A podcast (mostly) about Disney, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland but honestly, we nerd out on anything--tech, photography, cars, books, music, etc. Have a listen.
Join Chris and Glenn as we discuss Chris' cruise on Disney's newest cruise ship, the Wish—plus an aftershow discussing photography Released 10/26/22 Chris and family sailed on the Disney Wish last week Background and history of cruising Booking and planning Itinerary Terminal and Embarkation Dining changes Safety (Muster) Drill Stateroom and location Theming and decor Ship layout Adult areas Dining and restaurants Breakfast Buffet - Marceline Market Main Dining Palo v Enchante Casual options Festival of Food Ice Cream Kids clubs Special needs Bands Information, Communication, Tech An app…of course. Room outlets Internet Entertainment Shows AquaMouse Hero Zone Incredicourse Socks Funnel Vision Ports of Call Nassau Castaway Cay Weather Last day Towels and Drinks Shopping and Merchandise After show: Photography Talk
Released 4/10/22 Bananas for Cabanas Animal Kingdom Mobile dining Park Reservations Magic Kingdom visit Want to ride rides Genie Plus In the technology all the time Horrible User Experience Peter Pan LL Buzz Lightyear LL Dumbo LL - didn't use Fantasyland first On average, guests can enter 2 to 3 attractions or experiences per day using the Lightning Lane entrance if the first selection is made early in the day. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/genie/ Double gangway for ferry Lunch at Columbia Harbor House
Recorded on 12/2/21; Released 12/5/21 Special Guest: Casey Liss Co-host of Accidental Tech Podcast (ATP) and Analog(ue) Creator of the Peek-a-View iPhone app which is a read-only photo browser which was inspired by a trip to Disney World
Join Chris and Glenn on our 100th episode magical celebration! There are no pink castles, but we have two (!) trip reports, including a combined report from the Magic Kingdom! Don't miss it! Chris' trip Glenn's trip First times Kali River Rapids Skyliner Oga's Cantina Rose and Crown Gideons Everglaze Blaze Pizza Chris' next big adventure
Released on 6/26/21 News Contemporary redecorating https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/06/first-look-inside-a-reimagined-guest-room-at-disneys-contemporary-resort/ https://blogmickey.com/2021/03/incredibles-room-retheme-confirmed-for-disneys-contemporary-resort/ Chris' trip report for DHS visit Park Reservations Virtual Queue system The day didn't start off great even if it did start early Ah....weather and crowds Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Train (isn't it Goofy's runaway train?!) Reflections on GMR Thoughts on MMRT OH: "How come they have fastpasses and we don't!?" Galaxy's Edge Nothing to do but I love it. Should be 3x Smuggler's Run broken too (60m) Why is it so difficult to get to Pixarland? Alien Saucers (30m) Midway Mania (40m...really 30) Woody's Lunchbox The Disney App - Do people like it? And finally.... $2.50 for a single banana?!? Given all that my score for the day (out of 10) was....... What does it mean for our trips in July
Released on 6/5/21 Coke Corner is no more Things are changing in the world thanks to the Covid vaccine Eliminated the 6-foot distancing rule Remove mask mandate outdoors; still required inside Rabbit Holes: Color of sidewalks in Disney Parks. What's myth and what's fact? Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe - the moving stage Glenn has a WDW trip panned for July Making dining reservations Challenges getting a park reservation Via Napoli in Italy Chris' Disney Adventures Magic Kingdom visit on Mother's Day PhotoPass challenges FastPass+ Dole Whips Stayed around 3-4 hours Lines are long, but they move fast Annual Passes back on sale on August 16??? PSA about hats in the parks When will the WDW Railroad open? Chris is pro-no fly zones over WDW
Recorded on 3/25/21 Released on 3/26/21 Chris visits Animal Kingdom Three hours Entrance Asia Animal encounter Tea - Joffrey's Kid adventure passport Africa - Harambe Gorilla Falls Didn't get to see Pandora Exit Beastly Kingdom
Released 3/21/21 Coke Corner Disney News Disneyland will open on April 30 Remy's Ratatouille Adventure will open on October 1 Harmonious barges installed in World Showcase Lagoon Epcot Entrance finished New Points of Light are being installed on Spaceship Earth EARidescent Turrets are being repainted back to blue on Cinderella Castle New spotlights bring "premier night" every night to Chinese Theater at DHS FastPass signs, and our thoughts on the future of FP Chris will be visiting Animal Kingdom!
Special Guest: Casey Liss Co-host of Accidental Tech Podcast (ATP) and Analog(ue) Creator of the Peek-a-View iPhone app which is a read-only photo browser which was inspired by a trip to Disney World
Released 12/11/20 Getting ready to record the episode Episode 033 - Books about Walt Disney World and Glenn taking photos on his trip to WDW What's happening with Disney? Disneyland is still not open California Adventure's Buena Vista Street is open for shopping and is part of Downtown Disney Restaurants have closed again this week Could Disney start using robots for meet and greets? - Inside the Magic article Spider-Man swinging animatronic: https://youtu.be/INFm7gYjF60 https://la.disneyresearch.com/ No New Year's Eve celebrations in the theme parks Heavy crowds at the parks over Thanksgiving When do we think that the mask restriction will be lifted at WDW? Park Hopping returns in January Martin's Videos http://www.martinsvids.net/ Candlelight Processional is on YouTube https://youtu.be/u499fuB0OGI Episode 012 - Candlelight Processional narrated by Roger Rabbit
Disney designed the Ford pavilion at the ’64 World’s Fair Needed to propel a stream of vehicles along a track It was achieved by vertically mounted rubber wheels spun by electric motors which pushed against a flat plate on the underside of the vehicles That system was refined and used for Disneyland’s PeopleMover Debuted in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland on July 2, 1967 PeopleMover was always planned and planned to go through Space Port, and the station would be inside Space Port The track was originally planned to be much longer and go over the Grand Prix Raceway The upper concourse path was built but left empty during the building of the Magic Kingdom for the 1971 opening When Space Port became Space Mountain, it moved to outside the berm, so the track layout was scaled back and changed to the track today, and the station moved from Space Mountain to it’s own station in the middle of Tomorrowland and the StarJets would be placed on top, similar to Disneyland Space Mountain holds the garaging track and a maintenance spur The Orlando version would use something different Non moving, solid state linear induction motors, which have an unlimited life expectancy There are 630 Linear Induction Motors on the track, 10 feet apart, ensuring that 4 motors are always under each 5 car train Each motor has a proximity sensor to tell the motor when to power on and a speed sensor to indicate how much power the motor produces When a train approaches the motor turns on and pulls the steel plate under the car towards it To stop the cars, the magnetic field is reversed in the motor to push against the steel plate, and why a stopping car can go backwards Up to 30 5-car trains can carry 3,600 guests per hour along 4,600 feet of track Each car has minimal moving parts, so they are high reliability. There are four main wheels and 8 smaller guide wheels per car. Since all drive and braking propulsion is supplied by the linear motor, there is no traction requirement between the wheels and the track. Consequently, heat, dust, wind, and moisture have no effect on the system’s operation. The system can have up to 50% LIM failure at random positions and still function Speeds are between 1.8 to 6.8 mph Progress