The Sorcerer's Apprentice Season 2: International Edition - Discussion Thread

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Voxel

President of Progress City
Other restaurants to consider...for an adult pallete (mind you, I do a LOT of TS as I go with the Deluxe Dining every year)

1) Brown Derby and Dine with an Imagineer (considering your goals)

Be aware, the Imagineer may not be a mover and shaker, but they are all WDI. They also do it at Hollywood and Vine, but I think the food at Brown Derby is better. It's not cheap ($100 a head, as I recall), but it's an amazing experience and you get a commemorative plate and a disney name

2) Sci Fi

Ok, not the best food, but good sandwiches (great Reuben and decent burger) and the shakes are fantastic. Plus, you get to sit next to the lady and watch old cartoons!

3) You guys GOT to eat in the castle at Cindy's Royal Table! Not the best restaurant, but not bad either...but IT IS IN THE CASTLE!

The food has been better the past two trips than previous ones. As a party of two, ask for the center table overlooking the carousel (there are only 3 two tops in the whole restaurant, so you'll get one of the window seats most likely anyway). Another neat thing to do is book late (as in fireworks time) and watch the fireworks over dessert from INSIDE the castle (I've done that twice).

4) Book the late luau at Poly, then watch the fireworks and water pageant from the beach at Poly (they actually also have a viewing area out there, though with all the DVC work, I'm not sure if they still do or what the state of it is...but I did this in 2011, and it was tons of fun).

5) California Grill for Fireworks. Book around an hour to an hour and a half before the show, then when you check in ask for a balcony or window view. It's amazing.

6) Ohana for fireworks. They pipe the music in, and the tables along the windows are two tops.

7) Rose and Crown, lower level balcony, for Illuminations. Same trick as Cali Grill. Book about an hour to an hour and a half in advance, and let them know what you are trying to do. Then you can sit and watch the show, no crowds, and munch on sweet desserts and drink your bitter or your irish coffee!

8) Crystal Palace before rope drop. Great way to snag some "crowd free" pictures around Main Street and in front of the castle.


AKL is the prettiest of all the hotels outside of Wilderness Lodge, in my opinion. But, it's not worth staying there without a Savannah View, and that means MONEY!

Kidani and renting DVC points is also an option, and they have their own savannah view as well.

Also, Sanaa is worth checking out. Pan-Indian quisine, and right on the Savannah View. I've only seen it, not eaten there, but I've heard good things.
1) I already check every day I will be there. All the dine with the Imagineers are booked. :( I was heart broken, though my friend recommended taking a trip up to casting. (they even offered to go with)

2) I did get to eat here once, but it was so much fun, i might do it again.

3) I will keep it in mind

4) My mom wants to do this so badly. She has tried to book it every trip we have made.

5) I never thought about that. I will have to keep that in mind.

6) I am gonna wait til they finish the refurb, my mom and I always get allergic and sneezy in the Poly for some reason. I think it's the standing water. Idk.

7)You sold me at Irish Coffee. I will have to add this to my list. :D

8) I will have to check that out. :D
 

Voxel

President of Progress City
AKL is the prettiest of all the hotels outside of Wilderness Lodge, in my opinion. But, it's not worth staying there without a Savannah View, and that means MONEY!

Kidani and renting DVC points is also an option, and they have their own savannah view as well.

Also, Sanaa is worth checking out. Pan-Indian quisine, and right on the Savannah View. I've only seen it, not eaten there, but I've heard good things.

My GF doesn't want to try anything to different yet, so we are gonna try Jiko first and maybe do Sanaa later. We are hoping to get milkshakes at the Beaches and Cream.
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
1) I already check every day I will be there. All the dine with the Imagineers are booked. :( I was heart broken, though my friend recommended taking a trip up to casting. (they even offered to go with)

2) I did get to eat here once, but it was so much fun, i might do it again.

3) I will keep it in mind

4) My mom wants to do this so badly. She has tried to book it every trip we have made.

5) I never thought about that. I will have to keep that in mind.

