Celestial Dreamin' - Game Thread

[Pi on my Cake]

This was the view you would see driving down Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim, California back in the 1940s:

Here is a picture taken from roughly the same spot in the 1980s:

More recently, this would be the view along Kirman Rd in Orlando if you were driving down it back in 2019...

Sometimes life gives you lemons, other times life doesn't even do you the kindness of gifting citrus. Luckily, store bought is fine!

Universal turned this Kirkman Rd property into their own metaphorical orange grove and now we have something truly epic in that spot...

This story might seem very different from that of Disneyland's, but the core is the same. People coming together to create something amazing out of nothing but an empty field and a dream and millions of dollars. We're going beyond citrus fields this time because the sky's the limit!

So, let's carry that spirit of imagination with us as we shoot for the stars and continue what we started in Citrus Dreamin' with a new season of the Armchair Imagineering competition with the highest concentration of Vitamin C...

Welcome to Celestial Dreamin'

Pictured: An Imagineering Competition that promises to be the most epic journey across the cosmos to ever feature a chocolate teddy bear and a sentient piece of fruit.

--How does the Game Work?--

Pictured: The start of another 3 Hour Tour. This time, instead of sailing on a Jungle Cruise boat, we're on some sort of a moon shaped ship creatively named "Moonship"

This is going to be a very accessible armchair Imagineering game. With a bit more of a Universal focus as the main twist, but don't worry there will be plenty of opportunities to work with Disney Parks and beyond! Freedom to follow your passions and prompts that push you to find new fun ways to express yourself are the name of the game here.

If you played in the original Citrus Dreamin' back in Spring of 2024, then this should all seem pretty familiar.
Almost like some sort of sequel/season 2 or something

This will be a Team Based Competition! With some loose Epic Universe/Sci-Fi theming, Captain Cacao and Orange Bird as our adorable and marketable mascots, and a light hearted irreverent comedic tone inspired by the Universal Parks, this game is sure to be a good time for all! The focus is on collaboration, brainstorming, creative writing, art, and presentation. Come up with an idea together and then communicate that in as fun and effective a way as you can!

Pictured: An Average Team Brainstorming Meeting

Celestial Dreamin' will be divided into a series of Wondrous Galaxies. These will serve as "Acts" for the game, each with their own theme. These take the place of the "Rivers" from Season One. Maybe one Wondrous Galaxy will involve projects exclusively in Universal parks? Or perhaps one will involve a gimmick that changes an aspect of the gameplay? There's no way of knowing where the next warp star will take us!

The Imagineering Expeditions (our fancy names for the rounds/prompts) will generally take a week barring any unforeseen twists. Each Wondrous Galaxy will take players on 1-3 Expeditions (so, the acts will have about 3 rounds each, give or take). I'll give the teams an Imagineering challenge, and they'll propose their best ideas!

Expeditions will either end in a prize for the winning team or an elimination for the losing team. Beyond just regular eliminations, there is the possibility of team shuffling to balance them out or extra eliminations due to lack of activity or other issues. If possible, any shake ups to the teams not caused by eliminations will happen between Galaxies.

The prizes that can be won from non-elimination rounds will vary from very simple gags to things that might impact the next Expedition, so every round is important! Perhaps one might even win the coveted Golden Pizza Moon

Pictured: This, but Gold. Sorry if this is all too cheesey

There will be an ultimate winner and getting competitive is a part of the fun, but the focus is on growing as Imagineers, having a good time, and creating some really cool stuff! So, if anyone needs an extension for any of the Expeditions I am happy to work with you, just ask 24 Hours before the due date so that it's fair to the other team.

I want to try to foster an environment where everyone is welcome and comfortable being themselves and having fun! If any other players make you feel uncomfortable in any way let me know and I'll do what I can to make it right.

The only other rule to keep in mind is that this is a celebration of artistic talent (writing, music, drawing, whatever!) and what makes you unique! So, while I'm not expecting every single photo used in every project to be an entirely unique (Google Images exists for a reason), but please no AI generated writing and images. Also, no using fan art that isn't yours without proper credit.

--Meet the Hosts--

Hey all, Pi here. Skipper Pi to be more specific. I'm taking us all on a cruise through the jungle except I got very lost and now we're in space! I'll handle the prompts, reviews, results, and all that good stuff that comes with hosting

Pictured: Someone who spaces out a lot while Driving

This handsome fellow is my co-host, OB, also known as the Orange Bird. Half orange, half bird, he moved to Florida long ago because of our delicious oranges so he may or may not be a cannibal. He's not exactly a songbird as he canonically cannot talk, sing, or make any noises at all. BUT he can communicate using thought bubbles that are visible to others and again that is all actual canon Orange Bird lore. OB will be in charge of handling any and all complaints

Pictured: The real brains of the operation


Joining us for the first time here in season 2 is a second mascot/co-host! Captain Cacao! One of the newest original theme park characters, Captain Cacao can usually be found at Moonship Chocolatiers in Celestial Park at Universal's Epic Universe. He's sailed the stars as the navigator on the Moonship with his friend, Maya of the Skies. The Moonship itself is known as the Marshmallow Airship Joei de Ganache and is powered by floating marshmallow stars. In terms of this imagineering game, Captain Cacao is in charge of all typos. That's his job. Typos.

Pictuerd: The best spellcheck in the cosmos

While not a host and given no advance information or advantages, @TheOriginalTiki will host the CelesTiki Report! The hottest radio show in the Galaxy! This special edition of Tiki's podcasts will have new live episodes after the Imagineering Expeditions to discuss the projects as well as at critical junctures in the game to discuss important events, behind the scenes secrets, and fun twists.

Pictured: An artist rendition of Tiki

Ya never know what's gonna happen or who might show up as a guest (probably just me there with Tiki mostly, but who knows! Maybe Daniel Craig? I feel like he'd be oddly a natural at Armchair Imagineering. Tiki, get to work trying to get Daniel Craig on the show please)

Pictured: A Podcast that will definitely feature Daniel Craig probably

Expect the first episode soon as we discuss the cast, answer any questions, and discuss the first project! Check it out on the So You Want to be an Imagineer YouTube Channel next week!

