MiceChat - Disney and More Blog Discussions http://micechat.com/forums/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:57:27 GMT vBulletin 60 http://micechat.com/forums/images/mc3/misc/rss.jpg MiceChat - Disney and More Blog Discussions http://micechat.com/forums/ Review Dubai World Marvel Super Heroes Theme Park Concept http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/127398-dubai-world-marvel-super-heroes-theme-park-concept.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:39:12 GMT * What would a Marvel Super Heroes Theme Park Look Like? Well, one is already on the books and could be built soon - but not by Disney:* Image:... What would a Marvel Super Heroes Theme Park Look Like? Well, one is already on the books and could be built soon - but not by Disney:



In Late 2007, United Arab Emirate-based Al Ahli Group and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. announced a partnership that will bring Marvel's full library of Super Heroes - including Spider-Man, Iron Man, The X-Men, Incredible Hulk, The Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer - to Dubai for a major new theme park destination being developed by AAG. The Marvel Super-Heroes theme park project was supposed to open in 2011 with an investment of over $1 billion USD but apparently it seems that it has been pushed back and may open in 2012. I don't know yet if the Disney deal with Marvel changed anything in the project, let's hope not.

The creative team who designed the park, in this case not WDI Imagineers but great creative minds from around the globe is based in Hollywood, Orlando and Dubai throughout the development process. When the project was announced the press release said that "New technology and unparalleled visitor experiences will be the hallmark of the theme park creating a new standard for theme parks around the world".

Thanks to Randy, a Disney and more faithful reader whom i thanks a lot, i've found some great artwork of this awaited theme park. All of the concept-arts below were designed by the Chimera Design company who did an absolutely fantastic job as you will see. Unfortunately i don't have a lot of details about the rides but what we can see on the pictures give some indications.

Most of Marvel super-heroes will have their own attractions including the Fantastic Four, Hulk, Iron Man, X-Men, Silver Surfer and of course Spiderman in what will be probably a different ride than the Spiderman ride at Universal Islands of Adventure. Also, according to a a recent post of Brady Mac Donald of the L.A Times "Off-site testing has already begun on three of the planned attractions: "Flying with Spidey", "Fantasticar" and "X-Men: Danger Room".

The first picture above shows the entrance of the park. Below, a night view as well as the map of the park with the four lands "City of Super-Heroes", "Oasis of Magic", "Marvel's Mythic Mountain", "Nick Neighborhood" and "Crater Lake" at the center of the park. As you can see on the night view, many coasters are envisioned for the park.





Although it's strictly my own personal deduction, this next artwork shows very probably the "City of Super-Heroes" land - and yes, it's a Wow!



Jump to the full article on MiceChat partner site, Disney and More, to discover all the amazing artwork of the different attractions of this incredible park! Then head back here to discuss this unique park.

Disney and more: Dubai World Marvel Super Heroes Theme Park Concept


DIGG this story ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/127398-dubai-world-marvel-super-heroes-theme-park-concept.html Pictures Spaceship Earth Original Artwork http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/127347-spaceship-earth-original-artwork.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:40 GMT Today we take a close look at the original concept art for Epcot's flagship attraction, Spaceship Earth.



We begin with the fantastic Herb Ryman painting (above) showing the exterior scene of the attraction.

The following renderings are from the beginning of the story - Cro-magnon cave painting sequence.





It seems that a scene with dinosaurs was considered before being canceled.









Here is the rendering of the Egyptian temple sequence.



This one is for the Phoenician scene.




We have lots more pictures of Spaceship Earth, including some rare original art, on our partner site Disney & More. Then head back here and let us know what you think.

Disney and more: Spaceship Earth Original Artwork ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/127347-spaceship-earth-original-artwork.html Review Will the awaited Transformers ride use the IOA Spiderman ride technology ? http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/127018-will-awaited-transformers-ride-use-ioa-spiderman-ride-technology.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:34:08 GMT Examining the upcoming Transformers ride at Universal Singapore. Will it use the Islands Of Adventure's Spiderman ride technology? Could be!



I think it's fair to say that most theme park fans consider the Spider-Man Ride at Islands of Adventure one of the best rides in the world. For many, it's even THE best ride in the world. Now, how good of news would it be if a totally NEW ride using the same technology was coming soon? That would be a great news, wouldn't it? Well, if all that I've been told is true, this new ride should open at Universal Singapore in 2011 and will be the long-awaited Transformers ride.

