The Sorcerer's Apprentice Season 8: Magic Journeys

spacemt354

Chili's
Original Poster
While we have some extra time for Book I, here are the prizes for those who went above and beyond this round.
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1. The Ring
One ring to rule them all. The winner of this prize will be granted immunity from the Book of their choosing in Act I

2. Spice
Grants the user clairvoyance to see the remainder of the prompts for Act I

3. Excalibur
The one who wields this sword has the power to remove themselves from the nomination block for elimination and put someone else in their place during Act I.

 

spacemt354

Chili's
Original Poster
Incredible job to everyone involved! I can't say it enough how happy I am to see people enjoying themselves especially with a project like this that became such a passionate undertaking. I wanted to try something different with the first round to give everyone the opportunity to work with each other, which is something in these games that doesn't always happen. And you all took it and ran with it.

I'll post the next prompt now, and reviews for Book I will come in over today as well as throughout the week.

Excited to see what you all do next!
 

spacemt354

Chili's
Original Poster
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The imagineers completed their quest with Universal's Worlds of Wonder and returned to Disneyland Mumbai for a brief respite at their respective resorts.

"That was fun" @Mr. Sullivan said "It was my first time but I'm excited for what is to come"

"I agree!" @Earlie the Pearlie replied "I wonder where we will go next"

The teams received an urgent message telling them that The Horned King may have discovered them in Mumbai, and they have to take a circuitous route to their next destination.

"We can't directly go to EPCOT" @Tegan pilots a chicken stated "It would be too obvious and alert The Horned King to our presence. We have to take a detour"

"Well" Hulk interjected "HULK been to Asia, HULK guide us!"

Boarding the Disney Adventure, the teams flew off from Disneyland Mumbai and towards a real-life cyberpunk city in the heart of Mainland China, Chongqing.
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"Wow, this place looks like something out of Blade Runner" @PerGron noted

The teams continued to explore this newfound treasure of a city until reaching a small alleyway that guided the teams towards a portal to their destination.

"So if we are going to EPCOT and we're in China, is this another World Showcase prompt?" @NateD1226 wondered. But looking closer at the beacon guiding the teams toward the next project, it flashed with this rainbow colored logo...
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spacemt354

Chili's
Original Poster
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From the Cyberpunk cities of Asia to what was intended to be the city of the future, here we arrive at EPCOT Center for our second book.

Your task is to design an animatronic-centered show to replace CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT Center

Tips and Tricks
- You are free to use any Disney-IP (including former Epcot characters), or create characters of your own
- This may be a show-exclusive attraction (ie Carousel of Progress), or it could be an show/restaurant combination.
- It should evoke the spirit of EPCOT (definition may vary, but it should vibe with your definition of EPCOT)
- Some of EPCOT has changed over the years in the SAU so use the SA Directory to your advantage

This Book is due on Monday July 8th at 11:59PM PST (Disneyland Time)
 

Disney Warrior

Well-Known Member
Anyways, it’s time.