If anyone (who is over 18) is interesting in appearing on the podcast, message me and Tiki!

--Meet the Cast--

Let's take a look at the crew joining us on the Moonship!

@AceAstro
@AidenRodriguez731
@Architectural Guinea Pig
@Brer Panther
@Disney Warrior
@DisneyManOne
@Half/CartoonHalf/Human
@JokersWild
@Lizzy May Bee
@Lord Fozzinator
@Mr. Sullivan
@Outbound
@PerGron
@spacemt354
@tcool123
@TheOriginalTiki
@ThemeParkPriest
@WaltWiz1901

@cdunlap - 20th Place
@Tegan pilots a chicken - 19th Place

Pictured: The Best Imagineers this side of the Milky Way!

For now, all the players will be working together. But before long we'll be dividing up into two Teams named after the two mythic figures that watch over Celestial Park in Epic Universe. Luna, Roman goddess of the moon, and Helios, Greek god of the sun.

The Game Begins in 24 Hours!
Are you ready?​

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Important Links
(And other Zelda Characters)

The First Galaxy

Expedition #00 - The Re-Epic Voyage
The NEW Epic Universe

Galaxy's Are Universal

Expedition #01 - The Lost Voyage

Chat/Hype Thread

Season One: Citrus Dreamin'​

 

[cdunlap]

You really couldn’t have Team Helios and Team Selene or Team Sol and Team Luna to remain consistent with your mythology?!

 

[Pi on my Cake]

You really couldn’t have Team Helios and Team Selene or Team Sol and Team Luna to remain consistent with your mythology?!

Don't blame me! Blame Universal lol

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Welcome to

Previously in Season One: Citrus Dreamin'

Now for the exciting continuation!
[Comic Delayed due to Technical Issues (I ran out of paper)]
Pictured: A really really good comic that was surely worth the 2 Year Wait

Celestial Dreamin' will be divided into 6 Wondrous Galaxies with each new Galaxy adding a new twist or element to the gameplay.

The first Galaxy we encounter is creatively titled: The First Galaxy! Named after famed astronomer, Albert First, obviously.

There will be only 1 Imagineering Expedition in this galaxy with a bit more of a large scale/blue sky style to give players a chance to get used to the game. A bit of a warm up to kick things off!

There are no planned eliminations during the First Galaxy, but there will be chances to win rewards for the game going forward!​

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Imagineering Expedition #00

Shocking everyone, we're going to start with an Epic Universe project!

--What you need to know--

Epic Universe is Universal's newest theme park and the biggest shake up in the Orlando theme park market in over 20 years! Part of what makes the park so unique is the layout.

There is the hub land, Celestial Park, that ties it all together. Through this constellation filled city park at the center of the multi-verse, guests can enter through 4 Portals. Each "Portal" takes guests into entirely brand new worlds each with a single theme. Each more immersive than the last. Each fully self contained with no connections to other lands, just to Celestial Park.

But what if we completely changed every single portal just for funsies?

--The Prompt--

Working together as one large team, design replacements for the Four Portals of Epic Universe that surround Celestial Park.
But keep the new lands filling the same niches!

You must replace Super Nintendo World with a new Land/Portal themed to a Video Game

You must replace Dark Universe with a new Land/Portal with another darker, more mature theme than usually seen in a theme park

You must replace Wizarding World: Ministry of Magic with a new Land/Portal that builds on something Universal has already done (a land that uses an IP/theme that is already used in a Universal Park, but taken in a new direction and building on that foundation, like the Wizarding World Expansions have done)

You must replace the Isle of Berk with a new Land/Portal that appeals more towards families and kids

Celestial Park can stay the same as the hub. You're allowed to make changes if you'd like. But the focus should be on the Portals

These must be new themes to Epic Universe! Thus you can NOT use Nintendo games, Classic Universal Monsters, Harry Potter, or How to Train your Dragon anywhere in the project.

There are no eliminations this round, and no penalty for not participating much in this round for anyone busy during the holidays.

BUT there will be rewards up for grabs for those who do participate and seeing what players are more active and their skillsets during this round will help make sure the teams are even.

--Helpful Advice--

Don't bite off more than you can chew!
In land/park projects, especially early on in games, it is not an uncommon thing for teams to get excited and fill the land with way too much stuff only to realize in the last day or two that they don't have enough time to finish it. Pace yourself! There will be plenty of time for imagineering in the future!

--When is it due?--

This project is due Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 11:59 pm WDW Time
(9 pm Disneyland Time, 11 pm Six Flags over Texas Time, 2 pm the next day Tokyo Disneyland Time)
(If anyone has a timezone they want added, let me know)

--Some Brainstorming Music--
​

 

[Lord Fozzinator]

Pi creating peak

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Pi creating peak

That's the beauty of hosting! Ya'll have to do the hard part and actually "create peak!" I just give you a starting point, ya'll do all the actual work lol

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Imagineering Expedition #00

Shocking everyone, we're going to start with an Epic Universe project!

--What you need to know--

Epic Universe is Universal's newest theme park and the biggest shake up in the Orlando theme park market in over 20 years! Part of what makes the park so unique is the layout.

There is the hub land, Celestial Park, that ties it all together. Through this constellation filled city park at the center of the multi-verse, guests can enter through 4 Portals. Each "Portal" takes guests into entirely brand new worlds each with a single theme. Each more immersive than the last. Each fully self contained with no connections to other lands, just to Celestial Park.

But what if we completely changed every single portal just for funsies?

--The Prompt--

Working together as one large team, design replacements for the Four Portals of Epic Universe that surround Celestial Park.
But keep the new lands filling the same niches!

