D23 Expo 2013

DAY 1 - August 9, 2013:

-7:30am, stood in line for General Show Floor Admission

-10:30-11:30am, Stage 28 for "Mayhem, Mischief, and Monkeys: The Magic of Mystic Manor" with Joe Lanzisero and Mark Schirmer.  They had models of Albert the monkey, Mystic Manor, and Lord Henry's Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage.  Spoke about the entire development of Mystic Point for Hong Kong Disneyland.  Nothing really new mentioned that has not been said before from initial press releases.

-12:30-1:30pm, Stage 23 for "Undiscovered Disneyland" with Tony Baxter and Josh Shipley.  A fun laid-back look at Disneyland of the past via video and photo slideshows.  Tom Staggs made a surprise appearance to announce that Tony Baxter will be rewarded with a window in Disneyland's Main Street.

-1:30-2pm, went to get StagePass for "Broadway & Beyond" in Stage 23 but it was booked.  Instead, got StagePass for "Pixar: Doing Our Homework" in Stage 28.

-2-4pm, went into "Parks & Resorts: Journey into Imagineering Pavilion".

-4-5pm, wandered around Collectots Forum.

-5-5:30pm, ate a pretzel with cheese sauce.  The food areas this year had a lot more space with tables and chairs.

-6-7pm, Stage 28 with StagePass for "Pixar: Doing Our Homework".  Was quite disappointed with this panel discussion.  Nothing new was learned if you've seen the Pixar DVD extras.

DAY 2 - August 10, 2013:

-7:30am, stood in line for D23 Arena's "Let the Adventures Begin: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios".  I wish someone had a "End of Line" sign.  Not even the employees there knew what was going on.

-8-10:15am, let us into the Show Floor's queue with electronic devices in sealed bags.  This is a lot more convenient than checking in all devices into a bag and getting a return ticket.

-10:30am-12:30pm, special appearances with Sir Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan, Ty Burrell, Angelina Jolie, Brad Bird, Jason Schwartzman, B.J. Novak, and Richard Sherman.  Had a nice "Let's Go Fly a Kite" ending with the "Shermans" singing and entertainment running out in the aisles flying kites on poles.  Walked out with "Saving Mr. Banks" movie poster and Maleficent horns.

-12:30-5pm, bought a Jessica Rabbit magnetic bottle opener from Mickey's of Glendale.

Disappointed with The Dream Store.  Most things were from speciality artists like in Downtown Disney's WonderGround Gallery.  The Tommorrowland shirts, 4D Puzzle, and Hedbanz games were the only things worthy of purchase http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/08/guess-whats-fun-in-four-dimensions-coming-to-the-d23-expo-dream-store-and-disney-parks-in-august-2013/.  But that's still not enough from statues, paintings, metal keys.  Saw a group dressed as Mansion Ballroom dancers admiring the Haunted Mansion paintings.  No surprise there was not a line at the check-out registers.  I was expecting merchandise from Mystic Manor, Grizzly Gulch, and New Fantasyland like the Gaston statue, Lumiere figure, and Be Our Guest goblet: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/08/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast-continues-inspiring-new-merchandise-coming-to-disney-parks/

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives.  The queue had behind-the-scenes video playing with princess designer gowns on display.  Had sections for Teen Beach Movie, Once Upon a Time, Oz, and Mary Poppins.

Visited various booths including a presentation from a Disney animator.  Got a few freebies including a grape soda pin from PIXAR's UP.

-5pm-6:30pm, waited in Overflow queue for D23 Arena presentation.

-6:30-8:30pm, D23 Arena Overflow Simulcast for "Richard M. Sherman and Alan Menken: The Disney Songbook".  AMAZING!

DAY 3 - August 11, 2013:

-8am, stood in line for Show Floor General Admission.

-9:30-10:30am, Stage 23 for "Working With Walt".  Afterwards, StagePass for "Leading a Legacy"

-11:15am-12:15pm, Stage 23 for "The DNA of Innovation".  Afterwards, StagePass for "Leave 'em Laughing".

-1-2pm, Stage 23 for "Craft of Creativity".

-2:45-3:45pm, Stage 23 with StagePass for "Leading a Legacy".

-4:30-5:30pm, Stage 23 for "Leave 'em Laughing".

-5:30pm, line for Once Upon a Time booth was unfortunately closed.  Went to The Tomorrowland Project.  Walked around until 7pm looking for any last minute giveaways.  Got a HONDA ASIMO Innoventions coin, PLANES t-shirt.

