Friday, December 22, 2017

Rare 1954 Disneyland Prospectus Packet Sells For $10,600 At Auction



A rare original 1954 Disneyland prospectus was sold last week at a Van Eaton auction for $10,600, five times the original estimate. The item, a 14-page book of documents and images used to educate potential investors as to what they might expect at the park when it opened the following year, was just one of many unique lots for sale at Remembering Disneyland, a highly-anticipated auction of over 800 rare and original pieces chronicling the history of Disneyland. The original estimate for the prospectus was between $1,000 and $2,000.

Auction description: (Disneyland, 1954) An extremely rare prospectus packet for Disneyland, dated September 3, 1954. The prospectus, titled "The Disneyland Story", was used to educate potential investors as to what they might expect at the park when it opened the following year. The document includes overviews of the lands in the park as well as early descriptions of some of the planned attractions of the park, including some that would never get made. The packet comes in a binder marked "Disneyland" in the lower-right corner. The binder contains (26) 8"x 10" black and white photos of concept art, maps, and various scenes which help to convey the descriptions found in the document. This prospectus packet provides an incredibly rare and seldom seen glimpse into Walt Disney's vision for his park almost a year before it opened. The 14-page document is in good condition with a few pages loose from the staple in the top-left corner. The last page has a torn portion along the left-edge. The binder is in fair condition with some separation along the spine, cover-wear, and a torn bottom-right corner. The photos are in very good condition with minor wear. Most of the photos have Disney's numbering and date codes stamped on the reverse."

Most of the renderings included in this 1954 packet are known in their color version but they are some which are less known, starting by this rendering of Fantasyland when it was still planned to include the Monster whale flume ride.


Below some renderings showing Fantasyland rides vehicles as well as rides that never existed or in different versions.





Next, some 1954 renderings for the Jungle Cruise ride.









Below, some renderings showing Frontierland as envisioned in 1954.




Next, some rare 1954 renderings for Tomorrowland entrance...


...and Flight to the Moon.


The file also included some great 1954 maps for the lands or attractions, like this one for Tomorrowland, at that time still called "World of Tomorrow".


Or this one for Main Street U.S.A with indications of the shops.


Or this next one showing the Peter Pan's Flight ride.


And this one too for the full park and parking lot spaces.


The prospectus also included pictures of Disneyland model, as a model was already done in 1954.














Last but not least, the file also included a 14 pages description text describing how will be Disneyland Anaheim. You can read the full 14 description pages titled "The Disneyland Story" at the item auction page HERE but there is a page 6 about a "Recreation land" that never was which i post here. Click on the pic to enlarge it.


All pictures: copyright Disney, Van Euton Galleries

Incredible Animated Timelapse of Star Wars Death Star’s Construction Process



Tennessee designer Isaac Botkin and his brother composer Benjamin Botkin teamed together to create an incredible animated Timelapse of Star Wars Death Star’s Construction Process showing visually how the Death Star‘s entire construction process might have looked:

"I realize that there have been quite a few space animation posts recently, but bear with me. This is a personal project that I worked on with my brother. I enjoyed watching a little bit of Death Star assembly in Rogue One, but I wanted to see more. I was just wrapping up some stuff for the Challenger Center when I decided to mock up this Death Star construction process...."

Watch the video below and you can learn more about how they did it HERE.



Timelapse of Death Star Construction from Outside Hollywood on Vimeo.

Video: copyright Isaac Botkin and Benjamin Botkin

This Summer, Marvel Super Heroes are coming to Disneyland Paris From June 10 to September 30, 2018 !


Disneyland Paris released all details about the awaited Summer of Marvel Super-Heroes in the new press release below!