You must replace Super Nintendo World with a new Land/Portal themed to a Video Game

You must replace Dark Universe with a new Land/Portal with another darker, more mature theme than usually seen in a theme park

You must replace Wizarding World: Ministry of Magic with a new Land/Portal that builds on something Universal has already done (a land that uses an IP/theme that is already used in a Universal Park, but taken in a new direction and building on that foundation, like the Wizarding World Expansions have done)

You must replace the Isle of Berk with a new Land/Portal that appeals more towards families and kids

Celestial Park can stay the same as the hub. You're allowed to make changes if you'd like. But the focus should be on the Portals

These must be new themes to Epic Universe! Thus you can NOT use Nintendo games, Classic Universal Monsters, Harry Potter, or How to Train your Dragon anywhere in the project.

There are no eliminations this round, and no penalty for not participating much in this round for anyone busy during the holidays.

BUT there will be rewards up for grabs for those who do participate and seeing what players are more active and their skillsets during this round will help make sure the teams are even.

--Helpful Advice--

Don't bite off more than you can chew!
In land/park projects, especially early on in games, it is not an uncommon thing for teams to get excited and fill the land with way too much stuff only to realize in the last day or two that they don't have enough time to finish it. Pace yourself! There will be plenty of time for imagineering in the future!

--When is it due?--

This project is due Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 11:59 pm WDW Time
(9 pm Disneyland Time, 11 pm Six Flags over Texas Time, 2 pm the next day Tokyo Disneyland Time)
(If anyone has a timezone they want added, let me know)

--Some Brainstorming Music--
​

As a reminder this is due on
Monday, January 5th
at
11:59 pm WDW Time (EST)!

That is roughly 4 Days, 3 Hours, 22 Minutes, 11 Seconds from now

Remember, given the scale of this project and its role in the game as a whole it is totally ok if write ups are kept simple and are handled more as overviews rather than in depth details explorations.

Ya'll have some amazing stuff in the works!

Just wanted to make sure that ambition doesn't outpace availability so we don't get burnt out before we even divide into teams lol. If anyone needs anything or if I can help in any way, let me know!​

 

[Pi on my Cake]

A one day extension has been granted for the current round

Expedition #00 is now due
Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 11:59 PM
(Universal Orlando Time)
​

 

[Architectural Guinea Pig]

“Beyond this gate find gardens green, and epic worlds to
fill your dreams…”

Project #00: Re-Epic Universe

Celestial Dreaming Project 00 - Epic Universe

“Beyond this gate find gardens green, and epic worlds to fill your dreams…” Hello and WELCOME to Re-Epic Universe! Journey with us on an adventure to entirely new worlds, filled with exciting new stories, adventures, and thrills. Just like the incredible storytelling at...

docs.google.com

​

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Seriously fantastic job on Expedition #00! Exceeded my wildest expectations for what we would see on a just-for-fun warm up round over the busy holidays and I can't wait to see what you'll do as we begin the main game!

Since there are no eliminations this round, I won't wait for reviews to start Expedition #01. The next round should begin shortly!

Generally the plan is for most rounds to end Monday or tuesday night, I write reviews early Tuesday/Wednesday (my most consistent days off work), and post the next round Tuesday/Wednesday afternoon. Of course, sometimes real life might get in the way and delay things on my end. Plus, extensions from the players might throw off the schedule a bit. But this is the general intended rhythm for the game.

For Expedition #00, reviews might be delayed both because of pre-existing plans on my end and the fact that I want to give a project this size its proper dues, but reviews will be completed by the end of the week.​

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Welcome to the Second Galaxy

Comic #2

Pictured: There's some subtle Foreshadowing here if you look closely!

Celestial Dreamin' will be divided into 6 Wondrous Galaxies with each new Galaxy adding a new twist or element to the gameplay.

The second Galaxy we encounter is named: Galaxy's are Universal! Named after Universal Studio's advertising campaign... oh! I just got the pun there! Because they are saying these things are "Universal" like relatable to everyone but also "Universal" like the brand! Clever!

There will be 3 Imagineering Expeditions in this galaxy with a focus on Universal theme parks. While this whole game is slightly more Universal based than usual, this Galaxy will be the only exclusively Universal themed section of the game. Often with broader rounds and themes designed to give the new teams a chance to develop their chemistry and gel together!

There will be our first eliminations at the end of the Galaxy, but there will be rewards for the rounds before then!

Sadly, we will be saying goodbye to two players before this Galaxy begins.

@cdunlap had always planned to guest judge but wanted to test the waters a bit by participating in Expedition #00. After giving playing a shot, they have decided to stay on as a Guest Judge

@Tegan pilots a chicken has decided to step away from the game to focus on real life for a bit. I can't think of a better tribute than if someone who doesn't usually draw much broke out some colored pencils in their honor this next round!

BUT we didn't just lose players as we gained a surprise last minute addition!

@AceAstro has hopped aboard our Moonship and is ready for adventure!

Now, let's take a look at our teams!

@Architectural Guinea Pig
@Disney Warrior
@DisneyManOne
@Lizzy May Bee
@Mr. Sullivan
@PerGron
@spacemt354
@tcool123
@TheOriginalTiki​

@AceAstro
@AidenRodriguez731
@Brer Panther
@Half/CartoonHalf/Human
@JokersWild
@Lord Fozzinator
@Outbound
@ThemeParkPriest
@WaltWiz1901 ​

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Imagineering Expedition #01

Adventure?
On my Island?!?
It's more likely than you think.

--What you need to know--

Islands of Adventure is about to fully lose a land for the first time ever. The Lost Continent has been there since the park opened as a fun mythological mash up, but it's been slowly dying for years. The entire Arthurian legends section was taken over by Potter, the Sinbad show that anchored the Arabian Nights section never reopened after covid, and the last remaining attraction, Poseidon's Fury, closed not too long ago. At this point the land is just the Mythos restaurant and a talking fountain. Thanks to recent permits we know that the whole land is set for demolishment and replacement shortly.

