MK Walt Disney to Appear in Carousel of Progress with New Audio-Animatronic at Magic Kingdom

[Coaster Lover]

I love this idea! Looks like the Walt-amatronic will be based on a younger version of Walt than the DL one which I think will resonate well. Further, as opening scene, I assume they keep the curtain and if there is an issue with the animatronic, they can have the simple option of the closed curtain with a voiceover for a B-mode (more or less what they have now) to keep the attraction open. I'm all for this!

 

[𝐌𝖆𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝐖𝖊𝖇]

Well dang. So much for my hopeful theory of them putting this in the final scene to lessen the uncanny valley by priming the audience having seen several AAs leading up to a grand reveal. A progression with Walt audio intro, subtle teasers within each scene ending with finale of Walt AA.

Not sold on this being a preshow.

 

[andre85]

Well dang. So much for my hopeful theory of them putting this in the final scene to lessen the uncanny valley by priming the audience having seen several AAs leading up to a grand reveal. A progression with Walt audio intro, subtle teasers within each scene ending with finale of Walt AA.

Not sold on this being a preshow.

Trying to think how that would work without dramatically changing the structure they have now

 

[Disnutz311]

But there's barely enough time for people to get in there as it is. I guess it'd be a short scene.

Or they just add 5 mins more to the ride and re-time everything.

 

[Mike S]

If the AA looks better than Disneyland’s I’m all for it. Regarding it as a preshow what if he’s already talking to the audience as you come in? It’s not like they haven’t done something like that before.

 

[Brer Panther]

Hopefully this Walt AA is less uncanny-looking than the Disneyland one.

I’ve heard of some movement on Stitch but we will see.

Any specific pitches for replacements?

 

[andre85]

Hopefully this Walt AA is less uncanny-looking than the Disneyland one.

Any specific pitches for replacements?

Frozen Walt Disney breaks out of his tube

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Crowd was pretty excited about this - was really the only news from today (other than holiday foods, etc)

I think the concept art looks great, love that there is a drawing of Progress City

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

Ok, so if Jean Shepherd goes, who should replace him? Bryan Cranston has a good voice for it!

(I'd prefer Shepherd stays, but it's probably not possible with an entirely updated show...and yes, I know he's dead)

 

[Wngo905]

Ok, so if Jean Shepherd goes, who should replace him? Bryan Cranston has a good voice for it!

(I'd prefer Shepherd stays, but it's probably not possible with an entirely updated show...and yes, I know he's dead)

If/when Shepherd goes, to me it will feel like I *got hit in the eye from a Red Ryder.


(*Not sure if my first comment would fly without getting automatically flagged as violence (or banned word) or the like, but I think I got my point across in this similar variation. If you want a hint, it was going to be a classic and often used line from the movie "you'll ______ your eye out")

I love Shepherd's voice both in the Christmas Story and the COP. I know one day it will need to be a different narrator due to scene changes/additions but I hope the current main story stays as long as possible.

 

[Streetway Again]

If/when Shepherd goes, to me it will feel like I *got hit in the eye from a Red Ryder.


(*Not sure if my first comment would fly without getting automatically flagged as violence (or banned word) or the like, but I think I got my point across in this similar variation. If you want a hint, it was going to be a classic and often used line from the movie "you'll ______ your eye out")

I love Shepherd's voice both in the Christmas Story and the COP. I know one day it will need to be a different narrator due to scene changes/additions but I hope the current main story stays as long as possible.

…..you’re gonna wanna sit down for this…

 

[Charlie The Chatbox Ghost]

But there's barely enough time for people to get in there as it is. I guess it'd be a short scene.

I'd imagine it's gonna replace the part of that first scene with the logo that starts once the doors close.

 

[jah4955]

I'd imagine it's gonna replace the part of that first scene with the logo that starts once the doors close.

Agreed. The Disneyland Walt is only a couple minutes, and the current CoP opening is only a couple minutes...so little to no need to change the timing of the rest of the show.

 

[BrianLo]

I’m beginning to think Magic Kingdom is the favored child.

 

[castlecake2.0]

I'd imagine it's gonna replace the part of that first scene with the logo that starts once the doors close.

That’s what I’m thinking, at the end they just want you out, so I don’t see them putting something to distract you from exiting

 

[jah4955]

Giving major refurbs to CoP and Buzz is a start.

I'd put Space, Stitch and Monsters next

Very encouraging...Monsters hopefully leaving MK with HS opening, Stitch is also prime real estate, and hopefully track replacement coming soon for Space Mountain! And CoP & (relatively recent) Buzz news tells me Peoplemover track is also safe for the foreseeable future!

 

[jah4955]

I love this idea! Looks like the Walt-amatronic will be based on a younger version of Walt than the DL one which I think will resonate well. Further, as opening scene, I assume they keep the curtain and if there is an issue with the animatronic, they can have the simple option of the closed curtain with a voiceover for a B-mode (more or less what they have now) to keep the attraction open. I'm all for this!

It's what he wore in the Wonderful World of Color TV show 1964!

 

[FigmentsBrightIdeas]

If/when Shepherd goes, to me it will feel like I *got hit in the eye from a Red Ryder.


(*Not sure if my first comment would fly without getting automatically flagged as violence (or banned word) or the like, but I think I got my point across in this similar variation. If you want a hint, it was going to be a classic and often used line from the movie "you'll ______ your eye out")

I love Shepherd's voice both in the Christmas Story and the COP. I know one day it will need to be a different narrator due to scene changes/additions but I hope the current main story stays as long as possible.

I ought to mention.. the singing voice is Infact not Jean Shepard but voice actor, Jess Harnell, so.. ultimately, if they really wanted to, they could get Jess back in and have him record new dialogue. It’d probably sound indistinguishable from Jean’s original performance, but again, depends.. granted it has been 32 years.. ‘however’ considering he can still do a pretty darn swell Wakko Warner (from Animaniacs) & Br’er Rabbit still, something tells me he could still do a good John also.

 

[James Alucobond]

I’m beginning to think Magic Kingdom is the favored child.

Honestly, once all of the currently announced things wrap, most of the WDW parks will be in the best shape we’ve seen in quite a while, with the notable exception of EPCOT. AK and HS will be in a state where very little feels tired, so all you’d really want for is “more”, plus a yeti and maybe a BatB replacement. MK will really just need Tomorrowland fixes, which seem to be happening slowly, and perhaps some light updates to the medieval tourney section of Fantasyland. EPCOT, on the other hand, needs to revisit every area pinpointed and cut for the 40th with loftier ambitions, plus Imagination.

 

[jah4955]

I ought to mention.. the singing voice is Infact not Jean Shepard but voice actor, Jess Harnell, so.. ultimately, if they really wanted to, they could get Jess back in and have him record new dialogue. It’d probably sound indistinguishable from Jean’s original performance, but again, depends.. granted it has been 32 years.. ‘however’ considering he can still do a pretty darn swell Wakko Warner (from Animaniacs) & Br’er Rabbit still, something tells me he could still do a good John also.

Kevin Rafferty details the story in his book....maybe he'll come out of retirement to assist?