Walt Disney World and Disneyland(s) Discussion

[Coheteboy]

Do you guys still get to ride in the cockpit, or do you know someone who pulled some strings? We can't ride up front anymore since the accident a few years ago.

Yah, I heard about that accident. Really sucks.

For the Disneyland Monorail people can still sit up there but it's the luck of the draw. They can only fit 4 people in there (they can fit more but they limit it to 3-4) and usually it's already filled up. This weekend I was waiting for the monorail anyway and there was room for just one more so I hopped in.

I haven't done that in years!

 

[cokebabies]

Long shot: if anyone knows anywhere that still sells these, please let me know:

It's a solar bobblehead that has been keeping me company at my desk since 2006, and is now dying. I don't anticipate much luck finding a souvenir from 5 years ago, but figured it can't hurt to check.

 

[Coheteboy]

Yah, sorry Cokebabies.... that's no longer available.

 

[cokebabies]

Yeah I didn't think it would be, especially with how they cycle through their non-classic stuff like this.

I keep checking eBay, but the only ones on there aren't nearly as cool.

 

[Khev]

Looks like AVATAR's Pandora is coming to WDW with construction beginning in 2013:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/avatar-disney-james-cameron-237754

 

[Agent0028]

They can do some cool stuff with this, but I'm thoroughly uninterested in it. It's such an odd choice. I don't see it doing anywhere near as well as Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is what they are hoping for.

 

[cokebabies]

Yeah, less than zero interest in that.

 

[riky]

Can't wait to see what they do with it. I imagine they will have life size navi statues to pose with. Maybe a banshee

 

[Coheteboy]

Here's the official Disney announcement:

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/09/avatar-coming-to-disney-parks/



And the Q&A that followed:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...-your-questions-about-avatar-at-disney-parks/



This really is a poorly made concept and can never be better than "Beastly Kingdom". Disney has such a rich history of stories and to go out for Avatar is a almost laughable if this is what they think will combat Harry Potter.

 

[Darth Waller]

Avatar was a good movie, but I just don't know if it will have the lasting power of something like Star Wars or Harry Potter.

 

[dharper]

Had a great time at Disneyland today. Not overly crowded at all. Space Mountain brokedown while we were on it so we got to see what it looks like with the lights on. They also let us ride twice.

 

[YoNoSe]

I have no interest in Avatar personally but I think it's a smart move for the company. It was a huge phenomenon that resonated with a lot of young people (especially young adult males that are not exactly clamoring after the Disney brand) and, even better from a marketing standpoint, it's still an ongoing film franchise.

 

[Coheteboy]

Hey, awesome shots of Space! That's probably so far my favorite ride to get "stuck" on because you finally get to see what it all looks like with the lights on. What's even better is if they don't evacuate you and let you roll the rest of the track... iwth the lights on! And THEN to go again... is fun.

I have no interest in Avatar personally but I think it's a smart move for the company. It was a huge phenomenon that resonated with a lot of young people (especially young adult males that are not exactly clamoring after the Disney brand) and, even better from a marketing standpoint, it's still an ongoing film franchise.

It was a phenomenon once as far as we know. There are no book properties to support, no successful toy line or merchandise, and only two possible sequels to come. This is a HUGE risk for the company and in my opinion, lacking a lot of thought. Disney used to be the leader in paving the way with original storytelling, not chasing after Universal's Harry Potter successes.

There was an article in the Orlando Sentinel that sums it up precisely for me, I'll post below. But regardless... having Avatar put there is a lot better than the nothing they've done for the park in the past six years. And the Yeti in Expedition Everest is STILL broken (i think for two years now).

https://articles.orlandosentinel.co...92211-20110921_1_avatar-sequels-na-vi-pandora

Disney finally came up with an answer to Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter — a barrel full of giant blue monkeys.

The Imagineers better get their imaginations cranking overtime.

Disney built its empire on great characters, great dialogue and great storytelling.

"Avatar" has none of the above.

In other random topics, I was at Disneyland yesterday (and going back today) and saw Stormtroopers walking around Tomorrowland posing for pictures, faux-attacking guests in line for Star Tours, etc. Earlier this summer R2-D2 roll around character was introduced and Boba Fett and Clone Wars Capt Rex shortly after.

My question to those in the know at WDW... does Disney's Hollywood Studios still have Star Wars walk-around characters even while Star Wars Weekends is not going on?

 

[YoNoSe]

Yup, a barrel full of blue monkeys. Impartial, slant-free journalism FTW!

Off to the Happiest Place on Earth come Wednesday for a 4 day quickie! Gonna be in the MK for the 40th!

 

[riky]

And the Yeti in Expedition Everest is STILL broken (i think for two years now).


My question to those in the know at WDW... does Disney's Hollywood Studios still have Star Wars walk-around characters even while Star Wars Weekends is not going on?

The Yeti broke some time during it's first year of use and has been broken since. I have mentioned this to park staff many times, and they all sigh and say that they know. Last week a staff member said they were told it would be to expensive to fix.....

There were some Stormtroopers walking around while I was there.

 

[Agent0028]

Yeah I saw some stormies last time I was there as well. I don't spend enough time at the Studios to know how often or what characters roam around the Star Tours area.

I'm gonna be at MK for the 40th too. They are doing a special stage show at 10 and a special fireworks finale. Thought I'd pass that on if you haven't already heard.

 

[YoNoSe]

Yeah I saw some stormies last time I was there as well. I don't spend enough time at the Studios to know how often or what characters roam around the Star Tours area.

I'm gonna be at MK for the 40th too. They are doing a special stage show at 10 and a special fireworks finale. Thought I'd pass that on if you haven't already heard.

Yup! My wife is doing the Halloween 5k at the AK in the morning and I am going to hit the MK for opening. There's a 1 day only 40th shirt I'm hoping to score in duplicate since my buddy is a huge fan too and scored me an Epcot 25th anniversary shirt when he was down for that.

It's going to be a long day since we are staying for the fireworks but should be fun. I hear there is a 1 day only cupcake! I'll be having one of those while my wife is running.

 

[Agent0028]

I'll be partaking of the cupcakes as well. I didn't know about the shirt, I may have to get one... I can't stay all day, so if I can't make it back for the fireworks, you may have to fill me in.

That's cool your wife is doing the 5K. I'm doing the half marathon with a couple of friends in January. I'm really excited about it.

 

[Coheteboy]

Here's one of two stormtroopers that are going around Disneyland's Tomorrowland..

Over in New Orleans Square this cat can be spotted in the corner doing his own jams.

Over at the Haunted Mansion, the transformation to Haunted Mansion Holiday has already happened. Jack Skellington animatronic

Pumpkins have replaced the singing busts..

Over on Royal Street...

... is the super exclusive Club 33.

Inside... my buddy got in the way

 

[Coheteboy]

More from Club 33

Booze! I had an Old Fashioned.

Organic Field Green Salad

Atlantic Coast Crab Cake

Braised Short Rib

Filet of Chateaubriand

Creme Fraiche Creme Brulee

Peach Blueberry Croustada

And just a little something extra...