6) I am gonna wait til they finish the refurb, my mom and I always get allergic and sneezy in the Poly for some reason. I think it's the standing water. Idk.

7)You sold me at Irish Coffee. I will have to add this to my list. :D

8) I will have to check that out. :D
Casting is a short walk from DTD, as I recall.

Years ago (when the building was brand new, actually) I actually went there. I was 16, and made it through the CM testing (their application process is insane) and through the first level orientation / interviews (not sure what else to call it, it was a presentation of sorts...mind you, this was 20 years ago) before being told I wouldn't be there long enough (I lived with my Grandparents in Ocala every summer, hence why so many Disney trips...I even had a floridian pass.)

I wanted to be a street sweeper in EPCOT.
 

Voxel

President of Progress City
Casting is a short walk from DTD, as I recall.

Years ago (when the building was brand new, actually) I actually went there. I was 16, and made it through the CM testing (their application process is insane) and through the first level orientation / interviews (not sure what else to call it, it was a presentation of sorts...mind you, this was 20 years ago) before being told I wouldn't be there long enough (I lived with my Grandparents in Ocala every summer, hence why so many Disney trips...I even had a floridian pass.)

I wanted to be a street sweeper in EPCOT.
Hmm interesting and I am surprised they didn't hire you. And your right it's across the street from DTD. I got to park their when I went to DTD this year due to the construction.
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Hmm interesting and I am surprised they didn't hire you. And your right it's across the street from DTD. I got to park their when I went to DTD this year due to the construction.
Back then, it was still the Disney Marketplace and the whole hadn't been completed. The Casting Building was part of the same phase of Eisner construction as the Swan and Dolphin...MGM era building (and it looks like it).

I'm not surprised (now that I'm older), though I was at the time.

1) I was 15 the first time, and that meant a state issues work permit, which I had, but also meant hours limitations
2) While I only wanted min. wage (which was 4.25 an hour, I think...maybe 3.75 an hour then, I don't recall), with the constraints on being 15, not worth the hassle.
3) Though I had reliable transportation (what they didn't understand, and I didn't tell them in detail, was that I had my Floridian Pass, and my grandfather at the time taught college in Orlando, so he'd drive there 6 days a week, and drop me off with 10 bucks or so for meals and treats at Disney. DIsney was...literally, my babysitter)...so, that's why I thought it would work well. I was there anyway. I already knew the parks and spoke 3 languages (two quite well, German and English and passable Spanish)...

I thought it would be a good fit. Disney disagreed.

The second time, I think it was just that I'd be gone in 3 months, and I was a kid with no car.
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Anyhow, didn't get hired. Though, I did haunt EPCOT a lot, and found myself helping tourists just because I was bored.

It was my stomping grounds.
 

Sam Magic

Well-Known Member
Guys it is a given, the only US resort we have not done is Disneyland. Disneyland turns 60 next year; it is obviously related to marketing, 60th, and Disneyland. More like break out the video editing skills...making note not to have footage from ALL the resorts in the trailer.


@jdmdisney99 are we getting the results as we speak?
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Guys it is a given, the only US resort we have not done is Disneyland. Disneyland turns 60 next year; it is obviously related to marketing, 60th, and Disneyland. More like break out the video editing skills...making note not to have footage from ALL the resorts in the trailer.


@jdmdisney99 are we getting the results as we speak?
Pretty sure JDM said one of the others would post their reviews, and he'd do results tomorrow.

That being said, nothing from either of them.

Disneyland is 60 next year, Disneyland Tokyo is 30 last year.

This could be either...
 

Sam Magic

Well-Known Member
Pretty sure JDM said one of the others would post their reviews, and he'd do results tomorrow.

That being said, nothing from either of them.

Disneyland is 60 next year, Disneyland Tokyo is 30 last year.

This could be either...
That would not make sense. Why would he have us do a marketing campaign for an event that has already passed?

I think it's Disneyland...