Universal Singapore is opening early next year, probably in February or March, but as is often the case when Disney or Universal opens a new theme park, they keep one big E-Ticket to open one or two years after the main opening, just to re-boost the new park. In the case of Universal Singapore it will be the totally new Transformers ride in Sci-Fi City land. And one year later, in 2012, the Transformers ride will open in Universal Hollywood in the former Backdraft building.

All the news I have about it from my good sources seems to confirm that the Transformers ride will use the same technology as the Spider-Man ride at IOA i.e a vehicle mounted on a simulation platform moving in real decor with huge rear projection and all in 3D. The first Spider-Man ride was designed for Universal by Landmark Entertainment, but apparently it seems that this time the creative guys at Universal are designing the Transformers ride by themselves. They will create brand new software for the ride or they will "adapt" the Spider-Man program to the Transformers ride. Also, the new ride will benefit from enhancement in high definition 3D technology.

It's always better to wait for confirmation, but the fact is that using the Spider-Man technology on a Transformers ride is probably the best choice for Universal. Transformers' robots would be difficult to create as Audio-Animatronics, especially when they transform themselves, and a 3D projection would be definitely the easiest way to resolve the problem with a spectacular, and even frightening, result. Just think about one of these robotics arms popping out of the screen, or a rocket launched by one of them as we can see in the rendering above... Which doesn't mean that no Transformers robot can't be expected as AAs. They could do it more easily as long as the robot is not transforming itself and it seems that the ride will also feature two-story tall robots going at it all around you...



Another question is: will they add new effects that were not included, technically speaking, in the Spider-Man ride? Well, it now may be important to remember that the Transformers ride will be build at Universal Hollywood in the former Backdraft building....which, as everybody knows, was a real "pyrotechnic" attraction. Which means that all the gas installation that would be needed to create fire and flames effect are already there - and God knows that there was really a LOT of fire in the Backdraft attraction! So, can we expect pyrotechnic effects in the future Transformers ride? Although it's my own pure speculation, i think we can bet on this, even if it is just for the pleasure. Let's say that there will be a real logic for Universal to recycle their gas installation to add spectacular effects in this new ride.

Jump to Disney and More to read the full article with additional info on this highly anticipated ride. Then return here to let us know what you think. What sort of ride technology would you like to see? Should a Transformers ride be built state-side?:

Disney and more: Will the awaited Transformers ride use the IOA Spiderman ride technology ? ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/127018-will-awaited-transformers-ride-use-ioa-spiderman-ride-technology.html Review Snowflakes Fall Early This Year at Hong Kong Disneyland ! http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/127017-snowflakes-fall-early-year-hong-kong-disneyland.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:27:59 GMT * Snowflakes Fall Early This Year at Hong Kong Disneyland ! (http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2009/11/snowflakes-fall-early-this-year-at-hong.html)... Snowflakes Fall Early This Year at Hong Kong Disneyland !



Christmas at Hong Kong Disneyland will begin earlier this year as the Park transforms into A Sparkling Christmas – A Winter Wonderland. From November 20 to January 3, a Christmas celebration full of whimsical fun is ready to delight Guests and their loved ones in this special holiday season. As snowflakes drift softly onto Main Street U.S.A., families and friends will be dazzled by the new festivities Lights of Winter and it’s a small world christmas, as well as the enchanting Sparkling Castle Lights.

Sarah Fox, Director of Marketing, Product Strategy, of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (below) explained the details of ”A Sparkling Christmas – A Winter Wonderland”: “Disney Parks have a rich legacy of Christmas traditions with over 50 years of experience. We have been celebrating Christmas with Guests around the world since 1955. This year, with our trademark dedication to details and quality entertainment production, we have created A Sparkling Christmas – A Winter Wonderland. From a snowflake to the Sparkling Castle, we want to make sure our Guests can experience the authenticity of a Holiday Celebration.”




A Sparkling Christmas Brings Everyone Closer in All New Winter Wonderland

Lights of Winter

The all new Lights of Winter will ignite Guests’ senses with a mesmerizing combination of snowflakes, lights and music. In a magnificent procession set to yuletide music, giant snowflakes and Christmas lights will be illuminated along Main Street U.S.A. Alluring winter spirits performers will be sparkling all the way to Sleeping Beauty Castle, culminating in the splendor of Sparkling Castle Lights to set every heart aglow.



