-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
50 for the 50th
- Thread starter spacemt354
- Start date
2021
Walt Disney World Pelican
Spring 2021
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels are operated by Marriott International, Inc. in the Epcot Resort Area of the Walt Disney World Resort, with the Swan opening Jan 13, 1990 and the Dolphin June 1, 1990.
Image circa early 1990s
Since then, they have dominated the skyline of the Epcot Resort area, two resorts that I think have a lot of charm to their designs.
You can check out the resorts from @nelsonj3 and ResortTV1 as they recently viewed the Christmas decorations!
The Backstory
In 2016, height test balloons were seen hovering over the tennis courts adjacent to the Swan hotel and next to the Fantasia Gardens mini-golf course, with many speculating this to be the beginning of a 3rd hotel in the complex. While the Swan and Dolphin are both large resorts, having a combined total of 758 rooms in the Swan plus 1,509 rooms in the Dolphin, the tennis courts didn't seem like a reasonable location for a 3rd resort of that size. Thus, rumors swirled about the possible removal of Fantasia Gardens, which would provide the space needed for a 3rd hotel of the same magnitude.
However, based on the latest rumors, it appears that the 3rd hotel will be more of a boutique resort, similar to Marriott Suite hotels that are a few floors in height. We've decided to run with this rumor, and build the 3rd resort for this complex, coming before the mad rush in 2021 for the 50th, so that it can be open and ready for guests. We've named it - the Pelican, the 3rd resort in the Marriott complex.
Resort Location
The location of the resort provides walking paths to both the Fantasia Gardens, as well as the greater Swan and Dolphin Resort complex, which enables guests to walk to both of the close-by theme parks.
*Concept Art coming soon*
These two images are taken from a relatively new Residence Inn by Marriott in Boston, MA. I'm posting this because I used to walk past this all the time and when thinking of a possible Marriott boutique resort for the Swan and Dolphin complex, my mind went to this for a design. While The Pelican will adapt the color patterns and exterior facade of the Swan and Dolphin, the images above can provide a relatively approximate height comparison for how tall our resort would be. 7-8 stories, and a pool/restaurant/bar on the top floor, something unique for a Disney Resort.
Resort Layout
As mentioned before, the orange and blue color patterns will make its way over to The Pelican, with 6 fountains surrounding the jutted out sixth floor of the building exterior. Each floor will have roughly 10 suites, ranging from 1 Bedroom to 3 Bedroom layouts *floor plans coming soon* as well as the aforementioned top deck pool and restaurant/bar area.
The storage areas that were once located by Fantasia Gardens are now moved to a filled in pond by World Drive, and the previous parking lot is expanded to not only hold guest parking for The Pelican, but also the Fantasia Gardens parking, which has their own designated lane to park and exit, though the path to get in the complex is the same. Lastly, the previous walkways to the Swan and Dolphin remain untouched with the construction, as only the tennis courts are removed.
-----
This was actually the project that sparked the entire thread concept. Red did the logo for The Pelican...and it just snowballed into...hey why don't we try to build up Walt Disney World to the 50th and beyond? So expect a bit more concept art and detail for this over the coming days/weeks, but this is essentially the pitch, and it will be interesting to see if this becomes a reality as the current thought process of Disney is leaning towards these small boutique resorts.
Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed and as always feel free to leave your thoughts down below!
Walt Disney World Pelican
Spring 2021
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels are operated by Marriott International, Inc. in the Epcot Resort Area of the Walt Disney World Resort, with the Swan opening Jan 13, 1990 and the Dolphin June 1, 1990.
Image circa early 1990s
Since then, they have dominated the skyline of the Epcot Resort area, two resorts that I think have a lot of charm to their designs.
You can check out the resorts from @nelsonj3 and ResortTV1 as they recently viewed the Christmas decorations!
The Backstory
In 2016, height test balloons were seen hovering over the tennis courts adjacent to the Swan hotel and next to the Fantasia Gardens mini-golf course, with many speculating this to be the beginning of a 3rd hotel in the complex. While the Swan and Dolphin are both large resorts, having a combined total of 758 rooms in the Swan plus 1,509 rooms in the Dolphin, the tennis courts didn't seem like a reasonable location for a 3rd resort of that size. Thus, rumors swirled about the possible removal of Fantasia Gardens, which would provide the space needed for a 3rd hotel of the same magnitude.
However, based on the latest rumors, it appears that the 3rd hotel will be more of a boutique resort, similar to Marriott Suite hotels that are a few floors in height. We've decided to run with this rumor, and build the 3rd resort for this complex, coming before the mad rush in 2021 for the 50th, so that it can be open and ready for guests. We've named it - the Pelican, the 3rd resort in the Marriott complex.
Resort Location
The location of the resort provides walking paths to both the Fantasia Gardens, as well as the greater Swan and Dolphin Resort complex, which enables guests to walk to both of the close-by theme parks.
*Concept Art coming soon*
These two images are taken from a relatively new Residence Inn by Marriott in Boston, MA. I'm posting this because I used to walk past this all the time and when thinking of a possible Marriott boutique resort for the Swan and Dolphin complex, my mind went to this for a design. While The Pelican will adapt the color patterns and exterior facade of the Swan and Dolphin, the images above can provide a relatively approximate height comparison for how tall our resort would be. 7-8 stories, and a pool/restaurant/bar on the top floor, something unique for a Disney Resort.
Resort Layout
As mentioned before, the orange and blue color patterns will make its way over to The Pelican, with 6 fountains surrounding the jutted out sixth floor of the building exterior. Each floor will have roughly 10 suites, ranging from 1 Bedroom to 3 Bedroom layouts *floor plans coming soon* as well as the aforementioned top deck pool and restaurant/bar area.
The storage areas that were once located by Fantasia Gardens are now moved to a filled in pond by World Drive, and the previous parking lot is expanded to not only hold guest parking for The Pelican, but also the Fantasia Gardens parking, which has their own designated lane to park and exit, though the path to get in the complex is the same. Lastly, the previous walkways to the Swan and Dolphin remain untouched with the construction, as only the tennis courts are removed.
-----
This was actually the project that sparked the entire thread concept. Red did the logo for The Pelican...and it just snowballed into...hey why don't we try to build up Walt Disney World to the 50th and beyond? So expect a bit more concept art and detail for this over the coming days/weeks, but this is essentially the pitch, and it will be interesting to see if this becomes a reality as the current thought process of Disney is leaning towards these small boutique resorts.
Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed and as always feel free to leave your thoughts down below!
2021
Mickey's PhilharMagic Refurbishment
Summer 2021
Mickey's PhilharMagic replaces Legend of the Lion King in 2003 and was met with very good reviews, and a reputation for being the best '3D show' at the Walt Disney World Resort. Nevertheless, with almost 20 years of mileage on it at this point in time, the attraction has become a bit predictable, and with the new Disney Renaissance of films and songs, the attraction could use a tune up for the 50th anniversary. With that said, rather than making the attraction one note, as in the same songs each time, in the refurbishment, there will be 3 show possibilities the guests can see.
Classical - Including Disney films and songs pre-1990s
Renaissance - Including Disney films and songs in the 1990s
New Renaissance - Including Disney films and songs in the 2010s
While each one of those shows follows a set narrative, the variability of seeing random shows not only offers guests more re-rideability for the attraction, but also now includes a wider variety of songs, now not restricted to a handful for one show. Other than that - the attraction will stay essentially the same (if it aint broke, don't fix it) with the queue and plot lines still revolving around Donald and Mickey's hat.
Queue and Preamble
The theater doors open. Mickey Mouse is performing with his PhilharMagic Orchestra at the Fantasyland Concert Hall. Inside, there are posters advertising the Concert Hall's past productions and performers, such as Hadesfrom Hercules, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Genie from Aladdin, Wheezy from Toy Story 2, Willie the Whale from Make Mine Music, The Three Caballeros, The Big Bad Wolf and The Three Little Pigs. Upon entering the theater's lobby, guests pick up their "opera glasses". During their wait, guests hear orchestral music from Fantasia, Fantasia 2000, and other Disney animated films.
Goofy is the Concert Hall's stage manager and admits the guests into the main theater, where final preparations for the performance are underway. Minnie Mouse then tells the guests to put on their "opera glasses." Minnie then realizes that Donald Duck has gone missing and goes to tell Mickey. Goofy then raises the curtain to reveal that the stage is empty, except for a conductor's podium and Donald, who is sleeping in a box. Mickey races onto the stage in a hurry, quickly telling Donald to unpack the instruments. Mickey places his famous Sorcerer's hat on the podium, then leaves, telling Donald, "Don't forget the orchestra. And don't touch my hat!"
Mickey's PhilharMagic Refurbishment
Summer 2021
Mickey's PhilharMagic replaces Legend of the Lion King in 2003 and was met with very good reviews, and a reputation for being the best '3D show' at the Walt Disney World Resort. Nevertheless, with almost 20 years of mileage on it at this point in time, the attraction has become a bit predictable, and with the new Disney Renaissance of films and songs, the attraction could use a tune up for the 50th anniversary. With that said, rather than making the attraction one note, as in the same songs each time, in the refurbishment, there will be 3 show possibilities the guests can see.
Classical - Including Disney films and songs pre-1990s
Renaissance - Including Disney films and songs in the 1990s
New Renaissance - Including Disney films and songs in the 2010s
While each one of those shows follows a set narrative, the variability of seeing random shows not only offers guests more re-rideability for the attraction, but also now includes a wider variety of songs, now not restricted to a handful for one show. Other than that - the attraction will stay essentially the same (if it aint broke, don't fix it) with the queue and plot lines still revolving around Donald and Mickey's hat.
Queue and Preamble
The theater doors open. Mickey Mouse is performing with his PhilharMagic Orchestra at the Fantasyland Concert Hall. Inside, there are posters advertising the Concert Hall's past productions and performers, such as Hadesfrom Hercules, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Genie from Aladdin, Wheezy from Toy Story 2, Willie the Whale from Make Mine Music, The Three Caballeros, The Big Bad Wolf and The Three Little Pigs. Upon entering the theater's lobby, guests pick up their "opera glasses". During their wait, guests hear orchestral music from Fantasia, Fantasia 2000, and other Disney animated films.
Goofy is the Concert Hall's stage manager and admits the guests into the main theater, where final preparations for the performance are underway. Minnie Mouse then tells the guests to put on their "opera glasses." Minnie then realizes that Donald Duck has gone missing and goes to tell Mickey. Goofy then raises the curtain to reveal that the stage is empty, except for a conductor's podium and Donald, who is sleeping in a box. Mickey races onto the stage in a hurry, quickly telling Donald to unpack the instruments. Mickey places his famous Sorcerer's hat on the podium, then leaves, telling Donald, "Don't forget the orchestra. And don't touch my hat!"
Classical Version
10 minutes (5 songs)
Song #1
You Can Fly
Peter Pan
After Donald unpacks all the instruments, including a grand piano, from the small box, he is tempted to try on the Sorcerer's Hat himself. He does so, which causes the magical instruments to come to life and play an extremely unpleasant melody. However, when Donald picks on and taunts a small flute, the other instruments rise up against him, creating a chaotic whirlwind of magic and music. Donald loses the hat in the storm and passes through different scenes from different movies while trying to retrieve the hat. After the whirlwind passes, guests go to Peter Pan, where the chorus is singing "You Can Fly" from the film. Peter sprinkles pixie dust on Donald, which gives him the ability to fly. As you soar through the clouds, the hat appears to fly next to you but drops into the ocean below. Donald and the guests dive down into the ocean below.