Sorcerer’s Apprentice 8 : Book 1 Reviews
  • 26 pages (at least it isn’t 80, but then again, I didn’t know what to expect from this round aside from a park that’s more literature themed than IOA [Skull Island doesn’t fit!])
  • Technically Delhi is the largest city in India (based on size), but Mumbai is the most populated (sorry I have to nitpick, I’m a geography nerd)
  • All these lands sound interesting (kinda surprised at no Harry Potter, but original ideas are better of course)
Valley of Stories
  • From first glance, it seems to be about as good as Port of Entry (and also better ties in to the literary theme)
  • Also nice map AGP (it’s a good thing when I can immediately tell that it's you, you make great maps)
  • Shops are pretty cool, dining also seems well researched (has to have local foods)
  • Prose & Verse seems a bit too fantastical for the land, but that might be intentional
  • Really like the Pool of Thought and the connection to Brahman (who, I’ll admit, I’ve never heard of)
  • There better be a high capacity for this park!
The Great Library
  • Great hub area
  • The Bookkeepers are a nice way to weave together each of the lands (if they don’t, then they should)
  • It’s also way better than Poseidon’s Fury
  • No comments on the shops and dining
  • And we still haven’t gotten into the rides
The Stories Within
  • Nice (what I believe is a nighttime) show, no comment
  • And we’ve finally gotten into the other lands
Valley of Fantasy
  • Now, I’m not too familiar with the IP, so keep that in mind
  • Nice dark ride, doesn’t seem too thrilling (and it doesn’t need to be)
  • I won’t comment too much due to not knowing a lot about Tolkien IPs but I really like the ride choices
Port Mythica
  • Kinda unrelated to the land, but I really like the presentation style you guys used for each land (very pleasing to the eye)
  • Also great map AGP
  • I haven’t done research on Indian mythology either (I learned a tiny amount of info on Hinduism back in 7th grade but that was during Covid and I don’t remember much aside from there being no god)
  • Also I hope that no park guest will get offended by this land
  • Really like the coaster (have heard good things about F.L.Y. even though I’m not a big thrill seeker)
  • Really like the boat ride and musical too (they seem well researched)
  • Is this the Jurassic Park of this park? (scratch that, it might be Lost Continent)
  • You got me with Mythos (it's a great restaurant, but you guys probably already knew that)
Port Futura
  • Interesting with the IP blend (that idea does seem like something Universal would do)
  • Squidzville seems like a very visually intriguing restaurant
  • And I like the idea of the War of the Worlds, Dune, and 1984 attractions (again, I don’t know much about them but I do know some things about the latter IP)
The Lost World
  • There’s the dinosaurs!​
  • This land being based on the book (which I knew existed) is cool because it’s unique even though I kinda expected it)​
  • I like the EMV ride, even though it reminds me of a Park Lore concept and the Animal Kingdom Dinosaur ride​
  • The simulator is a nice complement, and I also like the dining and shops (and yes, I noticed that Prehistoric Palette still says “EMV Title”, but that's a minor nitpick)​
The Old World
  • You guys do know that India was once a British colony (does this land intentionally or coincidentally harken back to that?)
  • Christmas Carol ride being open year round is interesting
  • Something tells me that this land was the last one made, was it always planned as an expansion land? (I didn’t have access to the PMs, if you’re wondering why I‘m mentioning this; btw, it’s not really a nitpick8
Endicott Harbor
  • Like the backstory (though I also don’t know a lot about horror)​
  • The Hall of Horrors ride seems very interesting (I believe this is @Lord Fozzinator ’s because of the familiar syntax)​
  • Kids rides are a welcome (and necessary) addition for this land​
  • Goosebumps restaurant is cool (you don’t it being talked about in most projects, and yes, I’ve never read those books)​
  • Like the supplemental additions​
Imagination Harbor
  • Almost thought this was related to Dreamfinder and Figment before I remembered that this wasn’t Disney lol
  • Busytown! Wow that unlocked a core memory (you also don’t see it being talked about either and I don’t remember if I’ve ever read those books)
  • This land is very nostalgic because of Arthur (this sign won’t stop me because I’m skimming through this project) and Thomas being part of my childhood
  • First project with a skibidi toilet mention?
  • Really like the Caterpillar ride (god I haven’t thought about that book since I was a little kid other than a rap battle featuring the title character)
  • Not that familiar with Where the Wild Things Are (idk if I’ve ever read it or not) but the ride seems interesting
  • Frog and Toad! Another very vague memory from like first or second grade lol (good ideas here)
  • And there’s Willy Wonka. (Ironically I‘ve never read the book even though I know the plot and have seen the movie 12 or 13 years ago [surprised I still remember that]) Not that surprised at it being a boat ride (there was one at Alton Towers in the UK I believe) but seems like a pretty faithful ride (there better not be any sad Oompa Loompas)
  • I didn't really see the shops or restaurant though (maybe I was supposed to use my imagination there)
  • This is my favorite land because of the nostalgia factor (and because it had the most familiar IPs lol)
Great job guys! Excellent project! Hope next round's projects are about as good (or even better) [but even if they aren’t, I won’t care that much].
(and this took like 90 minutes to write [or maybe it was longer than that, idk])
 

Lord Fozzinator

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
No
Anyways, it’s time.