This summer, Marvel Super Heroes are coming to Disneyland Paris From June 10 to September 30, 2018

Just a few weeks after the cinema release of the highly anticipated AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, the Marvel Super Heroes will be creating even more buzz by assembling at Disneyland Paris for the very first time! Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Star-Lord, Gamora and Spider-Man will all be at Walt Disney Studios Park from 10 June for a unique season of events, boasting shows and interactive experiences of truly epic proportions. And you’ll have the chance to join them and be part of the adventure. This unique event is a spectacular conclusion to Disneyland Paris’s 25th Anniversary celebrations. Are YOU ready for the Marvel Summer of Super Heroes?

The Marvel universe is coming to life at Walt Disney Studios Park for more than three months. Imagine if you had the power to dive right into your favourite films and comics... Well, this summer, you can! You’ll have the chance to have a dance-off with the Guardians of the Galaxy, watch the ruthless Loki try to seize power, meet Captain America and be awed by an amazing show that features Thor, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, Black Widow, Scarlet Witch and many more!

That’s right – this summer is a dream opportunity to embark on an epic adventure alongside your favourite Marvel Super Heroes. Discover what’s in store for you:

Marvel: Super Heroes United Marvel: Super Heroes United is a truly immense show at the Studio Theater in the heart of Walt Disney Studios Park. The programme for this superproduction includes live-action on-stage antics with Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, Black Panther and Spider-Man – to name just a few! It also features cutting-edge special effects that will bring the Incredible Hulk and the fearsome Thanos to life before your very eyes – a first for Disneyland Paris. You’ll also be treated to spectacular projections and a whole host of other big surprises. One thing’s for certain – you’ll experience an epic adventure like no other.

Here’s the story: "Thanos has found a way of manipulating the Avengers and their allies in order to destroy them. Will the heroes manage to escape his clutches? You’ll find out in this show that’s packed full of breath-taking twists and turns".

Marvel: Super Heroes United brings iconic figures from the Marvel universe to the stage with a focus on three themes: origins, duality and unity. This 20-minute show will be performed several times a day at Walt Disney Studios Park.



Stark Expo presents: Energy for Tomorrow! Tony Stark invites you to the open-air Production Courtyard to present the latest version of his revolutionary invention – an ‘Arc Reactor’ that generates green energy. But look out... It’s exactly the kind of event that a certain Loki loves to interrupt. Thor’s fearsome half-brother will try to use it as an opportunity for a power grab. Let’s hope that Black Widow, Spider-Man and the god of thunder himself are nearby to foil his plans...

Several times a day at the foot of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to see this amazing show that’s as action-packed as it is offbeat.


Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Dance-Off As the name suggests, you’ll have the opportunity for a dance-off with the Guardians of the Galaxy! Music is a key part of the Peter Quill's character, who’s better known by the name of Star-Lord. His adventures are set to the 70s & 80s tunes of his favourite playlists. And so as you’d expect, he’s making a truly musical entrance – alongside Gamora, the most dangerous woman in the universe. Watch out – they’ll soon find themselves in danger and will have a mission for you. That’s where you come in. Get ready to lend a helping hand to the Guardians of the Galaxy! They’re counting on you to help them – and they promise to get you moving!

Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Dance-Off will take place several times a day in the Production Courtyard and is set to be a truly wild experience!



Please note that the picture above as well as the one with Iron Man and the picture at the top of the article are all three "wallpaper" size! Click on each to get them in big size!

Heroic Encounter: Captain America The Marvel Summer of Super Heroes is also giving you the chance for a heroic handshake with the very first Avenger: Captain America. Steve Rogers himself will be at Walt Disney Studios Park to share an epic experience with you – one you’ll want to capture forever in a photo. It’s the perfect opportunity to show your friends and social media followers that you’ve met the leader of the Avengers!

Exclusive merchandise at Disneyland® Paris! The Marvel Summer of Super Heroes will also be your opportunity to discover a range of Marvel products exclusive to Disneyland® Paris! A unique range of souvenir and lifestyle merchandise – including Marvel hero headbands – have been developed for the special occasion!