Celebrate Christmas with it’s a small world fun!

A whole new world of Christmas fun will await Guests at it’s a small world christmas! Guests can capture unique holiday memories at six giant winter scene pop-up cards; or enjoy the glittering courtyard decorations. Together everyone can sail into the new whimsical setting and say hi to Santa Claus in the North Pole. Be sure to check the 38 Disney Characters out as to see how they celebrate Christmas in their own way!



Read the full article about HKDL 2009 Christmas season with more great pictures on Disney and more HERE:

Disney and more: Snowflakes Fall Early This Year at Hong Kong Disneyland ! ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/127017-snowflakes-fall-early-year-hong-kong-disneyland.html Review DLP Update : A closer look to the Last Chance Cafe Terrace - Panoramic pictures http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126877-dlp-update-closer-look-last-chance-cafe-terrace-panoramic-pictures.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:10:58 GMT * DLP Update : A closer look to the Last Chance Cafe Terrace - Panoramic pictures... DLP Update : A closer look to the Last Chance Cafe Terrace - Panoramic pictures



Here is a "take two" on the new Last Chance Cafe terrace. In a previous article, i've told you what i thought about it, but now that it's totally finished with tables and chairs under the terrace, and guests too, i wanted to have a second look at it.

What i really wanted to see was the "visual intrusion" of this new terrace. I mean, before it was built, we had this soft curve of western buildings going from the Lucky Nugget Saloon to Phantom Manor's entrance. We still have it of course but now there is the terrace in the middle of it and the best way to show how it look and if there is a visual intrusion or not was to do panoramic pictures. As i didn't had a digital camera able to shoot panoramic pictures (i will have one soon) the panoramic were done by putting the pictures together with Photoshop. So, it's not perfect but it will give you a good idea - and i've shoot virtually on every angle outside the terrace but also inside to show what view you have when you're sit and enjoying a cup of coffee or chocolate.

Let's begin by the pictures showing the terrace fron the outside. I will come back on the making itself but right now we can see the visual intrusion and how the gentle curve of the buildings is broken forever. However,to be perfetly fair, there is also some good points as we will see in the pictures shoot from the inside. But for now, have a look to the panoramic pictures below, and of course double-click on each to see them in big size.














Let's have a look now at panoramic pictures showing you what one can see from the terrace. As you will see the view is pretty good and, depending of where you sit, you'll have a great view of Big Thunder Mountain or the riverboats arriving or beginning their cruise on the rivers of the far-west or on Phantom Manor if you sit on the left side of the terrace.







The next pictures are in normal size and we'll have a closer look on the decoration and the cafe itself. But first, it's time to tell you what is precisely the storyline of the Last Chance Cafe. In Frontierland's mythology Fort Comstock was the first building built a long time ago, then, thanks to the gold rush the first prospectors arrived to search gold on Big Thunder and the first buildings of Thunder Mesa to be built were those you find on the right side when you enter the land and, on the left, the Lucky Nugget saloon and all buldings until the Silver Spur Steakhouse.

The Last Chance Cafe was a place where cow-boys and prospectors came to have a good meal before they leave, for the cowboys to the flatlands of the far west, and for the prospectors before they go to search gold on Big Thunder. That's why it was called the "Last Chance Cafe", because the place was the "last chance" to have a good meal before they go outside Thunder Mesa.

The reason why i'm telling you the true story of the Last Chance Cafe is not only because it's interesting to know about it but also because, obviously, any theming should be related with this original mythology. Let's have a look now to the other pictures. The first one shows the entrance. It's the original sign that was before on the cafe facade and now on the front of the terrace.

Jump to the Disney and more full article to see many more pictures of the new Last Chance Cafe terrace!

Disney and more: DLP Update : A closer look to the Last Chance Cafe - Panoramic pictures ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126877-dlp-update-closer-look-last-chance-cafe-terrace-panoramic-pictures.html <![CDATA[Review Michael Jackson " This is It " documentary pays tribute to the Haunted Mansion !]]> http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126807-michael-jackson-documentary-pays-tribute-haunted-mansion.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:28:25 GMT Michael Jackson " This is It " documentary pays tribute to the Haunted Mansion !



