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.

Vertical Drop on Roller Coaster

The "surprise" is a vertical drop on a roller coaster. Exactly what I proposed for Universal's "Revenge of the Mummy". Storywise, it was to simulate the floor below you crumbling to the chamber beneath.

Disneyland Monorail System

I was looking back at the WESTcot plans and especially what was to become of the Monorails and Peoplemover systems.

The Monorails opened INSIDE a theme park. A couple years later expanded to the Disneyland Hotel station. Whereas the Walt Disney World Resort and Tokyo Disneyland Resort monorail systems are stationed OUTSIDE of the park. This creates better efficiency as far as patrons with theme park tickets.

Placing a monorail station within DCA would cause more headaches for both Cast Members and guests. Especially when guests don't understand the system and CMs will continually have to explain that the ticket the guests have does not grant them entrance into DCA when they only bought a DL ticket.

SO, to make matters easier, a station that is located JUST OUTSIDE of a second main gate for DCA would help matters. There once was a separate hotel entrance for Paradise Pier Hotel guests between Dino Shack/Corn Dogs and Souvenir 66 store. That was closed down quickly.

But a gate west of where Burger Invasion once stood may be a good solution. A benefit for hotel guests to escape "out the back" and cross Disneyland Drive. Also for those who parked in the Simba Parking lot to elevate traffic exiting the Main Gate. And to those entering the park, they will already be occupying the back end of the park. Of course Main Street, USA was designed so people would have to funnel through the shops...

Guests may exit at this new station and banter later if they want to enter DCA park. Disneyland Theme Park tickets will still have to be required to board the monorails due to the Tomorrowland station.

MONORAIL ROUTE: Instead of the monorail beam making a right after the Grand Hotel, it would make a left to the new station. Afterwards, it would make a right across Disneyland Drive, ride alongside the driveway to Simba Parking Lot, then a right between Paradise Pier and Disneyland Hotel, then a right after ESPN Zone and a new Downtown Disney station over the parking lot between the Valet/Drop Off and self-parking. Then the train continues over Disneyland Drive and remains the same from here.

With this new system, a third monorail train will HAVE to be reconsidered for normal operation.

Matterhorn Mountain Bobsled Queue

THEME PARK: Disneyland, CA

ISSUE: Chain queue that extends around the perimeter base of the mountain. The West side is often closed to make way for parades. The East side becomes clogged with pedestrians in two-way traffic. The South side becomes pinched in the most crowded days of peak season.

SOLUTION: An underground-type winding queue similar to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Pirates of the Caribbean queue themed as a natural underground sinkhole.

LOCATION: North side of the mountain. Between the load station and food stand and face painting. The walkway closet to the face painting would remain concrete. But the walkway that cuts through the middle of the area where the drinking fountain is, will be themed as a bridge crossing over the sink hole. Trees will branch out from the bottom of the sinkhole and provide shade, ala POTC.

ENTRANCE: Relocated under the monorail beam by Autopia where the old smoking area used to be. Will have a similar ramp that leads underground ala Knott's Berry Farm's Ghost Rider. First leading underground alongside the monorail beam towards Submarine Lagoon. Then a switchback to the sinkhole.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Utilize East chain queue through exit due to possible stairway design ala BTMRR that leads from underground basin to covered ground level load station, the Swiss Chalet.

PHOTO REFERENCES:

http://www.kingsnake.com/westindian/sinkhole1.JPG

http://studentloancenter.com/uploads/sinkhole.jpg

http://islandlass.wordpress.com/2008/03/07/yucatan-4/

ADDITIONAL THEME: Vintage photos of bobsled races. Antique bobsled on display. Supplies stored for venturing up the mountain such as crates, lanterns, ropes, hooks,

Twist 'n' Splash

This spinning teacup water attraction would be an excellent concept for a "Donald's Tugboat" theme in Toontown. From MACK RIDES.

