Future World

I’m on to Epcot in “The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World.” Finally, right? As most of you know, I LOVE Epcot. Although it doesn’t hold the nostalgia and excitement of Magic Kingdom, it seems to be a place that sparks the desire to learn from all who visit.

Epcot (which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) opened on October 1, 1982 (11 years to the date after MK opened). Originally Walt Disney had wanted to create a community where all the members worked together to create a better world to live in. He offered his vision in the “City of the Future” model (which is on display in MK) which would have residential housing, shopping, dining, and a family-oriented sports venue. These ideas are reflected all around Epcot and Disney – with Downtown Disney, the ESPN Wide World of Sports at the Boardwalk and the neighboring town of Celebration. He wanted the community to constantly be working towards effective, environmentally friendly living. He was actually quite progressive for his time.

This focus on the correlation between science, nature, and community is reflected in Future World. This side of the park represents the living world (land/sea) and the world of innovation – separated by the ‘Fountain of Nations.’ This fountain contains water from rivers and bodies of water around the world! A gallon of each was added to the fountain on opening day “as a gesture of peace and togetherness.” How cool!

The next tid bit I thought was interesting and plays on the company’s desire to be eco-friendly is about ‘Spaceship Earth.’ Both times Nate and I went to Epcot we weren’t able to go on ‘Spaceship Earth.’ I was disappointed because I knew he would like it, so we’ll have to make sure he goes on it when he comes to visit me! The ride was designed with a runoff system so every time it rains, no rain hits the ground and the rainwater goes directly into the World Showcase lagoon!

The ride, as some of you know, is a journey through time showing people working in/for the community. In the ancient Egyptian scene, the scrolls contain real documents written by a pharaoh to one of his agents! So cool. On that same theme, the graffiti found in the Roman scene is what was actually found on the walls of the Roman city of Pompeii. Most of you who have known me since I was younger knows my sister and I loved the ‘Magic Tree House’ series – my favorite book was “Vacation under the Volcano,” set in Pompeii, so you can imagine how exciting it was for me to learn this fun fact!

In the telegraph scene you can hear Morse code. The message being tapped out is the 1869 announcement that the golden spike linking the transcontinental railway at promontory Peak has just been driven in. How exciting!

The Universe of Energy ride, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres shows us how to use sustainable fuel choices.  The roof of the building is covered with 80,000 photovoltaic cells that provide solar energy which is converted into AC and then used to power the ride. That is why on the ride they say you are ‘riding on sunshine!’

Just before we went to Disney to dance in Tomorrowland with our dance studio, Mission: SPACE opened and a woman died. It eventually came out that she had many health problems; most of them ones that they tell you not to go on if you have, but it still scared me. It wasn’t until when Nate and I went in 2010 and he really wanted to try it that I agreed to go on. I did not like it. You’re in a small spaceship with lots of movement and I felt very sick at the end. BUT, they definitely accomplished what they wanted to with the ride, which is very true to the real thing spaceship launch. Also, in their defense you are very warned that the ride can cause motion sickness long before you get on.

For anyone interested in science, it may be worth it to walk through the line of the ride because one of the eight lunar roving vehicles that were ever created is on display. They were constructed for NASA by Boeing and three remain on the moon to this day. How fun is that?

Keeping with the theme of natural energy, Disney doesn’t use any pesticides! They only use natural pest management. That is, they release 250,000 ‘warrior insects’ to get rid of harmful pests. Guests can be a part of it via the Ladybug release at Epcot. Who knew?

Next is ‘The Land,’ now well known because it is the building that ‘Soarin’ is in. Outside of the building you will notice the mosaics on each side of the walkways there to represent the layers of earth exposed after a volcano eruption. The pigmented pavement represents lava flowing from the eruption. All the natural elements from the murals at the pavillion's entry were found on Disney property.

Here is a picture of my family in 'The Land' in 1992 before it was redone!

Inside the land is a restaruant among other things. If you eat at the restaurant (as well as the food court there and the Coral Reef Restaraunt in "The Living Seas") you will be eating vegetabes that were grown in the greenhouses on the 'Living with the Land' ride. All the plants that are in the ride are grown using hydroponics (no soil, just water). This technique was used by the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and eventually NASA!