City model With the move of the Carousel of Progress to WDW, the model of Progress City would be moved to the PeopleMover track that was designed to hold a diorama It would be cut down to fit the size of the diorama opening Construction began in early 1973 The Grand Prix Raceway track was closed and modified to accommodate Space Mountain. During the closure, the PeopleMover track was built over the raceway It cost $10 million to build The Star Jets opened 11/28/74 The PeopleMover opened 7/1/75 and dedicated in April 1976 It opened as the WEDWay PeopleMover and was an “E” Ticket attraction, but was changed to a “D” Ticket in Fall 1976 It was originally sponsored by the Edison Electrical Institute The original ride was narrated by Jack Wagner and ran from 1975 - 1985 and the Edison Electrical Institute sponsorship also ended He is famous for the various announcements over the park PA, for parades, special events, etc. He also did voice work for the Walt Disney World Resort, and for the attractions themselves, including instructions, emergency precautions, and safety spiels. Because of the prevalence of his voice over the park, his nickname was "The Voice of Disneyland". "Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas." Jack Wagner co-arranged the updated soundtrack for the Main Street Electrical Parade, used in various iterations of the parade from 1977 to 2009. Wagner was inducted as a Disney Legend posthumously in 2005. The narration was changed in 1985 and ran until 1994 It was narrated by ORAC-1, the commuter computer The narration was changed with the retheming of Tomorrowland in June 1994. It was narrated by Peter Renaday. The name was changed to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, and it was the MetroLiner Blue Line The narration was changed once again in October 2, 2009 to the current spiel by Mike Brassell, which harkens back to the ORAC-1 spiel and tone The lighting system was also changed to color changing LEDs August 5, 2010, the name changed to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover In 2013, the Progress City model was refurbished, the first time since 1975 In February 1974, WED created the Community Transport Services division to promote the WedWay in real world situations The first proposal was in 1976 for the then new WDW Village A new enclosed car design would be able to travel inclines It would offer on demand cars to a specified destination The route would service the shopping village, the hotel plaza, and a proposed office park A monorail from the Epcot area would meet an aerial station straddling Buena Vista Drive The monorail would run down the central median with the WedWay crossing at a lower level The multi level station would have escalator, elevator and stair access From the station, the WedWay would form a continuous loop line around the WDW Village Another change was this system had spur station tracks so moving cars could pass other cars parked at stops The SunTrust Bank was the only part of the office plaza built and the project quietly died. The original plans of Epcot had WedWay in 1975 and 1976 Communicore was built to take an elevated Wedway track; that’s why it’s two stories tall In July 1979, the Houston Airport agreed to purchase a WedWay system to link the terminals and hotel It opened in September, 1981 The Community Transport Services division was sold to Bombardier Bombardier installed a WedWay system that links the US Capitol to the Dirksen and Hart buildings in 1993
Released 10/15/20 Contactless Security at the Disney Parks PeopleMover refurbishment extended again Disneyland is still closed Disney has laid off 28,000 cast members Chapek says that WDW parks capacity is at 25% Construction continues at Epcot Electric Umbrella stories Wolfgang Puck Express closes permanently at Disney Springs All four Disney Cruise Line ships are in the same port for the first time ever in France https://insidethemagic.net/2020/10/france-disney-cruise-line-fleet-rwb1/ Glenn’s Pick of the Week "Boundless Realm: Deep Explorations Inside Disney's Haunted Mansion" by Foxx Nolte https://amzn.to/3j2GH5M Passport to Dreams Old and New http://passport2dreams.blogspot.com/
Released on 10/4/20 Glenn’s Trip to WDW DHS Parking Toll booth Rise of the Resistance boarding group Lunch at Ronto Roasters ($12.95/roaster, $4/coke) $72 RotR Mickey’s Runaway Railway Blue milk vs green milk ($34) Slinky Dog Dash Also: Star Tours, RnRC, ToT MK Castle color Cavalcades Boo to you Villains Princesses Nightmare Before Christmas Cadaver Dans SM, Buzz, HM, Splash, Tiki, Pecos Bills ($63), BTMRR, CBJ, Dole Whip ($22) Emporium, Peter Pan, Mad Tea, Carousel of Progress, SM Cost: Two day tickets with no park hopping: $1004 Hotel: $320 + $97 = $415 for three nights Parking = $50 Souvenirs = $289 Disney meals = $191 Other Meals = $80 Trip total = $2029
Released on 8/20/20 School is starting! Cherry Coke Energy drink Coke + Coffee drink coming out Will Club Cool be replaced at Epcot? Epcot A new Monorail Mark X attraction in the new Play Pavilion??? New Monorail book is being released: "The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky" https://amzn.to/32cHvyl Imaginerding’s review: http://www.imaginerding.com/2020/08/12/disney-monorail-book-preview/ Tom Bricker’s post: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-news-monorail-attraction-plummeting-numbers-dining-changes/ Installation of new Pylons at the Epcot main entrance! Chris started watching “Hamilton”…and hasn’t finished watching it yet. He’s exhausted from watching Act I. Show recommendations: "High Score" on Netflix “The Speed Cubers” also on Netflix “Mr. Robot” - excellent show, but Glenn didn’t like the ending. Somebody please explain it to him... Why does Disney keep the Pixar brand? Why not fold it into WD Animation? Chris has a surprise history topic to cover…Magic Shops at Disney Parks! Original Magic Shop Disneyland opening day Merlin’s Magic Shop in Fantasyland Taylor & Hume Merv Taylor worked with cutting edge materials and had an interest in Magic Opened a shop in Hollywood Merv Taylor was asked by Walt Disney Steve Martin worked in the shop for 3 years http://www.charactercentral.net/L996_DisneyCharacters_DisneylandResort_Disneyland_MainStreetMagicShop.aspx# Moved to Main Street - Main Street Magic Shop 1957 Original stayed open until Merlin’s closed in 1983 Where the confectionary is at WDW. Same cast member demonstrations. The July 28, 1977 issue of the Disneyland Line employee newsletter described the “quaint, cozy specialty shop” where “Shelf upon mysterious shelf filled with such oddities as joy buzzers, garlic taffy, dribble glasses and rubber masks attract the wandering eyes of visitors to the shop 2009 takeover by Houdini’s Magic Shop (private operator) Chain Vegas WDW - House of Magic 1971 As its Disneyland precursor had, the House of Magic sold cards, hand tricks, masks, puzzles, and “gags.” Cast members bantered as they performed various hand magic and demonstrated products for sale. Closed 1995. 2017 returned to original facade. Tokyo Part of World Bazaar Disneyland Paris https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-us/shops/disneyland-park/merlin-l-enchanteur/?CMP=ILC-DPFY20Q1wo1107190053A is Merlin l’Enchanteur Tucked away in Sleeping Beauty Castle Magic themed but not magic tricks. Hong Kong Similar to DLP “Merlin’s Treasures”