Don’t miss The Marvel Summer of Super Heroes from 10 June to 30 September 2018 at Walt Disney Studios Park. This event – the first of its kind in Europe – promises to be a spectacular conclusion to Disneyland Paris’s 25th Anniversary celebrations.

Picture: copyright Disney -Marvel

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Full Details and Renderings About Disneyland Paris Festival of Pirates and Princesses Happening From March 31 to May 31, 2018 !


Disneyland Paris unveiled full details and new renderings about the Festival of Pirates and Princesses happening at Disneyland Paris from March 31 to May 31, 2018!

The Festival of Pirates and Princesses at Disneyland® Paris from 31 March to 31 May 2018.

"All fairy tales start with the words “Once upon a time”. How the rest unfolds is up to Disneyland® Paris guests; this spring, guests can choose their side—Pirates or Princesses! Guests can experience shows and attractions, meet Disney Characters, have their faces painted, get dressed up and enjoy a variety of entertainment at Disneyland Park. This will help them create their very own adventure story, with them starring as the hero. They can choose to be one or decide to be both – that’s the real magic of Disneyland Paris! Our brand-new “Festival of Pirates and Princesses” season is one of the highlights of the 25th Anniversary celebrations that are coming to a close in September 2018.

PARTICIPATE IN A BRAND-NEW INTERACTIVE SHOW: DISNEY PIRATE OR PRINCESS: MAKE YOUR CHOICE!

Disney Pirate or Princess: Make your Choice! is the latest novelty coming to Disneyland Paris in spring 2018 and it involves more than 85 performers. Show director Christophe Leclercq has created a wholly interactive and unrestricted show: “This is the first time we have ever immersed our guests so fully in an outdoor show. They decide on their team and they experience a different story depending on the choice they make.”

The two worlds will merge several times a day. Setting off from opposite ends of the Parade route, both the Pirates float and Disney Princesses float stop halfway and immerse guests in a musical celebration. Then, the floats will head to Central Plaza where they’ll come together for a mammoth spectacle of guest interaction.


On the blossoming, spring-colour Princesses float, guests will see the heroes of our childhood, like Cinderella and Belle, as well more recent favourites, like Rapunzel. Christophe says, “There will be nine Disney Princesses in total, as well as Moana—and they will be joined by none other than Mickey Mouse!” They will be surrounded by a troupe of dancers in costumes bursting with flowers and other natural sculptures and will be celebrating the Fantasyland® world, where dreams come true.

On the Pirate side, a huge galleon will sail down Main Street, U.S.A.®, as though it were on the ocean’s peaceful waves. Captain Hook and Mr Smee will be on-board, up against Peter Pan and Wendy… as well as Minnie Mouse in her best buccaneer outfit! “New Characters also join this crew, including the hero from Disney Junior’s Jake and the Never Land Pirates, who will sail by on the hull of his ship!”. An acrobatic crew of pirates can be seen leaping from one mast to another or up into the air, making this spring cruise a joyful, musical adventure celebrating the spirit of Adventureland®.


Next, it is on to Central Plaza, in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, where everyone converges. Guests are then invited to choose a side and take part in one of the two routines, Pirates or Princesses, along with their favourite Disney Characters, all to the same playful melody, paying homage to Disneyland® Park, which is the only place where the two worlds can be enjoyed in unison! “And because the brand-new show will be on a couple of times every day, nothing is stopping you from coming back and switching sides later in the day! Both adventures have a little something everyone!” Christophe adds.