Sorcerer’s Apprentice 8 : Book 1 Reviews
  • 26 pages (at least it isn’t 80, but then again, I didn’t know what to expect from this round aside from a park that’s more literature themed than IOA [Skull Island doesn’t fit!])
  • Technically Delhi is the largest city in India (based on size), but Mumbai is the most populated (sorry I have to nitpick, I’m a geography nerd)
  • All these lands sound interesting (kinda surprised at no Harry Potter, but original ideas are better of course)
Valley of Stories
  • From first glance, it seems to be about as good as Port of Entry (and also better ties in to the literary theme)
  • Also nice map AGP (it’s a good thing when I can immediately tell that it's you, you make great maps)
  • Shops are pretty cool, dining also seems well researched (has to have local foods)
  • Prose & Verse seems a bit too fantastical for the land, but that might be intentional
  • Really like the Pool of Thought and the connection to Brahman (who, I’ll admit, I’ve never heard of)
  • There better be a high capacity for this park!
The Great Library
  • Great hub area
  • The Bookkeepers are a nice way to weave together each of the lands (if they don’t, then they should)
  • It’s also way better than Poseidon’s Fury
  • No comments on the shops and dining
  • And we still haven’t gotten into the rides
The Stories Within
  • Nice (what I believe is a nighttime) show, no comment
  • And we’ve finally gotten into the other lands
Valley of Fantasy
  • Now, I’m not too familiar with the IP, so keep that in mind
  • Nice dark ride, doesn’t seem too thrilling (and it doesn’t need to be)
  • I won’t comment too much due to not knowing a lot about Tolkien IPs but I really like the ride choices
Port Mythica
  • Kinda unrelated to the land, but I really like the presentation style you guys used for each land (very pleasing to the eye)
  • Also great map AGP
  • I haven’t done research on Indian mythology either (I learned a tiny amount of info on Hinduism back in 7th grade but that was during Covid and I don’t remember much aside from there being no god)
  • Also I hope that no park guest will get offended by this land
  • Really like the coaster (have heard good things about F.L.Y. even though I’m not a big thrill seeker)
  • Really like the boat ride and musical too (they seem well researched)
  • Is this the Jurassic Park of this park? (scratch that, it might be Lost Continent)
  • You got me with Mythos (it's a great restaurant, but you guys probably already knew that)
Port Futura
  • Interesting with the IP blend (that idea does seem like something Universal would do)
  • Squidzville seems like a very visually intriguing restaurant
  • And I like the idea of the War of the Worlds, Dune, and 1984 attractions (again, I don’t know much about them but I do know some things about the latter IP)
The Lost World
  • There’s the dinosaurs!​
  • This land being based on the book (which I knew existed) is cool because it’s unique even though I kinda expected it)​
  • I like the EMV ride, even though it reminds me of a Park Lore concept and the Animal Kingdom Dinosaur ride​
  • The simulator is a nice complement, and I also like the dining and shops (and yes, I noticed that Prehistoric Palette still says “EMV Title”, but that's a minor nitpick)​
The Old World
  • You guys do know that India was once a British colony (does this land intentionally or coincidentally harken back to that?)
  • Christmas Carol ride being open year round is interesting
  • Something tells me that this land was the last one made, was it always planned as an expansion land? (I didn’t have access to the PMs, if you’re wondering why I‘m mentioning this; btw, it’s not really a nitpick8
Endicott Harbor
  • Like the backstory (though I also don’t know a lot about horror)​
  • The Hall of Horrors ride seems very interesting (I believe this is @Lord Fozzinator ’s because of the familiar syntax)​
  • Kids rides are a welcome (and necessary) addition for this land​
  • Goosebumps restaurant is cool (you don’t it being talked about in most projects, and yes, I’ve never read those books)​
  • Like the supplemental additions​
Imagination Harbor
  • Almost thought this was related to Dreamfinder and Figment before I remembered that this wasn’t Disney lol
  • Busytown! Wow that unlocked a core memory (you also don’t see it being talked about either and I don’t remember if I’ve ever read those books)
  • This land is very nostalgic because of Arthur (this sign won’t stop me because I’m skimming through this project) and Thomas being part of my childhood
  • First project with a skibidi toilet mention?
  • Really like the Caterpillar ride (god I haven’t thought about that book since I was a little kid other than a rap battle featuring the title character)
  • Not that familiar with Where the Wild Things Are (idk if I’ve ever read it or not) but the ride seems interesting
  • Frog and Toad! Another very vague memory from like first or second grade lol (good ideas here)
  • And there’s Willy Wonka. (Ironically I‘ve never read the book even though I know the plot and have seen the movie 12 or 13 years ago [surprised I still remember that]) Not that surprised at it being a boat ride (there was one at Alton Towers in the UK I believe) but seems like a pretty faithful ride (there better not be any sad Oompa Loompas)
  • I didn't really see the shops or restaurant though (maybe I was supposed to use my imagination there)
  • This is my favorite land because of the nostalgia factor (and because it had the most familiar IPs lol)
Great job guys! Excellent project! Hope next round's projects are about as good (or even better) [but even if they aren’t, I won’t care that much].
(and this took like 90 minutes to write [or maybe it was longer than that, idk])
Nah the hall of horrors was the idea of @OSUPhantom
 