Official Website: http://www.mack-rides.com/lang-en/c249/default.html



Concept art: http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/ride-makers-roll-out-5870/

Purpose: http://www.interpark.co.uk/news/2243/mack-rides-rolls-out-twist-n-splash/

From concept art, there's possibility to have shooters on donald duck's 2nd floor houseboat, and shooters from a rock/cliff formation.

Original SPLASH BATTLE idea:




Legoland Pirate Splash Battle:


There are designs where the boat is actually in the water. But still seemed to take up a lot of space and not "wacky" or "toony" enough. Track is above the water level, not exactly good theme.

Props & gag: Center of attraction is lightouse. Model ship featured with Chip n Dale. Fog horn, stern wheel, etc from Rustworthy in here. Seagull, pelican, and shark design from old shorts. Framed photo of Spike the Bee, inner tube short. Umbrellas. 1st level of houseboat queue. 2nd level for "play". Separate "play" platform on rock cliff or shipyard. Last play platform with Goofy's Plane Crazy queue.

Ride vehicles: barrels, lifesavers.

Music: Sailing, sailing, by the beautiful sea, sailor's hornpipes, row row row your boat, "no sail" song, blow the man down, "drunken sailor", "Spanish Ladies", "Fifteen Men (Bottle of Rum)", My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean, Anchors Aweigh, Beautiful Briny Sea





EDIT: A new idea for this now is the Twist 'n' Splash goes in Disneyland's Frontierland. Location at the Cascade Peak area. Entrance in the mine tunnel across from Big Thunder Mountain's exit. Exit to be between the north end of the wooden bridge for Big Thunder Trail and the Thunder Ranch. Vehicles themed as spinning barrels surrounded by Western themes. Buckskin Canyon influence.

Or in the eastern helix of CA Screamin' themed after Little Toot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZiAkAAb9fY

USH Halloween Horror Nights

**REVENGE OF THE MUMMY: THE RiDE**

Basically just return a scareactor back into the indoor queue. And staff a scareactor at the exit hallway.

**JURASSIC PARK: IN THE DARK**

Essentially from what I hear, they add raptors with body parts in their mouths. This is a good direction. Perhaps add a live actor at the raptor cage running around trying to warn the guests. But then he gets eaten himself and disappears.

**ZOMBIE SLAYERS OF SLAUGHTERWORLD**

I was thinking of something alongside SHAUN OF THE DEAD or ZOMBIELAND. But I feel an original storyline and concept would fit the bill the best here instead of relying on movie. But movies based on zombies could still be advertised in this venue.

Essentially trying to do the Slaughterworld the right way. It's main appeal would killing monsters in bloody and gory ways and still have sex appeal without the overuse of sex jokes. The Atoll would be the last ocean fortress from the threat of zombies to safeguard the last humans on earth, including the audience. But the zombie army has found the fortress and penetrates its operation. Now the last of the humans must kill the zombies in order to survive. Will they succeed?

Zombies would also enter from the walkways between the grandstands. Taking the place of the Deacon is the Zombie Queen, a human out to destroy the world and creator of the zombie virus. Zombies who are killed can be reused to be killed again giving the illusion of endless zombie attacks. The kills that were created from the previous shows would be reused and added, included the jet skier lit on fire. More pyro would also make use of the night setting. To make the kills and potential death not seem so gloom and doom, the humans make a game out of the killings and give each other points to how good the kill is. Perhaps even get the audience to help shout out scores and project a scoreboard.

**ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW: A TRIBUTE**

To help introduce the audience into shouting out various phrases during the show, re-use the pre-show video to visual display phrases to still frames of the movie. This lets the audience know when and what to shout.

I like the 2009 setup in the Terminator 2:3D show building. I also liked how they reused the theater effects. Projecting the movie clips on the center screen helps relive those midnight screenings of the film with the live performers on stage. Let's try reusing the side screens for lyrics & helping the audience reply to phrases from the movie. Examples would be shouting "SLUT" and "ASSHOLE" at the characters. The USH audience is still adjusting to this whereas the USF already has that established connection.

