November 2009
Space Mountain Renovation – Space Mountain finally went down for a seven-month rehab in April of 2009; it reopened in November 2009. Reviews have been mixed, to say the least, as the limited down-time allowed by management did not allow for major enhancements to be made to the attraction. The queue area received a number of interactive games, and the loading bay has been covered to prevent light from leaking into the show building. An in-ride photo was added before the coaster’s lift hill. Read our coverage
TTA Renovation – The TTA went down for a rehab concordant to the closure of Space Mountain; it re-opened in Fall of 2009 with a new narration soundtrack.
July 2009
The Hall of Presidents – On the 4th of July, Disney officially debuted the newest version of the Hall of Presidents; additions included the newest president, Barack Obama, as well as an entirely new filmed portion and a new speaking role for the animatronic George Washington. From the Disney press release:
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A remarkably lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama enters the spotlight in a revised and refreshed Hall of Presidents show that recently reopened in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
The figure of the country’s 44th chief executive – which comes to life with recognizable mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded at the White House – is only part of a makeover so significant that the iconic attraction in the park’s Liberty Square has been retitled The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders. Other updates to the “re-Imagineered” attraction which has been entertaining Magic Kingdom guests since 1971:
A re-programmed Abraham Lincoln delivers arguably the greatest speech in the history of the presidency – the Gettysburg Address.
For the first time in the attraction’s history, George Washington stands and delivers a stirring speech.
Developed with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the show now tells a moving story of the bond between the presidents and “We, the People,” focusing on the chief executives who have guided America through trying, turbulent times.
“Our goal with every major Disney attraction is to completely immerse our guests in a compelling story,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The stories associated with the American presidency are some of the most engaging and relevant our guests will hear while they are with us. And, like all great stories, these stories inspire, motivate and teach us to appreciate the challenges and personal triumph that comes with overcoming adversity.”
True to Walt Disney’s vision, The Hall of Presidents features the appearance on stage of every United States president – life-sized, three-dimensional and fully animated. Seven presidents have been added to the “Hall” since the attraction opened during the presidency of Richard Nixon.The figure of President Barack Obama is not only the seventh addition but also the most dynamic figure Disney has ever created. Disney Imagineers, who’ve been refining Audio-Animatronics technology since 1963, have discovered new ways to integrate an array of subtle movements and facial expressions into the figures. Imagineers also worked closely with White House staff to create realistic clothing and accessories worn by the Obama figure in the show, right down to a lapel pin and watch.
Kathy Rogers, senior show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, says the show pays particular tribute to the strength of the bond between the people and the presidents “that led us through the most troubling times in our nation’s history.
“We still present that ‘mighty cavalcade of history’ that Walt Disney originally envisioned,” Rogers says, referring to “headline moments” of America’s past that are depicted in the film, “but it is viewed through the lens of the presidency.”
The 25-minute show begins with the story of George Washington and the struggle to build a new nation. It continues through today, highlighting presidents who have reached out to the people during times of strife. Disney senior show writer and director Pam Fisher, who worked closely with Kearns Goodwin to develop the story, describes the revised Hall of Presidents as “a very human story – one that we hope strikes a chord with all guests.”
A soaring new musical score written by Emmy-winning composer Joel McNeely adds another emotional dimension to the experience.
The show’s impact is bolstered by the stirring performances of actor David Morse, who voices Washington, and the late veteran actor Royal Dano, who voices Lincoln. Morse played Washington in the award-winning HBO miniseries, “John Adams.” Dano was selected by Walt Disney himself to voice the first animated Lincoln figure, which debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and later became part of the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction at Disneyland in California. Obama’s speech, recorded in the White House Map Room, includes the presidential oath of office and his thoughts about “the American dream.”
In the tradition of earlier versions of the show, the rewritten story begins with a large-format movie, but this time it is projected in crystal-clear, high-definition video. Imagineers digitized many of the huge scenic paintings of historic America made for the original movie by Disney legends including Herb Ryman and Sam McKim. In addition, the team combed through the National Archives, Library of Congress, museums and private collections to acquire more than 130 new images ultimately woven into the show.
Imagineers enhanced the soundtrack with digital production and state-of-the-art speakers; they also upgraded the lighting with energy-efficient LED technology.
The new Hall of Presidents experience begins in the pre-show lobby, which has been transformed into an expanded gallery of presidential artifacts. The inaugural exhibit showcases the women behind the presidents. Large display cases exhibit dresses and personal objects worn by several first ladies, including Edith Roosevelt (Teddy’s wife), Elizabeth Monroe and Nancy Reagan. The historical gallery also displays presidential portraits of Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and other chief executives, plus two cases filled with personal artifacts of presidents including Gerald Ford, Franklin Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover and George Washington.
Presentations of the Hall of Presidents show take place daily and are included with Magic Kingdom admission.
February 2009
The American Idol Experience – In February of 2008, Disney announced plans to fill the empty ABC Theater (formerly SuperStar Television) with a new interactive show based on American Idol. Guests will audition for spots in daily shows, and after some time with a voice coach will perform for park guests. At the end of the day, the winners from that day’s shows will compete for a daily grand prize – a guaranteed spot at the front of the line for upcoming American Idol auditions. From the Disney press release:
Click to enlargeLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – With all the thrills and suspense that have made it a television and pop culture phenomenon, “American Idol” comes to Walt Disney World Resort in a groundbreaking new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.
“The American Idol Experience” captures the energy and excitement of the TV series, with some guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios auditioning to take the spotlight onstage, while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite singer with instant results.
The newly opened attraction was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and 19 TV Ltd. It is based on the smash-hit television show “American Idol” – produced by 19 TV Ltd. and FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) – and is designed to immerse park guests in the authentic feel of a live television production.
