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Disney Goes Sci Fi
The buzz all over the world is about James Camerons blockbuster hit Avatar, which has already won a number of awards and expected to win many more. Avatar is quickly approaching the #1 box office spot of all time, currently held by James Cameron's other blockbuster hit, Titanic. Now Disney is ready to get back into the world of sci-fi after the award winning Pixar smash Up and its return to the fairytale with The Princess and the Frog. Back in 1982 Disney released the computer adventure movie Tron, where the protagonists get sucked into a computer world and have to fight off a "virus" program to survive. While it wasn't well received critically, Tron developed a massive cult following. Go to YouTube.com and look up "Tron Guy," you'll see what we mean. Tron was one of the first movies to use intense computer graphics and influenced the visuals of many science fiction movies that came afterwards.
At 2008's San Diego Comic-Con Disney showed new test footage of the Tron universe that whipped fans into a frenzy about a possible sequel. The sequel had been rumored for quite some time, but the comic con footage proved it to be true. While you don't see too much Tron merchandise at the Disney theme parks, there is no doubting Disney's love of science fiction. Just head to Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom to see rides and attractions in a futuristic style.
But Disney is gearing up to go full blast with the upcoming sequel Tron: Legacy which is set to come out later this year. Pin Traders will notice Disney released a Mickey Mouse pin depicting our favorite mouse wearing a Tron-type suit. Something tells us this is only the beginning of the resurgence of the Tron universe if the movie does well. Tron: Legacy will star Jeff Bridges, who was in the original 1982 film, Olivia Wilde of House, and newcomer Garrett Hedlund. So far the trailer looks amazing, so if this is a hit for Disney, you can expect to see plenty of Tron merchandise in the Walt Disney World Resort soon!
Brand New Eats at the Mexico Pavilion
Epcot is one of the Disney theme parks that is extra popular with the adults. Not only are there educational exhibits people of every age can appreciate, the World Showcase Pavilion provides fantastic gourmet foods and alcohol as well as cultural artifacts from around the world. The Walt Disney World Resort is known for highlighting cultures all over their parks and hotels, whether it is via decor themes or hiring cast members from different countries. The Disney Dining Reservation system is always busy thanks to hungry guests wanting to eat at the higher-end park food establishments, and none of the reservations get as packed as they do when it involves World Showcase Pavilion. The Mexican Pavilion is always a hit with hungry guests. There are two sit down restaurants, a brand new tequila bar and a margarita bar that is especially popular during the hot Orlando summers. Fans of the food and drink at the Mexico pavilion will be excited to learn there are some new renovations coming to the pavilion and that means brand new menus and venues.
The Cantina de San Angel, where you can get the famous fiesta margarita by the waterside, will be closing soon as Disney renovates it for a brand new fall opening. It currently seats about 288 guests and features a small bar for quick eating, measuring at about 3,500 square feet. Once the renovations are finished, the restaurant will seat 400 waterside and measure at a massive 12,000 square feet! Once you enter the Plaza de los Amigos inside the temple, you also have the San Angel Inn. This is the restaurant that gives you a view of the small boat ride inside the Mexican pavilion. The ride was also renovated not too long ago to feature Donald Duck as part of the Three Caballeros. The San Angel Inn will get some cosmetic renovations and a brand new menu that is sure to be even better than the original one. For fans of the Epcot theme park and the great food and drink it offers, this is going to be a great year.
Sesame Street Safari of Fun
Do you know how to get to Sesame Street? All you need to do now is go to Busch Gardens! Central Florida press recently went on a tour of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's latest attraction: Sesame Street Safari of Fun. This new attraction replaces Land of the Dragons, a mythical-themed land which occupied the space since 1995. Busch Gardens went ahead and closed it on January 5th to prepare for the 2.5 acres of Sesame Street fun aimed mostly at the pre-school audience. There are a number of sections to the Safari of Fun that the kids will love to enjoy.
The biggest "attraction" is gearing up to be The Air Grover roller coaster ride, which features a desert theme. Touted as "Your Child's First Rollercoaster". Along with the Grover ride, you will be able to dine with Elmo & Friends at a Sesame Street character brunch much like the popular brunches at the Disney theme parks.
"We needed to be doing a better job for families with young children," said Donnie Mills, executive vice president and general manager for Busch Gardens.
While adult fans of Sesame Street are sure to enjoy the trip down memory lane, we have a feeling this is exactly the kiddie boost Busch Gardens Tampa Bay needed. The Sesame Street Safari of Fun will also feature Burt & Ernie's Watering Hole. This kid-safe water area will be great during the warm Orlando days and will feature a shallow water play area, bubbler, geysers and water games. When it comes time to bring out the camera to capture the great memories, you will be able to do so at Big Bird's 1-2-3 Smile with Me meet-and-greet area, where all of your child's favorite Sesame Street characters will be ready to meet your children for amazing photo opportunities. While the kids get to enjoy the brand new Sesame Street Safari of Fun, the adults will still get to enjoy Busch Gardens' incredible and award-winning roller coasters! Overall, this is going to be great for Busch Gardens and the Orlando theme parks overall. There are plenty of great new attractions opening up in 2010!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING TRAVEL TO FLORIDA!
If your holiday is fast approaching. Have you made sure you have completed your ESTA online application, and received your approval email?
For those of you travelling or looking to travel to the USA , you need to apply online for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) to be entitled to enter the USA . You will no longer be able to travel using the visa waiver program on board the aircraft. You must apply for an ESTA as soon as possible, please note the current regulations regarding criminal records either current or spent still apply.
For more information regarding this please use the link provided below:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html
President Barack Obama -- Audio-Animatronics
A remarkably lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama enters the spotlight in a revised and refreshed Hall of Presidents show that reopens July 4 in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
The recently installed figure of the country's 44th chief executive - which comes to life with recognizable mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded recently at the White House - is only part of an eight-month makeover so significant that the iconic attraction in the park's Liberty Square has been retitled The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty's Leaders. Other updates to the "re-Imaginered" attraction which has been entertaining Magic Kingdom guests since 1971:
- A re-programmed Abraham Lincoln delivers arguably the greatest speech in the history of the presidency - the Gettysburg Address.
- For the first time in the attraction's history, George Washington stands and delivers a stirring speech.
- Developed with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the show now tells a moving story of the bond between the presidents and "We, the People," focusing on the chief executives who have guided America through trying, turbulent times.
"Our goal with every major Disney attraction is to completely immerse our guests in a compelling story," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "The stories associated with the American presidency are some of the most engaging and relevant our guests will hear while they are with us. And, like all great stories, these stories inspire, motivate and teach us to appreciate the challenges and personal triumph that comes with overcoming adversity."
True to Walt Disney's vision, The Hall of Presidents features the appearance on stage of every United States president - life-sized, three-dimensional and fully animated. Seven presidents have been added to the "Hall" since the attraction opened during the presidency of Richard Nixon.
The figure of President Barack Obama is not only the seventh addition but also the most dynamic figure Disney has ever created. Disney Imaginers, who've been refining Audio-Animatronics technology since 1963, have discovered new ways to integrate an array of subtle movements and facial expressions into the figures. Imaginers also worked closely with White House staff to create realistic clothing and accessories worn by the Obama figure in the show, right down to a lapel pin and watch.
Kathy Rogers, senior show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, says the show pays particular tribute to the strength of the bond between the people and the presidents "that led us through the most troubling times in our nation's history.
"We still present that 'mighty cavalcade of history' that Walt Disney originally envisioned," Rogers says, referring to "headline moments" of America's past that are depicted in the film, "but it is viewed through the lens of the presidency."
The 25-minute show begins with the story of George Washington and the struggle to build a new nation. It continues through today, highlighting presidents who have reached out to the people during times of strife. Disney senior show writer and director Pam Fisher, who worked closely with Kearns Goodwin to develop the story, describes the revised Hall of Presidents as "a very human story - one that we hope strikes a chord with all guests."
A soaring new musical score written by Emmy-winning composer Joel McNeely adds another emotional dimension to the experience.
The show's impact is bolstered by the stirring performances of actor David Morse, who voices Washington, and the late veteran actor Royal Dano, who voices Lincoln. Morse played Washington in the award-winning HBO miniseries, "John Adams." Dano was selected by Walt Disney himself to voice the first animated Lincoln figure, which debuted at the 1964 New York World's Fair and later became part of the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction at Disneyland in California. Obama's speech, recorded in the White House Map Room, includes the presidential oath of office and his thoughts about "the American dream."
In the tradition of earlier versions of the show, the rewritten story begins with a large-format movie, but this time it is projected in crystal-clear, high-definition video. Imaginers digitized many of the huge scenic paintings of historic America made for the original movie by Disney legends including Herb Ryman and Sam McKim. In addition, the team combed through the National Archives, Library of Congress, museums and private collections to acquire more than 130 new images ultimately woven into the show.
Imaginers enhanced the soundtrack with digital production and state-of-the-art speakers; they also upgraded the lighting with energy-efficient LED technology.
The new Hall of Presidents experience begins in the pre-show lobby, which has been transformed into an expanded gallery of presidential artifacts. The inaugural exhibit showcases the women behind the presidents. Large display cases exhibit dresses and personal objects worn by several first ladies, including Edith Roosevelt (Teddy's wife), Elizabeth Monroe and Nancy Reagan. The historical gallery also displays presidential portraits of Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and other chief executives, plus two cases filled with personal artifacts of presidents including Gerald Ford, Franklin Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover and George Washington.
Presentations of the Hall of Presidents show will take place daily and are included with Magic Kingdom admission.