Year Five - The Department of Mysteries
In the Department of Mysteries, there are hundreds to thousands of prophecies that attempt to predict the future. For this fun tie-in, optional challenge, one member from each House can make a prediction on behalf of their House about a future expansion at a Disney theme park.
Something that hasn't been announced that you predict will be in the near future. You only need a sentence or two for this, nothing more. And since it's just something small, you'll get 5 House Points for submitting.
Your prophecies will be due to the Department of Mysteries by tomorrow at 11:59 PM EST. Enjoy!
Thanks for submitting!
Good Morning everyone!
Pleased to welcome another member to The House Cup, @DarthMileZ - who will be joining us for the remainder of the competition!
@MonorailRed will sort you into into a team and you can begin, welcome and thank you!
It can be on anything you want; Disney, Universal, Sea World, parks, resorts, everything is on the table!
Am I allowed to pick something that was created in a team that I was on, or just individual?Year Five - Snape's Best Memory
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, memories play a large role in the story, and Professor Snape attempts to instruct Harry pn how to keep his memories and his mind safe from Voldemort.
We are going to take a brighter spin on this in The House Cup. As an option for all Houses, a member from each House can select one favorite imagineering project they wrote from the past on wdwmagic, and write a couple of sentences about why they like it, what their inspiration was behind it, and so on. It can be from a prior competition, or just your own thread.
You'll get 5 points towards your House for posting your past project and writing the brief commentary on it.
That's it! Just a way to reminiscence with old memories of some of the best projects on the forums!
This will also be due on Monday June 13th at 11:59 PM EST! (and is optional)
Enjoy!
Absolutely! Just anything you were involved in and why you like it!
Oh, I have the perfect one. @IDInstitute, @Sam4D23, @Zweiland and @Robert ButnarasuAbsolutely! Just anything you were involved in and why you like it!
Challenge 1- Ye Come Seekin' Adventure and Salty Ol' Pirates, eh? Or the Lost Ark?Team Land's submission: Tintin's New Adventures!
OVERVIEW
As shown by the title of our entry, we have decided to base our mini-land off of the comic books The Adventures of Tintin. There were three big reasons why we thought that this would be a great idea for our project. First of all, this comic has high popularity in much of Europe, meaning many guests would dream of experiencing something like what we have created. Also, Disney is all about nostalgia, and what better way to create that than to let people relive a fond memory of their childhood reading about Tintin, making up their own stories, and playing in the backyard? Finally, "adventure" is simply in the title! The incredible journeys that Tintin provides are perfect for a land themed to adventure!
Because of these reasons, we think that Tintin is a great way to make an expansion to Adventureland. However, we didn't just use one of his old stories from a comic, we created a brand new adventure that guests can experience for the first time.
For this new story, Tintin decides to travel to a small village in India to report on the strange happenings inside a nearby cave and in a Hindu temple.
Therefore, to tell this new story we have recreated an Indian village, complete with streets filled with kiosks that have different merchants selling a variety of items. This area is designed with many traditional colors and Indian designs. The restaurant and shop are also located here. In this part of the land you may be lucky enough to catch
Tintin as a character roaming around, too! There is lots of stonework and greenery as well, and as you continue down the streets the area transitions from a village into a jungle. You turn a corner, and it leads to a beautiful waterfall and shrine to the god of fresh water, Apam Napat.
For a basic layout of the land, here is a picture. The small squares are the kiosks and that area is the village, the building close to the lagoon is the restaurant, the other tan building is the shop, the grey building is the ride show building, and the short grey building is part of the facade.
RIDE- The Adventures of Tintin: Escape from the Enchanted Cavern!
The Adventures of Tintin: Escape from the Enchanted Cavernis the headliner ride in our Adventureland expansion. We wanted to create something amazing, and wanted to do something with water, but we had to take into account Paris’s cold winters and included heaters and warm fans at the end. We also had to take into account the Indiana Jones coaster, so we made sure to theme the roof of the showbuilding a bit and block the showbuilding's view from the top of the lift hill on Indy, as not to ruin the effect. It is a combination dark ride/rollercoaster with water elements. In this groundbreaking ride, you travel with Tintin and Snowy on their latest adventure exploring the natural beauty and mythology of India.
QUEUE
The queue begins at the edge of the village, in the same temple facade that houses the shop Apam Napat's Ancient Treasures. From there, the queue exits the village and winds through the dense Indian jungle.
Throughout the queue are references to the Tintin comic books. These include:
Presently, you step into a clearing and are treated to a view of a mountain with a beautiful waterfall.
- An animatronic parrot that on occasion exclaims, "GRRREAT GREEDY-GUTS!" (from The Broken Ear)
- An explorer's camp in the distance with a Bianca Castafiore record playing (from various books)
- An animatronic gorilla (from The Black Island)
- A symbol of the opium smugglers gang of Kih-Oskh painted on a tree (from Cigars of the Pharaoh/The Blue Lotus)
The queue then leads inside the mountain, into an archaeology camp which doubles as the preshow area. An old TV flickers on, showing a colonial British news channel.
PRESHOW
NEWSCASTER: This just in! The Jharanā cavern in North India, famous for strange happenings which are rumored to have been caused by Hindu gods, has mysteriously flooded overnight! Locals believe that the flood, caused by a raging river where none existed before, was caused by the anger of Apam Napat, the Hindu god of fresh water. It is uncertain as to why he was angry, but the locals speculate that it may have something to do with the boy reporter Tintin, who was investigating strange happenings inside the cave. Tintin is currently missing in action, presumably trapped in the Jharanā cavern and unable to exit because of the water. Next up--new information on the recent Normandy Beach invasion!
The TV suddenly cuts out. As the queue progresses through the cavern, the rock walls get higher and the sounds of dripping water can be heard all around. Mist is sprayed into certain parts of the cave, to add to the effect. As you move into the loading area, you can hear the sound of a raging river in the distance.
RIDE
The ride vehicles have the appearance of old mine carts.
The cart slowly starts down the track and enters a large, dark hole in the wall. The noise of the raging river grows even louder. Eventually, you come to the river itself. Tintin and Snowy animatronics are trapped on the other side.
TINTIN: Crumbs, Snowy! The water has us trapped in this cavern! We'll never get out!
All of a sudden, the river rises and Tintin and Snowy are swept under (In reality, the platform on which they are standing lowers. The animatronics are made to be waterproof). You have no choice but to follow them, as your ride vehicle is swept up by the water as well (the ride track is slightly below the water, so it appears that the ride vehicle is floating down the river. However, it is not really flowing like how it feels, instead the vehicles are equipped with motion simulation at the base). The mine cart floats down the rapids at a brisk pace. In this scene, you get a bit wet from the rapidly moving water and movement of the vehicles.
You see two more Tintin and Snowy animatronics, barely hanging on to the rock face. They are about to go over a waterfall.
TINTIN: Great snakes, we're going over!
The mine cart goes over the waterfall, hitting the lake below with a large “splash”(water tubes shoot water into the air). Suddenly the mine carts exit the river. You move into another room, where it is completely dark. The sound of dripping water grows louder. A single corolla of light appears and gets brighter until you can distinguish that it is a golden throne. A figure appears on the throne (using a Pepper's Ghost effect). It is Apam Napat, the Hindu god of fresh water.
A loud voice disturbs the silence.
APAM NAPAT: I created you. I made your life easier. I let your eyes feast on beautiful wonders, and now you are disturbing my peace and trying to steal my jewels, the only things that I possess. I gave you everything and is still not enough for you!
A scene of Tintin and Snowy is projected on a screen of mist in front of you.
TINTIN: I’m sorry, but I have no idea what are you talking about. I came here to see why all of these strange things are happening, nothing more.
APAM NAPAT: Nothing more? Then suffer the consequences of disturbing the god of water.You feel a splash of mist, and the ride vehicle is blasted backwards into a rollercoaster filled with different splashes and water effects. Geysers lift you into the air, one after another. You see Tintin next to you through the water, shouting for Apam Napat to stop.
APAM NAPAT (voice booming through the cave): Why should I stop?
TINTIN: I am only here to discover the truth! I'm not the one who disturbed you!