Released on 6/20/20 A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow? WDW’s 25th Anniversary A little personal history from each of us related to the 1996-1997 timeline 25th Anniversary Celebration on 10/1/96 Including Michael Eisner, Roy E Disney, and First Lady Hillary Clinton — Coke Corner interlude — Brought to you by Coke Energy…with caffeine, B-vitamins and the most guarana ever! Castle cake Disney Magazine Fall 1996 description Remember the Magic parade 1st disney parade that stopped and had guests join the dancing Illuminations 25 25th Anniversary Banners Disney’s Music from the Park Books How the World Began Imagineers WDW Explorer CD What will 50th Celebration be like? Thoughts on the logo Per Chris, MK was open until Midnight every night during the 25th Anniversary Per the 1997 Official Guide to WDW, “The Magic Kingdom keeps later hours through the end of 1997 to honor Walt Disney World’s 25th anniversary.” - myth confirmed! The poor paint jobs on Cinderella Castle https://attractionsmagazine.com/cinderella-castle-rose-gold-update-nearly-complete-magic-kingdom/ Ticket price comparison between 1996 and today
Recorded on 5/27/20 Chris’ office organization Coke Energy WDW Opening July 11 - MK and AK July 15 - EP and DHS I Hanker for a Hunka Cheese commercial https://youtu.be/4xRv9ZQOCPo Chuck Wagon commercial https://youtu.be/TTx_fwP1-pw
Recorded on 5/1/20 Special Guest Casey Liss Co-host of Accidental Tech Podcast https://atp.fm/ Co-host of Analog(ue) https://www.relay.fm/analogue/ iOS App Developer of Vignette https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vignette-update-contact-pics/id1455924925 Website https://www.caseyliss.com/ Casey joins us to speculate about when Walt Disney World might open Stories referenced during the discussion: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/wdw-reopening-update-orange-county-defers-to-disney-florida-announces-phase-1/ - a good summary of the current situation https://wdwnt.com/2020/04/orange-county-task-force-establishes-initial-guidelines-for-walt-disney-world-reopening-guest-spacing-wiping-vehicles-etc-mayor-believes-june-reopening-realistic/ - a little more detail of orange county's guidelines https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2020/04/28/southwest-airlines-ceo-travel-wont-resume-until-country-reopens/3038342001/ - comments from Southwest Airlines CEO https://www.marketwatch.com/story/disney-is-in-the-eye-of-the-storm-analyst-warns-parks-may-not-open-until-january-2020-04-20 - UBS analyst John Hodulik's prediction that the parks won't open until 2021 https://thedisneyblog.com/2020/04/30/new-opinion-poll-spells-trouble-for-disneys-business-model/?platform=hootsuite - poll on the public's willingness to get back out in public before a vaccine is available. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/disney-world-disneyland-reopening-outlook-pandemic-trnd/index.html What will reopened parks look like? https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-disney-focus/long-lines-lots-of-kids-and-plenty-to-touch-how-does-disney-reopen-its-parks-idUSKBN22D53X - more on the reopening projection https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/houston-billionaire-rockets-fertitta-coronavirus-15235646.php - Interview with Landry's Restaurants CEO about opening up with just a fraction of the customers. https://people.com/health/air-conditioning-coronavirus-spreader-9-people-infected-at-restaurant/ - air conditioner spreading Coronavirus Questions for Casey: If you had an hour to spend in the park right now, what would you do? Coke or Pepsi? Casey’s questions for Glenn and Chris What is the most overrated restaurant in WDW? https://threekidsthreecatsandahusband.com/best-restaurants-disney-world/
Released on 4/26/20 Coke Coke Energy Photo of Chris as a kid dressed in Coke material Questions How much would you pay? You’re allowed 1 hour in any Disney park you choose while it’s shut down. You can stand or sit in any specific location but no attractions or stores are open. Where would you pick and why. VR as an option?
Released 3/11/20 A review of Glenn’s trip on the Disney Wonder out of the Port of New Orleans with a stop in Cozumel, Mexico. Photo Album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizwiz/albums/72157713453718381 Bonus post-show photography discussion
Recorded on 2/4/20 Special Guest Andrew How did Andrew become a Disney theme park fan? Glenn’s Trip report Magic Kingdom After Hours Epcot Disney Skyliner Disney’s Hollywood Studios Andrew met up with Chris and Glenn at DHS to visit Galaxy’s Edge together Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run Blue Milk Guest Experience Team
Recorded on 1/20/20 Special Guest Casey Liss Co-host of Accidental Tech Podcast https://atp.fm/ Co-host of Analog(ue) https://www.relay.fm/analogue/ iOS App Developer of Vignette https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vignette-update-contact-pics/id1455924925 Website https://www.caseyliss.com/ How were we lucky enough to get Casey to join the show How did Casey become a Disney theme park fan? First visit when he was four years old Multiple visits after that; each was unique and hold a special place in Casey’s memory The first text message Casey remembers sending was at WDW Honeymooned at Disney Most recent trip was October 2019 First visit to the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot Disney Meal Plan discussion Rewind to talk about the Treehouses Casey stayed in 2719 Hyperion post: https://2719hyperion.blogspot.com/2010/03/lake-buena-vista-story-part-one-1969.html The current Treehouse Villa at Saratoga Springs (no spiral staircase anymore, unfortunately): https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/saratoga-springs-resort-and-spa/rates-rooms/ Recap of Casey’s past trips Unfortunately, Casey doesn’t remember his first trip other than the spiral staircase Casey’s children may not remember this past trip, but it was fulfilling for Casey, especially when his son got to meet Mickey Mouse It’s a different experience visiting without kids vs with kids Taking photos during the trip Documenting the trip - recommendations from Casey Memory Maker/PhotoPass https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/memory-maker/ Day One app https://dayoneapp.com/ - can print out a book of the trip Star Wars Galaxy Edge Spoiler! Diagram of how Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run works https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWarsLeaks/comments/bem0od/smugglers_run_how_the_loadunload_works/ October Trip report Casey’s blog post about Leave a Legacy: https://www.caseyliss.com/2015/7/8/legacy DVC Rental https://dvcrequest.com/ Garden Grocer: https://gardengrocer.com/ Orlando Stroller Rental: https://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/ Future trips Casey’s been to Disneyland before; would rather go to WDW Disney Cruise Line is a possibility; Casey hasn’t been on before Good for all age groups Inside the Disney Fan’s Studio questions and answers (have to listen to hear the answers
Released on 12/16/19 Happy Holidays! Steve Martin’s Christmas Wish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPVuHP3OXk0 "The Wonderful World of Disney Magical Holiday Celebration" on Disney+ Thoughts about Disney+ Surpassed 10 million subscribers on the first day; projected 10-18 million during the first year What’s missing that we want? "The Mandalorian" "The Imagineering Story" “The Simpsons” display ratio Change made to Han/Greedo scene in Star Wars A New Hope - George Lucas’s change? WDW getting new monorails? Construction Demo of Communicore West in Epcot The new Epcot guide map lists opening dates Removal of accents on the PeopleMover track in the Magic Kingdom Tron track is completed Guests climb on stage during Disney's Carousel of Progress https://insidethemagic.net/2019/12/disney-carousel-of-progress-incident-bd1/?utm_content=buffer2c5c5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer Disney's Bob Iger named Time's businessperson of the year Opening of “Rise of the Resistance” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Glenn made final payment for the February Disney Cruise