-7:30-8:30pm, went to Disneyland Hotel for "Trader Sam's Tiki Luau Party".  But nobody knew anything.  There was an outdoor bar.  Apparently the D23 Scavenger Hunt ended here.  But that was it.  Highly disappointed.  In my opinion, a huge communication error.

The Guidebook had no specific information.  I just found out the official website listed the Party as Friday and Saturday 8pm-12am.  Sunday 6pm-8pm.  Outside Luau Party Dining as Friday and Saturday 8:30pm-10:30pm.  Sunday not available.  Polynesian Performers as Friday and Saturday 9pm and 10:20pm.  Sunday no performances.  https://d23.com/trader-sams-tiki-after-party-disneyland-hotel-d23-expo/

Parklet and Aerial Greenway

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Line_(New_York_City)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promenade_plantée

Someone else suggested this before, but I think it's a great idea.  New York City converted their elevated railroad line, The High Line, into an aerial greenway.  They were inspired by Paris' Promenade plantée.  I think the same could be down with Disneyland's Tomorrowland's Peoplemover track.  At least just the portion that is at between the entrance and former un/load station.  In addition, add Cell Phone Charging Stations to lure people in this area.  Have tables and chairs every several feet to offer sitting areas.  Wheelchair accessible ramps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parklet

This placemaking concept I just found interesting.

Captain America & The Howling Commandos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TdSOeAvEos

I have been passionate about bringing some sort of presence of The Rocketeer, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and Dick Tracy into Disney California Adventure's Hollywood Land. But then I am reminded of The Rocketeer director Joe Johnston also directing "Captain Amercia: The First Avenger". There was a montage from the film of the Howling Commandos and I thought it would be great to have a mid-quel film or television series based on this concept. But now I'm thinking, what if there was an E-ticket dark ride based on this team?

Captain America is in Hollywood shooting a new war bond/newsreel footage when he is suddenly called to action and needs new recruits to join the Howling Commandos to defeat HYDRA. Based on a story idea from Star Tours II, the guests are assigned to obtain secret plans that could help defeat HYDRA.

Harry Potter Coming to Hollywood

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/11/harry-potter-theme-park-coming-to-los-angeles.html

There is news of Wizarding World of Harry Potter coming to Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. This makes me think that the executives re-evaluated their options for their Vision/Evolution Plan. Here is my speculation and what they could do.

http://www.screamscape.com/html/universal_vision_plan.htm

The parking lot across from Globe Fountain & Park Entrance could be a new Universal Amphitheater to replace the Gibson Amphitheater inside the theme park boundaries. This would provide a great visual to have the Globe be a real centerpiece as a plaza between the theme park, Citywalk, & Theater. Guests would still have to park their cars in the structure & walk thru Citywalk past shops & restaurants to get to the theater.

That bridge by the Saddle Ranch Chop House that currently leads to a parking lot could be a gateway to a new hotel.

(I'm still working on this part) Instead of the current Studio Tour Trams, this is where you board a Hogwarts Express train (peoplemover) and ride over the solar panels and the northern edge of this hill eastbound to the Falls Lake area. The property of Falls Lake, Psycho House, Bates Motel, & War of the Worlds set will be the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Forbidden Journey would be built on the War of the Worlds site nearest the residential homes so the neighbors don't have to be bothered by the studio in the future.

As for the queue & entrance for the Studio Tour, it can still be down the escalators, but veering right instead of left for the trams. Essentially this is taking up a portion of the current Gibson Amphitheater. The trams may still travel past Wisteria Lane, but then drive behind Falls Lake backdrop for a direct path to the un/load station.

Curious George Play Area could be relocated to Coke Soak by T2:3D. The current play area could be used for a ride, and a play area does not need as much land as it would need if constructed for a parking structure. If Coca-cola still want their sponsorship, they can sponsor a new play area.

The former El Pollo Loco seating area can be expanded to have a second level and create a themed enclosed patio with Flintstones BBQ, Cinnabon, & Doc Brown's Chicken.

Perhaps the Universal House of Horrors could be a redesigned maze to replace the "Special Effects Stage". Then return it as a scare maze for Horror Nights.

The Gibson Amphitheater site I think is capable of hosting two separate dark rides. What theme can be debatable. There could be a smaller version of Men in Black...

Personal Rapid Transit

This would be an appropriate representation to Innoventions Transportation.