The ride vehicles plummet down one last drop, still backwards, and land with a giant splash. You land next to a giant animatronic of Apam Napat,and your vehicle rotates to face the animatronic. Standing next to him are Tintin and Snowy.
APAM NAPAT: If you're not the one who disturbed me, then who stole my jewels?
TINTIN: I don't know! I've been trying--
At that moment, sunlight emerges through a hole in the cavern, and you have a clear view of two cave robbers who hold Apam Napat's jewels in their hands. Evidently, they are the ones who actually disturbed the god. They sheepishly stare back at you. Tintin pulls a gun on them and tells them to drop their weapons, which they do. Your ride vehicle moves into the next scene, which shows Tintin tying the robbers up with a rope so they cannot move. Apam Napat turns and speaks to Tintin:
APAM NAPAT: My apologies on everything I put you under, as you were wrongly accused. Please, I allow you to take the forbidden path through the cave of jewels, and take all that you desire. Bring it to the village for the residents to celebrate the end of this troubling time.
You move into the next scene, which is a vast cavern filled to the brim with golden jewels. Tintin is seen gathering as many jewels as he can.
Finally, you arrive in a scene showing an Indian village, where the locals are celebrating Tintin's return with a parade. Thompson and Thomson, the two bumbling detectives from the Tintin books, arrest the robbers. From atop the float, Tintin looks at Snowy.
TINTIN: All's well that ends well, right Snowy?
SNOWY: Arf! Arf!
The ride vehicles move into the unloading area, with a golden statue of Apam Napat. There is a dryer for guests to dry off in the cold Paris winters if they got too wet. The area leads to the gift shop, Apam Napat's Ancient Treasures.
SHOP- Apam Napat’s Ancient Treasures
Apam Napat's Ancient Treasures is the shop that our team created to go in our Tintin mini-land expansion. The facade of this shop, designed long ago by ancient settlers in this part of India to cherish the gods, is made to look like a bit of a smaller version of this temple below. While it may not be directly part of the main attraction, because of its design it is still a beautiful piece of artwork and a major draw to guests.
There are two ways to enter this shop. First, this shop is where you come directly after you exit the ride. You will continue through a cave until you reach the stone showing you have entered the shrine to Apam Napat (the shop). In this first room you will also be given the option on whether or not you would like to purchase you on ride photo. From here, you can enter the main part of the shop. However, this is not just some small little souvenir shack for after you exit the ride. From the outside area in this mini-land, you will be able to also experience walking through this temple and be able to get your gifts even if you don't ride, or if you decide later you want to pick something up after all. Now, for the merchandise, there will be plenty of ride souvenirs ranging from pins to shirts to magnets to miniature figurines. There will also be DLP logo items and overall park gifts, like there are in most to all shops in the parks. However, it will include Tintin and the Indian themeing giving a bit of a twist to that merchandise, making it pretty hard to find anywhere else. In addition to that, you will find Tintin books, pins, and other classic gifts for the Tintin fan, and neat, non-branded Indian style decor for your house, such as picture frames, lamps, pencil holders, instruments, blankets, and vases.
Another big aspect-the overall theming of the shop. Above you can see what the outside is like, however the inside is rather different, using ancient Indian colors and designs to decorate the floors, walls, shelves, and counters.
Also, we will have hidden heaters in the shop(as well as restaurant) in the winter, as it will keep guests comfortable and want to stay in the shop. After all, we want to make some money with this land!And lastly, for those who love Tintin and love to see what easter eggs and hidden treasures Disney always loves to hide all around, in this shop, much like the restaurant, there will be planty of Tintin references. So keep you eyes peeled, and enjoy all of your quality merchandise and gifts you will find here and only find here at Apam Napat's Ancient Treasures!
RESTAURANT- Jharanā Mahal
The area's restaurant, Jharanā Mahal, is a buffet offering traditional Indian cuisine. The food is mainly North Indian, but there are South Indian elements as well. The restaurant's facade and interior design draw on the architectural style of traditional Indian buildings.
The restaurant's buffet is completely made up of Indian food, but if that does not appeal to a guest, they can ask for a separate menu comprised of European dishes.
Like in the shop, there will be Tintin references and "easter eggs" throughout the restaurant to tie it in to the land's theme.
Here is a list of sample items from the buffet. The food will not always be the same, however-- any day the chefs might decide to "change it up" and offer a different type of chicken, for example.
SIDES
RICE
- Naan- Oven baked flat bread
- Samosa- Savory pastry filled with potatoes, peas, and lentils
- Onion Pakora- deep fried onion fritters
- Chola Tikki- Small round patties made with chickpeas
CHICKEN
- Basmati Rice- Indian white rice
- Vegetable Biryani Rice- Seasoned rice with mixed vegetables
OTHER MEATS
- Tandoori Chicken- Roasted chicken prepared with yogurt and spices
- Chicken Tikka Masala- Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices; served in a tomato cream sauce
- Chicken Curry- Spiced chicken simmered in a coconut milk-based sauce
VEGETARIAN
- Rogan Josh- Curried lamb in a tomato-based sauce
- Pork Vindaloo- Spicy pork dish originating in Portugal
DESSERT
- Aloo Gobi- Potatoes, cauliflower, and Indian spices
- Palak Paneer- Cheese chunks in a thick spinach sauce
- Chana masala- Chickpeas simmered with onion and spices
- Dal- Soup-like dish made of split lentils
- Malai Kofta- Potato and cheese balls in a creamy sauce
- Salad- Build your own salad with lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of dressings
- Gulab Jamun- Spongy milk dumplings soaked in syrup
- Mango Pudding- Cold, creamy pudding garnished with fruit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Kheer- Rice pudding flavoured with pistachios
And that is all, we hope you liked our presentation on this entry for challenge 1 that all of us Team Land members worked so hard to create! Thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoyed it!
Awesome! I was hoping you'd go for thatLadies and Gentlemen, I give you Tintin's New Adventures: the project that practically broke the forums!
This groundbreaking attraction/mini-land was created as part of Challenge One: Ye Come Seekin' Adventure and Salty Ol' Pirates, eh? Or the Lost Ark? of The Sorcerer's Apprentice Season 2: International Edition by Team Land on July 13th, 2014! Our task was to fill in the gap between Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones in Disneyland Paris' Adventureland, so we decided to pick one of France's most recognizable IPs: Tintin.
The mini-land took guests through a village and a temple and the attraction itself used a groundbreaking ride system to tell its story.
One of the reasons why I loved this attraction is because of the IP. We tried to think out of the box for this attraction by choosing an IP not known to well in the states. In addition, we tried to incorporate Indian and Hindu culture into the attraction and blend it into the IP and I think we succeeded with that!
Also, credit goes to @Zweiland, @IDInstitute, @Sam4D23 and @Robert Butnarasu along with myself. But man, what a throwback this was for me.
Also, in case anyone doesn't know why it practically broke the forums, there was a huge ordeal about whether the IP was valid because Disney didn't have the rights to it. But that's not important anymore, haha.Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Tintin's New Adventures: the project that practically broke the forums!
This groundbreaking attraction/mini-land was created as part of Challenge One: Ye Come Seekin' Adventure and Salty Ol' Pirates, eh? Or the Lost Ark? of The Sorcerer's Apprentice Season 2: International Edition by Team Land on July 13th, 2014! Our task was to fill in the gap between Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones in Disneyland Paris' Adventureland, so we decided to pick one of France's most recognizable IPs: Tintin.
The mini-land took guests through a village and a temple and the attraction itself used a groundbreaking ride system to tell its story.
One of the reasons why I loved this attraction is because of the IP. We tried to think out of the box for this attraction by choosing an IP not known to well in the states. In addition, we tried to incorporate Indian and Hindu culture into the attraction and blend it into the IP and I think we succeeded with that!
Also, credit goes to @Zweiland, @IDInstitute, @Sam4D23 and @Robert Butnarasu along with myself. But man, what a throwback this was for me.
Year Five - Snape's Best Memory
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, memories play a large role in the story, and Professor Snape attempts to instruct Harry pn how to keep his memories and his mind safe from Voldemort.