Released on 11/10/19 Still no viewing of Epcot Forever by Chris Time change this past weekend - the good time change Echo wall clock, which Glenn gives five stars https://amzn.to/2pZmZCq It is now Christmas time in WDW! Nov 8 is the first Very Merry Christmas Party; Nov 1 was the last Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Chris is going to visit Santa at Disney Springs Disney will have two new AP magnets for Christmas - available at Epcot Chris completed the F&WF magnets and got the wooden coasters Still upset about the Lights of Winter not being there in Epcot New paint job and installation of the new logo on the arch in Hollywood Studios https://wdwnt.com/2019/11/photos-new-park-logo-sign-makes-its-debut-on-animation-courtyard-arch-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/ Epcot Construction Removal of the Fountain of Nations https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/fountain-of-nations/news/05nov2019-photos---aerial-view-of-the-fountain-of-nations-demolition-site.htm New fountain construction at the entrance https://wdwnt.com/2019/11/photos-more-construction-work-on-the-reimagined-world-celebration-entrance-and-fountain-11-3-19/ Fuel Rod swapping controversy Disney+ debuts next Tuesday, 11/12!
Do you like Pumpkin Spice flavored items? Starbucks and Joffrey’s in the parks The joy of coffee mugs Having to reinforce shelves Merchandise and the WDW 50th birthday Another visit to Epcot by Chris! Epcot Experience Food and Wine Festival New Frozen Coke booth where the Cool Wash was by Test Track and new Donut Box vendor Instagram photos No viewing of Epcot Forever yet Disney Skyliner We discuss the incident opening week It’s open again New Epcot merchandise
Released 10/8/19 Happy Birthday to WDW and Epcot! Chris’ last visit to Illuminations: Reflections of Earth on 9/29/19 Mostly spoiler free discussion about Epcot Forever which started on 10/1 Opening of the Skyliner on 9/29 Disney ending some live entertainment acts because of low attendance Glenn rants on the direction that Disney is taking Epcot Experience Center in the Odyssey opened on 10/1
Released 9/11/19 Chris’ trip to Epcot Last trip before the closing of Club Cool and the Future World Fountain Played Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Game Glenn’s family drove to Orlando to visit Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge during opening weekend Met up with Chris Our tour through the land Our thoughts about the land
Released 9/7/19 New Details Shared on Highly Anticipated Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World Resort https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/08/new-details-shared-on-highly-anticipated-experiences-coming-to-walt-disney-world-resort/ Mickey’s Runaway Train - display of ride vehicle Star Wars Hotel Tron Lightcycle Run - display of ride vehicle Cirque du Soleil - new show premiers on 4/17/20 No new nighttime parade at the MK Disney Cruise Line: the next ship will be named the “Wish" Epcot New logo for Epcot!!! Future World is eliminated and World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature replace it A new pavilion at World Celebration will be the home base for Epcot’s signature festivals The new Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” Spaceship Earth will be “transformed" The Land pavilion’s new film “Awesome Planet” New Mary Poppins attraction in the UK Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will open in 2020 A new “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in January 2020 in France The film “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” will debut in January 2020 In the China pavilion, “Wondrous China” will have a seamless 360 degree format A new nighttime spectacular called “HarmonioUS" will debut in 2020 You’ll be able to visualize these exciting plans for Epcot when doors open Oct. 1, 2019, for Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion No new pavilion announced for World Showcase (Brazil)
Released 8/9/19 Glenn’s Houston Trip Report Johnson Space Center Restored Mission Control Apollo 17 Commond Module Shuttle carrier aircraft Astros game Tour of Minute Maid Park
Released 7/15/19 Tropical Storm Barry News Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opening dates announced Disney Skyliner will open next month Monorail Improvements - Monorail Silver Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort opened this week Tomorrowland Marquee sign taken down; will be replaced New water bottle refill stations installed at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Liberty Inn Restaurant at the American Adventure is closed; will reopen as a BBQ restaurant The Rainbow Tunnel from Journey Into Imagination will return in the Odyssey later this year Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Series Coming to Disney+
Released 7/8/19 Welcome, Sean! https://www.instagram.com/spanselphoto/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/nola2t/ We found Sean through his photography posts on Instagram and Flickr General Info Tell us a little about you How did your interest in Disney begin? How long have you been a photographer? Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera Reprint Edition by Bryan Peterson https://amzn.to/2LzmozO How would you describe your style? Mechanicals Post-shoot workflow? When you visit the Disney parks, how do you juggle taking photos with your family? What do you take with you on a typical visit to the parks? (full load out? specific lenses only?) Platypod https://amzn.to/2xtGbIG What equipment do you use? Sony a7III https://amzn.to/2RYiSA1 Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 https://amzn.to/2LFYhzi Also does other photography: portraits, products, landscapes; not weddings Do you go with a “shot list” or just shoot what you see? What's the shot you most want to get but haven't yet? And what are our shots? Advice With so many people covering Disney Parks....how does one get a unique image? Is there a point where there's no.....point to shoot them anymore? Do you have any specific photography idols or people you go to the parks with? Tom Bricker https://www.instagram.com/tom_bricker/ Sarah Bricker https://www.instagram.com/sarahbricker/ Matthew Cooper https://www.instagram.com/matthewcooperphoto/ Matt Stemerman https://www.instagram.com/imaginography71/ Judd Helms https://www.instagram.com/juddhelms/ Cliff Wang https://www.instagram.com/whoiscliffwang/ Doug Does Disney https://www.instagram.com/dougdoesdisney/ Any tips for budding photographers? Glenn’s Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizwiz/albums Chris’ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/digichrome64/albums
Released 6/28/19 Musings about Instagram and Disney updates on IG Toy Story 4 Chris’ Magic Kingdom trip report
Released 6/16/19 Rumor: New Brazil pavilion at Epcot Carnival parade like Tapestry of Nations at Epcot??? Disney Skyliner - testing State of the monorail Leave a Legacy is being removed Tron construction has gone vertical redecorating Tomorrowland New DCL ships will have home port at Port Canaveral D23 Convention - Parks and Resorts presentation on 8/25 Opening of Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland on 5/31 Limited to resort guests until 6/23 Chris isn’t too excited for it right now Build your own lightsaber Blue milk and Green milk Galaxy’s Edge soundtrack WDW’s Galaxy Edge is opening on 8/29
Released 4/16/19 https://youtu.be/duE5SRDA2Fs Get in line now for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge! Different kind of episode - focused on Photography New camera for both of us: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/2XiXR4q Glenn’s insane devotion to Disney sponsors Glenn’s Photo 365 Project https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizwiz/albums/72157677377160097 Picks of the week: Chris: Rogue Photographic Design Flash Gels Color Correction Filter Kit https://amzn.to/2Zc0maJ Godox TT685N TTL 2.4GHz GN60 HSS High-Speed Sync 1/8000s Flash Speedlite Light https://amzn.to/2XlDbsP Have pictures? Share them with us!