I really hope the results come tomorrow. I'm just glad I have school because if I didn't the wait would kill me.
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
That would not make sense. Why would he have us do a marketing campaign for an event that has already passed?

I think it's Disneyland...

I really hope the results come tomorrow. I'm just glad I have school because if I didn't the wait would kill me.
I have work.

I don't think we'll see results tonight, though. Way too late.

I would like to see the promised reviews from Bryce and Matt though. We've not seen any of them this season, and third party reviews are always fun to read (whether you agree with them or not).
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
BTW...I had to step out during Guardians to deal with a helpdesk issue, but I'll be back to see it again this week, maybe even tomorrow night (yep, it was that good)...

It's MUCH better than I thought it was gonna be. It's a fun movie. If you liked Avengers, you'll adore this movie!

Planes 2 was amusing and feel good, and pretty much what I expected from it. Not a bad movie, not a great movie, but a fun movie.
 

JokersWild

Well-Known Member
On to Team Sea

First, a note about your presentation format.

Once again, the formatting is all over the place, however it's better than some of the previous stuff. I realize you ran into an unexpected character limit issue, so I take that into account. But, inconsistant formatting (for example, using different sized fonts, like "The Library's History" header just annoys me as a reader. Then again, I am a touch OCD, so...take that into account.

However, it looks to me like what you all do, as a strategy, is post to your PM thread your content, then slap it all together at the last minute for the presentation.

The recommendation I would make is this (and take it for what you will):

1) Throughout the challenge, the team lead, or someone appointed by them, should post combined content into your PM thread every few days, so you all can see the final presentation take shape, and have an impact on it in advance, rather than at the last minute.

2) Something you probably discovered, even if you did that...pictures and formatting reset when you copy paste into the main thread from the PM thread, so keep that in mind and give yourself a good amount of time for the final post if you are going with a wdwmagic forum thread format to clean up the final presentation.

But, presentation isn't everything, in fact, it's rather minor. Content and ideas are more important, so lets get into those!

Love the Library, but jeez, that is one HUGE building. Was that considered? Or are there outdoor areas I'm not aware of (outside of the marked space)? I am having real trouble understanding how this won't overshadow surrounding lands with it's sheer grand scale.

For comparison...it's about the same size as TWO Smithsonian Museum of Natural History buildings. That's enormous.

Though, if pulled off, would admittedly be impressive!

Flying Gargoyle Footage for the win! GREAT touch, GREAT idea, NEAT picture (you even did the reflection in the water, SWEET!)

As a side note, I know we have some Avatar TLA fans here, I wonder how much of this concept was related to the Wan Shi Tong Library.

The Gargoyles are interesting and scary, but I'm not sure I'd want to see them attacking (using your terms) guests.

"These torches also light up murals on the walls where you see images that depict Gargoyles from the Library come to life and attacking library visitor's who awaken them."

I understand you were trying to build a sense of forboding and menace, but I'm just not sure what this graphically violent presentation adds to what are already pretty creepy creatures. Not a bad idea, per se, but I'm having trouble seeing what it adds to the concept, and have a LOT of questions about that decision.

To give you an idea...the Mummy does NONE of this graphic disturbing imagry, and through atmosphere alone, my then 8 year old refused to ride it. We didn't even make it to the inner switchbacks before that masterfully done queue had scared the pants off her. So, to finish this up, neat idea, but poor application and a bit over top (again, in my opinion).

All that aside, love the flames at the end, and hands down, you all have one of the best ride experience presentations I've ever read. Simply fantastic. Nice visuals, and solid writing. I WANT to ride it!

Good jerb!

I really like what you did with the spinner. Unique ride vehicle, and nice concept!

Matilda...

Ok, I see Vox's fingerprints all over this in the info section. Wondeful that you went into so much detail, and it was interesting.

I like the ride vehicle choice, and this works VERY well with Kuka.

Spanish...cute.

I think the truck scene works really well, and is thrilling without breaking the "story" of Matilda. Very well played.

