The General's Magic Kingdom/Epcot Report! Update! Thrills! Chills!

GRIZZLY-TRIPS EXTRAVAGANZA-STYLE!​

​

FEATURIN' NEWS, RUMORS, AND THE LIKE. SIT BACK, RELAX, ENJOY.​

A FEW MORE PHOTOS on page 6! Link here: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?p=709957#post709957

AND with 24 additional photos on page 3! Link here: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?p=702110#post702110

FOR YOUR SAFETY, PLEASE MOVE ALL THE WAY IN AND STAY CLEAR OF THE DOORS. . . POR FAVOR MANTENGANSE ALEJADO DE LAS PUERTAS. . . Driver we are clear!

THE MAGIC KINGDOM​

Let's start off with Tomorrowland. The Timekeeper has recently operated with TREMENDOUS crowds. Seriously. Check out these photos:

Guests exiting: <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/timkeeperppel.jpg">
(A few seconds later):
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/tkpeople2.jpg">

Guests waiting in line: <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/tkline23.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/tkline.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/tkppl.jpg">

Yes. The line for this took the ENTIRE hallway that lead to the theatre. Very exciting! Timekeeper will go down SEASONALLY on August 14th. Tomorrowland Cast Members do not think it will close for good.

Well, let's hear it from Timekeeper himself. What do YOU have to say?
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/timekeeper.jpg">

Well said, Timekeeper!

(PART II UP AHEAD)

Now, on to STITCH'S GREAT ESCAPE. Construction is still going on behind the blue walls. (I have photos submitted by the "XS Series 1000 Team," so holler if you want them). The attraction will more than likely open in October, have a special showing the AP holders. . . and YES! It will feature Skippy!

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/skiplives.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/skipte.jpg">

Aww. That's cute, huh? Thanks, Stitch, for making that sign! Now on to WALT DISNEY'S CAROUSEL OF PROGRESS. The show has been operating with mixed attendance figures. Some spins received 20-30 people. Some reached over 100. Attendance, however, this summer has been very good - laughter, clapping - AND singing! - from a lot. The attraction may go down with Stitch's Great Escape opens. Recently, PIXIE DUSTER posted photos of new theater seat frames. Actually, all but two theatres received the new black frames. Show quality is good. All elements are working, it seems, although the attraction is in desperate need for a reglorification, as far as audio, theater, exterior, and Audio-Animatronics go. Long live the CoP!

Some sillyhead put this up for about fifteen seconds. <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/cop.jpg">

And, yep, most the whole park likes it so.

The Astro Orbiter is still motionless (minus the ride vehicles themselves). It has been this way for well over a year. . .
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/nomove.jpg">

On to COSMIC RAY'S STARLIGHT CAFE! Sonny Eclipse. On vacation - in another galaxy perhaps? You be the judge:

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/sonny.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/sonny2.jpg">

Well THAT'S awful funny. Hopefully, he'll be back in a month. Sad to see Disney's first animatronic Entertainment layoff. He'd be missed. . .

(PART III UP AHEAD)

AND NOW, moving out of the concourse, and into FANTASYLAND. Where 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea construction is going well. . . A Whole New World:

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/20k.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/20k5.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/20k3.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/20k2.jpg">

Pictures donated by "Whale Tale" - and it's all true (I'll swear by my tattoo).

It's a Small World construction is. . . invisible: <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/smallworld.jpg">
I have photos of the Skyway construction (where stroller parking is being accommodated) - holler if you want em. Photos would be courtesy of "My Way or the Sky Way."

We found a wonderful Disney guest over at Mickey's Philharmagic! But, to make sure none of you can identify him, I have had to alter his face:

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/mickey.jpg">

Never seen him before in my life. Honest. :lookaroun

'Lil Buford posted some photos of ducks in the Toontown Park back in March. Well, we wanted to check up on the lil critters. . . and here they are today!

BEFORE: <img src="http://img9.photobucket.com/albums/v24/nigelpot/P1010084.jpg">

TODAY: <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/ducky.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/ducky2.jpg">

I don't think Donald gets this treatment. We are happy to report, however, that bird droppings have been removed from Zazu on the Enchanated Tiki Room entrance sign.

(PART IV UP AHEAD)

On to Frontierland, construction is going on on some Tom Sawyer Island buildings. Meanwhile, the Frontier Trading Post and Mercantile is now a PIN STORE, as previously reported:

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/pins.jpg">

Country Bear Jamboree looks better than ever with near-capacity shows. The big problem is speakers. While audible, they need to be replaced.

EPCOT​

Spaceship Earth - Nothing has changed since my last Epcot report (back in April). All the ride AT&T logos remain. . . except for the giagantic advertisments. Global Neighborhood is still blocked. Cast Member rumor is that the attraction will get a new sponsor without drastically changing the ride. Last I have heard, there ARE plans in WDI to rework Spaceship Earth far more than a simple rehab, but I am still investigating this and will spread the word whenever I get in. Ride quality is excellent. (Leaps and bounds better than the Haunted Mansion vehicle/audio-wise).

But, just to be on the safe side, <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/spaceship.jpg">

(And Mr. S.S. E. posted this sign for 8.5 seconds because the rumors indicate that most animatronics would be removed without replacement and replaced by "Screen technology" if this rehab were to take place.)