EXPERIENCE A SPRING DEVOTED TO PIRATES AND PRINCESSES THAT ALSO EXTENDS OUR 25THANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS


Pirates and Princesses were not forgotten in Disneyland® Paris’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, which are still in full swing until September 2018. Every day, Disney Stars on Parade, created especially for the 25th Anniversary, transports guests into Disney tales, exploring unique worlds with Peter Pan, Disney Princesses and Princes and a multitude of other Disney Characters. The captivating night-time show Disney Illuminations transforms Sleeping Beauty Castle into a screen that’s beyond your wildest dreams, where the stories of The Little Mermaid and even Frozen come to life. For the first time, sequences from live action films such as Pirates of the Caribbean are also included. Guests can witness an extraordinary sea battle, including cannon shots fired by Jack Sparrow’s legendary Black Pearl. In fact, Jack Sparrow has even joined the adventure in Adventureland’s must-see Pirates of the Caribbean, along with Captain Barbossa and a crew of new pirates.

This spring is also the perfect opportunity to rediscover classic attractions such as Le Pays des Contes de Fées, Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains and Peter Pan’s Flight.

EXPLOREDISNEYLAND® PARK: THE BEST PLACE TO BECOME A PRINCESS OR PIRATE

Our younger guests who dream of looking like their favourite heroes can find costumes in a number of shops throughout Disney Parks all year long. Le Coffre du Capitaine (Adventureland®) is the ideal hideout for those who want to become the perfect pirate, while La Chaumière des Sept Nains (Fantasyland®) crowns anyone who wants to be a real princess! Exclusively at Disneyland® Hotel, guests can become a Princess for a Day1 and undergo a fairy-tale transformation! Face-painting stands2, which are loved by guests, can be found throughout Disneyland Park and provide the ideal opportunity to have your face painted in some of the most fantastic artistic creations. Pirate or princess: make your choice!

Disneyland Paris Merchandise teams have also developed an entirely new range of products related to this festival.

A host of Disney characters will be around for photographs3 with all the pirates and princesses at their meeting point at Pirates’ Beach, among others, near Captain Hook’s galleon, or in the Princess Pavilion, a magical location saved for the greatest Disney heroines where guests can experience delightfully enchanting encounters.

ENJOY A FEAST FOR YOUR TASTE BUDS AS WELL AS YOUR EYES

Finally, foodies have the opportunity to dine at Cinderella’s royal table, which is decorated for a princess, in Auberge de Cendrillon3 (Cinderella’s Royal Inn), or head to Captain Jack’s – Restaurant des Pirates3, home to pirates on the lookout for exotic cuisine, in a Caribbean beach-tavern setting.

Pirate or Princess: you can choose to be one or decide to be both. That is the real magic of Disneyland Paris!

Fireworks, parades, certain shows and festivals are on selected dates and are subject to weather conditions and changes. Attractions, entertainment, shows, shops and restaurants may be closed, modified, delayed or cancelled without prior notice. For any additional information, please contact us.

1-A charge applies. Upon reservation (limited times & places). Several packages available.

2-Not suitable for children aged under 3. A charge applies.

3-Available all year long.

See the Parks Programme for schedules and frequencies

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Major Astrological Transit as Saturn Enters in Capricorn Sign And Will Stay Three Years



Two months ago i did ann D&M Facebook n “astrological” post to let you know about the entrance of Jupiter - the “lucky” planet - in Scorpio and today another important change is happening as Saturn, the planet master of the Capricorn sign, is coming back in Capricorn ( it happens each 29 years ) starting December 21. Let's tell straight the truth to those who are born when the Sun was in Capricorn : Saturn will stay three years ( as Saturn stay 3 years in each sign ), and it's NOT going to be funny. There is 30 degrees for each sign and Saturn moves of ten degrees per year so those of you born between Dec 22 and Jan 2 will specially feel the effect of the Saturn transit in 2018 as Saturn will pass directly on their “Sun” - the degree the Sun was the day you’re born. Then, in 2019 it will be for those of you born between Jan 2 and Jan 12, and in 2020 for those born after Jan 12.