I saw tonight in Paris the Michael Jackson doumentary "This is it". And it's great, really. You should go see it for two reasons: First, the editing is perfectly done and it's almost like a concert. you don't see Michael death, they stop the movie before. Michael is in good physical condition - he was almost 50 so he don't have the same energy he had at 35, but you definitely don't have the feeling that he was at "the doors of death".

But there is also one very good reason for you, Disneyland super-fans to go see it, and it's this one: They've filmed for this concert-that-never-was a new video for the "Thriller" sequence which was supposed to be projected on stage, and guess what? a big part of it is totally inspired by the Haunted Mansion! No doubt that it is due to Michael's love of Disneyland.

For instance, do you remember the key-keeper Audio-Animatronic that we see in the attraction shaking at the doors of the cemetary? Of course you do. Well, he is in this video as one of the ghosts. Just like the other ghosts which are sit on the chandelier hanging from the ceiling of the Haunted Mansion ball room! And guess what? They had envisioned to have people holding ghosts walking in the walkways during the concert, and the ghosts look just like the one flying in the cemetery of the HM!

For all these reasons, beginning by the fact that it is a great documentary and almost a concert, go see it while it is in theatres, i promise you'll enjoy it! ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126807-michael-jackson-documentary-pays-tribute-haunted-mansion.html <![CDATA[Review Michael Jackson's Peter Pan Neverland Theme Park That Never Was]]> http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126677-michael-jacksons-peter-pan-neverland-theme-park-never.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:23:53 GMT D&M Exclusive: The Michael Jackson Peter Pan Neverland Theme Park that never was



Unless you live on another planet, you probably know that last week was another "Michael Jackson week". The "This Is it" documentary and CD album were released and a major Michael Jackson exhibition opened last Tuesday in London. I thought it would be the perfect time to introduce to you one of Michael's most secret - and really fantastic - projects: the Peter Pan's Neverland theme park that never was.

Let's first go back in time to 1997, when Michael Jackson and Prince Al-Waleed - Disneyland Paris' biggest private stock-holder - created a company and purchased 50% of Landmark Entertainment, giving the company a huge infusion of cash. Prince Al-Waleed had 45% and Michael had 5% of the shares. I remind you that Landmark is the famous company directed by Gary Goddard which created the Spider-Man ride at IOA and the Jurassic Park and Terminator 3D attractions at Universal Studios. So, what had to happen happened, Michael asked Landmark if they could design a theme park, a real one, not only for him but a park where anybody could go, just like Disneyland. And this theme park would have been named Peter Pan's Neverland! Here is a bird's eye view of the park - please double-click on the image below to see it in big size.



This first concept is amazing, isn't it? Fully inspired from Peter Pan's story, the park would have started with a grand London entrance, as you can see on the artwork at the top of this article. A replica of Kensington Gardens, where anyone can see the famous Peter Pan statue, as well as Big Ben and the House of Parliaments in the background, not to mention horse guards at the entrance, all of which would have set a stunning replica of the Victorian city.

Jump to the Disney and more full article to discover in detail and with lot of artwork this incredible Peter Pan's Neverland project designed for Michael Jackson ten years ago:

Disney and more: D&M Exclusive: The Michael Jackson's Peter Pan's Neverland Theme Park that never was ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126677-michael-jacksons-peter-pan-neverland-theme-park-never.html <![CDATA[Review " A Christmas Carol " World Premiere in London]]> http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126571-christmas-carol-world-premiere-london.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:22:25 GMT " A Christmas Carol " World Premiere in London



Tonight, the World Premiere of A Christmas Carol happened in London. As a matter of fact, at the time i'm writing this article the Premiere is still going on, but D&M have already all the pictures for you - and they're all in high-res size!



The event was located at the Odeon Leicester square, London's legendary theatre and it loks like London's Leicester Square was back to the Victorian era. Children and performers of all ages were dressed in victorian costumes...