WONDERS of LIFE - Closed for the season. Rumor indicates the pavilion will reopen Thanksgiving/Christmas/January (while the Land is down for refurbishment) - so stay tuned! Inside the pavilion, lights are still on in some areas. In fact, it is visible from the outside that the SENSORY FUNHOUSE sign is up an and spinning.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/wol.jpg">

TEST TRACK - A new version of DREAMCHASERS has been launched. Ride line was past 120 minutes, even in the evening when the park wasn't very crowded, according to some.

ODYSSEY - The now-closed-to-the-public restaurant had construction walls all over it in the past few days. Some areas remain covered. Here is the work that has been done:

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/odyssey.jpg">

The top area is a light purple in actual setting. The dark brown areas remain un-repainted, but at least it looks much better. On the INSIDE, it a appears an event is being held - convention or otherwise - with MAGICAL GATHERING decor, what seems to be fashion displays, and food setup. (Holler if you want photos, which were taken by "Odd, You See?")

Imagination! - Outside, giant glass cleaners sit behind construction walls, as been the case on and off since January. Bad show? You be the judge.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/badshow.jpg">

FIGMENT, however, wants to voice HIS! opinion. What does he have to say?

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/figme4nt.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/institute.jpg">
(the second photo refers to the assumption - in the queue area - that Dr. Nigel Channing CREATED Figment).

There seems to be some construction going upstairs in the UPSTAIRS IMAGE WORKS. While I have no idea what it is, I can assure that there are no plans to reopen the area.

The Land - Here comes the good stuff.

The Land will be closing probably in JANUARY - and will be closed through MARCH if rumor holds - in order to bring in Soarin. MAJOR changes will be made. The balloons and fountain will be removed, if what I've heard is correct, and the Living with the Land boatride will remain untouched, but perhaps slightly rehabbed. The SUNSHINE SEASON FOOD FAIR will remain in some form. One rumor has it that it will actually be in the CENTER of the pavilion. Another holds that only the right side will remain. In any case, Soarin will have a huge impact, bringing in new ramps and ways for guests to get down to the main floor and enter the attraction. Queue space may be extended into the bottom floor with retheming. A weak rumor - and ONLY rumor - has it that the CIRCLE OF LIFE film may be removed. The Garden Grille will remain essentially untouched.

And, in honor of my Soarin' post (where I explained how the attraction should be molded into the Land, not just a "dropping" from California), here are some photos! Inspiration from KEVIN PAGE.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/savefountain.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/landbye.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/fountain2.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/soarin.jpg">

And on a final note. . .

A NEW WORLD SHOWCASE COUNTRY!!

Drumroll please. . . .


I said DRUMROLL please. . .


(Thanks! )

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/grixx/tot.jpg">

Tower of Terror!

By the way - new official album is AVAILABLE at the parks with 6 new tracks. Check it out!

Have a great, big beautiful day! And remember - tomorrow is just a dream away!

Grizz, thanks for the pictures and updates.

So thrilling and chilling lol. That was great and really entertaining. Did you leave any of the signs up? Tifani and I left some signs during MOUSEHUNT 2004, and they were still there a month later.

Great job on the update! Thank you!

Grizz good job on the update always informative. Cant wait to see whats in store for the next update

Best WDW update ever. Most others lack pictures and if they do have pictures, you have to look in the photo albums.

Thanks for the report & pics. We asked about Sonny last month when were were at the Meet. The CM told us "he is on the American Idol Tour".
(and he should have a new suit and a new look [set] when he returns sometime in August) :wave:

Wow General, that has got to be one of the best updates I have ever read..........love the pics!

I sure hope that fountain stays!

Though I did make sure to enjoy my lunch next to it a few weeks ago...just in case it was the last time that I would be able to

Thanks for the update!

Truly awesome update Grizz, I'm just....speechless

I was all for bringing new life to The Land but i wasnt for destroying it. I hope they dont rip out that fountain and change everything down there. I remember when i was little for some reason I always tried to go swimming in that fountain. :lol:. Some many memories. But great update as usual Grizz and very good pics.

Great update! A few instances of bad show, but it looks good overall. But I am sorry to see the classic Land decor go.
And who was that masked mouse, anyway?

Nomination for WDWMagic Awards

Almost wet myself Grizz

Now how did you make this grand tour without getting anyone PO'd at you and depositing you on the "outside". Great work in any case. :lookaroun

You should team up with Kevin and produce a movie short!

Unfortunately this is early in the season, and the early contributions tend to be forgotten come award time, but we have to keep this safely tucked away for Bwana Bob.

Great Updates, Thanks for sharing Grizz.

Best. Update. Ever!!!!!!!




I'd like to see more of those Save Disney signs!! They were great! :wave:


(I'll spread the word to Paris if you know what I mean :animwink: )

Hey Grizz -

A BIG THANK YOU for this update - very interesting. Ok. I am hollering for the other pictures you mentioned (Stitch, IASW / Skyway)

BTW - I heard you can still see the old Earthstation ceiling rear projection screens in Global Neighbourhood. If you can, any chance of a pic on your next trip?

Thanks again!