We are going to take a brighter spin on this in The House Cup. As an option for all Houses, a member from each House can select one favorite imagineering project they wrote from the past on wdwmagic, and write a couple of sentences about why they like it, what their inspiration was behind it, and so on. It can be from a prior competition, or just your own thread.
You'll get 5 points towards your House for posting your past project and writing the brief commentary on it.
That's it! Just a way to reminiscence with old memories of some of the best projects on the forums!
This will also be due on Monday June 13th at 11:59 PM EST! (and is optional)
Enjoy!
Elite Eight Finale
We Go On: A Revived World Showcase by @MonorailRed
For this challenge we were tasked with filling in the 8 World Showcase Pavilion Spaces left in the area. Although I could have chosen more then eight pavilions, I wanted to keep it classic thematically to work with today’s World Showcase by choosing eight pavilion from countries Around the World : Greece, Ireland, Honduras, Jordan, India, South Africa, Australia, and Thailand.
I also wanted to bring the World Showcase into the 21st century by adding new elaborate 360 movies, cuisine and attractions. The attraction choices were created to mesh well with the Frozen Pavilion, by adding characters to the showcase, but also classic world-showcase-like attractions, such as Ireland’s Eachtraíochta.
Most Importantly, I choose to move countries in real life to different areas of the pavilion, so each pavilion would stand out more boldly and they wouldn’t “bleed into” each other as much. I also chose the same direction with the architecture, I choose to have a new pavilion experience around every corner. For example, Ireland and UK are split, as is Honduras and Mexico Pavilions. The architecture of Thailand and Mexico could “bleed into each other, so they are split as well. The only one’s close to each other with colonization history is Australia and England.
Greece
The surroundings of the Greece Pavilion are lush and green, with a Ancient Grecian Feel. The center of the Pavilion features a smaller Replica of the Parthenon. Inside the Parthenon is an eatery called The Olive Tree. The Olive Tree Storyline is based on the Legend that Athena, Greek Goddess of Wisdom, gave the Greeks the olive tree, which is the centerpiece of the restaurant. The Olive Tree serves Quick Service during the day, and Table Service during the evening (Similar to Be Our Guest). During lunch, statues inside the restaurant stand in stone while at night, they come to life for table service meals.
The Olive Tree – QS/TS
Vegetarian Moussaka – $10.25
Griddled Greek Cheese – with Pistachios and Honey- $12.75
Build Your Own Gyro – $12.00
- Pick Your Bread: Wheat or White Pita Bread
- Pick Your Meat - Chicken, Lamb or Beef
- Pick Your Toppings: Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber, Bacon, Green Onions, Olives, Red Onions.
- Served with Tzatziki Sauce and Feta Cheese
Spanakopita – Savory Spinach and Cheese Pastry - $6.00
Greek Salad w/ Pita Bread – $7.25
Karydopita - Walnut and Coffee Cake– $4.50
Dannon Oikos: Blueberry, Key Lime, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Honey. - $3.25
Dinner Menu for The Olive Tree at the discretion of Olive Tree's new head chef and Epcot's head chef.
Surrounding the Greece Pavilion are small “houses” on a mountain, resembling the architecture of small Greek Islands such as Santorini, Ios, and Naxos. This is where you can find small shops, a Kidcot Fun Stop, MyMagic+ Kiosks, and an Adventures By Disney kiosk that shows the wonders of Disney’s Greece Vacations. Along these shops is Dionysus’ Wine Room, which features a space to try Greek Wines and unwind.
Dionysus’ Wine Room
Domaine Skouras Moscofilero – $3.50
Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko Athiri - $3.50
Domaine Skouras St. George - $3.25
Alpha Estate Axa Syrah Xinomavro - $4.25
Tzatziki Martini – featuring Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka aand BOLS Natural Yogurt Liquer – $7.75
Creta Olympias Xerolithia – $4.25
Tsantalis Rapsani – $3.00
Behind The Olive Tree is the E-Ticket Mythos: The Tale of Greece.
This attraction takes guests on wild telling of Grecian Myths and heroes by the Muses from the Hercules movie. And yes, a spectacular Hercules scene does take place in the attraction. This zany ride is a Fastpass+ attraction - reserve your adventure today!
Ireland
The Ireland Pavilion is a energetic destination in the World Showcase with an adventure around every corner! The Ireland Pavilion takes it architecture and surroundings straight from Dublin, Ireland itself, by taking the appearance of a bustling town!
Grab a bite over at The Cork Café Presented by Bewley, a quick service/snack credit restaurant. Drink an Irish Coffee or a “Brownie” Milkshake with assored pastries and small sandwiches.
The Cork Café Presented by Bewley’s Tea
Warm Chocolate Pudding – $3.50
Kerrygold Cheese Selection -5.99
Assorted Muffins - Blueberry, Strawberry, Banana Nut, Chocolate Chip, Seasonal $2.99
Assorted Danish - $2.99
Assorted Irish Pastries - $2.99
Freshly Baked Scones - Served with Devonshire Cream and Preserves. - $3.50
Plate of Assorted Tea Sandwiches - traditional tea sandwich plate -- five assorted tea sandwiches on fresh, house-made breads. - $10.00
Beverages
Coffee - regular or decaf - Flavored Syrup add $.50 - $1.99
Cappuccino / Cafe Latte - $3.39
Single Espresso - $2.99
Double Espresso - $3.99
Mochaccino / Mocha Latte - $3.99
Milk Steamer - $3.39
Hot Chocolate - $1.99
Bewley’s Hot Tea Featuring Irish Breakfast Tea – $1.99
Iced Cappuccino / Iced Latte - $3.39
Iced Mochaccino / Iced Mocha Latte - $3.99
Goofy's Glaciers $3.99 - With Souvenir Cup $7.99
Bottled Water - $2.50
Coke Products - $2.59
Milk - $1.69
Powerade - $3.49
Chocolate Milk - $2.39
Brownie Milkshake - $4.95 With Souvenir Cup $7.99
Alcoholic Beverages
Irish Coffee – $5.99
Guinness – $4.99
The Pavilion itself will feature an exceptional Irish Stepdance act. Check your times guide for times and more information.
Explore the Shops of the Pavilion that feature Hand crafted specialties and goods, like pottery, wood carved items, and jewelry. Also visit the gift shops of the pavilion that feature classic Epcot merchandise, a Kidcot Fun Stop, as well as Irish-themed and Eachtraíochta Merchandise.
Eachtraíochta is a new D-Ticket that explores the massive folklore and history of Ireland. Go on a quest to search for brownies and leprechauns, but beware the Dullahan, one of the most feared beings in Irish folklore!
Honduras
The exotic Honduras Pavilion is waiting for you! Go through the immersive the city streets that resemble towns of the beautiful country. Explore the small shops that feature Honduras Pavilion and EPCOT Merchandise.
Grab a snack at the Pico Bonito Fruit Market, whichresembles classic fruit stands of Honduras, while being similar to it’s sister stand, the Harambe Fruit Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Pico Bonito Fruit Market
Notes:
Fresh items vary depending on availability
Snacks
Apples and Caramel - cut up apples with caramel dipping sauce - $3.49/DDP Snack Item
Mixed Fruit Cup - $3.59/DDP Snack Item
Orange - $1.49/DDP Snack Item
Apple Fresh waxed apple - $1.49/DDP Snack Item
Banana - $1.49 /DDP Snack Item
Carrots and Celery Sticks - $3.69 DDP Snack Item
Mickey Pretzel - $4.29/DDP Snack Item
Jalapeno Cheese Stuffed Pretzel - $4.49/DDP Snack Item
Assorted Chips - $2.79/DDP Snack Item
Fruit and Cheese - $5.49
Pineapple Spears- $3.29/DDP Snack Item
Watermelon - Cut up watermelon - $2.29/ DDP Snack Item
Ocean Spray Craisins - Large - Large Bag - $3.69/DDP Snack Item
Ocean Spray Craisins - Small bag - $1.99/ DDP Snack Item
Beverages
Apple Juice - $2.59/DDP Snack Item
Dasani Bottled Water - $2.50/ DDP Snack Item
Powerade - $3.49/DDP Snack Item
Simply Orange Orange Juice - $3.49/DDP Snack Item
Smartwater - $4.00/ DDP Snack Item
Vitamin Water - $3.29/DDP Snack Item
Bottled Water - $2.50/ DDP Snack Item
Experience the exotic trails of the Honduras’ National Forests in the Tegucigalpa Trails. The forest features lush plant life, audio-animatronic animals, a cave featuring a Mayan Temple and a Forest Challenge Trail similar to the Grizzly Peak Challenge Trail at Disney’s California Adventure. The Trail is in the back of the Pavillion, giving the forest an effect of being more immersive.
