The Vehicle of Imaginaton

The recent departure of Kodak has inspired me to come up with another new idea for the Journey into Imagination attraction. This isn't a new story idea, but rather a cutting edge ride vehicle for the well deserving attraction.

What if there was a ride vehicle that was able to transform as the story progressed along? What if there was real animation taking place on the vehicle itself? This would be a ride vehicle never seen before, but would be based on the current one.

The basic shape of the cars could remain the same. The only change would be in the chassis of the vehicle. It would be modified to allow greater rotation and movement. Changes would be evident, however, in the colors of the vehicle. In the beginning of the ride, the vehicle would appear to be simply a solid white. Nothing special about it, and lacking any imagination. Once the ride would begin, colors would start to splash the sides of the vehicle.

This would be made possible by projectors and other special effects placed inside the body of the vehicle. The body would a little bit larger to accommodate this changes, but maintain the same general shape. These new effects could include splashes of color, vibrant animations, and even Figment causing chaos on the ride vehicle.

What do you think? How would you react to seeing this new technology used in an attraction?

MAPO

On this day 46 years ago, Mary Poppins was released by Walt Disney Studios. What does this have to do with the parks, you ask? Well almost one year later, WED Enterprises would benefit from this film's success. That is because the profits from the film would be used to create the manufacturing arm of WED Enterprises. The division was know as MAPO not only because it was an acronym for manufacturing and production, but because it was a play on the Mary Poppins film. MAPO even created the first ever audio-animatronic for the movie. It was a bird with which Mary Poppins sings during the film. Who know Mary Poppins is still responsible for all the magic we enjoy today?

Kodak Out

Kodak is officially no longer the sponsor of the Imagination pavilion in Epcot's Future World. Almost the entire ImageWorks post show area of Journey into Imagination with Figment is walled off. The new park maps also no longer feature Kodak as a sponsor of the pavilion. It is believed that all Kodak signs around the area will be taken down shortly.

My first impression is that this is a good thing for Epcot. It's Kodak's fault that this ride became such a mess in the first place. Hopefully a new and generous sponsor will come in and revamp the pavilion. Any company would surely make a name for themselves in the Disney community if they were know as "the saviors of Figment". So hopefully this is the future that plays out for this beloved opinion.

Or....we could have another Wonders of Life on our hands. A sponsor-less attraction that is allowed to sit and deteriorate until it finally reaches extinction. Time will tell..

What do you think will happen to the Imagination pavilion with Kodak gone?

Why Harry Potter Matters

Image Copyright Universal

Times are changing for the Central Florida theme parks and resorts. It's no Armageddon, but slowly and surely the tides are rippling. Universal Creative is no longer a poor man's Walt Disney Imagineering. Universal has hit a grand slam with their new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Not only has it been a merchandising machine for the Universal Orlando Resort, but the crowds are eating it up. Lines for gift shops exceed 2 hours, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey rarely has a wait under 90 minutes, and extra staff members are on hand to direct the insane crowd flow. This landmark success has people talking and while this doesn't put Disney World to shame, it should put the park on red alert.

When most guests think of Universal Orlando, it's as a second choice in comparison to Walt Disney World. Rides and shows were always seen as inferior to those offered at WDW. Universal Creative was seen as being frugal and not afraid to cut as many corners as possible. That was until Universal's Islands of Adventure opened up next to the Studios. The park was a huge breakthrough for the resort. Quality and innovation unseen in all of Universal's previous work was prominent throughout the park. The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman was a gamechanger in the theme park industry and was honored as being the greatest ride in the world. This began the sudden realization that Universal Creative could be just as competent as WDI.

Since Islands of Adventure opened, Universal also opened the Revenge of the Mummy coaster at the Studios. More than just a rollercoster, its audio-animatronic figures and backstory are comparable to what you are used to seeing in WDW. So slowly but surely, Universal is changing its image from cheap and tacky to ground breaking and awe inspiring.

What does this mean for WDI? It means settling is no longer an option. Resting on past accomplishments can no longer be accepted. Superiority isn't a definite anymore. If they do not produce quality attractions, Universal could very well continue to catch up to WDW. Competition is always good. WDI should not be afraid of Universal Creative. WDI has some of the most creative minds in the world and certainly all the money they need to let their imaginations run wild. Now if only the suits would let them run free so Universal Creative could eat Imagineers pixie dust.

Imagineers Help an Eagle Scout

The Imagineers recently helped an young Boy Scout give back to his community by helping with his Eagle Project. Alex Skilling of Orlando Troop 498 organized his Eagle Project to help Give Kids the World Village. Since many kids at GKTWV need to use a wheelchair, Alex recognized the necessity of a walkway to the basketball courts. He was able to complete this project with VoluntEAR assistance from the Imagineers.

It is always great to see the Imagineers serving the local community. This shows that they are more than just creative geniuses, they are caring people that love to give back. And from one Eagle Scout to another, congratulations Alex.

World of Color Road Show Re-Mix

Wow. This video is pretty trippy. Disneyland Resort brought the magic of World of Color to famous landmarks across California. This video is a re-mix of all of that footage along with a re-mix of the World of Color soundtrack. The result of this crazy combination is one awesome video.

Mainstreet Magic

Last time I checked, an idealized version of any Mainstreet in America didn't include long, connected gift shops that sold generic merchandise. So, why should that be the case in the Magic Kingdom. Mainstreet USA is probably the area of WDW affected most by the profit driven merchandising that is running rampant in the resort. Most of the originality has been taken out of Mainstreet and replaced with things you can find almost anywhere else in the resort. I think its time Mainstreet got its magic back.

Everyone loves a good magic trick. Its a fun way to spend a couple minutes on any day. And at one time or another, almost any kid wishes they could be a magician. This is why a magic shop would be a great addition to Mainstreet. Admittedly, it might not make as much money as the current generic gift shop. But even if you just sacrifice a small chunk of the shop, a fun little shop could be built. Along with an in house magician performing small shows for guests, small tricks could also be sold to still maintain a profit.

What do you think? Does Mainstreet need a magic shop?

TTA Peoplemover

Image Copyright Disney

In a bit of news probably not noticed by most guests, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority was renamed to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover. The move was made to help connect to the ride's past. Back when Imagineering was know as WED Enterprises, the ride was called the WEDway Peoplemover. The ride opened as such in 1975 and was renamed in 1994. Most Disney fanatics never really took to the change. They mostly called it the peoplemover of simply the WEDway. This change represents a recent commitment to nostalgia and guest taste in Imagineering.

While the new name is a bit of a mouthful, I really like the change. To me, anytime Imagineering makes a nod to its past its a very good thing. It's always important to remember where you came from. Maybe if the current Imagineers continue to look to the past, they can learn a thing or two.

What do you think? Do you like the change?