Captain EO closing in Paris, revisiting the Peoplemover, and a fake Walt movie poster are just the beginning for today's MiceChat Round-Up. Join the discussions going on right now about whether or not Disney's California Adventure was a disaster at opening. See breaking videos featuring the pyrotechnics in Universal Orlando's new lagoon show. Tell us what you think about the rumors swirling around plans to bring Star Wars and Marvel to the parks. There's also a brand new Communicore Weekly and MiceChatter video. And Al weighs in on Luigi's Flying Tire ride. ~ CakvalaSC
EDITOR’S PICK
Was DCA a disaster?
Was DCA a disaster when it opened? Let us count the ways! Marcos asks the question that may live in infamy in the annals of Disney and theme park history. From Disney Legends forewarning that 'Walt would have hated that' and 'Jokes over, now where's the real model' and Imagineering nearly being shut out from the planning for DCA, with Disney management’s 'Build on the Cheap' and 'If it's good enough for Six Flag's' philosophy, what could possible go wrong? The internet?
What's a Gumball Rally? Well, it's the biggest, best and the most exciting Disney fan event in the known universe that anyone can play and win. The Rally is a race to find out who can ride the most attractions at Disneyland in a single day. Sounds great, right? Well, it is even more fun than you can imagine.
Yes, it is harder than it sounds. Yes, it will challenge you physically. But, it's one event that folks of any age can compete in and have a great time in the process. Whether you win or lose, you are always a winner when the race takes place on your favorite rides at your favorite place on earth.
MiceChat is NOT affiliated with the Walt Disney Company in ANY way.
The Disney web site is located at www.disney.com
Q. Hi Al, I as with many other Disney fans will be at DCA this summer to experience Cars Land. I’m a heavy woman and I’m a little concerned on how I might fare on Luigi’s Flying Tire ride, since it’s a floating type ride. Might you have any information if there is a weight limit to this ride? Thanks for any info! - Mandy
Float-on...
A. Luigi’s Flying Tires is an all-new ride system custom designed and built by WDI, and there’s nothing off-the-shelf about it. They started with a clean sheet of paper, and the results are floating vehicles that are nearly twice as large as the original Flying Saucers at Disneyland in the 1960’s. It’s no secret within the halls of WDI that John Lasseter is very excited about this ride, and it’s second only to Radiator Springs Racers as one of his favorite things about the 600 Million dollar Cars Land expansion.
The tires at Luigi’s have reportedly been designed to maintain lift and maneuverability with up to 650 pounds of weight in them, and there will be no posted weight limit at the ride. The tires can comfortably seat up to two large adults, or even two adults and a child. There is, however, a height requirement of 32 inches for Luigi’s Flying Tires, the lowest height requirement ever for a Disney theme park.
Just this past weekend they had hundreds of Disneyland Resort Cast Members work paid shifts flying the tires for four hours at a time. This was an important part of any new attraction opening where they run any new ride through its paces for three days straight. The result was that hundreds of Anaheim Cast Members of all shapes and sizes got a chance to ride the new attraction, and the word coming back from this first large-scale test is that it’s not as easy as it looks.
It takes at least a couple of times flying the tires before anyone gets the hang of it, and the initial reaction from most riders is that they lean and twist their body much more than is needed to get the tire to float across the floor. Some of the lighter Cast Members doing the testing found they had more luck with the ride when they doubled up and rode with a partner, as it’s entirely possible to have too little weight in the tire to get it to maneuver quickly or effectively. It’s important to not think of these vehicles like copies of the smaller and faster flying saucers in Tomorrowland fifty years ago. Luigi’s Flying Tires is a slower and mellower experience, but with a far more elaborately themed queue and pre-show area than the Flying Saucers ever had in the corner of Tomorrowland. (Wait until you see the detail inside Luigi’s tire showroom that acts as the pre-show! Luigi is apparently a big Dean Martin fan.)