Jordan
Enter the rich Country of Jordan! With no political ties to Middle Eastern tensions, rating as one of the top 5 safest countries to visit in the Middle East, and it’s beautiful history and landscape, Jordan is an obvious choice to add to the World showcase pavilion.
Looking across the Lagoon, Salt has accumulated on rocks from the Dead Sea. You walk up as you enter the City Streets, with structures that resemble famous structures in the country. Eat at the Wadi Rum Restaurant, a Table Service thatserves traditional Jordanian food single and family style.
Wadi Rum Resturant
Appetizers
Hummus with Bedouin or Pita bread – $4.99
Falafel - Delightful little balls of fried chickpea flour and the best of Middle Eastern spice. Eat them on their own, dip them in mezze sauces. – $7.99
Fattoush - Chopped vegetable salad (e.g., tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, etc.) tossed with pieces of dry or fried flatbread and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice and sumac. – $7.99
Zetun - Olive salad cut with carrots, green pepper, chili, and olive oil. – $4.99
Manakesh - topped with and an olive oil and za’atar blend.
Main Dishes
Mansaf – Family Size (4-6) - Grilled lamb Seasoned with herbs and spices the Lamb is cooked with onion in yogurt and served on heaps of rice with a bed of Bedouin bread. – $39.99
Zarb – Family Size (4-6) - Consists of lamb or chicken, herbs and vegetables, which have been cooked in an oven with hot coals. – $39.99
Suniyat Dijaj – Spice covered chicken baked with potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. – 19.99
Lamb Plate - Seasoned with herbs and spices the Lamb is cooked with onion in yogurt and served on a bed of rice– 19.99
Manakesh - Flatbread dough usually topped with spices, cheese, and ground meat. – 10.99
Desserts
Knafeh - A decadent dessert made from a gooey, white cheese base with semolina bits baked on top and covered in sweet syrup. – 4.99
Harisa - A semolina- or farina-based cake soaked in sweet syrup.- 3.99
Assorted Oriental Sweets - Baklawa, Asabea, Mabrumeh, Asabea with Cashew, Ush Bulbul, Asabea, Burma. – 6.99
Beverages
Assorted Hot Teas - $1.99
Chocolate Milk - $2.39
Coke Products - $2.59
Arabic Coffee – $3.99
Turkish-style Coffee – $3.99
Lime-Mint juice – $2.99
Coffee - regular or decaf - $1.99
Offering a cup of coffee to someone and having it accepted it shows mutual goodwill. Even if you aren't a coffee fan, try to accept at least one cup if you are offered it..
Jordan’s Omar Zumot's St George’s Wines - $12.99-29.99
Jordan also features traditional dance and musical acts that are featured throughout the day on the streets of the town. Check your Showtimes guide or your MyMagic+ app for more information!
Enter through the majestic desert mountains in the back of the town to experience the City of Petra. Outside the City of Petra, are small climbing rocks for children to climb and a Duffy Kiosk to discover as the adults relax nearby on chairs.
Inside the City of Petra Building is a beautiful movie called The Wonders of Jordan Filmed in HD and shown upon custom tall video screens, this beautiful movie makes you experience Jordan in a new way, with smells, water and other interactive elements piped in during the video.
India
The exterior of the India Pavilion is absolutely beautiful, With a smaller Replica of the Tajma Hall and a reflection pool dropping into a waterfall into the World Showcase Lagoon. A small MyMagic+ Kiosk right outside the structure can also be found excellently themed.
The Taj Mahal serves as an entrance to the Pavilion. Experience the Marvels of India Movie inside, as a prequel to the Dubai Streets on the other side of the Tajma Hall. The Movie is interactive with the interior o the Structure, with custom screens. You Can Also skip the movie through a pathway where guests exit the pavilion.
Inside the Pavilion features small shops that feature gifts and curios from India. The exterior resembles the streets of Dubai. Entertainment will also be shown on the streets, check your times guide for more information.
Inside one of the Streets will be the The Grand Bombay Restaurant. Similar to the Buffet at Disneyland Paris, this Restaurant will feature city street-like seating Breakfast and Dinner options will feature character meals with Characters from the Jungle Book and Aladdin. The Menu centers around classic tandoori dishes and other delicious items depending on the chef.
Inside the Bombay theatre will be a 45 minute musical spectacular rendition of The Jungle Book. This musical will feature a half jazz and Indian instrument score. The costumes and the play will be on the same wavelength as Broadway’s The Lion King and Animal Kingdom’s Finding Nemo: The Musical. This show will attract massive crowds while being a favorite for families alike in the World Showcase.
South Africa
Welcome to South Africa! Where the exploration of the Pavilion is always waiting for you!
The buildings of the South Africa Pavilion reflect the architecture of Old Capetown is such a stunning, realistic way. Immerse yourself in the Cultural Shops selling South African Goods and Pavilion themed gifts. Discover the wonder of having a real South African Adventure with Adventures by Disney at their booth near the back of the pavilion.
Grab a bite at Capetown Cafe where you can try traditional cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
Capetown Cafe - Quick Service
(Main)
-piri-Piri chicken......$5.99
-tomato stew...........$4.99
-chakalaka(spicy vegetable soup)......$5.99
(Appetizers)
-koeksisters.........$3.99
-cinnamon crepes.....$3.99
(Desserts)
-malva pudding......$2.99
-milk tart cake........$1.99
At the far back of the Pavilion is a new, interactive ay to explore South Africa’s culture and history: Ziplining! The South African Race let’s guests go through a small Zipline Indoor/Outdoor themed Zipline only Disney Could Provide! Walking paths through the attraction are available. Video Screens, Audio Animatronics, and other Lighting effects bring this story of South Africa to life.
Australia
Goodday Mates, and Welcome to The Australia Pavilion! This pavilion’s design mixes the wonder of Australia’s wondrous cities with its wild Outback.
The “town” sections exterior matches city structures of Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Here guests can explore gift shops, a themed MyMagic+ Kiosk, and an Adventures by Disney: Australia booth.
During the Night a Dance Party will take place for families to have some fun when the sun sets at Epcot! A Live DJ will mix music with projections and lasers, check your times guide for more information.
A structure near the back of the “town” will be themed to Flinders Street Station (From Melbourne), when going inside, it “Transports” guest to the wild and mysterious Outback of Australia. This part of the Pavilion Features many interactive crafts and events for guests to enjoy. The Outback sections will also feature a quick service restaurant.
A music group playing on didgeridoos will be featured as entertainment in this area. Check your time guide for more information.
A Kidcot Fun Stop is attached to an Anangu traditional Crafts station for guests to try their hand at creative arts! For guests who lack Picasso skills, there are also artistic goods for sale as well.
Across the way from the Australian town is a smaller replica of the Sydney Opera House, where the one of a kind, Visions of Australia, experience takes place. Guests will sit in a theatre where giant 360 HD Circle Screens will Transport guests across Australia, all while a live orchestra plays a music suite in front of them. This experience takes places various times daily. Check your rime guide for more information.
Thailand
The Thailand Pavilion will bring an exotic change of landscape for in between Canada and England. You first come across small huts that feature small shops that feature goods from Thailand and items from the Thailand Pavilion. A Kidcot Fun Stop is found within one of the small huts along the world showcase lagoon.
Past the huts and the amazing rockwork that replicates rocks from famous Thailand beaches, guests come across a temple with the two heavy hitters of the pavilion. Outside on the second floor of the temple is The Temple Restaurant, which looks over the entire world showcase lagoon.