**COKE SOAK/ FRANKENSTEIN PARKING**

I heard in the past that the parking level under the Terminator show buliding (also used as Valet Parking) has been used as a maze. I propose using half of that parking level as a maze. And using the overflow parking lot west of the parking lot toll booths for additional valet parking. The park entrance is easily accessed by walking over the bridge.

Queue and switchback through the Coke Soak. This can be easily set-up between closing the park from day visitors and opening for HHN. Otherwise, the queue can remain set-up while day vistors are in the park. Enter towards the lookout point towards emergency exit stairway. Only use the left side for entry while and right side remains clear for emergencies. Exit on the west side emergency stairs behind the T2:3D building. When guests exit, they will exit through the T2:3D store. One half of emergency stairs used as exit while the other half cleared for emergencies.

************************************************************************************
**USH: Halloween Fun for Day Guests**

**ANIMAL HOUSE OF HORRORS**

Essentially the animal show with more creepy creatures such as spiders and snakes. And take a cue from Fear Factor LIVE segments with eating animal parts, head caged with scorpions, wheel of torture, and opportunities to hold on to strange things that go bump in the night.

**HALLOWEEN HAUNTINGS OF STAGE 13**

This was essentially bringing back the "Beetlejuice's Rockin' Graveyard Revue" and "Beetlejuice meets Extreme Ghostbusters" to the Blues Brothers stage. But why not bring in more characters and create a new show, if the money is there and all that. In the evening, the area is converted back into extended queue for HOUSE OF HORRORS.

This idea is for the Blues Brothers/ Stage 13. In the daytime, this would be used for a Halloween family-friendly musical stage show. The plot is the Blues Brothers come out to do what they think is their regular show. But they find out the stage is haunted and need help. Scooby-Doo & Shaggy join them. But they realize they are dealing with REAL ghosts. So they are professionals with Ghostbusters. The gang bring out Beetlejuice into the lime-light. That ghost starts playing tricks on everyone until he's spooked by something he fears: a friendly ghost, this one named Casper. The show ends on a happy note. This show will involve 7 actors and 1 puppeteer. Puppeteer would operate Slimer and Casper in the crates that are props on stage.

Blues Brothers (Jake & Elwood Blues) - "SOUL MAN/GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY"
Scooby-Doo & Shaggy - "SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU"
Ghostbusters (Spengler & Venkman) - "GHOSTBUSTERS"
Beetlejuice "DAY_O/JUMP IN THE LINE"
Casper - "CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST"

Mickey's Movieland

Revisiting an old concept for Disney-MGM Studios. This land was designed for an EPCOT pavilion about Hollywood filmmaking. Then Universal Studios was building a park in Florida so Disney essentially responded. And according to JimHillMedia, Bob Weis who is WDI's DCA VP, may want to bring this to DCA's HPB after that land's previously scheduled events. So I hope this will be the 2nd major phase for DCA after 2012.

The exterior was to be designed after the 2719 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 address formerly home to Hyperion Studio/ Walt Disney Studio from 1926-1940. The interior was to feature how Mickey Mouse cartoons were made. Ala Disney-MGM's "The Magic of Disney Animation", Disney's California Adventure's "Disney Animation" building, and the"Disney: The Music Behind the Magic" exhibit. Recreation and displays of old equipment such as the multiplane camera, animator's desk, ink & paint department, etc.

Considering WDI is planning to resurrect the Carthay Circle Theater from the grave, it would be appropriate for the Hyperion Studios as well.

I would plan for Hyperion Studios on the corner alongside DCA's MuppetVision*3D and Stage 17 (Millionaire building). MuppetVision*3D would be the new location for DCA's "Disney Animation" attraction. Stage 17 would perhaps be demolished inorder to properly fit Mickey's Philharmagic. As guests enter between the buildings, they have a choice between "Disney Animation" exhibits or Philharmagic. The 3D theater will exit to the Animation building. The Muppet Theater is redesigned as the main lobby while the preshow and queue are redesigned as the exhibits like Sorcerer's Workshop, Turtle Talk, and Drawn to Animation. Perhaps a 2nd level above the preshow can be used.

