it may take a tragic slip and fall by one of the 12-foot-tall stilt walkers to force the Disney lawyers to switch the H20 to bubbles.

— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Indiana Jones: Summer of Hidden Mysteries

WDWNT on March 14, 2008

An interesting rumor that could almost be true, is the additon of an Indiana Jones show to Disneyland. Here’s what is said on the Disney Auditions website:

Indiana Jones® Summer of Hidden Mysteries

Seeking Male and Female Actors for Indiana Jones’ latest live-action adventure which immerses Guests in a series of experiences that include solving mysteries, battling evil villains and uncovering ancient artifacts. For all roles stage combat experience is a plus but not necessary.

Role Descriptions:
Indiana Jones: Male, 40’s; a rugged adventurer, great physical shape; can play drama, toss off comic lines and throw a punch – all with equal ability; must interact well with children

Archaeologist: Female, late 20’s–early 40’s; English accent; starts out kind and helpful but eventually reveals a villainous side; will interact with children and lead them through a series of activities

The Bad Guy: Male; imposing stature; physical agility and stamina a must; pursues Indiana Jones through the crowded streets of Adventureland, ending in a series of balcony and rooftop confrontations

Requirements:
* Sides will be provided at sign-in
* Be prepared to learn a stage fight combination
* Bring a current headshot and resume
* Performers must be at least 18 years of age to audition

Entertainers for this show are covered under the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA).

The audition will be held on April 1st, 2008 at 10:00AM (with sign-in beginning at 9:30AM). The audition hall address is at Debbie Reynolds Studios, 6514 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA, 91606.

Stay tuned to DL News Today for more information on this story as it becomes available!

PIXAR Play Parade Will Bring Interactive Fun to DCA!

WDWNT on March 11, 2008

ANAHEIM, Calif. – March 14, 2008 – All the exciting and colorful worlds of the Disney•Pixar pals – from “Toy Story,” “a bug’s life,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles,” “Cars” and “Ratatouille” – will come to life in the all-new “Pixar Play Parade,” debuting March 14, 2008, in Disney’s California Adventure as part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration at Disneyland Resort.

Characters from every Disney•Pixar motion picture will appear in the magical immersive parade, which will invite guests of all ages to take part in the playfulness of a whirling, spinning, fun-for-all animated playground. The parade features acrobatics, bungees, high-energy choreography, interactive surprises and lively bubble and water effects.

“Pixar Play Parade” features a dozen parade floats up to two stories tall, themed to Disney•Pixar movies and equipped with fun and surprising movement and effects. The cast and crew number more than 100, and behind the scenes is a creative team of top entertainment professionals including Emmy-nominated director Fred Tallaksen (a choreographer for Madonna and numerous television and stage productions), puppet designer Michael Curry (of “The Lion King” on Broadway), costume designer Mirena Rada (“Avenue Q”) and composers Matthew Girard and Robbie Nevil (“High School Musical”).

Girard and Nevil composed brand new tunes for Pixar Play Parade, including the “Countdown To Fun!” theme, which brings the show to life as it travels through Disney’s California Adventure.

Encouraging everyone to dance, play and clap along, Mike, Sulley and their monster buddies from “Monsters, Inc.” will lead the procession. Even sourpuss Roz will put in an appearance – and what an appearance! She’ll be the drum major, slithering her way down the parade route.

Next up is a flowerbed of hopping, swinging bugs: the colony from “a bug’s life.” Then “The Incredibles” will zoom into view, superhero style, aboard amazing hovercrafts. But watch out! The sinister Omnidroid is on the loose and baby Jack-Jack could burst into flames at any moment!

From there it’s into the bubbling world of Dory, Marlin, Crush, Bloat and the colorful underwater friends from “Finding Nemo,” who invite everyone to “play in schools” (schools of fish, that is). “Ratatouille’s” Remy and Emile are serving up fun, too, turning their kitchen into a super soapy pool of creativity with kids and families as the main ingredients.

Woody and the “Toy Story” gang arrive next to encourage guests to kick up their heels, while Buzz Lightyear and the Little Green Aliens celebrate just how “universal” play can be, in any galaxy. Finally, after the parade has been revving up guests throughout the route, lovable Mater and his flashy buddy Lightning McQueen from “Cars” will bring up the rear.

Refurb Update

WDWNT on March 11, 2008

We’ve got one addition to & one removal off of the Attraction Refurbishments list. The Corn Dog Castle restaurant in Disney’s California Adventure will be closed for 2 days on May 5th & 6th. And the planned Gadget’s Go-Coaster refurbishment that was to of lasted from April 28th to May 22nd has been completely removed off the list.

As always, you can keep up with the latest refurbishments on our Attractions Refurbishments page!

The PIXAR Pals WILL Play Every Day This Week

WDWNT on March 11, 2008

This information is confirmed by former Disney artist Kevin Kidney, who works very closely with PIXAR Play Parade designer, Jody Daily, on various projects:

“Soft opening” for the parade is TODAY, MARCH 10, although the official advertised debut is this Friday. The parade will run at 5:15 every day this week at Disney’s California Adventure Theme Park.