I would have, personally, cut out all the references to another ride (FJ mentioned once is ok, in a summary, but constantly saying it detracts from the originality of THIS experience). Just a writing note.

More Spanish at the end...cute.

Ok, the ride is well thought out. Could have used some more graphics, I think, to carry along the narrative, but I will say this...My daughter is read the Matilda book with me last year, and she would ADORE this ride. Good choice of unique IP, and extremely well done!

It took me a minute to realize what you were doing with the adverts (good ideas, btw)...a mention of that intention in the summary (unless I missed it, which I could of because I'm a derp sometimes) would have been nice.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde...

Well, you both went with this one. I must say, I really like your concept, but prefer the queue that Land proposed. THAT being said, I really think you all did a better job delving into the source material and linking it to other similar material (also beautifully diving into those stories and tying them together with your queue exhibits), which fits REALLY well with your "grand library" concept. And the nod to the Haunted Mansion style portrait gallery was an excellent choice.

A script nitpick...I know it's in character, but I'd cut out the "bloody idiots" in “Had I the time, I’d stay and have a go at all of you, but I’ve more important places to visit than waste energy on you bloody idiots.”

All I can say is WOW for concept. This is REALLY neat, and considering the makeup of presentations at IoA, is a fantastic and hair raising experience. No way would my daughter sit through it all, and I'm not sure I'd want to either! It's like Stitch, but on steroids. I love how you didn't get bogged down with plot, and instead went into the immersive experience rather quickly, and did a fantastic job of setting the mood and feel.

Another killer ride (show) concept description that literally had me on the edge of my seat as I read it.

Bond...

The advert car looks...ugly. Sorry. But it resembles a chocolate bar that has been left out in the sun more than a sexy Bond vehicle.

In the queue, what "world renown" criminals would it show? Bond villians, I assume, but clarification would be nice.

The Q portion looks great, follows the flow of most Bond films / stories. Nice pre-queue area overall. I can see it being fun.

The use of the TT model ride system is an excellent choice for the concept. And your vehicle enhancements are likewise, stunning.

Once again, I think you all did a fantastic job narrating the ride and making it fun and entertaining, but I'm left with a lot of questions as to how this takes advantage of the ride system you chose. It seems to me this would have worked better using the Spidey ride system, or even a Back to the Future style system. Not the Test Track system. I could be missing something, and it seems like a VERY fun experience, but, I'm not sold on this ride. It feels half thought out.

Book Thief Mini Game...

This just sounds fun. No other comments about it. Nice work, and a cute addition to keep people anchored to the area longer than just hitting the major attractions.

Splitz...

Interesting merch, neat store idea. Why the overuzed z at the end to make it trendy? I feel like that's out of context of your overall literary theme. But, neat little shop design.

Jeckll's shop is a bit better, but felt a bit mundane. It was all over the place in terms of theme.

Coastal Oddities...

I don't get why I'd want to buy merchandise from a shop totally themed to a Gargoyles (that isn't the Disney TV Cartoon) where they tried to attack me. I'd have left this one out.

I'm gonna skip order here and go to...

Bound Book Cafe...

Nice experience, seems like a decent coffee shop. A good addition.

Because, I want to focus on something else...

Murder on the Orient Express

Holy WOW! This...just this. This concept alone is the best one I've read tonight. It combines the novels / story with the meal in a way that is just fantastic, all with a unique presentation (the rail car). The menu is enticing, and...I really can't say much else but this is the BEST and most UNIQUE restaurant concept I've heard in a while.

conanclap.gif


Overall, I have some concerns with your presentation style. It still seems very jumbled and confusing, as if thrown together at the last minute (you really should give yourself a day or two to start putting it together, and I think the framework needs to be done even earlier, even if just using the wdwmagic submission, so your presentation has flow.

That aside, and again noting that content is King (not presentation)...fantastic ideas, and great work. I have a few concerns about the sheer size of the building proposed, and a few lines describing it more, and perhaps a few more images, would have been nice.

That being said, your rides were solid, your shops...average...but the rides combined with the Orient Express, wow. Just wow.