Across from 'The Land' is the pavillion now called 'The Seas with Nemo and Friends," formally known as 'The Seas.' Inside the seas there is a saltwater tank that was the largest in the world until Georgia opened a new aquarium in Atlanta in 2005. It is where they do the diving and snorkling that Victoria and I want to do when we go!

That's all for the Future World section! I hope you enjoyed the fun facts, I sure do. Reading this book has been very fun and it has given me even more of an appreciation for the imagineers and all the work they put into each and every aspect of the parks, and the learning experience for the guests. Also, we check-in in 20 days. What?!

Walt Disney World Anniversaries

Victoria and I will be at WDW for some very important anniversaries!

First off, this year is the 30th anniversary of the college program itself! It launched in 1981 and consisted of 200 students from 30 schools working in Magic Kingdom. Since then more than 45,000 students have participated. I'm sure we will be celebrating something as CP's, of course I won't know how much until we are there. Luckily we only have to wait 24 more days. (yikes)

The second big anniversary is the 40th anniversary of Magic Kingdom! The park opened on October 1, 1971. Disney has yet to announce plans for the big day, but they have released the merchandise they are selling for the year. (For anyone that is a huge Disney collector, these are for them!)

Disney's Senior Graphic Designer, Natalie Kennedy, created a 40 anniversary collage which is featured on many anniversary merchandise. In order to create the collage she collected Disney memorabilia from across the years. Taking elements from all four parks, as well of images of Walt himself, she worked for three months to finish the collage.

In stores all around Magic Kingdom, and the resorts purses, hats, journals, etc, will adorn Kennedy's collage. Many of the images she chose are iconic Disney photos and memorabilia.

Another quintessential Disney icon is (of course) the Cinderella Castle. Naturally, the Disney Theme Park Merchandise team created a special pattern of different Disney attractions that have made Magic Kingdom what it is today. This collage, in the shape of the castle, was "created to evoke nostalgic memories for guests, and hopefully make a few say, "Oh my gosh! I forgot how much I LOVED that attraction when I was younger!" says Disney Cast Member, Dara Trujillo, Manager of Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication.

There are 18 different attractions in the castle. See if you can identify some!

Of course, they had to design purses for the anniversary as well. I have been looking for a small shoulder bag that fits snug to me that I could use when we walk around the parks and now I can wait to buy an anniversary purse (at my discounted rate of course!). For anyone who is a Disney collector but not able to visit us and use our discounts, you can buy them online and receive up to 30% off on certain dates!

The Dooney and Bourke bags are very cute and also have a nostalgic style. They feature everything from retro WDW icons to classic silhouettes of Mickey, original park tickets and maps, and autographs.


The last bit of merchandise I'll discuss are the mouse ear hats! These hats have a 1970's MK map on the upside of the hats!

They are also designed in the 1970's style, which anyone who was able to go when the park first opened will recognize.

I know I wrote some details on the opening of Magic Kingdom in a previous entry but here are a few more interesting facts I did not include:

The park opened to 10,000 visitors with 21 attractions including Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Country Bear Jamboree, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Hall of Presidents, Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Treehouse and Snow White's Adventures. Incredible, huh? These are some of my childhood favorites, I'm guessing they were yours too :)

For kicks, here is a picture from when my dad went to Disney the year it opened with his younger brother Brian and older brother, Jay.

The Art of Animation

So sorry friends! I have been seriously slacking. I didn't realize how busy the summer would be between work, my bio class, and weddings!

I recently was told that Disney is planning to build a new resort to add to their list of value resorts in WDW. I looked it up and it's going to be called the 'Art of Animation Resort' and is scheduled to open in the spring of 2012. Like all of the WDW resort, it will feature four themes: The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid.

The resort, like all of the WDW resorts will be connected to the transportation line which Disney offers so that guests can easily travel to all of the parks, Disney Quest, mini golf, golf, as well as Downtown Disney.

Like the other value resorts, the fare is generally cheap (under $100/night) as hotels go, and will create over 750 permanent jobs. The hotel is still in construction, but here are some pictures of the projected design:

Finding Nemo:

The Lion King:

Cars:

The Little Mermaid:

Getting to work on King Triton!