The rumors point to guests soon being able to defy gravity, catch 'em all, or set sail to find the one piece soon on the spot Lost Continent once stood. But Lost Continent is one of the only lands Universal has ever designed that is not based on or built around an IP (Not counting entry/hub lands). It might be nice to continue that legacy of original storytelling in theme parks

--The Prompt--

Replace Lost Continent in Islands of Adventure with a New Original Land not based on Pre-Existing IP.

While the land itself should not be based around any movie, show, game, etc. Your land can feature IP if you would like, but it can't be built around or based on any specific IP. Adventureland doesn't become "Moanaland" just because it features a Moana ride.

Technically Lost Continent is not fully "original" as it is based on mythology. But the land has new takes on these themes/stories and is not based on any one adaptation. Something along these lines taking inspiration from stories at least old enough to be public domain and not based on a specific adaptation is close enough to fully original that I count it as "original."

You have probably heard that Islands of adventure has a literature theme and while that is sometime loosely followed it was never actually an intentional theme for the park and has been broken many times. So, while you are welcome to keep that theme in tact it is not required.

There are no eliminations this round, but the game has begun properly so participation might factor into future eliminations.

There will be a prize for the winning team so try your best as it might just have and affect on the next round!

--Helpful Advice--

Don't let perfect be the enemy of good!
In these games it is easy to get really really focused on making one very specific thing perfect. Dedication and hard work are great! But that can easily backfire because if it isn't perfect that can lead to a lot of frustration. And even if it is perfect there might be other aspects of the project that were neglected while pursuing that.

--When is it due?--

This project is due Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 11:59 pm Universal Studios Hollywood Time
(3 AM WDW Time, 2 AM Six Flags over Texas Time, 5 PM the next day Tokyo Disneyland Time)

--Some Brainstorming Music--
​

 

[TheOriginalTiki]

Going live at 9PM Eastern.

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Going live at 9PM Eastern.

Going live now! Join us for the first podcast!

 

[Pi on my Cake]

A two day extension has been granted for the current round

Expedition #01 is now due
Friday, January 16th, 2026 at 11:59 PM
(Universal Hollywood Time)
​

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Apologies for how long the reviews for the Re-Epic Voyage have taken. Ya'll did incredible! Future rounds will have the reviews coming a lot quicker (with the occasional delay if there are extensions or unexpected issues on my end, but for the most part review should always come early on the day after the projects are posted)
If you haven't played a game I've hosted before or if you don't remember, I tend to write my reviews as bullet points. I fully read the projects, then I go through re-reading and writing up thoughts as I go. I want to make sure that everyone's work is shown off and commented on, but if I miss your contribution or if I credit someone else or if you want some clarification or whatever please don't hesitate to let me know!​