ULTra:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7hgipbHBK8

Vectus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5W3OSZu9oA

Skyweb Express:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiUDLYvNNbo

Morgantown PRT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di5acGAmcm0

HumanCar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7aapY_yMnQ

Disneyland Rocket Belt:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyvN3rF3mUM

Handcar Railers

I remember as a kid loving the "Huff & Puff" at Knott's Berry Farm's Camp Snoopy. Well, the ride is a little too big for me now. But this inspired a grown-up version:

The "Handcar Railers" attraction is based on handcars that were used to manually power carts through a train track. The route would be taken around Grizzly Mountain in the Disney California Adventure park. It is also a mix of Legoland's Sky Cruiser and Fire Truck Academy.

Handcar:

Sky Cruiser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6i1KcIUD2E

Fun Town Fire Academy:

"Sky Cruiser" because it is "self-propelled" human powered on a rail. Although the electric rail continues to advance the vehicle forward ever so slightly, powering the handles will make the car go faster. "Fire Academy" because the handles use separate handles on each side, allowing the person to move the handle at their own rate instead of relying on one or the other's rate of pumping. And the previous "Handcar" vehicle design is what I believe would be most efficient in capacity. Or have a 4 person sitter facing each other 2x2.

The current idea is to have the queue structure and load station in the Condor Flats Restrooms next to the Fly 'n' Buy store. Perhaps relocating the restrooms by the "Bear Left" signage. I propose the vehicles go clockwise around the mountain and downhill.

The area around Grizzly River Run's geysers would be the hold areas to prepare to unload at the station. Once into the station, the bottom level is reserved or unloading guests. The vehicles are then lifted to the top level to the load station. That also means if handicap guests wish to board, they must also start from the top level. Elevator to be provided of course. So the entrance will be at the bottom level and goes upstairs to the load station.

I haven't decided which lift to use to get the cars to the top...

Ferris wheel lift:

Vertical Elevator Lift System:

The attraction would also have a few Cast Members scattered along the track just in case. Similar to Grizzly River Run and Autopia. Restraints would be seat belts. The cars will also have intrusion systems to temporarily disable the car's power to bump the other car in front of them.

World of Color

THIS POST IS FROM MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION AND HAS NO ASSOCIATION WITH THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY.

It's almost there, but not quite. Transitions and pace needs to be worked on.

I think in addition to the fire whip, they should have included "CO2 moving head jets". You can see an example of this on youtube. Should have also put CO2 blasters in the planters with the water jets. Apparently there is also multi-colored flame effects in the market as well. I know the creators don't want fireworks, but perhaps consider "sparker" low-level pyro that looks like a water fountain.

**OPENING- THE MAGIC LIGHT**

1) Get rid of the Walt Disney quote "Every child is born blessed with a vivid imagination". Use the television show's original title sequence with Tinkerbell.

2) Save this for a future show. Add a new arrangement of "The Spectrum Song". The words "red, yellow, green, blue, orange, purple", "Blend them up and what do you get?", and "Color has its harmony" will be the only lyrics in this sequence. The rest of the song is instrumental. Blackout after this sequence.

**COLORS OF THE SEA SEGMENT**

1) From an eariler test footage, I prefer the earlier "Part of Your World" sequence. The version now is too long and relies more on video footage. I just cut about 40 seconds of showtime.

2) "Under the Sea" is fine the way it is.

3) During the EAC, Jellyfish can be created with water shooting up, but lid creates a dome and tentacle effect. Dory exclaims "Oh, look. Whale!". Marlin shouts: "Move, Dory! Move!". NEMO characters in front screen and back screen transitions from EAC to whale swimming towards audience and "Pines of Rome" whales.

4) Cut out Whale Talk scene.

5) Cut out the shooting arrow sequence. It's nice on paper and on a TV/movie medium. But for a show like this, I think the transition to the WALL-E segment gets lost.

**COLORS OF THE UNIVERSE SEGMENT**

1) Stitch surfs the waves on the front water screen with flying whales in the back screen. Then Stitch rides a red hover cruiser and blasts off into outer space. When Stitch jumps to hyperdrive, he passes by Buzz Lightyear.

2) Buzz is hovering in space, looks to the audience and says "I am Buzz Lightyear. Alright. Stand back everyone!". Then continue with the current Buzz vs. Zurg segment sans "Gamma Quadrant 4" clip.

3) Get rid of the red coupling on EVE from the WALL-E segment. Cut out WALL-E giving EVE the plant. Leave the projection domes with planets, no image of WALL-E & EVE holding hands. At the end, let the planets sink under the water line.

4) WALL-E's fire extinguisher transition to the Toy Story clouds. But this actually transitions to the movie UP sequence instead.