I'm really looking forward to being around for so many events! It will be interesting to see the construction on this resort as well as the new Fantasyland in MK! More updates to come.

Disney Inspiration

At the beginning of the summer Victoria and I decided we wanted to watch every Disney animated movie we hadn't seen yet. One of those was "The Princess and the Frog." Today, while babysitting the kids wanted to watch it, and though my sister wasn't there, I agreed.

When the movie started and the Disney theme began to play (as it does before every Disney movie begins) I couldn't help but feel excited. It's the same feeling I get when I'm sitting in the audience of a Broadway show; when the overture begins, I get butterflies in anticipation of what I'm about to be a part of, almost the same as when I'm about the go onstage myself.

Written by the wonderful Randy Newman, the first song, "Down in New Orleans" sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Here is a clip if you haven't heard it:

In the very beginning of the story, Tiana is helping her father cook dinner and it is revealed that James, her dad (voiced by Terrence Howard) has always wanted to own a restaurant. They live in a small home on the poor side of town but it is made very clear that they are incredibly happy and content because they have such love in their family.

Little Tiana says she will wish on a star to help her father's dream come true. He replies "Yes, you wish and you dream with all your little heart. But you remember, Tiana, that old star can only take you part of the way. You got to help him with some hard work of your own. And then... Yeah, you can do anything you set you mind to. Just promise your Daddy one thing? That you'll never, ever lose sign what is really important."

Of course, at this point I'm already crying because of all the love in this animated little family, but it reminded me of a conversation my sister and I had just a few days ago about what we've learned from our parents, and as silly as it seems what we've learned from the Walt Disney company.

One thing our parents did really well was constantly remind us that we could do anything we wanted to do, whatever our dreams were, they would give us the tools that we needed to accomplish them. But the second part of the equation, which some parents don't emphasize nearly enough, is that you have to WORK. They told us that it will almost NEVER be easy. We learned we had to put in the time if we wanted to succeed and to never give up because part of the reward is what is experienced on the journey. We learned this lesson well not only because my parents told us over and over again that we could accomplish anything we set out to do, but they LIVED IT. We watched both of them day after day work so incredibly hard to give us a good life and we are so incredibly grateful and blessed for that. There was simply no such thing as "I did the best I could," it was either you accomplished it or you didn't; as much as that seems harsh, it was important to learn that sometimes you don't accomplish what you set out to do and that's okay, you learn and you work even harder next time. We love them for these lessons, and they're the reason I could pull off this semester (22 credits, 2 gym classes, working 25 hours a week, and a senior project - I didn't sleep, but I did it!)

The second half of our life lessons in inspiration and dreams was as I said due to the Disney corporation. Walt Disney World itself is a place to be inspired. Walt Disney himself was an extremely hard worker and constantly pushed himself and his employees to accomplish great things, a to dream big. That's the main reason he was a pioneer in the film industry. Disney accomplished things other filmmakers didn't attempt because they didn't believe it was possible, and at the time it wasn't. So Disney invented what was needed.

When Disney created Disneyland he wanted it to be a place of inspiration. It's incredible to me that though Disney past away before WDW was even open, he had so immersed himself in the company that everyone knew what he wanted and the parks are still run that way today.

He was an incredible man. If anyone is interested to know all of his unique accomplishments there is a great documentary on his life. It's called "Walt: The Man Behind the Myth." It's a tear-jerker (at least for my family - which doesn't say much!)

One thing so many people want to know is what we'll be doing while we're working in Walt Disney World. While we aren't sure which building we will be working in, or even which park, we know that we will be helping inspire the families and children that are there. One thing that always struck me as different when I've been in the parks is that it always seems like each cast member is working just for you, which of course would make anyone feel special and important. The focus is on the guest experience and I am so so excited to be a part of that. I feel so blessed that I will be able to help someone to have a "magical day." I think about the families who are there with the 'Make-a-Wish' foundation, or the single parent who saved up for years to take their family vacation. Victoria and I are so excited to help make it the best memory for each of those children and adults, because that's what it was for us.