Jump to Disney and more to see dozens of other pictures of this great world premiere:

Disney and more: " A Christmas Carol " World Premiere in London ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126571-christmas-carol-world-premiere-london.html Review A Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part Three: HKDL Tomorrowland - Exclusive Interview http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126570-tribute-tim-delaney-part-three-hkdl-tomorrowland-exclusive-interview.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:16:01 GMT * A Grand Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part Three: HKDL Tomorrowland - Exclusive Interview... A Grand Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part Three: HKDL Tomorrowland - Exclusive Interview



Today, here is the third part of my tribute to Tim Delaney. In this exclusive interview Tim talks about the design of Hong Kong Disneyland's Tomorrowland as Tim was the show producer of this land. As we know, Tim Delaney was previously the show producer of Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris and for Paradise Pier at California Adventure. Please note that this interview was done for the opening of HKDL, before the opening of Autopia and Stitch encounter.

Alain Littaye: Tim, as we know, you were the show producer of Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris. At DLP the theme of Discoveryland was supposed to be the land of visionaries, and here in Hong Kong the theme is probably different. So, what is the story line of Hong Kong Disneyland’s Tomorrowland ?

Tim Delaney: Well, we wanted to create here something totally different, our biggest challenge was how to create something that is not only tomorrow, but also something that is timeless. So, we took the theme in this particular case of a “spaceport”. All of our attractions relate to space travels: we have Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, the Orbitron - this last one with a totally different style than the one at DLP.








The picture below showsa previous sketch for a Tomorrowland concept finally not chosen.



T.D : So we took the idea of a space port ,we have different style of architecture...it’s a kind of space encampment, a space port where you go when you journey to other planets. We have two very large restaurants, the big restaurant called “starliner diner” have a rocket ship in the front and it’s a place where you go before you go in outer space: there is big posters of space travel inside, we have rockets, etc...this is a place where you go to have lunch and food before you go up to your journey into space mountain and buzz light year...It’s also one of the largest restaurant we ever built in a Tomorrowland with an incredible design















T.D: Throughout the land we’re using these motifs of these planets and an alien landscape to make you feel that you are in another world...You have to see the style of the buildings to see how it looks like. It’s not mean to look like in the fifties, like disneyland was in 1955, it has much more of an organic field to it. We are also using a lot of colours in the land, and the reason for that is that most of the time Hong Kong have grey skies and humid, so we wanted these colours to bring a kind of more of a familiar quality to our Tomorrowland. Secondly, about landscaping, we have a lot of landscaping in covered areas, so we create a sense of the future and tomorrow with more human kind of space.

A.L: I’m pretty sure the design with all these planets is probably beautiful at night...

T.D: It is magnificent, spectacular at night !



Jump to D&M article to read Tim Delaney's full interview here:

Disney and more: A Grand Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part Three: HKDL Tomorrowland - Exclusive Interview ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126570-tribute-tim-delaney-part-three-hkdl-tomorrowland-exclusive-interview.html Review Disneyland Paris 2009 Halloween Decor http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126473-disneyland-paris-2009-halloween-decor.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:33:57 GMT * Disneyland Paris 2009 Halloween Decor (http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2009/11/disneyland-paris-2009-halloween-decor.html) * Image:... Disneyland Paris 2009 Halloween Decor



Disneyland Paris Halloween season ended last night and we will have a last look to it before the arrival of the Christmas season. The weather last saturday was cloudy in the afternoon, however if we don't pay attention to the white sky i have some nice pictures for you. As always, click on each to see them in big size.

Not a lot of new decor this year, the pumpkin men are always desperately trying to paint Main Street and Frontierland in orange colour and i hope like most of DLP fans that next year the park will spend some money to create new decors for this always popular Halloween season.

Instead we had a kind of "musical chairs" with decors previously located in Frontierland that were placed this year in other location like this giant skull head above which was this year on Town Square. Nothing really new on Main Street, except may be this pumpkin men standing in front of the little house in front of Storybook Store.





We move now to Frontierland which is always transformed in "Halloweenland" during this season and where guests can find most of the Halloween decor, including a meet and greet with Jack Skellington, the Halloween stage, and many more.
















Jump on the Disney and more full article where dozens more pictures of the DLP Halloween decor awaits you!

Disney and more: Disneyland Paris 2009 Halloween Decor

- ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126473-disneyland-paris-2009-halloween-decor.html Review Disneyland Paris 2009 Halloween Party http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126415-disneyland-paris-2009-halloween-party.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:42:26 GMT * Disneyland Paris 2009 Halloween Party (http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2009/10/disneyland-paris-2009-halloween-party.html) * Image:... Disneyland Paris 2009 Halloween Party



It was the big Halloween party tonight at Disneyland Paris, and Disney and more was there! I know, the party is just beginning in the U.S as right now it's 6pm in California but in France it's 3a.m and we're already November 1st!