Song #2
Under the Sea
The Little Mermaid
As the hat sinks 'under the sea' Sebastian greets Donald and the guests with a symphony of the song "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid. As the song continues, Donald attempts to get the ever illusive hat back, but it continues to float away before an eel comes around and zaps Donald as the screen goes to black.
Song #3
Bare Necessities
The Jungle Book
You wake up in a Jungle floating in a river next to Baloo as he begins to sing the song "Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book. As all the jungle animals join in to dance along, the hat makes its way up a tree and you follow Donald up to the top of the tree where the music fades away and the bright sunny sky fades to a moonlite night sky with a bright shining star in the distance.
Song #4
When You Wish Upon a Star
Pinocchio
Jiminy Cricket tells Donald, as Donald sits there worried that he lost the hat, that he should let his conscious be his guide. "When You Wish Upon a Star" begins as Donald and the guests reach closer and closer to the shining star as the song continues in the background before the light from the star transitions into the next scene.
Song #5
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Fantasia
The dark comes back for a second. When the light focuses, we find ourselves in The Sorcerer's Apprentice, where Donald has shrunk. The walking brooms come in, spilling water on Donald. Guests feel the water on their laps, which triggers hidden water sprayers in the back of the seats. A broom Donald's size comes in, carrying a big bucket. Donald snatches the bucket away, but only gives it back when a giant broom comes in. The giant broom spills water on Donald. He encounters the magical whirlwind from earlier. Donald gets sucked inside, finding himself back onstage, still in the whirlwind.
Mickey returns, puts on the hat, and uses its powers to restore order. As Mickey conducts the orchestra, Donald gets stuck in a tuba, which launches him across the theater so that he lodges headfirst in its back wall. Donald, in audio animatronic form, is stuck in a hole in the back of the theater. Only his legs are visible. After struggling from falling in, he eventually falls into the hole and is no longer seen. In the end, Goofy tells the audience to return their "opera glasses" in the bins outside of the theater and says goodbye to the viewers.
Renaissance
10 minutes (5 songs)
Song #1
The Bells of Notre Dame
Hunchback of Notre Dame
After Donald unpacks all the instruments, including a grand piano, from the small box, he is tempted to try on the Sorcerer's Hat himself. He does so, which causes the magical instruments to come to life and play an extremely unpleasant melody. However, when Donald picks on and taunts a small flute, the other instruments rise up against him, creating a chaotic whirlwind of magic and music. Donald loses the hat in the storm and passes through different scenes from different movies while trying to retrieve the hat. After the whirlwind passes, Donald is tossed into a Paris street where the tale of Quasi Modo is told, and Donald sees the hat race up into the bell tower above. As the tale is told through song, Donald climbs up the side of Notre Dame, and sees the bells furiously ringing as the song closes, but accidentally gets hit with one of the bells and the screen goes to black.
Song #2
Be Our Guest
Beauty and the Beast
The light comes back on thanks to Lumiere, who begins to sing "Be Our Guest". Guests can smell the food, triggering hidden smell cannons in the theater, and when the bottles pop, they feel a quick blast of wind in their faces surrounded by cakes, which triggers hidden air cannons in the back of the seats. One of the bottles pops Donald and the audience up into the sky where they float among the clouds and land on Aladdin's Magic Carpet.
Song #3
A Whole New World
Aladdin
Guests go to Aladdin, where Aladdin and Jasmine are singing "A Whole New World." Donald sees the hat, but unfortunately, the hat gets knocked away by Iago, and Donald jumps after it landing in the middle of a training ground.
Song #4
I'll Make a Man Out of You
Mulan
After Donald jumps for the hat it gets tossed away deeper into the forest, and you are now in the world of Mulan as "I'll Make a Man Out of You" is being sung in the background. Dodging and ducking (pardon the pun) Donald races after the hat into the lush forest and thinks he has grabbed the hat as the screen goes black and the music stops.
Song #5
The Circle of Life
The Lion King
"Hey Timon, what's this?" you hear as the screen is still black, it comes back and you see Pumbaa trying to eat the hat "Doesn't taste like chicken" Donald flips out but his screech starts lines up with the start the bellowing sounds of "The Circle of Life" from The Lion King and his yell is deafened to the audience, as the herd races towards Pride Rock, as Donald is picked up by a flock of birds and you soar towards the finale as the music swells and He encounters the magical whirlwind from earlier. Donald gets sucked inside a whirlwind from before as the hat is held up by Rafiki on top of Pride Rock, and he finds himself back onstage, still in the whirlwind.
Mickey returns, puts on the hat, and uses its powers to restore order. As Mickey conducts the orchestra, Donald gets stuck in a tuba, which launches him across the theater so that he lodges headfirst in its back wall. Donald, in audio animatronic form, is stuck in a hole in the back of the theater. Only his legs are visible. After struggling from falling in, he eventually falls into the hole and is no longer seen. In the end, Goofy tells the audience to return their "opera glasses" in the bins outside of the theater and says goodbye to the viewers.
New Renaissance
10 Minutes (5 songs)
Song #1
We Know The Way
Moana
After Donald unpacks all the instruments, including a grand piano, from the small box, he is tempted to try on the Sorcerer's Hat himself. He does so, which causes the magical instruments to come to life and play an extremely unpleasant melody. However, when Donald picks on and taunts a small flute, the other instruments rise up against him, creating a chaotic whirlwind of magic and music. Donald loses the hat in the storm and passes through different scenes from different movies while trying to retrieve the hat. After the whirlwind passes, we land on a Polynesian vessel as "We Know The Way" is sung by Moana and other characters from the film, as they point Donald in the direction of the hat. Donald looks up at it and guests can smell the 'sea of the ocean breeze' as Donald tries to not tip over to get the hat. He eventually does and you go into the ocean without the hat.
Song #2
When We're Human
The Princess and the Frog
When you pop up from the ocean you have transitioned into a New Orleans bayou as characters from The Princess and the Frog sing "When We're Human" which is ironic to Donald being an anthropomorphic figure himself. Donald continues down the bayou to find the hat and sees a glowing light at the end of the river, and heads for it.
Song #3
I See The Light
Tangled
The light ends up being a lantern from the film Tangled, as Rapunzel sings "I See The Light" from the film. Her and Flynn sit in their canoe together as they allow Donald to join in for a touching moment in the attraction. As Donald and the guests look around the floating lanterns, the hat can be seen taking one of their places and Donald goes after it but is accidentally attached to a floating lantern and goes off into the sky again.
Song #4
Let it Go
Frozen
Donald notices the night sky change to snow and he starts shivering as he hits a snowy mountain side and the guests and Donald snow tube on the lantern down the mountain and towards Elsa who is singing "Let It Go" from Frozen. As snow falls from the top of the theater, and 4D effects surround the guests with chills and ambiance, Elsa blasts snow into the mountain and the hat comes crashing down out of Donald's grasp, but as he almost jumps to get it, she provides an ice slide for him and the guests to careen down.
Song #5
Untitled Song from Film in 2019/2020 that will probably be the new hit
Untitled Film in 2019/2020 that will probably be the new hit
Yada Yada Yada, good song, funny Donald moment, kids love it. Then...Donald encounters the magical whirlwind from earlier. Donald gets sucked inside, finding himself back onstage, still in the whirlwind.
Mickey returns, puts on the hat, and uses its powers to restore order. As Mickey conducts the orchestra, Donald gets stuck in a tuba, which launches him across the theater so that he lodges headfirst in its back wall. Donald, in audio animatronic form, is stuck in a hole in the back of the theater. Only his legs are visible. After struggling from falling in, he eventually falls into the hole and is no longer seen. In the end, Goofy tells the audience to return their "opera glasses" in the bins outside of the theater and says goodbye to the viewers.
----------
That was actually pretty fun to write, I hadn't done a PhilharMagic redo before, but I think in the next few years or so it definitely needs some sort of update to remain at the pinnacle of 3D shows in WDW. And it's a chance to include some characters that might not see a true attraction anytime soon.
Thank you for reading - hope you enjoyed, comment below with any feedback and tune in for more content as the day goes on!
10 minutes (5 songs)
Song #1
You Can Fly
Peter Pan
After Donald unpacks all the instruments, including a grand piano, from the small box, he is tempted to try on the Sorcerer's Hat himself. He does so, which causes the magical instruments to come to life and play an extremely unpleasant melody. However, when Donald picks on and taunts a small flute, the other instruments rise up against him, creating a chaotic whirlwind of magic and music. Donald loses the hat in the storm and passes through different scenes from different movies while trying to retrieve the hat. After the whirlwind passes, guests go to Peter Pan, where the chorus is singing "You Can Fly" from the film. Peter sprinkles pixie dust on Donald, which gives him the ability to fly. As you soar through the clouds, the hat appears to fly next to you but drops into the ocean below. Donald and the guests dive down into the ocean below.
Song #2
Under the Sea
The Little Mermaid
As the hat sinks 'under the sea' Sebastian greets Donald and the guests with a symphony of the song "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid. As the song continues, Donald attempts to get the ever illusive hat back, but it continues to float away before an eel comes around and zaps Donald as the screen goes to black.
Song #3
Bare Necessities
The Jungle Book
You wake up in a Jungle floating in a river next to Baloo as he begins to sing the song "Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book. As all the jungle animals join in to dance along, the hat makes its way up a tree and you follow Donald up to the top of the tree where the music fades away and the bright sunny sky fades to a moonlite night sky with a bright shining star in the distance.
Song #4
When You Wish Upon a Star
Pinocchio
Jiminy Cricket tells Donald, as Donald sits there worried that he lost the hat, that he should let his conscious be his guide. "When You Wish Upon a Star" begins as Donald and the guests reach closer and closer to the shining star as the song continues in the background before the light from the star transitions into the next scene.
Song #5
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Fantasia
The dark comes back for a second. When the light focuses, we find ourselves in The Sorcerer's Apprentice, where Donald has shrunk. The walking brooms come in, spilling water on Donald. Guests feel the water on their laps, which triggers hidden water sprayers in the back of the seats. A broom Donald's size comes in, carrying a big bucket. Donald snatches the bucket away, but only gives it back when a giant broom comes in. The giant broom spills water on Donald. He encounters the magical whirlwind from earlier. Donald gets sucked inside, finding himself back onstage, still in the whirlwind.
Mickey returns, puts on the hat, and uses its powers to restore order. As Mickey conducts the orchestra, Donald gets stuck in a tuba, which launches him across the theater so that he lodges headfirst in its back wall. Donald, in audio animatronic form, is stuck in a hole in the back of the theater. Only his legs are visible. After struggling from falling in, he eventually falls into the hole and is no longer seen. In the end, Goofy tells the audience to return their "opera glasses" in the bins outside of the theater and says goodbye to the viewers.
Renaissance
10 minutes (5 songs)
Song #1
The Bells of Notre Dame
Hunchback of Notre Dame
After Donald unpacks all the instruments, including a grand piano, from the small box, he is tempted to try on the Sorcerer's Hat himself. He does so, which causes the magical instruments to come to life and play an extremely unpleasant melody. However, when Donald picks on and taunts a small flute, the other instruments rise up against him, creating a chaotic whirlwind of magic and music. Donald loses the hat in the storm and passes through different scenes from different movies while trying to retrieve the hat. After the whirlwind passes, Donald is tossed into a Paris street where the tale of Quasi Modo is told, and Donald sees the hat race up into the bell tower above. As the tale is told through song, Donald climbs up the side of Notre Dame, and sees the bells furiously ringing as the song closes, but accidentally gets hit with one of the bells and the screen goes to black.