The Temple Restaurant - Quick Service
-moo ping.......$5.99
-mango sticky rice.....$4.99
-green papaya salad...$4.99
-Tom yum soup.........$.5.99
(Appetizer)
-chicken bites.......$3.99
-pineapple fried rice.....$3.99
-spring rolls...............$2.99
(Dessert)
-coconut cakes........$2.99
-coconut pancakes.....$3.99
-banana fritter............$2.99
Inside the pavilion is a one of a kind movie named Thailand Dreams. This movie featured on “waterfalls” (effects similar to Blackbeard and Davy Jones in Pirates attractions) in surrounds similar to the clouds forests found in Thailand. This one of a kind attraction is featured throughout the day in the World Showcase.
I really wanted to fix the never ending character/non-character World Showcase battle at Epcot while keeping TDO happy, so I mixed both in an educational way.
Also, in case anyone doesn't know why it practically broke the forums, there was a huge ordeal about whether the IP was valid because Disney didn't have the rights to it. But that's not important anymore, haha.
Year Five - Snape's Best Memory
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, memories play a large role in the story, and Professor Snape attempts to instruct Harry pn how to keep his memories and his mind safe from Voldemort.
We are going to take a brighter spin on this in The House Cup. As an option for all Houses, a member from each House can select one favorite imagineering project they wrote from the past on wdwmagic, and write a couple of sentences about why they like it, what their inspiration was behind it, and so on. It can be from a prior competition, or just your own thread.
You'll get 5 points towards your House for posting your past project and writing the brief commentary on it.
That's it! Just a way to reminiscence with old memories of some of the best projects on the forums!
This will also be due on Monday June 13th at 11:59 PM EST! (and is optional)
Enjoy!
Episode Six Immunity Challenge:
For this challenge, our castaways must replace Cypress Gardens with anything of their choosing! It can be absolutely anything that you want! From an attraction, to a restaurant or interactive experience. That's right, there's no limits!
LEGOLAND Florida has recently claimed that they plan to convert the space formerly occupied by the preserved Cypress Gardens into an all new immersive mini-land , hopefully turning the park into a must-see Orlando destination.
In terms of Cypress Gardens, despite being a tribute to a former park long gone, it serves as prime expansion for Legoland to seize, especially needed to keep up with the "Big 3" nearby. It will be closed and demolished to allow construction of this new mini-land.
Tonight, LEGOLAND is proud to announce the theme of this large expansion. Ladies and gentlefolk, we give you:
THE LAND OF NINJAGO:
With a hugely popular television show on Cartoon Network and a feature-length film coming to theaters in 2017, it’s a no-brainer to introduce a new mini-land based on the rising property and product brand.
For those who don’t know, Lego Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu is a Lego-style action-comedy TV show on Cartoon Network. It focuses on six ninjas on a journey to master the art of spinjitzu while battling the forces of evil. Ninjago is a realm of amazing wonder, inspired from Japanese and Chinese culture and architecture, perfect for a theme-park setting.
LAND OVERVIEW:
Guests enter the Land of Ninjago from a new pathway from the Imagination Zone. The land takes up most of the space in Cypress Gardens, while the rest is turned into greenery.
The Land of Ninjago is set to be the most immersive land LEGOLAND Florida has ever done before, taking Merlin to new thematic heights.
The entire land appears to be a massive plaza, part of the Monastery of Spinjitzu seen in the show. Due to a recent earthquake, the temple has been brought to ground level, near a beautiful orchard cherry-tree forest.
The area is decked in cherry blossom trees and Japanese-style rustic buildings. In one of these buildings, counter-service Asian food is served (F), adding to the authenticy of the land.
In the center is a massive ninja training playground (C), where kids can show off their ninja skills.
Straight ahead is the temple itself, in all of its glory. Inside, you can find a large retail location (G), a full service restaurant (E), and a large meet-and-greet (D) with the six ninjas from the show.
To the left is an Oriental gate, leading to a family-friendly flat ride (B). On the other hand, to the right, is a winding cherry blossom trail, leading to the land’s headlining E-ticket, a river rapids ride taking guests on an epic adventure through the devious underworld of Ninjago (A). Watch for dark enemies though…
We will explore the land’s attractions, retail and dining in alphabetical order of the labeled letters above:
Samurai Stream (A):
Guests begin their adventure by walking through an Oriental Gate, leading to the outside world of a massive cherry tree blossom forest. Right away, a large mountain like structure peaks over rider’s heads, 70 feet in the air. Riders hike through the forest path and approach a cave opening.
A cherry blossom forest similar to the queue.
Inside this cave are hand-carved cave drawings, describing the story of the Ninjago characters, from the humble beginnings to them becoming masters of Spinjitzu. A large cave opening is where Oriental-style rafts pull up, ready to take guests on a wild ride.
From here, rafts turn into an opening to the outside world (actually an indoor scene) and see the forest in all its glory. Looming in the distance is a static set piece of the metropolitan capital of Ninjago City. Rafts twist and take the first drop (20 feet), deep into Ninjago’s underworld, submerged in the mountain after the earthquake.
Projected Skullins roam the realm. One of them seems to notice us, alerts us as trespassers into the underworld, and orders the other Skullins to attack. The rafts then enter a cave opening, going through a short near-pitch-black rapids segment, twisting and spinning in the dark.
Riders emerge in a deeper part of the underworld, where a projection of the evil Lord Gammeron appears. He threatens to kill riders, but not before the heroic ninjas appear and begin to clash with the evil adversary.
The meat of the ride consists of spinning, rushing, and dropping across the Underworld while through animatronic and projection effects, the six ninjas use their powers to battle the dark minions of the Underworld. This is one of the most technological advanced attractions Merlin has ever done, and it really shows.
When push comes to shove, the ninjas prove victorious. Nya (the water Elemental Master) sends us on a waterfall traveling uphill (really a cleverly projected lift hill). Unluckily for us, she takes us up a little... too high.
Our rafts spin and rocket down a moderately steep 35 foot drop. After getting soaked one final time, riders enter the unloading dock and disembark the rafts, ending their adventure. Guests weave on another path through the forest, re-entering the ninja plaza.
SPINJITZU FLYERS (B):
Entering through the gate from the left, guests find a duo of large spinning structures, similar to Dumbo at Magic Kingdom. After adventuring through a torch-lit hallway of the monastery, guests board Oriental flying machines.
The safety spiel reveals how Sensei Wu created these machines so that non-ninjas can experience the power of Spinjitzu. When the planes take off and soar, the ride experience is very similar to a typical carnival spinning ride.
The difference here, however, each vehicle on both structures has a “special ability”. For example, one flyer has the water elemental ability, which allows guests to spray other flyers with water through automated artificial pipe holes on the structure. All other vehicles have other types of abilities, promoting re-rides for a different experience each time.
Ninja Training (C):
The center of the land is home to Ninja Training, a massive play area. Punching bags, swings, painted pads as Ninjago enemies, andother kid-friendly, soft structures provide fun for children who dream to unleash their inner ninja.
Meet The Ninjas (D):
Enter the legendary monastery in order to meet the cast of the show. When entering, guests weave through the different rooms of the temple, varying from the Ceremony Room to Sensei Wu’s quarters, all of which have interactive effects to keep kids busy.
At the end of the line is the chance to meet all six ninjas as well as Sensei Wu. All are stand-up characters, similar to most Disney meet and greets. After children’s amazing interactions with the characters, guests exit the temple through a side gate and re-enter the main plaza.
Sensei Wu’s Dining Hall(E):
Sensei Wu has invited guests to dine in the newly-remodeled dining hall, where the ninjas eat after a hard day of training.
The dining hall is actually a full-service restaurant, the only one at the park. In a tranquil, candle-lit environment with rice-paper walls and carvings of ninja symbols, LEGOLAND experiments with food they never have before, a fusion of Chinese and Japanese food. Everything from sushi and duck to pizza and pasta for the picky eaters is available.
Sensei Wu’s Dining Hall is set to become the park’s most luxurious and highest-quality restaurant.
Yui’s Bakery (F):
Once a common villager below the monastery high on a hill, the earthquake destroyed Yui’s (an original character created for this land) home and sent the temple plummeting downward. With people coming far and wide to witness the now-available ninja temple, Yui saw a golden opportunity and begin baking and selling delicacies to hungry tourists.