Released 3/21/19 How you doin’? https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/07/stop-asking-how-are-you-harvard-researchers-say-this-is-how-successful-people-make-small-talk.html The agony of Daylight Saving Time Standard Time FTW! Hi, Andrew! Timing of fireworks at the parks Disney News - Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/hollywood-studios/star-wars-galaxys-edge/ Opening dates announced: Disneyland = 5/31/19; Walt Disney World = 8/29/19 Both will open with just Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run; Rise of the Resistance will open later in the year Know before you go https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/hollywood-studios/star-wars-galaxys-edge/#drawer-card-7-3 When will Chris make it out to Galaxy’s Edge? Glenn says January Chris thinks September To get into the land: At Disneyland: guests will need to make a reservation to get in; resort hotel guests will get a reservation At WDW: No reservations; first come, first serve; extra magic hours for resort guests No Fastpass+ offered for either attraction at Galaxy’s Edge Stores and restaurants in the land Chris’ Disney Adventures Chris visited Epcot for the first weekend of Flower and Garden Festival If anyone has a Nikon or Kodak Photo Spot sign, send a tweet to @cbgrey Handicapped parking challenges New Coco show at Mexico pavilion Bad interactions with others in the park Chris got bad pizza from Electric Umbrella; in the future, he will go to Via Napoli in Italy to get good pizza Picks of the week Glenn: Three books for Galaxy’s Edge Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire https://amzn.to/2TBYR6h Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge A Crash of Fate https://amzn.to/2TAS795 Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Cookbook https://amzn.to/2UBVIA3 Chris: Downie https://setapp.com/apps/downie within Setapp https://setapp.com/ for Mac
Released on 3/13/19 Ringtones from Epoct Legacy http://www.epcotlegacy.com/news/2018/6/17/signals-for-the-information-age.html Chris visits Epcot during the last weekend of the International’s Festival of the Arts Favorite Epcot Festival Chris attended “The Art of Disney Fonts, Lettering & Signage” by Richard Terpstra Disney Princess Half Marathon; lots of traffic Adventures with PhotoPass Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster show building Odyssey Pavilion - flat and no character is beautiful! Family Play Zone Riding different attractions Festival of the Arts merchandise
Play Pavilion, New Park Entrance Part of Epcot’s Historic Transformation https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/02/first-of-its-kind-play-pavilion-new-park-entrance-part-of-epcots-historic-transformation/ Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter https://www.pottermore.com/news/hagrid-magical-creatures-motorbike-adventure-is-coming-to-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral Spoiler video https://youtu.be/6w07BvAeiIY New 270-Acre Solar Facility Now Online https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/02/major-new-270-acre-solar-facility-now-online-providing-clean-energy-to-walt-disney-world-resort/
Released 2/18/19 Opened one year after Epcot on 10/1/83 Sponsored by General Electric for the first 10 years The one pavilion that combined all of the themes of Epcot Center together: technology, transportation, communication, food, health, energy, living in future habitats on the land, undersea and in space Unofficially, it was seen by GE and Disney as a sequel to the Carousel of Progress The characters have grown up and moved out When proposing ideas for New Tomorrowland in Disneyland in 1990, Imagineering prepared a proposal to essentially combine CoP and Horizons The show’s theaters would present the concept of the “great, big beautiful tomorrow” starting with “Looking Back at Tomorrow” from the Horizons pavilion at EPCOT Center and continuing through an “1890s Victorian style American living room;” “the kitchen of a 1940s modern home;” “a vacation villa circa 1990;” “an undersea research station;” “a space station orbiting the Earth;” and conclude with the “urban habitat…desert habitat…and space scene” from Horizons. http://auction.howardlowery.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=5322846 Design 1979 was a look at the history of technology and a large exhibit space for GE of today and tomorrow Jack Welch became chairman of GE and he didn’t think the pavilion was futuristic enough The name changed in 1980 to “Century 3” and the design was changed to focus on living in the future with technology GE signed for sponsorship in October 1980 and changed the name again to “Futureprobe” The building was designed to look like a spaceship The rear of the building was “show ready” to be seen from the proposed LVB Monorail By the groundbreaking in February 1982, the pavilion was named Horizons Ride Guests would load in a transport terminal of the future guests would board a car that seated four people and faced left of forward motion The ride started by looking back at dreams of the future over the centuries Included looks at Jules Verne’s idea of a flight to the moon A future look at Paris from 1920s “Easy living” with the robot butler, which was the ‘80s as seen from the ‘30s looking back at tomorrow with movies and television specials of yesteryear The future from the ‘50s where the future was “kinda fun” Then head into bringing our dreams to life: “If we can dream it, we can do it” - the transition between past and future. Two Omnimax theaters that showed images of the space shuttle liftoff, landsat photography of earth, microprocessor, crystals for use in microelectronics, liquid space (underwater), DNA chain, the sun 21st Century living - An “achievable Future” of 2086 (When Disneyland opened, Tomorrowland represented the future in the year 1986) Meet the narrators at their futuristic home Dad is playing a futuristic piano Mom is chatting with her daughter on a holophone Head to the agricultural engineer daughter’s home on the farm in the desert The daughter is overseeing the harvest of l’orange (half lime, half orange) Head into the house where her husband and son making a birthday cake then to the den where the daughter is talking to her boyfriend who is working on his submarine Then go to the maintenance bay where the boyfriend is working on the submarine Continue on to the underwater city where children are getting ready to go deep sea diving Then head to space where we see a space colony where the son and his family live A family just arriving from the shuttle Crystals growing in space Join the family in singing birthday to the grandson via hologram Then it’s time to head back home: you got to vote on the flight path back to FuturePort Space: Omega Centauri Land: Mesa Verde Sea: Sea Castle Resort Additional history Closed in December 1994 Reopened in December 1995 because Universe of Energy and World of Motion were both closed Closed permanently on 1/9/99, 20 years ago