2018 will be more hard for those of you born between now and January 2, but those of you born in Capricorn after Jan 3 may feel the effect of the transit too, though it will be more "light”. Unfortunately when a planet enters a sign it also makes a 90° or 180° angle with others signs ( it’s called making a “square” or being “opposite” ). Saturn being in Capricorn it means that it will be opposite to the Cancer sign and in square position with Libra and Aries signs. These are the four signs which will have hard times the next three years, not during ALL of the three years as here too it depends if they are born at the start, the middle or the end of their sign. All others eight signs won’t be affected by the Saturn transit or it will make a good “sextile” or “trigon” ( 60 or 120° angles ) position which is much easier.

Now, Saturn being the master of the Capricorn sign, Capricorn are naturally “Saturnian" and the Saturn transit might be less hard for them than for those poor Jupiterian Sagittarians who had the transit of Saturn during the last three years ( ask your Sagittarius friends how were the last three years, it’s been tough for them and Saturn being the anti-Jupiter they were not really happy ). So, each 29 years Saturn comes back and it is the end of a cycle. The effect it will have also depend of the “House” in which your Sun in Capricorn is, something that most of you probably ignore as you need to make a full Astrological chart to know it. There is 12 Houses, - or “sectors” - and each one rules different sector ( Love, Family, Money, Friends, Creativity, etc… ). Depending of the House in which Saturn will make the transit things may be stopped for several months or reach an end. If your Sun is in House 2 for instance ( money ) it can be a time during which suddenly money don’t come in anymore, contracts are not signed or people don’t pay what they owe you, etc… Things will come back to normal when Saturn leave but sometime it can take many months, and in the meantime one has to survive… Also, If you still have your father, watch your father as a conjunction of Saturn with the Sun ( the father ) can mean trouble for him. If you have a Moon in Capricorn in your chart, watch your mother.

Saturn, basically, is the famous Murphy’s law - “All what can go wrong WILL go wrong”. Say like this, it’s indeed not funny but that’s really the effect it makes, sometime reaching a point where you ask “when all this mess is going to stop?!?”. Now, let me give you the trick to deal as best as possible with a Saturn transit: Saturn IS the work. When you have a transit of Saturn, the best way to deal with it is to work while waiting that it goes away, and accept this thinking about your life that Saturn brings. But you have to work AND be smart when working. Why? Because Saturn REWARDS THE SMART WORK. Not only if you work a lot, because if you work a lot but not in a smart way, it won't work. But if you work and you do a smart work, i.e a work done with consciousness, then the reward from Saturn will come.

The other thing to know is that Saturn, symbolically, is the "big architect" ( that's why, btw, there is so many architects Capricorn ). So, Saturn transits bring the foundations for a new life which will last the next 29 years. Of course it means that the previous "life" has to end one way or another, and here is the not agreeable part of the Saturn transits. Saturn is also known as the "Grim Reaper" but except if you’re in the older age you probably won't die, don't worry. However SOMETHING must die, but it doesn't mean "physically", it can be a symbolic death, something that you have to say Goodbye to. If you’re young and wanted to grow up, you will. The problem is that Saturn can bring events which will force you to change life even if you didn’t planned to…

Also, Saturn is the one which brings the Karma in boomerang. In two words Saturn brings the “bill" each 29 years and if one did bad actions Saturn arrive and it's time to pay for them ( that's what is currently happening to all Weinstein, Spacey, and others, who pay for what they did in the past ) as Saturn brings back the past that you've forgotten to the surface. Another thing to remember, with Saturn is the theory of the half full or half empty glass. With Jupiter who brings optimism, you see the glass half full or totally full ( it's an mental image, of course ). With Saturn you see it not half empty but totally empty! So, the thing you must remember is this: whatever will happen when Saturn will transit your Sun, it will move away, EVEN if during hard times it will look like the end of everything and all illusions, it WILL go away, believe me. There is also a good news: in two years from now, Jupiter will transit in Capricorn, bringing a welcome counter-balance to the Saturn transit, as Jupiter brings optimism, protection and luck.