Great "Halloween" lighting at the entrance of the park and in Main street. As you will see on the pictures below, the park had a LOT of guests.







What is really great with these DLP Halloween party is that more and more people are coming disguised and as you will see below some of these Halloween costumes are really sophisticated. Are you on the pictures? Let us know in the comments!








Jump to the D&M full article to discover dozens of pictures of the best costumes of this 2009 Halloween party!

Disney and more: Disneyland Paris 2009 Halloween Party ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126415-disneyland-paris-2009-halloween-party.html Pictures A Grand Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part Two: Disneyland Paris Discovery Mountain projec http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126414-grand-tribute-tim-delaney-part-two-disneyland-paris-discovery-mountain-projec.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:40:10 GMT * A Grand Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part Two: Disneyland Paris Discovery Mountain project... A Grand Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part Two: Disneyland Paris Discovery Mountain project



In this part two of my tribute to Tim Delaney, we will have a look on his great work for Disneyland Paris Discoveryland, and more specifically the Discovery Mountain project. When Tim Delaney and his team of imagineers decided to built Disneyland Paris Discoveryland they wanted to design a whole different concept than the usual tomorrowland. Discoveryland was going to be a land in tribute to great visionaries like Jules Verne or Leonardo da Vinci. On the picture below, an early concept for Discoveryland’s entrance.



On this next rendering, by Tim Delaney, you can see another view of the land, including what was then Discovery mountain. It's difficult to imagine something more huge than this Discovery mountain project. Not only the building was going to be 100 meters in diameter (instead of the 61 meters of the current Space mountain).



Many different designs were produced for the exterior of this huge building as you can see on these next pictures.







But the closer design to the final Discovery Mountain version would have been this artwork by Tim Delaney.



Inside, you will have found inside a large version of the Nautilus, an underwater restaurant themed on the Nemo's "grand salon", an atttraction named “Horizons” , a café, the Disneyland railroad station, and the roller-coaster itself, of course...
Not to mention aerial tubes that linked to “Cine Magique” and Videopolis.



One of the reasons of this all-in-one-building attraction concept was to keep the guests as dry as possible . Because of the global warming it’s now less raining than it was before, but 18 years ago, when the imagineers worked on the concept, the rainy season in Paris could have been pretty long. So, the guests with this concept could have stay undercover. And, talking about water, one of the other great idea was that Discovery Mountain's entire interior was supposed to be lit from lights that were under water, which would have created this incredible atmosphere.





Jump to the D&M full article to discover dozens of artwork and pictures of this great project!

Disney and more: A Grand Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part Two: Disneyland Paris Discovery Mountain project ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126414-grand-tribute-tim-delaney-part-two-disneyland-paris-discovery-mountain-projec.html Review WDI Imagineers design amazing innovations for new Disney Dream ship http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126302-wdi-imagineers-design-amazing-innovations-new-disney-dream-ship.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:24:35 GMT * WDI Imagineers design amazing innovations for new Disney Dream ship (http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2009/10/wdi-imagineers-design-amazing.html)... WDI Imagineers design amazing innovations for new Disney Dream ship



Disney Cruise Line did today the awaited official announcement about the amazing innovations that WDI Imagineers designed for the future Disney Dream ship. And amazing they are indeed as you will see in the details revealed in the official press release!

A first-of-its kind water coaster that sends guests racing above the upper decks of the ship. An animated turtle that engages children in conversation about life in the ocean. A sophisticated lounge where the sun sets over the skyline of a different world-famous city each night. When the Disney Dream debuts in early 2011, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet will bring to life these innovations and more.

The Disney Dream will take family cruising to all-new heights, embracing the spirit of innovation, magical family entertainment and immersive experiences that have made Disney Cruise Line the preeminent cruise of choice for families since 1998.



Disney Cruise Line revolutionized the cruise industry with purpose-built ships designed just for families. With the Disney Dream setting sail on Jan. 26, 2011, preparations are underway to expand the one-of-a-kind family experience, utilizing technology to enhance the world-class entertainment and legendary guest services onboard. From stem to stern, the Disney Dream will offer a cruise experience that caters to the preferences of the whole family.