She is still doing so today, as she and her staff cooks up some of your kid’s favorite treats, such as ice cream and cookies, all given Asian twists to fit the the land.
The Armory (G):
Want to buy top-of-the-notch Ninjago products? Head down to the basement of the monastery, which serves as the armory, where the ninjas test out and store weapons. You can even take some of these weapons home with you, like nunchucks and swords, all of which are kid-friendly. Also available are almost every Ninjago action figure and Lego sets you can imagine.
CONCLUSION:
With the Land of Ninjago, Legoland hopes to show immersion and high-quality attractions like never before. At a rough cost of about $150 million, most of which is spent on the E-ticket, it's certainly affordable as well.
While Cypress Gardens will be missed, Legoland replaces it with a clear upgrade.
))
Episode 3 Immunity Challenge
Second Land Stories
For this challenge, our remaining castaways will be designing a second land/phase for Shanghai Disneyland! However, this isn't an average blue-sky challenge. I want you all to focus on the story first! Due to the fact that this is a story-based episode, I want both tribes to develop a solid story first, and then tell it in a meaningful way. The story should be detailed and extensive, and then you should go ahead and explain what your expansion will entail and how your story applies to it!
.
The Tales of Xanadu
Chapter 1 - A.I.R. Assembled
"We are visionaries and explorers, pioneering the 23rd century to visit worlds beyond our solar system, while branching out into the unknown"
- Emmanuel Wu (founder and president of A.I.R.)
The year is 2171, in the dawn of a new era of space exploration. Upon successful missions to Mars, the construction of space colonies, and the global advancement in aeronautic technology, the United Nations agreed to privatize space exploration. While government funded space research facilities could still operate, space enthusiasts and explorers would have the opportunity to travel into space on their own.
The decision ignited a prodigious campaign to explore outer space. The moon base became open to the public, visits aboard the International Space Station were abound, and a trip to Mars became a popular "study abroad" program in colleges for engineering majors. This contemporary society bread imagination and answered questions that the human race had for thousands of years...our place in the universe.
Amid the vast interest in space exploration was a group of entrepreneurs that had dreamed of the opportunity to push the boundaries of human potential. To travel where only the imagination could envision. From a young age, Emmanuel Wu was surrounded by the theme of exploration. His great-grandfather, Alexander Wu, was part of the astronaut team that first landed on and colonized Mars way back in 2067. Considering the significance of his family name ("Wu" in Chinese means shaman), his great-grandfather would communicate with Emmanuel via intergalactic transmission logs, and inspire him to never give up on his dreams.
Those stories and intergalactic transmissions from Mars have been replayed over and over by Emmanuel throughout his childhood and early adolescence as inspiration when he could one day follow in his family heritage. Emmanuel also spent his childhood reading a book given to him by his great-grandfather called the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, which enticed and motivated Emmanuel to want to seek the beyond.
His success as a researcher and engineer gave him the prowess to design his own private spaceship, called 发现 Discovery and form a group that today is known as A.I.R - the Association for Intergalactic Reconnaissance - with the goal of pushing the limits of space travel.
Emmanuel's passion for the cosmos inspired several others to join A.I.R., including his future wife, Xanadu. Since the organization's inception in 2182, A.I.R. has traveled far beyond the limits of modern space travel, being the first to land on Saturn's Moon of Titan. Emmanuel and Xanadu led the mission with three of their A.I.R. colleagues; Sam Davis - a medical practitioner on the A.I.R. space missions, Maggie Wright, a chemical engineer and former pilot, and Tom Edson, an astro-paleo-botonist.. After the monumental landing and return from Titan, A.I.R set their sights on cracking the code of hyperspace travel by breaking the time dilution that light years of space travel takes.
However, tragedy struck the campaign as during a test run of the new Aries rockets Emmanuel had been working on. The main hydrocarbon engine fuel started to leak and spark. For the crew to escape, one of the members needed to stay behind to make sure the rocket landed in an uninhabited zone. Against Emmanuel's wishes, Xanadu stayed behind as the rest of the crew was able to escape.The crushing lost almost deterred Emmanuel from A.I.R and space travel all together, though he knew Xanadu would want him and A.I.R to continue the quest for new discoveries.
Nevertheless, After one of their long-range telescopes picked up a potentially habitable planet in the Atlas Star System, 2.5 light years away, Planet X171. Emmanuel Wu regained inspiration as continued his pursuit of discovery as Xanadu would have wanted. A.I.R sent orbiters to the planet to research its contents and determine if it was a habitable planet.
Their scanners brought back the following information:
Computer: "Scanners have determined that this planet is very much like Earth atmospheric wise...however there are the aspects you should be aware of if you venture to the planet - also be warned that you'll need to break the hyper-speed barrier or this trip will take several years"
With this knowledge, A.I.R. set off on the most daring mission of mankind, to break the limitations of modern space crafts, travel through hyperspace, and land on a planet in a different galaxy...
Chapter 2 - The Adventure
In the months prior to the opening of the new land, Disney released a comic series called The Adventures of A.I.R depicting in detail the organization's history, resurgence, and pursuit of space exploration. Below is the final issue of the comic book series, in which A.I.R travels through hyperspace and lands on the new planet.
THE ADVENTURES OF A.I.R.
Volume 7 - Series Finale
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Chapter 3 - The Discoveries
Once the team landed on Planet Xanadu, they explored far and wide on the alien planet, and recorded their findings via transmission logs, as generations of explorers had done before them. Below are the transmission logs from the team - which end on a promising note for the people of Earth and Tomorrowland!
Chapter 4 - The Age of Xanadu
With the discovery of the wormhole acting as a portal to Tomorrowland, Xanadu will be open to the public at Shangai Disneyland!
Land Overview:
This location was chosen specifically because it offered the largest expansion space on property (without demolishing the bus/tram area) and is right next to Tomorrowland to tie in with the "futuristic" theme. Much like Adventure Isle/Treasure Cove as well as Gardens of Imagination/Fantasyland, the Tomorrowland/Xanadu transition is seamless and the story connects well with one other.
Zoomed in view...
The A.I.R. Museum
The A.I.R. Museum was founded by Emmanuel Wu soon after colonists started arriving on Xanadu. He created it so newcomers would be able to experience the history of A.I.R. and why it came to be. You can also find displays in the museum about indigenous life on Xanadu as well as the colonies on Titan and Mars. You then proceed to enter...the wormhole.
Wormhole
As you wind around the A.I.R. Museum you discover the portal from Earth to Xanadu and you approach what looks like a wormhole straight out of science fiction. You step onto a giant moving walkway surrounded by lights, lasers, projections, and galaxies galore as you go whizzing past them in your approach to Xanadu. Aside from the moving walkway, there is also the option to walk, however the experience is best suited when you are standing still and gazing around at the magnificent achievement of inter-dimensional travel.
You then enter the land of Xanadu...
The Colony
After arriving on Xanadu through the wormhole, you step out onto the alien world and see the A.I.R. colony to your right. Inside the colony you can find an eclectic variety of activities...from an eatery designed by Sam Davis himself, to a gift-shop where you can bring home some of the magic of Xanadu, and finally a guest services/restroom facility as accommodation. It's all waiting for you at the Colony!
Davis Plaza
A quick service dining location offering some of the favorite items from Sam Davis of the A.I.R. team.
Menu
Chow Mein Noodles
Low Mein Noodles
Noodle Soup
Kung Pao Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Chicken & Broccoli
Chicken Fried Rice
All Chicken options available fried or grilled, and come with white or brown rice. Tofu available upon request
Atlas Constellations
Step inside this quaint location that offers guests a unique variety of memorabilia from Xanadu. Among the options are: exotic plants including Aquilegia anacardium from the Decoris Canyon, parts of the planet's rock formation, as well as a wide assortment of "A.I.R." clothing and equipment.
Journey to the Lavender Moon
Synopsis:
Travel to the Lavender Moon of Xanadu on a mission to retrieve a plutonic igneous rock for experimental testing. Be warned though, that you are venturing out to new territory, and it's unknown what...or who...you may run into along the way.