spacemt354

Chili's
Original Poster
So… this might be a stupid question. If it is, I am sorry.
But don’t we need project managers?
Good catch! I'd be happy to assign them but I also wanted to see if the teams this season can come up with them organically with this round. There's a week so if in the next day or so people feel like it needs to be assigned I can add them now and for the next rounds.
 

spacemt354

Chili's
Original Poster
A Full Review Will Follow:

However I wanted to give my initial impressions after the first read through - I honestly want to read it one or two more times before giving final thoughts. Not only because this project is so massive but also for all the hard work and dedication put into this, it definitively warrants multiple reads.

We've had some great group projects over the last few games - from the Cartoon mashup land at Islands of Adventure in SYWTBAI Season 20, to the Disneyland Forward project from Citrus Dreamin' and then many group projects from the past including the project from SYWTBAI Season 15 that inspired this prompt.

But I have to say this blew away expectations on my end and was way more than I was ever expecting out of an opening round. Like I had mentioned before, the goal of this project was to give everyone the opportunity to be able to work together. We got to see pairings of imagineers we may not see again in this game. We got to see everyone be able to create what they wanted to do without much limitations. And we got to see how truly creative this group of imagineers is.

From the opening link and reading through the introduction (i've never seen a project essentially have a 26 page intro lol) you all synthesized such a beautiful park that truly feels like Islands of Adventure on steroids. You were able to merge many aspects of Indian culture into the park, and blend it seamlessly with other Universal and non-Universal IPs to create one giant mega-park which I very much look forward to amalgamating the complete park map for.

Each section having its own book in the bookcase was pure genius. And the incredible individual map-making skills put on display were nothing short of spectacular.

I wish I had more to say for improvement, but perhaps at this time I'm swept up in the moment of how awesome this project is to be able to properly add areas of improvement. The only thing that I can think of in the initial feedback is that perhaps this park got *too* divided up. Meaning that while there were lands left for expansion - I believe it was Disney Dad who said in one of the threads that it might have been better to fully detail 3-4 lands with 5-6 people on each team rather than 8 lands of 3-4 people. As the days went, that was definitely one area to improve on for next time so people don't overextend themselves. I mean if you have the time great, but at the same time I wouldn't want people feeling like they need to rush at the last minute to cram in extra lands when there was more than enough in this project to satisfy the masses.

I hope Book II brings more of the same passion and excitement which so far the brainstorming has been taking off really well.

I do have the winners of the 3 prizes for Book I as well - for truly going above and beyond the expectations. Use these well (or don't use them) as they are only good for Act I. It's nothing that I believe will be gamebreaking, but a subtle thanks and appreciation for the efforts put forth.

So congratulations to...
@AceAstro - awarded The Ring
@Architectural Guinea Pig - awarded Spice and
@JokersWild - awarded Excalibur
 

spacemt354

Chili's
Original Poster
Full Review: (Part 1)

UNIVERSAL'S WORLDS OF WONDER


From the rapid brainstorming start to the progression into individual teams, I had a feeling this could potentially be one of the best group projects in the game's history, but also the forum as a whole. After reading through the project on multiple occasions I can safely say that this is one of the best I've read!

The passion and persistence of this group of imagineers truly shines through and your attention to detail permeates even from the opening. The prologue in old papyrus in an old fashioned book sets the stage for what is to come - a literature park unlike any other.

The intro to Worlds of Wonder was elegantly written and organized. I believe @OSUPhantom was one of the pioneers of the intro and the prose does stand out. The descriptions give a sense for the reader of what is to come without revealing too much.

While I definitely wasn't expecting 8 lands, I am glad that everyone got to work on what they wanted. That was certainly the intention with this round was to offer an opportunity to do what you're passionate about while also dealing with IPs and themes we don't normally touch in Disney Imagineering but with the budget of Disney parks. As mentioned before regarding the 8 lands, perhaps it would have been better to condense the lands down or pick a few to fully expand on. It's neither here nor there now, but that could have helped reduce the feeling of rushing to complete each part. And while I wasn't looking for any IPs in particular, I was initially surprised at skipping Potter given how popular the books are in India
That said I do understand the desire to skip for creative and also personal preferences.