Released 2/8/19 Chris can’t hear the WDW Railroad trains anymore! Disney News Maleficent Dragon Float returns to the Festival of Fantasy Parade from her “Malefi-Fire” last May Fixes to Splash Mountain come in wake of the maintenance list on WDWNT.com; are they related? Elimination of plastic bags in the parks, and new, reusable bags are now available for purchase Testing has started for the Disney Skyliner Gondolas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGUsuKLFZGY Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster ride building is MASSIVE Change in policy: FastPass Reservations Will Be Deleted Upon Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Reservation Cancelation to Stop Guest Abuse Disney says streaming is now it’s number one priority Picks of the week Chris: Mission Moon 3-D: A New Perspective on the Space Race https://amzn.to/2HZosAX Glenn: Another Musical Souvenir of Walt Disney World https://passport2dreams.blogspot.com/2014/12/another-musical-souvenir-of-walt-disney.html
Opened January 15, 1975 Was the first Space Mountain to open, although it was originally planed for Disneyland as "Space Port” Designing started in 1964, but Space Port was stopped because of Disney’s death It was revived because of the popularity of WDW with teens and young adults; the Magic Kingdom needed a thrill ride Disney Artist John Hench drew the original concept art of the SM exterior It was Walt who wanted the roller coaster to be in the dark so he could have precise control of the lighting and to project images on the interior walls. Selling RCA on an attraction to spend $10 million sponsoring the attraction was key to the project In the book “The Disney Mountains” author Jason Surrell writes about Marty Sklar’s efforts to sell the idea to RCA Disney had an agreement with RCA in 1970 to do all the infrastructure communications for WDW The contract stipulated that if Disney could come up with an attraction RCA would be willing to spend $10 million dollars The original pitch was a new version of Mission to Mars that took people inside a computer The meeting with the RCA CEO, Robert Sarnoff went horribly. Sarnoff sat at the head of a long conference table, and couldn’t hear the presentation and couldn’t see the materials. He asked his staff “who are these guys?" That’s when Marty and John Hench regrouped and moved forward with the Space Mountain plans The pitch for SM, Sklar brought Card Walker, Disney’s CEO to the meeting, as he and Sarnoff knew each other. They also insisted that Sarnoff sit in the middle of the table so he could see and hear. The story for the SM presentation focused on communication, as RCA had pulled out of the computer business shortly after the first presentation. The attraction would still consist of a rocket ride through space, but guests would see RCA satellites orbiting in space and after the ride, guests would visit the Home of Future Living which showed off the latest RCA home entertainment products, and some future products, and the last thing guest would see before exiting was themselves on color TV RCA approved the sponsorship, and the project started The project was lead by John Hench and Marty Sklar, and George McGinnis and Claude Coats - of pirates of the Caribbean and haunted mansion fame— were on the team Former astronaut Gordon Cooper, commander of Mercury 9 and Gemini 5, became a member of the Disney team and provided personal consultation to help insure the authenticity of Space Mountain. The roller coaster was developed by Arrow (who built the Matterhorn) and Disney It’s made up of 2 tracks: Alpha (to the left) and Omega. Alpha is 3,196 feet long while Omega is 10 feet shorter. Top speed is between 28 - 35 mph Ride duration 2 minutes, 30 seconds It’s a pure gravity ride with no boosters or retarders; there are only braking zones. If the ride stops, the brakes are simply released and the trains coast back to the station There are 30 trains (15 for each side), with two cars per train, with 3 people per car (although originally, the cars sat 4 people per car; this was changed in 1989) The exit was the Home of Future Living from 1975 - 1985 and pretty much included everything that was presented to RCA during the pitch meeting: featured the theme song "Here's to the Future" Guests stepped onto the Goodyear Speedramp and went past scenes of the Home of Future Living (from Widen Your World) Started outside on the patio with the father on a lounge chair looking at a briefcase size TV screen on a business video call Then, inside the rooms were a series of white hexagonal modules with white, yellow, orange, and brown decor First, the nursery where a toy clown held a camera pointed at the baby; the camera signal was sent to the other screens so the family could monitor the baby Next, the family room shows the grandmother taking a two way TV pottery lesson Then, the Rec room, where a teenage boy took in some snow skiing on a SelectaVision simulator while the younger brother assembled a model rocket via televised instructions Back outside, a boy is at the front door, talking to the mother inside via camera Again inside, the kitchen shows the mother and a neighbor sitting in front of a large TV wall unit reviewing an online catalog system, along with a picture in picture of the boy at the door Then, the teenage daughter’s bedroom watching a SelectaVision videodisc movie on a large screen Finally, was the entertainment center where a young girl and boy watched a football game on a wall-sized screen Then, you travelled under the train tracks on the speed ramp until you reached the incline and the TVs where you could see yourself In 1985, it was changed to RYCA-1 which showed what life might be like living in a space colony on another planet; the sets are pretty much the same as they are today. They were changed to reflect sending packages across spatial distances using teleportation when FedEx took over sponsorship in 1994. And during the 2009 refurbishment, it was changed to the current design of Starport 75 and promoting different destinations around the universe to which Space Mountain's rockets could take them FedEx added TVs to the waiting area inside and played SMTV which had news clips from around the galaxy Sponsors: RCA: 1975-1993 (19); FedEx: 1994 - 2004 (11); sponsorless: 2005 - now (14)
