Posts Tagged ‘Tomorrowland’
“He follows his dream, with mind and heart”
Classic \ˈkla-sik\ serving as a standard of excellence; of recognized value; traditional, enduring
There are the thrill rides. There are attractions that showcase the latest and greatest technologies. There are those that exploit modern themes and the newest stories and characters.
And then, there are the classics. They may not utilize the most up-to-date equipment, advanced programming, or state-of-the-art special effects. It doesn’t matter. They are the classics; the quintessence of the Disney experience. Using old-time tricks and familiar illusions, the Haunted Mansion continues to amaze and delight us. It’s a Small World still compels us to board little boats and float past hundreds of dolls while listening to a repetitive tune. Children will always clamor for Dumbo the Flying Elephant, adults will forever get teary in the Hall of Presidents, and they all line up to sit in twirling teacups and laugh together.
Yet none is more clearly touched by Walt’s hand than the Carousel of Progress. It’s a simple concept – guests are seated in a theater that revolves around a central stage as they follow nearly 100 years of innovation. Through a series of cozy kitchen scenes and folksy chats, the audience can see the evolution of both technology and, more subtly, American culture, from the late 1900’s until the end of the 20th century.
The clothing changes, as do the “latest” appliances, and even the vocabulary, but the core message remains the same: mankind’s infinite capacity for inventiveness and resourcefulness, and the timeless values of family and country; philosophies that were dear to Walt’s heart. In fact, he was deeply involved in the project right from the start when it was developed for the New York World’s Fair in 1964 and 1965. Progressland’s Carousel Theater, sponsored by General Electric, was actually an offshoot of a concept known as Edison Square, which Walt had conceived, but never built, for Disneyland in the 1950’s.
It was a huge hit at the Fair, and although the original structure was demolished, the audioanimatronic figures and the systems were packed up and moved to Disneyland when the Fair closed. While Walt did not live long enough to see it open, it ran for six years at its new home in Tomorrowland. On the upper level of the theater, guests could view a beautifully-detailed model of Progress City, a preview of the real city he had planned to build in Florida – EPCOT. Today, visitors can see a section of that model displayed along the route of the TTA PeopleMover in Walt Disney World.
After its Disneyland closure in 1973, once again, the theater was left behind, although this time repurposed for America Sings and later, Innoventions, and the figures and systems made the trek to their new home in the Magic Kingdom. Renamed Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in 1994, the attraction underwent renovations which included an updated final scene.
Still featuring the original control systems and audioanimatronic figures, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a somewhat fragile treasure, and only open seasonally during busier periods. Nonetheless, it holds the record for the most performances of any show in the history of American theater.
Although the fourth, “modern day” scene is sorely in need of some serious reimagining, the attraction remains a touchstone for hundreds of thousands of visitors. Indeed, sitting in that theater, it’s easy to imagine that a great, big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Magic Kingdom
21 minutes
Open seasonally
Wheelchair and ECV accessible
Park admission required
Starry-eared
While it may not be exactly the change that many were hoping for, Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain has gone “Starry-O-Phonic” with the addition of a new audio feature. All flights will now be enhanced by a specially-composed musical score and sound effects, playing from 60 speakers installed throughout the ride.
Because the system does not broadcast from onboard speakers, it doesn’t deliver the synchronized, immersive experience of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but riders report that it does add to the atmosphere and fun of this great attraction.
Postcard Perfect – Tomorrow’s News
Photo by Jeff Bergman
On the Move
Disney traditionalists, and there are many of us, are often dismayed by the changes that take place at the Disney parks. Beloved attractions and shows come and go; names change; old is replaced with new. While we all understand that change is good and helps to keep our favorite destinations fresh and interesting, some of the decisions seem inexplicable. New is not always better – the destruction of the iconic trees at Disney’s Contemporary Resort being a case in point.
At a time when there is major new construction going on at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, things are happening fast. We can only guess what future story line has required Cinderella’s Golden Carousel to become the Prince Charming Regal Carousel or what other “improvements” are planned.
How delightful, then, to learn today that the WEDway PeopleMover, renamed Tomorrowland Transit Authority in 1994, will once again be a PeopleMover. Now, if the new Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover would only magically lose the sterile and boring narrative in place since the recent refurbishment, and embrace the charming recording we all love, we would happily keep all forward-facing tentacles clear of oncoming metroliner vehicles!
Character Reference – Buzz Lightyear
VITAL STATISTICS
Name: Buzz Lightyear
Title: Space Ranger, Star Command, Intergalactic Alliance
Current Address: Andy’s Room
Previous Address: Gamma Quadrant, Sector 4
Interests: traveling to infinity, and beyond!
Qualifications: bravery and courage
Facebook Friends: Woody, Jessie, Bo, Hamm, Mr. Potato Head, Slinky, Rex, Sarge, Wheezy, RC
CHARACTER COORDINATES
Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.
Meet and Greet
- Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Pixar Place
Attractions
- Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania!