Song #2
Be Our Guest
Beauty and the Beast
The light comes back on thanks to Lumiere, who begins to sing "Be Our Guest". Guests can smell the food, triggering hidden smell cannons in the theater, and when the bottles pop, they feel a quick blast of wind in their faces surrounded by cakes, which triggers hidden air cannons in the back of the seats. One of the bottles pops Donald and the audience up into the sky where they float among the clouds and land on Aladdin's Magic Carpet.
Song #3
A Whole New World
Aladdin
Guests go to Aladdin, where Aladdin and Jasmine are singing "A Whole New World." Donald sees the hat, but unfortunately, the hat gets knocked away by Iago, and Donald jumps after it landing in the middle of a training ground.
Song #4
I'll Make a Man Out of You
Mulan
After Donald jumps for the hat it gets tossed away deeper into the forest, and you are now in the world of Mulan as "I'll Make a Man Out of You" is being sung in the background. Dodging and ducking (pardon the pun) Donald races after the hat into the lush forest and thinks he has grabbed the hat as the screen goes black and the music stops.
Song #5
The Circle of Life
The Lion King
"Hey Timon, what's this?" you hear as the screen is still black, it comes back and you see Pumbaa trying to eat the hat "Doesn't taste like chicken" Donald flips out but his screech starts lines up with the start the bellowing sounds of "The Circle of Life" from The Lion King and his yell is deafened to the audience, as the herd races towards Pride Rock, as Donald is picked up by a flock of birds and you soar towards the finale as the music swells and He encounters the magical whirlwind from earlier. Donald gets sucked inside a whirlwind from before as the hat is held up by Rafiki on top of Pride Rock, and he finds himself back onstage, still in the whirlwind.
Mickey returns, puts on the hat, and uses its powers to restore order. As Mickey conducts the orchestra, Donald gets stuck in a tuba, which launches him across the theater so that he lodges headfirst in its back wall. Donald, in audio animatronic form, is stuck in a hole in the back of the theater. Only his legs are visible. After struggling from falling in, he eventually falls into the hole and is no longer seen. In the end, Goofy tells the audience to return their "opera glasses" in the bins outside of the theater and says goodbye to the viewers.
New Renaissance
10 Minutes (5 songs)
Song #1
We Know The Way
Moana
After Donald unpacks all the instruments, including a grand piano, from the small box, he is tempted to try on the Sorcerer's Hat himself. He does so, which causes the magical instruments to come to life and play an extremely unpleasant melody. However, when Donald picks on and taunts a small flute, the other instruments rise up against him, creating a chaotic whirlwind of magic and music. Donald loses the hat in the storm and passes through different scenes from different movies while trying to retrieve the hat. After the whirlwind passes, we land on a Polynesian vessel as "We Know The Way" is sung by Moana and other characters from the film, as they point Donald in the direction of the hat. Donald looks up at it and guests can smell the 'sea of the ocean breeze' as Donald tries to not tip over to get the hat. He eventually does and you go into the ocean without the hat.
Song #2
When We're Human
The Princess and the Frog
When you pop up from the ocean you have transitioned into a New Orleans bayou as characters from The Princess and the Frog sing "When We're Human" which is ironic to Donald being an anthropomorphic figure himself. Donald continues down the bayou to find the hat and sees a glowing light at the end of the river, and heads for it.
Song #3
I See The Light
Tangled
The light ends up being a lantern from the film Tangled, as Rapunzel sings "I See The Light" from the film. Her and Flynn sit in their canoe together as they allow Donald to join in for a touching moment in the attraction. As Donald and the guests look around the floating lanterns, the hat can be seen taking one of their places and Donald goes after it but is accidentally attached to a floating lantern and goes off into the sky again.
Song #4
Let it Go
Frozen
Donald notices the night sky change to snow and he starts shivering as he hits a snowy mountain side and the guests and Donald snow tube on the lantern down the mountain and towards Elsa who is singing "Let It Go" from Frozen. As snow falls from the top of the theater, and 4D effects surround the guests with chills and ambiance, Elsa blasts snow into the mountain and the hat comes crashing down out of Donald's grasp, but as he almost jumps to get it, she provides an ice slide for him and the guests to careen down.
Song #5
Untitled Song from Film in 2019/2020 that will probably be the new hit
Untitled Film in 2019/2020 that will probably be the new hit
Yada Yada Yada, good song, funny Donald moment, kids love it. Then...Donald encounters the magical whirlwind from earlier. Donald gets sucked inside, finding himself back onstage, still in the whirlwind.
Mickey returns, puts on the hat, and uses its powers to restore order. As Mickey conducts the orchestra, Donald gets stuck in a tuba, which launches him across the theater so that he lodges headfirst in its back wall. Donald, in audio animatronic form, is stuck in a hole in the back of the theater. Only his legs are visible. After struggling from falling in, he eventually falls into the hole and is no longer seen. In the end, Goofy tells the audience to return their "opera glasses" in the bins outside of the theater and says goodbye to the viewers.
----------
That was actually pretty fun to write, I hadn't done a PhilharMagic redo before, but I think in the next few years or so it definitely needs some sort of update to remain at the pinnacle of 3D shows in WDW. And it's a chance to include some characters that might not see a true attraction anytime soon.
Thank you for reading - hope you enjoyed, comment below with any feedback and tune in for more content as the day goes on!
2021
MagicBand Watch
Summer 2021
This will be a quick elevator pitch for new technology Trying something different!
The Disney MagicBands since 2013 or so have become a central part of your Resort and Theme Park experience at the Walt Disney World Resort. They are your ticket into the park, your resort room key, charging card, and more.
But what about people who like to wear Apple Watches? Or just a watch in general to quickly check the time? What if the Disney MagicBand doubled as a Magic Watch?!
When in Disney World - I try to use as little phone time as possible, but in past trips, I'm constantly looking at it either to see what ride times are, or check on fastpasses or dining, and due to our Generation's connection to our cellular devices, inevitably search the web while I'm on the phone. I'm guilty of that, even though I like to be tech-free when it comes to Disney vacations, the last few trips have been tough.
However, if on my MagicWatch, all my itineraries popped up with alerts (ie FastPass for Soarin' at 3:30PM, dinner at Rose and Crown at 5:00PM -- I wouldn't have to check my phone. With all the info from the MyDisneyExperience account linked to my band watch, in addition to my park pass, credit card, and room access -- there wouldn't be much of a need to check my phone except for emergencies etc, though maybe there can be a way to link your phone to the watch similar to an Apple Watch so you can take those calls. Maybe toss in a pedometer for good measure...as well as, you know...the time of day
Only thing the phone would be used for is pictures, but then again, there is PhotoPass+ on your wrist.
Similar to the MagicBand add ons -- I could see this initially being an upcharge feature (Disney sure does love those) As of now you can customize your MagicBand for various prices. For an Apple Watch style MagicBand, unfortunately I could see this add-on running steep depending on demand. Especially given the price just to customize it with a character and your name being $30....I'm thinking $75-100 per band watch?
Though if the tech catches on - maybe it could be a feature eventually in all MagicBands and not an add-on who knows.
I'm curious to see what people think of this and if they would actually use it. We haven't had a 'technology' upgrade yet for the 50th and I was thinking given a decent amount of time between the MagicBand implementation and 2021, and given they have already changed the design of the MagicBand to look more like a watch, it could be an interesting feature.
Thanks for reading and check back tonight for another edition to the 50 for 50th as we close in on our final stretch run of additions!
MagicBand Watch
Summer 2021
This will be a quick elevator pitch for new technology Trying something different!
The Disney MagicBands since 2013 or so have become a central part of your Resort and Theme Park experience at the Walt Disney World Resort. They are your ticket into the park, your resort room key, charging card, and more.
But what about people who like to wear Apple Watches? Or just a watch in general to quickly check the time? What if the Disney MagicBand doubled as a Magic Watch?!
When in Disney World - I try to use as little phone time as possible, but in past trips, I'm constantly looking at it either to see what ride times are, or check on fastpasses or dining, and due to our Generation's connection to our cellular devices, inevitably search the web while I'm on the phone. I'm guilty of that, even though I like to be tech-free when it comes to Disney vacations, the last few trips have been tough.
However, if on my MagicWatch, all my itineraries popped up with alerts (ie FastPass for Soarin' at 3:30PM, dinner at Rose and Crown at 5:00PM -- I wouldn't have to check my phone. With all the info from the MyDisneyExperience account linked to my band watch, in addition to my park pass, credit card, and room access -- there wouldn't be much of a need to check my phone except for emergencies etc, though maybe there can be a way to link your phone to the watch similar to an Apple Watch so you can take those calls. Maybe toss in a pedometer for good measure...as well as, you know...the time of day
Only thing the phone would be used for is pictures, but then again, there is PhotoPass+ on your wrist.
Similar to the MagicBand add ons -- I could see this initially being an upcharge feature (Disney sure does love those
) As of now you can customize your MagicBand for various prices. For an Apple Watch style MagicBand, unfortunately I could see this add-on running steep depending on demand. Especially given the price just to customize it with a character and your name being $30....I'm thinking $75-100 per band watch?
Though if the tech catches on - maybe it could be a feature eventually in all MagicBands and not an add-on who knows.
I'm curious to see what people think of this and if they would actually use it. We haven't had a 'technology' upgrade yet for the 50th and I was thinking given a decent amount of time between the MagicBand implementation and 2021, and given they have already changed the design of the MagicBand to look more like a watch, it could be an interesting feature.
Thanks for reading and check back tonight for another edition to the 50 for 50th as we close in on our final stretch run of additions!
Last edited:
AceAstro
Well-Known Member
I think this is a great idea!! Much like you I try to avoid using my phone at the parks but it’s becoming more difficult with the MDE app. Having it all on my wrist would be way easier!!2021
MagicBand Watch
Summer 2021
This will be a quick elevator pitch for new technology Trying something different!
The Disney MagicBands since 2013 or so have become a central part of your Resort and Theme Park experience at the Walt Disney World Resort. They are your ticket into the park, your resort room key, charging card, and more.
But what about people who like to wear Apple Watches? Or just a watch in general to quickly check the time? What if the Disney MagicBand doubled as a Magic Watch?!
When in Disney World - I try to use as little phone time as possible, but in past trips, I'm constantly looking at it either to see what ride times are, or check on fastpasses or dining, and due to our Generation's connection to our cellular devices, inevitably search the web while I'm on the phone. I'm guilty of that, even though I like to be tech-free when it comes to Disney vacations, the last few trips have been tough.
However, if on my MagicWatch, all my itineraries popped up with alerts (ie FastPass for Soarin' at 3:30PM, dinner at Rose and Crown at 5:00PM -- I wouldn't have to check my phone. With all the info from the MyDisneyExperience account linked to my band watch, in addition to my park pass, credit card, and room access -- there wouldn't be much of a need to check my phone except for emergencies etc, though maybe there can be a way to link your phone to the watch similar to an Apple Watch so you can take those calls. Maybe toss in a pedometer for good measure...as well as, you know...the time of day
Only thing the phone would be used for is pictures, but then again, there is PhotoPass+ on your wrist.
Similar to the MagicBand add ons -- I could see this initially being an upcharge feature (Disney sure does love those
Though if the tech catches on - maybe it could be a feature eventually in all MagicBands and not an add-on who knows.
I'm curious to see what people think of this and if they would actually use it. We haven't had a 'technology' upgrade yet for the 50th and I was thinking given a decent amount of time between the MagicBand implementation and 2021, and given they have already changed the design of the MagicBand to look more like a watch, it could be an interesting feature.