John Lassetire
One thing the Cast Member testers also discovered with the vehicles is that the spin control handle, themed as a giant air valve on the whitewall of the tire, was practically useless. The tires are so large and ponderous that the spin maneuver never seemed to work on any tire before the two minute ride time was over. It was reported to the Cast Members at the test who were frustrated with that spin control knob that the feature would likely be removed by opening day to avoid customer complaints.
What is also not easy is the large step up and over the lightly inflated skirt that surrounds the entire vehicle. It takes a big, confident step to get into the tire, although they will have a special wheelchair loading area with a ramp for those confined to wheelchairs to slide into the seat directly from the ramp. The other thing the Cast Members were asked to test by the crew operating the new attraction was WDI’s last-minute idea of having big beach balls out on the floor during the cycle. It’s thought that the beach balls add a bit of friendly activity to the ride, and the Cast Members became very adept at creating various games of skill bouncing the beach balls around the tire yard during their four hour testing shifts.
Add in lots of free popcorn and beverages for the Cast Member testers who were being paid to be there, and the testing shifts this past weekend quickly took on the atmosphere of a backyard party at Luigi’s place in the shadow of the towering Cadillac Range. Luigi’s Flying Tires should be a very unique and upbeat attraction capable of accommodating people of all sizes, even if it’s not the wilder and smaller version from the 1960’s. - Al
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St. Patrick’s Day at Disneyland brought out the green in some cast members. We take a look at a few who are always in green, year round. And then we get confirmation that Disney is looking at how to place Marvel in some worldwide locations. ~ Aladdin
Rainy Day Pictures - 3/17/2012
St. Patrick's Day brought plenty of rain to keep things green! Ron W was there for these photos and even has a short video!
The Haunted Mansion Cast Members
We all know of the 999 Happy Haunts in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, but what of those others that are not yet disembodied? PozEmerald found this video!
Marvel Characters At Disney Theme Parks?! WildForMrToad brings us a few words from the mouth of Iger, indicating that Disney is looking at ways of incorporating Marvel into a few places around the world. No specifics were announced, but speculation has been aroused, once again!
Howdy, gang! We’re slowly creeping up on June and Carsland. Are you getting excited about it? I am! Stay tuned here on MiceChat for up-to-the-minute updates on all the construction! This week we have some rumors about Indiana Jones, and a popular old parade could make a gigantic comeback…and the PeopleMover makes another appearance here as well! Remember to keep posting…you never know what’ll make it to the weekly Round-Up! -Demigod-
Big news about Indiana Jones!!
MiceChatter disney1995 has heard a rumor that there could be a lengthy refurbishment of Indiana Jones coming that would revamp some elements and even add some more Audio Animatronics!
Salvaging WDW Snow White ride for DL
MiceChatter merlinjones wonders if some elements of the WDW Snow White ride could be salvaged and incorporated into the Disneyland version?
Join The MiceChat Vancouver To Los Angeles Cruise This September!
Our Disney Dream cruise last year was such a hit that we've booked another remarkable voyage at low group rates. Join us September 10th through 16th as we voyage from Vancouver to Los Angeles with a two night stop in San Francisco. We'll even visit the wonderful Walt Disney Family Museum along the way. Don't miss out on this affordable, relaxing, and fun MiceChat adventure!
The A/V Room
Communicore Weekly goes the Food Channel route this week:
Sarah returns with a new MiceChatter video:
And we also have a brand new photo updater video from Kevin Yee:
LIVE BROADCAST AT RALPH BRENNAN'S JAZZ KITCHEN
As the official venue of choice for MAGIC 24.7, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney Anaheim will be hosting a live broadcast from the Ralph Brennan Radio Booth in the Jazz Kitchen on August 11, 2012 (exact time of broadcast TBA).
We'll be doing a live cooking demo, featuring our station's own signature drink (Twisted Magic), doing live contests and bringing on special Disney Park guests. We hope you can join us! For the full itinerary, check out our special event website: magic247live.com!
