Inside Look at Walt Disney Imagineering and Fantasyland Expansion

WDWNT on August 20, 2010

NASA held its first information technology summit this week. How does this apply to Walt Disney World? Speakers at the second day included Jack Blitch from Disney Imagineering, giving a lecture on how his company designs and implements it attractions, and some of its plans for the future. This video includes a look at 3-D models of “Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid” and the entire Beauty and the Beast themed realm. The remainder of the Fantasyland expansion is not mentioned, further fueling the flames for rumors of sweeping changes to the Magic Kingdom expansion plan. Regardless, it’s a fascinating look inside Walt Disney Imagineering that you should enjoy:

8/1/10 “it’s a small world” Refurbishment Update

WDWNT on August 2, 2010

The refurbishment of “it’s a small world” at the Magic Kingdom began August 1st and is scheduled to wrap-up on October 22nd. The only changes to the attraction we can confirm at this time include a queue reconfiguration and the moving of the attraction entrance back to its original location near Pinocchio’s Village Haus. The following photos were taken by Banks Lee on August 1st:

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Tarps wrap the entire facade

My favorite refurbishment sign EVER!!!

That sign should be moving down to the other end of the facade

oops….

The windows looking into the loading area of the attraction from Pinocchio’s Village Haus have been blocked

Rapunzel Coming to the Magic Kingdom? Small World Changes?

WDWNT on July 31, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Before we dive into the weekend, there are a few quick updates to share out of Magic Kingdom Park to end the week. First is a new character experience — a “play and greet” with characters Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder at the park’s Fairytale Garden. Beginning Friday, October 15, you’ll be able to interact with both of the stars from the upcoming Disney film “Tangled.”

The Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder experience will replace the current show, “Storytime with Belle” at Fairytale Garden. The final “Storytime with Belle” show will be September 12.

And some of you may have already heard about some downtime scheduled for “it’s a small world.” The attraction will be closed for refurbishment this Sunday, August 1 through Friday, October 22.

We’ll post more details on both of these updates in the future.

Now before anyone starts to worry that Disney characters are being added to “it’s a small world”, remember that Imagineers stated when the refurbishment was announced that “characters will not be added at this time”. However, this is from the same people who stated the Main Street Electrical Parade was leaving after August 14th, so, as usual, take that statement with a grain of salt. All that we can confirm is that Disney is taking this time to reconfigure the queue of “it’s a small world” and will move the entrance back to its original location near Pinocchio’s Village Haus (the entrance was moved during the huge 2004-05 overhaul of the attraction). Anything beyond that is simply speculation at this time. Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on these Fantasyland changes as they become available.

Electrical Parade Not Ready to “Glow Away” Yet

WDWNT on July 29, 2010

Not surprising, but I’m sure many of you will be excited to hear this news from the Disney Parks Blog:

Just as scores of you had hoped – we’re leaving the lights on and extending Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” at Walt Disney World. By popular demand, the parade at Magic Kingdom Park will continue an open-ended run when “Summer Nightastic!” ends on August 14.

It’s probably no surprise to hear that the parade has been one of our highest rated entertainment experiences at Magic Kingdom Park since returning in early June. It’s been an “overwhelming success,” according to Park Vice President Phil Holmes. And now, you’ll be able to continue cheering and humming “Baroque Hoedown.”

Of course, new elements of Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” will continue during the encore phase of the run. Those include:

  • Tinker Bell leads the eye-filling procession, waving from the basket of a balloon floating gracefully above a magical garden shimmering in fairy light.
  • Pinocchio and the boys from the classic film’s Pleasure Island sequence join the parade, and Snow White joins the Seven Dwarfs on a diamond mine float.
  • There are new lighting effects, and the parade’s highly recognizable musical theme is brightened by new technology.

Will you take advantage of the extended run?

Windows of the World – Part II by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on July 23, 2010

Continuing our detailed coverage of the names behind the windows on down Main Street U.S.A. from Part I, we’re still heading down the western side of the street, about half-way up towards the castle. Right after Cecil Robinson’s name is:

JACK LINDQUIST

Jack Lindquist’s window reads Peterson Travel Agency / Reservations by Cable Anywhere in the World / Passages Boarded By Sea & Rail / “Exclusive Representatives for the Titanic” / Jack Lindquist, Purser

Lindquist started as the advertising manager at Disneyland in 1955, was named Vice President of Marketing for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 1971, and became President of Disneyland in October 1990. He retired in 1993, and was named a Disney Legend the following year.

As a former child actor who appeared as an extra in the “Our Gang” series and danced in the Lucille Ball film, “Best Foot Forward,” in 1955 Jack Lindquist was hired by Walt Disney as Disneyland’s first advertising manager. He was originally working in an LA-based advertising firm for corporate client at Disneyland. One day Jack had a meeting at the Park and fell in love with the place. He was working there the very next month. Jack was eventually involved in nearly every aspect of Disneyland including marketing the original “E tickets.”

In 1955, while working for a Los Angeles advertising firm as a consultant to one of the original Disneyland corporate participants, Jack had a meeting at the Park prior to its opening and “fell in love with the place.” One month later, he was working there.

He continued to move through the Disney ranks and later he set the course for marketing Walt Disney World, and in 1972, was named vice president of marketing for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. In 1976, he was named vice president of marketing for Walt Disney Attractions, and in 1982, was promoted to executive vice president of marketing and entertainment for all of the Company’s outdoor recreation activities.

Jack went on to set up the Marketing Division for Tokyo Disneyland, and a executive vice president of creative marketing concepts for Walt Disney Attractions he developed promotional and entertainment ideas for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. During his 38 years with the company, Jack was responsible for a number of classic Disney projects including, Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom Club, Disney Dollars, the Disneyland Pigskin Classic, the Ambassador Program and Grad Nites. He was also one of the big supporters for Disney’s California Adventure.

After Jack’s window comes a window honoring Dave Gengenbach, Bob Gurr, George McGinnis, and Bill Watkins. Their window reads: The Big Wheel Co. / “One-of-a-Kind” / Unicycles – Horseless Carriages / Dave Gengenbach, Bob Gurr, George McGinnis, Bill Watkins.

Read More about Windows of the World – Part II by Chuck Mirarchi

Another Haunted Mansion Movie???

WDWNT on July 22, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

The original Disneyland park attraction, the Haunted Mansion, that debuted in August of 1969 has now inspired a new film for The Walt Disney Studios by well-known filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. A new piece of artwork was also unveiled by the Studios and is featured below.

Haunted Mansion Logo

Announced at Comic-Con today, del Toro surprised thousands of fans with the news. In speaking about the new project, del Toro said, “I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of my own adaptation of the original theme park attraction Walt envisioned and that remains- for me- the most desirable piece of real estate in the whole world!”

Rich Ross, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, remarked “Millions of people from around the world visit The Haunted Mansion each year, but no one has ever had a tour guide like Guillermo del Toro. Guillermo is one of the most gifted and innovative filmmakers working today and he is going to take audiences on a visually-thrilling journey like they’ve never experienced before.”