Thanks for reading and check back tonight for another edition to the 50 for 50th as we close in on our final stretch run of additions!
DisneyFan18
Well-Known Member
2021
Mickey's PhilharMagic Refurbishment
Summer 2021
Mickey's PhilharMagic replaces Legend of the Lion King in 2003 and was met with very good reviews, and a reputation for being the best '3D show' at the Walt Disney World Resort. Nevertheless, with almost 20 years of mileage on it at this point in time, the attraction has become a bit predictable, and with the new Disney Renaissance of films and songs, the attraction could use a tune up for the 50th anniversary. With that said, rather than making the attraction one note, as in the same songs each time, in the refurbishment, there will be 3 show possibilities the guests can see.
Classical - Including Disney films and songs pre-1990s
Renaissance - Including Disney films and songs in the 1990s
New Renaissance - Including Disney films and songs in the 2010s
While each one of those shows follows a set narrative, the variability of seeing random shows not only offers guests more re-rideability for the attraction, but also now includes a wider variety of songs, now not restricted to a handful for one show. Other than that - the attraction will stay essentially the same (if it aint broke, don't fix it) with the queue and plot lines still revolving around Donald and Mickey's hat.
Queue and Preamble
The theater doors open. Mickey Mouse is performing with his PhilharMagic Orchestra at the Fantasyland Concert Hall. Inside, there are posters advertising the Concert Hall's past productions and performers, such as Hadesfrom Hercules, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Genie from Aladdin, Wheezy from Toy Story 2, Willie the Whale from Make Mine Music, The Three Caballeros, The Big Bad Wolf and The Three Little Pigs. Upon entering the theater's lobby, guests pick up their "opera glasses". During their wait, guests hear orchestral music from Fantasia, Fantasia 2000, and other Disney animated films.
Goofy is the Concert Hall's stage manager and admits the guests into the main theater, where final preparations for the performance are underway. Minnie Mouse then tells the guests to put on their "opera glasses." Minnie then realizes that Donald Duck has gone missing and goes to tell Mickey. Goofy then raises the curtain to reveal that the stage is empty, except for a conductor's podium and Donald, who is sleeping in a box. Mickey races onto the stage in a hurry, quickly telling Donald to unpack the instruments. Mickey places his famous Sorcerer's hat on the podium, then leaves, telling Donald, "Don't forget the orchestra. And don't touch my hat!"
Classical Version
10 minutes (5 songs)
Song #1
You Can Fly
Peter Pan
After Donald unpacks all the instruments, including a grand piano, from the small box, he is tempted to try on the Sorcerer's Hat himself. He does so, which causes the magical instruments to come to life and play an extremely unpleasant melody. However, when Donald picks on and taunts a small flute, the other instruments rise up against him, creating a chaotic whirlwind of magic and music. Donald loses the hat in the storm and passes through different scenes from different movies while trying to retrieve the hat. After the whirlwind passes, guests go to Peter Pan, where the chorus is singing "You Can Fly" from the film. Peter sprinkles pixie dust on Donald, which gives him the ability to fly. As you soar through the clouds, the hat appears to fly next to you but drops into the ocean below. Donald and the guests dive down into the ocean below.
Song #2
Under the Sea
The Little Mermaid
As the hat sinks 'under the sea' Sebastian greets Donald and the guests with a symphony of the song "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid. As the song continues, Donald attempts to get the ever illusive hat back, but it continues to float away before an eel comes around and zaps Donald as the screen goes to black.
Song #3
Bare Necessities
The Jungle Book
You wake up in a Jungle floating in a river next to Baloo as he begins to sing the song "Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book. As all the jungle animals join in to dance along, the hat makes its way up a tree and you follow Donald up to the top of the tree where the music fades away and the bright sunny sky fades to a moonlite night sky with a bright shining star in the distance.
Song #4
When You Wish Upon a Star
Pinocchio
Jiminy Cricket tells Donald, as Donald sits there worried that he lost the hat, that he should let his conscious be his guide. "When You Wish Upon a Star" begins as Donald and the guests reach closer and closer to the shining star as the song continues in the background before the light from the star transitions into the next scene.
Song #5
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Fantasia
The dark comes back for a second. When the light focuses, we find ourselves in The Sorcerer's Apprentice, where Donald has shrunk. The walking brooms come in, spilling water on Donald. Guests feel the water on their laps, which triggers hidden water sprayers in the back of the seats. A broom Donald's size comes in, carrying a big bucket. Donald snatches the bucket away, but only gives it back when a giant broom comes in. The giant broom spills water on Donald. He encounters the magical whirlwind from earlier. Donald gets sucked inside, finding himself back onstage, still in the whirlwind.
Mickey returns, puts on the hat, and uses its powers to restore order. As Mickey conducts the orchestra, Donald gets stuck in a tuba, which launches him across the theater so that he lodges headfirst in its back wall. Donald, in audio animatronic form, is stuck in a hole in the back of the theater. Only his legs are visible. After struggling from falling in, he eventually falls into the hole and is no longer seen. In the end, Goofy tells the audience to return their "opera glasses" in the bins outside of the theater and says goodbye to the viewers.
Renaissance
10 minutes (5 songs)
Song #1
The Bells of Notre Dame
Hunchback of Notre Dame
After Donald unpacks all the instruments, including a grand piano, from the small box, he is tempted to try on the Sorcerer's Hat himself. He does so, which causes the magical instruments to come to life and play an extremely unpleasant melody. However, when Donald picks on and taunts a small flute, the other instruments rise up against him, creating a chaotic whirlwind of magic and music. Donald loses the hat in the storm and passes through different scenes from different movies while trying to retrieve the hat. After the whirlwind passes, Donald is tossed into a Paris street where the tale of Quasi Modo is told, and Donald sees the hat race up into the bell tower above. As the tale is told through song, Donald climbs up the side of Notre Dame, and sees the bells furiously ringing as the song closes, but accidentally gets hit with one of the bells and the screen goes to black.
Song #2
Be Our Guest
Beauty and the Beast
The light comes back on thanks to Lumiere, who begins to sing "Be Our Guest". Guests can smell the food, triggering hidden smell cannons in the theater, and when the bottles pop, they feel a quick blast of wind in their faces surrounded by cakes, which triggers hidden air cannons in the back of the seats. One of the bottles pops Donald and the audience up into the sky where they float among the clouds and land on Aladdin's Magic Carpet.
Song #3
A Whole New World
Aladdin
Guests go to Aladdin, where Aladdin and Jasmine are singing "A Whole New World." Donald sees the hat, but unfortunately, the hat gets knocked away by Iago, and Donald jumps after it landing in the middle of a training ground.
Song #4
I'll Make a Man Out of You
Mulan
After Donald jumps for the hat it gets tossed away deeper into the forest, and you are now in the world of Mulan as "I'll Make a Man Out of You" is being sung in the background. Dodging and ducking (pardon the pun) Donald races after the hat into the lush forest and thinks he has grabbed the hat as the screen goes black and the music stops.
Song #5
The Circle of Life
The Lion King
"Hey Timon, what's this?" you hear as the screen is still black, it comes back and you see Pumbaa trying to eat the hat "Doesn't taste like chicken" Donald flips out but his screech starts lines up with the start the bellowing sounds of "The Circle of Life" from The Lion King and his yell is deafened to the audience, as the herd races towards Pride Rock, as Donald is picked up by a flock of birds and you soar towards the finale as the music swells and He encounters the magical whirlwind from earlier. Donald gets sucked inside a whirlwind from before as the hat is held up by Rafiki on top of Pride Rock, and he finds himself back onstage, still in the whirlwind.
Mickey returns, puts on the hat, and uses its powers to restore order. As Mickey conducts the orchestra, Donald gets stuck in a tuba, which launches him across the theater so that he lodges headfirst in its back wall. Donald, in audio animatronic form, is stuck in a hole in the back of the theater. Only his legs are visible. After struggling from falling in, he eventually falls into the hole and is no longer seen. In the end, Goofy tells the audience to return their "opera glasses" in the bins outside of the theater and says goodbye to the viewers.
New Renaissance
10 Minutes (5 songs)
Song #1
We Know The Way
Moana
After Donald unpacks all the instruments, including a grand piano, from the small box, he is tempted to try on the Sorcerer's Hat himself. He does so, which causes the magical instruments to come to life and play an extremely unpleasant melody. However, when Donald picks on and taunts a small flute, the other instruments rise up against him, creating a chaotic whirlwind of magic and music. Donald loses the hat in the storm and passes through different scenes from different movies while trying to retrieve the hat. After the whirlwind passes, we land on a Polynesian vessel as "We Know The Way" is sung by Moana and other characters from the film, as they point Donald in the direction of the hat. Donald looks up at it and guests can smell the 'sea of the ocean breeze' as Donald tries to not tip over to get the hat. He eventually does and you go into the ocean without the hat.
Song #2
When We're Human
The Princess and the Frog
When you pop up from the ocean you have transitioned into a New Orleans bayou as characters from The Princess and the Frog sing "When We're Human" which is ironic to Donald being an anthropomorphic figure himself. Donald continues down the bayou to find the hat and sees a glowing light at the end of the river, and heads for it.
Song #3
I See The Light
Tangled
The light ends up being a lantern from the film Tangled, as Rapunzel sings "I See The Light" from the film. Her and Flynn sit in their canoe together as they allow Donald to join in for a touching moment in the attraction. As Donald and the guests look around the floating lanterns, the hat can be seen taking one of their places and Donald goes after it but is accidentally attached to a floating lantern and goes off into the sky again.
Song #4
Let it Go
Frozen
Donald notices the night sky change to snow and he starts shivering as he hits a snowy mountain side and the guests and Donald snow tube on the lantern down the mountain and towards Elsa who is singing "Let It Go" from Frozen. As snow falls from the top of the theater, and 4D effects surround the guests with chills and ambiance, Elsa blasts snow into the mountain and the hat comes crashing down out of Donald's grasp, but as he almost jumps to get it, she provides an ice slide for him and the guests to careen down.
Song #5
Untitled Song from Film in 2019/2020 that will probably be the new hit
Untitled Film in 2019/2020 that will probably be the new hit
Yada Yada Yada, good song, funny Donald moment, kids love it. Then...Donald encounters the magical whirlwind from earlier. Donald gets sucked inside, finding himself back onstage, still in the whirlwind.
Mickey returns, puts on the hat, and uses its powers to restore order. As Mickey conducts the orchestra, Donald gets stuck in a tuba, which launches him across the theater so that he lodges headfirst in its back wall. Donald, in audio animatronic form, is stuck in a hole in the back of the theater. Only his legs are visible. After struggling from falling in, he eventually falls into the hole and is no longer seen. In the end, Goofy tells the audience to return their "opera glasses" in the bins outside of the theater and says goodbye to the viewers.
----------
That was actually pretty fun to write, I hadn't done a PhilharMagic redo before, but I think in the next few years or so it definitely needs some sort of update to remain at the pinnacle of 3D shows in WDW. And it's a chance to include some characters that might not see a true attraction anytime soon.
Thank you for reading - hope you enjoyed, comment below with any feedback and tune in for more content as the day goes on!
I really like the idea of there being three versions of the show, I would love it if this happened, I have a proposal for the 5th song of the New Renaissance that may be a little crazy but maybe it can be “Un Poco Loco” as it would be a cute nod to The Three Caballeros and it’s a really energetic and funny!
Ooh nice one! Didn't even think of that!
2021
Transportation and Ticket Center Upgrade
Summer 2021
Picked this image because it's my opportunity for an attempt at an Airplane! moment.
The Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) at the Walt Disney World Resort is the main transportation hub for the complex, servicing monorails, boats, buses, and trams for guest parking for the Magic Kingdom. Since probably the dawn of online armchair imagineering, the Transportation and Ticket Center as been the hub (pardon the pun) for prompts in competitions as well as open brainstorming. The reason why is that the TTC is aesthetically outdated, and not pleasing on the eye or a first impression of the WDW Resort. Especially for the crowds of the 50th anniversary, you want to make sure than the first thing the guests see when parking their car and taking the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, is a transportation hub that is not...for lack of a better term...ugly.
We've both taken several cracks at it - with Red doing a Fine Arts Pavilion and Villas for the 2014 Elite Eight Competition, to bring color, life, and activity to the transportation hub of the resort.
In the summer of 2017, Team Marvel @AceAstro @jyn erso and others including myself, worked on a Progress City Resort and Spa to be attached to the TTC, similar to how the Progress City hotel would be the main transportation hub of E.P.C.O.T.
You can read more about that project here:
https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...cts-announcements.924471/page-10#post-7829307
Nevertheless, for this specific thread however, those grand ideas are just not in the 50th anniversary budget, as incredible as those might be. There are a plethora of new resorts coming to WDW all around property, and with the in-park budgets in the billions, I would find it highly unlikely that they'd have a few hundred million lying around to build this massive resort (and DVC complex)
So...we'll have to design the TTC on a budget, which is a bit of a creative challenge given that there are so many better options out there than a simple upgrade, but instead of going big, we use that creativity to instead influence small little areas that will hopefully change the aesthetics of the TTC for good.
For starters, the paint scheme. I've always been a fan of the Purple, Yellow, Red, and White vibe the old logos used to elicit. But the plain white and 70s design to the structure doesn't give us much to work with unless we completely gut the building and build over. Or...maybe there is a third option. Adding a bit of character to the plain coated structure, we could perhaps, paint the plain exterior, similar to a Mary Blair style painting as seen in the Contemporary and inspired in other places around property such as it's a small world.
With both the Contemporary right down the monorail line, and it's a small world in the Magic Kingdom -- adding that flair to the TTC might be a good transition point and entry into a 'world of fantasy' It gives it more character and provides a more colorful design than what is there currently.
In addition, the 70s style light fixtures inside the TTC will be replaced with LED lights and more energy efficient bulbs, which will illuminate the load platforms more yet also have a sleeker, cleaner look.
In addition to the color schemes in a Mary Blair fashion along the currently existing exterior, bringing back a floural garden around both sides of the TTC would evoke so much more character and charm than simply crab grass as it stands today. Combined with the Mary Blair inspired artwork on the facade, the colorful flowers will compliment the colors on the exterior, accenting it in a more visceral and energetic way than what we have currently.
Other than that though, unless other projects are cut, I can't see them touching much of the TTC that would require extensive downtime. It's the main hub of WDW and with so many new things opening for the 50th, the resort will be more crowded than ever and in need of the TTC in whatever unattractive state it exists in just for traffic flow. Really this should have been done years ago, and much more improved than a simply color scheme upgrade, but that's a whole other thread.
Overall, while this may not be the most flashy or involved project before the 50th, it would be a really nice touch to just add a bit of life to the TTC so that it represents Disney World moving forward and continuing to improve as the years progress.
----
Thanks for reading and check back tomorrow as we will have more adventures as we near the Fall of 2021 and the Golden Dreams Celebration!
Transportation and Ticket Center Upgrade
Summer 2021
Picked this image because it's my opportunity for an attempt at an Airplane! moment.
The Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) at the Walt Disney World Resort is the main transportation hub for the complex, servicing monorails, boats, buses, and trams for guest parking for the Magic Kingdom. Since probably the dawn of online armchair imagineering, the Transportation and Ticket Center as been the hub (pardon the pun) for prompts in competitions as well as open brainstorming. The reason why is that the TTC is aesthetically outdated, and not pleasing on the eye or a first impression of the WDW Resort. Especially for the crowds of the 50th anniversary, you want to make sure than the first thing the guests see when parking their car and taking the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, is a transportation hub that is not...for lack of a better term...ugly.
We've both taken several cracks at it - with Red doing a Fine Arts Pavilion and Villas for the 2014 Elite Eight Competition, to bring color, life, and activity to the transportation hub of the resort.
In the summer of 2017, Team Marvel @AceAstro @jyn erso and others including myself, worked on a Progress City Resort and Spa to be attached to the TTC, similar to how the Progress City hotel would be the main transportation hub of E.P.C.O.T.
You can read more about that project here:
https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...cts-announcements.924471/page-10#post-7829307
Nevertheless, for this specific thread however, those grand ideas are just not in the 50th anniversary budget, as incredible as those might be. There are a plethora of new resorts coming to WDW all around property, and with the in-park budgets in the billions, I would find it highly unlikely that they'd have a few hundred million lying around to build this massive resort (and DVC complex)
So...we'll have to design the TTC on a budget, which is a bit of a creative challenge given that there are so many better options out there than a simple upgrade, but instead of going big, we use that creativity to instead influence small little areas that will hopefully change the aesthetics of the TTC for good.
For starters, the paint scheme. I've always been a fan of the Purple, Yellow, Red, and White vibe the old logos used to elicit. But the plain white and 70s design to the structure doesn't give us much to work with unless we completely gut the building and build over. Or...maybe there is a third option. Adding a bit of character to the plain coated structure, we could perhaps, paint the plain exterior, similar to a Mary Blair style painting as seen in the Contemporary and inspired in other places around property such as it's a small world.
With both the Contemporary right down the monorail line, and it's a small world in the Magic Kingdom -- adding that flair to the TTC might be a good transition point and entry into a 'world of fantasy' It gives it more character and provides a more colorful design than what is there currently.
In addition, the 70s style light fixtures inside the TTC will be replaced with LED lights and more energy efficient bulbs, which will illuminate the load platforms more yet also have a sleeker, cleaner look.
In addition to the color schemes in a Mary Blair fashion along the currently existing exterior, bringing back a floural garden around both sides of the TTC would evoke so much more character and charm than simply crab grass as it stands today. Combined with the Mary Blair inspired artwork on the facade, the colorful flowers will compliment the colors on the exterior, accenting it in a more visceral and energetic way than what we have currently.
Other than that though, unless other projects are cut, I can't see them touching much of the TTC that would require extensive downtime. It's the main hub of WDW and with so many new things opening for the 50th, the resort will be more crowded than ever and in need of the TTC in whatever unattractive state it exists in just for traffic flow. Really this should have been done years ago, and much more improved than a simply color scheme upgrade, but that's a whole other thread.
Overall, while this may not be the most flashy or involved project before the 50th, it would be a really nice touch to just add a bit of life to the TTC so that it represents Disney World moving forward and continuing to improve as the years progress.
----
Thanks for reading and check back tomorrow as we will have more adventures as we near the Fall of 2021 and the Golden Dreams Celebration!
Last edited:
DisneyManOne
Well-Known Member
First of all, I absolutely adore Airplane!, so kudos for throwing in a reference there.
Second, I always thought it would be easier to just flat-out re-model the TTC. Ah, but my stance on that will come quite later in my own thread....maybe in between MK and EPCOT....
Second, I always thought it would be easier to just flat-out re-model the TTC. Ah, but my stance on that will come quite later in my own thread....maybe in between MK and EPCOT....
Looking forward to seeing what you have in store!
And thank you - Airplaine! is the best
v_k
Active Member
Wow, so much stuff has happened on this thread!
The first thing I thought when I heard about GotG in Epcot, my first thought (after being annoyed and baffled) was that 'Hmm infinity stones are the universe's energy, so maybe someone smarter than me can do something with that.' I feel like an interactive post-show about use of energy and the need for us to 'guard' it ourselves would be a good addition, because as you said, a coaster can't really do much on this front.
Brave is a pretty good choice for the UK pavilion! I live in Scotland, and I remember when Visit Scotland made a deal with Disney to use Brave in their advertising campaigns.
I also like what you did with Philharmagic. When I envision a possible refurb, I always think of making the show completely random, but your version of having 3 separate 'shows' is cool and allows for a more cohesive experience.
Can wait for what you guys do next!
The first thing I thought when I heard about GotG in Epcot, my first thought (after being annoyed and baffled) was that 'Hmm infinity stones are the universe's energy, so maybe someone smarter than me can do something with that.' I feel like an interactive post-show about use of energy and the need for us to 'guard' it ourselves would be a good addition, because as you said, a coaster can't really do much on this front.
Brave is a pretty good choice for the UK pavilion! I live in Scotland, and I remember when Visit Scotland made a deal with Disney to use Brave in their advertising campaigns.
I also like what you did with Philharmagic. When I envision a possible refurb, I always think of making the show completely random, but your version of having 3 separate 'shows' is cool and allows for a more cohesive experience.
Can wait for what you guys do next!
Thank you! That's my thought as well...infinity stones emit energy, they also were hired to protect batteries for the Sovereign in the first 10 mins of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, so something like that to tie it back into energy I would guess would be the route they take. Not that I'm too thrilled with it being in Future World but we can't stop that haha. Brave all the credit goes to @MonorailRed she suggested it and I think that'd be a nice addition over in the UK, something small.
And for Philhar it's funny because originally I was going to make it all random (like Star Tours) but as I was writing it, it was tough because in Star Tours every scene ends by you shooting off into space, then a random character holograms in, then off to another random planet. But with Philhar, the transition from Peter Pan to Mermaid for instance is he falls into water, but then what if Frozen was randomized to go after the Peter Pan scene? Basically everything would have to cut to black, or shoot off into space like Star Tours, which for Philhar would probably be a whirlwind effect, so that a new scene could start. Having trouble with that I just took an easier way out and made 3 times periods
Thank you again for the feedback! More coming up soon!
2021
Maggiano's Little Italy at Disney Springs
Summer 2021
(Not to be confused with Gugino's Italian Restaurant from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
)
With the influx of Italian cuisine at Disney Springs, Maggiano's Little Italy will soon call Disney Springs home in the Summer of 2021. With the 2017 expansions of Terralina Crafted Italian refurbishment of Portobello and the inclusion of the Wine Bar George (both pictured below) along with the other Italian ice cream and chocolate locations - it wouldn't be out of the norm to add more of the Italian influence to the Springs.
Terralina Crafted Italian
Wine Bar George
Maggiano's Little Italy is one of my favorite restaurants and based on the exterior design and elegant interior, it would blend in nicely with the old Landing section of Disney Springs, but also have enough modern influences to be a great transition into the West Side dining and entertainment. The restaurant itself is located throughout the U.S., though concentrated on the east coast. It's a great family dining location, as the menu provides family style dining, in an advertised all you can eat fashion, but after the first few plates, you're probably not going to need anymore food.
Restaurant Location
Which leads to its location, right on the edge of the Springs, and towards the West Side.
Exterior Design
As mentioned before, the exterior design blends both the old fashioned Landing architecture with the more modern West Side, acting as a gateway transition between both sections of Disney Springs. The restaurant footprint is also very large, which will allow increased capacity and two tiered seating inside the restaurant.
Interior Design
With two floors of dining, a bar area, and private seating locations that are custom at most Maggiano's restaurants, this will be able to hold a decent amount of guests at a time, and considering how many families would most likely use this option, that feels like the best of both worlds.
In regards to the menu - I was going to write it all out but it's probably easier with a visual of the family style menu from Yelp
With a ton of delicious options - it really provides something for everyone in the family and as the meal goes on if you want more of a specific course, it's brought out to you no questions asked.