YOUR DISNEY TOP FIVE
The Time Rovers are going live again this Thursday at 6pm Pacific for one hour! Here's what we're discussing: If Disney gave you a free pass to do ANYTHING to any of it's parks...what would it be? Call us LIVE on Skype (username Magic24.7) or on our MAGICLINE at (424) 270-1955 and get in the discussion!
Remember to bookmark our site (magic247radio.com) and listen between 6am-4pm Pacific Monday to Friday for your official MiceChat.com Newscasts featuring YOUR posts and more Disney Park news! We also have welcomed former Weather Channel meteorologist Jeff Mielcarz to the station, who will provide you with Disneyland & WDW weather Monday to Friday!
PODCAST UPDATE
Every Monday to Friday between 6-9 am Pacific, we give you your MiceChat.com Newscast. Coming soon, you’ll be able to get a full recap of news from your favorite site.
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After the big news of the soft openings of pieces of Fantasyland, it seems to be quieter this week. However, we have some surgery questions, a trip report, and the replacement of Kim Possible's World Showcase Adventure. All this and a lot more in this week's forum! ~yoyoflamingo
March 13, 14, 15 at MK, Epcot, and HS lily23 shares her stories of a recent trip to WDW with her daughters. While there are no pictures, it's a great read to relieve the magic of the Parks and to see the excitement built from traveling with her children!
Knee Surgery and Visiting the Parks nnic poses a question regarding post knee surgery park visits. Specifically, how can Splash Mountain be accessed, despite its stairs? Offer your advice here.
Agent P's World Showcase Adventure coming this Summer
Kim Possible's World Showcase Adventure has seen the end of its life in the coming weeks. The replacement for it? Agent P. Find the details in this thread and voice your opinions on the change.
Captain EO to close! Noooooooooo
It seems as if Captain EO and his rag tag band are leaving Disneyland Paris and heading back to orbit. Lets hope the Supreme Leader doesn't take over their empty port in the park!
Star Wars Land (2015)
A Long Time Ago, in a galaxy far far away, Jedi warriors considered taking over portions of Disneyland Resort Paris and making it their new home. Rumor has it that they have formed an agreement with the global Disney empire! The big question is, what do the earthbound tourists think?
History Repeating Itself?
With the latest series of movie flops and the lack of presence in award shows, do you think Disney is suffering from another case of history repeating itself?
Shareholder Meeting Questions - Don't misread those Pirates/Cars comments!
Disney once again held another shareholder meeting and answered many questions, in particular about the parks. flynnibus posted an interesting and lengthy analysis of what was covered during the meeting in this thread and it is definately an interesting read.
Fake Walt Disney Movie Poster
So what if they were going to make a movie about Walt Disney himself? Check out the movie poster, but to bad it's not really being made.
Disney Blu ray
As the video world transitions to Blu Ray, Disneyfreak88 is asking whether or not Disney will convert all there films to the format.
My Aquarium
Be sure to check out this nice fish tank done by MiceChatter Linus.
3/19: Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland Expansion, Busch Gardens New Ice Show, SeaWord Turtles
Orlando is the place to be with so many major theme parks heading up plans for this Summer. We look towards the future this week and scope out more of the Fantasyland expansion taking place at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. We next review the recently opened Iceploration show at Busch Gardens Florida and we ponder the epicurean delights offered at the many restaurants in the park. Finally we check on SeaWorld Orlando and the race to get Turtle Trek 4D ready by April 27th. Let's dive in, shall we? There's Parkhopping to do!
3/19: Buena Vista Street details, ElecTRONica glows away Spring rain washed out the first wave of busy spring break season at Disneyland and temporarily brought construction in both parks to a halt over the weekend. Despite the weekend rain, plenty of progress can be seen at the projects underway in both parks and in Downtown Disney. More details have been revealed at Disney California Adventure's new Buena Vista Street entrance plaza as well as in the park's 12-acre Cars Land expansion. In Disneyland, the Carnation Cafe expansion continues with the restaurant's facade sporting a new color scheme as the nearby Matterhorn Mountain makes progress on its major refurbishment and repainting. In Downtown Disney, the LEGO Store is getting some fun new LEGO sculptures installed and construction continues at the La Brea Bakery expansion. All of the news and photos can be found in today's Dateline Disneyland!