Queue:
You enter through one of the colonized areas of Xanadu, where the A.I.R. members had assembled a space telescope to gaze out at the surrounding stars. You enter through the laboratory and notice that the mission log for today is to travel to the Lavender Moon, the largest moon of Xanadu. Passing through the rest of the laboratory, you see a transmission from the Aries rocket orbiting the planet. Emmanuel Wu comes online and greets the guests.
Dr. Wu: "Welcome A.I.R. enthusiasts. It's so exciting that you made the expedition to visit our colony and we are so glad to share this discovery with you. Today's mission is to discovery this rock - called Secretous787 - which by our tests and analysis, is unique to the Lavender Moon. We haven't found this rock formation on any other planet or moon we have visited in the past, and we'd like to do some tests on it and maybe it could be valuable for the people of Earth and Tomorrowland, as some of our other discoveries have been.
You'll be traveling in this custom designed Space Pod - specialized to break Xanadu's atmosphere and pilot around the moon. You'll need to be split up into teams for this quest and for that I will turn you over to Dr. Wright who will describe what your tasks are"
Dr. Wright: "When you enter your pods, you will notice specialized dashboards in from of each of your seats. You will have to work as a team in order to complete this mission. One of you will pilot the pod throughout, another engage liftoff, another will ensure the shield is deployed, and lastly one of you will deploy the landing gear. Your pods are uniquely designed by Dr. Wu himself to ensure safe travels for you space enthusiasts. Happy exploring and thanks for joining us for this mission!"
You depart the land and enter the liftoff zone beyond it. There you board your vehicles and prepare for your mission.
Ride Vehicle and Attraction Layout:
This attraction uses a brand new technology that merges a dark ride with a rollicking simulated thrill ride. As you travel along the track in your space pod (which seats 4 each) you are sent through a mesmerizing display of visuals including projection screens and physical sets that simulate a flight in outer-space and a voyage to the Lavender Moon.
(Click play for read-along attraction music...)
Ride-Through:
Dr. Wu: "Engage liftoff procedure Discovery 1."
Your vehicles swiftly ascend into the liftoff position at a 90 degree angle relative to the ground. You feel the force gravity pressing you back into your seat as you hear the countdown to ignition in the background. Your vehicles move up the chain and into the sky with projection screens 180 degrees surrounding you as the vehicle make its ascent. The ascent feels faster than it really is given that the screens around you are projecting visual stimuli such as the ground becoming smaller and the clouds becoming thinner.
You hear on your on-board audio from the control center monitoring your progress
Dr. Wright: "O2 stat 97%, cabin pressure 1 atm, Nitrogen levels steady, prepare for hydrocarbonite engine boost and breaking of the atmosphere..."
Zoom...
You feel a thrust as your vehicle leaps over the incline and levels out in Xanadu orbit.
Dr. Wu: "Nice work in there. You can see us in orbit to your left...you're going to want to pilot the vehicle towards the planet, but be warned, the atmospheric pull of Xanadu might make the trip a bit bumpy"
You pilot the vehicle towards the Lavender moon as the projection screens around you create the sense of space travel and your vehicle stimulates turbulence by swaying and bumping along towards the planet.
Dr. Wright: "Excellent, now initiate the landing gea-....wait a minute....what's that coming towards you?
Ahead you see a bright light and a spaceship coming from the moon directly towards you and it fires a laser beam at you. Your vehicle sways to narrowly miss it...but the ship keeps coming closer and firing at your pod.
Dr. Wu: Abort mission! There's life on this moon...and they clearly don't want us here!
Bang...
Your space pod is hit and your vehicles spin 360 degrees around and dip towards the moon's surface...
Dr. Wu: You've been hit, quick, initiate the shields...forget the rocks you just need to get out of there!
Dr. Wright: They may not have enough fuel to last that long!!
You swerve in and out of the canyons of the moon as you are chased down by the extra-terrestrials who inhabit the moon...large, steep curves left and right give you the sensation of flying through the moon in a desperate attempt to escape.
Dr. Wu: You're going to need to need to activate the turbine engines!
Dr. Wright: But that's never been tested!
Dr. Wu: Well it will be now, those people are in danger...
You continue to fly across the alien landscape in a visceral display of projections and physical sets and on-board audio which put you right in the center of an other-worldly adventure as you fly around this moon to escape with your life.
Dr. Wright: Activating the turbine engines....now!
Dr. Wu: Hang on everyone!
Your vehicle thrusts forward and spirals up and away from the surface of the moon, evading capture from the inhabitants. The stars surround you as your vehicle soars through the atmosphere and makes a direct path back to Xanadu. In a last ditch effort, your landing procedure is initiated and you tip down at a 90 degree angle back to the landing platform and laboratory....
Dr. Wright: They made it...
Dr. Wu: Goodness...well that was certainly a quest for the ages...glad you all made it back in one piece. There was definitely something on the Lavender Moon....but maybe it's best to keep those things a mystery. Hopefully now you can see how unpredictable an adventure can be....thanks for flying with us...and enjoy the rest of your time on Xanadu.
Guests exit the launch platform and head towards the planet surface once more.
The Voyage to Sivad
Queue:
Guests first find themselves going under a large sign that looks like a giant solar panel arch-like structure reading “The Voyage to Sivad.”
Directly after going through the sign, guests enter the queue area of the attraction; which is distinctly noticeable by clever use of sculpted “space rock” and rod fencing themed as “energy poles” for the A.I.R. founded colony (More can be found out about energy poles in the colony’s museum).
The interactive queue features interactive space “droids“ that can be used to view and drive exploration of the planet’s sources, but be careful! You may spot some solo space explorers in remote areas of the planet trying to find Sivad, the most valuable resource found on the planet, said to make each person who finds a new supply the richest man in the galaxy. Sivad is a green/yellowish sandstone like substance with a purple illumination surrounding the rock, some Sivad can even be shown though the queue (in limited amounts under top care, of course).
Depending how long the queue is, may even find you experiencing some “fun” on the planet with “break-time drone races” the explorers and scientists have adopted to keep them occupied near the site.
After going through the queue you enter inside one of these amazing rock formations (Show Building scene begins). Inside these rock formations seems to be a pathway to a hidden forest in the planet, with towering odd shaped rock formations that seem to only be held by gravity. This is a major surprise to guests, considering greenery is limited in the land they experienced just minutes ago. Another surprise to guests is that it has suddenly become moonset on the planet’s surface – A bizarrely beautiful sky that showcases luminous greens and purples, with stars accenting the dark, black night sky.
Visitors would then walk across an odd bridge made out of the trees in the dense forest. This moves guests over a swiftly moving, neon-blue river that runs through the forest. On the other side of the river, they would look to see a camp formed by A.I.R. colony members (This serves as the attractions load / unload area), and one of the projection screens from the camp shows the mission at hand.
Load/Unload:
Load/Unload Concept Art
The narrator is Tom Edson - an astro-paleo-botonist, extra-terrestrial animal specialist, and founding A.I.R. member - who greets you as you board:
Narrator: "Greetings fellow explorers! We're pleased to offer you this adventure into the uncharted landscape of this exotic world."
Guests board boats that are suitable for plasma travel that would take them downstream for the moonlit expedition to the treasures of Xanadu.
Scene 1
After guests board the boats, the river bends to a beautiful forest and desert landscape; yellow clouds can be seen slowly moving in the night sky. You start to see strange plant-life, which almost acts like animals, as your boats travel along. Soon enough, your boats move up the raging, colorful, plasma waterfall ahead.
Scene 2
Narrator: "Wouldn't it be great if there was a way we could actually Communicate with these spectacular animals? You know, I can almost hear they can mimic our sounds now."
The guests hear various musical sounds, coming from planets and wildlife surrounding them. As the boat turns another bend, they see an audio animatronic creature called a Trakertops that looks to be part-ram and part-elephant. This animal is strumming some sort of plant creature with a guitar like sound.
The Trakertops then sings to guests the opening verse of the "Voyager’s Riches" song, a song heard throughout their expedition in the attraction. What makes this opening scene of the ride particularly funny is - just across the river - a quartet of explorers, seeming to go on their own search, have run into their own troubles with the rest of the pact from the singing creature, they seem to be up a pointed space rock, with the Trakertops waiting for them to come down to make a “point” to their search.