--------
Ultimately, while a minor addition to Disney Springs, it is something that ties together many of the Italian themes that are being implemented into Disney Springs, and connects both the West Side and The Landing in architectural design, providing a more seamless transition from the old to the new.
Thank you for reading! Has anyone been to a Maggiano's? If so, or even if not, comment below with your thoughts! And check back tonight for another installment! Have a great Sunday everyone!
Maggiano's Little Italy at Disney Springs
Summer 2021
(Not to be confused with Gugino's Italian Restaurant from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
)
With the influx of Italian cuisine at Disney Springs, Maggiano's Little Italy will soon call Disney Springs home in the Summer of 2021. With the 2017 expansions of Terralina Crafted Italian refurbishment of Portobello and the inclusion of the Wine Bar George (both pictured below) along with the other Italian ice cream and chocolate locations - it wouldn't be out of the norm to add more of the Italian influence to the Springs.
Terralina Crafted Italian
Wine Bar George
Maggiano's Little Italy is one of my favorite restaurants and based on the exterior design and elegant interior, it would blend in nicely with the old Landing section of Disney Springs, but also have enough modern influences to be a great transition into the West Side dining and entertainment. The restaurant itself is located throughout the U.S., though concentrated on the east coast. It's a great family dining location, as the menu provides family style dining, in an advertised all you can eat fashion, but after the first few plates, you're probably not going to need anymore food.
Restaurant Location
Which leads to its location, right on the edge of the Springs, and towards the West Side.
Exterior Design
As mentioned before, the exterior design blends both the old fashioned Landing architecture with the more modern West Side, acting as a gateway transition between both sections of Disney Springs. The restaurant footprint is also very large, which will allow increased capacity and two tiered seating inside the restaurant.
Interior Design
With two floors of dining, a bar area, and private seating locations that are custom at most Maggiano's restaurants, this will be able to hold a decent amount of guests at a time, and considering how many families would most likely use this option, that feels like the best of both worlds.
In regards to the menu - I was going to write it all out but it's probably easier with a visual of the family style menu from Yelp
With a ton of delicious options - it really provides something for everyone in the family and as the meal goes on if you want more of a specific course, it's brought out to you no questions asked.
--------
Ultimately, while a minor addition to Disney Springs, it is something that ties together many of the Italian themes that are being implemented into Disney Springs, and connects both the West Side and The Landing in architectural design, providing a more seamless transition from the old to the new.
Thank you for reading! Has anyone been to a Maggiano's? If so, or even if not, comment below with your thoughts! And check back tonight for another installment! Have a great Sunday everyone!
2021
Walt Disney World Golf Classic
Summer 2021
The Walt Disney World Golf Classic was an annual golf tournament on the PGA Tour played on the Palm and Magnolia courses adjacent to the Polynesian and Grand Floridian Resorts at Walt Disney World. Throughout its run, the event was a favorite on the PGA tour because many of the golfers lived in Florida, so they brought their families to the invitational, making the whole experience family friendly. It was also known for its low scores (under par) with the winner at times shooting a -13 to -26 over the tournament.
The tournament began in 1971 and was named the Walt Disney World Invitational, with Jack Nicklaus winning the first event. It continued on through various named and sponsorship until 2012 when Children's Miracle Network decided to not sponsor it again, and it was subsequently removed from the PGA Tour in 2013.
Jack Nicklaus after his win...if you look closely you can see the Contemporary in the background!
Spectators with the Polynesian in the background.
Oldsmobile was another sponsor of the tour event
Even Tiger Woods played in it, winning in 1996 and 1999.
For the 50th anniversary, especially considering the courses are still PGA Tour quality, it being a popular venue with PGA Tour golfers, and the fact that it was one of the original 1971 events going on when Walt Disney World opened...it would be really nice to bring this back, even for a limited time.
It's not a tournament that would be on par (pardon the pun) with the likes of The Masters or The British Open, but even as the Walt Disney World Open Invitational, it never really way. It was just a fun location on the PGA Tour, and really all it needs is sponsorship. It's impossible to predict what company would be interested, if any, without any inside info, but for the sake of argument...let's just say Hertz so we can have an official title of the tournament. 'The Hertz Golf Classic Disney' Or maybe Bob Iger will just buy the PGA, and then you don't have to worry about a sponsor
Bringing back a tournament beloved by many, and offering both the PGA and WDW additional exposure, to increase spectators for the PGA and have an event for the 50th anniversary, seems like a win-win for both parties.
Let me know what you think of this idea! And as always thank you for reading and check back tonight as hopefully there will be one more project we'll talk about a little later.
Walt Disney World Golf Classic
Summer 2021
The Walt Disney World Golf Classic was an annual golf tournament on the PGA Tour played on the Palm and Magnolia courses adjacent to the Polynesian and Grand Floridian Resorts at Walt Disney World. Throughout its run, the event was a favorite on the PGA tour because many of the golfers lived in Florida, so they brought their families to the invitational, making the whole experience family friendly. It was also known for its low scores (under par) with the winner at times shooting a -13 to -26 over the tournament.
The tournament began in 1971 and was named the Walt Disney World Invitational, with Jack Nicklaus winning the first event. It continued on through various named and sponsorship until 2012 when Children's Miracle Network decided to not sponsor it again, and it was subsequently removed from the PGA Tour in 2013.
Jack Nicklaus after his win...if you look closely you can see the Contemporary in the background!
Spectators with the Polynesian in the background.
Oldsmobile was another sponsor of the tour event
Even Tiger Woods played in it, winning in 1996 and 1999.
For the 50th anniversary, especially considering the courses are still PGA Tour quality, it being a popular venue with PGA Tour golfers, and the fact that it was one of the original 1971 events going on when Walt Disney World opened...it would be really nice to bring this back, even for a limited time.
It's not a tournament that would be on par (pardon the pun) with the likes of The Masters or The British Open, but even as the Walt Disney World Open Invitational, it never really way. It was just a fun location on the PGA Tour, and really all it needs is sponsorship. It's impossible to predict what company would be interested, if any, without any inside info, but for the sake of argument...let's just say Hertz so we can have an official title of the tournament. 'The Hertz Golf Classic Disney' Or maybe Bob Iger will just buy the PGA, and then you don't have to worry about a sponsor
Bringing back a tournament beloved by many, and offering both the PGA and WDW additional exposure, to increase spectators for the PGA and have an event for the 50th anniversary, seems like a win-win for both parties.
Let me know what you think of this idea! And as always thank you for reading and check back tonight as hopefully there will be one more project we'll talk about a little later.
2021
'Walkway' to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Summer 2021
This one is a tricky one. On one hand it is entirely plausible, the other hand, it coming by the 50th anniversary, or ever, I'm not even so sure about. I'm talking about the oddity that is the elongated Magic Kingdom walkway to ...nowhere.
From the look of this image above, out of the gates of the Magic Kingdom, walkways going to both Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa head out to their respective destinations. The Contemporary walking path meets the resort, and provides a wonderful feature that is uncommon at many Disney Resorts...the ability to walk into a park from your resort. At Disneyland, and other smaller Disney Resorts around the world, this may seem second nature, but at Walt Disney World...it is a huge luxury for guests like us who prefer walking rather than taking transportation.
The only problem with the Grand Floridian walkway is...it's a dead end.
Roughly 0.4 miles of walkway from the gates of the Magic Kingdom, to the dead end of the walkway to the Grand Floridian, for nothing more than just added personalized bricks.
Seems like a wasted opportunity on paper, and a simple fix that makes sense for Disney to just connect the walkway to the Grand, adding more of a perk to the resort.
The problem with this though is multi-part
1) The demand of Grand Floridian guests for this extended walkway, just hasn't been there. If it was, it would have already been built. As mentioned before after seeing the response of engineers to this question that has plagued the fan community for some time, it is completely plausible to build a draw bridge and finish the walkway. Why a draw bridge? Well, that leads to the second problem.
2) The Electrical Water Pageant floats are stored behind a canal that the walkway would pass over, so you'd need to build a draw bridge. Okay so far...a small draw bridge seems harmless, but there is a third problem
3) The Riverboat uses the canal at the end of the walkway to travel to Bay Lake for maintenance. Now we need a big draw bridge
So as you can see at first glance, it would seem simple to just build a small bridge, nothing more than a short connection, and then a second short connection a bit more down the road over another even smaller unused waterway, and just like that the resort is connected on a 0.65 mile walk (roughly the same distance from the Yacht Club to Disney's Hollywood Studios via the connected walking path...so nothing too long.
However, the cost of this bridge is an issue, and one that, unless guests demand it, Disney has no will to make it happen. While I think this would be a fantastic addition to the resort, the Grand Floridian already has the highest resort rate on property, so adding an extra benefit probably won't curtail that price.
But...this seems like a complete waste of space and opportunity. So if in the near distant future, we don't get a connection to the Grand Floridian...at least let's use this beautiful walkway for the 50th.
What I'm thinking could be a possibility is a *cough* new water show viewing, hint for @MonorailRed 's upcoming project.
And a gala for the 50th celebration, There's so much space over there that this walkway could become the 'hub' for events and meet-ups, information, history dedications, and more - all with a wonderful view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
It would give purpose to the area and help better utilize the 'blessing of size' WDW has to offer, because you will need every square inch of it for the 50th. Taking crowds out of the Magic Kingdom, or at least, not adding crowds to it for a 50th Pavilion of sorts, would to me at least be a great way to use this space. And then, maybe one day, my wish for it to be connected to the Grand Floridian will be realized.
----
I hope you've enjoyed this recent experiment with sort of off beat or unexpected, smaller entries into the syllabus of projects. I felt like we were focusing on attractions and resorts a lot (because many things have been announced/rumored regarding those) but I also wanted to test the waters so to speak with different elements of Walt Disney World that rarely get brainstormed in armchair imagineering, yet still keep that realism in mind.
Thank you again for reading, let me know your thoughts, and see you tomorrow!
'Walkway' to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Summer 2021
This one is a tricky one. On one hand it is entirely plausible, the other hand, it coming by the 50th anniversary, or ever, I'm not even so sure about. I'm talking about the oddity that is the elongated Magic Kingdom walkway to ...nowhere.
From the look of this image above, out of the gates of the Magic Kingdom, walkways going to both Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa head out to their respective destinations. The Contemporary walking path meets the resort, and provides a wonderful feature that is uncommon at many Disney Resorts...the ability to walk into a park from your resort. At Disneyland, and other smaller Disney Resorts around the world, this may seem second nature, but at Walt Disney World...it is a huge luxury for guests like us who prefer walking rather than taking transportation.
The only problem with the Grand Floridian walkway is...it's a dead end.
Roughly 0.4 miles of walkway from the gates of the Magic Kingdom, to the dead end of the walkway to the Grand Floridian, for nothing more than just added personalized bricks.
Seems like a wasted opportunity on paper, and a simple fix that makes sense for Disney to just connect the walkway to the Grand, adding more of a perk to the resort.
The problem with this though is multi-part
1) The demand of Grand Floridian guests for this extended walkway, just hasn't been there. If it was, it would have already been built. As mentioned before after seeing the response of engineers to this question that has plagued the fan community for some time, it is completely plausible to build a draw bridge and finish the walkway. Why a draw bridge? Well, that leads to the second problem.
