The Tomorrowland Transit Authority is a “Walk-On”

WDWNT on November 27, 2009

Have you ever wondered what happens when the TTA in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom breaks down and has to be evacuated? We have often wondered the same thing. WDWNT’s own Matt Paul and Tom Corless were lucky enough to get evacuated from the ride on Monday afternoon and have a video of the experience to share:

Note: We do not condone jumping over ride tracks during an evacuation, it is best to actually listen to the ride operators.

Create Your Story at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

WDWNT on November 18, 2009

The marketing for this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom is themed to a storybook, as you can see in this interactive ad:

The Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party page on the Disney World website is also getting into the act with the same interactive storybook feature. I found myself enjoying the feature for quite a while, following different paths to find different surprises and performances from the Rusty Cutlass pirate band or the Dapper Dans. You can create a story for yourself at this link. Enjoy!!!

Photos and Video of Space Mountain, Back in Action at the Magic Kingdom!!!

WDWNT on November 14, 2009

Space Mountain has been in a soft-opening phase intermittently throughout the day Saturdatyand WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve was lucky enough to experience the updated attraction twice during that period. Luckily for us, he has plenty of pictures and video to share with us:

We’ll start off with a video of the attraction.

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Space Mountain is Cleared for Launch

WDWNT on November 13, 2009

The Disney Parks Blog posted more information on Space Mountain’s on-going refurbishment this morning:

Space Mountain
We have more details to share about the Space Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park as renovation work wraps up.

As you know, the classic Space Mountain experience still exists — it’s just being updated with new technology and 21st century gadgetry. Inside the attraction, there’s new lighting as well as special “darkening” effects. And you’ll see updated color schemes for rocket capsules, line and load areas. Imagineers worked with Walt Disney World Facilities Asset Management for even more enhancements, including new paint, carpet, seat fabric and other décor elements.
Space Mountain
But what caught my attention during a recent walkthrough were details about track upgrades. It’s the same track layout and overall look and feel but workers integrated new technology into the track while not changing the classic Space Mountain ride experience. “As technology evolves, it helps us enhance those elements without losing any essence of the attraction,” Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Show Designer Alex Wright says.

You should also know that a ride photo system will capture guests during their space flights on Space Mountain. It’ll utilize Disney’s Photopass, allowing you to access, share and purchase photos during and after a visit.

Alex says he thinks you’ll be “pleasantly surprised” with the enhancements.

In an update to yesterday’s confirmation of on-ride photo being added to the attraction, it now appears Space Mountain will utilize a similar system to Test Track at Epcot, where guests insert their Photopass cards into a machine to retrieve and save their photo.

Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on Space Mountain’s imminent re-launch.