Um, Darth Vader, Having a Little Trouble? [Video]

Check out this hilarious video I came across on Youtube filmed at Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Darth Vader seems to be having a little trouble with his saber – feeling glum? This will cheer you up!

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How Disney Could Improve our Test Track Experience

Let’s face it: Test Track is a great ride, but the line is extremely long most of the day. If Disney figured out a way to shorten the lines, the ride would look better to first time visitors (and regulars as well). I got to thinking about this (just because that’s all I think about, you know) and I thought of a very simple way to shorten the lines. You may have already thought about this and might have even come to the same conclusion as me, but I’m just sharing my thoughts here.

It’s simple really: eliminate the pre-show. That might be the exact thing many of you were thinking, but I bet it would work. The pre-show waists about three minutes (my guess) of time – in that time, the people who would be watching the pre-show could already be boarding!

Now let’s go to the other side – someone might say “But the pre-show is important!” Well, I must disagree with this; the pre-show isn’t important. What does it do for guests? Okay, for first time guests it explains what the ride is all about; but do they really need a video? I think descriptions in the guide map would be enough. And think of more frequent visitors (like many of us) – I know I get really tired of watching the pre-show.

I didn’t write this post to complain about the pre-show (although it may seem like it), I just wrote it to show it’s an unnecessary part of the ride experience – and without it things would move along much quicker. What are your thoughts? Do you like the pre-show or not? Let us know your opinions!

Go Behind the Scenes at Turtle Talk with Crush

Unfortunately, the video was removed from the site due to a violation of their Terms of Service.

Have you ever wondered how Disney managed to create the interactive attraction Turtle Talk with Crush? Here is a video going behind the scenes to give you a look at how it is done. This was recorded before the show moved to it’s larger auditorium in the Seas pavilion. If you don’t want to spoil the magic, then don’t watch this video.

Watch the Behind the Scenes Video

Trip Photos: Day Trip to Epcot

Yesterday (Saturday), we took a day trip to Disney World – Epcot, to be more specific. I have a few pictures I would like to share. As you may or may not know, Epcot is having it’s annual Flower and Garden Festival (which would be great, if I didn’t have allergies). My family and I decided to take a trip down to Epcot, eat, and come back at night (ah, the wonders of living in Jacksonville).

There are few pictures, and they are mostly of the outside of the rides. I got a lot of Spaceship Earth (exterior). Keep in mind it was extremely crowded there, so some pictures look weird because I was trying to avoid people. Click on the picture to enlarge, the click again to make it huge. Enjoy!

I have been really busy these weeks…sorry for the “newslesss” period. I am working on the sidebar, so hang in there! Thanks!

New Pictures of the Mr. Potato Head Boardwalk Barker Anamatronic Getting Final Touches

Here are a few pictures of the “Mr. Potato Head Boardwalk Barker” anamatronic being programmed and having final touches made. This interactive anamatronic will be one of the main highlights of the new attraction opening this summer, Toy Story Mania!. Passholder previews will be May 10-12, 2008. The attraction should officially open “Late May”, according to the Walt Disney Company.

Click the picture to enlarge, then click it again to make it as large as it gets.

The first picture shows Walt Disney Imagineering’s Eric Swapp making final touches on the audio-anamatronic character. The second shows John Cutry, WDI’s Principal Show Animator programming the Mr. Potato Head anamatronic, with Eric Swapp making more adjustments.

The Hollywood Rip, Ride, WHAT?

Is Universal making more competition for Disney?  Universal Orlando has announced “The Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit” Coaster, which by the description, sounds to me like an improved “Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster”.  It’s scheduled to open in 2009, and is going to become the park’s new icon.  While on board, guests will choose a song, or let the computer choose one for them.  Guests’ entire ride is video-taped, and a music video will be available after the ride.  It will be 17 stories tall, will reach speeds of 65 mph, and have a record breaking loop.  Sounds to me like the Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, only new and improved.  Any thoughts?

Toy Story Mania – New Info

I was browsing for some new Disney happenings, and came across this article by the Orange County Register that talks more about the new Toy Story Mania! attraction opening this summer.  First, let’s talk about the picture on the left.  The anamatronic is called “The Mr. Potato Head Boardwalk Barker”.  It is said to be the most advanced, interactive character at Disney.  Mr. Potato Head will remove parts, talk with, and tell jokes to park guests.  Here’s the storyline.  The toys got into a box of midway games, and set them up, starting a competition.  They have invited all of us to join them.  Up to eight people can ride in one special “toy vehicle”, feeling as though they have been shrunk down to the size of a toy.  The vehicles spin, and each guest gets a spring-action shooter.  You then get to play five carnival games, like “Hamm ‘n’ Eggs” (a ring toss), and “Bo Peep’s Balloon Pop”.  Each experience will be different, and as you hit different targets, different things will occur.  Each game lasts about 31 seconds, and the entire ride lasts about 5 1/2 minutes.

I really suggest you read the article, because it’s really interesting, and it goes into more depth than I did.  I really can’t wait for it to open this summer!  Does anyone else have any thoughts on the new ride?  I think it will really be different from anything else Disney has done.  Of course, that’s what I said about Stitch…but, that’s a different story.  Any thoughts, comments?

Check Out the Toy Story Mania Site!

I don’t know if you know yet or not, but I am not only a Disney geek.  I am also partially a computer geek, too.  And that’s why I’m posting this…because I found the Toy Story Mania! Website this afternoon, and thought it was really good.  The targets in the background that you can actually shoot with your mouse were a nice touch, weren’t they?  Now this may sound really wierd, but I also really liked the music they play (You’ve Got a Friend in Me).  If you actually listen to it, it’s a very good version of it.  If you actually want to see the page (if you haven’t already) just go to toystorymania.com, and click Enter.  Now if you’re like me, you have to click on everything on the page.  I clicked on all the targets, the view-master, the Vacation Planning DVD (even though I already have one), and the video camera to watch Imagineer Tony Fitzgerald explain the storyline.  Once again, very nice graphics, animations, ect. on the site.  Now you’re thinking, “I’ve waisted one minute reading this thing?”  Well, yes.  There really is no exciting Disney news, and after all, it is my site, isn’t it?