The last night Nate and I were in Disney in '10, we saw the "Wishes" fireworks at Magic Kingdom. It is so inspiring, it sounds so corny but you leave there feeling like you can do anything. Here is a video of the display, the beginning and the end are wonderful - the middle is too but it is just fireworks to music so if you don't have a lot of time skip ahead :)

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all the trouble and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." - W.E.D.

51 days until we leave! 54 days until we're officially Disney employees!

Magic Kingdom Timeline

As I'm wrapping up the chapter on Magic Kingdom in my book, I thought it would be fun to share its timeline with my readers. I hope you've been enjoying the fun facts, if you're a Disney nerd like me I'm sure you have!

Here are the highlights from Magic Kingdom's history:

Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971 at a total cost of $400 million (they've more than made up for it - in the 2010 annual report  WDW made $10,761,000,000 for all 4 parks). The cost of admission was $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for kids 12-17 and $1 for ages 3-11. Can you imagine?? It also worked a bit like a carnival where you could purchase a booklet of tickets and each ride was a certain number of tickets.

Opening on Christmas Eve of that year was one of the most exciting rides - "Flight to the Moon". Guests were excited to experience what it could be like to land on the moon because space travel was so much in the public eye. However, on June 7, 1975 the name changed from "Flight to the Moon" to "Mission to Mars" because traveling to the moon had progressively lost some of its mystique after the landing in 1969.

On June 18, 1988 "Mickey's Birthdayland" opened in honor of Mickey's 60th birthday. The area intended to be a temporary land for his birthday celebration and consisted of Mickey's House and Mickey's playground. Due to its popularity, the park added to it and renamed it Toontown. While we are sad to see Toontown go this year, it is interesting to note that the intention of the area was to stay for merely one year!

On June 20th, 1995, the "ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter" began scaring the heck out of children and adults alike. Disney wanted to peak the interest of teenagers with the scary ride, but it proved to be TOO un-Disneylike and it was transformed into "Stitch's Great Escape" in 2004.

I must say, my primary reason for including the information on the "ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter" is because I was one of the children that experienced the ride thinking the entire time that I would for sure not be making it out alive. The only hope I had for my family was that the family we sat with at the hibachi style Japanese restaurant the previous night had suggested we go on it (their kids were  teenagers). I remember sitting in the ride closing my eyes and blocking my ears and thinking "If they made it out alive, we will too" trying to convince myself of our survival chances.

Here is a youtube video of the ride. You can imagine how if you were there and 9 it would probably be the scariest thing of your life. Also, when you hear people screaming it's because they had 4D seats so you could feel him breathing on you and grabbing at your feet. Terrifying.

The actual ride starts at about 1:25. :)

Needless to say, I have not yet been able to bring myself to go on "Stitch's Great Escape" because of the trauma of "Alien Encounter" haha.

The newest rides at WDW include "Monster's INC Laugh Floor" a refurbishing of "Pirates of the Carribbean" and "The Haunted Mansion" and of course, as you know, the soon-to-be section of Fantasyland.

On to EPCOT. Stay tuned for fun facts about my next park! I will be sure to post more frequently now that I have graduated :)

Cinderella Castle Suite

I'm sure many of you have heard of the Cinderella Castle Suite within Cinderella Castle, but for those who haven't, I decided to do a post on it.

The Cinderella Castle Suite was originally built into the castle with the intention of providing an apartment for the Disney family, however in 2007, it was transformed from an apartment into a palatial suite for guests. It is decorated with a 17th century style, but of course, with 21st century technology.

The suite was built for WDW's "Year of a Million Dreams" as a prize for guests. Here's how it worked:

Each morning a magical time and place were randomly selected from anywhere on Walt Disney World property to find the winner of one night in the suite. For example, it could be the 24th person to enter the line of "Splash Mountain," or the person who sat in seat 25 of the "Laugh Factory." A Disney Dream Squad of cast members were advised of the location and were there to identify and inform the guest of their prize.

If they chose to accept, (and who wouldn't?!?) than the winner and up to five guests would head back to their hotel to pack an overnight bag and re-enter as royalty. They would then have a photo session on Main Street, U.S.A in Magic Kingdom where they were officially proclaimed royalty for the day and led down the street to their suite. When they arrived, the Royal Concierge would check them in and give them a formal tour, which included the magical history of the suite.