• Intro/Overview/Map - @Architectural Guinea Pig ​
  • HUGE shout out to AGP who kind of took the reigns as unofficial team leader helping to organize things and bounce around the different smaller groups filling in with odds and ends where needed. Not to mention that INCREDIBLE map! Really blown away by that! Obviously work on that level is not sustainable to do every round without burning out, but it made a great first impression reminding everyone why you won season one! Great job making every area feel unique visually while still being clear and easy to follow AND still feelin like a cohesive whole. Excellent work!​
  • The updates to Celestial Park were also a nice touch. Small tweaks but a fun addition​
• Minecraft Kingdom​
  • Like Tiki and I discussed in the podcast, this was probably the most full and realistic feeling land. Everything was well balanced and discussed in a way that kept it feeling grounded. Even little touches like the changes made to tie into the movie felt real. I'm not even a big minecraft guy yet I could easily see this becoming the stand out! ​
  • A lot of the land itself I don't have much to say. It doesn't do anything too wild or noteworthy, but it didn't need to and honestly doing anything crazy might have just been a distraction. Ya'll designed A Minecraft land exactly how it should be done. Simple yet stunningly unique​
• Journey of the Overworld - @AidenRodriguez731 ​
• ​
  I love the idea of a calm boat ride through the biomes. Its a great way to show off the wonder of exploring the world of minecraft and the beauty found in the blocks​
• ​
  I particularly want to shout out your great balance of realism and fantasy in your writing. Its very easy in armchair imagineering to just start writing everything like a scene in a book without explaining how it works or to assume a budget of a trillion dollars and fill every ride with giant animatronics around every corner or to go way too detailed explaining every technical detail. Finding the right balance when writing between grounding it without distracting from immersing your readers in the story is a tricky balance. But you nailed it and reading through really felt like I was there!​
• ​
  Only small criticism I'd give is that the story has no rising action. Its very much a "show off sets and effects" ride which is still very cool. Reminds me of a larger scale Navi River Journey. I obviously don't think this needs a huge plot or a host character shouting exposition the whole time. But a bit of something could have pushed this over the edge. Perhaps have the witch in the mangrove throw the potion at the boat knock us off course into the jungle then have the jungle feel more dark and threatening with more emphasis on the traps in the temple and then move the Ravine to after we escape so finding our way back to a thriving society with villagers and micecarts as both a finale welcoming guests out of the jungle and back to the village. A few small tweaks along those lines just as a way to give it a bit more of an emotional journey without messing up the relaxed nature. Small things. Again, that's mostly just me nitpicking and trying to backset drive on what is overall one of my favorite parts of the project​
• ​
  Mob Raiders - @tcool123 ​
• ​
  An interactive shooter 3D ride is such a perfect way to showcase the mobs and the chaotic fun of minecraft. I love the way this compliments the boat ride showing these two sides of the franchise and the appeal. I don't have a ton to say weirdly beyond how well done this is. I don't know a ton about Minecraft so a few more pictures would've helped, but you keep things pretty accessible where even people who might not know what some of these creatures are can get the gist through context clues. Its a great way to add to the land and a fun ride!​
• ​
  Into the Nether - @Lizzy May Bee ​
• ​
  I love the idea of a family coaster showcasing the grand sense of adventure, adding some thrills, and some variety to the setting. Love the details like the "regrowing" crops in the queue​
• ​
  I worry this falls into a bit of a middle ground where I feel like I wanted to see more of the dark ride element as the focus and cut the coaster or I'd like to simplify the dark ride elements and focus more on the coaster. It reminds me a bit of Gringotts in that it is still a great ride, but I personally want it to go further in either direction. But again this is nitpicks in a really great ride. ​
• ​
  Your writing does a great job capturing the atmosphere and the emotions here. I love how specifically contrast the rest of the land but without ever feeling out of place​
• Los Angeles 2049
• Intro - @ThemeParkPriest
• I know this land ran into some issues as availabilities changed and real world issues came up. I only really know this because I was in the brainstorming thread (and because the map showcase some ideas that were cut). If I didn't know it going in I'd have no idea because ya'll did an incredible job!​
• I love the tight, almost claustrophobic atmosphere of this indoor land. It almost crosses the line into sounding unpleasant to just exist in (which I'm strongly of the opinion that a good theme park land needs to be somewhere people want to hang out in on some level), but the visuals would be so striking that even with the simulated downsides it still is somewhere I want to explore!​
• The ozonated rain smell is a particularly great touch. It's so rare to see smell included in projects and generally when it is used it is just for fruits/food. Having that for the land to add to the almost alien feeling is amazing​
• Electric Sheep - @spacem​
• Really great job elevating the restaurant/bar into an experience. The menu is fantastic, the atmosphere is incredible. I LOVE that the smell and feel of the air is used to contrast from the rest of the land while also building off of it to enhance the theme. A really great touch​
• The secret menu hidden behind proving you're not a replicant is chefs kiss incredible immersion. It might come across as gimmicky to some or annoying to general guests. But the way it would sell the entire experince for Blade Runner fans and theme park fans elevates the entire restaurant/bar!​
• Patrol 2049 - @Outbound​
• BOLD move to start your ride description with "not everyone is going to like this" but I think that really paid off. The prompt was for a more mature take on a theme park land and while I intended that to mean more "you can have blood or jumpscares if you want," you took that concept and ran with it to create a theme park ride that forces guests to engage with its narrative themes. A simulator that feels less like a theme park ride and more like an interactive immersive short film. All while still being exciting!​
• My only real nitpicks are it is a bit dialogue heavy and long. A bit more "show don't tell" and streamilining could've been nice though admittedly me saying that probably has more to do with it being a part of a whole entire theme park I gotta review. That being said, given the choice between too wordy and not fully exploring the themes I'd prefer too wordy. What you're designing here is unlike just about anything I've seen so it is tough to say what actually would or even could make it better.​
• The choose your own ending gimmick is such a perfect addition here. After an already pretty thoughtful and heady (yet still very thrilling) ride, you force guests to put themselves in the shoes of the portagonist and explore what they would do when put in their shoes. Very well done!​
• Jurassic Canyon​
• Intro - @TheOriginalTiki​
• I'm going to spend a bit less time on this land since we went more in detail on the podcast. You're the only player I had the ability to give feedback to face to face lol​