I was thinking the Monsters, Inc. facade would be redesigned as Pixar Studios, but there's enough Pixar influence everywhere. I would completely redo this ride building for "Muppet Movie Mayhem" (The Great Muppet Movie Ride and a cross with Superstar Limo). And the facade would resemble Muppet Studios. Guests are featured actors for an upcoming Muppet Show and must ride their limo to the set. But mayhem ensues as the limo crashes through different soundstages of "upcoming" Muppet features like TREASURE ISLAND, CHRISTMAS CAROL, WIZARD OF OZ, etc. Finally, we reach the end. Instead of CDA cleaning, it's an audience full of muppets. Across the bleachers is a penguin band. Roz is replaced by Statler and Waldorf.

Hollywood & Dine would also need a complete demolition for what should be DCA's answer to Disney's Hollywood Studios' Rock n Roller Coaster to counteract with Tower of Terror and to REALLY attract the crowds into this corner of the land. For now, my best choice would be a "TRON: Lightcycle Chase" attraction based on the Zamperla Motocoaster design rather than the Booster Bike. Why? Motocoaster appears to be more up Disney's alley with compact usage of land and multi-levels to ensure a fun thrill factor vs. a coaster that needs lots of stretches of land which the Disneyland Resort is unable to provide.

To make this more interesting, actual dual coasters could begin with coaster 1 lining up with coaster 2 in a launch sequence ala Radiator Springs Racers. But then will be like Universal's Dueling Dragons where they meet a few times in the dark ride building lit by blacklight. The bikes would glow and riders be able to see them ala Space Mountain pre-2005.

Furthermore, I would like the current animation building to be a new version of "The Great Movie Ride" based only on live-action Disney films, post-show exit into a real movie set of upcoming films ala Disney's Hollywood Studios' 101 Dalmations, Narnia, and Haunted Mansion. Pre-show should display concept, props, make-up, costumes, etc from past successful and recognizable films. The "Off the Page" store relocated in the center of the "Hyperion Studios" recreation.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage AUDIO PLUSSING Suggestions

These are just my little tweaks and plussing suggestions to try and appease the nostaglic demographic. This is also to help stir the attraction away from the "book report" aspect.

(As described by Tony Baxter, "book reports" are not fun like in Pincchio's Daring Journey. The movie-based attraction should be able to stand on its own and be an extension of the original movie like Peter Pan's Flight and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. This is also the reason the DLP Little Mermaid scenes were mixed around avoiding a follow-through of the movie. This is where FNSV succeeds and creates issues with nostaglic critics for Walt Disney's original Submarine Voyage. Taking away the "discovery" for pure "entertainment". I also do not find the "cartoons don't belong in the lagoon" valid enough considering the original had mermaids and serpents.)

DIALOUGE:

**************************************************************
MR. RAY: Come aboard, explorers! Explore, explore, explore, let's go explore the big blue world!
STUDENT #1: Wait, Mr. Ray. What's that coming from behind the rocks?
MR. RAY: Ah, that's just a curious explorer.
STUDENT #1: That yellow sea monster is staring at us!
MR. RAY: Oh, science is great there's so much to know. Climb aboard explorers it's time to go!
STUDENT #2: Don't look at it, maybe it'll go away.
MR. RAY: Ah, don't worry. Just keep your eye open for 'em on the way.
STUDENT #1: Look, it's swimming out to sea!
MR. RAY: Let's go explore, explore, explore...
SQUIRT: Hey, Nemo. Let's follow it to the EAC.
NEMO: Wow, I've never been to the EAC. Let's go, dad!
MARLIN: Come on Dory, we're going on an adventure!
DORY: That sounds memorable! Wished I packed my bags.