Parades
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Block Party Bash
Miscellaneous
- Downtown Disney, DisneyQuest, Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters
- Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland, Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Neon Nights – Rocket Lunch
Photo by Jeff Bergman
Now Launching
Fresh from a seven-month refurbishment, Starport Seven-Five is once again welcoming space travelers. Changes to Space Mountain include the addition of interactive games along the queue, an onboard photo which can purchased at the end of the ride in the Tomorrowland Video Arcade, and a refreshed exit area. Imagineers have also added a number of their special “touches” along the way.
Sadly, the glowing stripes on the sides of the ride vehicles have been removed, and the view of the “stars” once offered from the queue areas and a ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority has been lost; hidden by a new dome.
Passengers will have a greater sense of flying through the dark thanks to efforts to darken the ride, and make it smoother and quieter. Guests hoping for a screaming new experience with updated sound system and new track configuration will be disappointed. Those who were worried that the classic and relatively tame Mountain they loved would be irrevocably changed, can relax.
Although it can be a bit jerky, Space Mountain offers a fairly gentle roller coaster ride through the dark. Vehicles seat passengers in a single file of six for an exciting trip on one of two nearly identical tracks, Alpha (ten feet longer) and Omega. Riders twist and turn down through the darkness after a steep climb to the top of the Mountain. A photo taken at the beginning of the ride in a glowing blue tunnel reinforces the sense of darkness with the flash of strobes.
Space Mountain
Magic Kingdom
44″ minimum height requirement
FastPass available
Guests must transfer from ECV to available wheelchair, then from wheelchair to ride vehicle
Park admission required
Coming Soon to a Galaxy Near You
The Magic Kingdom is setting the stage for a new holiday show, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, scheduled to be up and dancing for its debut during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Appearing on the Rockettower Plaza Stage, the interactive musical revue will feature the faces of Tomorrowland: Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, and Mike Wazowski.
Many were hoping that Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas Show, which lost its home when the Galaxy Palace Theater was demolished, would reappear on the Rockettower Plaza Stage, but the announcement of this new production seems to confirm the demise of that much-loved show.
Rehearsals start on November 2nd and visitors staying at the Magic Kingdom resorts may be able to get an early preview of the music. The rehearsal schedule for new shows and parades typically runs well into the early-morning hours. Guests of the resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon can often step out onto their balconies in the wee hours and hear the sounds of music coming from the Magic Kingdom as cast members run through the productions.
A Happy Day in History
October 1, 1971 marked the Grand Opening of the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Fort Wilderness Campground at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Fearing the enormous crowds of Disneyland’s opening day, the company chose a time that was historically slower, and the attendance of 10,000 was exactly as planned. However, local media had been projecting much higher numbers and the negative publicity caused a drop in Disney stock prices. Just a few weeks later, on the day after Thanksgiving, the Magic Kingdom welcomed more than 50,000 guests and traffic heading for the park was backed up more than 200 miles.
The park opened with six themed lands: Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Mickey’s Toontown Fair, currently the seventh land, began as Mickey’s Birthdayland in 1988 to commemorate Mickey’s 60th birthday. Renamed Mickey’s Starland at the end of the birthday celebration 1990, it became Mickey’s Toontown Fair in 1996. It will be interesting to see if current plans for an expansion of Fantasyland return the park to six lands.
While many of the original opening-day elements can still be found today,some no longer exist. Shops like the Penny Arcade, House of Magic, and the New Century Clock Shop have given way to new stores or incorporated into larger shopping venues. Familiar favorites such as the Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, the Jungle Cruise, Dumbo, the Mad Tea Party, and Cinderella’s Golden Carousel continue to delight visitors. Others, including the Skyway to Tomorrowland and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, have been retired.
Guests can still dine at the Crystal Palace, the Liberty Tree Tavern, and the Columbia Harbor House, but will no longer find the Mile Long Bar, and will search in vain for King Stefan’s Banquet Hall which has been renamed Cinderella’s Royal Table. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort lost its “village” as well as the Coral Isle Café and Papeete Bay Verandah restaurant. Over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Gulf Coast Room restaurant is no more, and the Top of the World is now the California Grill.
Today, Walt Disney World Resort is the world’s largest recreational destination, attracting more than 40 million visitors annually.
Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow
Whether you call it Tomorrowland Transit Authority, the TTA, or the WEDway People Mover; it’s still the classic we all love. Weaving slowly around and through many of Tomorrowland’s attractions, the TTA allows riders to view this area of the Magic Kingdom from a unique perspective.
A long-time favorite of veteran park goers who know it’s the perfect spot for taking a break, parents have also found that the gentle motion will coax a nap out of an overtired baby.
Since it’s generally not crowded, a smile and a wave to the cast member after the first ride will usually be sufficient for several uninterrupted circuits of the route. The ten-minute journey is accompanied by a humorous narration which continues the theme of a busy metropolis of the future.
Closed for the refurbishment of Space Mountain, the TTA is also expected to receive some enhancements of its own including new LED lights that will be synchronized with the music of Tomorrowland, fresh paint, and a new audio system. Reopening has been rescheduled for September 12, 2009
If there are lines for this attraction, which is generally a walk-on, you can be certain that the Magic Kingdom is having a very busy day, indeed.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Magic Kingdom
Approximately 10 minutes
All ages
No wheelchair access; guests must be able to negotiate steeply ascending moving ramp, moving turntable, and moving ride vehicle
Park admission required