Scene 3
As the boat continued along, riders would pass a various other creatures- where other AA alien animals will sing the song’s chorus. As they headed downriver, they'd also see plants and nature play along in time with the music..
Soon, you start to hear another transcription come though from the Narrator on the boat.
Narrator: The landscapes on this side of the planet are just beautiful. The wildlife only makes this area more unique! But be warned, even the most beautiful dream can turn into an overwhelming nightmare.
Scene 4
Two giant lizard like creatures called Septaurs would sit on a space rock on the left side of the river, forming an X between the two. Below them lays human bones. The Septaurs turn to track the boat - and its passengers - as they head downriver. Flora also starts to slowly turn from vibrate colors, to a pitch black.
Narrator: Be on your guard! Your all heading into Indigenous territory on this planet, and I got a tip that they aren’t very fond of the colony searching for their resources!
Scene 5
Around the next bend of the river, guests start to see a group of Indigenous warriors raiding a moving, Space Rover crew. This crew seemed to have their own treasures acquired from the planet. But it seems like their lucky strike won’t be alive to long.
Thankfully, the warriors are so busy extracting the Space Rover’s explorers from their treasures that they don't have the time to attack the boat travelers. But - as they sing to the guests in the boats as they drift on the waters - the warriors sing that they will come around another bend.
Narrator: I just discovered on the Location device that the two main alien settlements are at war with each other, so be careful!
Scene 6
Narrator: "We are entering Decoris Canyon - home to the Ritaki tribe. The tribe is notorious for their colorful displays but also their fierce competition with the Lupica tribe further on. Let's continue with caution...but to your right you can see Ritaki tribe illuminate the night with their tapestries and garments."
You sail on further through the Decoris Canyon and veer to the right as you enter a new scene.
Scene 7
Narrator: "It looks like the Lupica tribe is invading...I'm not sure what they want...but we better get out of here before we are caught in the crossfire!"
The boats sway to the left as a the Ritaki tribe and their colorful tapestries engage with the Lupica tribe in the distance as you make your escape out of Decoris Canyon
Scene 8
As the boat floats out of the lines of fire, guests start to hear the sound of drums and voices coming up.
Narrator: This is bad…You're starting to enter a spirit ceremony for the gods of Xanadu! Watch out! Some strange things had been known to happen at these type of events…
As the boat comes around the next turn in the river – guests see below them on the right that a whole group is dancing around a crystal fire. Loud drums, swinging axes, musical instruments, these natives go the nine yards awaken to the gods of Xanadu.
The dance works and the spirit of “Rialb”, the goddess of misfortune, awakens and appears In the smoke of the crystal fire. As an odd occurrence, Green Thunder and Lightning crash the sky. A stray lightening bolt strikes a tree in the forest that now flanks the river. That tree burst into flame. That fire then quickly spreads to several other trees in the forest. As guests continue down river, they now found themselves floating in the middle of a raging forest fire with smoke surrounding them. The plasma in the river seems to moving faster and feels considerably rougher than earlier in their journey.
Scene 9/Finale
Narrator: There’s a dock that we’ve already established up ahead! We have to have to get you off the boat! The- (Static then breaks the rest of the communication as we hear the laugh of the goddess we’ve been introduced to earlier)
Of course, to add to the trouble, we see up ahead that the indigenous warriors have caught up with us, though they aren’t singing, they’re serious. Their weapons are pointed directly at guests in the boat, as the head warrior states. “A hand for your situation for our hand at your treasures.”
When, of course, people seem reluctant to hand over their belongings, the lead warrior laughs and says: "Then face the wrath of Rialb as you plummet the falls!"
An effect though the mist in front of the falls shows the goddess of Rialb coming though a mystic portal of sorts, almost to be beckoning the boat to the falls. The boat wobbles at the top of the cascades for a second ... then zips down toward the pointed rocks below.
Even though things looked bleak, all guests survive the voyage down the waterfall. The boat zips briefly back out into the edge of the main base for the Colony, before the current from the plasma river drives the boat back into the massive forest (show building) where the guests exit their boat.
Nightlife of Xanadu
Decoris Canyon
Sprawling the surface and towering 40 ft into the air is the Decoris Canyon. Seen from the original A.I.R. orbital data, Decoris Canyon is a beautiful, yet mysterious place. it's been identified that there are other inhabitants on Xanadu, and while we still haven't communicated with them, beware of entering their territory as you never known what you may find within...
Tapestry of Galaxies
Welcome one and all! Welcome to a celebration of curiosity! Discovery! Wonder! Welcome to the Tapestry of Galaxies! On certain nights, your trek through the canyons are met with a dazzling display of colorful garments and tapestries from the Rataki tribe, that only the imagination could create.
An overwhelming orchestrated soundtrack begins to play.
Unit 1 - Ancient Astonishment
Sage of Space : As far back as the Roklins, Encos, and even Graaks the stars and planets played a role in their society. Their curiosity of the stars had been deemed as one thing; gifts from the gods.
The first drum float rolls into view. On the sides of the drum will be various constellations. These constellations will be lit by fiber optics, and will seem to be made of real stars. Riding along this float will be two performers in a toga with alien features on their faces banging on various drum pads on the actual rotating drum.
Several puppets follow the drum. They will Incan masks with alien features for their face, and their wings will be adorned with glowing stars. After three of those puppets a large puppet invoking an appearance similar to Mama Kilya.
Unit 2 - World Wonderment
Sage of Space : As time went so did the curiosity of the humans. The Chenoco found a way to 'capture' the stars in, fireworks. The Urbs created the astrolabe, a tool used to track the position of the stars, and other celestial objects. Sailors used the North Star to navigate. The galaxy has helped the way we live through keeping track of time to even navigation.
A new piece of music goes into the background of the theme with an oceanic sea shanty vibe now emitting from the music.
The next drum float comes into view. On the sides of the drum fireworks going off via fiber optics. Riding along this float will be two performers in traditional Ancient Chinese apparel with an alien twist banging on various drum pads on the actual rotating drum.
Following the drum will a puppet covered in blue silk. The blue silk represents the seas, and the puppet itself seems to be holding the North Star. Behind it is several Sprite puppets made of various sades of blue silk. Which together all seem to form a roving ocean guided by the North Star holding puppet.
Unit 3 - Space Race
Sage of Space : As hundreds of years went by so did the innovations of various species. Humans figured out ways to travel into space, and landed on Xanadu. While the people of Xanadu split into two; the Ritaki and Lupica tribes.
A new piece of music goes into the background of the theme with a beat of something one would expect to hear from Native American instruments.
The next drum float comes into view. On the sides of the drum rockets seem to fly by, and their fire glows via fiber optics. Riding along this float will be two performers in spacesuits like Wu's banging on various drum pads on the actual rotating drum.
Following the drum are a massive number of eight puppets. Four of them resemble the Ritaki, and the other four resemble the Lupica. They seem to be "fighting", but in reality they're just dancing. Following them is a puppet resembling Abra; the mother of all gods and godesses, and one of the few spiritual beings the two tribes share. Her costume will seem to made of the cosmos.
Unit 4 - Xanadu
Sage of Space : As time goes by one thing is on the mind of everyone, peace on Xanadu.
The original theme of this parade returns with no additional songs with it.
The next drum float comes into view. On the sides of the drum comets seem to fly by, and their tails glow via fiber optics. Riding along this float will be two performers in Ritaki apparel banging on various drum pads on the actual rotating drum.
Following the drum is the most amount of puppets yet. Puppets representing all three humanoid populations on Xanadu are represented. It will be grand, and wondrous. It'll be something one would have to see themselves to understand the detail and grandness of the puppets.
Sage of Space : Now as our parade comes to close I wish to all of you a farewell. Enjoy Xanadu, and all it's natural beauty. Be curious and discover the wonders of Xanadu. So for now goodbye.
Nighttime Projections
Each night, the stars beyond the Lavender Moon dazzle guests with LED projections in the sky, synchronized to music. Watch this breathtaking display of astronomy as constellations from the Atlas Star System light up and tell the history of Xanadu's solar system.
Shows begin at 9:30 PM CST and 10:30 PM CST nightly.
Chapter 5 - A New Beginning