1st MATE: Captain, we're approaching the EAC.
***********************************************************
CAPTAIN: The powerful flow of the East Australian Current is like an undersea highway. Many creatures can be found commuting in this current, including the majestic sea turtle!
CRUSH: Coo coo ca chew.
SQUIRT: Hey, dad. Look who I brought! Whoa!
CRUSH: Welcome to the EAC.
DORY: Oh, I don't do well in spinning rides!
NEMO: Gnarly moves.
CRUSH: Check out the long yellow board. I wonder who's surfin' the deck.
MARLIN: Rip it, roll it, and punch it!
SQUIRT: Grab some shell! We're gonna hit the cahuna... cowabunga!
CRUSH: Righteous! Righteous! ...Catch you later, lil dudes.
CAPTAIN: Submarines can dive below the violence of surface storms. Other crafts have not been so fortunate. Witness the evidence of their fate.
***********************************************************
BRUCE: Right then, mates. Easy does it. You wouldn't want one of these "balloons" to pop.
CAPTAIN: Pilot, steer clear of the tottering sea mines.

*THUMP*CREAK*
1st MATE: No good.
CAPTAIN: All hands, brace for impact!
*BOOM*
CAPTAIN: Secure all stations! Systems check!
1st MATE: Holding steady, sir.
CAPTAIN: Right. Let's resume speed.
1st MATE: All ahead full. [bell dings] Warning light, sir. We've reached maximum depth limit.
CAPTAIN: Ease her back up to 80 phantoms.
1st MATE: 8-0 phantoms. Aye, aye.
CAPTAIN: Here in this realm of eternal darkness, nature has provided creatures with their own eerie illuminous.

DORY: I see pretty lights. Reach for the light.
MARLIN: No, Dory. Stay away from the light. It's dangerous!
ANGLERFISH: ROAR!
MARLIN: Swim away! Oh, I can't see in this abyss.
DORY: Hey, snappy jaws. Hmm... I wonder if clownfish taste funny?
MARLIN: Dory, do something.
DORY: Peek-a-boo.
MARLIN: Oh!
DORY: You can't catch me.
BOTH: AW!
DORY: Oh, like I'm scared now. Oh, you wanna piece of me. Huh? DO ya? Do ya?
MARLIN: You're not helping.
DORY: Ne, ner, ne, ner, ne, ner. Oh yeah, too fast for you.
MARLIN: Stop fooling around.
DORY: Can I get a little light in here? It's kinda dark.
MARLIN: HELP!
DORY: It's echoy in here. Echo!
*COMPLETE DARKNESS*
MARLIN: They're gone.

DORY: Ah, something touched me.
*****************************************************
MARLIN: Uh-oh. What's that? It looks like...like...
DORY: Oh, oh! Me first! I-I'm thinking of something pink and bouncy that looks like a mushroom.
MARLIN: Ah, jellyfish!
DORY: Right! They're just like trampolines. Bounce with me. Boing.
MARLIN: No, it's jellyfish!
DORY: Hmm, they don't look much like fish. And they don't look tasty either. Boing. Boing.
MARLIN: Jellyfish is not to be played with.
DORY: Don't worry about it. Boing. Boing.
MARLIN: Stop playing games! They're everywhere.
DORY: Come on, it's fun. Boing Boing.
MARLIN: No, Dory. We're playing hide-and-seek. Let's go.
DORY: You can swim, but you can't hide. Ya-hoo!
*****************************************************
1st MATE: Captain, deepsea volcano straight ahead. Status remains active!
CAPTAIN: Right, that'd be. Proceed with caution. Check the air pressure.

MARLIN: Nemo, I found you!
*****************************************************
* LEAVING VOLCANO*
DORY: Hey, have you guys noticed the erupting volcano?
ALL: Whoa!
DORY: Hey, I found a hot tub.

CAPTAIN: We now appear to be safely out of the area of volcanic disturbance and we...
1st MATE: Captain, sonar reports unidentifiable conditions dead ahead.
CAPTAIN: All hands, keep a lookout for anything unusual.