That said Pluto, who is the real power, and master of the underworld and sexuality is also in Capricorn ( since 8 years or so and will stay there for a few more years) and nothing is more powerful than Pluto. Pluto brings money and Capricornians who won't have it twice during their life should use this transit of Pluto to make money. When Jupiter will be in 2020 in Capricorn in conjunction with Pluto it will be even better as Jupiter brings luck and protection - just beware at that time to don't fall in the fascination of "hyper power” as a conjunction Jupiter - Pluto can give that. Pluto also has to see with obsession and, depending of the sign he’s in, it will have a different effect. Considering that Capricorn natives are naturally hard workers and care so much to their social status, with Pluto in the sign the obsession can be about work and social image, and they’ll work even more than usual. But the entrance of Saturn in the sign will reinforce that and they better be careful to don’t explode because of "too much working”.

In addition of Pluto already there and Saturn coming in today, there is also another transit happening RIGHT NOW in Capricorn and it’s the one of the “Black Moon", which stays Nine months in each sign. Black Moon transits are interesting as it has an effect which bring the subconscious to the surface, to the conscious - in your mind. Although sometime one can feel that's too much of subconscious coming in the conscious, it's a perfect time for any kind of psychotherapy, with or without a psychoanalyst - and to find the answers that you were looking for ...or not. As usual the Black Moon forces to "transcend" and to take a decision, so let's say that the better is to try to don't resist to what she forces you to have the insight, to avoid a conflict inside you and having a part of you fighting with another one, if you see what i mean.

Now, all what i told you above is a short summary of what effect these planets can have for an individual ( again, specifically for Capricorn, Cancer, Libra and Aries signs during the next three years ). The problem is that these positions brings a special kind of energies in the air which also have an effect collectively as it is truly powerful energies. Saturn and Pluto are two planets of “death” with a goal to reborn to something different ( except when you’re really old when it can really mean “death” ). Which means what, collectively speaking? It means that trouble times are coming, and yes, it also probably means "war". In two words, chances are high that there will be dead people. A LOT of dead people. The last time Saturn and Pluto were in a conflict position was when they were both opposite and the date was …September 2001. We know what happened, the attack on the TwinTowers, then the wars in Afghanistan and Irak, etc… Considering the dangerous games currently at play between U.S and North Korea - and that Pluto has to see with anything “atomic” ( Plutonium ) - yes, we can fear the worst. And the fact that there is two sociopaths at the helm of each country don’t make things better as sociopaths / psychopaths are very sensitive to "energies in the air” and are most often controlled by them than the contrary. Between the North Korea problem and the one in the Middle East with Iran you don’t even need to be an astrologer to know that the risks are high.

But you need to be an astrologer to guess when the conflicts can happen. In this case there are three moments in the next three years. It could either happen when the “Black moon” will be in conjunction with Pluto later this year ( May 2018 ) as the Black Moon rules all aspects of desire "including orgy and carnage” as said the great astrologer Joelle de Gravelaine who was the world specialist of the Black Moon. Or when Saturn will be in conjunction with Pluto - basically all 2019 and a big part of 2020. It’ll be hard to say exactly “when” but the risks will be specially high when these transits of planets in Capricorn will be at the same time in a square position with Uranus currently in Aries, as Uranus is the one which brings the spark for the explosion.

Anyway, there is unfortunately nothing that we can do really except to cross fingers and hope that reasonable decisions will be taken. I wish i had better news three days before Christmas but i’m not the one who decide of the astral calendar. I wish all the best to those of you born in Capricorn - as well as Cancer, Libra and Aries - and whatever will happen remember that the wheel of life is always turning and that "happy days will be here again".