“Disney parks are all about making dreams come true, and that’s exactly what will happen at ‘The American Idol Experience,’ ” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Whether they are onstage singing or in the audience cheering on their favorite performer, our guests will feel immersed in a world of instant stardom.”
Each show takes place in a 1,000-seat indoor theater that features the twirling neon signs and a multi-layered backdrop inspired by the actual “American Idol” set in California. Building on its hallmark of attention to detail, Walt Disney Imagineering worked with the Hollywood set designer who designed the actual TV show set for “American Idol.” The newly designed venue is the most technologically advanced theater found at Walt Disney World Resort.
Designed to reflect the best and brightest elements of the TV show, “The American Idol Experience” includes an audition process open to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests 14 and older (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early). These guests perform live in front of a Disney’s Hollywood Studios casting director for the opportunity to be cast in one of the preliminary theme park shows that same day.
If shown to have that special “star quality” during the multi-step audition process, it’s on to performance training, hair and makeup. Then, the lights come up and it’s showtime for the singers as they try to impress an audience of theme park guests – plus a panel of three expert judges.
Fellow park guests are able to enjoy the performances just like at a live television taping. Then, audience members vote for their favorite performance using the armrest keypads, with their votes tallied to determine the top singer.
Performers with the highest votes during the preliminary shows return for a high-energy grand finale show that same evening. After their encore performances, the big moment arrives. It’s a super-charged, eye-popping scene as audience votes are tallied, the other performers drop off, music builds and the spotlight shines down, amid a blizzard of confetti, on the day’s top singer. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getter receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket, which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition to a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show. And every member of the audience can take a bow, too, because they had a role in deciding that day’s star.
“The American Idol Experience” is the newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The showbiz-inspired theme park immerses guests in the glamour of show business with thrilling attractions, Broadway-style shows, world-class atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, music, television and radio production facilities.
March 2008
Block Party Bash – Replacing “Stars and Motor Cars” as the Hollywood Studios’ newest parade, “Block Party Bash” arrives in Florida from its previous home at California Adventure. From the Disney press release:
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida. – “The Year of A Million Dreams” rocks on at Walt Disney World Resort this spring with “Block Party Bash,” a funtastic parade featuring favorite Disney•Pixar characters. Currently scheduled for a mid-March opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the high-energy extravaganza cranks up the music and excitement to the max, putting guests in the middle of the wildest Disney parade ever – a non-stop musical block party that doubles as a fun-filled interactive street spectacular.
The famous Green Army Men lead the procession of favorite Disney-Pixar characters that entice guests to dance, play and party as the “bash” makes its way down Hollywood Boulevard.
In addition to an eclectic mix of fun-inducing retro tunes, “Block Party Bash” includes appearances by some of the most popular characters including Woody and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story,” Mike and Sully from “Monsters, Inc.” and Flik and Atta from “A Bug’s Life.”
“Guests won’t be able to resist the show’s energetic performers, lovable characters, familiar pop tunes and never-ending surprises,” said Robin Trowbridge, show director. “What a fantastic opportunity to share this incredible show with so many guests. I have no doubts that this show with all its fun, energy and surprises will knock the socks off of everyone visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios.”
The “block party” transforms into major choreographed sections that immerse guests into a feeling of playing with the “toys,” screaming with the “monsters” and dancing with the “bugs.” The performance is bursting with dancers, acrobats, jumping stilts and a “mini” caravan of electric scooters that combine to fill the performance area with an awe-inspiring array of visuals and sound sensations.
The elaborate set pieces for this interactive parade/show include large floats themed to “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “A Bug’s Life,” trampoline units (invented specifically for “Block Party Bash”), and “tweeners” (smaller floats that look like stacks of toy blocks that double as dance stages, decorative prop boxes and sources of amazing special effects). These rolling stages camouflage impressive telescoping towers that rise during the finale of the extravaganza revealing Mr. and Mrs. Incredible and Frozone from the Disney presentation of a Pixar Film, “The Incredibles.”
“Block Party Bash” marks a continuation of new interactive entertainment created to premiere during “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration, which continues through Dec. 31, 2008, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
February 2008
Spaceship Earth Renovation – Spaceship Earth has undergone a comprehensive overhaul due to the largesse of new sponsor Siemens. The wand is down (praise be to Mickey), new scenes and a new score have been added, and a new narration has been recorded by Dame Judi Dench. The ride is opened for previews and testing in December 2007. From Disney’s Cast Portal:
Glendale, Calif., Nov. 29, 2007 – Ten time Emmy®-award winning composer Bruce Broughton conducted a 63-piece orchestra and 24-voice choir for a new musical score for Spaceship Earth at Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney Imagineers have been re-imagining the iconic Epcot attraction since earlier this year, and have added new show scenes to the attraction’s story line, along with new lighting effects, costumes, set decoration, and a new narrator – Academy Award®-winning, English actress Dame Judi Dench.
For the musical score, each scene was infused with musical styles and instruments appropriate to the time period, which was not an easy task according to Walt Disney Imagineering senior show producer Bob Zalk. “To have that score transition smoothly as vehicles travel from one time period to the next is extremely difficult,” he said. “The first time we rode through the attraction accompanied by that music, we were amazed.”
Spaceship Earth has been on hiatus since earlier this year, and is expected to re-open in December for sneak previews. When it re-opens, Spaceship Earth will combine the magic of the iconic attraction’s time-travel adventure into the past with a new finale and post-show, presented by Siemens, which provides guests the opportunity to imagine their futures. Guests discover how each generation of mankind has invented the future for the next generation, and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from the caves to the cosmos.
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