NEMO: Can we do it again, dad? Huh? Can we?
MARLIN: Oh, of course. When fish can fly.
DORY: I found Chico.
STUDENTS: Nemo! Yeah, Nemo.
SQUIRT: Hey, Pearl! We saw a huge volcano that went ka-boom!
PEARL: Ah, you made me ink.
SQUIRT: Hey dad. You shoulda seen me surf the volcano!
CRUSH: Whoa, give me some fin... noggin... dude.
SQUIRT: Hey, Nemo. Check out all the whale.
*WHALE MOAN*
SQUIRT: Whoa. That's one humongous whale.
1st MATE: Sir, approaching pod of whales.
CAPTAIN: That must be our unidentifiable conditions. Yellow alert. All hands to your stations.
NEMO: Sandy Plankton is never gonna believe this.
SQUIRT: Awesome.

DORY: Hmm, does it smell kinda whale-ish to you? Is it me? *sniff* Hmm, that's funny. Sounded like "hold on tight, I'm gonna"... WWWHHHHOOOAAAA.
CAPTAIN: Red Alert! Emergency manuever. All engines!
1st MATE: Emergency manuever, aye, aye.
DORY: Ah. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. AH, a big yellow whale. Wait, stop. GGOOOODDDDBBBYYYEEE, WWWWHHHHHAAAAALLLLLLEEEEE!!!!!!! Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do, we swim, swim, swim. BYE!
CAPTAIN: Crikey!
1st MATE: Shall I enter any of this into the log?
CAPTAIN: No mate, forget it. Nobody would believe it anyway. I think we've been submerged too long. We better take her up before we have a run in with a sea serpent or encount with a mermaid.
1st MATE: Aye, aye, captain. [whistle]

Magic Change

http://www.mouseplanet.com/8861/The_Enchanted_Tiki_Room_Under_New_Management

I thought this was an interesting article about "change" in the Disney parks. This involves "Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjournment".

Frontierland Dark Ride

Queue begins at south end of Big Thunder Ranch. Exit past Big Thunder Mountain BBQ and Ranch (typically where most guests enter/exit the Festival Arena).

Dark ride on wind wagons to meet folk heroes, myth, and legend on western adventures.

-Attraction name: "Wind Wagon Legends"
-"A Cowboy Needs a Horse" as shown in Frontierland shop
-Disney's "American Legends" DVD (paul bunyun, casey jones, john henry, etc

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney's_American_Legends

-Additionally characters include Pecos Bill, Pocahontas, Lewis & Clark, Davy Crockett, Sleepy Hollow, Zorro, Lone Ranger?
-Sam the Eagle from "America Sings" as host?

-Johnny Appleseed Congesta Wagon serving Apple Dumplings, Apple Pie, Carmel apples, apple sauce, apple slices, apple slush, apple juice, apples

EDIT (02/06/10): The reason I post this now is because Jim Hill did a little article that has a similar idea to this involving the "American Legends". It was from Imagineer Bruce Gordon who wanted to put these characters around the Rivers of America.

http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2010/02/05/from-just-around-the-riverbend-here-comes-a-brand-new-why-for-column.aspx

I think the river should remain "realistic". Which is why putting these "animated" characters in a dark ride setting is more appropriate to separate from the Frontierland realism and as a segway to Fantasyland. At least "Woody's Roundup" wouldn't be the segway, less PIXAR/TOY STORY, and introduces semi-new characters to the park that would re-introduce guests to new stories.

VIDEOS:

Wind Wagon


Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventure


Tall Tale Theme


Zorro




The Lone Ranger


Little Hiawatha


Davy Crockett


Pocahontas


Casey Jones: The Brave Engineer


John Henry


Johnny Appleseed


Paul Bunyan


Pecos Bill


Sleepy Hollow


Sam the Eagle & Ollie the Owl as hosts?