2) The Electrical Water Pageant floats are stored behind a canal that the walkway would pass over, so you'd need to build a draw bridge. Okay so far...a small draw bridge seems harmless, but there is a third problem
3) The Riverboat uses the canal at the end of the walkway to travel to Bay Lake for maintenance. Now we need a big draw bridge
So as you can see at first glance, it would seem simple to just build a small bridge, nothing more than a short connection, and then a second short connection a bit more down the road over another even smaller unused waterway, and just like that the resort is connected on a 0.65 mile walk (roughly the same distance from the Yacht Club to Disney's Hollywood Studios via the connected walking path...so nothing too long.
However, the cost of this bridge is an issue, and one that, unless guests demand it, Disney has no will to make it happen. While I think this would be a fantastic addition to the resort, the Grand Floridian already has the highest resort rate on property, so adding an extra benefit probably won't curtail that price.
But...this seems like a complete waste of space and opportunity. So if in the near distant future, we don't get a connection to the Grand Floridian...at least let's use this beautiful walkway for the 50th.
What I'm thinking could be a possibility is a *cough* new water show viewing, hint for @MonorailRed 's upcoming project.
And a gala for the 50th celebration, There's so much space over there that this walkway could become the 'hub' for events and meet-ups, information, history dedications, and more - all with a wonderful view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.It would give purpose to the area and help better utilize the 'blessing of size' WDW has to offer, because you will need every square inch of it for the 50th. Taking crowds out of the Magic Kingdom, or at least, not adding crowds to it for a 50th Pavilion of sorts, would to me at least be a great way to use this space. And then, maybe one day, my wish for it to be connected to the Grand Floridian will be realized.
----
I hope you've enjoyed this recent experiment with sort of off beat or unexpected, smaller entries into the syllabus of projects. I felt like we were focusing on attractions and resorts a lot (because many things have been announced/rumored regarding those) but I also wanted to test the waters so to speak with different elements of Walt Disney World that rarely get brainstormed in armchair imagineering, yet still keep that realism in mind.
Thank you again for reading, let me know your thoughts, and see you tomorrow!
2021
The Life Around Us at the Harvest Theater
Summer 2021
Since January 21, 1995 - The Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable, has been a 12:22 show in the Harvest Theater, including characters from The Lion King, to talk about environmental changes that were a big topic of discussion in the 90s, and still are today. This show replaced the original Symbiosis show, reusing some images but adding segments of Lion King animation to it.
Personally, this show is still beyond boring, and in the 12:22 run time, I could have looked all this info up on Google by then. Losing its sponsor of Nestle in 2009, I think by 2021 - this will be in need of a refurbishment. But for a theater only holding 428 guests at a time, what could it possibly replace that wouldn't be so over the top that it would increase the crowds too much, but also not repeat the same information of the previous incarnations.
We've come up with -- The Life Around Us -- an epilogue to the Living with the Land boat ride attraction.
Living with the Land explores the Epcot research laboratories on agricultural and harvesting, but keeps the attraction central to Epcot itself, while the exploration for its research impact globally, is limited, and/or further explained on the 'Behind the Seeds' guided walking tour. As guests are dropped off of the boat ride, now they will be welcome to go back up the escalator (which is the only way to the exit anyway) and are invited into the Harvest Theater for a 15 minute show about how the research at Epcot and The Land will impact global agriculture, climate change, biotechnology, and a variety of other topics.
Rather than guests just watching a film telling them about the climate and life on earth, two to three research cast members will be interviewed for the theater show and will be explaining throughout the film, their work at Epcot to the audience, almost like a research symposium right there in Epcot!
This to me at least, would be worth checking out at least once, as the information would be updated with new data and results coming in throughout the years. It also connects the Harvest Theater with The Land, rather than being a more separate show, and excuse for IP (which Epcot already has plenty of).
Overall, while a relatively minor change, this could help restore a bit of what Epcot was originally about - an experimental community -- and in particular The Land, which along with The Seas, are the most research heavy pavilions in Future World, so it would be nice to see it evolve and be further implemented in the parks. As a final comparison, if anyone remembers the old Maelstrom attraction in Norway, after the boat ride was finished, guests were invited to sit for a brief film on the country, to further elaborate on what they had seen. That was in the inspiration for this project as it has been done before in Epcot and hopefully could be done once more!
----
Thanks for reading and check back once again tonight for another installment as we approach the home stretch to the beginning of the 50th Anniversary celebration!
The Life Around Us at the Harvest Theater
Summer 2021
Since January 21, 1995 - The Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable, has been a 12:22 show in the Harvest Theater, including characters from The Lion King, to talk about environmental changes that were a big topic of discussion in the 90s, and still are today. This show replaced the original Symbiosis show, reusing some images but adding segments of Lion King animation to it.
Personally, this show is still beyond boring, and in the 12:22 run time, I could have looked all this info up on Google by then. Losing its sponsor of Nestle in 2009, I think by 2021 - this will be in need of a refurbishment. But for a theater only holding 428 guests at a time, what could it possibly replace that wouldn't be so over the top that it would increase the crowds too much, but also not repeat the same information of the previous incarnations.
We've come up with -- The Life Around Us -- an epilogue to the Living with the Land boat ride attraction.
Living with the Land explores the Epcot research laboratories on agricultural and harvesting, but keeps the attraction central to Epcot itself, while the exploration for its research impact globally, is limited, and/or further explained on the 'Behind the Seeds' guided walking tour. As guests are dropped off of the boat ride, now they will be welcome to go back up the escalator (which is the only way to the exit anyway) and are invited into the Harvest Theater for a 15 minute show about how the research at Epcot and The Land will impact global agriculture, climate change, biotechnology, and a variety of other topics.
Rather than guests just watching a film telling them about the climate and life on earth, two to three research cast members will be interviewed for the theater show and will be explaining throughout the film, their work at Epcot to the audience, almost like a research symposium right there in Epcot!
This to me at least, would be worth checking out at least once, as the information would be updated with new data and results coming in throughout the years. It also connects the Harvest Theater with The Land, rather than being a more separate show, and excuse for IP (which Epcot already has plenty of).
Overall, while a relatively minor change, this could help restore a bit of what Epcot was originally about - an experimental community -- and in particular The Land, which along with The Seas, are the most research heavy pavilions in Future World, so it would be nice to see it evolve and be further implemented in the parks. As a final comparison, if anyone remembers the old Maelstrom attraction in Norway, after the boat ride was finished, guests were invited to sit for a brief film on the country, to further elaborate on what they had seen. That was in the inspiration for this project as it has been done before in Epcot and hopefully could be done once more!
----
Thanks for reading and check back once again tonight for another installment as we approach the home stretch to the beginning of the 50th Anniversary celebration!
2021
Top 7 Must Sees at WDW
Fall 2021
When you arrive at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, on the TV are several info channels about Disney that for me at least are the only thing we watch throughout the trip. The WDW Today Channel, your Resort channel, the Disney Vacation Club Channel, etc, as well as the current 'Must Do Disney' channel (and thanks to @nelsonj3 and ResortTV1 - you don't have to wait for a trip to re-live these channels!)
As a slight side-track, we are a bit spoiled nowadays...as I can remember as a kid having no YouTube and replaying the Planning DVD in my DVD player to get the Disney 'fix'
Perhaps I didn't have a life as a kid? Perhaps, indeed.
Anyway -- the reason why these are being brought up is because these channels have changed over the years, as in the early to mid-2000s - rather than 'Must Do Disney' which started in 2009 and linked above, there used to be a countdown of the Top 7 Must Sees at WDW. It featured two hosts over its run, ending with Stacey and evolving into the show we see today.
But personally, I always preferred the countdown as it was fun to see in the 4-5 days we used to visit, how many attractions on the list we could hit (the max we ever hit was 6 out of 7 Must Sees...never saw La Nouba)
And with so many new additions at WDW (and Stacey now being the host for over 10+ years...the difference between the footage she filmed in the mid-2000s, and the new attractions...is becoming apparent)
So why not reboot everything with a new style of show? Going back to a countdown format, with the old attractions being the side points of interest that were also in those 30 min countdown 'Must See' videos. Since we are now in the Fall of 2021 - almost to October! The Countdown will be based around all the things you can see for the 50th, and the new additions over the last few years, similar to the old countdown format.
If at this point I were to make a list for the new show -- here's what it would be:
Top 7 Must Sees
7. Disney Springs
6. 'Triple Mountain Whammy'
Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain
5. Toy Story Land
4. Pandora: The World of Avatar
3. Ratatouille: Kitchen Calamity
2. 'Double Coaster Whammy'
Guardians of the Galaxy: Energy Quest and Tron Lightcycle Power Run
1. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
--------
In the end, I think this would be a welcome change of pace (either updating all of Stacey's scenes or simply recast) as well as changing up the dynamic to more of a build-up to what is most important to see at Walt Disney World, rather than an overview like in Must Do Disney where that isn't the same level of emotion packed behind the choices.
Let me know what you think about this! Is it worth it to change? Do you prefer the way it is currently? Comment below and as always thank you for reading -- we have now officially hit the Fall of 2021 - the 50th is upon us! There may be some variations in project posts over the next few days (as opposed to the regular schedule of 2-3 entries per day we've been keeping up) and that's because we want to make these next projects count!
Top 7 Must Sees at WDW
Fall 2021
When you arrive at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, on the TV are several info channels about Disney that for me at least are the only thing we watch throughout the trip. The WDW Today Channel, your Resort channel, the Disney Vacation Club Channel, etc, as well as the current 'Must Do Disney' channel (and thanks to @nelsonj3 and ResortTV1 - you don't have to wait for a trip to re-live these channels!
)As a slight side-track, we are a bit spoiled nowadays...as I can remember as a kid having no YouTube and replaying the Planning DVD in my DVD player to get the Disney 'fix'
Perhaps I didn't have a life as a kid? Perhaps, indeed.
Anyway -- the reason why these are being brought up is because these channels have changed over the years, as in the early to mid-2000s - rather than 'Must Do Disney' which started in 2009 and linked above, there used to be a countdown of the Top 7 Must Sees at WDW. It featured two hosts over its run, ending with Stacey and evolving into the show we see today.
But personally, I always preferred the countdown as it was fun to see in the 4-5 days we used to visit, how many attractions on the list we could hit (the max we ever hit was 6 out of 7 Must Sees...never saw La Nouba)
And with so many new additions at WDW (and Stacey now being the host for over 10+ years...the difference between the footage she filmed in the mid-2000s, and the new attractions...is becoming apparent)
So why not reboot everything with a new style of show? Going back to a countdown format, with the old attractions being the side points of interest that were also in those 30 min countdown 'Must See' videos. Since we are now in the Fall of 2021 - almost to October! The Countdown will be based around all the things you can see for the 50th, and the new additions over the last few years, similar to the old countdown format.
If at this point I were to make a list for the new show -- here's what it would be:
Top 7 Must Sees
7. Disney Springs
6. 'Triple Mountain Whammy'
Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain
5. Toy Story Land
4. Pandora: The World of Avatar
3. Ratatouille: Kitchen Calamity
2. 'Double Coaster Whammy'
Guardians of the Galaxy: Energy Quest and Tron Lightcycle Power Run
1. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
--------
In the end, I think this would be a welcome change of pace (either updating all of Stacey's scenes or simply recast) as well as changing up the dynamic to more of a build-up to what is most important to see at Walt Disney World, rather than an overview like in Must Do Disney where that isn't the same level of emotion packed behind the choices.
Let me know what you think about this! Is it worth it to change? Do you prefer the way it is currently? Comment below and as always thank you for reading -- we have now officially hit the Fall of 2021 - the 50th is upon us! There may be some variations in project posts over the next few days (as opposed to the regular schedule of 2-3 entries per day we've been keeping up) and that's because we want to make these next projects count!