Released 1/17/19 First episode of the new year! Follow Up Disney introduces logo for Hollywood Studios' 30th anniversary https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-et-disney-hollywood-studios-logo-30th-20190102-story.html Chris’ Disney Adventures Chris' thoughts about the Grand Floridian on Christmas Eve News It was crazy crowded over the Christmas/New Year’s Eve holiday Slinky Dog Dash Coaster Train Tails Removed Due To Safety Concerns https://wdwnt.com/2019/01/breaking-slinky-dog-dash-coaster-train-tails-removed-due-to-safety-concerns-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/ Walt Disney World Maintenance Report https://wdwnt.com/2019/01/introducing-the-walt-disney-world-maintenance-report-a-running-list-of-broken-effects-damaged-items-and-more-from-the-parks/ Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge news from Destination D https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/11/exciting-star-wars-galaxys-edge-news-from-destination-d/ Disneyland raises ticket prices in anticipation of the opening of Galaxy’s Edge https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disneyland-ticket-price-increase-star-wars-galaxys-edge/ Picks of the show Parental controls in iOS on the iPad
Released on 12/27/18 It’s been a while… Sorry everyone! Disney News New Space Mountain Exit Opens, Speedramps Removed at the Magic Kingdom https://wdwnt.com/2018/11/photos-video-new-space-mountain-exit-opens-speedramps-removed-at-the-magic-kingdom/ New signage in Tomorrowland for Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor https://wdwnt.com/2018/12/photos-new-monsters-inc-laugh-floor-sign-arrives-in-tomorrowland/ Nikon Learn and Explore Disney Parks page https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/disney-parks/index.page Automated PhotoPass coming to select character greeting locations Rumor: Disney's Hollywood Studios to mark its 30th year with new logo Disney Skyliner Gondolas Will NOT Have Air Conditioning, Only Passive Ventilation Kingdom Hearts at Disney Springs https://wdwnt.com/2018/12/photos-kingdom-hearts-iii-pop-up-experience-opens-at-disney-springs/ Disney Parks Brings Star-Studded Celebrations to ABC and Disney Channel This Holiday Season Picks of the week Chris: Prep and Landing https://movies.disney.com/prep-and-landing Glenn: The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix Chris: Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable https://amzn.to/2s0uG8A Glenn: From All of Us to All of You The Disney Christmas Card https://amzn.to/2SqEPqU
Recorded - 11/7/18 Trip report from Chris - Disney Springs World of Disney reopening Chris’ mishap with a Coke bottle in WoD Maleficent float is returning to the Festival of Fantasy Parade in the Magic Kingdom Disney bought Lucasfilm six years ago today and has already recouped its $4 billion investment New Entrance for Autos at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Opens Nov. 8 Gondolas discussion Lyft billboards Picks of the week: Glenn: AdoramaPix https://www.adoramapix.com/ Chris: nixplay digital photo frame https://www.nixplay.com/edge-frames/
Recorded on 10/17/18 Released on 10/29/18 Early Morning Magic program for Disney's Hollywood Studios 90 minutes of access to Toy Story Land before the park opens Annual Pass cost increase Disney Video Games Specifically Disney Park video games https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Disney_video_games#Walt_Disney_parks_and_resorts_games Glenn: Adventures in the Magic Kingdom (1990) and Walt Disney World Quest: Magical Racing Tour (2000) Chris: Walt Disney World Explorer (1996) and Kingdom Hearts (2002)
Released on 10/17/18 Disney Cruise Line follow up Glenn booked a cruise out of New Orleans! Spaceship Earth Will Close for Over Two Years, Part of Massive Overhaul of Epcot’s Future World Tomorrowland Speedway closing for 5 months to re-route track around Tron Fountain & Bottled Drink, Popcorn, Pretzel, and Other Snack Item Prices Increased
Released on 10/8/18 Rumor Show! Rumored opening dates for new attractions Skyliner Gondolas will not have A/C India Pavilion Coming to Epcot’s World Showcase with Massive Jungle Book Ride Is PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Getting Ready to Close? 3rd Hotel to join Swan and Dolphin Magic Kingdom’s Club 33 location (Captain's Quarters) is out from behind construction walls
Recorded 9/27/18 Released 9/28/18 Disney Cruise Line will sail out of New Orleans in February, 2020! During Mardi Gras!
Released 9/27/18 Chris is remembering his Cruise Some feedback from disboards.com Follow up: Captain Tom is now Commodore Tom Disney News 19 Magical New and Limited-Time Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World Resort in 2019 Disney Has Announced End Date and Replacement of IllumiNations at Epcot Rafiki’s Planet Watch, including the Conservation Station, are closing to the public Walt Disney World Switching to Date-Based Ticket Prices, Including Multi-Day Tickets Park attendance showing softness going into Fall Update on Chris’ visit to Epcot and the Food and Wine Festival Disney News continued New Candlelight Processional Narrators, Food & Merchandise Set for 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Released 9/17/18 Chris and family went on a Disney Cruise Line vacation Fantasy ship Western Caribbean cruise DCL History Disney Magic - The Launching of a Dream by John Heminway Chris has been on nine DCL cruises Halloween decorations were up on the ship as of the 9/1 sailing DCL Innovations Split bathrooms - like Rotational dining - dislike Make special requests the day you get on the ship Tipping on the cruise Water Slides on the ship Excursions The ship is spectacular and well maintained Castaway Cay Paradise on earth Kids club Chris’s photos from the trip http://bit.ly/starportdcl Thoughts about length of cruise
Released 9/7/18 Remember the Magic - Mission to Mars Chris never experienced the attraction - it’s a regret History 1955: Rocket to the Moon at Disneyland No space travel in 1955 Circular theater with three levels of seats: 162 seats total Screen in the floor and ceiling in the middle of the theater Seats had pneumatic controls and would raise and lower Was a D-Ticket attraction Discussion about ticket levels Building was demolished in 1966 The TWA rocket was moved to the TWA Corporate Headquarters building in Kansas City, MO Rebuilt within a year 1967: Flight to the Moon at Disneyland and WDW (1971) Introduced audio animatronics in the preshow, including Mr. Tom Morrow 1975: Mission to Mars at Disneyland and WDW Changed Mr. Tom Morrow to Mr. Johnson from Space Control and added female AAs Sponsored by McDonnell-Douglas Closed in 1992 in Disneyland and 1993 in WDW 2003: Mission:Space at Epcot The spiritual successor to MtM Martin’s tribute video https://youtu.be/jPT3JoFFc1c Yesterland https://www.yesterland.com/moonrocket.html
Released 8/27/18 Feedback on new formats What Glenn had for dinner Glenn visits Orlando to see Chris at least once a year; Chris has been to NOLA once since 2007 Disney News Shop Disney Parks app Because of the Tron Coaster construction, the WDW Railroad will be stopped Chris Visits Disney Magic Kingdom visit Halloween decorations are up! Scrims on Main Street USA Jungle Cruise Shrunken Ned’s Junior Jungle Boats - Closed on 8/21/12 Family had no interest in seeing the Country Bear Jamboree Ate at Casey’s Corner Ketchup conundrum No visit to Tomorrowland Starbucks in the park Outside vendors in the park ~50:00 Picks of the Week Chris: Flash Diffuser Reflector Kit https://amzn.to/2LxPgoa Flash Diffuser Light Softbox https://amzn.to/2wsh482 Wireless Speedlite Flash https://amzn.to/2LylCzj