Tall Tales & Legends

DCA Park Name Changes

There's been talks of renaming and/or rethemeing Disney's California Adventure. The idea now is to envision the park as "Walt Disney's California Adventure". It's a good step and a reflection of what the park should have been at opening: to talk guests back in time to what made California the state it is today and remind people what and who made it.

There is an odd issue of how everything in the park will now have to be themed to the 1920s according to when Walt arrived in California. That's a great backstory for the Walt Disney Plaza. But I don't think it should reflect the rest of the park necessarily.

Here is what I feel could be a good solution to name changes for the whole park and its lands:

1) From "Disney's California Adventure" to "Disney's Grand Adventure". A reflection of the "Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa" and the closed "MGM Grand Adventure" theme park from Las Vegas. MGM did have a name at "Disney-MGM Studios". I think this would make a nice little nod and appropiate theme tie to the rest of the park.

Each official land will have sub-lands. Kind of what is right now. But the current lands seem to mix and match a lot.

2) "Hollywoodland" to consist of "Walt Disney Plaza" formerly Sunshine Plaza, "Hollywood Pictures Backlot", and "Hollywood Studios Centre/Square" sublands. I haven't decided which I like better "Centre" or "Square" for this area of Muppets, Monsters, and Hollywood Backlot Stage. I like the idea of continuing the main entrance's theme into a whole land.

3) "Golden State" will be separated into main lands. "Grizzly Peak Recreation Area", "Bountiful Valley Farm", and "Discovery Wharf".

4) "Grizzly Peak Recreation Area" will be what it is now and "Condor Flats" rethemed to reflect the change. I will have a separate post about "Country Bear Jamboree".

5) The returned name of "Bountiful Valley Farm" will consist of "Flik's Fun Fair", "Golden Vine Winery" sub-lands. There will also be a post about a "Corn Maize Maze" and "Barney Stormin's Flying Circus".

6) "Discovery Wharf" is the current "Pacific Wharf" plus Treasures in Paradise store and Ariel's Grotto. It would be good to connect this smaller land to the lagoon. This land will be inspired by the "Discovery Bay" and Disneyland Paris' "Discoveryland" concepts.

7) "Paradise Pier" locations will be the same. The areas between CA Screamin' to Maliboomer (essentially the same length as the roller coaster's presence) would be a "Boardwalk Funland" sub-land reflecting the early 20th century as depicted from the miniature model in Blue Sky Cellar and concept art. From Pizza Oom Mow Mow to "Mulholland Madness" would be "Beach Party Bash" reflecting the mid 20th century and the emergence of "Beach Party" films in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. "The Bay Area" from the San Francisco restrooms to "Souvenir 66" soon to be renamed "Seaside Souvenirs" and Golden Zephyr will reflect the late 18th century seaside entertainment.

Universal Studios Hollywood Queue

Set it apart from Disneyland and other theme parks' queue.

Place movie props, costumes, sketches, and vehicles in the queue for guests to admire as they wait in line for the appropriate movie-themed attraction. The Universal Experience display that replaced "I Love Lucy Tribute" is a good example. This idea would go especially well with Terminator, Jurassic Park, and Mummy.

uWink

http://www.tapcode.net/

uWink is an "entertainment dining experience" involving interactive screens to order food and beverage and also play games from computer screens. I'm not too sure if the dining experience could be met in Tomorrowland with Pizza Port and TLT. But the interactive game screens could be a fun addition. This would also evoke that sort of "Starcade" experience I suppose. Perhaps Disney can close the Starcade area and name the video consoles as "Starcade Screens" or something.

Toontown Trolley

Why should this only be shown for "Toontown Morning Madness"? I would like to see this in person as a regular day guest. The music is amazing. Although I would think it's because of the crowded walkways, perhaps having this during non-peak season and in the morning would be best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g7gvE4U0Ro

The Trolley would only be used to bring out characters for the short street show and to do meet and greets. Guests may not ride the Trolleys.

This is similar to the Universal Studios Hollywood Character Trolley.