The top ride (show) I think is Jeckll. That just captured the experience so well (even though I preferred Land's queue, your's fit with your attraction, so no worries there). And, I can't gush more about Orient Express. That's just a great addition, it's so unique, and fits so well with your overall concept.

Once again, I must give...(or the doctor must)

thumbs-up-3.gif
I'm horribly late, but I figured I'd respond, as I'm a bit bored tonight.

In terms of the presentation, we have been having troubles with it for whatever reason. WDWMagic's editing system is...weird. That being said, the presentation that tcool put up was great, I thought, and definitely a step in the right direction compared to some of our last presentations.

In terms of the size of the building, though it is very large, and possibly a bit over the top, I don't think it's horribly unrealistic. There are quite a few structures already there that it could be built off, so I don't see it as too much of a concern. A lot of it would be backstage areas as well, so it's not like we're building a shopping mall in the middle of this park.

I'm also very glad that you liked Jekyll and Hyde as much as you did. Admittedly, I was a bit unsure what people were going to think of it, but I'm glad you liked it! I have to respectfully disagree with you as to which queue is better, but I am biased, haha. In terms of your script concern, I'm not quite sure why you want that insult removed. I suppose it's a bit overkill having Hyde just randomly berate guests, but I think that that's part of his character. Though, of course, I did base this version of Hyde off of the version of him in "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (The comic, not the movie. We don't mention that movie here), but I do think that line fit with his character and, while not necessary, did seem to me like something Hyde would do - go out of his way to insult people.

Thanks again for the kind words overall! Team Sea did incredibly this project, as did the other teams, and it'll be interesting to see who comes out on top.
 

JokersWild

Well-Known Member
Guys it is a given, the only US resort we have not done is Disneyland. Disneyland turns 60 next year; it is obviously related to marketing, 60th, and Disneyland. More like break out the video editing skills...making note not to have footage from ALL the resorts in the trailer.


@jdmdisney99 are we getting the results as we speak?
The competition has an inter nation theme. And you forget that DLP is turning 25 in 2017.
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
I'm horribly late, but I figured I'd respond, as I'm a bit bored tonight.

In terms of the presentation, we have been having troubles with it for whatever reason. WDWMagic's editing system is...weird. That being said, the presentation that tcool put up was great, I thought, and definitely a step in the right direction compared to some of our last presentations.

I completely agree. What tcool slammed out was good. I don't get all the spoiler uses though...

In terms of the size of the building, though it is very large, and possibly a bit over the top, I don't think it's horribly unrealistic. There are quite a few structures already there that it could be built off, so I don't see it as too much of a concern. A lot of it would be backstage areas as well, so it's not like we're building a shopping mall in the middle of this park.

A few more lines would have been good to explain that, because that's how it felt reading the presentation blind to your intent (not being able to see your PM where you came up with it all).

I'm also very glad that you liked Jekyll and Hyde as much as you did. Admittedly, I was a bit unsure what people were going to think of it, but I'm glad you liked it!

Ah, so that was your baby! WELL DONE!

I have to respectfully disagree with you as to which queue is better, but I am biased, haha.

WIthout reviewing my entire post, I believe I said your queue works with your presentation (and gave it other compliments rightfully deserved), but I preferred theirs. The Land queue would not work for your concept, and your queue wouldn't work for theirs.

In terms of your script concern, I'm not quite sure why you want that insult removed. I suppose it's a bit overkill having Hyde just randomly berate guests, but I think that that's part of his character. Though, of course, I did base this version of Hyde off of the version of him in "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (The comic, not the movie. We don't mention that movie here), but I do think that line fit with his character and, while not necessary, did seem to me like something Hyde would do - go out of his way to insult people.

It was a minor thing, but after scaring the pants off the audience, insulting them is generally not a good idea.


Thanks again for the kind words overall! Team Sea did incredibly this project, as did the other teams, and it'll be interesting to see who comes out on top.

Yep! Good luck to Sea!
 
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