• This was such a clever use on the Jurassic World theme taking it both in an incredibly new direction while still feeling like a perfect fit for the source material. The Bryce Canyon setting is fantastic and a great way to add some incredible scale and beautiful visuals to the park. Reminds me a bit of Pandora in the sense of how the story and the characters permeate every aspect of the land without any of it feeling like exposition. Amazing environmental storytelling​
• Land Layout/Misc - @Outbound & @Architectural Guinea Pig​
• Between some technological set backs and some players needing to drop, this land was in danger of not being finished on time. HUGE thanks to AGP and Outbound for being able to fill in the gaps. Despite neither of them really being heavily involved in the brainstorming or development they both do an incredible job "Yes, And"ing what was there and helping build off of it. Their section fit super well and and a lot. The little details around the land making it feel real and alive, the fun queues that add to the excitement, the great diner that adds both ties to the real world and adds to the story of the military take over... All this stuff is incredible!​
• T-Rex Transports - @TheOriginalTiki​
• Like I said on the podcast, coaster details tend to go over my head, but you do a great job highlighting what makes it special and selling it as an incredible thrilling experience! I love how simple this was kept with the focus on the environment rather than giving into the temptation to overcomplicate what works best as a simpler ride. My only complaint (a total nitpick mostly joking around and teasing) is that the only T-Rex is at the entrance and not any of the dinosaurs you see on the ride! Velocicoaster has velociraptors in the paddock not triceratops ​
• Project DNA - @TheOriginalTiki​
• Honestly can't believe I got the Big Brother reference lol​
• I love that the plot involves the "hero" hijacking us and endangering guests. Adds a really unique story element!​
• The plot is also kept simple which I appreciate, enough to drive the ride forward but it never distracts from the main point which is the larger than life showscenes. Each sequence is another WOW moment but without stretching the bounds of realism too far. Good sense of building tension where each scene is a larger thrill/danger than the last​
• The Gantry - @Lord Fozzinator​
• Love the artwork! Really sells the vibe and how it would fit into the land. Drop Towers can really disrupt a land with how huge they are, but you sell how it would blend in and add to the atmosphere rather than distract from it​
• I love that we have a ride here focused on the horror vibe of the early Jurassic Park films! A great set of showscenes and a really exhillirating ride! I do slightly feel like you needed a bit more detail of exactly how the scenes are pulled off. But I do appreciate the focus on the emotions your guests should feel in your write up.​
• Overall a really great thrill and a type of ride Universal hasn't really done before so a great way to build off of what is already there.​
• Cartoonia, FL​
• Intro - ? (I think AGP?)​
• I'm slightly torn because on one hand I LOVE that you took advantage of this being a more casual round to create a mash up of things you love and wanted to work on. On the other hand while all the individual pieces are great the whole feels slightly scattered. I think for this project which was meant as a warm up for players to have some fun this was the perfect land, but for future rounds I think it would've been better as just Bikini Bottom or as just one or two specific cartoons. I also remember seeing a lot of discussion on the way it all fits thematically and the meaning behind it, but that missed making it into the final project sadly.​
• Chipmunk Cones - @Disney Warrior​
• Not much to say, but this is a very solid idea for an ice cream shop and I love the specialty cones!​
• Alvin and the Chipmunks: Rock On - @Disney Warrior​
• Another one where I don't have much to say, but please don't take that as a negative. "Country Bears but it is the Chipmunks singing classic rock" is such a great pitch for a show and while the write up is simple it communicates that idea fantastically! Even with a simple arc of the Chipmunks getting their act together both literally and figuratively to impress Dave!​
• Acme Construction Co - @WaltWiz1901 & @Disney Warrior​
• Getting a small nitpick out of the way that Looney Tunes are such a legendary brand that including them but just as a playground feels worse than not including them. BUT I do really love this playground and think it is such a great way to both add a fun place for kids and the let those kids be a part of classic gags. Excellent idea!​
• Scooby-Doo - @Brer Panther​
• I said this on the podcast, but I remember not long ago you were just known for your art and rarely wrote more than a paragraph or two. And generally when you did write it was very basic or very very dialogue heavy. The fact that you were able to come in here and use this as a chance to show off your writing AND have it be one of the best written parts of the project is a real testament to how far you've come!​
• The comedy is amazing and really nails the vibe of both classic scooby Doo and more modern takes. Great balance between the two. a lot fo the gags work so well and I legit laughed out loud at a few of the jokes. the meta ending and the recurring riffs on disney's Haunted Mansion were perfect!​
• I feel like the interactive element is a little underutilized, but when it is used it really shines and adds a fun energy! And a few more photos even if just reference photos found online would have helped sell it. But again your writing and comedy carried it and you did a great job here!​
• Krusty Krab/Barg'n Mart - @Brer Panther​
• Both really good additions with enough fan service to feel almost more like walk through attractions than just dining/shops. I'm glad that despite that you did a good job staying realistic with the menus and the specialty souvenirs. These still felt like real places to eat/shop and not just displays to look at!​
• Boating School Blowout - @Mr. Sullivan​
• Another one where I don't have a ton to say but that's not because of any issue or a lack of interest. You nailed what I would want from a Spongebob dark ride! Madcap zany fun. Over the top but not unrealistic. Good showcase on the larger ensemble cast and some of the iconic locations. I read this and my biggest reaction is being shocked that this exact ride doesn't already exist!​
• Similar to the Journey to the Overworld Minecraft boat ride, I feel like this is missing a bit of a rising action where the scenes could largely be done in any order. I don't want a hugely complicated plot or need a villain, but some sort of emotional build or increasing danger. The closest comparison to something Universal has done is Cat in the Hat where the house gets increasingly messy and destroyed leading to a climax where the Cat breaks out a big machine to fix it leading to a fun finale with large high tech (for the time and setting) last show scene. Or Mr. Toad where the chaos grows until he gets arrested, killed and sent to hell.​
• So, maybe this ride should have ended with Spongebob in hell?​
• Wait no that can't be my point.​
• Hang on​
• Some kind of climax that is built to. The whole ride doesn't need to change because it is a great ride. It just kind of ends. You set up Mrs. Puff not wanting to go back to jail as a gag earlier. Maybe half way through have a cop car be nearly missed as another gag and the it returns at the end and avoiding it be the tight turn that causes Spongebob to crash in the boating school. Even could have the fish cops dragging Mrs. Puff away while Spongebob asks if he passed the test as a final gag/payoff. Very very small changes to your ride, but adds a throughline to hold on to. Of course, this is just a quick thought written up after the fact. But hopefully you get my point.​
• Again though, this was an incredible ride and one as fan for like 30 years now I would LOVE to see!​