2021
The 50th Anniversary Golden Dreams Celebration
Fall 2021 - Fall 2022
October 1, 2021
Walt Disney World has officially turned 50, and can now join AARP.
With the entire thread dedicated to re-building and enhancing the Walt Disney World Resort from Dec 2017 - till October 1, 2021 - the day has finally come to look back at what we've done, and look ahead for what is to come, as Disney World will never be complete. Disney has set out many projects leading up to the 50th in hopes of making the resort fresh and as populated as possible for the big anniversary. With so much added from new lands, new attractions, new resorts, transportation upgrades, new recreations and entertainment events - the resort is better than it ever has been - and the celebration is underway! While this is a celebration for all of Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts - the main focus of the event should be on the Magic Kingdom, and the Magic Kingdom Resort area, as those are the main areas are turning 50 years old. This has been illustrated by the Contemporary 'Perfect Park Acres' enhancement in late 2019 and in the mid 2010s, the Polynesian got a complete overhaul and enhancement project of its own, adding Trader Sam's, and a whole new DVC wing and bungalows. With preparation of increased parking and bus lanes in place for the Magic Kingdom having been built since the mid 2010s, the park is ready for the celebration, and to look ahead to the next 50 years and beyond.
Magic Kingdom Castle Decorations
I felt strongly enough about the topic to create a meme for this
Yes for the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World, the Castle was presented as a birthday cake. I know @Voxel just loves this....
Ok, it's not...the end of the world, however...it just looks too gaudy? Over the top? Too pink? Any of those descriptions I think could accurately portray how I feel about it. I mean, on paper, it doesn't seem like too bad of an idea, but imagine if this was your first time coming to Disney, and you wanted a picture of the castle...but instead are getting a picture of a 180+ foot tall pink birthday cake. And as if the view down Main Street didn't throw you off, the sad part was it only covered about 3/4 of the castle, so the back was left not decorated and was still the old castle facade.
For me, I like subtle decorations - stuff that reminds you a celebration is going on, but also doesn't take away from the majesty of the object you're decorating - especially when its the icon of the park celebrating its 50th anniversary. In the Golden Dreams Celebration, the castle will have a more golden appearance, and be similarly designed to when Disneyland celebrated its 50th anniversary back in 2005/2006
In addition to the castle, and lining Main Street will be golden flower baskets hung from the lamp posts with the emblem of the celebration on it, similar to what Disneyland did for its 50th celebration. In fact, many queues from the very well received Disneyland 50th celebration will be apparent in the Walt Disney World 50th Celebration as well, taking what worked into a lot of the planning considerations.
Magic Kingdom Enhancements
While many of these enhancements have been underway before the 50th begins so that the kinks are worked out, others such as the new nighttime firework show, will be arriving with the 50th Anniversary - coming soon from @MonorailRed !
1 - Tron Lightcycle Power Run: a thrilling new E-Ticket roller coaster through the world of Tron from Shanghai Disneyland
2 - The Golden Mickeys: A 50th anniversary celebration theater show with the magic and wonder of Disney storytelling
3 - Anniversary Plaza: The Hub of the 50th Anniversary Celebration outside of the Magic Kingdom entrance
4 - Transportation Enhancements: Increased number of articulated buses and Minnie Van services
5 - 1971 Tour: Guided walking tour of the Magic Kingdom as it was on opening day
6 - Main Street Spectacle of Lights: New Nighttime Parade
7 - Happily Ever After Replacement: New 50th Nighttime Fireworks Show
Around the 'World' - Additional 50th Celebrations
In regards to the rest of Walt Disney World, there won't be as much of a focus on 'gold' or any sort of decorations, other than some special events and additions at the other locations on property. Some of which, opened before the 50th began in anticipation of it, such as the renewed Walt Disney World Golf Classic, the Top 7 Must Sees for the 50th on the Resort Television, and much more.
With Epcot's 40th Anniversary picking up right when the Magic Kingdom's 50th ends, Walt Disney World will be in a cyclical 2 year span of anniversary celebrations - and Epcot's final revitalization will take place throughout 2021, opening in 2022 and 2023, so that during and at the end of its anniversary - there will be much more to see and do at the park. Nevertheless, Epcot received 3 attractions in 2021 - Guardians of the Galaxy: Energy Quest, Merida's Brave Journey, and The Life Around Us, with much more to see and do on the way!
Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019 received an expansive upgrade with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, and then in 2020 with Mary Poppins in the Park as well as the Muppets Courtyard Enhancement. They will be receiving an update to the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show to go along with the 50th Anniversary.
In 2017, Pandora: The World of Avatar opened in Disney's Animal Kingdom and in 2020, the infamous Yeti was enhanced on Expedition Everest. Yet while additions to Walt Disney World's 4th park have been quieted down as of late, expect some big announcements planned for that park to be part of the 50th anniversary - as we look again to the next 50 years of the resort.
Lastly, merchandise will be huge, with custom and exclusive 50th Anniversary pins, mickey ears, hats, clothes, as well as much more found throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Advertising will also be huge, with Disney owning ABC and ESPN - advertisements for the 50th Anniversary will be frequent on those channels as well as others to target certain demographics.
Global Disney Celebrations
Similar to Disneyland's 50th Anniversary - the celebration will span more than just Walt Disney World, with the other Disney Parks in some way celebrating along with the resort. Whether it be a new show, entertainment option, resort, attraction, or simply some decorative banners acknowledging the anniversary - it will be felt throughout the Disney Parks around the world.
--------
With the next few portions of the project, we will focus our attention on the new parades and fireworks shows at the Magic Kingdom, and then look ahead to 2022 and beyond, as the 50th anniversary continues with new project announcements , and Epcot prepares for its 40th anniversary spectacular. Lots of things to be excited for!
Thank you all for reading once again - and check back tonight for some more! See you soon!
The 50th Anniversary Golden Dreams Celebration
Fall 2021 - Fall 2022
October 1, 2021
Walt Disney World has officially turned 50, and can now join AARP.
With the entire thread dedicated to re-building and enhancing the Walt Disney World Resort from Dec 2017 - till October 1, 2021 - the day has finally come to look back at what we've done, and look ahead for what is to come, as Disney World will never be complete. Disney has set out many projects leading up to the 50th in hopes of making the resort fresh and as populated as possible for the big anniversary. With so much added from new lands, new attractions, new resorts, transportation upgrades, new recreations and entertainment events - the resort is better than it ever has been - and the celebration is underway! While this is a celebration for all of Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts - the main focus of the event should be on the Magic Kingdom, and the Magic Kingdom Resort area, as those are the main areas are turning 50 years old. This has been illustrated by the Contemporary 'Perfect Park Acres' enhancement in late 2019 and in the mid 2010s, the Polynesian got a complete overhaul and enhancement project of its own, adding Trader Sam's, and a whole new DVC wing and bungalows. With preparation of increased parking and bus lanes in place for the Magic Kingdom having been built since the mid 2010s, the park is ready for the celebration, and to look ahead to the next 50 years and beyond.
Magic Kingdom Castle Decorations
I felt strongly enough about the topic to create a meme for this
Yes for the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World, the Castle was presented as a birthday cake. I know @Voxel just loves this....
Ok, it's not...the end of the world, however...it just looks too gaudy? Over the top? Too pink? Any of those descriptions I think could accurately portray how I feel about it. I mean, on paper, it doesn't seem like too bad of an idea, but imagine if this was your first time coming to Disney, and you wanted a picture of the castle...but instead are getting a picture of a 180+ foot tall pink birthday cake. And as if the view down Main Street didn't throw you off, the sad part was it only covered about 3/4 of the castle, so the back was left not decorated and was still the old castle facade.
For me, I like subtle decorations - stuff that reminds you a celebration is going on, but also doesn't take away from the majesty of the object you're decorating - especially when its the icon of the park celebrating its 50th anniversary. In the Golden Dreams Celebration, the castle will have a more golden appearance, and be similarly designed to when Disneyland celebrated its 50th anniversary back in 2005/2006
In addition to the castle, and lining Main Street will be golden flower baskets hung from the lamp posts with the emblem of the celebration on it, similar to what Disneyland did for its 50th celebration. In fact, many queues from the very well received Disneyland 50th celebration will be apparent in the Walt Disney World 50th Celebration as well, taking what worked into a lot of the planning considerations.
Magic Kingdom Enhancements
While many of these enhancements have been underway before the 50th begins so that the kinks are worked out, others such as the new nighttime firework show, will be arriving with the 50th Anniversary - coming soon from @MonorailRed !
1 - Tron Lightcycle Power Run: a thrilling new E-Ticket roller coaster through the world of Tron from Shanghai Disneyland
2 - The Golden Mickeys: A 50th anniversary celebration theater show with the magic and wonder of Disney storytelling
3 - Anniversary Plaza: The Hub of the 50th Anniversary Celebration outside of the Magic Kingdom entrance
4 - Transportation Enhancements: Increased number of articulated buses and Minnie Van services
5 - 1971 Tour: Guided walking tour of the Magic Kingdom as it was on opening day
6 - Main Street Spectacle of Lights: New Nighttime Parade
7 - Happily Ever After Replacement: New 50th Nighttime Fireworks Show
Around the 'World' - Additional 50th Celebrations
In regards to the rest of Walt Disney World, there won't be as much of a focus on 'gold' or any sort of decorations, other than some special events and additions at the other locations on property. Some of which, opened before the 50th began in anticipation of it, such as the renewed Walt Disney World Golf Classic, the Top 7 Must Sees for the 50th on the Resort Television, and much more.
With Epcot's 40th Anniversary picking up right when the Magic Kingdom's 50th ends, Walt Disney World will be in a cyclical 2 year span of anniversary celebrations - and Epcot's final revitalization will take place throughout 2021, opening in 2022 and 2023, so that during and at the end of its anniversary - there will be much more to see and do at the park. Nevertheless, Epcot received 3 attractions in 2021 - Guardians of the Galaxy: Energy Quest, Merida's Brave Journey, and The Life Around Us, with much more to see and do on the way!
Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019 received an expansive upgrade with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, and then in 2020 with Mary Poppins in the Park as well as the Muppets Courtyard Enhancement. They will be receiving an update to the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show to go along with the 50th Anniversary.
In 2017, Pandora: The World of Avatar opened in Disney's Animal Kingdom and in 2020, the infamous Yeti was enhanced on Expedition Everest. Yet while additions to Walt Disney World's 4th park have been quieted down as of late, expect some big announcements planned for that park to be part of the 50th anniversary - as we look again to the next 50 years of the resort.
Lastly, merchandise will be huge, with custom and exclusive 50th Anniversary pins, mickey ears, hats, clothes, as well as much more found throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Advertising will also be huge, with Disney owning ABC and ESPN - advertisements for the 50th Anniversary will be frequent on those channels as well as others to target certain demographics.
Global Disney Celebrations
Similar to Disneyland's 50th Anniversary - the celebration will span more than just Walt Disney World, with the other Disney Parks in some way celebrating along with the resort. Whether it be a new show, entertainment option, resort, attraction, or simply some decorative banners acknowledging the anniversary - it will be felt throughout the Disney Parks around the world.
--------
With the next few portions of the project, we will focus our attention on the new parades and fireworks shows at the Magic Kingdom, and then look ahead to 2022 and beyond, as the 50th anniversary continues with new project announcements , and Epcot prepares for its 40th anniversary spectacular. Lots of things to be excited for!
Thank you all for reading once again - and check back tonight for some more! See you soon!
AceAstro
Well-Known Member
I can never turn down a nighttime parade!! I am excited to hear more about this!!
Awesome! You won't have to wait long because it's the next project entry