Recorded 8/8/18 Remember the Magic - The Country Bear Jamboree History December 1965, Walt Disney was pressing forward with Mineral King, a ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains As part of the evening entertainment, an animatronic show was being developed The project was assigned to Marc Davis One day Davis was working on drawings of the characters in his office. Walt Disney walked in and saw the drawings and laughed because he loved the characters. On Disney's way out he turned to Marc Davis and said good-bye, which he was known never to say. That was the last time Davis saw Disney, who died a few days later. With ski resort progress slow, the show was refined and designed to be a unique attraction at the then still being planned Walt Disney World Resort Frontierland would receive a much needed marquee attraction A 15 minute dance hall style show was designed Imagineer X Atencio (Yo-Ho & Grim Grinning Ghosts) and musical director George Bruns created songs for the bears to sing 24 animatronic figures were built, plus another three for outside the theater The show opened on October 1, 1971 and was a huge draw in an otherwise sparsely populated corner of the park Shootin’ Arcade, Tom Sawyer Island, WDW Railroad Shares a building with the Enchanted Tiki Room Theater exits into the “Mile Long Bar’ instead of a gift shop, where three stars from the show would hold their own mini show Pepsi and Frito Lay were the original sponsors from 1971 - 1981 (Pepsi was available at Pecos Bill’s until 1990) It closed in August 2012 for a refurb; when it reopened in October 2012, it was shortened by 4 1/2 minutes. Introduction was shortened, and some dialogue throughout the show was cut, along with two songs: "Pretty Little Devilish Mary" and "Fractured Folk Song" In the MLB, Max, Melvin, and Buff animatronics were hanging and would talk and sing to the guests as they left the theater From May 1986 through February 1992, the show was replaced by the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown November 1984, the Country Bear Christmas Special was introduced for the holiday season and ran every year through 2005 Took 4-6 days to install and remove Was the first attraction to change for the holidays There was a CBJ in Disneyland From 1972-2001 (replaced by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh) It was the first WDW attraction to be replicated at Disneyland Because of the popularity of the show in Florida, two theaters were built at Disneyland From 1986-2001, it was the CBVH Tokyo Disneyland’s opened with the park and still operates. It’s the same as WDW’s version, except the animatronics are more modern and look more real, and like at Disneyland, was built with two theaters Tokyo still has all three versions of the show at different times of the year Attraction Bears (18): Henry, Liver Lips McGrowl, Wendell, Teddi Berra, Ernest, Terrence, Trixie, Big Al, Sun Bonnet Trio (Bunny, Bubbles, Beulah), Gomer, The Five Bear Rugs (Zeke, Zeb, Ted, Fred, Tennessee), Baby Oscar Show The show is basically a continuous string of short country songs sung by the various bears. As each bear sings their song, a curtain opens to reveal them, except in the case of Wendell, Gomer, and the Sun Bonnet Trio (all of whom rise from the center stage), and Teddi Barra (who descends from the ceiling). The show begins with Max, Buff, and Melvin telling Henry to get on with the show. Henry then asks Gomer to give him a "little intro", and the jamboree begins. Songs Current Disney World version: "Pianjo" (Don Robertson) – Gomer and Henry "Bear Band Serenade" (Lyrics: Xavier Atencio, Music: George Bruns) – The Five Bear Rugs, Gomer, and Henry "If You Can't Bite, Don't Growl" (Tommy Collins) – Ernest and the Five Bear Rugs "My Woman Ain't Pretty (But She Don't Swear None)" (Frankie Starr & Paul E. Miller) – Liver Lips McGrowl "Mama, Don't Whip Little Buford" (Burns & Haynes) – Henry and Wendell "Tears Will Be the Chaser For Your Wine" (Dale Davis & Leroy Goates) – Trixie "How Long Will My Baby Be Gone" (Buck Owens) – Terrence "All the Guys That Turn Me On Turn Me Down" (Plott & Powell) – The Sun Bonnet Trio "Heart, We Did All That We Could" (Ned Miller) – Teddi Barra "Blood on the Saddle" (Everett Cheetham) – Big Al "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" (Tom Blackburn and George Bruns) – Henry and Sammy "Ole Slew Foot" (Howard Hausey) – Cast (minus Ernest and Trixie, who do not appear onstage, and Big Al, who reprises "Blood on the Saddle") "Come Again" (Tom Adair & George Bruns) – Henry, Sammy, Max, Buff, and Melvin Country Bear Vacation Hoedown Show This special variation of the classic show features the Country Bears celebrating the many joys of summer and the great outdoors. Its opening is different from the other shows because Max, Buff, and Melvin do not talk at the beginning Instead, the five Bear Rugs can be heard tuning up their instruments. Zeke calls for Rufus to turn on the lights, and then the show begins with "The Great Outdoors". In the Japanese version however, instead of hearing the five Bear Rugs tune up, Max, Buff & Melvin continue the trend of having the first bit of dialogue (although it's in Japanese) Songs "The Great Outdoors" - The 5 Bear Rugs and Henry "Life's No Picnic Without You" - Trixie "On the Road Again" - Wendell "We Can Make It To the Top" - Liver Lips McGrowl "California Bears" - The Sun Bonnets, Gomer, Max, Buff, and Melvin "Two Different Worlds" - Terrence the Shaker (with Dolores the octopus) "Rocky Top" - The 5 Bear Rugs "Nature" - Ernest the Dude "Singin' In the Rain" - Teddi Barra and Henry "Ghost Riders In the Sky" - The 5 Bear Rugs "On My Way To Your Heart" - Big Al "Thank God I'm a Country Bear" - Cast Christmas Show: Show The show includes many different traditional Christmas carols, more modern songs, along with some original Christmas "bear-ols" all sung by the bears in a country twang. The show begins as always with Melvin, Buff, and Max. As the three argued over who gets to sing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", Henry appears onstage and starts the show. Songs "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" - Melvin "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" - Henry and Gomer "Tracks in the Snow" - The 5 Bear Rugs and Henry "12 Days of Christmas (Oh What a Christmas)" - Wendell "The Hibernating Blues" - Trixie "Deck the Halls" - The 5 Bear Rugs "Rock and Roll Santa" - Liver Lips McGrowl and Gomer "Blue Christmas" - Terrence (with his penguin) "Sleigh Ride" - The Sun Bonnets, Melvin, Buff, and Max "Hungry as a Bear" - Ernest and The 5 Bear Rugs "The Christmas Song" - Henry and Teddi Barra "Another New Year" - Big Al "Let It Snow/Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer/Winter Wonderland" - Cast
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