“For more than a decade, passengers have filled their passports with memories sailing around the world with Disney Cruise Line,” said Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. “With the Disney Dream joining our fleet, we’ll be able to take families to even more places they never imagined they could visit – in true Disney style.”

The Disney Dream features a remarkable interior design which provides guests with a warm and welcoming feel throughout. The ship’s design offers guests a perfect blend of elegant Art Deco style and fun-filled Disney whimsy to create one of the most spectacular ships afloat. Distinctly Disney guest features aboard the Disney Dream include:

AquaDuck Water Coaster

Disney Cruise Line debuts a cruise-industry first: a shipboard water coaster … AquaDuck! Guests aboard the Disney Dream will get swept away on an exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids – all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.



AquaDuck stretches 765 feet in length - more than two and a half times the length of a football field - and spans four decks in height.
Guests slide 13 feet over the side of the ship in a translucent "swing out" loop allowing them to look down on the ocean 150 feet below.
Guests experience coaster-like thrills as high-powered water jets push them upwards and forwards at 20 feet per second.
AquaDuck continues through the forward funnel, encounters a 335 foot stretch of river rapids and splashes down to an end on Deck 12.




A Virtual Porthole for Inside Staterooms

Disney Cruise Line introduces another stateroom innovation with all inside staterooms on the Disney Dream featuring a Virtual Porthole that provides guests with a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship feed live video to each Virtual Porthole.



As guests observe the impressive outside views, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters such as Peach the starfish from the Disney•Pixar hit film “Finding Nemo,” or Mickey Mouse may pop by the Virtual Porthole.

“You may see Steamboat Willie going by,” said Joe Lanzisero, Imagineering senior vice president for creative.

Characters under consideration include Nigel, the sea gull from Finding Nemo, and Mary Poppins floating along. Images will vary from room to room. “We’re having a lot of fun developing this overlay!”.

Jump to the D&M article to discover all the incredible Disney Dream innovations with lot of renderings and a great video!

Disney and more: WDI Imagineers design amazing innovations for new Disney Dream ship ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126302-wdi-imagineers-design-amazing-innovations-new-disney-dream-ship.html Review A grand Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part One http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126273-grand-tribute-tim-delaney-part-one.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:19:20 GMT * A grand Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part One (http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2009/10/grand-tribute-to-tim-delaney-part-one.html) * You may... A grand Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part One

You may have read on other websites that Imagineers Tim Delaney and Valerie Edwards are leaving Walt Disney Imagineering. They're not the only Imagineers to leave WDI, and, to say it kindly, it's not by their own accord.

Although i have not met with Tim Delaney since almost ten years, i knew him well during the making of my Disneyland Paris book, "From Sketch to Reality", as Tim was the show-producer for DLP's Discoveryland. Starting today, i will do a four-part grand tribute to hIm as Tim was really an Imagineer extraordinaire and one of WDI most brilliant show designer.



The first time i've met Tim was back in 1994 some days before the opening of "Les Mystères du Nautilus" at DLP. At that time i was journalist and i had the pleasure of a private visit of Nemo's legendary submarine alone with Tim - that you can see on the picture below, sit on the Nautilus, before the lagoon was filled. Of course it was great and the giant squid show dazzled me. At that time the show was longer and lasted almost five minutes, and before the giant squid appeared you could see one of his giant tentacle hitting the hull of the Nautilus.



Then, i met Tim again two days later at WDI in Glendale for a great photographic report for a french magazine to celebrate the park's 5th anniversary. Hopefully, i'll find back the pictures we shoot during these two days and post them on Disney and more.



One of Tim's first major work as a WDI Imagineer is undoubtedly his work on Epcot's Living Seas as you will see below. Tim's next masterpiece is of course Discoveryland at DLP where he succeed to design a timeless "Tomorrowland", but before - and it's less known - Tim worked on a new version of Disneyland's Tomorrowland in which the Star Wars universe would have been introduced more deeply in the land. The great french comic book artist Jean "Moebius" Giraud - that Georges Lucas consider as one his biggest inspiration for the Star Wars universe - even worked with Tim on the concept. The whole Tomorrowland would not have become a "Star Wars land" but, for instance, one of the project that Tim suggested was a transformation of the Carousel of Progress in a kind of Broadway show with aliens. The project was known years later under the name of Plectu's Galactic Revue but it was a different version of the first designed version which, strictly between you and me, was much better!