After they had time to explore their royal chambers, the family was given the title of Grand Marshals for the "Disney Dreams Come True" parade. The family later had a feast at Cinderella's Royal Table and meet-and-greet with Cinderella. The meal ended with a VIP viewing of the "SpectroMagic" parade and the "Wishes" fireworks spectacular.

If that wasn't enough, for up to two hours after the scheduled close of the park, the family had access to the Magic Kingdom with a VIP Guest Relations cast member. During this time they could do anything they wanted around the park, including special tours. After the two hours of magic, they returned to their suite for the night (which was stalked during that time with royal sweets and drinks). They were awakened in the morning by a personal wake-up call from Cinderella, and then they checked out of the suite and left it to be readied for the next royal family.

HOW FUN? The most magical thing about the Cinderella Castle Suite is that it is not able to be rented, no matter how much money a person has, it is only offered through special prizes or events. Now that the "Year of a Million Dreams" is over, there are still many contests and promotions throughout the year that offer the suite as a prize, but it never has and will never be able to be auctioned or bought. Disney spokesman Rick Sylvain said that they will continue to evaluate all options for the suite adding, "It's all about the 'right fit.' Not unlike a certain glass slipper."

If the pictures weren't enough, here is a video tour!

Update on Magic Kingdom Renovations

About a week ago I blogged about the renovations being done in the Toontown section of MK. The new Fantasyland will include a few new rides and attractions and will double its size and will open in phases in 2012, with full completion coming in 2013. The imagineers are very excited about the expansion. They said, "We're thrilled about the expansion because it'll allow us to tell our treasured stories in new ways and give you the opportunity to interact with some of our beloved characters like never before."

Here's a few updates that give us more information on what is going in there:

The new attractions will include:

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will feature a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth as they whisk along track. The journey will naturally feature songs from the movies as well as the animated characters of Snow White and her dwarf friends. This will surely be a good addition - Disney could use a few more coasters, and a part of me wonders if they are trying to make up for getting rid of Snow White's Scary Adventures. Here are some pictures of the ride:

Storybook Circus (including Dumbo and The Great Goofini)

The same Dumbo ride we know and love will become part of a section of the new Fantasyland known as Storybook Circus. Within the circus will also be the Barnstormer and Toontown Fair train station. The Barnstormer will now contain The Great Goofini roller coaster! Inside the circus will be a Big Top tent with (of course) be interactive games for kids "of all ages."

Fairytale Hall


In place of the current Snow White's Scary Adventures will be Princess Fairytale Hall which will be home to Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, including Tiana and Rapunzel. It'll be a place where we can go to meet the characters.

Belle

I am most excited for this portion! Disney is building Belle's village which will include Gaston's Tavern, a new restaurant, and Bonjour! Village Gifts. Also in town will be Belle's cottage where Belle, Lumiere and park guests will be able to interact with the characters as they retell the "tale as old as time." Across a stone bridge from Belle's village will be the Beast's castle which will be home to Be Our Guest Restaurant (which will seat up to 550 guests!)

The Beast's castle is already in the works! Using forced perspective the imagineers are able to create a castle that looks far bigger than it actually is (so don't worry, it won't overshadow Cinderella Castle!) Forced perspective is an artistic technique which creates a sort of optical illusion, tricking your eye to, in this case, believe the castle is much larger.

Above shows the forced perspective, see the man?

Here is a picture of the plans, and what is being executed! SO interesting!

Little Mermaid


We're still not done! The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Adventure mimics Disney's more classic rides, with updated technology. The same ride is currently being built in Disney California Adventure theme park so all my pictures come from there.

These are models of the chairs guests will ride in on our journey. They remind me of the Haunted Mansion ghost-mo-biles!

Here's a fun video on the animatronics:

It seems like it is going to be a wonderful addition! I can't wait to be there as the phases open. From what I read the Belle section will be opening first, so we'll probably be there for it's opening! SO exciting. I can't wait. That's all for now! Enjoy!