**COLORS OF FLIGHT & IMAGINATION SEGMENT**

1) Delete the characters on the UP house and cut the lines "My name is Dug. I just met you. And I love you. Squirrel".

2) Cut out the Genie's entire appearance in the show. Save the program for another show in the future.

3) Return the original "Whole New World" opening sequence from the 1st version of the show. The sand animation is great. After "A Whole New World", add the phrase "You can fly! You can fly! You can fly!" from PETER PAN.

4) Put back "Go the Distance" from HERCULES.

5) The HERCULES sunset has an eclipse, transition to the Chesire Cat for the cut "Alice in Wonderland" sequence. One of the first things seen is Alice falling into Wonderland. The only song from the film will be "March of the Cards". Panoramic of tea table would be cool.

6) Then from "Alice in Wonderland", the last images have the plants and flowers branching over Alice (walking through the plants/trapped inside the bottle floating through water). This transitions to "Firebird Suite" featuring the Spring Sprite.

**COLORS OF EARTH SEGMENT**

1) The Spring Sprite, Pocahontas, Heimlich, & Little April Showers sequence is very successful now.

**COLORS OF FEAR SEGMENT**

1) No "Pirates of the Caribbean" sequence. Save the program for another future show.

2) The windmill vortex reveals the skull & crossbones from Dr. Facilier's hat & he says "I've Got Friends on the Other Side". The tiki masks & voo doo dolls appear on the globe projections and say "He's got friends on the other side". The Doctor says "yes... Are you ready?!". Tiki masks says "Are you ready?!" repeatedly. Instrumental upbeat.

Visuals mostly include DR with color backgrounds in his musical number from the film (without Neveen & Lawrence) & shadow army from Tiki mouth(black figures against green background). Lasers make up colorful symbols in the air.

The Shadow Man is in the back water screens flying fortune cards at front water screens. The cards turn around to reveal fortune cards with Villains on them: Horned King, Firebird, & Chernabog. (The Horned King because it seems to fit "Hellfire" the best). Doctor says "Now we're cookin!" & blows his magic powder to transition to next scene.

3) Flaming dancers sequence. No projection of flaming Judge Frollo. Instead of the current Shadow Man appearance in the show, it is replaced by the Horned King activating the Black Cauldron. The same fountain from Buzz Lightyear's blast off will be reused. Return back to Firebird/Chernabog/Hellfire sequence.

4) Save this for a future Halloween show. During the "Night on Bald Mountain" sequence, have clips of Hades & Jafar throwing flames. At one point, Hades & Jafar are laughing in their glory on the sides of the water projections while Chernabog occupies the center screen.

Jafar clips: (1) blowing flames to the left frame, (2) laughing with smoking coming out of mouth, (3) walking thru flames.

Hades clips: (1)Waltzing (3 flame throwers)!! (2)Laughing to himself

5) Green River of Death vortex from HERCULES to replace Scar's introduction. Use the same music currently in show.

LYRICS: Adventure is waiting, Unrelenting

6) Cut out Scar & Mufasa saying their lines. No image of young Simba and Mufasa falling. Okay with Simba shouting "No!" but not "Dad".

**FEARS TO TEARS/HEART SEGMENT**

1) No Mufasa dead body projection. Aurora borealis appears slowly with slow opening from Brother Bear's "Transformation" music with video of where the lights touch the earth. Instead of this music becoming bigger, transition to "You'll Be in My Heart" from TARZAN to replace ENCHANTED's "So Close". The former is more on the romantic side whereas the later can be applied to almost any type of love.

**TEARS (LOVE CONQUERS ALL)/TRANSFORMATION SEGMENT**

1) I agree when someone said the double images on the water projections AND globe projections seem like overkill. So perhaps use symbols and objects from what is projected on the water. EXAMPLE: Beauty & the Beast with rose, Aladdin & Jasmine with lamp, Simba & Nala with Simba wall drawing, Pocahontas & John Smith with a compass, Hercules & Meg with the Symbol of the Gods.

2) Tinkerbell SHOULD NOT open the finale. Leave that to Fantasmic! The power of love/heart should be the element that brings back life and sets balance.

3) Simulate fireworks with fountains. Do not turn on lights until they get hit again by a bigger stream force and play fireworks sound effects with it.

4) Apparently in Glow Fest, they have Disney/PIXAR character kaleidoscopes. I wonder how that would look on the water or globe screens.

5) The Cheshire Cat seems to be really random in the finale. Should just be in the Wonderland sequence.