 

[AidenRodriguez731]

Apologies for how long the reviews for the Re-Epic Voyage have taken. Ya'll did incredible! Future rounds will have the reviews coming a lot quicker (with the occasional delay if there are extensions or unexpected issues on my end, but for the most part review should always come early on the day after the projects are posted)
If you haven't played a game I've hosted before or if you don't remember, I tend to write my reviews as bullet points. I fully read the projects, then I go through re-reading and writing up thoughts as I go. I want to make sure that everyone's work is shown off and commented on, but if I miss your contribution or if I credit someone else or if you want some clarification or whatever please don't hesitate to let me know!​

• Intro/Overview/Map - @Architectural Guinea Pig ​
  • HUGE shout out to AGP who kind of took the reigns as unofficial team leader helping to organize things and bounce around the different smaller groups filling in with odds and ends where needed. Not to mention that INCREDIBLE map! Really blown away by that! Obviously work on that level is not sustainable to do every round without burning out, but it made a great first impression reminding everyone why you won season one! Great job making every area feel unique visually while still being clear and easy to follow AND still feelin like a cohesive whole. Excellent work!​
  • The updates to Celestial Park were also a nice touch. Small tweaks but a fun addition​
• Minecraft Kingdom​
  • Like Tiki and I discussed in the podcast, this was probably the most full and realistic feeling land. Everything was well balanced and discussed in a way that kept it feeling grounded. Even little touches like the changes made to tie into the movie felt real. I'm not even a big minecraft guy yet I could easily see this becoming the stand out! ​
  • A lot of the land itself I don't have much to say. It doesn't do anything too wild or noteworthy, but it didn't need to and honestly doing anything crazy might have just been a distraction. Ya'll designed A Minecraft land exactly how it should be done. Simple yet stunningly unique​
• Journey of the Overworld - @AidenRodriguez731 ​
• ​
  I love the idea of a calm boat ride through the biomes. Its a great way to show off the wonder of exploring the world of minecraft and the beauty found in the blocks​
• ​
  I particularly want to shout out your great balance of realism and fantasy in your writing. Its very easy in armchair imagineering to just start writing everything like a scene in a book without explaining how it works or to assume a budget of a trillion dollars and fill every ride with giant animatronics around every corner or to go way too detailed explaining every technical detail. Finding the right balance when writing between grounding it without distracting from immersing your readers in the story is a tricky balance. But you nailed it and reading through really felt like I was there!​
• ​
  Only small criticism I'd give is that the story has no rising action. Its very much a "show off sets and effects" ride which is still very cool. Reminds me of a larger scale Navi River Journey. I obviously don't think this needs a huge plot or a host character shouting exposition the whole time. But a bit of something could have pushed this over the edge. Perhaps have the witch in the mangrove throw the potion at the boat knock us off course into the jungle then have the jungle feel more dark and threatening with more emphasis on the traps in the temple and then move the Ravine to after we escape so finding our way back to a thriving society with villagers and micecarts as both a finale welcoming guests out of the jungle and back to the village. A few small tweaks along those lines just as a way to give it a bit more of an emotional journey without messing up the relaxed nature. Small things. Again, that's mostly just me nitpicking and trying to backset drive on what is overall one of my favorite parts of the project​
• ​
  Mob Raiders - @tcool123 ​
• ​
  An interactive shooter 3D ride is such a perfect way to showcase the mobs and the chaotic fun of minecraft. I love the way this compliments the boat ride showing these two sides of the franchise and the appeal. I don't have a ton to say weirdly beyond how well done this is. I don't know a ton about Minecraft so a few more pictures would've helped, but you keep things pretty accessible where even people who might not know what some of these creatures are can get the gist through context clues. Its a great way to add to the land and a fun ride!​
• ​
  Into the Nether - @Lizzy May Bee ​
• ​
  I love the idea of a family coaster showcasing the grand sense of adventure, adding some thrills, and some variety to the setting. Love the details like the "regrowing" crops in the queue​
• ​
  I worry this falls into a bit of a middle ground where I feel like I wanted to see more of the dark ride element as the focus and cut the coaster or I'd like to simplify the dark ride elements and focus more on the coaster. It reminds me a bit of Gringotts in that it is still a great ride, but I personally want it to go further in either direction. But again this is nitpicks in a really great ride. ​
• ​
  Your writing does a great job capturing the atmosphere and the emotions here. I love how specifically contrast the rest of the land but without ever feeling out of place​
• Los Angeles 2049
• Intro - @ThemeParkPriest
• I know this land ran into some issues as availabilities changed and real world issues came up. I only really know this because I was in the brainstorming thread (and because the map showcase some ideas that were cut). If I didn't know it going in I'd have no idea because ya'll did an incredible job!​
• I love the tight, almost claustrophobic atmosphere of this indoor land. It almost crosses the line into sounding unpleasant to just exist in (which I'm strongly of the opinion that a good theme park land needs to be somewhere people want to hang out in on some level), but the visuals would be so striking that even with the simulated downsides it still is somewhere I want to explore!​
• The ozonated rain smell is a particularly great touch. It's so rare to see smell included in projects and generally when it is used it is just for fruits/food. Having that for the land to add to the almost alien feeling is amazing​
• Electric Sheep - @spacem​
• Really great job elevating the restaurant/bar into an experience. The menu is fantastic, the atmosphere is incredible. I LOVE that the smell and feel of the air is used to contrast from the rest of the land while also building off of it to enhance the theme. A really great touch​
• The secret menu hidden behind proving you're not a replicant is chefs kiss incredible immersion. It might come across as gimmicky to some or annoying to general guests. But the way it would sell the entire experince for Blade Runner fans and theme park fans elevates the entire restaurant/bar!​
• Patrol 2049 - @Outbound​
• BOLD move to start your ride description with "not everyone is going to like this" but I think that really paid off. The prompt was for a more mature take on a theme park land and while I intended that to mean more "you can have blood or jumpscares if you want," you took that concept and ran with it to create a theme park ride that forces guests to engage with its narrative themes. A simulator that feels less like a theme park ride and more like an interactive immersive short film. All while still being exciting!​
• My only real nitpicks are it is a bit dialogue heavy and long. A bit more "show don't tell" and streamilining could've been nice though admittedly me saying that probably has more to do with it being a part of a whole entire theme park I gotta review. That being said, given the choice between too wordy and not fully exploring the themes I'd prefer too wordy. What you're designing here is unlike just about anything I've seen so it is tough to say what actually would or even could make it better.​
• The choose your own ending gimmick is such a perfect addition here. After an already pretty thoughtful and heady (yet still very thrilling) ride, you force guests to put themselves in the shoes of the portagonist and explore what they would do when put in their shoes. Very well done!​
• Jurassic Canyon​
• Intro - @TheOriginalTiki​
• I'm going to spend a bit less time on this land since we went more in detail on the podcast. You're the only player I had the ability to give feedback to face to face lol​
• This was such a clever use on the Jurassic World theme taking it both in an incredibly new direction while still feeling like a perfect fit for the source material. The Bryce Canyon setting is fantastic and a great way to add some incredible scale and beautiful visuals to the park. Reminds me a bit of Pandora in the sense of how the story and the characters permeate every aspect of the land without any of it feeling like exposition. Amazing environmental storytelling​