The Valley Of Stories
First off this may be @Architectural Guinea Pig 's best map yet. It's scary (for the competition) how much you've grown over the last few months on the forum, now with elite level maps to further drive your skills forward. I like how aptly named the Valley of Stories is - as it is truly a Valley, with rockwork/waterfalls, and spectacular vistas that lead guests forward in a non-linear fashion towards 'The Library' Another incredible detail is how the rockwork imitates rockwork from famous stories like Lord of the Rings, as a hint of what is to come. It's similar to the Tree of Life carving various animals into the rockwork.

- Prologue Provisions
The official gift shop that fits seamlessly into the rest of the area - I like how the 'Bookkeepers' aka staff wear uniforms that fit in with the surrounding theme.

- The Inkwell
Having a writing shop including journals is such a unique way to incorporate the theme of literature. Young children can also use the journals to draw and have autographs signed from characters as well.

- The Writer's Block
A nice little area to grab a quick bite, but serving cuisine that Indian locals will appreciate and those traveling from other nations will be able to explore. The Bombay Grilled Sandwich sounds delicious!

-Prose & Verse
Feels almost like a pregame library setting before the park's main area. Love the quotes on the ceiling and how the multi-floor aspect will be able to facilitate guests exploring through the interior. Plus with the Mumbai heat, this will be a great place to cool off.

- Sweeter Than Fiction
Quaint shop that pairs well with a pseudo library setting. Almost like the Starbucks sections of Barns & Noble.

- The Pool of Thought/Inspiration Gardens
Love the tie in to the Taj Mahal. I believe Disneyland Mumbai had similar inspiration with the castle structure, but nonetheless, this provides a great transition from the rocky intro to now a more symmetric view of the Great Library icon. The inclusion of the Brahman and the Chakras was also a stroke of genius as that truly does incorporate the cultural significance of the region.

- The Great Library
Probably one of my favorite aspects of this project is the icon of the park, not only with how it ties into literature, but also history as well inspired by one of the great wonders of the ancient world - it ties into the park's name as well! I will say for the Bookkeepers however, they were introduced previously as guests walk up the Valley of Stories. I like this background to the Bookkeepers perhaps this part could have been introduced in the beginning? Because reading about them in the Inkwell I figured they were just cast members but since they're an integral part to the magic of the Valley of Stories they probably could have been introduced in the beginning - a minor nitpick.

- Memoir Merchants, Muse Jewelers
Both locations offering more merchandise opportunity - and I feel like the jewelry store provides a bit ore elegance to a theme park than a typical merchandise store - nice idea there!

- Illustrator's Fine Arts & Portraits
Again another elegant addition to what it means to have a shop in a theme park. Definitely like this portrait studio concept.

- The Compendium
There is a lot of shopping to do here! We now reach the primary gift shop! While it's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, I feel like for the actual park maybe one or two of these shops would be cut/condensed, but each one is so unique I wouldn't know which one to cut. I like how the name too is akin to 'Emporium' with the ium ending.

- The Bookkeepers Meet & Greet
This show I think provides needed background to the concept of the Bookkeepers. This may be the first theme park with almost a pseudo-required meet and greet! to appreciate the complete backstory of the park.

- The Stories Within
Projection show in the library?? Brilliant. Love the galactic nature of the show it feels like a museum planetarium in some aspects. And I love how it ties into some of the stories that you will get to experience inside the park, from the Hobbit to A Christmas Carol, to Wonka, and all things in between it ties together the park in a seamless fashion.

Also the Bridges into the Worlds of Wonder. At first I was skeptical of the multilayer transitions but overall this is one of the most unique park transitions to lands out there. It makes each land feel unique and makes you explore the Library even more. A win-win!

And lastly for this section, kudos to the concept of the bookcase, it's subtle but one of the most innovative aspects of this project (among many) and I really appreciate that attention to detail.

For the remainder of the lands - they will be reviewed in clockwise fashion starting with the northernmost land - Valley of Fantasy and going around from there!

Valley of Fantasy - North
Endicott Harbor - Northeast
The Old World - East
Port Futura - Southeast
Port Mythica - Southwest
The Lost World - West
Imagination Harbor - Northwest
 

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