3/19: Chef Mickey and the Evolution of Character Dining Character dining and Disney go hand in hand. But it wasn't always that way. In fact, we have to go all the way back to Walt Disney World in 1977 to find what we could really consider the beginning of character dining. It has since spread across the Disney empire to become a major crowd-pleaser and cash cow. ImagiNERDing, as we recount the development and evolution of to the character dining experience.
3/17: The Four Caballeros And The Cuban Carnival Today's 626 takes a look back at the Disney Company during a very interesting time. World War II had created global uncertainties and Walt was asked to help prevent the spread of Nazi sentiments in South America through a series of animated features. One of the films never competed was The Cuban Carnival. Join us for a quick look at a rare Disney treasure and meet the mysterious fourth Caballero.
3/16: Kevin Yee – All aboard? Kevin discuses the Storybook Circus area in Orlando's Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has started some soft openings of some attractions and more!
3/16: Epcot Flower and Garden Festival; All Star Movies Resort; Bucket of Blood Saloon The International Flower and Garden Festival bursts onto the scene as the Weekend Update brings you a whole new adventure each week. Marvelous topiary and floral arrangements are only the beginning. We next get another chapter in Rya86n's Walt Disney World trip and a tour of the Disney All Stars Movie Resort. Then finally step up to the bar at the Bucket of Blood Saloon in Virginia City, Nevada for historic fun
3/15: Sue Kruse – Pressing Matters Sue discusses a few of today’s Pressing Matters that are scheduled to take place outside so you may want to take along an umbrella as you head out. I usually find that ensures the lack of precipitation. Here are today’s topics: When The Swallows Return, LitFest, Literary Fair, Millard Sheets Tour, Magical History Tour, SIGNin, Fanniversary, Club 55.
3/15: Disneyland Resort construction, Disney California Adventure, Knott’s Improving, San Diego Zoo hatched
So much to see and do In the Parks this week. We are on the cusp of a massive Summer of exciting new attractions all over Southern California. Looking at Disneyland, we find that the Matterhorn is nearly done emerging from the new paint job while Cars Land is now running tests daily on all of the attractions there. We next stop by Knott's Berry Farm where things are really coming along nicely and the look of the park is improving week to week. We then end our tour of the parks with a visit to the World Famous San Diego Zoo. Let's get ready for some fun!
3/15: My Visit to the 2012 Annual Meeting of The Walt Disney Company Werner Weiss travers to Kansas City, Missouri to attend the 2012 annual shareholders meeting of the Walt Disney Company. There was a time when roughly 200 people showed up to these events that were routinely held near the parks. There was a time when there were free movie screenings. There was a time when free tickets to the park were given away to each shareholder. No such luck now. Learn what happens during these meetings and whether or not it was worth the trip, far out of the way from the majority of the fan base.
3/14: The rise and tragic fall of the Buena Park Deer Park It started with the best of intentions; Bring a little bit of Japan to Southern California. Everything went smoothly at first. The deer were imported, the gardens were built, and the visitors came. But somewhere along the way the park was sold and it all went south from there. Learn about the quick rise and ignominious fall of one of Southern California's most beloved, if not forgotten local attractions. It's America's only authentic Japanese Deer Park.
3/13: Valerie at the Columbia Harbour House and Liberty Tree Tavern It was the early days of the Magic Kingdom park. 1972, one year after park opening. Valerie took a job at Walt Disney World to get through school and the next thing she knew her life direction had changed drastically. Learn what it was like to work the Columbia Harbor House and Liberty Tree Tavern back then, and hear of the craziness that would ensue when a cole slaw fight broke out! It's a fun and interesting read today From the Mouth of the Mouse.
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