Those of you interested to learn more about astrology can learn more with the free astrology lessons of the excellent American astrologer Bob Marks HERE.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

First Trailer for Disney's The Nutcracker and the Four Realms



Disney released a first trailer for "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms". You have the synopsis below but let's say that it belongs to this kind of luxury production of fairy tale movies that Disney is doing since a few years like Alice in Wonderland or Beauty and the Beast, etc, obviously targeting young children, and young girls in particular. That said it don't look bad at all so they may have more success with this one than with "A Wrinkle in Time" as Disney Marketing dept still did not found  a way to sell correctly "A Wrinkle of Time"...

"All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift from her late mother. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world.

Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy and featuring a special performance by Misty Copeland, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale. In theaters on Nov. 2, 2018."




Picture and video: copyright Disney

Monday, December 18, 2017

The Hall of Presidents Officially Reopen at WDW Magic Kingdom With Donald Trump Audio-Animatronic !


Following a year-long transformation, The Hall of Presidents will officially reopen at Magic Kingdom Park on Tuesday, December 19, with enhancements that will bring the story of the American presidency to life as never before. The epic theatrical production was envisioned by Walt Disney himself to honor the country by honoring the presidents of the United States.

This endeavor began with a single animated figure of President Abraham Lincoln that was developed for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. In 1971, advances in technology made it possible for Imagineers to make Walt Disney’s vision a reality by including every chief executive who ever served the United States of America.



The history of innovation at The Hall of Presidents continues to this day. In addition to updating the show’s content, Imagineers have incorporated the latest in theatrical design and Audio-Animatronics technology. Landmark moments in history come alive on a panoramic 180-degree screen that transports guests across more than 200 years of the American story. High-impact projection, sound, lighting and other enhancements take guests into rare and indelible moments in history that helped define a nation.



As has been the tradition with every new president since the attraction debuted, an Audio-Animatronics figure of President Donald J. Trump has been added to the show and features the latest advances in technology that enable smoother and more lifelike movements. President Trump personally recorded remarks exclusively for The Hall of Presidents, just as each sitting president has done for the attraction since the early 1990s.

Rich in innovative storytelling and tradition, The Hall of Presidents carries a legacy and passion for American history that has been part of Disney Parks for more than 50 years.



And now, as i suppose you can't wait to see the Trump Audio-Animatronic, here is a selection of videos of it, as filmed in 4K by WDW Magic and WDW News Today.

The first video below shows the segment with Trump delivering his speech. WDI Imagineers did their best to catch the Trump gesture and the way the AA is moving is quite faithful but the Trump AA is at the end, in my opinion, very bad. May be it's because Trump talked too fast, giving a hard time to WDI Audio-Animatronics programmers to have the AA following the pace of his speech recording. Also and although on the above screen capture the AA look alike quite well like Trump, when you see him moving - whether it is the lighting on the AA or the head sculpture - Trump looks older than in reality which probably will infuriate him! So, in two words, and i know that it was not easy task for WDI imagineers but, as an Audio-Animatronic, this Trump AA is not really a success ...which is perfect!  :-)

The first video below is from WDW News Today and show the whole show, as seen from the back of the theatre to succeed to have in the frame all of the 180° projection on the three screens. So, you'll see the new show editing but won't have a close shot of Trump on this one.



This next video filmed by WDW  Magic also shows the full show, filmed from the center and quiet near from the stage and you'll clearly see the Trump Audio-Animatronic on this one, but not the left or right part of the show.



And now, for those of you who want t go directly to the Trump AA sequence, here it is as filmed by WDW Magic.



Your comments about the Trump Audio-Animatronic are welcome below!

Picture: copyright Disney

Videos: copyright WDWNT, WDW Magic

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Will Be 2018 New Theme Park - First Renderings Released !


There won't be a lot of new rides or lands at Disney Parks in 2018, except two Toy Story lands at ShanghaI Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios and for the most guests will have to wait until 2019 for new rides in Disney Parks around the world.