• Land Layout/Misc - @Outbound & @Architectural Guinea Pig​
• Between some technological set backs and some players needing to drop, this land was in danger of not being finished on time. HUGE thanks to AGP and Outbound for being able to fill in the gaps. Despite neither of them really being heavily involved in the brainstorming or development they both do an incredible job "Yes, And"ing what was there and helping build off of it. Their section fit super well and and a lot. The little details around the land making it feel real and alive, the fun queues that add to the excitement, the great diner that adds both ties to the real world and adds to the story of the military take over... All this stuff is incredible!​
• T-Rex Transports - @TheOriginalTiki​
• Like I said on the podcast, coaster details tend to go over my head, but you do a great job highlighting what makes it special and selling it as an incredible thrilling experience! I love how simple this was kept with the focus on the environment rather than giving into the temptation to overcomplicate what works best as a simpler ride. My only complaint (a total nitpick mostly joking around and teasing) is that the only T-Rex is at the entrance and not any of the dinosaurs you see on the ride! Velocicoaster has velociraptors in the paddock not triceratops ​
• Project DNA - @TheOriginalTiki​
• Honestly can't believe I got the Big Brother reference lol​
• I love that the plot involves the "hero" hijacking us and endangering guests. Adds a really unique story element!​
• The plot is also kept simple which I appreciate, enough to drive the ride forward but it never distracts from the main point which is the larger than life showscenes. Each sequence is another WOW moment but without stretching the bounds of realism too far. Good sense of building tension where each scene is a larger thrill/danger than the last​
• The Gantry - @Lord Fozzinator​
• Love the artwork! Really sells the vibe and how it would fit into the land. Drop Towers can really disrupt a land with how huge they are, but you sell how it would blend in and add to the atmosphere rather than distract from it​
• I love that we have a ride here focused on the horror vibe of the early Jurassic Park films! A great set of showscenes and a really exhillirating ride! I do slightly feel like you needed a bit more detail of exactly how the scenes are pulled off. But I do appreciate the focus on the emotions your guests should feel in your write up.​
• Overall a really great thrill and a type of ride Universal hasn't really done before so a great way to build off of what is already there.​
• Cartoonia, FL​
• Intro - ? (I think AGP?)​
• I'm slightly torn because on one hand I LOVE that you took advantage of this being a more casual round to create a mash up of things you love and wanted to work on. On the other hand while all the individual pieces are great the whole feels slightly scattered. I think for this project which was meant as a warm up for players to have some fun this was the perfect land, but for future rounds I think it would've been better as just Bikini Bottom or as just one or two specific cartoons. I also remember seeing a lot of discussion on the way it all fits thematically and the meaning behind it, but that missed making it into the final project sadly.​
• Chipmunk Cones - @Disney Warrior​
• Not much to say, but this is a very solid idea for an ice cream shop and I love the specialty cones!​
• Alvin and the Chipmunks: Rock On - @Disney Warrior​
• Another one where I don't have much to say, but please don't take that as a negative. "Country Bears but it is the Chipmunks singing classic rock" is such a great pitch for a show and while the write up is simple it communicates that idea fantastically! Even with a simple arc of the Chipmunks getting their act together both literally and figuratively to impress Dave!​
• Acme Construction Co - @WaltWiz1901 & @Disney Warrior​
• Getting a small nitpick out of the way that Looney Tunes are such a legendary brand that including them but just as a playground feels worse than not including them. BUT I do really love this playground and think it is such a great way to both add a fun place for kids and the let those kids be a part of classic gags. Excellent idea!​
• Scooby-Doo - @Brer Panther​
• I said this on the podcast, but I remember not long ago you were just known for your art and rarely wrote more than a paragraph or two. And generally when you did write it was very basic or very very dialogue heavy. The fact that you were able to come in here and use this as a chance to show off your writing AND have it be one of the best written parts of the project is a real testament to how far you've come!​
• The comedy is amazing and really nails the vibe of both classic scooby Doo and more modern takes. Great balance between the two. a lot fo the gags work so well and I legit laughed out loud at a few of the jokes. the meta ending and the recurring riffs on disney's Haunted Mansion were perfect!​
• I feel like the interactive element is a little underutilized, but when it is used it really shines and adds a fun energy! And a few more photos even if just reference photos found online would have helped sell it. But again your writing and comedy carried it and you did a great job here!​
• Krusty Krab/Barg'n Mart - @Brer Panther​
• Both really good additions with enough fan service to feel almost more like walk through attractions than just dining/shops. I'm glad that despite that you did a good job staying realistic with the menus and the specialty souvenirs. These still felt like real places to eat/shop and not just displays to look at!​
• Boating School Blowout - @Mr. Sullivan​
• Another one where I don't have a ton to say but that's not because of any issue or a lack of interest. You nailed what I would want from a Spongebob dark ride! Madcap zany fun. Over the top but not unrealistic. Good showcase on the larger ensemble cast and some of the iconic locations. I read this and my biggest reaction is being shocked that this exact ride doesn't already exist!​
• Similar to the Journey to the Overworld Minecraft boat ride, I feel like this is missing a bit of a rising action where the scenes could largely be done in any order. I don't want a hugely complicated plot or need a villain, but some sort of emotional build or increasing danger. The closest comparison to something Universal has done is Cat in the Hat where the house gets increasingly messy and destroyed leading to a climax where the Cat breaks out a big machine to fix it leading to a fun finale with large high tech (for the time and setting) last show scene. Or Mr. Toad where the chaos grows until he gets arrested, killed and sent to hell.​
• So, maybe this ride should have ended with Spongebob in hell?​
• Wait no that can't be my point.​
• Hang on​
• Some kind of climax that is built to. The whole ride doesn't need to change because it is a great ride. It just kind of ends. You set up Mrs. Puff not wanting to go back to jail as a gag earlier. Maybe half way through have a cop car be nearly missed as another gag and the it returns at the end and avoiding it be the tight turn that causes Spongebob to crash in the boating school. Even could have the fish cops dragging Mrs. Puff away while Spongebob asks if he passed the test as a final gag/payoff. Very very small changes to your ride, but adds a throughline to hold on to. Of course, this is just a quick thought written up after the fact. But hopefully you get my point.​
• Again though, this was an incredible ride and one as fan for like 30 years now I would LOVE to see!​

Thank you very much for the review! Just for the record, there is a slight story that I wanted told through the queue on "why" you're going through all of these places but I wanted to attempt something different and didn't want to include a preshow or anything. This ride imo was very much "River Journey" inspired because I like Navi River Journey quite a lot and in my mind, minecraft is the perfect game for it!

The idea for the story was that Village Riverworks was a giant villager trading hall/storage room and you were going to these different biomes to "collect" the items to later trade with these villagers. Since Minecraft doesn't have much story and leaves a lot up to your thinking, I wanted to leave it a bit understated but I can see, especially for someone who doesn't know the game as well, how it can come across.

I thoroughly enjoyed your points though and will definitely integrate them into the next round