To come back to DLP's Discoveryland, Tim did a superb job in the design of the land, undoubtedly one of DLP's guests favorite thanks too to its unique Space Mountain version. In the part two of this tribute, we'll have a closer look to it.



Tim did such a great job at DLP that WDI choose him to be Hong Kong Disneyland's Tomorrowland show-producer. There, too, and specially considering the limited space he had for this land Tim did a wonderful job - i consider the HKDL Autopia "out of this world" version as the best ever built thanks to sci-fi sounds in the cars and a vegetation which seems to come from another planet! It's definitely my favourite Autopia version.



More recently, Tim designed the fantastic Pirates of Caribbean land for Hong kong Disneyland. More or less officially Hong kong officials didn't like it but it seems that the real one who didn't like it was Jay Rasulo's - probably for cost reasons as it's hard to imagine how someone can't like the design of such a great project!




Jump on Disney and more to read the full article with LOT of artwork of Tim's first great work on Epcot Living Seas.
Also, i try to explain what is going on at WDI and what effect some decision may have (or not) on the future:

Disney and more: A grand Tribute to Tim Delaney - Part One ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126273-grand-tribute-tim-delaney-part-one.html Pictures A Tribute to Carousel of Progress http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126143-tribute-carousel-progress.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:52:02 GMT Walt Disney aspired to an optimistic view of the future in Tomorrowland, and no attraction did a better job of living up to that vision than the... Walt Disney aspired to an optimistic view of the future in Tomorrowland, and no attraction did a better job of living up to that vision than the classic Carousel of Progress.



Today, Disney and More brings us a tribute to one of WED most legendary attractions, with great pictures and videos, and Walt himself describing this beloved creation!

Created by both Walt Disney and the Imagineers of WED Enterprises as the prime feature of the General Electric Pavilion for the 1964 New York World's Fair, the attraction was later moved to Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, remaining there from 1967 until 1973. As we know, it was replaced in Disneyland by America Sings in 1974, and reopened in 1975 at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.



Steeped in both nostalgia and futurism, the attraction's premise is an exploration of the joys of living through the advent of electricity and other technological advances during the 20th century via a "typical" American family. To keep it up with the times, the attraction has been updated five times (in 1967, 1975, 1981, 1985, and 1994) and has had two different theme songs, both written by the Sherman Brothers.

Various sources say Walt Disney himself proclaimed that the Carousel of Progress was his favorite attraction and that it should never cease operation. This can be somewhat supported by Imagineers, family and friends, who knew of his constant work on the attraction. Of all the attractions he presented at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair, Disney seemed especially devoted to the Carousel of Progress.



General Electric approached Walt Disney to develop a show for the company's pavilion at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair. Walt leaped at the chance to rekindle his relationship with GE, who would fund the project and the new technology necessary to bring the vision to life. Reaching back to Edison Square, Walt Disney again pitched the idea of an electrical progress show to General Electric executives and they loved it.
The show opened at the Fair as Progressland and was one of the most-visited pavilions at the Fair. The Carousel of Progress then opened at Disneyland Park on July 2, 1967, as part of the New Tomorrowland. Due to the success of the attractions Disney created for the Fair, General Electric agreed to sponsor the Carousel of Progress at Disneyland.



Walt Disney asked Disney songwriters Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman to create a song that could serve as a bridge between the "acts" in the show. Walt explained to the brothers what the show was about, and they wrote a song with his enthusiasm in mind. The song was titled "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow". The Shermans later stated that they believe that the song was Walt's "theme song," because he was so optimistic and excited about the future and technology itself.



In the first video below, right after the Leonard Matlin intro, Walt is with the Sherman brothers rehearsing the song. And he stands near the model of the attraction which was going to open at the New York's world fair, General Electric pavilion.




We have the rest of the story on Disney and more to complete with LOTS of pictures and videos of the TWO versions of the show! :
Disney and more: A Grand Tribute to Carousel of Progress

Then join us back here for discussion on Carousel of Progress and the optimism of Tomorrowland. Is there still a place for Progress in the Tomorrowland of today? ]]> Disney and More Blog Discussions loaloa55 http://micechat.com/forums/disney-more-blog-discussions/126143-tribute-carousel-progress.html