But a new Warner Bros theme park will open in Abu Dhabi, which promises to be interesting and from what i've been told a very well themed theme park, one of the best in the Emirates. It'll be a fully indoor theme park spanning 1.65 million square feet, with 29 immersive rides, entertaining shows and interactive attractions. The fully-immersive park will also include retail outlets featuring a wide collection of merchandise inspired by Warner Bros. franchises as well as a full range of dining options from full-service sit down to grab and go.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will bring together Super Heroes and Super-Villains from the DC Universe, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, as well as Warner Bros.’ iconic animated properties such as Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Tom and Jerry, creating a family-friendly destination for fans of all ages.

"Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, is located on Yas Island and set to open in 2018, will be a one-of-a-kind, world-class destination home to state-of-the-art thrill rides, interactive family friendly attractions, and unique live entertainment. From the action and adventure of DC to the wacky and wonderful world of Looney Tunes, this immersive and interactive new indoor experience brings some of the world’s most popular stories and characters under one roof.

We're proud to confirm that one year after announcing its plans to bring Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi to Yas Island, we’re making great progress with our partners where we’re 60 percent complete and on track to launch in 2018.” said Mohamed Abdullah Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral. “We’re excited to reveal new details about the six unique immersive worlds at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, which is a key part of our ambition to make Yas Island a top-ten global destination for family fun.”

Theming is currently underway throughout the park and will immerse guests of all ages into the world of Warner Bros.’ best-in-class brands. Factory acceptance testing for all rides is nearly done, and delivery and installation of rides has already started."

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi launched recently a website that you can access HERE and revealed renderings for the six immersive worlds: Metropolis and Gotham City, inspired by the universe of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains; Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, and Dynamite Gulch, themed after iconic animated brands such as Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera; and Warner Bros. Plaza, reminiscent of old Hollywood, where these seminal characters and stories were originally brought to life.



Guests will be swept away in Hollywood-style when they enter Warner Bros. Plaza, a celebration of all that is the Golden Age of Hollywood. Upon entering the park through the Warner Bros. Shield archway, guests will be transported to Hollywood where Art Deco architecture lines the streets and authentic, Tinseltown details evoke the rich history of Warner Bros.



For the first time in the Middle East, Super Hero fans will be able to stroll the streets of Superman’s Metropolis, a modern-styled city of towering skyscrapers, and prowl the dark alleys of Batman’s Gotham City in this larger-than-life land where heroic exploits and action-packed family fun wait around every corner.



The vibrant Cartoon Junction will bring together Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, and other famous characters under a stylized cartoon sky that will immerse guests in the wonderful world of animation.


From the fun and frenetic to the out of this world, Dynamite Gulch will take you to the stars and deep into the canyon with characters like Marvin the Martian and Bip Bip and Coyote.



Lastly, guests will be able to explore Bedrock, a prehistoric world powered by birds and dinosaurs, where the modern stone-age family can have a “yabba dabba doo” time like The Flintstones.



“Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will be a state-of-the-art themed experience that authentically brings some of the Studio’s most iconic characters and stories to life under one roof for the first time in the Middle East,” said Pam Lifford, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “We have been closely collaborating with our partners at Miral to faithfully construct immersive worlds that resonate with precise details and are thrilled to share these unique experiences with fans next year.”

Located on Yas Island, one of the world’s leading business, leisure and entertainment destinations, construction of the park is well underway, surpassing production expectations. The project has engaged 5,500 specialist engineers, workers and craftsmen to build a park that will span 1.65 million square feet. Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi will be a fully immersive experience of six worlds comprised of 29 rides, shows, and attractions.

Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment will complement Miral’s Yas Island destination portfolio of themed parks. This includes Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, CLYMB, and opening in 2022, the recently announced SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Yas Island also offers a wide range of sporting and entertainment experiences including Yas Marina Circuit, seven hotels, year-round events, a live performance and concert arena, 18-hole championship golf course, marina, beach, and the increasingly popular shopping destination, Yas Mall."

Pictures: copyright Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi