tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9567160969961748532024-03-20T16:39:10.018-07:00Haunted SerenadeWelcome to a grim grinning tropical luau, where I, your ghost host and master of ceremonies, share my memories and observations on masterpieces and strange things from Walt Disney World and regions beyond.Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-54982197404200004652018-08-13T19:42:00.001-07:002018-08-14T07:22:39.689-07:00The Last Time I Ever Rode Ellen's Energy Adventure<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeYrbruVZ7kmYO7_AnZVOxavX8edDC5qJIvUnhACtSAcBLYqsRqBOSuy4EBlN_aXEt7G5krgscSuV3Pn2LNeiGe3Ss_sgnK9bJaUXnPGDsILmgbAi489PI-UVkPvcNC-TD4LaC3o-wuU/s1600/34917095070_babf8ecfbb_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeYrbruVZ7kmYO7_AnZVOxavX8edDC5qJIvUnhACtSAcBLYqsRqBOSuy4EBlN_aXEt7G5krgscSuV3Pn2LNeiGe3Ss_sgnK9bJaUXnPGDsILmgbAi489PI-UVkPvcNC-TD4LaC3o-wuU/s320/34917095070_babf8ecfbb_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Mickey Views on Flickr)</td></tr>
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In the course of my visits to Walt Disney World, there have been only four attractions that I personally experienced that have permanently closed (five if you include Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management, but that lousy show is irrelevant to this discussion). The first was Snow White's Scary Adventures, my absolute favorite attraction in Fantasyland and one that earned <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/05/resurrecting-snow-whites-scary.html"><u>its own personal tribute to on this blog.</u></a> Although I was quite sad at the time about losing this ride that was a cornerstone of my Disney World childhood, I was very excited at the construction of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (my excitement would come to a screeching halt two years later when I experienced that underwhelming and short ride for myself). In May of 2012, not very long before it closed, I rode a doomed attraction for the first time, and rode my beloved Snow White's Scary Adventures for the very last time. I already wrote about what it was like in my tribute to that attraction, but suffice to say, I never had had such a beautiful yet sad experience before, and have not had one like it since. When Maelstrom was about to close in 2014, I had the opportunity to ride it on its last day of operation, but was convinced by my parents because of the potential heat and crowds from the ride's closing and concurrent Food and Wine Festival to go to the Magic Kingdom instead. I can't say I exactly regret that decision knowing full well the madness of festival season at Epcot, but I was still pained by the knowledge I could never search for the spirit of Norway at Epcot again, and Maelstrom has also earned <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2018/07/haunted-serenade-presents-reawakening.html"><u>a three-part tribute on my blog.</u></a><br />
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Fast forward to February 2017. For the first time since I moved to Maryland almost two years ago, I am about to hop on my first plane flight ever to Orlando, meet my grandparents at the airport, ride to their house in Melbourne, and then a couple days later, have an amazing three day, two night vacation at Walt Disney World to celebrate my 18th birthday. Everything goes smoothly, and soon enough we are inside the gates of Walt Disney World, spending our first day at the Magic Kingdom. After our splendid first night at the Coronado Springs Resort, we prepare to go to Epcot. I hop on a bus well before my grandparents do, anxious to not let their leisurely pace slow me down. I arrive and take in the momentous sight of Spaceship Earth. In an effort to kill the time before my grandparents catch up with me, I decide to go to the perfect attraction for killing time inside a cool, dark building: Ellen's Energy Adventure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIjf8E57dBwPY4uWePSkVxAgm0-Au8FJbmc-hRcvFFtnj8ZVnef7gDLTCFhLkNV_AshYGcGSiIcmsXLhoyrn7bLpe-Zh2-OvW3GZUvknXMo-Dqsd07vD6ENt957daXX8iUUaL8HRQpx4/s1600/8798081661_1d0f0e2523_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIjf8E57dBwPY4uWePSkVxAgm0-Au8FJbmc-hRcvFFtnj8ZVnef7gDLTCFhLkNV_AshYGcGSiIcmsXLhoyrn7bLpe-Zh2-OvW3GZUvknXMo-Dqsd07vD6ENt957daXX8iUUaL8HRQpx4/s320/8798081661_1d0f0e2523_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(CL Photographs on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Rumors have been swirling around for quite a while now that some Guardians of the Galaxy attraction will replace the Universe of Energy. Even for a company that replaced Snow White's Scary Adventures with a princess meet and greet and Maelstrom with Frozen Ever After, this particular rumor sounds ridiculous to me. I pay it little attention as I admire the exterior pool and seemingly endless mirror tiles on the dynamic triangle of a building on my way to entering the sliding doors. I examine the countdown on the fascinating tile wall. Perfect, I've arrived just in time to see the preshow in its entirety. Making my way to the large, dark preshow room, I sit down on the carpet just like I have done endless times, and enjoy the next few minutes of backstory, levity, and pure 90s throwback from Ellen and Bill Nye the Science Guy. After Ellen's words to any one who arrived late, it is time to enter the first theater. The utterly massive room, enveloped by black curtains and the masterful score of Bruce Broughton, and the sight of those impossibly huge traveling theater cars is still enough to captivate me and fill me with wonder. At first, I choose to sit down in what proves to be a heavily crowded theater car. But at the last possible moment, the wisdom of my father's seating choices in such attractions strikes me faster than a lunging rattlesnake, and I make my way out of that car and into my row of choice in one that is virtually empty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt98saNcEG58ospbo-uhLM_hYFdTi1-zBPBwIohUTX-6cWCwL3w2IPmnJ_SYEnzO8hiccqSHhyu4PflPSgH63TtK2DBDVRHx1un1LaLpsAW_gCqLH5SwMHqskvoitDBn1GUPhqyjO6T9o/s1600/17950979895_fb90617078_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt98saNcEG58ospbo-uhLM_hYFdTi1-zBPBwIohUTX-6cWCwL3w2IPmnJ_SYEnzO8hiccqSHhyu4PflPSgH63TtK2DBDVRHx1un1LaLpsAW_gCqLH5SwMHqskvoitDBn1GUPhqyjO6T9o/s400/17950979895_fb90617078_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(marada on Flickr)</td></tr>
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The vehicle doors slide closed, the lights fade to black, and the theater cars silently rotate into place in front of the first screen. The show begins. After the explosive Big Bang and the formation of the Earth, one of the greatest (and loudest) spectacles I've ever seen on screen, Ellen and Bill at last arrive 220 million years ago in the Earth's past, and it is time to join them in the age of dinosaurs. The cars rotate away from the screen as the footsteps of a walking dino fade into a rising, dramatic, powerful musical crescendo courtesy of Bruce Broughton as those black curtains rise and reveal the stunning world of the Mesozoic. The cars stop as we hear an invisible Ellen struggling to make her way through the dense jungle. A clap of thunder and lightning convince her to move forward, and likewise, the cars start moving forward, starting with the one that is at the exact opposite corner of the formation from mine. After seeing the car behind it move as well, it is then I realize I've chosen the sixth car; the last one to leave the diorama! Quickly realizing my unprecedented opportunity, I scan the primeval forest around me, finding dimetrodons, giant snails, dragonflies, and centipedes, and taking in every lush detail of this triumph of a diorama. At last, my car moves, and the real journey through this prehistoric world begins. Brontosaurs tower over me, one loudly sneezing on unfortunate passersby below. A stegosaur and allosaur fight to the death as I pass beneath the mighty rocks they stand on. Duck billed trachodons stare with their strange gazes from thick brush. Ornithomimus gather around a marshy pool, one playfully spitting at me. Gigantic Pteranodons loom above me, cawing and croaking as their world threatens to be consumed by a fiery eruption of lava. All the while, I am sliding from end to end in my empty row, seizing the chance to get the best views of everything. Finally, after a passage through the foggy, strobe-lit cave, the journey is over. Many more minutes of nostalgic film of Ellen and Bill talking about energy and going on to win Jeopardy! await (I still can't believe the entire oil rig scene was a model all along!), but what I'll never forget is the amazing experience I have just had in the age of dinosaurs, all alone. Eventually I exit from the Universe of Energy, catch up to my grandparents, become exasperated all over again by the current Spaceship Earth descent, enjoy Living with the Land for the millionth time, ride (and become disappointed with) the new Soarin' for the first time, see (and fall in love with) Impressions de France for the first time, and culminate my explorations of World Showcase with a marvelous dinner at San Angel Inn and a ride in the front row of an empty boat on Gran Fiesta Tour just before watching Illuminations in full for the first time. As we go to bed in our Coronado Springs room (the pool there is the best), I reflect on the wonderful day I've had at Epcot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidh0xMRz_auepqL941rn_mGT2nQQ_YU78dM7hCsfFIHNafY_KS-ym5ieLV2BrCqJbhinDrB3SZN_XsST7l7cmRHyKvVNpsLKYyuXYPZRkK9PudCphb1eHsLpdshqxIXQGyxATJDjw7s3c/s1600/4421362152_5a36b25867_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidh0xMRz_auepqL941rn_mGT2nQQ_YU78dM7hCsfFIHNafY_KS-ym5ieLV2BrCqJbhinDrB3SZN_XsST7l7cmRHyKvVNpsLKYyuXYPZRkK9PudCphb1eHsLpdshqxIXQGyxATJDjw7s3c/s320/4421362152_5a36b25867_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Dennis D on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Several months later, the unthinkable happened. As it turns out, a Guardians of the Galaxy ride replacing Universe of Energy was not a horrible joke, but now a horrible reality. I would go on to vent my frustrations and express my sorrow at the closing of both Ellen's Energy Adventure and the Great Movie Ride (I hadn't ridden the latter since before its 2015 refurbishment) in a <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-curtains-fall-on-hollywood-and.html"><u>post I published on this blog one year ago this very night.</u> </a>One year later, not much has changed for me. The grand, gorgeous Grauman theater exterior still stands, while the inside has turned into an empty shell. There are no more tiles at the Energy pavilion, whether of the colored or mirror kind, and any dinosaur that was still left in that building as it was being gutted had until April of this year to be removed to safety or presumably be destroyed. The massive new building for the Guardians rollercoaster continues to rise, a figurative and literal eyesore for Epcot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaKdFPO_LOtymyGf3UNH0v6S1RdpG6lT83rlz8evnoF3WQzAx_sXpnhepcf6d1KrDjQp-oRH_zQUoQP4McRhL-Z3QzG-evmkLiTZXaU-G7rtKvZjegJxk1htOBk5ljlu037nxGE7e-Ao/s1600/15712085746_819c2442b6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaKdFPO_LOtymyGf3UNH0v6S1RdpG6lT83rlz8evnoF3WQzAx_sXpnhepcf6d1KrDjQp-oRH_zQUoQP4McRhL-Z3QzG-evmkLiTZXaU-G7rtKvZjegJxk1htOBk5ljlu037nxGE7e-Ao/s400/15712085746_819c2442b6_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Jeff Krause on Flickr)</td></tr>
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A year has passed since Ellen's Energy Adventure closed, and even now, I still get chills from that moment when the curtains lifted and revealed the dinosaurs in their primeval world. The fact that I'll never experience that moment again still devastates me, much like never being able to see the Wizard of Oz or Raiders of the Lost Ark come to life in the Great Movie Ride. Considering I had absolutely no idea at the time that my ride in February of 2017 would be the last time I would ever ride on sunshine in the Universe of Energy, my choice to go to the car that was virtually empty and the last to leave the diorama may not have been as great of an ending to my adventures in the Universe of Energy as being evacuated from the ride inside the dinosaur diorama, but it's the next best thing I can think of, and I will be eternally grateful that I got to have that experience. As you reflect on your own fond memories of both of these attractions tonight, I just hope that they will always remain alive and well in your hearts. I know they will in mine.<br />
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<h4>
Great Movie Ride (1989-2017)</h4>
<h4>
Universe of Energy (1982-2017)</h4>
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RIP</h4>
Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-58112346761181441502018-07-13T16:12:00.000-07:002018-07-13T19:39:16.372-07:00Haunted Serenade Presents: Reawakening the Spirit of Norway, My Tribute To Epcot's Maelstrom<i>"You are not the first to pass this way... nor shall you be the last..."</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz07DCt6gG-OJp_NMI3nRBk7Uo1fzU3KP8SdKs9r3v3LKEtqUzX8tng6lNYjx3JYVFZuPxvOYaTKWCbLENb_9jEyXkCR3jyf1BnYBicsd50uRZrBjSZ5v4fpaDJsCWHIfU_07qxKP3z0/s1600/8626938046_b120289ff1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz07DCt6gG-OJp_NMI3nRBk7Uo1fzU3KP8SdKs9r3v3LKEtqUzX8tng6lNYjx3JYVFZuPxvOYaTKWCbLENb_9jEyXkCR3jyf1BnYBicsd50uRZrBjSZ5v4fpaDJsCWHIfU_07qxKP3z0/s400/8626938046_b120289ff1_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Jeff Krause on Flickr)</td></tr>
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As your host of Haunted Serenade, I proudly present Reawakening the Spirit of Norway, my three-part nostalgic thesis and tribute to the classic extinct EPCOT Center attraction Maelstrom. In Part One, embark with me on the Maelstrom, a Seadventure filled with trolls, vikings, polar bears, and oil rigs, as I share my favorite moments and memories of the short but captivating journey through the land of Norway that was (and still is) one of my most personally beloved Epcot attractions. In Part Two, I face the Oscar-winning music from Disney's icy animated hit, reflecting on the reasons why Maelstrom was closed and the ride quite literally Frozen over, and attempting to define and solve the challenges that would have to be overcome if the Maelstrom is to have any hope of ever churning again. Finally, in the concluding post of this series, I present my full and detailed plan for the hypothetical return of the Maelstrom ride and Spirit of Norway film to the Norway Pavilion, in which I strive to make as many improvements to the original Maelstrom as necessary to refresh and revitalize the ride without losing its greatest strength; its quaint, nostalgic charm.<br />
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Without further ado, I hope you enjoy my exploration of Maelstrom's past and future in Reawakening the Spirit of Norway!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5331TF5b2S8lQIqFG4pC5QH0uret96VCtmh89JZLHm3oQPobs4z4wo_FhMrTxhqHC6YeLKJeY7ZxmWOl903_CRPRfs6ob2TYBfsM8wjm44nii_lfogyQWjSkSaj-ac_IWshv8jfWPmps/s1600/10633855804_b94998b286_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5331TF5b2S8lQIqFG4pC5QH0uret96VCtmh89JZLHm3oQPobs4z4wo_FhMrTxhqHC6YeLKJeY7ZxmWOl903_CRPRfs6ob2TYBfsM8wjm44nii_lfogyQWjSkSaj-ac_IWshv8jfWPmps/s320/10633855804_b94998b286_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<h4>
Part One: How I Was Drawn Into A Maelstrom - <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/07/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-one.html">http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/07/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-one.html</a></h4>
<h4>
Part Two: The Challenges To Conquer Before The Maelstrom Can Return - <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/10/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-two.html">http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/10/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-two.html</a></h4>
<h4>
Part Three: Revising and Presenting My Ideal Plan For Maelstrom's Return - <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2018/06/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-three.html">http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2018/06/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-three.html</a> </h4>
<h4>
</h4>
Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-52559164653699176602018-06-25T21:47:00.012-07:002018-07-13T19:39:35.575-07:00Reawakening the Spirit of Norway, Part Three: Revising And Presenting My Ideal Plan For Maelstrom's Return<i>"You are not the first to pass this way... Nor shall you be the last..."</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="attribution-info">
(Mark & Paul Luukkonen on Flickr)<br />
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In the last installment of my series of musings and thoughts about the extinct and personally beloved EPCOT Center attraction Maelstrom, I wrote that I'd conclude my series of posts about Maelstrom by revealing my lengthy, detailed ideas for a fantastical plan to return the churning Maelstrom to its rightful place at EPCOT Center, greatly expanded and improved beyond anyone's wildest dreams.<br />
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Is that still true? Yes and No.<br />
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Between my publishing the previous part of Resurrecting the Spirit of Norway many months ago and now, I've gone back and forth without ever being able to resolve what exactly a restored version of Maelstrom should be like. There was (and continues to be) a raging war between the forces of nostalgia and imagination that greatly impacts my opinion on how Maelstrom should be rebuilt; the former keeps me content with much of the original ride, weird quirks and all, and the latter challenges me to dare to dream bigger, to create a bigger show building and set forth with ideas for entirely new scenes and events, and ultimately a far different attraction than the original. As of this writing, nostalgia is winning the battle, for one big reason; at least in my mind, there was something so incredibly <i><b>charming </b></i>about the fast pace and unusual transitions of the original Maelstrom. Turning out of the load area straight into that dark cavern and lift hill with the vision of Odin, then the tight twists, turns and drops as the boat was sent backwards and forwards through ever-changing places and times in Norway, culminating in the calm approach to the fishing village that ended the ride, made for a short but utterly unique and fascinating attraction. Where else besides the classic Fantasyland dark rides can you get such a sense of discombobulating yet utter entrancement by the numerous fantastical environs that your vehicle travels through in such a short time? In my current opinion, expanding the show building and ride like I proposed in my previous post, thereby transforming Maelstrom from a quaint C or D-Ticket ride into an E-Ticket headlining attraction, would strip away that certain intangible quality that Maelstrom once possessed. Call it nostalgia, or charm, or quaintness, much like Snow White's Scary Adventures, another extinct Disney World attraction that was dearly beloved by me, one of Maelstrom's greatest strengths was its inherent ability to transform blacklight paintings, forced perspective scenery, and limited motion figures placed within a tightly constricted space into a truly spellbinding experience in the image of the classic old dark ride, something that proclaimed modern marvels like Flight of Passage or contemporary dark rides like Ratatouille never could.<br />
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<h4>
Making Maelstrom Reappear! Reappear! Reappear!: How The Construction of Frozen Ever After Solved Some of Maelstrom's Biggest Problems </h4>
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With the previous paragraph's explanation in mind, let me proceed to tell you why Maelstrom should return as the short but memorable experience it was, and why the physical changes made to the ride's infrastructure for Frozen Ever After may have been the best thing to ever happen to the Maelstrom show building.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthYcP_cx3xVnsTfRzVPDcFXZvGglY2ezSOTvM2h7wnzb50URpZrCugPIODiieSiB5KI-6XR9Q8Zo_BzUFFn5XMTbfZZMlgBCj-FoD1YMZ9RU7FFGYf0482eXWbPgOUyqhuzZc-B8Iwzs/s1600/32759114985_8c661b4411_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthYcP_cx3xVnsTfRzVPDcFXZvGglY2ezSOTvM2h7wnzb50URpZrCugPIODiieSiB5KI-6XR9Q8Zo_BzUFFn5XMTbfZZMlgBCj-FoD1YMZ9RU7FFGYf0482eXWbPgOUyqhuzZc-B8Iwzs/s400/32759114985_8c661b4411_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Joel on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In my previous post about Maelstrom, I talked about what would need to happen in order for the return of Maelstrom to be successful, specifically the challenges that would have to be overcome. Besides the obvious need for a new Frozen attraction to be built elsewhere, I reasoned that two of the greatest challenges in restoring Maelstrom would be reworking its far too short and too lightly themed queue and reinvigorating the post-show film by updating it and giving guests the opportunity to see it without disrupting the flow of guests exiting the boats (the third was the short length of Maelstrom, which I have since argued in favor of earlier in this post). The construction crew of Frozen Ever After literally killed two birds with one stone; they demolished the theater and built a new, much longer queue in that space. The fictional village of Arendelle (pictured above) and the authentic Norwegian fishing village of Maelstrom are located in roughly the same spot and are actually quite similar; the old unload dock of Maelstrom has become the new load dock of Frozen Ever After with a new unload adjacent to it. This allowed for the former queue and load area to be completely gutted and rebuilt into a new beginning for the ride, with the boat going through a few bends before ascending the lift hill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7v0x1GSJSRiaCGlRMkYV3aeTDg10A9uT6T0b36rp13xyx-zsB9i90oqnGi4VWRCWJGGHMK7sgEIgANdyKo8r7uF2COX5TxW1vqR1OA2oXAZZvYVnknNjwZ1liVvzVB9epLeFE9D1CjU/s1600/5894244272_9d64622573_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7v0x1GSJSRiaCGlRMkYV3aeTDg10A9uT6T0b36rp13xyx-zsB9i90oqnGi4VWRCWJGGHMK7sgEIgANdyKo8r7uF2COX5TxW1vqR1OA2oXAZZvYVnknNjwZ1liVvzVB9epLeFE9D1CjU/s400/5894244272_9d64622573_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Nelson Minar on Flickr)</td></tr>
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With two simple modifications, the Norway Pavilion attraction's queue was lengthened (though not enough to prevent the frequently long line for Frozen Ever After from extending outside the building), the theater was removed from the exit, and the ride was actually extended. What if these changes were kept intact when Maelstrom was returned? Just imagine; as you enter through the restored original facade of Maelstrom, you find yourself in a Norwegian fishing village rorbu cabin (a cabin rented out to fishermen by the owner of the fishing village; the above picture is of such a cabin in Reine, Norway), filled with warm and cozy Scandinavian furnishings and decorations yet unoccupied, similar to Swiss Family Treehouse. Exiting through a side door, you enter into the fishing village proper. You wind your way through a square surrounded by charming Norwegian buildings and then walk onto the pier where Viking longships are ready to welcome you aboard. The boat passes through a short cavern and then enters an open space, but instead of seeing Olaf, Sven and some trolls that bring shame upon the entire troll race, especially the old Maelstrom trolls they replaced, you pass through a spectacular Norwegian forest, majestic trees rising high above you with towering, powerful mountains in the distance. This is very similar to the original concept for Maelstrom's load area (which I talked about briefly in my previous Maelstrom post), in which guests would have boarded their longboats in a Norwegian forest on the banks of one of Norway's great fjords. Changing the Norwegian forest concept from a load area to a new first scene means that Maelstrom would now start off with a beautifully captivating yet mysterious scene imbued with the atmosphere of Norway, not unlike the beginning jungle and pyramid diorama scene from El Rio Del Tiempo/Gran Fiesta Tour. This would be an effective prelude to an entrance into a mysterious cave filled with ancient petroglyphs, where the boats would start to ascend as Odin's voice and glowing countenance marks the beginning of our journey and search for the true spirit of Norway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVUvduWpUduA8sZjLmBJtIiqYEQHUYy61GlFMEzKl13q0poD4uu0GxiWpqkjb5aXeHz2MN26zQUok_HXkKxadEbQi3ayJV1q3lAurq6yDBtsnn0WssEFQOyTVUor-rxzdY2Y46oAXj8k/s1600/norwayfjord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="400" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVUvduWpUduA8sZjLmBJtIiqYEQHUYy61GlFMEzKl13q0poD4uu0GxiWpqkjb5aXeHz2MN26zQUok_HXkKxadEbQi3ayJV1q3lAurq6yDBtsnn0WssEFQOyTVUor-rxzdY2Y46oAXj8k/s400/norwayfjord.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture something like this and you're not far off from what the new first scene of Maelstrom would look like. (Simo Rasenen on Wikimedia Commons)</td></tr>
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<h4>
How The Rest of Maelstrom Should Be Improved</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5331TF5b2S8lQIqFG4pC5QH0uret96VCtmh89JZLHm3oQPobs4z4wo_FhMrTxhqHC6YeLKJeY7ZxmWOl903_CRPRfs6ob2TYBfsM8wjm44nii_lfogyQWjSkSaj-ac_IWshv8jfWPmps/s1600/10633855804_b94998b286_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5331TF5b2S8lQIqFG4pC5QH0uret96VCtmh89JZLHm3oQPobs4z4wo_FhMrTxhqHC6YeLKJeY7ZxmWOl903_CRPRfs6ob2TYBfsM8wjm44nii_lfogyQWjSkSaj-ac_IWshv8jfWPmps/s320/10633855804_b94998b286_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maelstrom's old rock troll keeping a careful eye on my suggestions for improving his attraction. I hope he approves of my ideas or I fear he may send me down to the North Sea again! (Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Here's a basic summary of what I would improve in Maelstrom (please note that any scene, effect, prop, dialogue or other ride component not mentioned here is exactly the same as it was in the original attraction).:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The lift hill should have some more rockwork to hide the bare walls that were sometimes visible when the light from Odin's eye shone across the hill, but otherwise the scene is perfect as it originally was.</li>
<li>Improved movements and performance of the Viking animatronics.</li>
<li>A return of the incredible fog and smoke effect in the three-headed troll scene that was unfortunately allowed to deteriorate and stop working for years in the original attraction, and an upgrade to the three-headed troll figure itself.</li>
<li>A major upgrade of the polar bear animatronics, particularly the rearing one, which originally was far fiercer and closer to the boats in its motions but was toned down after falling over the track in 1993. Between this bear and the yeti in Expedition Everest there is bad luck at Disney World with the breakdown of animatronics that are supposed to threaten and menacingly move towards guests, making me that more determined to make it work this time!</li>
<li>A complete overhaul of the transition scene between the Far North and the Fjord. In the original Maelstrom, after encountering the rearing polar bear, the boat continued to travel backwards, icy walls giving way to darkness and then abrupt daylight as the boat entered the fjord, the polar bear visible the whole time as it faded into the distance and then was hidden by closing doors. My solution for this rather sad transition is the rapid retreat of the boat into a stunning Arctic ice cavern almost immediately after the polar bear is encountered, a multitude of reflections of the boat bouncing off the cold, beautiful clear ice walls, but with an alarming sense of danger as the echoing roar of the polar bear shakes the numerous sharp icicles above us, threatening to send them crashing down upon us. A cool, foggy mist grows thicker the further back the boat goes through the cave, first obscuring and then completely hiding the polar bear, the ursine inhabitant of the Arctic disappearing from sight as likewise the ice cavern around us gives way to the rocky cliffs of the fjord. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWr-XOMvoYwlVCbwC3UD-3wqJlAPuNRc0kODvm2YTY74VFAi1YE8R5i9dbA76MGEvh3gygcwwoPDJaFLV5q9j8MZcuSRHHmx4eyObZHm8FoDlzHcAMDgoAlCLnrEd4Dyy4U88TxWInKs/s1600/33450258956_a3eed35b8d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWr-XOMvoYwlVCbwC3UD-3wqJlAPuNRc0kODvm2YTY74VFAi1YE8R5i9dbA76MGEvh3gygcwwoPDJaFLV5q9j8MZcuSRHHmx4eyObZHm8FoDlzHcAMDgoAlCLnrEd4Dyy4U88TxWInKs/s400/33450258956_a3eed35b8d_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new transition between the Arctic and fjord would look a lot like this, except with 110% more icicles. (arctic_council on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>Modifications to the mural and rockwork in the area surrounding the drop in the fjord scene, so that instead of the boat passing underneath a flat mural of the fjord directly into the North Sea, there is a modified version of the same mural (the one with the cruise ship), below which is a very short cavern that the boats drop into, which uses fiber optic lights and sparkling sounds similar to the spell cast by the three headed troll to create the effect of the boat being magically transported from a cavern in a fjord to the middle of the North Sea, finally making one of the strangest transitions in the original Maelstrom a bit easier to understand.</li>
<li>The return of the backpacking man who used to stand on top of one of the fjord cliffs, overlooking the majestic fjord itself.</li>
<li>A major renovation of the special effects in the North Sea/oil rig scene. The original plans for guests' visit to the North Sea in Seaventure (that was Maelstrom's original name up until very late in the ride's construction) called for wind, waves, rain, thunder, and real Tesla-coil induced lightning(!). Although the last effect sadly was turned off because of the inherent danger of actual lightning in an enclosed boat ride, strobe lightning is a safe and acceptable substitute, one that was used along with thunder effects for the rest of the original Maelstrom's lifespan. As for the other three, wind effects would be easy to implement, a carefully small but noticeable wave effect could be feasible, and a slight drizzle could work as rain without soaking everyone. The oil rigs, one of Maelstrom's most memorable scenes, and still a major part of Norway's economy and heritage, should be kept. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD0fCJ8SP-l9Qfz-vthcFoHYdVu_4zd35xOjKb13b74-78YBStwGdWigBQ2tzQlf5f2jKFyK9n4Y6wXMtEHyWn4hF3uQ39uld0YWdfQ8abapWpNj9Qp4ySp0FXdlYjn7maZYrPNlCmoc/s1600/Maelstrom_Concept_Art_-Epcot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD0fCJ8SP-l9Qfz-vthcFoHYdVu_4zd35xOjKb13b74-78YBStwGdWigBQ2tzQlf5f2jKFyK9n4Y6wXMtEHyWn4hF3uQ39uld0YWdfQ8abapWpNj9Qp4ySp0FXdlYjn7maZYrPNlCmoc/s400/Maelstrom_Concept_Art_-Epcot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This original concept art for Maelstrom captures the essence of what the oil rig scene should always have been like. Copyright Disney</td></tr>
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</li>
<li>A short new finale scene between the North Sea and the fishing village, in the approximate site of where the final scene with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf is in Frozen Ever After (with a track modification to create a slight bend in the boat path), which will feature a gorgeous diorama of Norway's coastline, the cliffs and villages of the fjords stretching out into the distance as stars twinkle and the northern lights sway across the sky, their reflection dancing in the vast ocean. As the boat prepares to leave this stunning sight, the face of Odin appears above us again and for the last time as he proclaims: "Norway's spirit has always been - will always be - adventure!" The critical purpose of this new scene and the new doors put between it and the fishing village is to prevent guests in the queue from going mad listening to that line repeated over and over as they would have in the old fishing village, where there was no buffer save for ambient atmospheric sounds preventing the final dialogue of the attraction from being heard throughout the village. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos50miJ3bKMQUWN-NnuwtrZdQVpjb2uJ3jKZiEVr6ARvycEBEuGpZ5qf3Z3KBax2hxAjgKUN6Kgr3tmaPwNPBHOqcyFjoPZC_NKSPuEAw-6tGNQSMFMPuwrl6xNTnWfGJoDeWiiG8oAc/s1600/norwaynorthernlights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="960" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos50miJ3bKMQUWN-NnuwtrZdQVpjb2uJ3jKZiEVr6ARvycEBEuGpZ5qf3Z3KBax2hxAjgKUN6Kgr3tmaPwNPBHOqcyFjoPZC_NKSPuEAw-6tGNQSMFMPuwrl6xNTnWfGJoDeWiiG8oAc/s400/norwaynorthernlights.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A perfect example of what the new finale scene between the North Sea and the unload at the fishing village would be like. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The fishing village is now the site of the queue, load and unload of Maelstrom, and has been partly reduced thanks to the new final scene, but otherwise, it is the same as it was in the quarter century when Maelstrom sent guests on a seafaring adventure. Countless people like me who enjoyed the quaint, charming Norwegian fishing village can now admire the sight of the simple seaside buildings, the sailboat at the harbor and the coastline in the distance or listen to a lively conversation in Norwegian emanating from a house while waiting for their turn to look for Norway's spirit. </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtc1AB3TYXdLkyXHQUBMfO4a8GwzSQNQOFYDy2kZKwcCnEAXcF8KpTKChaI2KUFxTVzJhKo4H3p0Dk7qcdYk6U5Bm_ClbhRV57EJR9-ELi9TMV7TpIPEB4TXjp_iNyNhp06RJeGxb0z1A/s1600/maelstromunload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtc1AB3TYXdLkyXHQUBMfO4a8GwzSQNQOFYDy2kZKwcCnEAXcF8KpTKChaI2KUFxTVzJhKo4H3p0Dk7qcdYk6U5Bm_ClbhRV57EJR9-ELi9TMV7TpIPEB4TXjp_iNyNhp06RJeGxb0z1A/s400/maelstromunload.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Mark & Paul Luukkonen on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<h4>
A Note About the Norway Pavilion Theater, or Relocating the Spirit of Norway Film</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lkpoJE8ljFplz1oRokvE-zvPT3wiJeGYgnj1uWqp0ncWtgJd0uoiaOFJdlo8KyP1tFDG8Q0bHTi-M7hC-X-n75081cMnYRLnrJ-VzLXxBWkMFq_wSxqJg_HlXTYLyHxpR4GnaZC5Ii0/s1600/norwaypaviliontheater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lkpoJE8ljFplz1oRokvE-zvPT3wiJeGYgnj1uWqp0ncWtgJd0uoiaOFJdlo8KyP1tFDG8Q0bHTi-M7hC-X-n75081cMnYRLnrJ-VzLXxBWkMFq_wSxqJg_HlXTYLyHxpR4GnaZC5Ii0/s1600/norwaypaviliontheater.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(michaelg83 on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By keeping the new location of the queue and load area built during the construction of Frozen Ever After and the new scene spaces created as a result, My reimagining of Maelstrom has drastically improved the queue and increased the length of Maelstrom by a short but significant portion. There's only one problem: where does the old theater go? Even with the multiple improvements I've thought of for Maelstrom, ultimately, it's only a 5-minute attraction, and without an updated version of the Spirit of Norway film (like I described in my previous Maelstrom post) offering a richer, more detailed look into the modern culture and heritage of Norway, the search for the spirit of Norway will remain incomplete.<br />
<br />
My proposal for the fate of the theater is to rebuild it in an expanded space in what is currently the first retail area that you enter upon exiting the attraction if you choose to go through the interlinked retail spaces instead of exiting the attraction directly through one of the doors near the entrance. A bypass would allow guests to continue to the Puffin's Roost if they desired, while those who wanted to see more of the spirit of Norway could enter the theater and enjoy the newly updated yet timeless "Spirit of Norway" film, discovering once more how the spirit of Norway lies in its past, its present, and its people.<br />
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<h4>
Resurrecting The Maelstrom: My Last Thoughts On Bringing Norway's Spirit Back, Back, Over The Falls</h4>
<span id="goog_1237091466"></span><span id="goog_1237091467"></span><span id="goog_1237091468"></span><span id="goog_1237091469"></span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMxM45_GD4-_uZP4nYEDssx1rHl7IJ_MIaYLCUoDsNRWqY-WQNu3D4Bw-zo6lmS9FO7U8mczftJWKJ_adsJmwqQO0PfRXESy4PxxRfkkCD-K7H90mK0Rn70FVXNXn7nP5nyG-g1D12hQ/s1600/26168216349_6b4b03afca_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="902" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMxM45_GD4-_uZP4nYEDssx1rHl7IJ_MIaYLCUoDsNRWqY-WQNu3D4Bw-zo6lmS9FO7U8mczftJWKJ_adsJmwqQO0PfRXESy4PxxRfkkCD-K7H90mK0Rn70FVXNXn7nP5nyG-g1D12hQ/s320/26168216349_6b4b03afca_o.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Dennis D on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Maelstrom's last night of existence, the waterfall cascading from the cavern that offered a glimpse of the fateful journey of the longboats guided by Odin looked much like it did in this picture: peaceful, serene, no sign of the cataclysmic destruction and transformation that was to fall upon the attraction within. Late that night, Odin's eye closed for the last time, marking the end of the spirit of Norway's hold over its country's pavilion. The Maelstrom closed and ceased to churn, and likewise the rocky gap that once enticed visitors of the land of Norway to discover what awaited them on a high seas adventure was closed and filled up. For two years now, Elsa has kept a firm, icy grip on a pavilion where she and her friends have never truly belonged. Whether that hold will ever melt away is yet to be known. In my three posts about what was once my favorite attraction in World Showcase, I've embarked on an emotional, logical, and spiritual odyssey, first sailing through the ocean of my memories, going on the Maelstrom all over again and remembering my deep appreciation for this highly underrated attraction, then winding through the maze of logic and reason, discovering the potential challenges in Maelstrom's resurrection and solving them, and finally looking at Maelstrom again with fresh eyes, revising and at long last presenting my humble "ideal plan" for resurrecting the Maelstrom and thus reawakening the true spirit of Norway within its old pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase. Thank you for joining me aboard this voyage; may you disembark in a way sad yet enlightened, disappointed yet hopeful that perhaps the seas of fate will one day favor Odin, the vikings, the trolls, the polar bears and fjords and oil rigs and quaint fishing villages. Until then, may the spirit of Norway always be with you, and remember Odin's final words:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Norway's spirit has always been - will always be - adventure!</b></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50lEOUzUmA90-FnJJCJUAn4R-sHhyphenhyphenN9PQXU7pz9m6N-LYpn0-39_KvIm6ZxLBY7VAe5GMfxqhpR0eeJGUwpnFPoAWCE0criejaEmJyulqY-o7DEDT9SlDHlQ36P-zziGwOem9GCtPgak/s1600/MEP433LARGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="900" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50lEOUzUmA90-FnJJCJUAn4R-sHhyphenhyphenN9PQXU7pz9m6N-LYpn0-39_KvIm6ZxLBY7VAe5GMfxqhpR0eeJGUwpnFPoAWCE0criejaEmJyulqY-o7DEDT9SlDHlQ36P-zziGwOem9GCtPgak/s400/MEP433LARGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Disney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Don't Forget to Read the Previous Installments of Reawakening The Spirit Of Norway!</h3>
<h3>
Part One: How I Was Drawn Into A Maelstrom - <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/07/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-one.html">http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/07/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-one.html</a></h3>
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Part Two: The Challenges to Conquer Before The Maelstrom Can Return - <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/10/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-two.html">http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/10/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-two.html</a> </h3>
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Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-7058655241740253142018-05-05T08:48:00.006-07:002018-07-13T18:38:33.929-07:00An Ode to the Tunnel, Mine, and Cave at Walt Disney World's Tom Sawyer Island<i>Now proceed at your own risk.... these be the last friendly words you'll hear... you may not survive to pass this way again...</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZO16htDRF4QCL-aFl6Ds3n4ngCl46TEYY9Qqtw-wGD_0zHrkAAD4m74lPe15FgkVHAH5uukTVeV18bCWqFQ6WQUSg-XsgdY4Jv_FY8EMU_vc7kE9fzP_cf-nml_l_mK88WmB7rpoSWi8/s1600/23397449266_4034018b1a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZO16htDRF4QCL-aFl6Ds3n4ngCl46TEYY9Qqtw-wGD_0zHrkAAD4m74lPe15FgkVHAH5uukTVeV18bCWqFQ6WQUSg-XsgdY4Jv_FY8EMU_vc7kE9fzP_cf-nml_l_mK88WmB7rpoSWi8/s320/23397449266_4034018b1a_o.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would you dare to venture inside? (Original photo from Theme Park Tourist on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Pirates may never have invaded Tom Sawyer Island at Walt Disney World like they did its kin at Disneyland, but this haunting warning from a ghostly voice that once was heard in Pirates of the Caribbean could be the perfect summary of most guest's thoughts as they stare into the murky entrance of any of the three dark and unsettling underground environs to be found on Tom's island.<i> </i>Whether it be a flight from Fort Langhorn in the narrow, claustrophobic Escape Tunnel, a hallucinatory, unbalanced walk through a mine unfettered by the laws of physics in Old Scratch's Mystery Mine, or an unnerving, dreadfully eerie cave where unseen specters pursue you through Injun Joe's Cave, the subterranean passages on Tom Sawyer Island require just a grain of courage to explore and thrives on people who let strange and scary figments of their imagination lurk within the dark recesses underneath Mark Twain's rustic childhood escape. In this ode to the tunnel, mine, and cave on Tom Sawyer Island, I cast each of them in turn into their own stories, weaving my personal experiences into narrative trips into these unique, rich, masterful environments isolated from the rest of the Magic Kingdom.<br />
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<h3>
Escape Tunnel</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FXB5f-7BTM6Cp3IYt8P6LOFIod-mTSv9KqDG8Mjw7Gj3Ol9G2ws0MZmqeh9xYSnmZbbIDQy90wl7BH01SSM9R6R0hSXU_3mjBu_d8PwTLXyZZoE9a2s160yGmUbY80zcp_D9f_Mfp5U/s1600/33844735983_5465a1f891_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FXB5f-7BTM6Cp3IYt8P6LOFIod-mTSv9KqDG8Mjw7Gj3Ol9G2ws0MZmqeh9xYSnmZbbIDQy90wl7BH01SSM9R6R0hSXU_3mjBu_d8PwTLXyZZoE9a2s160yGmUbY80zcp_D9f_Mfp5U/s320/33844735983_5465a1f891_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
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As with everything else on Tom Sawyer Island, playing pretend transforms Fort Langhorn and the Escape Tunnel into an experience far simpler and more brilliant than many of the attractions to be found on the "mainland". A war party of marauding Indians seeks to siege the fort. Taking position within the gun roost, you fire upon them, hoping to repel the hostiles. Your attack fails to stop them, and they soon begin their assault on the stockade, getting closer every second to breaking in. Without any weapons to defend yourself, much less the fort, you resort to a desperate measure; once you leave the roost and get back to the ground, you begin your retreat from the fort by descending the flight of stairs that marks the beginning of the Escape Tunnel. Winding your way through the tight paths between the stone and dirt tunnel walls, you hope the enemy does not discover your means of escape and give pursuit. The further away you get from the fort, the harder it becomes to negotiate your way through the ever-narrowing tunnel. You become almost certain that at some point you won't be able to squeeze through a crevice and you'll be doomed. Then suddenly, a brilliant splash of sunlight shines around you as you find your way out of the darkness and complete your escape from Fort Langhorn.<br />
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<h3>
Old Scratch's Mystery Mine</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WOKd8-K3bJwLcrKlfCXJLrpWKMouPf6dcHM3wh3QEIZZJgtsnlcvmAIawhPRK7cNteJT94h_49Jk32_vSTJ2d4nECJ9OFxDW7sa3Ux1JZcghiPUaBoSbuaW0ocg4FFl7NeOWme1KCGQ/s1600/33812193214_3d33b52558_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1076" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WOKd8-K3bJwLcrKlfCXJLrpWKMouPf6dcHM3wh3QEIZZJgtsnlcvmAIawhPRK7cNteJT94h_49Jk32_vSTJ2d4nECJ9OFxDW7sa3Ux1JZcghiPUaBoSbuaW0ocg4FFl7NeOWme1KCGQ/s320/33812193214_3d33b52558_o.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<i>I have explored many old mines, but this un is the best ever! Strange things happen in here so keep a sharp eye out and don't stop for nuthin'!</i><br />
<i>Tom</i><br />
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Stop for nuthin, indeed. That seems easy enough when you first walk into this mine, the lights of lanterns being your only guides through the nebulous black. As you work your way further down the shaft, this mine by all appearances seems normal enough. But then a strange humming noise far off in the distance reaches your ears. And then without warning, the previously level ground beneath your feet dramatically pitches to the right, instantly forcing you to tilt in that direction and even lean against the earthen wall, while the wooden beams above and to the sides of you remain perfectly straight.The humming grows louder, and the tilt and pitch of your path becomes even greater as you enter a large hollowed out room in the mine. The sound of running water intriguing you, you trudge up to the other end of the room, and then turn right and slowly make your way down to the far side. A chamber boarded off from the rest of the space incites your curiosity as to what is behind the wooden slats. Peering through the gaps, you see water trickling from a cavern wall into a sluice. Already disoriented by the skewed room, your mind is ill prepared for more confusion as you see the water in the sluice rise upwards to the other end and fall into a barrel below. Incredulous at what you've seen, you turn, wobbling on the slanted ground, to admire the wonderful waterfall that cascades onto the cavern floor. Mild perplexion becomes absolute bewilderment when you realize that the stream underneath the waterfall is flowing <i>upwards</i> towards the source of the mysterious humming: a magnificent formation of glowing crystals and gems, a multicolored geode oddly resembling the profile of a man.The vibrating noises emanate from the gems, and the entire room seems to tilt towards this strange mass of jewels, suggesting that this formation is the cause for the utter detachment of natural physics from this place, almost like it is a giant magnet attracting the whole mine (and the upwards flowing water) towards its strange glowing crystals. Leaving the heart of this weird mine after a long stop, you breathe a sigh of relief as the ground returns to normal, no longer threatening to send you falling over from dizziness. A sharp left turn reveals a mine tunnel, with massive, tall wooden beams stretching far into the distance, the lanterns hanging above the tunnel and placed within the wall at the far end dimming every so often as the humming continues. Pausing briefly to contemplate this inexplicably captivating sight, you begin to walk down the lonely shaft. In a few moments, you sense something is not quite right. Then you realize that the beams above and next to you are slowly becoming shorter and closer together the farther you travel down this strange tunnel. Down, down down comes the top beam, your head barely clearing the last one as you arrive at the end of the tunnel. A few short turns and twists later, you reunite with the bright outdoors, but the mystery of Old Scratch's mine will always be one a perpetually boggled part of your mind will dwell on.<br />
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<h3>
Injun Joe's Cave</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<i>Do not wurry... Injun Joe aint been seen in thess parts for along time. His cave is deeserted! P.S. If n you want to maybe you could wurry just a little bit.</i><br />
<i>Tom</i><br />
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Leaving the warm, reassuring sunlight behind as you begin your descent into the cold, foreboding darkness of the former home of Injun Joe, you get the feeling that you won't help but wurry quite more than a little bit. The first thing that unnerves you is the perpetual din of howling wind blowing and shrieking its way through the cavern. This passage of stone and rock proves to be a sarcophagus, the last resting place of strange and eccentric creatures from ages past, their fossils entombed in this cave's walls. Further ahead, a slat of wooden planks bars physical but not imaginative access to a small space<i> </i>illuminated by a ghastly red light. You begin to worry, uncertain as to what may be lurking inside this cave. Turning this way and that, you come across an unsettling sight: two gruesome, horrendous faces of stone on the cave walls stare at you with cavernous eyes and gaping mouths, both of which you could walk right into if you dared. Like an ice cold poison, fear and dread begin to seep into you, your subconscious sensing grave danger. All feelings of security or comfort dissipate as you walk past quickly to get away from those piercing eyes and stalactite and stalagmite teeth within their terrible maws. As the path once more becomes a narrow walk between cold, immovable walls of stone, you shudder as you hear the quiet chirping of roosting bats, dreading what should happen if you disturb them. But as the calls of the bats fade away, a truly unsettling noise reaches you: the sound of rattles, some distance ahead of you, daring you to keep going through this awful cave. Not wanting to turn back, but dreading going further, you have a slight moment of apprehension. Like a nightmare, the darkness provides no solace for you as you continue walking through the cavern. The rattling grows louder, and finally, to your absolute despair, you come onto the chamber that is the source of the unbearable din. Dim torches flank both walls, as you stare helplessly at the short, crooked wooden bridge in front of you. Beginning to cross, you look down from the railed edge. An ominous glow emanates from the seemingly bottomless pit that you are walking over. All the while, the infernal rattling tortures your senses, and within the clamor, you hear something that terrifies you beyond description: an angry, unseen spectral ghoul yells in a whisper carried through the air; "<i>Get out! Get out! Get out of here!" </i>The rattling intensifies as the voice grows louder. You do not wait to contemplate the meaning of this spirit's warning. It is clear to you that you must get out of this cave, or the unseen things lurking within the dark that have pursued you ever since you stepped foot in their domain will catch you. Reaching the other side, you leave that cursed chamber, only to moan with dread as you see the utter labyrinth of stone pillars and interconnected paths that lays ahead of you. You swear that a moan responds to you in the distance. Is it merely an echo, or is something sinister toying with you? Feebly attempting to arouse your courage, you reluctantly begin negotiating what seems to be an endless maze of stone, wrong turns, and dead ends. You reach the other side of the room, but to your horror, you cannot see an exit. You're trapped! You stand still, your heart pulsing with dread and fear. Then suddenly, with all the shock of a lightning strike and thundercrack, <i>a horrible creature jumps out in front of you and SCREAMS! </i>You flail and scream back, electrocuted by absolute panic and terror. Your heart threatens to either explode out of your chest or stop altogether. It is only after you recover from your momentary surrender to base human nature that you realize it is no monster that has confronted you. Your devious friend who told you they'd stay at the fort while you went exploring the caves laughs wholeheartedly at your fright-filled expense. Wisely calculating your reaction and subsequent action, he quickly flees to the exit of the cavern from whence he came. His retreat reveals the way out for you, and as you return to the bright world above and see your friend making his getaway across the barrel bridge, you give chase, vowing to get him back for his perfectly timed capstone of your unsettling and frightening exploration of old Injun Joe's cave.<br />
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<h4>
<i>Hurry Back.... Hurry Back....</i></h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<i> </i>No, the cave, mine, and tunnel on Tom Sawyer Island are not like the Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean. They are an entirely different experience, one found virtually nowhere else in Walt Disney World, yet rivaling nearly all other WDW attractions in quality, storytelling, and in their possibilities for igniting the imagination. With nothing more advanced or complex than lighting, sound, powerful atmosphere and sights, and masterful low-tech physics illusions in the case of the Mystery Mine, the underground spaces of Tom's island are incredible masterpieces in their own right, harkening back to the simple pleasures of exploration and fears of the unknown that were a staple of Mark Twain's childhood fantasies and some of today's childhoods as well. Combined with the rest of the island, where the whole is greater then the sum of its parts, the caves are but an outstanding part of the intricate magnum opus that is Tom Sawyer Island. Yet, they genuinely deserve a special recognition as isolated experiences of their own, for whom who has ever dared to explore the subterranean worlds of Tom Sawyer Island could deny the <i>true</i> magic of the narrow escape from Fort Langhorn, the disorienting departure from natural laws in a strange mine with a pulsating, magnetic geode of gems, or the ominous and dreadful walk inside a cave where unseen specters and ghouls blur the line between reality and the supernatural?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own personal tribute to the cave, mine, and tunnel on Tom Sawyer Island in the form of a hand-drawn concept of a fantasy poster featuring the underground realms of Tom's island.</td></tr>
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<br />Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-68921801261428096882018-03-05T18:37:00.005-08:002018-07-13T18:42:08.801-07:00Happy 35th Anniversary to Journey Into Imagination: An Attraction I Never Got To See But That I Dearly Love<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Mark Goebel on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Today, the original version of Journey Into Imagination, an incredible attraction exploring the realms of imagination with the marvelous Dreamfinder and his lovable impish Figment of the imagination, celebrates the 35th anniversary of its opening. I wish so badly I could write that this also marks 35 years of Journey Into Imagination's existence. But sadly, this remarkable ride that sparked the inspiration and creativity of a whole generation of EPCOT Center visitors is long gone - the original ride and Imageworks will have been closed for 20 years this October. In 1999, Disney World and the rest of the world was subjected to the sheer horror that was Journey Into YOUR Imagination. A disastrous refurbishment had drastically shortened the ride path, cutting the ride's duration in half. Figment and Dreamfinder had disappeared, replaced by Dr. Nigel Channing, a professor who proceeded to give riders a tour of the barren, heartless and souless Imagination Institute. To add further insult to injury, this was all accompanied by the sad closure and abandonment of the original Imageworks in favor of a far inferior one downstairs that occupied former ride space. As Guest Relations at Epcot was overwhelmed by the numerous and loud complaints about the new attraction, infant me slept in a crib far away, fated to never see the Imagination Pavilion in its original glory. By the time I was two and a half years old, Journey into YOUR Imagination was a month away from its hasty closure, a swift and merciful execution of a ride that at the time was rivaled only by Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management for the title of worst attraction at Walt Disney World. A year later, Journey Into Imagination With Figment opened to a public eager about the news that Figment would return to the ride he should have never gone away from. For those hoping for a return of the classic original ride, however, reality was disappointing. Journey Into Imagination With Figment inherited the bones of its unloved predecessor and a shoestring budget meant that the third incarnation of Journey Into Imagination was not much more then a patch job doing the bare minimum to attempt to address the issues guests had with Journey Into YOUR Imagination. Sure, Figment was back, but he was not the lovable fellow so childlike and curious as he followed Dreamfinder on a journey of imagination. Instead, he became an annoying agitator, disrupting Dr. Nigel Channing's dull open house of the Imagination Institute concerning the five senses, obnoxious to the point where he turned into a skunk and sprayed guests with noxious skunk scent! Meanwhile, the downstairs Imageworks remained in a pathetic state, and the original Imageworks lay intact but abandoned upstairs. Since then, the only changes to the Imagination pavilion have been the revival of Captain Eo and its replacement by Pixar Short Film Festival in the 3-D film show building, the reopening of the upstairs lobby as a DVC lounge, and the depressing gutting and removal of the Rainbow Tunnel and other parts of the old Imageworks. In a testament to the countless people of corporate standing at Disney who couldn't or wouldn't fix one of Disney World's biggest mistakes, Journey Into Imagination With Figment has now officially outlasted the original Journey Into Imagination by a few weeks and counting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Loren Javier on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Journey Into Imagination With Figment is the only version of the Imagination attraction I have ever personally experienced, and oddly enough, it used to be one of my favorite attractions at Walt Disney World. Besides the obvious elements of the ride that were amusing for a much younger me and many other children at that age, there was always something special about Figment, something that made me look past all the times he emitted that awful odor, and made me wonder sometimes why on earth he was doing such things at all. But the thing that most captivated me about Journey Into Imagination with Figment was its finale, where the boring Imagination Institute was literally blown away, and various Figments doing different things followed by Figment and Channing in the moon in the stars at last showcased something close to the real power of imagination and creativity. "One Little Spark" was and is still one of my absolute favorite Disney theme park songs. This was the song that I would be singing as me and my dad walked through the Epcot parking lot late at night to get to our car, and it is perhaps the only reason I ever really liked Journey Into Imagination With Figment at all. I first heard about the original version of Journey Into Imagination many years ago, but it wasn't until much later that I watched videos of the spectacular original ride and Imageworks in their prime. I haven't ridden Journey Into Imagination With Figment since my 16th birthday, when me and my dad spent the day at the trifecta of Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom. Although the time had long since passed when he could carry me on my shoulders as we went to the car, I still sang "One Little Spark" into the dark night sky. Nowadays, I've joined a great number of people who are nostalgic for an amazing attraction they never got to experience, and together with those who did, we express our immense appreciation of Journey Into Imagination, our great sadness at its loss, and our deep hopes that someday Dreamfinder and Figment will be reunited, and that together they'll take us on a grand and beautiful journey into the imagination again, or in my case, for the first time. Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-45610607395329199532018-01-24T15:27:00.008-08:002018-07-13T20:18:07.558-07:00From Tiki Birds to Jungle River Expeditions: Big And Small Ways I'd Improve Walt Disney World's Adventureland <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EC-vlmBen5KTTDHp5F1q7tscp3qxuHRBEnWijSW_to8H4CrZglrBCuQUj3pOSepFkNK3ghJO1MIhzDhrDhv3F1amCCZGQfl-fZk5QQdGIFZR3HXy5OET6yAu1rC_WUw7NcKdeqwGdKQ/s1600/6868209341_6becc5a305_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EC-vlmBen5KTTDHp5F1q7tscp3qxuHRBEnWijSW_to8H4CrZglrBCuQUj3pOSepFkNK3ghJO1MIhzDhrDhv3F1amCCZGQfl-fZk5QQdGIFZR3HXy5OET6yAu1rC_WUw7NcKdeqwGdKQ/s400/6868209341_6becc5a305_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Missy Martinez on Flickr)</td></tr>
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In my last post on Haunted Serenade, I <a href="https://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/12/happy-44th-anniversary-to-wdws-pirates.html">talked about what I would like to see happen in future refurbishments of Walt Disney World's version of Pirates of the Caribbean.</a> After sharing these ideas about Pirates of the Caribbean, I thought about what I would like to see happen to the rest of WDW's Adventureland. Adventureland is by far the strongest land in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in terms of both scenic design and current roster of attractions. However, it too has had poorly thought out additions and changes, and some small but crucial details that added up with the rest of the land to create a truly brilliant themed space have been removed. So in this post, I'll share some of my ideas on ways to refurbish and restore parts of Adventureland that need it, starting with the smallest details and ending with the biggest projects.<br />
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<h3>
Small Details</h3>
<h4>
Restore the Fountains in Caribbean Plaza and the Tiki Room's Magic Fountain</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHp15K8syTnucI3mD-E4b9U0WCvLiP5Xg40WbhJXc0mNjtwOaHhtQ16nOcD-yH5cMvX9JWpStk97F8zlU9m1DmFUcLNzZidU5mU3W_CpzXvXbhmy10YD7-J14dRxhRXc5tXC8kZhiZ2c/s1600/CaribbeanPlaza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="800" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHp15K8syTnucI3mD-E4b9U0WCvLiP5Xg40WbhJXc0mNjtwOaHhtQ16nOcD-yH5cMvX9JWpStk97F8zlU9m1DmFUcLNzZidU5mU3W_CpzXvXbhmy10YD7-J14dRxhRXc5tXC8kZhiZ2c/s320/CaribbeanPlaza.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRykWRcXPjwWoApkPdz4cjN0_UeIpYdOPQ95gnhwfd5TaD20Dxphp1j2U7zwjMJ80m4vtLTvM1DbRHd7OI2z4FhvwsZLIylwg7BtoSgpvK8IP676Hk-FFNRNoA8V3Etvm59smySb4-3M/s1600/Pirates_1024_3.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRykWRcXPjwWoApkPdz4cjN0_UeIpYdOPQ95gnhwfd5TaD20Dxphp1j2U7zwjMJ80m4vtLTvM1DbRHd7OI2z4FhvwsZLIylwg7BtoSgpvK8IP676Hk-FFNRNoA8V3Etvm59smySb4-3M/s320/Pirates_1024_3.0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After<br />
(special thanks to Foxxy at Passport to Dreams for these pictures)</td></tr>
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Once upon a time, Caribbean Plaza had several beautiful tile fountains with lovely flowing<i> agua</i>. By the start of the new millennium, all of these fountains were turned off and turned into planters, resulting in the loss of the wonderful kinetic motion and reflections that the water in those fountains once provided. Bringing water back to these fountains would restore a nice detail of Caribbean Plaza.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDqe097PG8sBZeZAjhmxQT5OBCw_EAEZgi8pM7IUkyDAWKQzOL5nqJD88ZWnHrCcwgyGwTW72MY991-G7O3KbVmYVRZW-GNDaXRHnU7qJDMry1IhPhyphenhyphen3rL0dzdKU00we3oGYnbFltUIM/s1600/TropMagicFountain-Jan1992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1186" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDqe097PG8sBZeZAjhmxQT5OBCw_EAEZgi8pM7IUkyDAWKQzOL5nqJD88ZWnHrCcwgyGwTW72MY991-G7O3KbVmYVRZW-GNDaXRHnU7qJDMry1IhPhyphenhyphen3rL0dzdKU00we3oGYnbFltUIM/s400/TropMagicFountain-Jan1992.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Thanks to How Bowers for letting me use this picture)</td></tr>
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Of even more importance is resurrecting the greatest fountain that ever existed at the Magic Kingdom: the wondrous old magic fountain in Tropical Serenade (now known as Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room). This masterfully designed fountain with water flowing between the teeth of tikis into the water-filled base and bird-shaped arches supporting the top of the fountain was a visual masterpiece. Even better was the mesmerizing motion of the streams of water at the top of the fountain, and the impressive column of water that seemed to defy gravity by reaching up to the top of the room and descending in time with the birdmobile as it appeared from above. Sadly, this marvelous centerpiece of the Tiki Room disappeared during its transformation into the awful Under New Management, and replaced by a planter from which Uh-Oah, the Tiki goddess of disaster, emerged. Now that the original show has returned at long last, it is time to return the wonderful magic fountain and once more join the birdmobile in delighting guests who look at the center (of the room, that is).<br />
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<h4>
Bring Back The Other Barker Bird of Adventureland</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqZN0-ij15kr0sGKKauoMMmuKdNUEgMLnq30TPb1Rgt5A5v9LqJz6zeFAHl9AZohgcY3RreChyphenhyphen1wGVxP6PgHPUpOW8_3MpkY8MdP4RiGxrm1XK_2iIes5ZLs3-uujZMur1BYEO7PSTCM/s1600/advtsbarker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="341" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqZN0-ij15kr0sGKKauoMMmuKdNUEgMLnq30TPb1Rgt5A5v9LqJz6zeFAHl9AZohgcY3RreChyphenhyphen1wGVxP6PgHPUpOW8_3MpkY8MdP4RiGxrm1XK_2iIes5ZLs3-uujZMur1BYEO7PSTCM/s400/advtsbarker.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Special Thanks to Mike Lee for permission to use this photo and several others in this post)</td></tr>
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The salty old parrot that once beckoned to guests from the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean may have been the most famous of WDW's "Barker Birds", but he wasn't the only one. An adorable toucan (voiced by Wally Boag, the same person who lent his voice to José in the Tiki Room) used to sit on a perch underneath a special alcove of the thatched roof of Tropical Serenade and entice guests to sit on their tail feathers inside the air-conditioned Tiki Room and enjoy the performance given by the flowers, tikis, and all his relatives. He also entertained people with animal imitations and other sounds, similar to what Clyde and Claude do in the excellent Tiki Room preshow. This wonderful fellow could be heard and seen in the heart of Adventureland for many years. After going through a strange phase where he became Artemus the Jamaican toucan in the 90s, he sadly flew the coop when the New Management took over and he hasn't been seen since. Returning him and his cousin at Pirates of the Caribbean to their respective perches above two of Adventureland's greatest attractions would be a small but incredible restoration of one of the greatest and most beloved details of Adventureland.<br />
<h3>
Big Projects</h3>
<h4>
Switch Back the Locations of Sunshine Tree Terrace and Aloha Isle and Return the Sunshine Tree Terrace To Its Former Glory</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1Jrka16Fu_baXaklm-LGu3SPwAtsFupZsZ0WGcUoeDqgyadJhOPzZhfqa1VSfN9yuwdVKB-nrRLpfBIlJpNZQzOsYh7tonxKsha1Doa15SYZ-0Hc7rlRfHvjqQxx1JV1szyJzKx06m4/s1600/8997811923_26fd7ea85f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1Jrka16Fu_baXaklm-LGu3SPwAtsFupZsZ0WGcUoeDqgyadJhOPzZhfqa1VSfN9yuwdVKB-nrRLpfBIlJpNZQzOsYh7tonxKsha1Doa15SYZ-0Hc7rlRfHvjqQxx1JV1szyJzKx06m4/s320/8997811923_26fd7ea85f_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
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If you don't know who this little guy is, let me start by saying he's the Orange Bird and he's an adorable character born from a partnership between the creators of the Magic Kingdom and the Florida Citrus Commission, the original sponsor of the whole Sunshine Pavilion (the complex which includes the Tiki Room and Sunshine Tree Terrace; a trip to any of a number of awesome sites will tell you more about the Orange Bird's unique role in marketing Florida citrus). He's also a living artifact from a time when the Sunshine Tree Terrace was truly awesome.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaNParnJPbyCpMGXhAaWUWvNCRNHHULNgkXOvCFpFJjdNGS0PISFBNJ2x3ufcsdd58vS1e4Gc6iNqlv_Yb2NySCMSbToY6w9jsGR-vqs1gzh6bKLf2hSHwUOZJ0fEbva1RVb6l9z_IAo/s1600/untitled+%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="800" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaNParnJPbyCpMGXhAaWUWvNCRNHHULNgkXOvCFpFJjdNGS0PISFBNJ2x3ufcsdd58vS1e4Gc6iNqlv_Yb2NySCMSbToY6w9jsGR-vqs1gzh6bKLf2hSHwUOZJ0fEbva1RVb6l9z_IAo/s640/untitled+%25284%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduqhYu5tlLGalBdg4TKTmaK-2U36brDYgf48pVrju-zFM_-l90CtcfXqjqMmfEX9hNNJSoT_arwjJFGroHPxJf9Wudalt06Tb-r4PJBW7aoLoB2vyBW_2RrYyRxJFbAOjxLK3KXfzYOo/s1600/untitled+%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1125" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduqhYu5tlLGalBdg4TKTmaK-2U36brDYgf48pVrju-zFM_-l90CtcfXqjqMmfEX9hNNJSoT_arwjJFGroHPxJf9Wudalt06Tb-r4PJBW7aoLoB2vyBW_2RrYyRxJFbAOjxLK3KXfzYOo/s320/untitled+%25285%2529.png" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #0066cc;"> </span></div>
His original home and the original location of the Sunshine Tree Terrace (pictured above) once featured its magnificent namesake; the Sunshine Tree, thick with dark green plastic leaves, blooming with artificial citrus flowers and filled with ripe plastic oranges, where the Orange Bird swung in a perch and thought orange thoughts (a neat projection effect), a perfect centerpiece for this tropical citrus snack bar. Among the many amazing citrus treats* courtesy of Floridian citrus growers according to a 1972 Los Angeles Times article was tangerine soft freeze ("a sherbet-like mixture of orange juice, tangerine concentrate, tangerine oil and sweetener"), a clear ancestor of the underrated yet much beloved Citrus Swirl, an orange juice bar on a stick, tangerine cheesecake ("cake topped with tangerine and orange glaze sauce"), citrus tarts ("heavy cream in an open shell, topped with orange sections and glazed orange sauce"), and crêpes ambrosia ("a delightful mixture of oranges, tangerines, marshmallows and coconut dipped in heavy cream and rolled in a French pancake"). No doubt your mouth is salivating right now, and if you ever tasted it, you may have thought the Citrus Swirl was great by itself!<br />
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*NOT including whatever the heck "jellied citrus salad" was!<br />
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Sadly, for one reason or another these delectable citrus sweets disappeared (with the exception of the Citrus Swirl, of course) and in 1986 the Orange Bird (pictured above in his old perch) flew the coop as the FCC's sponsorship ended. In 2000, the grand Sunshine Tree joined its former resident in disappearance, torn down and lost to the sands of time. At its absolute low, the Sunshine Pavilion had had its Tiki Room taken over by New Management, the Orange Bird and Sunshine Tree had both gone away, the flames of the decorative tiki torchbearers on the Terrace had been snuffed, and even the Citrus Swirl had vanished! Then a miraculous fire destroyed the New Management and brought back the real Tiki Room from the dead. Meanwhile, the Orange Bird had been revived out of nowhere thousands of miles away, appearing in merchandise appropriately enough for Japan's Orange Day. In spring of 2012, the Orange Bird finally flew back to his home at the Sunshine Tree Terrace, and although there was no longer a Sunshine Tree to roost in, it was an incredible return of a small but significant piece of Walt Disney World's spectacular history. Then in 2015, something peculiar happened; the Sunshine Tree Terrace switched locations with Aloha Isle. The latter now serves the highly popular Dole Whip right next to the Tiki Room, while Citrus Swirls (and the Orange Bird himself, who fortunately made the trip across Adventureland) can now be found at the former in a juice bar much closer to the main entrance of Adventureland. With the current menus of both venues in consideration, this switch makes sense; the presence of the Dole Whip, not to mention Pineapple Float and now Pineapple Upside-Down Cake at Aloha Isle compared to Sunshine Tree Terrace's assortment of Citrus Swirls, floats and drinks means the bigger counter is needed by Aloha Isle. But this still leaves us with the sad fact that the Sunshine Tree Terrace is now severed from the Sunshine Pavilion, its ancestral home. What if the Sunshine Tree Terrace brought back those undoubtedly delightful tangerine cheesecakes, crêpes ambrosia, and citrus tarts, and went back to its original home near the Tiki Room with the space for serving such treats, putting floats, drinks, frozen juice on a stick, and Aloha Isle's delicious pineapple treats back at the smaller juice bar? In addition to that, the Sunshine Tree could be put back behind the counter at its Terrace hideaway, Orange Bird swaying in the breeze and thinking orange thoughts once again on a perch in its branches. Oh, and returning the walk around Orange Bird that as seen below once delighted countless guests near the Sunshine Tree Terrace wouldn't be a bad idea either.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4i_xWpfIeKEyZ8EN8ItUXmWKRH-9T9hlFU5lCYVcIyDUEgs-xyIW_kba1z2yInqyZTFJTpxFkexIz7U-bbZdigtB5MrmnkNg9Q6JR0UsRJ8p3lwE92d6nUOZ0PQ0ry38iNeY1ZosaH7s/s1600/untitled+%25286%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="358" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4i_xWpfIeKEyZ8EN8ItUXmWKRH-9T9hlFU5lCYVcIyDUEgs-xyIW_kba1z2yInqyZTFJTpxFkexIz7U-bbZdigtB5MrmnkNg9Q6JR0UsRJ8p3lwE92d6nUOZ0PQ0ry38iNeY1ZosaH7s/s320/untitled+%25286%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Demolish the Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Revitalize the Center of Adventureland</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjq8WeZPQfAoVma0xqsGd4dnvs_5KG3GxPA1gobJlMEKLcIsdoLEfN6MEMR5_REf3KHhT47lA1wC-_HBwOmqP69_ktaMRVf14AVvP83K3DFpD1xmRdTHa5RJMNB-095f2dRxFIHw-qfs/s1600/advstreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="410" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjq8WeZPQfAoVma0xqsGd4dnvs_5KG3GxPA1gobJlMEKLcIsdoLEfN6MEMR5_REf3KHhT47lA1wC-_HBwOmqP69_ktaMRVf14AVvP83K3DFpD1xmRdTHa5RJMNB-095f2dRxFIHw-qfs/s320/advstreet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A once impressive view of Tropical Serenade and the Sunshine Pavilion from all the way across Adventureland...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvob-PA3Ik0Up1sANge6nkesCA75jTd68IkkM_kNuRoiBfiu0zuGmytPa6MIUU08-X9aTj2MOAm1a_vDLABhVeIQVHoH2mJb5bBqotA3iZ5Ju1-s_EaE4Mg3Yq5vQg-LG4LZjhlBalYGw/s1600/5020340649_a35c0e4187_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvob-PA3Ik0Up1sANge6nkesCA75jTd68IkkM_kNuRoiBfiu0zuGmytPa6MIUU08-X9aTj2MOAm1a_vDLABhVeIQVHoH2mJb5bBqotA3iZ5Ju1-s_EaE4Mg3Yq5vQg-LG4LZjhlBalYGw/s320/5020340649_a35c0e4187_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Loren Javier on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Has been obstructed by the worst-placed spinner attraction in all of Walt Disney World.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="779" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_Lvc1VWctjhoCSIXj8nDSheO-AScyZphYF-KCmYzqryQJmBJRWLjmUb2oBAKxfe2xRIXfnIOwuJDdbPQMDs1BVK2fgLqfWoKfvl7dZhyphenhyphenMfHnagL5UuulW8KIuvppxn4QbFSlO3vneic/s400/advplaza1972simoneghostflickr.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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A formerly wide and spacious plaza...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96Jo5fqCbibhDZ9KiTcahFbBZMjvH8uAU7r8ZJlWdMbVrM7_Ohdi0ZCFt0I8epMGdJvPOgw9dHnzKhDcXySxeHUKcmfpRdaEMY-YkQ-TrB2u9SLkgwYCKo6mPF4npNUI6PSVhhr45How/s1600/14657472256_5722f24c4f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96Jo5fqCbibhDZ9KiTcahFbBZMjvH8uAU7r8ZJlWdMbVrM7_Ohdi0ZCFt0I8epMGdJvPOgw9dHnzKhDcXySxeHUKcmfpRdaEMY-YkQ-TrB2u9SLkgwYCKo6mPF4npNUI6PSVhhr45How/s400/14657472256_5722f24c4f_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Mark and Paul Luukkonen on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Is now a crowd-flow nuisance complete with annoying spitting camels.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTITEiEqxwEl6YNl7wL5huxQVDapoJ3fCK5SXQoc8VNW3YGzglUpk_Euie72tAUJWxIqE_PQKV5EAsnAWm8fTNjpCvCeD9EPaktixlkEo1tU_ggGyjaZ2J0Ogql84d1X5ufptVRdkYefg/s1600/36200707714_2e89e8b687_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTITEiEqxwEl6YNl7wL5huxQVDapoJ3fCK5SXQoc8VNW3YGzglUpk_Euie72tAUJWxIqE_PQKV5EAsnAWm8fTNjpCvCeD9EPaktixlkEo1tU_ggGyjaZ2J0Ogql84d1X5ufptVRdkYefg/s400/36200707714_2e89e8b687_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(xiquinhosilva on Flickr)</td></tr>
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And the cheap tent façade of Agrabah Bazaar...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvErsvmjTw3Eik74MQwe4o9JMEWmwnsEHZXLm3idHH4ki33aCP2cHf-3a1Jp_WZrDS4wueXRMshSfv5J6NXtiA7TEbCIZmx-RYCgjDJ18ezUV97fQCLgYFBRf2N96YvYLlvygqxmPgpg/s1600/advshopsc1977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="560" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvErsvmjTw3Eik74MQwe4o9JMEWmwnsEHZXLm3idHH4ki33aCP2cHf-3a1Jp_WZrDS4wueXRMshSfv5J6NXtiA7TEbCIZmx-RYCgjDJ18ezUV97fQCLgYFBRf2N96YvYLlvygqxmPgpg/s400/advshopsc1977.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pales in comparison to the North African façade it replaced.</div>
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In short, placing the Magic Carpets of Aladdin right in the middle of Adventureland was a major mistake, one that is long overdue for being undone. It is time now to demolish the Magic Carpets of Aladdin and reclaim the space that it sits on. If this unnecessary spinner attraction were to disappear, a multitude of wonderful things could happen, such as expanding the beautiful pond in front of the Tiki Room back to its former size, putting in new planters and other decorative touches, and taking down the tent façade of Agrabah Bazaar and restoring the original, superior façade of that section of Adventureland. These changes would combine to transform one of the Magic Kingdom's least successful crowd areas into a marvelous plaza with enough space for everyone drawn to the majesty of the Balinese Sunshine Pavilion.</div>
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Give Jungle Cruise the Major Refurbishment it Deserves</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Josh Hallett on Flickr)</td></tr>
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If and when a major refurbishment of the classic Jungle Cruise happens, there is a veritable treasure trove of uninstalled scenes designed by Marc Davis himself that would be excellent enhancements of the attraction, not to mention previously removed effects and figures that could be returned. My refurbishment of the Jungle Cruise would take advantage of both, not only restoring pieces of the wild river expedition that have been AWOL for years or decades, but also finally filling in specially prepared and empty sections of the riverbank with the Marc Davis scenes they were always intended for. Although a thorough detailing of what I would like to see happen in a refurbishment of the Jungle Cruise should and will comprise its own complete blog post on Haunted Serenade, I will say this; my refurbishment involves such wonderful things deeply rooted in the history of the Jungle Cruise as cute frogs, baboons, an angry gorilla confronting a crocodile, and flaming skulls (!) among other stuff. I look forward to sharing with you all my comprehensive plan for refurbishing one of WDW's most exotic and signature attractions in my next post on Haunted Serenade. In the meantime, here are a couple of photos to give you a preview of the stuff that I will talk about in the Jungle Cruise refurbishment post:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJJuUweiE0FDSP1nasf6VZC7ee4aWfq37v4XT7SI0bHEU-1uoZrwyH5JZYeNqhFegyP-2n9a47QxDdRTjBuv7_BpQ2QrgbcevSbpOBw2y_VNlYNv4U5DB8pU7aCHBS7gQc8pSIhv0_Hw/s1600/jcamazonfog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="558" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJJuUweiE0FDSP1nasf6VZC7ee4aWfq37v4XT7SI0bHEU-1uoZrwyH5JZYeNqhFegyP-2n9a47QxDdRTjBuv7_BpQ2QrgbcevSbpOBw2y_VNlYNv4U5DB8pU7aCHBS7gQc8pSIhv0_Hw/s320/jcamazonfog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0ALkUDUiHgHpQw_EarvmaT4JlnC11rYstvKZLQel7DwxMfgEXlAWXt5Et6TyB8UfEbXZ79-Ezbd2w5DbSc8mSFxGRE4WXtGpoTj-qMIjG4AL5UJPwuSc87XBgxm9Ao_XLWUURwRbYF0/s1600/jcfrogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="553" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0ALkUDUiHgHpQw_EarvmaT4JlnC11rYstvKZLQel7DwxMfgEXlAWXt5Et6TyB8UfEbXZ79-Ezbd2w5DbSc8mSFxGRE4WXtGpoTj-qMIjG4AL5UJPwuSc87XBgxm9Ao_XLWUURwRbYF0/s320/jcfrogs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you all enjoyed this look at Walt Disney World's Adventureland and the big and small ways I would improve it. I promise I won't leave you guys hanging too long on a jungle branch waiting for my next post, so be sure to keep an eye out for my upcoming post on Haunted Serenade about how I'd refurbish the Jungle Cruise!</h4>
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Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-44958828835545409872017-12-15T18:45:00.001-08:002018-07-13T19:25:10.091-07:00Happy 44th Anniversary to WDW's Pirates of The Caribbean: My Wish List For Refurbishing This Classic Attraction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Lee on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Today sadly marks 51 years since the passing of Walt Disney, but it also marks the 44th anniversary of one of WDW's greatest attractions, the Pirates of the Caribbean. Plagued by a harried construction and ride length half that of Disneyland's version, WDW's Pirates is consistently the lowest rated of all the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions throughout the world. But nonetheless, it has some wonderful, unique elements that set it apart from the rest of the Pirate rides. For one thing, it has the magnificent Caribbean Plaza as its home, a wonderful work of terraces, hidden courtyards, and wrought-iron details that truly set the Caribbean stage for the Pirates. The facade of WDW's Pirates is the stunning Castillo del Morro, an impressive recreation of a Spanish fortress, complete with the iconic clock tower. The dark and sublimely detailed fortress and dungeon queue nearly make up for the shortcomings the ride has, and in fact was an important part of the entirely different story the WDW Pirates once told. In the original WDW Pirates of the Caribbean, there was no time travel; guests traveled to a Caribbean town, entered a fortress under attack by pirates, boarded longboats to escape the marauders as a pirate ship sails in the distance, and then ended up back in the same Caribbean town as the pirate ship arrives and attacks. Unfortunately, both the queue and ride have been altered greatly over the years and not necessarily for the better, from political corrections to the arrival of Jack Sparrow to the questionable addition of Fastpass+. These changes have impacted not only many of the iconic scenes but also the experience itself; now it is possible to infer time travel in the story, and much of the pirates ransacking of the Spanish Main has been turned into a Where's Waldo-esque search for Captain Jack Sparrow. On top of all of this, there is at least one more controversial change yet to come. From February 26th to March 18th next year, WDW's Pirates of the Caribbean is set to have a refurbishment for the primary purpose of politically correcting the classic auction scene. I have already wrote <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/07/are-they-pirates-or-boy-scouts-critical.html">a lengthy post about why I feel this is a bad idea,</a> so needless to say I am hoping above all else that this does not happen <i>(unfortunately, it did)</i>. However, seeing an upcoming refurb for Pirates got me thinking about what I'd love to see Disney do during the three-week refurbishment or a similarly short refurb of the ride, and what long-term things that I think Disney should do to restore Pirates of the Caribbean in time for WDW's 50th anniversary. So without further ado, here's my wish list for both this short refurbishment and long-term refurbishments for WDW's Pirates of the Caribbean:<br />
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What Could and Should Be Done in 3 Weeks*</h3>
* I've made my most educated guesses on what could actually be done in a three week refurbishment, but it is possible that one or more of these things could require more time to accomplish. <br />
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<li><b>Turn back on the firing cannons on the fort facade. </b>Before Jack Sparrow invaded Castillo del Morro, the cannons on the top of the facade used to loudly fire across Caribbean Plaza and Adventureland. Restoring the firing cannons would not only add texture to the sounds of Caribbean Plaza, but also restore an integral part of the story that the pirates are actively attacking the fort, and of course the fort must defend itself! </li>
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<li><b>Restore the original queue music and soundscape.</b> The queue is already a visual masterpiece, but it also used to be an auditory one. At the entrance tunnel of the fort, an eerie piece of music called "Fortune Red" played, and then <i>faded out</i> into a mixture of silence, the voices of the Spanish soldiers as they prepared for the pirate attack, and choruses of "Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life For Me" implying that the pirates were already in the fort and could be around any corner. In both sides of the queue, a lonely invisible man strummed the gentle chords of a Spanish guitar into the darkness. On the right path of the queue, as guests prepared to make sail, the sounds of someone digging with a shovel and drunken singing and laughing emanated out of a cave, where no doubt pirates lay just out of sight digging for treasure. The cumulative effect of these sounds was an incredible introduction using sound to the experience that awaited guests as they prepared to escape from the besieged Spanish fortress and into the murky, eerie caverns. All of this was drowned out in 2006 by the loud playing of the gentle flutes in Disneyland's "Pirate Overture" which has always played in their queue. This poor decision reduced the once impressive audio atmosphere of the queue to mere whispers all but silenced by an ill-fitting piece of music. Restoring the sound systems in the queue and the original compositions to boot would be an excellent idea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZK4-1k-DLBdBCu2UeYy_MXEWjaxNkUqgBOPzZRDqfFPBba7dE7GAG3RSJWVCmSJMv3F6dwTu6ZHjhrPf3x0E7ZLVzvIUgpodXjpm2unr-nVKluhS8OYHmQ6paBbUWA7XmzdakLMk7mA/s1600/348258455_3edc148ed1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZK4-1k-DLBdBCu2UeYy_MXEWjaxNkUqgBOPzZRDqfFPBba7dE7GAG3RSJWVCmSJMv3F6dwTu6ZHjhrPf3x0E7ZLVzvIUgpodXjpm2unr-nVKluhS8OYHmQ6paBbUWA7XmzdakLMk7mA/s400/348258455_3edc148ed1_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Brian Hammond on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<li><b>Restore the Pirate Barker Bird to his rightful place at the entrance of the ride.</b> This wonderful fellow was originally located above the unloading dock of the attraction, cautioning guests to watch out for the "moving gangplank". His delightful appearance quickly caused a bottleneck there, and so he was moved to the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean, and he became the Barker Bird. For over 30 years, he was a wonderful sight to see, a feathered and salty squawking and whistling "pirrot". He was also quick to tell guests about the adventure with salty old pirates that awaited them if they passed through the old fortress and didn't miss the longboats waiting to take them to Pirates Cove. The Barker Bird became an iconic character and absolute fan favorite at WDW's Pirates of the Caribbean. Inexplicably and regrettably, he flew the coop during the 2006 film-based refurbishment, and he has only shown up as part of displays in special events elsewhere. It has now been over a decade since he disappeared for no good reason, and it is way past time for him to return to the perch at the home he should've never left.</li>
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Long-Term Things to Refurbish and Restore</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbSvwpSP0cJfC1gx0rtx3SqxXgCxKoUPu7qVJnDz6m0ldf7lnd-ZFU0XJxYjqwEAyY3k0c8shMx4AbeDlIBHCNK4BR2fXzVlq49FVIBwVmWEnCW5EG84SiyUxuOvqkXM-rTGepcEPUVM/s1600/3052356939_d0bc344f00_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbSvwpSP0cJfC1gx0rtx3SqxXgCxKoUPu7qVJnDz6m0ldf7lnd-ZFU0XJxYjqwEAyY3k0c8shMx4AbeDlIBHCNK4BR2fXzVlq49FVIBwVmWEnCW5EG84SiyUxuOvqkXM-rTGepcEPUVM/s400/3052356939_d0bc344f00_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Joe Penniston on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<li><b>Take Pirates of the Caribbean off of the Fastpass+ attraction roster and undo the physical changes to the queue made for Fastpass+. </b>When Disney ludicrously decided that Fastpass was needed for Pirates of the Caribbean, a high capacity boat ride, they made two physical alterations to the queue that weakened its effectiveness. First, a new merge point was created, meaning the two separate queues not only now meet each other, but now have an open view of the loading dock where there was once walls. Keeping this merge point if Fastpass+ was discontinued for this attraction would be as unnecessary as Fastpass+ is currently for Pirates. I would close back up the walls and return the queues to the state where neither one could be seen from the other until after exiting the "fort". The other change made was the knocking down of a wall near the entrance of the tunnel to turn the righthand queue into a Fastpass queue. The resulting expansion of the left Standby queue resulted in the loss of the original passageway into the right queue, which cleverly declined after the incline of the entrance ramp to produce the illusion of descending deep into the dungeons on that side. Again, as Fastpass is unnecessary for this attraction in my opinion, I would restore this original passageway and incline and decline illusion to the queue.</li>
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<li><b>Reconsider the political correction of the pirates. </b>I've already covered much of this ground in my previous post about the future changes to the auction scene, but I wanted to note once more that political correctness does not do any favors to an already family friendly attraction about<i> <b>pirates</b></i>. Despite the romanticized portrayal of pirates in the attraction, it is important to remember that the Pirates of the Caribbean is not a fun tale of the ransacking of a town by pirates; it is a morality play that uses scenes of skeletal pirates in desolate coves to remind us that those who are greedy, cruel and selfish will pay the price in the end. The original pirates chasing women scene and the auction scene are two of the most effective enforcers of this story. The Pooped Pirate's original dialogue, along with the petticoat and slipper that he held, the two turntables of pirates chasing women culminating in the gag the third turntable with a fat lady pursuing a shy pirate and the lady in the barrel should be brought back. And of course, keep the auction scene in its original form. </li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Norm Lanier on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<li><b>Begone Captain Jack Sparrow, and take your friends and foes with you! </b>I'll admit I was excited when it was first announced that Jack Sparrow would be joining the Pirates of the Caribbean. I had seen Johnny Depp's remarkable performance as Captain Jack in <i>Curse of the Black Pearl</i>, and I was right among the chorus of 7-year old boys who were out of their mind happy that Jack Sparrow would soon be in Disney World. When he finally did arrive, it was really wonderful and cool at first, especially with how lifelike the Jack Sparrow animatronics were. But as I got older, I started recalling more and more often things that I dimly remembered had been in the attraction before Jack that I had loved but had gone away. I started to miss the Barker Bird and the talking skull (kudos to WDI for recently returning the latter), and the new narrative in the attraction involving the movie characters made less and less sense. I have now come to realize just how nonsensical and poorly thought out the movie additions to WDW's Pirates of the Caribbean really were from a narrative and logical standpoint, especially since this confusing search for Jack Sparrow replaced a linear non-narrative <i>experience</i> of pirates ransacking a town that didn't need elaborate explanation. WDI should unfetter this iconic ride and give it the care and respect it deserves by giving movie tie-ins the boot and focusing on what made the original Pirates of the Caribbean a truly classic attraction.</li>
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<h4>
I hope you've all enjoyed my thoughts on what should happen in both short and long term refurbishments to revitalize and restore WDW's Pirates of the Caribbean in time for WDW's grand 50th anniversary. Haunted Serenade wishes Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World a very happy 44th anniversary!</h4>
Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-50839739966700973192017-12-06T07:24:00.022-08:002018-07-13T19:27:34.798-07:00Happy Birthday Walt: Where His Presence Can Be Felt Most at Walt Disney World<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Tom Simpson on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yesterday would've been the 116th birthday of Walt Disney. He was a man beyond his time, seeking to make better his own, driven to unimaginable success by his desire and ability to make people's dreams come true. While others sought only or primarily financial gain in the operation of their businesses, Walt simply wanted to bring joy and happiness to the world, and he happened to have a great imagination and the talent of bringing together the right group of people to make his visions a reality. Nothing stopped him, not even financial difficulties or the "sharp pencil boys" that Walt always made sure worked for him and not the other way around. Visionary, optimal behaviorist, leader, game-changer, creator, and human, he all was. He made possible some of the greatest animated and live-action characters and films the world has ever seen, and then went on to make an entirely new and prosperous business for himself when he invented the world's first true theme park. Disneyland changed Walt's company and the world for the better, but it wasn't long before Walt set out on his grandest and most ambitious dream yet. Sadly, he passed away before he could see it to completion. His Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow died with him, but his Vacation Kingdom shines in the hot Floridian sun to this day, and within lies the final incarnations of Walt Disney's last and greatest dreams: the Magic Kingdom, the wonderful resorts and their amenities, and what's left (not much) of EPCOT Center. Walt may have never stepped foot in the complete World that is named after him, but he has a powerful presence there nonetheless. To honor his birthday and the incredible life that it represents, I will now take a look at where Walt Disney's presence can be felt most at the World that he would've been proud of.<br />
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<h3>
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Norm Lanier on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Walt's hands may have never touched this first recreation of his Tiki Room, but even without Walt's physical presence, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room is nearly every bit as nostalgic and filled with Walt's spirit in Florida as it is in California. As it is, WDW's Tiki Room contains much of the essence that made the original show at Disneyland an instant classic. The same delightful avian banter and spellbinding songs that enchant guests in Disneyland play in abridged form at Disney World's Tiki Room. Although the tiki birds at Disneyland will always be the first true audio-animatronics, the birds that sing and the flowers that croon at the show that used to call itself Tropical Serenade represent in spirit that same momentous achievement that Walt made all those years ago.<br />
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<h3>
WEDWAY Peoplemover and the Monorail</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Joe Penniston on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15g3LpSncHzWpFGkLWvrw-ZL334RN9HmozrAE8Vw15BYAxkst_4fm9BlbQPmtdxRikzJyTwWI_gAevArMelXfCLWvABveEtZSQ3qUUNGo6_r6Bwhl1c-rWEBqxBDEMKRhV0U_FzBSdwY/s1600/9592903578_22789ae974_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15g3LpSncHzWpFGkLWvrw-ZL334RN9HmozrAE8Vw15BYAxkst_4fm9BlbQPmtdxRikzJyTwWI_gAevArMelXfCLWvABveEtZSQ3qUUNGo6_r6Bwhl1c-rWEBqxBDEMKRhV0U_FzBSdwY/s320/9592903578_22789ae974_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(CetusCetus on Flickr)</td></tr>
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One of mankind's greatest dreams has always been the freedom and ability to travel quickly and comfortably to wherever they pleased. In that spirit, Walt showcased in his lifetime two marvelous and groundbreaking transportation systems at Disneyland; the Peoplemover and the Monorail. The Monorail was first; a gleaming, sleek, emissions-free train of the future gliding in the skies above on a roundabout trip through Tomorrowland at Walt's kingdom. The iconic Monorail trains would become the perfect mode of transport to and from Disneyland and the Disneyland Hotel when a station was opened there, and well after Walt had passed a Monorail station was created at Downtown Disney. Advances in track and vehicle technology made by Disney during the creation of Ford's Magic Skyway for the World's Fair would lead to the development of another truly spectacular transportation system: the Peoplemover. This motorless, emissions free system of cars powered along a track with motorized wheels embedded in it was thought by Walt to be a revolutionary concept for future transportation, one that he was proud to use for a grand circuit tour of his Tomorrowland.<br />
<br />
At Walt Disney World, both the Peoplemover and the Monorail were intended to play a much bigger role. Both were meant to be the primary means of getting out and about in Walt Disney's E.P.C.O.T., the first time that the two systems would have been used in tandem in an actual city anywhere. Although the city of tomorrow never came to fruition, the Monorail and Peoplemover still had starring roles in Disney World's grand show. In addition to transporting guests between the Ticket and Transportation Center, the Magic Kingdom, and the Polynesian and Contemporary Resorts, the Monorail line at WDW would later be expanded to include EPCOT Center and the Grand Floridian Resort when they were built. Deep within the paradise of the Magic Kingdom, a new and improved Peoplemover, now using magnetic linear induction motors instead of embedded motorized tires, sailed on a covered track high above the utopia of Tomorrowland. Unfortunately, neither line expansion nor update of the trains has happened for the Monorail since the late 80s, and while WDW's Peoplemover outlasted its Disneyland cousin, it has been somewhat neglected in recent years. Despite this, both the Peoplemover and Monorail remain wonderful examples of the innovative ideas and inventions that Walt so often showcased in his projects.<br />
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<h3>
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGmC71eOaPmv0KiGI62_5JSJadAGTAiTJ0vlJVkg_89tqCbz4XM_ZDDdA6wnP6D-8JN67TpE9A_0rM9WICm_BcFRPcxVoGaUukgJ1wxJP7BIVnHDNQrx8XXuALvSsiMgjVMuDoacFpz0/s1600/2908211233_c5c8c5a5d0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGmC71eOaPmv0KiGI62_5JSJadAGTAiTJ0vlJVkg_89tqCbz4XM_ZDDdA6wnP6D-8JN67TpE9A_0rM9WICm_BcFRPcxVoGaUukgJ1wxJP7BIVnHDNQrx8XXuALvSsiMgjVMuDoacFpz0/s320/2908211233_c5c8c5a5d0_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Joe Penniston on Flickr)</td></tr>
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If there ever was a theme song that could encompass Walt's life and who he was, "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" would be it. As the Carousel of Progress has changed and moved over the years, first from the Progressland Pavilion at the World's Fair in '64 to its home in Disneyland's Tomorrowland, then to Walt Disney World when GE felt it was time to tap into a new audience on the East Coast, it has never truly lost its very real and very powerful connection that it has with Walt Disney and all it represented. Even though the final scene is outdated and the GE appliance advertisements have been replaced with a mediocre sitcom in the script, as long as that wonderfully unique theater is still rotating in Tomorrowland, Walt's presence will always be alive and well somewhere in the World dedicated to him.<br />
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<h3>
Progress City and the Original E.P.C.O.T.</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Cory Doctorow on Flickr)</td></tr>
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At last, we come to the one thing in all of Walt Disney World that can claim the most powerful connection by far to Walt; a piece of <i>the </i>original Progress City model. The model that now resides in a dark and quiet corner of a Peoplemover showbuilding was once part of the magnificent Progress City model that resided on the second floor of the Carousel of Progress building at Disneyland. This powerful, bold, and delightfully kinetic model was filled with painstakingly detailed buildings and landscaping, moving cars and vehicles, and an electrician's cornucopia of lights. Only a fraction of this model exists today, but in the face of being overlooked and in need of some TLC, this part of Progress City that figuratively and literally has Walt's fingerprints on it continues to be a powerful physical and spiritual link between Walt Disney World and the man himself.<br />
<br />
This model also represents one of the last physical conceptions remaining of Walt's most powerful yet unrealized dream; his Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. An actual city never came to be at WDW, but the theme park that rose from its ashes was genuinely sublime. In its prime, EPCOT Center was an optimistic and futuristic force to be reckoned with, combining Walt's vision of American free enterprise and international cultures showcasing their very best with some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring work that WED Enterprises (the original Imagineers) ever did. EPCOT Center sought to be, and for a time was a transformative center of learning and culture for all the world. EPCOT Center lit the spark of many of today's great thinkers, inventors, and scientists. The tide has long since ebbed for EPCOT Center, but it will be hard indeed for the world to forget the brilliant attractions and concepts that resided there and the truly remarkable effect it had on today's society and livelihood. The theme park with the amazing geodesic sphere was not Walt's city, but the same brilliant concepts, themes and ideas that Walt had made the beating pulse of his E.P.C.O.T. were reincarnated beautifully in EPCOT Center.<br />
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<h4>
I hope you've all enjoyed this look at just a few of the incredible things that Walt accomplished in his lifetime and beyond. May his spirit and soul live on, if not at the Disney company, in our hearts and memories of the experiences and dreams that Walt made come true for all of us.</h4>
<h4>
Happy Birthday Walt</h4>
<h4>
December 5th, 1901 - December 15th, 1966</h4>
Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-55238446460443283562017-11-19T18:21:00.002-08:002018-07-13T19:30:47.307-07:00Happy Thanksgiving and Happy First Anniversary for Haunted Serenade: Five Overlooked Walt Disney World Attractions I Am Grateful Are Still AroundIt has now been a year (and a few days) since I published my first writings on Haunted Serenade, a tribute to
masterpieces and strange things alike at Walt Disney World and regions
beyond. As it is getting very close to Thanksgiving, that wonderful day of counting blessings, I thought I should express my thanks and gratitude for some of my own. To everyone who has taken the time to read and express their thoughts and appreciation of this blog, thank you. Your praise, thanks, and opinions have been nothing short of wonderful for me to see. I hope you all have an amazing Thanksgiving, and I look forward to sharing more of my thoughts and musings on some WDW's greatest or overlooked attractions and more!<br />
<br />
Another thing I felt I should express my thanks for is those few remaining Walt Disney World attractions that are often overlooked but are childhood favorites of mine that are still alive and well at their respective theme parks in the World. Without further ado, here are five of the most underrated but personally beloved attractions that I am grateful are still alive:<br />
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<h3>
#5: WEDWAY Peoplemover</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Joe Penniston on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Rain or shine, daytime and <i>especially </i>nighttime, the Peoplemover has always been a reliable old friend, one of the most relaxing and comfortable attractions in the entire Disney World. The covered and sturdily supported track eliminates any fear of heights, and combines a gentle motion, a relatively quiet atmosphere, and wonderful looks at the attractions of the land to produce a singularly relaxing ride. It's particularly wonderful at nighttime after a long, sweaty and exhausting trip around the Kingdom, just the perfect kind of ride to put up your feet on and relax, especially if the obnoxiously loud Tomorrowland dance party is not performing. But no matter the time of day or night, the breeze from the motion of the Peoplemover and the dark and calming trips inside the show buildings are a much-needed respite from the brutal Florida climate. A preview of Buzz LightYear's Space Ranger Spin and a look of part of Walt Disney's original Progress City model are both wonderful, but the trip inside Space Mountain is undoubtedly the highlight of this experience. Otherworldly and soothing music from outer space accompanies glimpses of the lift hills, the incredible post-show dioramas, and a previously amazing look at the ride itself that unfortunately is now too dark to see much but still hints at the thrills and terrors of Space Mountain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Hector A Parayuelos on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Both the Magic Kingdom and the guests that enjoy it are very fortunate that the WDW Peoplemover has chugged along long after Disneyland's Peoplemover was first transformed into the disastrous Rocket Rods and then completely abandoned. The countless days and nights I've traveled up those conveyor belts to that platform underneath Astro Orbiter and been whisked away on the most pleasant and relaxing ride in the Magic Kingdom is one of the greatest pleasures I've ever had in visiting the Magic Kingdom. The Peoplemover continues to provide true magic on my vacations even as less and less of that magic is present in much of Walt Disney World, and for that I am most thankful.<br />
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<h3>
#4: Gran Fiesta Tour</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrXVT-pYGN0DQ4tNzpVKsC6j4QFkKQwNE1Fu6o36bf3xYykQR_9dxllFLmNXfBbwAhSmwfPv9C-kxkRZTaWFplQ6Beswx8jV7eaAxq_lPdsY60cJRlJ11983p6hxRA4eJDvkzSGyOqzE/s1600/15742825615_23a1d71dbe_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrXVT-pYGN0DQ4tNzpVKsC6j4QFkKQwNE1Fu6o36bf3xYykQR_9dxllFLmNXfBbwAhSmwfPv9C-kxkRZTaWFplQ6Beswx8jV7eaAxq_lPdsY60cJRlJ11983p6hxRA4eJDvkzSGyOqzE/s400/15742825615_23a1d71dbe_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Rain0975 on Flickr)</td></tr>
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This may be a surprising inclusion for those who have considered this attraction in a lesser form after its conversion from El Rio Del Tiempo to Gran Fiesta Tour. But as I mentioned in <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/05/happy-cinco-de-mayo-el-rio-del-tiempo.html">my detailed comparison of both attractions and their success,</a> I have every bit as much to love about Gran Fiesta Tour as I did El Rio Del Tiempo. Namely, one of the greatest yet understated scenes in a Disney boat ride I have ever experienced; the few moments of silently gliding through a dark, thick jungle, and emerging in that amazing lagoon with the Mayan pyramid, and the fiery volcano in the distance. This scene is one of the most comparable things in WDW to the sublime Blue Bayou in Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean, and it basks in that same incredible atmosphere of scenery and darkness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ipeckZ_9MEBaZDw3cquP52V4CvsojbCkKnF-9qDKCdsSmBhTAFmiNdPdA4wIk7iNDW11p911zTeIUMGZeQVgWZdbZPSeKvR2_eu_suT1rn3yRZ90_Kg9Ylqzscy_UdvHKIQujeBXQSU/s1600/27325429486_49e52bc946_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ipeckZ_9MEBaZDw3cquP52V4CvsojbCkKnF-9qDKCdsSmBhTAFmiNdPdA4wIk7iNDW11p911zTeIUMGZeQVgWZdbZPSeKvR2_eu_suT1rn3yRZ90_Kg9Ylqzscy_UdvHKIQujeBXQSU/s400/27325429486_49e52bc946_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Another thing I undoubtedly enjoy about this attraction is the starring role the Three Caballeros play. Although I am in general not a fan of character overlays of attractions at Epcot, Gran Fiesta Tour comes the closest to success as an attraction out of all of them, and it is nice to see old and overlooked characters such as Panchito Pistoles (the rooster) and Jose Carioca (the parrot) be featured in an attraction. Donald Duck also happens to be my favorite Disney cartoon character, so this ride can't help but be a personal favorite of mine. Gran Fiesta Tour also unintentionally continues in a way to inform people about Mexico and its culture; Dias De Los Muertos and footage of various real locations in Mexico figure prominently into the experience. All of this adds up to a fun, colorful, and enjoyable attraction with a great trio of characters that unlike Frozen Ever After does not completely ignore and in fact showcases the very real Mexico it is supposed to represent. That is indeed something to be thankful for.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWiKzeVRUjoHR4sHyxeYvlzpHOIh-i476Q8g3PKMcLfiFNWkp5zQyAnNIrm1WRj_wXqwe4P6KBDIseFi0oQ4wdK-4Gv_PFWWQbec1ejSFY2oe3M4EJHStpPG-Me6oqn7XbZomoEu4Z6w/s1600/5175722194_6b79c50d3c_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWiKzeVRUjoHR4sHyxeYvlzpHOIh-i476Q8g3PKMcLfiFNWkp5zQyAnNIrm1WRj_wXqwe4P6KBDIseFi0oQ4wdK-4Gv_PFWWQbec1ejSFY2oe3M4EJHStpPG-Me6oqn7XbZomoEu4Z6w/s400/5175722194_6b79c50d3c_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Inazakira on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, out of all the attractions in this list, Gran Fiesta Tour may be in the most imminent danger. The Pixar film "Coco" appears to be doing great in the box office, and it doesn't take a genius these days to figure out what will happen next. The fundamental problem with what would be the second IP overlay of the original Mexico ride is that "Coco" to my knowledge almost entirely focuses on Dias De Los Muertos and the Land of the Dead. If the Mexico ride were to be rethemed to feature Miguel from this movie, it would most likely mean that the attraction would be rethemed as well to mostly be about Dias De Los Muertos, and that's the equivalent of an attraction at the America Pavilion that only focuses on Halloween (I know the two holidays are not exactly the same, but it's as best of an analogy as I can make). This would mean that only one main aspect of Mexican history and culture would be represented in that pavilion's attraction, a questionable decision at best. I hope fervently that this does not happen, in part because of the reason just stated, but also in part because I still hope to enter that misty tunnel and see those wonderful Three Caballeros on the other side.<br />
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<h3>
#3: Tom Sawyer's Island</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2AzFqOviA-G5lhzvqbJPzuVBzTb9Bse_bgC-ohVfBwwRW6_uMliUT0rAFxy2CUk1ITQyvaUOi7mVb-NqZ07n3Yfp8Lym_30xAu1i5eSO4oeX2qy6WPKusJKypbqmrNKuYq9WzboLkL8/s1600/8664412830_f4b07e7457_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2AzFqOviA-G5lhzvqbJPzuVBzTb9Bse_bgC-ohVfBwwRW6_uMliUT0rAFxy2CUk1ITQyvaUOi7mVb-NqZ07n3Yfp8Lym_30xAu1i5eSO4oeX2qy6WPKusJKypbqmrNKuYq9WzboLkL8/s400/8664412830_f4b07e7457_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Rain0975 on Flickr)</td></tr>
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I bet you can feel the motion of the raft taking you to Tom Sawyer's Island right now. I know I can. I feel sorry for anyone who hasn't boarded a raft named after Tom himself or one of his friends and made for the island across the Rivers of America. From the moment you step off the raft and start exploring the island, there's no limit to the adventure or relaxation you seek. Whether you sit down on a barrel and play rustic checkers with a friend, precariously cross the unpredictable floating barrel bridge, venture into the abandoned, creaky Harper's Mill, or try to scare each other stiff in the dark and eerie tunnels and caverns beneath the island, there is always something to do, a path to walk, and a way to relax. Isolated from the rest of the Kingdom by the Rivers of America, you can enjoy the quiet, shaded woods of Tom Sawyer's hideaway as you watch the Liberty Belle sail by or the wild trains speeding on Big Thunder Mountain in the distance. If the last raft didn't return to the mainland well before sunset, you could spend all day and all night on this island and may still not do or see everything that's there. Fort Longhorn in particular is a playground for child and adult alike; junior cowboys and Indians would be at home running around while the parents admired the dioramas of fort life within its walls. There are even mock rifles to shoot with! Tom Sawyer's Island is a veritable treasure of adventure and fun in all forms, and I am thankful for the many times I've gotten to go on whatever adventure I wanted to have in that wonderful place.<br />
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<h3>
#2: Living With The Land</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidot0GVi_w73kNLTTxEjY7skFkHz62ARVb8ud23RxJCoCGJiS_IESz5fFzb4D81_Y4uZi_C1_qGaCozVcc6enlMHmHOdZ_PpJv1iFBwUuhQzMXXUBmp8_Nh6h-fB15vcrfzGt76K7z81k/s1600/5706789001_c67bf74bb1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidot0GVi_w73kNLTTxEjY7skFkHz62ARVb8ud23RxJCoCGJiS_IESz5fFzb4D81_Y4uZi_C1_qGaCozVcc6enlMHmHOdZ_PpJv1iFBwUuhQzMXXUBmp8_Nh6h-fB15vcrfzGt76K7z81k/s400/5706789001_c67bf74bb1_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Hector A Parayuelos on Flickr)</td></tr>
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By all accounts, the mere fact that this Epcot attraction is still alive is a miraculous and joyous thing. Of all the attractions in the original Future World that truly strove to entertain, inform, and inspire, this is the only one still left. In a world without Horizons, the original Journey Into Imagination, World Of Motion, the Nemo-less Living Seas, and Universe of Energy, Living With the Land is still alive and well, its refurbishment in 1994 updating it rather then ruining it. While the ride still has the misfortune of having part of it become outdated by about two decades, that is a far better fate then being gutted and replaced with a shell of itself or outright demolished. Those guests who step into one of those beautiful canopy-covered boats end up experiencing the last true bastion of EPCOT Center and its dreams and ideals. The ride itself is neat. The dioramas of a thunderstorm, tropical rainforest, desert and prairie are all wonderful works of classic Imagineering from the WED era. The living greenhouses, aquariums and laboratory, completely unique experiences in an attraction that set it apart from its peers in Future World, boasts a mind-boggling array of plants, crops, and aquamarine life, not only displaying great advances and experiments in agriculture and aquaculture, but also contributing to the supply of ingredients for meals served at Walt Disney World. While it is a shame that this in particular is where the out of date parts show, hanging plants and hybrid agriculture are still cool sights to see, reminders of Epcot's original geeky spirit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK58ojqyDr3pzQRq-WaZaPVA8BxwLVNzDzZypvUcEm9bzPiel3UncM_3On1uvmOUqS4_erES9GiinvtmEU2uHQvDLaJ-X4sGXGgsNSrJWXQmlcd2Dp7b8x66FeHIA_0XuH8dyH60zDYho/s1600/3466266442_abbe3210a5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK58ojqyDr3pzQRq-WaZaPVA8BxwLVNzDzZypvUcEm9bzPiel3UncM_3On1uvmOUqS4_erES9GiinvtmEU2uHQvDLaJ-X4sGXGgsNSrJWXQmlcd2Dp7b8x66FeHIA_0XuH8dyH60zDYho/s400/3466266442_abbe3210a5_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Joe Penniston on Flickr)</td></tr>
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With the recent and painful closure of Universe of Energy making all too clear the demise of both EPCOT Center and the Epcot park that still strove to inform in some way, it seems to be only a matter of time before Living With The Land as we know it is gone. What confounded ride based on an existing IP will replace it? I don't know. But this I do know: I am especially grateful to be able to have experienced the last great and true EPCOT Center attraction, and learn some things about living with the land.<br />
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<h3>
#1: Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room (AKA Tropical Serenade)</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE_83oMcxryvhs9R4RdSi3DhyhKG-R2tQr3zmwJvEU-mTw-9cFQkACkxoSQw38Q7x6xx6qNZ3oL-JR0v5nj-l1fDSm7DIbU7Loc78UiW3TR7rxyt9fKTi0OiMeSlUusi_-KIkTeQKbh8/s1600/14673745152_c60de19079_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1100" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE_83oMcxryvhs9R4RdSi3DhyhKG-R2tQr3zmwJvEU-mTw-9cFQkACkxoSQw38Q7x6xx6qNZ3oL-JR0v5nj-l1fDSm7DIbU7Loc78UiW3TR7rxyt9fKTi0OiMeSlUusi_-KIkTeQKbh8/s400/14673745152_c60de19079_o.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Norm Lanier on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Were it not for a fire 6 years ago that to this day is still known as a freak act-of-God, this attraction would probably not be on my list today. This fire, far from ruining the Tiki Room, saved it from the tyrannous rule of Iago, a rule that was all 11-year old me had ever experienced in the Tiki Room before the fire. When I at last got to see the true Tiki Room, it was one of the best things I ever got to experience. The amazing towering pagoda that marked the entrance and the marvelous interior of the Tiki Room with its brilliant window dioramas of tropical paradise were already things I knew and enjoyed, however plagued the actual show was by the New Management. But I had never gotten to meet Clyde and Claude, that absolutely wonderful pair of toucans perched on the tiki god inside the waterfall before. And when the first few lines of "The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room" passed with no obnoxious Iago interrupting and descending from the ceiling, well, the true enchantment of the Tiki Room began. The glee club's cheerful singing and whistling during the first song delighted me in no small amount. Jose, Michael, Pierre, and Fritz made excellent hosts of the Tiki Room, their playful banter and one-liners showcasing the natural talents of the Tiki Room that had been suppressed for so long. When the wunderbar birdmobile descended from the ceiling and the girls sang, their song was a pleasant surprise: "Let's All Sing Like The Birdies Sing" was one of my fondest memories from the Disney sing-along films I used to watch constantly as a little kid. But it was when the flowers and tikis did their incredible performance of the Hawaiian War Chant that I really fell under the spell of the Enchanted Tiki Room. I sat enthralled as the chant got faster and more raucous, as the volcanoes and peaceful blue skies in the windows turned an eerie red, and smoke poured out of the center planter and enveloped the room. Then came the thunderstorm to punctuate the climax, and afterwards the joyful goodbye bid by the tiki birds to the tune of "Heigh Ho". It did not take long after I passed through those beautifully carved exit doors for <b>Walt Disney's </b>Enchanted Tiki Room to become my favorite show in the entire Walt Disney World.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSld1jCxS6pXWEUKZKZO9Z84zKZd6phWFMltpUZJu8kcpwZ5IV63hVXiTL_eSTN4ZY7rg6yID5sMi0wuQICHJJVf3ZM0jGDQDSjUN8BKmnYIboo2NX5w_oVBh5IM3nPCCDVx282_cppio/s1600/6308300046_35520ed8a6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSld1jCxS6pXWEUKZKZO9Z84zKZd6phWFMltpUZJu8kcpwZ5IV63hVXiTL_eSTN4ZY7rg6yID5sMi0wuQICHJJVf3ZM0jGDQDSjUN8BKmnYIboo2NX5w_oVBh5IM3nPCCDVx282_cppio/s400/6308300046_35520ed8a6_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(CarrieLu on Flickr)</td></tr>
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The return of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room to the Magic Kingdom was nothing short of a miracle, a stunning resurrection of a show back from the abyss in which many late great Disney World attractions have gone and never come back. But now, rumors swirl about Moana "joining" the Tiki Room, and it will remain to see if Disney remembers the critical lesson that the terrible Under New Management taught them about not messing with the Tiki Room. It would be heartbreaking if they didn't. But regardless of all that, I will be forever thankful and happy that it returned and is still around for countless guests to enjoy, and for getting the incredible opportunity to enjoy for myself Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room (and getting to eat a Citrus Swirl while seeing it!).<br />
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<h3>
The End</h3>
<h4>
Happy Thanksgiving from Haunted Serenade, and Happy First Anniversary Haunted Serenade!</h4>
Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-37266211521523118622017-11-05T18:11:00.000-08:002018-07-13T19:32:50.675-07:00Happy 80th Anniversary to The Old Mill: The Disney Silly Symphony That Paved The Way For Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A great number of Disney animated film fans remember 1937 as the year that <i>Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs</i> - Walt Disney's first and truly sublime feature-length animated film - was released. But not as many people know about Walt Disney's <i>The Old Mill</i>, a superb short film released in the same year, on this day 80 years ago. Over a month before Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opened to heartfelt applause at the Carthay Circle Theatre, this humble, overlooked film tested and proved many of the incredible advancements in animation featured in <i>Snow White,</i> and became an amazing motion picture and work of art in its own right. To celebrate the 80th anniversary of <i>The Old Mill, </i>I'll take a look at its history, and how it went on to pave the way for one of Walt Disney's greatest successes.<br />
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<h4>
The Old Mill, Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies, and Snow White</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Kevin Slavin on Flickr)</td></tr>
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In 1929, a ghoulish <i>danse macabre </i>captivated audiences of Walt Disney's newest project. <i>The Skeleton Dance </i>was the first in a series of bold experiments in animation initiated by Disney called the Silly Symphonies. These animated short films were a showcase for Disney's newest innovations in film technology, story development, and character animation. If the Disney animation studios had a new technology to experiment with or a new story idea to try out, a Silly Symphony was their experimental apparatus. For 10 years, the Silly Symphonies were produced by Disney for this
purpose. Most of these films featured a completely unique story, and
almost all were set to a wonderful musical score, classic or
contemporary, hence the name "Silly Symphonies". In 1932, <i>Flowers and Trees, </i>a delightful film about the anthropomorphic trees and flowers in a springtime forest,<i> </i>became the first commercial animated film to feature three-color Technicolor, a remarkable improvement over the two-color films of the time, and went on to win the inaugural Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. In 1934, the <i>Three Little Pigs </i>became the first major success of the Silly Symphonies, thanks to an incredible advancement in Disney's storytelling: the story department, a department of storyboard animators solely dedicated to the purpose of story development. By creating emotionally gripping stories that wouldn't let audiences off the hook, Disney produced many more wildly successful films long after the classic <i>Three Little Pigs</i>, which went on to win another Academy Award for Disney.<br />
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But perhaps the greatest achievement in the history of the Silly Symphonies were yet to come. In 1937, final production for <i>Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs </i>was in full swing. This full-length animated film promised to be truly groundbreaking, attempting something that had never done before in the United States, featuring truly spectacular advancements in film and story production. But, it also was an incredibly risky project, one that was already being called "Disney's Folly", and was predicted by many in Hollywood to be an absolute disaster. No matter how confident (or not) Walt Disney was in his project, there needed to be a good test of the techniques and technologies that were to be featured in <i>Snow White.</i> Thus, <i>The Old Mill, </i>a new Silly Symphony, came to be.<br />
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DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own this video; Disney does. Used for purely educational purposes.<br />
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<i>The Old Mill </i>became one of the biggest successes of the entire Silly Symphony series, and won yet another Oscar for the studios (a Silly Symphony won the Academy Award <b>every year </b>between 1932 and 1939!). It achieved great heights thanks to the unprecedented ideas and technology used in its creation.<br />
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A relatively simple story of a community of animals inside an abandoned
mill weathering a powerful summer storm was brought to great heights by
the subtle but effective introductions of the creatures that call the mill home, and the wonderful build up of the story to the raging
climax of the thunderstorm that threatens the lives of all the creatures
living inside the mill. The moment when the sails of the windmill break
free from their rope restraints and the mother robin and her egg-filled
nest are nearly crushed between the spinning gears of the mill is a
heart-stopping and powerful moment, a great testament to the emotional
connection the story developers created between the audience and
animated characters on a screen. <br />
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A greatly-developed story was not the only reason for <i>The Old Mill's</i> success by far. The multi-plane camera, an astounding tool that used a camera and multiple layers of animation cells that could move on platforms separate from each other to provide near perfect perspective in zooming in or out shots, was used by Disney for the first time in <i>The Old Mill</i>. Among the many other great advancements in animation that brought <i>The Old Mill</i> to life were the highly realistic designs and animations of animals, plants, and water, from ripples in a pond to splashes, reflections, and pouring rain. The latter would combine with incredible animated clouds, lighting, wind and thunder sound effects to form a terrifying thunderstorm that temporarily resurrected a long-abandoned mill to horrifying life and then stopped it forever. Lighting, color, and rotation of detailed three-dimensional objects would also aid in bringing a new level of realism, depth, and emotion to <i>The Old Mill.</i><br />
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<i> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5yZ5KVC62VFMFia110GsrQQfKn5BWBeF6-iiDh5EXquLSj2N90xXrvUO7phG_wAZYwby8jxpn1pkFeDwqUZRUJmglXJ1mW3z2Jon1TqcTCH3Mar3_qzZ-OdBIgrOyPRh0ayHkKDxW9s/s1600/16045388247_238d0d4e3b_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5yZ5KVC62VFMFia110GsrQQfKn5BWBeF6-iiDh5EXquLSj2N90xXrvUO7phG_wAZYwby8jxpn1pkFeDwqUZRUJmglXJ1mW3z2Jon1TqcTCH3Mar3_qzZ-OdBIgrOyPRh0ayHkKDxW9s/s400/16045388247_238d0d4e3b_o.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Tom Simpson on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i><br />
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All the lessons learned in the creation and success of <i>The Old Mill </i>would be put to use just a month later. The powerful connection between audience and film would happen again when audiences
joined Snow White in hopeful wishes, flights of terror and silly songs of celebration, each scene perfectly timed and sequenced as similarly emotional scenes had been in <i>The Old Mill</i>. A terrible thunderstorm like the one that ravaged an old mill on a summer night struck down the Wicked Witch to her horrible death. The wonderfully realistic yet softly caricatured forest animals that aided Snow White had a predecessor in the inhabitants of <i>The Old Mill</i>. And the lighting, colors, multi-plane camera and rotation of 3-dimensional objects that had created amazing scenes for <i>The Old Mill</i> was used in even more spectacular ways in the story of Snow White.<br />
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This December, in honor of the 80th anniversary of what I like to call "Disney's Triumph", I plan to write about perhaps the greatest film Walt Disney ever made, sharing my thoughts and exploring the long and deep connection me and many others have with <i>Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs</i>. But next time you think of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and the amazing film that tells their story, I hope you remember the tale of an old and not-so-abandoned mill that made it possible.Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-6943388628823600292017-10-30T17:00:00.000-07:002018-07-13T19:40:01.192-07:00Reawakening the Spirit of Norway, Part Two: The Challenges to Conquer Before The Maelstrom Can Return + Bonus Halloween Maelstrom Three-Headed Troll Jack-O-Lantern<i>"You are not the first to pass this way..."</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0SCikN2L3vgtBlUe_l-36_-gEpIg-XaGNnIqcaFqJTKPrY0bGdIxCuSOy81a8JkJq3A4cxwQxOF_JhW5kMPROzRTMUN9hIKJN5vMp4GgOFe35CG6oxUE_3oXMyAc7JqDHghVrl5966c/s1600/8626938046_b120289ff1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0SCikN2L3vgtBlUe_l-36_-gEpIg-XaGNnIqcaFqJTKPrY0bGdIxCuSOy81a8JkJq3A4cxwQxOF_JhW5kMPROzRTMUN9hIKJN5vMp4GgOFe35CG6oxUE_3oXMyAc7JqDHghVrl5966c/s400/8626938046_b120289ff1_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Jeff Krause on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<i><b>"Nor shall you be the last..."</b></i><br />
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Ever since Maelstrom, the hidden gem and signature attraction of the Norway pavilion at Epcot was closed and replaced with Frozen Ever<i><b> </b></i>After (an attraction that at best can claim but minuscule relevance with the real country whose pavilion it occupies), I have deeply missed the true spirit of Norway's presence in World Showcase. In the first part of my musings on Maelstrom,<i> </i>I shared my profoundly wonderful memories of my search for the spirit of Norway. Now, it is time to explore and conquer the problems that froze the Maelstrom over solid.<br />
<i> </i><br />
<h4>
The Challenges to Conquer Before The Maelstrom Can Churn Again</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnHPeru6TYikh4vyIRG1Mgkf5Z9OALbp3m-1dIX3U1ldyLRKAl9hWZADN1TSQXONsfHcj9KGlVkOkfvSgh8LJgP1NOpdWAw36QeUjNoVpnGzg9150f5AIWu1XFZizfXTM_M_pkeGYYms/s1600/15035097784_d509526224_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnHPeru6TYikh4vyIRG1Mgkf5Z9OALbp3m-1dIX3U1ldyLRKAl9hWZADN1TSQXONsfHcj9KGlVkOkfvSgh8LJgP1NOpdWAw36QeUjNoVpnGzg9150f5AIWu1XFZizfXTM_M_pkeGYYms/s320/15035097784_d509526224_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When it comes to extinct Disney attractions, there are three distinct camps of closed attractions. There are those attractions that were darn near perfect and should NEVER have been closed, such as the original Journey Into Imagination and Horizons. There are also those attractions that were flat out awful and had it coming (take Superstar Limo and Journey into YOUR Imagination for example). Finally, there's a broad group of attractions that each had a unique set of problems that factored into their closing but could've been easily resolved with a proper refurbishment. Maelstrom, a short, low-capacity ride with quirky transitions between the numerous aspects of Norwegian culture requested by sponsors, is most definitely part of this last group. No matter how nostalgic I may be for its Norwegian charm, it is important that I take steps to resolve the problems that plagued Maelstrom til its closing day before I can successfully plan to return it to the Norway pavilion. I shall individually address each of these problems and determine the best way to conquer them.<br />
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<h4>
A Note About Frozen</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3B8QQhJ8g85Vd7r8PtYIVNZtBOUZnUvuVx4ssVBUHJqfAMMIRXL5dkvgoJUo6Vesi-hQrkJ9AVYOx5JOeMxlPIedTdPIT4Q_kXIdKaptVHPJ__q_mz1nbDJOtU-uejeUVErBGaUfjo8/s1600/Frozen_ver8_xlg.jpg-9d7bd4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="770" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3B8QQhJ8g85Vd7r8PtYIVNZtBOUZnUvuVx4ssVBUHJqfAMMIRXL5dkvgoJUo6Vesi-hQrkJ9AVYOx5JOeMxlPIedTdPIT4Q_kXIdKaptVHPJ__q_mz1nbDJOtU-uejeUVErBGaUfjo8/s320/Frozen_ver8_xlg.jpg-9d7bd4.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This film was most definitely NOT my cup of hot cocoa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">It would be a mistake for me to completely ignore the role Frozen plays into Maelstrom's closing. Let's face it: an old, eccentric dark ride featuring trolls and oil rigs never stood a chance against the somewhat-related-to-Scandinavian-culture box office and marketing behemoth that is Frozen. What irks me is that not only was an entire country's unique history and culture eclipsed by a fictional kingdom from a Disney animated feature film, but that jamming a Frozen attraction into a cramped space not built for the massive crowds Frozen attracts denies Frozen fans an opportunity to experience a brand new, wonderful, and long Frozen attraction in Fantasyland. Although not a fan of Frozen by any means, I begrudgingly admit that a new Frozen ride, if Frozen proves its long-term staying power like all Disney classics have, would be a fantastic addition to Fantasyland beloved by many guests. So why did Disney choose the quick and easy way to build a Frozen attraction? Money can be the only answer, and a perfect explanation for why Disney executives said Frozen was a "perfect" fit for Norway when it was so painfully obvious it really wasn't (the recent closure of Universe of Energy for a Guardians of the Galaxy ride shows they don't really care anymore about whether an IP fits Epcot's theme in any way or not). After first having the Norwegian corporate sponsors sell their stake to them and then the Norwegian government not renewing their 5-year agreements to sponsor it at $200,000 a year, the only thing that was really stopping Disney from closing Maelstrom was the lack of a related lucrative IP that a new ride could be based on. Once Frozen came in, it was all over. But for my scenario, I imagine that the new Fantasyland attraction Frozen may deserve is announced, and with it the catalyst is provided for the grand return of Maelstrom.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>First Impressions Matter, or How to Fix a Queue</b></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3T9pHHoW3rZIiM_fusZeeH0K3iMINEuLGLHNtQ9yGDunmLEkK1XoT5Q4sFKkBUfVFgeZAEJ6Hv3FM_pmU0yDuRZWOjWN7ciMDTs8K4dVQnm9kOOSMUc_3Hsafzgf2l7D-HfT46OFXtLQ/s1600/Norway+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="480" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3T9pHHoW3rZIiM_fusZeeH0K3iMINEuLGLHNtQ9yGDunmLEkK1XoT5Q4sFKkBUfVFgeZAEJ6Hv3FM_pmU0yDuRZWOjWN7ciMDTs8K4dVQnm9kOOSMUc_3Hsafzgf2l7D-HfT46OFXtLQ/s400/Norway+36.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Special thanks to Jack Spence for permission to use his photos)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gM4UQDTU9aqoP2v9Y_4p21-tugGCj7fcFviVZKoOZw-XNg4Ws99SaydzeIya370M4wbUJM2eHFNzumchyfgEP_9siQLG936JB9agT8Wu4TmXUw7cKIZZwQtO7pIY9KEYzady03TGofc/s1600/15659105076_3aa82f828e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gM4UQDTU9aqoP2v9Y_4p21-tugGCj7fcFviVZKoOZw-XNg4Ws99SaydzeIya370M4wbUJM2eHFNzumchyfgEP_9siQLG936JB9agT8Wu4TmXUw7cKIZZwQtO7pIY9KEYzady03TGofc/s400/15659105076_3aa82f828e_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0wZiGrGgdKaoW4wssXBpHn_f3DqI8QhU_9qEy-OanWrhpTqms87V0jBSsv-Aoi25rxCiDvNrIqgRQX0Z1xfpMUI1wydt3eQ9D-U7O7SyR6cclm2AhpoKYnM2dPQd4EAvaCps-Y7X9Lk/s1600/Mural_at_Maelstrom_Loading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1600" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0wZiGrGgdKaoW4wssXBpHn_f3DqI8QhU_9qEy-OanWrhpTqms87V0jBSsv-Aoi25rxCiDvNrIqgRQX0Z1xfpMUI1wydt3eQ9D-U7O7SyR6cclm2AhpoKYnM2dPQd4EAvaCps-Y7X9Lk/s640/Mural_at_Maelstrom_Loading.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Elisfkc on Wikimedia Commons)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b>One minor but important fact that needs to be contended with before the Maelstrom can start churning again is that its original queue was awful. I mean, REALLY awful. Bare wood-accented teal walls lined with Norwegian flags and a map of the ancient Viking world was the only theming (besides the mural) in an otherwise purely basic switchback queue. The massive mural above the loading area, filled with people and scenes from Norway's past and present, was a wonderful thing to admire and study before boarding a longboat, but sadly the only highlight of a queue that otherwise did nothing to impress and build up anticipation before the Maelstrom began. Now maybe such an underwhelming queue made the cool but short ride that followed afterwards more impressive by comparision. But the fact remains that a solid introduction to a ride via a queue, taken to incredible heights in the design of WDW's Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain queues meant the simply themed queue line of Maelstrom left a lot to be desired. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_642OeoL8QsFsAxwiG3M0thkFFSYCHFpJMMDkAq9gruSenCD4MEwajbsLJ67gj-QZm6W9vIzTNvowbpqt4KIlylM_BVZs93Sn9lkto3cuBX7gh35sZrIYOnO9NfIN3cfQTiesydFD1uo/s1600/M%25C3%25A5b%25C3%25B8dalen%252C_2011_August_%2528Crop%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_642OeoL8QsFsAxwiG3M0thkFFSYCHFpJMMDkAq9gruSenCD4MEwajbsLJ67gj-QZm6W9vIzTNvowbpqt4KIlylM_BVZs93Sn9lkto3cuBX7gh35sZrIYOnO9NfIN3cfQTiesydFD1uo/s400/M%25C3%25A5b%25C3%25B8dalen%252C_2011_August_%2528Crop%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Simo Rasenen on Wikimedia Commons)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Luckily, there is a relatively easy solution. The original concept art for Maelstrom's load area presented a spectacular scenic backdrop. Imagine traveling through one of Norway's great forests, passing through majestic stands of ancient trees, and the mighty Scandinavian mountains towering above you in the distance as you board a Viking longboat. This was the original plan for Maelstrom's queue and load area, one which would make up for the short indoor line by offering an incredible backdrop that instantly transports you to Norway and hints at the grand adventure waiting for us once our boat sails into that mysterious cavern.</span><br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>A Longer Search for the Spirit of Norway</b></span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZkFCGrILQPrZWpXFCJ5wvbD1CJyDCBUwhaRihIOHIK2vethDd7RTKc41nfGUNvt3AlBKwo3JrdNYF6_jv6EhP3F2i690DncmdwBK8RGKjwV41at17YjBGRTNXlg4omsOpQ1vTdFQPlI/s1600/MEP433LARGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="900" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZkFCGrILQPrZWpXFCJ5wvbD1CJyDCBUwhaRihIOHIK2vethDd7RTKc41nfGUNvt3AlBKwo3JrdNYF6_jv6EhP3F2i690DncmdwBK8RGKjwV41at17YjBGRTNXlg4omsOpQ1vTdFQPlI/s640/MEP433LARGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Disney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>
</b>In order to conquer the second challenge in reawakening the spirit of Norway, I must remember the spirit of the seafarer, who sailed across strange and perilous seas in the pursuit of exploration, conquest, and adventure. The original Maelstrom, though underrated and great it may have been, was an awfully short ride, clocking in at roughly 4 minutes. By comparison, the ride duration of Maelstrom was about half the time of WDW's Pirates of the Caribbean (ironically also half the time of Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean). The brief ride time may not have been as noticeable if the ride hadn't had so much ground to cover. The original concept for what would become Maelstrom was a fantasy ride through Norway's mythological world of trolls and fairies, as guests searched for a rainbow bridge to Valhalla. The Sherman Brothers were even writing a song for it. Unfortunately, the Norwegian corporate sponsors quickly rejected the proposal; they understandably did not want their entire country being represented by its myths and legends alone. They requested that the Imagineers incorporate several other things they wanted to see representing Norway in their pavilion's ride: Vikings, polar bears, a fjord, an oil rig, a fishing village, and a troll or two. This extensive checklist of Norwegian history and culture was a very tall order for a 4-minute ride, one that it ultimately struggled to fill. The lift hill took up nearly a quarter of the total ride time, an absurd proportion. Norway's fearsome Vikings and terrible trolls, infamous icons of the country, were given a combined total of four show scenes in a mite over a minute (from the end of the lift hill to passing the tree troll backwards shortly before the Far North), and the Arctic, fjords, North Sea with oil rigs, and modern fishing village had to be content with one scene each for the final two minutes of the ride. This acutely cramped journey through vastly different times and spaces of Norway used time travel effected by the great god Odin as a story crutch for an otherwise nonsensical travelogue of Norwegian history and culture. The original ride had such odd transitions between these scenes such as traveling backwards from a Norwegian swamp to the Arctic and then to a fjord, and dropping from said fjord (a long narrow inlet bordered by steep sides, cliffs, and/or mountains) <i><b>directly into the middle of the North Sea. </b></i>The unfortunate brevity of Maelstrom, combined with its undeniably quirky experience, led to two camps of opinion on the attraction; in the eyes of modern day Epcot guests, it was either a cool, underrated, semi-classic ride steeped with nostalgia, or a boring, laughably dated attraction that was overdue to be updated or replaced. This division of opinion sowed the seeds for the high controversy that surrounded its closure and replacement, with numerous guests offering passionate criticisms and defenses of Maelstrom. But no matter the view one had about Maestrom, it was clear that both it and its marginally longer replacement were/are plagued by a short ride time.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5d323wzGtruqdS0H5Oc358BzcIEWOwaeVXM_LHbEhy83Tf1wguDLdePp126CQe9uaevkXgSX2dOIMdp06ar6rvjKE3zH6n1m7ne9GyF0nSHYiNqpcO5q6UPEEHUibNLVUIwvRB0qSXjE/s1600/DSCN7029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1600" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5d323wzGtruqdS0H5Oc358BzcIEWOwaeVXM_LHbEhy83Tf1wguDLdePp126CQe9uaevkXgSX2dOIMdp06ar6rvjKE3zH6n1m7ne9GyF0nSHYiNqpcO5q6UPEEHUibNLVUIwvRB0qSXjE/s640/DSCN7029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> </i></span><br />
In the above picture, I have drawn to scale the original layout of Maelstrom, including more general locations of the original load, unload, and theater. Note the sizeable expansion space (also to scale and carefully designed within the currently under-utilized backstage space behind the Norway pavilion) that I have attached to the back side of the original building. In the third and final part of this series about Maelstrom on Haunted Serenade, I will fill in that expansion space with my fully fleshed out idea for what a new, improved version of Maelstrom could be like.*<br />
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*This is no longer the case. As well as concerns about the accuracy and feasibility of the expansion space as shown on my layout board above, I have come to the opinion that a major expansion of the showbuilding would fundamentally transform Maelstrom and cause it to lose some of the nostalgic charm it possessed. A full explanation of my reasons for not creating or using an expanded building are explained in the next and final part of this series.<br />
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<h4>
The Spirit of Norway: Restoring a Neglected Film </h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1Ed470TVsXvSQSC1tnHG3ZooUKrbK4EIzQFo7qsfm1CDtnMbmCeerjxhY4eZPlrBxMvdkKt89wE00NZWw1MtPe0FCHF8mkqxYGNqq6jS515NtiitA_wrBEACYlQOYao49BuqXBxUS4s/s1600/3779189711_69e68441d2_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1Ed470TVsXvSQSC1tnHG3ZooUKrbK4EIzQFo7qsfm1CDtnMbmCeerjxhY4eZPlrBxMvdkKt89wE00NZWw1MtPe0FCHF8mkqxYGNqq6jS515NtiitA_wrBEACYlQOYao49BuqXBxUS4s/s320/3779189711_69e68441d2_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(michaelg83 on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<i>"To know this land’s heart and soul—to discover its spirit."</i><br />
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With these humble but powerful words, the Spirit of Norway film began to reveal the final part of the true spirit of Norway to guests. When the film first debuted with the rest of the pavilion in the late 80s, it was faithfully modern - the latest fashions and technologies made cameos in the film - yet reflected the ancient, primal spirit of Norway as well. But as time passed, the vignettes of modern Norway, along with the technology used to present the film, began to age. More and more guests grew tired of being held inside the fishing village in Maelstrom's unload area, waiting for the next movie to begin. An increasing number of these guests began to walk straight through the doors of the theater, skipping the film entirely rather then spending the few minutes it took to see it. Eventually, the theater doors were permanently held open, a blessing for those many guests who would rather skip the film, but an irritation for those who still wanted to see the film. But if the "modern" sections of the film aged badly, the rest of it remained as fresh and inspiring as it had been in the late 80s, and in my opinion, it was an underrated gem of a film, sadly neglected in its lifespan more than any other film in World Showcase. I would return the film to the Norway pavilion as a complement to the Maelstrom attraction, and give it the update it badly needed. I would use the blueprint of the update of China's Circlevision 360 film, retaining much of the same narration and footage of the original film, but with a complete upgrade to the film and sound technology, and the addition of modern segments to the film to reflect the changes in Norway's culture since Michael Jackson's "Bad" era (yes, it was THAT long ago). At the same time, to address the failure of both holding guests within the fishing village and perpetually open theater doors, I would construct a bypass path that would allow guests who did not wish to see the film to skip it without waiting or distracting from the experience of the film.<i> </i>In this way, I would restore the last and critical part of Epcot's representation of the Spirit of Norway.<br />
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<h4>
Conclusion</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Dennis D on Flickr)</td></tr>
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I have sailed the stormy seas of the history of the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, searching for the problems that led to Maelstrom's closure, and attempting to virtually conquer the challenges in returning the attraction, and with it the true spirit of Norway, to World Showcase. I readily admit my doubts (and resulting frustration) that Frozen will ever release its icy grip from the Norway pavilion. But I've mentioned the only probable course I could think of for Anna and Elsa to go elsewhere, and allow the Maelstrom to churn again. I've also scoured the greatest problems the original Maelstrom had; its queue, the length of the ride, and the post-show theater, and tried my best to resolve them. In the third and last part of this series, I will implement the solutions I create, and present my grand return of Maelstrom, fully showing in detail my new version of the ride, a bigger and better search for the Spirit of Norway then ever before.<br />
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UPDATE (June 2018): In the several months between the publishing of this post and the next part of Reawakening the Spirit of Norway, much of the ideas presented here have either been altered or changed completely in the final post. Part Three of Reawakening the Spirit of Norway features a presentation of my ideal plan for the resurrection and improvement of Maelstrom, some of which is much different than the ideas I originally presented in this second installment. I hope you enjoy the plan I ultimately ended up going with in Part Three.<br />
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<h3>
Don't Forget To Read the Previous and Next Installment of Reawakening the Spirit of Norway!</h3>
<h3>
Part One: How I Was Drawn Into A Maelstrom - <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/07/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-one.html">http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/07/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-one.html</a></h3>
<h3>
Part Three: Revising and Presenting My Ideal Plan For Maelstrom's Return - <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2018/06/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-three.html">http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2018/06/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-three.html</a></h3>
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HALLOWEEN BONUS! My Maelstrom Three-Headed Troll Jack-O-Lantern (Happy Halloween 2017!)</h4>
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All this writing about Maelstrom and Norway and trolls gave me the PERFECT idea for carving my immensely huge Jack-O-Lantern. I think the results speak for themselves. I was very impressed with how it turned out, and I hope you are as well! Happy Halloween Everyone!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b></span>Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-57038065460418562162017-08-13T11:19:00.004-07:002018-07-13T19:37:47.313-07:00The Curtains Fall on Hollywood and Dinosaurs Go Extinct Again: What the Closure of Great Movie Ride and Universe of Energy Mean to Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My feelings for this Sunday are exactly the same as Calvin's, but for entirely different reasons. I'm trying to enjoy the last day before the closure of Great Movie Ride and Universe of Energy. I decided to share my feelings on the impending execution of both rides and perhaps find a way to say goodbye.<br />
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<h4>
Farewell for Hollywood</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Jeff Krause on Flickr)</td></tr>
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The Great Movie Ride was both literally and figuratively the heart, soul, and center of the old MGM Studios, and with some TLC it could have been the same thing for Disney's Hollywood Studios (or whatever it will now be called). But instead, all of the amazing animatronics and sets, from Indiana Jones in the viper-filled pit of the Lost Ark to the Wicked Witch terrifying the land of the Munchkins, are set to have the curtains closed on them forever. The replacement? A "two and a half dimensional" screen-based ride that stars Disney Channel's "modern" and "trendy" (AKA marketable) versions of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and their iconic friends. The pain of losing Great Movie Ride could have been eased for me if it was being replaced with a ride through the <i>classic</i> Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck cartoons. But the modern cartoons, with their ugly, weird parodies of Disney's cartoon stars, is the basis for this new ride, and I am not pleased. There are so many ways the Great Movie Ride could have been refreshed, thereby keeping the central spirit and theme of the Studios alive for many more years, but doing things like Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway (I.E. imitating Universal) is how the company operates nowadays. The glamorous, grand Grauman theater facade will still be there to admire, but inside, it will be little more than a hollow shell of its former self. This development, combined with the off-the-shelf carnival calling itself Toy Story Land, and a Star Wars Land guaranteed to be choked by crowds beyond all enjoyment, leaves me with the sad realization that visiting Hollywood Studios anytime in the forseeable future is pointless. How many times can I go to a park that has Rock N' Roller Coaster, Star Tours, and MuppetVision among the best (and only) things it has to offer? Perhaps someday Hollywood Studios will offer a complete, cohesive experience that I enjoy, and I'll be willing and glad to visit there again. But before then, I'll have the wonderful memories from a spectacular journey into the movies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Meaghan Kelly on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(This, Alien, and Casablanca Joe Penniston on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Evan Wohrman on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Norm Lanler on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Ricky Brigante on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDSK4MJWdfOoonyLgYVp46CrIbNQM1XWU3-uz4k5sU8UvBlDuGAfCWrhJz5zgsbCaD4hfcxcQ0kuKnv_k04drPz9Jvrz8xy9I4PTFIi-kVHoCdlyfCG-F-fXt9ureTutj0k8XExqQxKE/s1600/35152137644_9279fff307_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDSK4MJWdfOoonyLgYVp46CrIbNQM1XWU3-uz4k5sU8UvBlDuGAfCWrhJz5zgsbCaD4hfcxcQ0kuKnv_k04drPz9Jvrz8xy9I4PTFIi-kVHoCdlyfCG-F-fXt9ureTutj0k8XExqQxKE/s320/35152137644_9279fff307_o.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorothy and her friends say farewell to the Emerald City and the Great Movie Ride before it all fades away like a dream. (Jared on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Just Ellen's Energy Adventure, I Guess</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToIPvc8Kl8tbd0p10JXo2rCNHcAvHQLIzYXH5_QaxyR-e1HPoPkbx2NH3mfW7t_AtCI2xoujIoA3D8PGh8bjKvmYCzo6LSJY8TG7Hw7h_P9lxcZMq9d_W9Xn0TGiiBvAzdgSi8t4qR6s/s1600/34917095070_babf8ecfbb_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToIPvc8Kl8tbd0p10JXo2rCNHcAvHQLIzYXH5_QaxyR-e1HPoPkbx2NH3mfW7t_AtCI2xoujIoA3D8PGh8bjKvmYCzo6LSJY8TG7Hw7h_P9lxcZMq9d_W9Xn0TGiiBvAzdgSi8t4qR6s/s400/34917095070_babf8ecfbb_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Mickey Views on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Don't get me wrong, Ellen's Energy Adventure BADLY needed to be updated or replaced, but not like this. <b>Not. Like. This.</b> Choosing to close and discard both the Energy ride and the whole concept of the Energy Pavilion, a critical part of Future World and the future of our world as well, for the sake of Guardians of the Galaxy is a far worse fate then letting the pavilion continue to stagnate and show footage of Jeopardy from 20 years ago. The closure of Universe of Energy threatens to extinguish the flame of EPCOT's original theme and purpose, of entertainment, information, and inspiration, forever. Keeping the original exterior of the pavilion will almost be pointless with the destruction inside, and especially with the seeming removal of the wonderful mirror tiles and tile mural. The incredible traveling theater, the completely unique screens that make up the theater, 45 minutes of AC, darkness, quiet and rest will all be gone. But that's not the worst part of all. The unbelievable, unparalleled, unforgettable prehistoric diorama, will be hit by a catastrophic meteor, both figuratively and literally, and its even more fantastic saurian inhabitants will go extinct just like their real counterparts tens of millions of years ago. What Bill Nye once profoundly exclaimed as the chance of a hundred million lifetimes will cease to exist, and I, Walt Disney World, and indeed the entire world, will be that much poorer for it. But hey, <i>everyone </i>loves the Guardians of the Galaxy, especially Rocket and Baby Groot, and Peter Quill VISITED Epcot when he was a kid! I could've, and still could throw up when I hear that pathetic, horrendous excuse for having something like Guardians of the Galaxy in what was once a proud showcase of the future and world culture. But by tomorrow morning, it will be pointless to gripe. The best that we can hope for at this point is that <a href="http://www.epcotlegacy.com/news/2017/4/25/2032-teasing-tomorrow.html">E82's Project Phoenix</a> is successful, and that in the future we can witness a grand return of the Universe of Energy, with a new and improved show looking at our energy choices for the future. I hope that on that day we can look at the Universe of Energy and say, "the passion and vision of EPCOT Center's creators and its fans made this possible." But until then, the dinosaurs in the Universe of Energy will be as dear to my heart as the <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/05/resurrecting-snow-whites-scary.html">crocodile logs and nightmarish trees in WDW's Snow White's Scary Adventures</a>, the <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/07/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-one.html">vikings and trolls in Maelstrom</a>, and <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/07/are-they-pirates-or-boy-scouts-critical.html">the rousing cry of "We Wants the Redhead!"</a> I'll miss you all.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FVW8sXvJTh83vibACmZY3ez-DbMsD_5Yx9oIshGzSbzEK5m8JVV6ieSyzG78pixGsFDehoXCwh7ZrxZnqdtfT4jb66WjhESvSkjDuciN-3QC-IkPMRolvJiXkLA_2JijbTKd4pLlb_Y/s1600/17950979895_fb90617078_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FVW8sXvJTh83vibACmZY3ez-DbMsD_5Yx9oIshGzSbzEK5m8JVV6ieSyzG78pixGsFDehoXCwh7ZrxZnqdtfT4jb66WjhESvSkjDuciN-3QC-IkPMRolvJiXkLA_2JijbTKd4pLlb_Y/s400/17950979895_fb90617078_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(marada on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBZPiTTHSnA7arpljznDtGEQKyoN53XO9vTsZk2KQcDniOVFwt8m7ec7fmlOyMyB3jOIN0SDRCGzmergkESmiArKhNvNVvbe56q2rQ_R50OQCSXaThm7ZhNOA-kK3-Jp9ux4vat6XuLA/s1600/8798081661_1d0f0e2523_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBZPiTTHSnA7arpljznDtGEQKyoN53XO9vTsZk2KQcDniOVFwt8m7ec7fmlOyMyB3jOIN0SDRCGzmergkESmiArKhNvNVvbe56q2rQ_R50OQCSXaThm7ZhNOA-kK3-Jp9ux4vat6XuLA/s320/8798081661_1d0f0e2523_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(CL Photographs on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdfFeIHQ3fnjHQj1xqyeiKKq8cE_kLbZXlN_bpBnER4CjGPOShekyfA6Ru1Pr7ERIIyJFcN20PA7e5_6j6ZIza4wmlW3lnZsCrJuqkl9Al9yzDZiFGvXDfquqld_ZH44j157dSKK3v9w/s1600/15712047086_e31a29534e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdfFeIHQ3fnjHQj1xqyeiKKq8cE_kLbZXlN_bpBnER4CjGPOShekyfA6Ru1Pr7ERIIyJFcN20PA7e5_6j6ZIza4wmlW3lnZsCrJuqkl9Al9yzDZiFGvXDfquqld_ZH44j157dSKK3v9w/s320/15712047086_e31a29534e_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Jeff Krause on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_cmhFAteSGzOU3v-pr2oppUOln7JTX8fzarYtL-IjgY09HzkZM_GvypINhhOXsq7MY4peig21_ayPp07fFMNg7JUyXoePGxQJUaH9qWsWmpnkovcH2pROmYLkqSqBCPZoRr6TMfm5x4/s1600/4421362152_5a36b25867_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1024" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_cmhFAteSGzOU3v-pr2oppUOln7JTX8fzarYtL-IjgY09HzkZM_GvypINhhOXsq7MY4peig21_ayPp07fFMNg7JUyXoePGxQJUaH9qWsWmpnkovcH2pROmYLkqSqBCPZoRr6TMfm5x4/s400/4421362152_5a36b25867_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Dennis D on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9n3B3GwOl6YtMo8b6N4kBLBnIQdkcX7TMcVp6_aAmhp8G1uHla1qEIEjkHtARkLREyZx7oL5ce58z1169DRDpihBK5smXA0hXU60z3yugoSns278ye-DQfQuKBowzZ-6AOLa0zsK7oc/s1600/15712085746_819c2442b6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9n3B3GwOl6YtMo8b6N4kBLBnIQdkcX7TMcVp6_aAmhp8G1uHla1qEIEjkHtARkLREyZx7oL5ce58z1169DRDpihBK5smXA0hXU60z3yugoSns278ye-DQfQuKBowzZ-6AOLa0zsK7oc/s640/15712085746_819c2442b6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mighty pteranodon looks upon his primeval home one last time before the meteor destroys it all. (Jeff Krause on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
The Aftermath</h4>
As the end draws near for them, I think of all the incredible times I had on Great Movie Ride and Universe of Energy. I'm happy to say that I did get to travel into the prehistoric world in Universe of Energy one last time on my Disney vacation in February, but I thought I would be able to relive the greatest moments at the movies at the Great Movie Ride on my next trip. I am thankful for all the times through the years that I got to ride through prehistoric times when dinosaurs ruled the earth, and to ride through the classic and defining movies of Hollywood (and see Trading Places in the finale). May they both rest in peace, until the day when creative people who truly care about Walt Disney, the people who he inspired, and the dreams he achieved are in charge of the Disney Company again. Then, and only then, can the Disney theme parks and the rest of the company as we once knew it be brought back from the brink of total ruin.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
RIP </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Great Movie Ride 1989-2017 </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Universe of Energy 1982-2017</h4>
Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-38858215913584821332017-07-06T16:19:00.000-07:002018-07-13T19:38:55.876-07:00Reawakening The Spirit of Norway, Part One: How I Was Drawn Into a Maelstrom<i>"You are not the first to pass this way... nor shall you be the last..."</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1L8ttTugECaJ5eeMmIhqVBTzWC7e577U9Hnoq-udd6k6ZRGLa0EvzwC9rzpe7cfWzfJ-YDZMpDrgKWc0wBZfJrbZS2YyFvAMzi-CFMW77HcNU_7fSrId04CSyUbSJhyjZ6cMI2Zpp2U/s1600/8626938046_b120289ff1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1L8ttTugECaJ5eeMmIhqVBTzWC7e577U9Hnoq-udd6k6ZRGLa0EvzwC9rzpe7cfWzfJ-YDZMpDrgKWc0wBZfJrbZS2YyFvAMzi-CFMW77HcNU_7fSrId04CSyUbSJhyjZ6cMI2Zpp2U/s400/8626938046_b120289ff1_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Jeff Krause on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When Maelstrom was closed and gutted to make way for Frozen Ever After, I took the above words of Odin to heart. I do not believe that the last guests to ride Maelstrom before it closed shall be the last to find the spirit of Norway. The attraction that held that spirit may be gone, but I believe Norway's spirit still haunts its former home, waiting for the day when Odin's eye will pierce through the darkness again. In honor of the anniversary of when Maelstrom first opened so many years ago, I will share the reasons why the spirit of Norway has so captivated me.<br />
<i> </i><br />
<h4>
How I Found the Spirit of Norway</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>"We have always lived with the sea, so look first to the spirit of the seafarer..."</i></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> </i></span></h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD0pyBgNKMkOjdQHxcEcSk9yqc2bJpZKSdnWib1KxGsaR0dx24u4xZB3zcOL3Oec2v45n1ul4eVS7L1dylUmUA4WcDMpGaaOeIG2DZ8_-WSJriCAEkZ_vIJPcvrQtPonRomDDhyphenhyphenPXr0w/s1600/14498719997_0d20ae32fa_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD0pyBgNKMkOjdQHxcEcSk9yqc2bJpZKSdnWib1KxGsaR0dx24u4xZB3zcOL3Oec2v45n1ul4eVS7L1dylUmUA4WcDMpGaaOeIG2DZ8_-WSJriCAEkZ_vIJPcvrQtPonRomDDhyphenhyphenPXr0w/s320/14498719997_0d20ae32fa_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="attribution-info">
(Mark & Paul Luukkonen on Flickr)
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<div class="view follow-view clear-float photo-attribution" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1499349429782_81940">
<span class="relationship">
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</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Vikings were definitely a significant part of the spirit of Norway. Coming to the top of that lift and seeing the viking village illuminated in flame always brought a rush of excitement. But this scene with a seafarer blowing a strange and wild call on his horn, with longboats in a dark and mysterious ocean in the distance, gave me chills. The flash in this picture may hide how incredible it looked in the dark, but this scene captured in an indescribable but certain way a primal and ancient Norway.</span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> <i>"</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>There are those who see Norway’s spirit veiled in a land of forests and mystery—where trolls still prowl the water’s edge."</i></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> </i></span></h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj2GLqASakAxRV7ThjC8xgkN6H-KmW82JTf5VkD1B96ABm0GYwoLVlj76DrSh9G-mmzwYP5tMp38HIcgGyahrJRfvhkzsP0r-DKXXZ-Mgb1U-zrflie7c5ad4CjIdjETM_AOv07Se-qI/s1600/MEP433LARGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="900" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj2GLqASakAxRV7ThjC8xgkN6H-KmW82JTf5VkD1B96ABm0GYwoLVlj76DrSh9G-mmzwYP5tMp38HIcgGyahrJRfvhkzsP0r-DKXXZ-Mgb1U-zrflie7c5ad4CjIdjETM_AOv07Se-qI/s640/MEP433LARGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Disney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></h4>
<h4>
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;">"What’s this? How </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dare</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> you come here?!"</span></i> <span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>"Invaders!" "Stop! This is troll country!" "Look
away—be gone!" "I’ll cast a spell." "Yes! Yes!" "You’ll disappear." "Disappear! Disappear!" "Back! Back! Over the falls!"</i></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> </i></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Long before an expedition on a forbidden mountain sent guests hurtling backwards into the darkness of a sacred yeti's lair, there was the spell cast by a three headed troll, sending guests back over the falls.<i> </i>So too did the murky swamps of troll country cast a spell, hiding a river troll and the unknown reaches of the forest in a tangle of snags, plants, and rocks. It seemed as though you were far away from Orlando, Florida, sailing through a distant land of forests and mystery, your fate uncertain.</span> </h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<i>"Before recorded time, Norway’s spirit roamed the seas of the far north and beyond."</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7vaJ8NEFKiKbja8G17syT3nd6ZDLArrlDrfzyokb8sfT6jOK8MKUI2GuOfXdWvXjELRV5UwI6VsCXHsRaFOBH6C4GGI05rUkEdp73Nik26r_evRKjsGMY4cYlRblQp1WGuAF3dPZNsE/s1600/8486754931_57a3c22d46_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7vaJ8NEFKiKbja8G17syT3nd6ZDLArrlDrfzyokb8sfT6jOK8MKUI2GuOfXdWvXjELRV5UwI6VsCXHsRaFOBH6C4GGI05rUkEdp73Nik26r_evRKjsGMY4cYlRblQp1WGuAF3dPZNsE/s400/8486754931_57a3c22d46_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(tonykliemann on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4l3Dsd4jETN3gA2d3OJzvu08yI_eLTrPIvBjRF_vveTuG0qLacVqMDQeT8yOYMSmrdStwat09EsK9LF7Ylp9MuPxjovVV8e98TG-fRRN1Qe-ig4iBgcLSst_949deUM9cMDyUrS7eqs/s1600/15158754768_a41b83b9b1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4l3Dsd4jETN3gA2d3OJzvu08yI_eLTrPIvBjRF_vveTuG0qLacVqMDQeT8yOYMSmrdStwat09EsK9LF7Ylp9MuPxjovVV8e98TG-fRRN1Qe-ig4iBgcLSst_949deUM9cMDyUrS7eqs/s320/15158754768_a41b83b9b1_o.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Tom Simpson on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is the part of the spirit of Norway that I wish I could have spent more time in. A journey to the "Far North and Beyond" where Norway's spirit roamed could have been one of the most incredible parts of Maelstrom. I wish the same could be said for the not enough but still neat glimpses of puffins and polar bears (that one rearing up was never as thrilling as the publicity picture above made it out to be). The harsh, icy landscape lit by a cold sun, however, was very cool.<br />
<br />
<i>"Today, Norway’s spirit still thunders in her great fjords!"</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD6jjuogTY8lSxDMEdRViMoX9c8Jpwk9YinlZQRgwiD-JUoNh6Qa5eSsb7TEPmA_m0XG6gsjRmhJOs5sjeyAOljLZfnR3iPf94_Im7XnbVA_oS8hZwzpJllrQNe9EoKBOhwII5ZcqKPk/s1600/5984400708_318f33697c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD6jjuogTY8lSxDMEdRViMoX9c8Jpwk9YinlZQRgwiD-JUoNh6Qa5eSsb7TEPmA_m0XG6gsjRmhJOs5sjeyAOljLZfnR3iPf94_Im7XnbVA_oS8hZwzpJllrQNe9EoKBOhwII5ZcqKPk/s400/5984400708_318f33697c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Brett Kiger on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaXC6_Ie6rFeMYxLK2T2mAMXeVOyNpk7WKgBXmUu94HXf2eGKnRc_CtuZFRt4A3G4EJ1ZjgFxB_asUIxZEgD4ya2OKDJgudTfm-yKBIiKFE_HT8T2f77lTqlL5kHBov9uhpqbDWGZvPU/s1600/10633855804_b94998b286_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaXC6_Ie6rFeMYxLK2T2mAMXeVOyNpk7WKgBXmUu94HXf2eGKnRc_CtuZFRt4A3G4EJ1ZjgFxB_asUIxZEgD4ya2OKDJgudTfm-yKBIiKFE_HT8T2f77lTqlL5kHBov9uhpqbDWGZvPU/s400/10633855804_b94998b286_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The great fjords and the forest upon them were a spectacular sight to see, a living embodiment of that wild yet majestic spirit of Norway. This was by far the most thrilling part of the ride; the boats continued to drift backwards, coming within what seemed to be a whisker's length from a horrible tumble over the waterfall that lay outside the ride. It was up to a grotesque and fierce-looking rock troll angered by our presence to decide our fate. In this incredible scene, we not only got to see the beauty and charm of Norway, but also at last face the peril and adventure Odin foretold would be found in our search for the spirit of Norway.<br />
<br />
<i>"Hmm, what’s this? You! How dare you come this way! Down to the North Sea with you!"</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivibWwPTRusg998KLG_UB0w8k15Pf2krgNQ9O6TCdNW1C66zoFzaIkJxoFdeJhuTsvEHjibq8Igy3ZHtXuvOTdcQEwsJCM3ZcB7XrsJn_NgG4rDX2YTzvNjrZtzVYRNx_gXVYZAf9t4F0/s1600/Norway+57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="480" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivibWwPTRusg998KLG_UB0w8k15Pf2krgNQ9O6TCdNW1C66zoFzaIkJxoFdeJhuTsvEHjibq8Igy3ZHtXuvOTdcQEwsJCM3ZcB7XrsJn_NgG4rDX2YTzvNjrZtzVYRNx_gXVYZAf9t4F0/s320/Norway+57.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxURiu1bjEJa9S8JTBjoVu4t94ebrJiJMUo0UkNBDWtuxjqb9xN-Xl4fc13mWqqdMolPLEdiNPX4zSGWfpxMHcNop8Yc_YZCZhO3OeOvQKb-I1vsZTAVBxOXRAg5Suiixi8sqk5iyD7PU/s1600/Norway+58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="480" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxURiu1bjEJa9S8JTBjoVu4t94ebrJiJMUo0UkNBDWtuxjqb9xN-Xl4fc13mWqqdMolPLEdiNPX4zSGWfpxMHcNop8Yc_YZCZhO3OeOvQKb-I1vsZTAVBxOXRAg5Suiixi8sqk5iyD7PU/s320/Norway+58.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Special thanks to Jack Spence for permission to use his photos)</td></tr>
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<i> </i> <br />
The dark and stormy North Sea was a triumph of projected clouds, thunder, and lightning. The feeling of isolation on a cold and dangerous sea as oil rigs towered like mammoths above the wake was masterfully engendered. The endless motion of the sea, the perpetual flames of oil rigs in the distance, and the din of a thundering storm all made for a tempestuous ocean, the closest the attraction called Maelstrom ever got to its name.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Norway’s spirit has always been—will always be—adventure!"</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmicp7-zb1t50XvyX1FwQ3Iuck9Iur8qKkUIVr4eqyn16hRIUzrcqFISsAGh4IwqfaoLRmdfprSy6jfluNfQVEaMLzEffH1aaVmF9YwMlIxbfmDB5rTjRq-QPMlZFYM1i0ZvQci6KRZ7c/s1600/8210497518_fbf18810b3_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmicp7-zb1t50XvyX1FwQ3Iuck9Iur8qKkUIVr4eqyn16hRIUzrcqFISsAGh4IwqfaoLRmdfprSy6jfluNfQVEaMLzEffH1aaVmF9YwMlIxbfmDB5rTjRq-QPMlZFYM1i0ZvQci6KRZ7c/s400/8210497518_fbf18810b3_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Jeremy Thompson on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOAeJfr34yquLXgyYcTC4CBPcgQd7rvRL2dCLlq-in5Fm87KACMFSF-721FlbVxctjcPRl7LFC9xTTKp6DA15tC2FQLc6DUCszajev4dvXwKUY3ooH9LlLzZMBpPg0roCDRE-55bI00I/s1600/14684893202_90ec4fdba4_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOAeJfr34yquLXgyYcTC4CBPcgQd7rvRL2dCLlq-in5Fm87KACMFSF-721FlbVxctjcPRl7LFC9xTTKp6DA15tC2FQLc6DUCszajev4dvXwKUY3ooH9LlLzZMBpPg0roCDRE-55bI00I/s640/14684893202_90ec4fdba4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Mark & Paul Luukkonen on Flickr)
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZtRehaHt4ZFiicX4u1p3wV9VK4Gtx1lURcQMuGpFSFIDEKdIYldufePWDg0WapmhZIS7gmqz-cBBIbkdz5SqKP1RX936sJOdBcfRSya74UAAf4Dv67xQZi61PR9dZmZto5cfHWAzY68/s1600/5023175912_eb0ee915d2_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZtRehaHt4ZFiicX4u1p3wV9VK4Gtx1lURcQMuGpFSFIDEKdIYldufePWDg0WapmhZIS7gmqz-cBBIbkdz5SqKP1RX936sJOdBcfRSya74UAAf4Dv67xQZi61PR9dZmZto5cfHWAzY68/s400/5023175912_eb0ee915d2_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Loren Javier on Flickr)</td></tr>
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The Norwegian fishing village was one of the most underrated and brilliant places in Epcot. All of the intricate details, from the authentic buildings themselves to the sponsors' names on the store signs to the conversation in Norwegian that could be heard from one of the homes, made this an immersive achievement on the level of Pirates of the Caribbean or Space Mountain's queues at the nearby Magic Kingdom. My personal favorite detail was the small sailing boat that rested in the harbor, ready to sail the waters of Norway and beyond. Much of the "modern" yet familiar spirit of Norway was captured here.<br />
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<i>"Our spirit—it lives in our people."</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt10_L8KrFaX2jljuGtXfIUTia1jYECIZnf9po87FtDVu3EfuoGQGfthhPIhz1r5zJSMTGLuScAX9f-ZTuD9l9geNQAl-6iFkujWSkX3k9SAjwn7siauLY39rbvw0RECzXB6meK32Ksw/s1600/3779189711_69e68441d2_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt10_L8KrFaX2jljuGtXfIUTia1jYECIZnf9po87FtDVu3EfuoGQGfthhPIhz1r5zJSMTGLuScAX9f-ZTuD9l9geNQAl-6iFkujWSkX3k9SAjwn7siauLY39rbvw0RECzXB6meK32Ksw/s320/3779189711_69e68441d2_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(michaelg83 on Flickr)</td></tr>
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I wish I could say that I sat in one of these seats and got to enjoy the marvelous "Spirit of Norway" film many times. Unfortunately, as far as I can remember, me and the rest of my family usually rushed towards the other side of the theater to skip it, and the one time I do recall us seeing it, we had to deal with my severely autistic brother screaming himself sore when the film got loud. I am very grateful for videos of it on Youtube. Though somewhat dated by the end of its run, this film makes the best possible case for how Norway's spirit can be found in its people and the way they lived.<br />
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<i>"Back! Back! Over the falls!"</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCLdE9JoJPvEQGukFGVvnxYx7gJAOZDiBJF07o8hp4d_4PSM2mOMZ4chdGAw44NDlmARTCBuUB1G2UPDNXMstBlFQBnI1Dem38pmPrJ-uEQx9kSNicEyDw5PZ0YCOMzPomQ2DOiiaf_Y/s1600/15035097784_d509526224_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCLdE9JoJPvEQGukFGVvnxYx7gJAOZDiBJF07o8hp4d_4PSM2mOMZ4chdGAw44NDlmARTCBuUB1G2UPDNXMstBlFQBnI1Dem38pmPrJ-uEQx9kSNicEyDw5PZ0YCOMzPomQ2DOiiaf_Y/s640/15035097784_d509526224_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Back over the falls and to the end of our journey we have gone. Man, what an amazing sight it was to see this waterfall, viking ships coming in and out of view of the cave opening. What other dark ride can you think of that used actual daylight in a scene to its great advantage AND teased a part of the ride in such an awesome way well before the beginning of its queue? Like Maelstrom itself, this opening was closed, filled in for the sake of a new dark scene inside. What a shame.<br />
<br />
Although the Maelstrom we knew and loved has been virtually wiped from existence and replaced with Frozen, all is not lost. We were not the first to pass its way, and with Odin's blessing, I hope we shall not be the last.<i><b> </b></i>The Norway pavilion at Epcot will never truly be<i><b> </b></i>Anna and Elsa's home. Eventually, if everyone hasn't become completely sick and tired of Frozen, there will be a demand for a much better and fully fleshed out Frozen attraction, one that can be in a more appropriate location like Fantasyland. You may call it wishful thinking, but I believe there will be a day that the thundering roar of the Maelstrom will be heard once more. In a future sequel of this post, I will share my ideas on how the ride could and should have been expanded and improved, while keeping intact much of the spirit of Norway that drew us all into a Maelstrom.<br />
<h3>
Don't Forget To Read The Next Installments of Reawakening The Spirit Of Norway!</h3>
<h3>
Part Two: The Challenges To Conquer Before The Maelstrom Can Return - <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/10/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-two.html">http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2017/10/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-two.html</a></h3>
<h3>
Part Three: Revising and Presenting My Ideal Plan For Maelstrom's Return - <a href="http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2018/06/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-three.html">http://hauntedserenademk.blogspot.com/2018/06/reawakening-spirit-of-norway-part-three.html</a></h3>
Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-81796013385437851312017-07-03T12:11:00.001-07:002018-07-13T19:53:19.678-07:00Are they Pirates or Boy Scouts? A Critical Decision<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GvTptuYihQtrt30mxwntGkne-ECUzG7reok7NMHUDLq5xLIXW2luMmEdKCXMEi_IAgGDZTUknDSSSFsdF_uwC2v3JND76vlP2RqNyDzyv3Oza2gMF_ZjHFFhDFABMYNLklWn5DKxwqA/s1600/12955883474_4381c7262d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="556" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GvTptuYihQtrt30mxwntGkne-ECUzG7reok7NMHUDLq5xLIXW2luMmEdKCXMEi_IAgGDZTUknDSSSFsdF_uwC2v3JND76vlP2RqNyDzyv3Oza2gMF_ZjHFFhDFABMYNLklWn5DKxwqA/s400/12955883474_4381c7262d_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"A scene where women are being auctioned is NOT acceptable in a ride about pirates! We must change this!" Said only the Disney company and people who think pirates of all things should be more politically correct (Tom Simpson on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<i>Note: This post originally had the link to a petition attempting to save the original auction scene. For obvious reasons the link has been removed. This post will continue to be a historical record of my opinions about Pirates of the Caribbean and my explanation of my dislike of certain changes to the attraction. </i><br />
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Are they the Pirates or Boy Scouts of the Caribbean? I'm confused.<br />
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In the original versions of the attraction at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, they were most definitely pirates. They pillaged, plundered, looted, kidnapped, auctioned and chased after wenches, and burned a city to the ground, all without giving a hoot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdabqAr_WL6Zyz-KfY3G3QfGunYddAC1yU0K4BggdBPfEVc6Z_c0SHEOkhNO4Lu6W3yEfkCf8766sbDhRGePYVSW1SUuWAd4MPEYcShvaAKEj2UpaYajyOBskadFXRY9DWR86vZazstY/s1600/WharBeTheTreasure_WDW241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="900" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdabqAr_WL6Zyz-KfY3G3QfGunYddAC1yU0K4BggdBPfEVc6Z_c0SHEOkhNO4Lu6W3yEfkCf8766sbDhRGePYVSW1SUuWAd4MPEYcShvaAKEj2UpaYajyOBskadFXRY9DWR86vZazstY/s320/WharBeTheTreasure_WDW241.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Just look at that poor man! We need to change him to a pirate and have his pirate friends playfully dunk him in the well!" Said no one ever</td></tr>
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In the 60s and 70s, and for quite some time afterwards, there was virtually no complaints about pirates being pirates. Everyone understood that <i><b>pirates were not nice people, </b></i>and that they did some terrible things. It didn't (and still doesn't) make sense to try to censor their bad deeds any further then necessary for a family audience. They sought treasure without rules of conduct; they took what they could and gave nothing back. They were having a jolly good time, but like their cursed skeletal counterparts in the caverns, they too would eventually pay the price. Both versions of the ride ended with the pirates either threatening to blow themselves away or die surrounded by their treasure in a blazing fire they started, a terrible fate for equally terrible men. But before that, they got to enjoy the fun of such exploits as kidnapping the town's women and selling them at auction as wenches. Through a romantic lens and Marc Davis's classic gags, guests got to see pirates as the rascals, scoundrels, and villains they really were, with just the right amount of softening (very little) of their exploits.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls6gVIxMTglDIPuXK57HENOQZlXnBnhKirdNVByHoAUpwS4ZKvnxAEIl_I-rOTfvCxn6Ltlfe6pvrUIqb5J05UFH6AKJa1l58LK6xXvGEyjok9JxntZY0zz0pEXi4vhnnY-swTlYIBVU/s1600/7_2_67_POTC_HatThief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="900" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls6gVIxMTglDIPuXK57HENOQZlXnBnhKirdNVByHoAUpwS4ZKvnxAEIl_I-rOTfvCxn6Ltlfe6pvrUIqb5J05UFH6AKJa1l58LK6xXvGEyjok9JxntZY0zz0pEXi4vhnnY-swTlYIBVU/s400/7_2_67_POTC_HatThief.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Looting and burning is wrong! These Pirates should be doing community service!" Said no one ever</td></tr>
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Starting in the 1990s, the Disney Company began to move towards a much warmer, sweeter, pleasant child-friendly image. This was especially apparent in the theme parks, where particularly at Disney World, many weird and scary parts of the Magic Kingdom were either subdued or removed entirely. This was the era where at Disney World, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with its graveyard of lost ships and giant squid was closed and abandoned, Snow White's Adventures was made much less frightening, and a trip to Hell in Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was replaced by the saccharine adventures of Winnie the Pooh. This was also the era in which the company began to change elements of certain attractions to make them more "politically correct", and one of the biggest changes was a major alteration to a scene in Pirates of the Caribbean in which lusty pirates chased after women. Goods such as food or treasure were placed into the women's' arms to change the pirates' object of desire, and later it became the women who were chasing the pirates out of their homes. The gluttonous pirate who was too tired to chase a lively lass had his lines changed so that he either sought food or treasure, depending on the park (this pirate now holds the key and map to the treasure that Jack Sparrow is searching for).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RwKUXWnFXfURSIK67HlNQfcsL3ayygAxHnSitJSwU-HWH4rfKLLD_lLarH5kFmL2nvQTSpDnO_JZzvWUCt2PqU9GLqV9TOQfT4DIp609zvs4GfitzgtR-hW8_cnZAYrl_vSJdhqsykk/s1600/4x5_467_TR_P24_B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="900" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RwKUXWnFXfURSIK67HlNQfcsL3ayygAxHnSitJSwU-HWH4rfKLLD_lLarH5kFmL2nvQTSpDnO_JZzvWUCt2PqU9GLqV9TOQfT4DIp609zvs4GfitzgtR-hW8_cnZAYrl_vSJdhqsykk/s320/4x5_467_TR_P24_B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RwKUXWnFXfURSIK67HlNQfcsL3ayygAxHnSitJSwU-HWH4rfKLLD_lLarH5kFmL2nvQTSpDnO_JZzvWUCt2PqU9GLqV9TOQfT4DIp609zvs4GfitzgtR-hW8_cnZAYrl_vSJdhqsykk/s1600/4x5_467_TR_P24_B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MgxucG0L8xq3VP4RXIjWEoY31vjkiofryO9Qe2pYB0OPxqUNt21HJmEx8Xivba7WUTQdlYpLTwS9P_lCXTwBNWPGF7DLAN5DAWTl5aVaCQXjK5bmW7wEH-umy0J5um4T3xT_GwA7V74/s1600/199004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RwKUXWnFXfURSIK67HlNQfcsL3ayygAxHnSitJSwU-HWH4rfKLLD_lLarH5kFmL2nvQTSpDnO_JZzvWUCt2PqU9GLqV9TOQfT4DIp609zvs4GfitzgtR-hW8_cnZAYrl_vSJdhqsykk/s1600/4x5_467_TR_P24_B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7i7PTqtaJPPk3wvqO0TogPOm6p0OkLkpabd4eVTPu3beDVYlykAglZ1-uKLcSrVUWvPC1b_XZi6QcHlxNEh4UQXpxjvaG37BDWWf-H5i6pQIqjJ4JVgKiqnKdoXVQGSwISQUrlKD78c/s1600/DSC_1450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="750" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7i7PTqtaJPPk3wvqO0TogPOm6p0OkLkpabd4eVTPu3beDVYlykAglZ1-uKLcSrVUWvPC1b_XZi6QcHlxNEh4UQXpxjvaG37BDWWf-H5i6pQIqjJ4JVgKiqnKdoXVQGSwISQUrlKD78c/s320/DSC_1450.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MgxucG0L8xq3VP4RXIjWEoY31vjkiofryO9Qe2pYB0OPxqUNt21HJmEx8Xivba7WUTQdlYpLTwS9P_lCXTwBNWPGF7DLAN5DAWTl5aVaCQXjK5bmW7wEH-umy0J5um4T3xT_GwA7V74/s1600/199004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="597" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MgxucG0L8xq3VP4RXIjWEoY31vjkiofryO9Qe2pYB0OPxqUNt21HJmEx8Xivba7WUTQdlYpLTwS9P_lCXTwBNWPGF7DLAN5DAWTl5aVaCQXjK5bmW7wEH-umy0J5um4T3xT_GwA7V74/s320/199004.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4UBEXI-fIXZ6Y1qEzlowXXsM0RJOUrNarG5V13uecRkl-87CKJT2RZRRc5g2JuspPM7gNIfELLDzx52pXIukHGr1g59iJqURnoy0pm0JCYQDiFmMO6zvBxPi_heT28-uifM_3kkwBE4/s1600/DSC_3089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="900" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4UBEXI-fIXZ6Y1qEzlowXXsM0RJOUrNarG5V13uecRkl-87CKJT2RZRRc5g2JuspPM7gNIfELLDzx52pXIukHGr1g59iJqURnoy0pm0JCYQDiFmMO6zvBxPi_heT28-uifM_3kkwBE4/s320/DSC_3089.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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When this highly controversial change was first made to Pirates of the Caribbean, one of its scriptwriters, X. Atencio, called the "improved" attraction "The Boy Scouts of the Caribbean". The rest of the reaction to the change was split; some thought it was necessary to avoid sexism and misogyny, while many believed that political correctness was redundant for an attraction called the Pirates of the Caribbean. Strangely (and fortunately), the iconic auction scene was spared from the PC cannonfire, and still ran a brisk trade. For 20 years after they were no longer allowed to chase after wenches outright, the pirates were still allowed to purchase them at a legitimate enough auction. They could still admire the best item in the auction, who teased them mercilessly with her hypnotizing body and flowing hair. Almost none of the pirates cared for the stout wench who the Auctioneer was trying to sell, and instead yelled "We Wants The Redhead!" only silenced by the shot of a gun. Meanwhile, outside the eternal darkness of the Mercado, part of the world continued to get more politically correct and sensitive.<br />
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Not a week ago, the inevitable yet unthinkable happened. The Disney Company announced perhaps their most extreme change in the name of political correctness yet. When both Disneyland and Disney World's Pirates of the Caribbean close for refurbishment in 2018, the Pirates may finally become Boy Scouts for good. The banner of the Auction will read "Surrender Yer Loot" instead of "Take a Wench for a Bride". Illogically and confusingly, the Boy Scouts will take the loot they just stole from the townspeople and auction it to themselves, forcing the citizens of the village to stand in line to give away their treasures. One concession is made to fans of the original scene by making the Redhead a Girl Scout armed with a rifle and swords, assisting the auction instead of being part of it. But the <strike>Pirates</strike> Boy Scouts of the Caribbean will never be the same again; too many iconic scenes have been altered and compromised, whether it be from movie-tie ins or politically charged changes that create controversy out of thin air. What was once a genuine movement for awareness and respect has become a poison that results in those afflicted like Disney either censoring others or censoring themselves. I wish there was a gentler way to put this, but the auction scene is a classic scene, perhaps the most iconic part of the entire ride, and altering it to purportedly avoid sexism and misogyny<b> </b>risks removing the ride farther away from what made it great (the most bewildering thing about this is how selling women at auction is not okay, but waterboarding the guy who's the mayor of the village is acceptable). Enough damage has already been done with the previous PC changes and the nonsensical movie tie-ins. Both parks have so much to lose from this poorly-advised alteration; the already compromised ride at WDW would be muddled almost beyond comprehension, and Disneyland is about to drastically alter one of the last ride scenes Walt Disney ever stepped foot in and saw to completion, all to make <b><u><i>PIRATES</i></u> </b>of all people more politically correct.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI3LNSPf7G7rQM7j86qyBLYd1lJ5ozsRTZKH13r5AY-bRTinwaOB6iXMcMe-1-zuR6TGGXfAqKtONa2d1q7jnenTH8mpzW_Z7MSqHpbq-IBmsbsfXCmUN1qhLYpEQLqYWfSKXOr7hu9k/s1600/new-pirates-caribbean-auction-scene-redhead-disney-world-disneyland-620x222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="620" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI3LNSPf7G7rQM7j86qyBLYd1lJ5ozsRTZKH13r5AY-bRTinwaOB6iXMcMe-1-zuR6TGGXfAqKtONa2d1q7jnenTH8mpzW_Z7MSqHpbq-IBmsbsfXCmUN1qhLYpEQLqYWfSKXOr7hu9k/s640/new-pirates-caribbean-auction-scene-redhead-disney-world-disneyland-620x222.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will this be the future of the Auction? It's up to Disney to decide. (Copyright Disney)</td></tr>
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Are they Pirates or Boy Scouts? The time has come for the Disney company to decide. I hope to Davy Jones they're not Boy Scouts.<br />
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<i>Unfortunately, in March 2018 at Walt Disney World and June 2018 at Disneyland, the Pirates of the Caribbean came a lot closer to being Boy Scouts, and far worse, have become involved in one of the worst controversies of our modern era, something that should have never reared its ugly head inside the berm of a Disney theme park.</i>Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-8795533071843260952017-05-31T18:47:00.000-07:002018-07-13T19:55:24.089-07:00Resurrecting Snow White's Scary Adventures, Part One: Why I Loved ItTonight, May 31st, will mark 5 years since Snow White's Scary Adventures at Walt Disney World closed for good. 5 years since the last pocket of scariness in Fantasyland was boarded up and gutted into a princess meet-and-greet. Two years afterwards, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened up across the way, and the general public moved on from their memories of the old dark ride. But to me, Snow White's Scary Adventures is gone, but far from forgotten. I had loved this attraction for every minute I rode it since my very first trips to WDW. And if it was up to me, it would return in a spectacular way. In this part memoriam, part hopeful post, I'll try to explain why I loved Snow White's Scary Adventures so dearly, why I think it should return, and how I would have it return. In this first part, I will talk about why I loved Snow White's Scary Adventures. I dedicate the following to that attraction; may it rest in peace (unless someone decides to resurrect it!)<br />
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Why I Loved It</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdl4LHoEXqRa5w-9KbVgwTlvJ2EMKB6APS5hewqMIWmGglM7lCEdFgXIFMXCZP-_rayF5GCocCg0hMmPtO0d-zAqp21jkeT0AlWb9YP_HWEz8Kt9Ffblm86L6E3fKrMF3u3Cv2bIKwtE/s1600/7315639102_573c678cb0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdl4LHoEXqRa5w-9KbVgwTlvJ2EMKB6APS5hewqMIWmGglM7lCEdFgXIFMXCZP-_rayF5GCocCg0hMmPtO0d-zAqp21jkeT0AlWb9YP_HWEz8Kt9Ffblm86L6E3fKrMF3u3Cv2bIKwtE/s400/7315639102_573c678cb0_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(this photo and all others from Ricky Brigante, unless noted)</td></tr>
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Whenever me and my family found ourselves in the center of Fantasyland, one attraction was always nearby that was a perfect choice for our next ride: Snow White's Scary Adventures. For as long as I can remember, I was fascinated by that ride; it was hard to stop me from rushing to the line far ahead of the rest of the family just so I could get on it sooner. The blue and white canopy tent, and the beautiful mirror with the Witch and Snow White painted on it beckoned to me, especially when seen from the carousel.<br />
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Seeing all of the beautiful scenery and characters on the load mural was fantastic, especially the Wicked Queen and Huntsman who glared from a bridge above the end of the ride.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVCcZmZrgSD3nFQWan9zXijsyqdxHc-MeDlVFugEN9GMwm5xpK26y-0M-Wh8oRcqC_7LIlkYsbNeTIWcuCxKU_AvkNFUD8vol2gAR-OHQqjCsg0Adg5bJDvpvpNMtw4vkifJlMAvQGlw/s1600/7315648262_3ef3626e28_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVCcZmZrgSD3nFQWan9zXijsyqdxHc-MeDlVFugEN9GMwm5xpK26y-0M-Wh8oRcqC_7LIlkYsbNeTIWcuCxKU_AvkNFUD8vol2gAR-OHQqjCsg0Adg5bJDvpvpNMtw4vkifJlMAvQGlw/s400/7315648262_3ef3626e28_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Wicked Queen's castle, with its turrets and pathways set into the distance, and a stone wall with wooden doors leading inside, was by far the best thing to see while in the line. The anticipation would always build up fast when I saw the Dwarfs mine carts turn round the wishing well, then reappear from another u-turn and enter the castle.<br />
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When it was my turn, I'd step into a minecart, and off I'd go. It was a novelty every time to have the ride start by turning around the quaint Wishing Well. Seeing Snow White on the courtyard steps with the Queen staring through a window was an excellent prelude to our entrance inside the castle.<br />
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The Magic Mirror and the Queen's Transformation, besides being incredible scenes in of themselves, remain two of the most impressive illusions I have ever experienced in a Disney attraction. What commanded the flames of the Mirror to move, and how on earth did the Queen, whose reflection was plain to see, turn into the Wicked Witch as she turned to us?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjn0fhWj_jd7XnsuHbZ-jJejBLzTkG5VczBemz0jZipuzscl4dOk1Er1MgFuz-TS9CwrovQVlcQx-NPalZnchF5hB2gjBMOkkKTG7teqyngnRjy-VlzO2s868lbWEdk2mblApYW-H9Gg/s1600/7315642330_9be2e06cc9_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjn0fhWj_jd7XnsuHbZ-jJejBLzTkG5VczBemz0jZipuzscl4dOk1Er1MgFuz-TS9CwrovQVlcQx-NPalZnchF5hB2gjBMOkkKTG7teqyngnRjy-VlzO2s868lbWEdk2mblApYW-H9Gg/s400/7315642330_9be2e06cc9_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi-2QPEmsIZEyyo0HNS4diRh1UP2tOiOuh6_-LfmaDHEQkvKAjsNykS0_vwp98HhnrxaE_455-Xpzs3aycktzQGZJCzFES5RnT5o55qhvhvbGkW9yxS9czAcBwPQbBKuTlbCxrALoicw/s1600/7315645982_56a52055ef_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi-2QPEmsIZEyyo0HNS4diRh1UP2tOiOuh6_-LfmaDHEQkvKAjsNykS0_vwp98HhnrxaE_455-Xpzs3aycktzQGZJCzFES5RnT5o55qhvhvbGkW9yxS9czAcBwPQbBKuTlbCxrALoicw/s400/7315645982_56a52055ef_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjKLHhgUJtrlaTuF2oMoJrYNb4QX3olqV7nnDFv4SDcNMNGFgHMFdzOur5A4RxVHTFOigN50IziqwRO8SWVG_nqtDTCDU-uw5UavciQs3YNjzrpkhBkWprduEHFSWuE6lLftF6nisRQk/s1600/3497920818_9acb694133_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjKLHhgUJtrlaTuF2oMoJrYNb4QX3olqV7nnDFv4SDcNMNGFgHMFdzOur5A4RxVHTFOigN50IziqwRO8SWVG_nqtDTCDU-uw5UavciQs3YNjzrpkhBkWprduEHFSWuE6lLftF6nisRQk/s400/3497920818_9acb694133_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Loren Javier)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Then came the skeleton in the dungeon, the witch at her laboratory, the wooden crocodiles in the murky swamp, and the nightmarish trees in the dark forest. These are all things that should have frightened me, but instead amazed me. I kept my eyes wide open to see the nightmares, and scoured every corner of these frightful scenes for details hidden in the dark.<br />
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Contrasting but welcome was a sudden change to light and warmth, as a bright and cheery Dwarfs Cottage appeared in the darkness, and the doors swung open to reveal the Dwarfs singing their silly song.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0M5-YVJoy5_9wCsBjGwaqbfeJXt7DSYJomGjTFV7fJqOSfVnyKX4IdH7YjsqFRTOkYwYeuC4XnDRjphk4NEDv7HgAy8BwTRSnQxcCkDwSpLSsAw4SCk2hFOCAuZgyOyM93JIQkOD1iw/s1600/7315643718_7581480274_o%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0M5-YVJoy5_9wCsBjGwaqbfeJXt7DSYJomGjTFV7fJqOSfVnyKX4IdH7YjsqFRTOkYwYeuC4XnDRjphk4NEDv7HgAy8BwTRSnQxcCkDwSpLSsAw4SCk2hFOCAuZgyOyM93JIQkOD1iw/s400/7315643718_7581480274_o%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But the absolute best moment of the ride besides the Queen's transformation was the confrontation between the Dwarfs and the Witch. When she shouted "I'll crush you fools!" she must have meant us, for the boulder she pushed leaned menacingly down towards the <i>vehicle</i>, and it and the guests it carried were spared only by the lighting that struck down the Witch. The only other ride that gave me that same sense of complete immersion and involvement in a single scene was the Haunted Mansion with its ghosts that followed me home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZyb_XXL-lhTV0Jf8mCeTkfWWgzuDibDek2GawxODEh-wIUzNiP_fmPhNU5BJWitf9yjar6cfQkX9QngBTGSb82lZACAtVVJIYgC5K5n_Md9v4S9Uqo-RWRgxjlg9X8Ig-PIwGuLwGHo/s1600/7315643574_4e50cfcdfc_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZyb_XXL-lhTV0Jf8mCeTkfWWgzuDibDek2GawxODEh-wIUzNiP_fmPhNU5BJWitf9yjar6cfQkX9QngBTGSb82lZACAtVVJIYgC5K5n_Md9v4S9Uqo-RWRgxjlg9X8Ig-PIwGuLwGHo/s400/7315643574_4e50cfcdfc_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The happy ending with true love's kiss was a fitting end, mainly because of the powerful music from the end of the original film. Seeing Snow White and her prince head to his shining castle in the distance as the dwarfs waved goodbye was a great way to end our adventures with Snow White.<br />
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There was never any good excuse not for me to ride Snow White's Scary Adventures. Perhaps it was the fluorescent paint, perhaps it was my active imagination, perhaps it was my love of the original film, but
where others may have seen darkness and fright unsuitable for children,
I saw a masterpiece. There was so much beauty to be admired, from the painstakingly painted sets to the unequaled music from the film. Even the constant appearance of static figures
wasn't enough to deter me for my profound admiration of the ride. I couldn't believe it when it was announced that this attraction I loved so much was to be closed forever. Luckily, I got my wonderful but sad opportunity to say goodbye to Snow White's Scary Adventures. One spring evening in 2012, only a short while before it was to close, I went through the switchback queue one last time. I gazed at the load mural and its numerous parts, knowing I’d never see it in the flesh again. I sat down in the mine cart, and for the last time, departed around the wishing well. There is no experience quite like riding an attraction for the final time. I tried my hardest to see every last part of the ride I so loved, from the infinite elegancies of the queen’s throne room to every single thicket and scrub in the Dark Forest. Struggling to take it all in, I traveled with Snow White on her adventures, passing through castles and dungeons, cottages and mines, dark and light forests. It went like a blur, and yet, as long as it had always been. Soon enough, I found myself at the end of my journey, and Dopey waved goodbye from above, this time in earnest. In short fashion, I stepped out to my left, and left Snow White to live happily ever after with her prince.<br />
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By the morning of June 1st, Snow White's Scary Adventures was only a memory, its entrance walled up, and my beloved ride that laid inside was gutted to its supports. In a cruel twist of fate, the space where Snow White's Scary Adventures once was would not even be made into a new attraction, but into a princess meet-and-greet, of all things. Every young girl and their parents who has visited Princess Fairytale Hall since then may not have ever known about the classic dark ride that once stood there. Where Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and others now entertain their fans, bus-bar carts once took guests through a subtly brilliant attraction, where beauty and fright combined, Snow White and the Wicked Witch were both stars, and there were as many princesses, skeletons, crocodile logs, frightening trees that moved, Wicked Witches, and countless other things I loved as there are diamonds in the Dwarfs mine. I sorely miss Snow White's Scary Adventures, and it will always have a special place in my heart.<br />
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<h2>
In Memoriam</h2>
<h2>
Snow White's Scary Adventures 1971-2012 </h2>
In Part Two of Resurrecting Snow White's Scary Adventures, I will talk about why and how I would bring back Snow White's Scary Adventures from the dead.<br />
<h2>
</h2>
Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-52098104142843056042017-05-06T17:09:00.000-07:002018-07-13T19:57:26.188-07:00Happy Cinco de Mayo! El Rio Del Tiempo vs Gran Fiesta TourIn honor of Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of the battle of Cinco De Mayo, and of Mexican culture both authentic and Americanized, I present a battle to remember: El Rio Del Tiempo, the classic EPCOT Center attraction that explored Mexico's history and culture, will face off against Gran Fiesta Tour, its replacement that stars Donald and his fellow Caballeros. I will compare each attractions concept, execution, and future potential, award points to each attraction's advantages over the other, and add up the score to determine once and for all which attraction succeeds most at presenting the history and culture of Mexico in the most entertaining and informative way (in keeping with the goals of EPCOT Center). Without further ado, let's begin: <br />
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<h3>
Concept</h3>
<div>
Each attraction has a concept, plot, story, or backstory, one that is not necessarily the same quality as the ride itself. Questionable concepts can become great attractions, and great concepts can transform into mediocre rides. It is a lot harder to achieve the former then it is to suffer the latter. In this way, concepts are like ideological blueprints for attractions. In the case of an attraction for the Mexico Pavilion, the strongest concept would be one that strives to entertain and inform people about Mexico the most. </div>
<h4>
El Rio Del Tiempo:</h4>
Sail a river of time through Mexico's past, present and culture.<br />
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<h4>
Gran Fiesta Tour:</h4>
Fine feathered caballeros of the South, Panchito the Mexican Rooster and Jose the Brazilian Parrot, lose their fellow caballero Donald Duck in Mexico, and you join their race through the country to find their friend in time to perform their Gran Fiesta Tour concert.<br />
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Right off the bat, El Rio Del Tiempo scores with its straightforward concept; you are sailing on a river of time through Mexico. Gran Fiesta Tour's concept is an unnecessarily specific backstory, one that doesn't allow for a completely immersive experience but simply riding on a boat with a third-person perspective on the story involving the Three Caballeros. The River of Time takes this round.<br />
<h4>
El Rio Del Tiempo: 1 Gran Fiesta Tour: 0</h4>
<h3>
Execution</h3>
<div>
There is no straightforward method of determining how well an attraction is executed, since everybody has different opinions on what works and what doesn't work in an attraction. In my opinion, an EPCOT Center attraction should strive to be as sophisticated as it is fun, make its message clear without being condescending, and always trust its audience. EPCOT Center was initially built for a more adult audience, so its attractions should be geared towards adults who are still children at heart, and for children who want to be treated more as adults. And finally, an EPCOT Center attraction should above all strive to entertain and inform in equal and exemplary parts.<br />
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Of course, no modern <i>Epcot </i>attraction has been constructed by EPCOT Center standards. But EPCOT Center's message and the way it presented is every bit as relevant, resonant, and crucial to understanding ourselves and our future as it was in 1982. So there is no excuse for any recent Epcot attraction being held to different standards then the EPCOT Center attractions they replace.</div>
<h4>
El Rio Del Tiempo</h4>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-fU07hN6eE9h78U08WcJzSb57I8BGz_3uSQlBvQ0oB1nEQf0qguWgPBfW5r5prZZyEcH9uNOSw_sUONTaiOFsUU9RWpLK-WS_Zfj1AMIhmPtI8ezLjKY4CMEtdJigDk27Ex8ljoc5RM/s1600/15742825615_23a1d71dbe_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-fU07hN6eE9h78U08WcJzSb57I8BGz_3uSQlBvQ0oB1nEQf0qguWgPBfW5r5prZZyEcH9uNOSw_sUONTaiOFsUU9RWpLK-WS_Zfj1AMIhmPtI8ezLjKY4CMEtdJigDk27Ex8ljoc5RM/s640/15742825615_23a1d71dbe_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Rain0975 on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
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It is hard to find many other examples of an EPCOT Center attraction that promised so much and delivered so little. The elaborate and incredibly well-done jungle and Maya pyramid tableau at the beginning of the ride promised an epic journey on the River of Time, as mysterious and awe-inspiring as that Mayan temple, that dense jungle, and that glowing volcano in the distance. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrzXaiK56aIaVktOXACzhsnvHBFT3oQl3LjQLXIp7K4jdR2ls57ch-WFYVGUS5jW7sMIlLonkbA0cE6ZMY-ysKyP9nEcOGGVMscriJdQBeDKDSnYJhJNwbKv2W88jhi1w731hKUoeOCs/s1600/7382043206_f888c30924_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrzXaiK56aIaVktOXACzhsnvHBFT3oQl3LjQLXIp7K4jdR2ls57ch-WFYVGUS5jW7sMIlLonkbA0cE6ZMY-ysKyP9nEcOGGVMscriJdQBeDKDSnYJhJNwbKv2W88jhi1w731hKUoeOCs/s400/7382043206_f888c30924_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The entering of the mysterious ruins, a dark tunnel filled with mist and ancient murals painted on the walls, and a welcome to the Mexico of ancient times by a ghostly Mayan priest seemed to be a gradual build to even more great and mysterious places on the River of Time. But then it all went wrong.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUCRMP373qsBI0NVkuDZPLfDoKx0qatShbXbjvTz5Esn9k7u4iRM-YmAIr7Crj4-nmmfheU26OqxphZTYDalkah7z58Nv3l3gu7KoIUoi1mm2kZYyx09nFOJKJ_jQiQM67u8LgPC53AI/s1600/Rio.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUCRMP373qsBI0NVkuDZPLfDoKx0qatShbXbjvTz5Esn9k7u4iRM-YmAIr7Crj4-nmmfheU26OqxphZTYDalkah7z58Nv3l3gu7KoIUoi1mm2kZYyx09nFOJKJ_jQiQM67u8LgPC53AI/s400/Rio.png" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big thank-you to Foxxy for this picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVcGjqgCgKA5tjb07z9a05jjdPpfD84fI6IM89Rk1AYVwgNVaG5JreQzE__YS3RNTd02JdAYhRJ5wV-3n3S20PLVSKIiMufuTtA2Kb61Az6hyphenhyphenoVD7i9ZDermV8rsCz-p1VijGYpFnBGs/s1600/P02-0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVcGjqgCgKA5tjb07z9a05jjdPpfD84fI6IM89Rk1AYVwgNVaG5JreQzE__YS3RNTd02JdAYhRJ5wV-3n3S20PLVSKIiMufuTtA2Kb61Az6hyphenhyphenoVD7i9ZDermV8rsCz-p1VijGYpFnBGs/s400/P02-0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Doobie and Rebekah from Laughing Place)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Mexico of ancient times proved to be a Mexico of screens, with films of dancers and performers in Pre-Columbian attire that all too obviously showed their late-70s date. In a rare example, the Imagineers left too much to the imagination, providing far too little of an explanation as to what the heck was going on in the films. The films didn't even have the benefit of carefully constructed sets that put the film into "real" space, like If You Had Wings. So many myths and achievements of early Mexico, like the fight between the gods of light and darkness, and the studies of mathematics and astronomy, were lost in the confusing maze of interpretive dancers, film and ruins.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFdfr4ymB6dyJXZ09-CwSj_km-A0J3MP53MtBIeSnMUHEdjxQI3hrrGmWab3V5q8DU-aa_KzoFsH4thrw0NJduHSjwrS1XLs2qqn7lBvsiClo5_5zx2-olL1y0wf9KxMh5yMITJvw6wc/s1600/4366218293_9c9c7ec422_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFdfr4ymB6dyJXZ09-CwSj_km-A0J3MP53MtBIeSnMUHEdjxQI3hrrGmWab3V5q8DU-aa_KzoFsH4thrw0NJduHSjwrS1XLs2qqn7lBvsiClo5_5zx2-olL1y0wf9KxMh5yMITJvw6wc/s400/4366218293_9c9c7ec422_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(vmpyr_david on Flickr)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The next segment of the ride inexplicably could be summed up as "It's a Small World meets Day of the Dead", with a repetitive, cheerful song, animatronic dolls of Mexican children celebrating, and a bright and warm palette of color. Its best touch was a skeleton mariachi band that played on a bridge from above. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIM_TV-W-GE473ai5bcmtB566HR0xewpiGNZSfsLWL8BgIK8HJC-YVYTvtpD7QGNazd1HzVMqmp_7I17Ohph4GYMTJ4NsnhBLZO4A6BnTgQq4BtQPpDvmy4r6aQY0325XNCzoPh2nTRM/s1600/73399114_9d958b75f8_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIM_TV-W-GE473ai5bcmtB566HR0xewpiGNZSfsLWL8BgIK8HJC-YVYTvtpD7QGNazd1HzVMqmp_7I17Ohph4GYMTJ4NsnhBLZO4A6BnTgQq4BtQPpDvmy4r6aQY0325XNCzoPh2nTRM/s400/73399114_9d958b75f8_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Pete Toscano on Flickr)</td></tr>
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The rest of the ride had a similarly happy, simple tone, where happy Mexicans smiled and sang to tourists, and street merchants begged riders to buy their wares, all on film. The grand finale was a genuinely weird carousel of people of Mexico strung up as marionettes. The ride ended by going through a barely themed hallway, an unfitting conclusion for any attraction. <br />
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Somewhere between concept and execution, El Rio Del Tiempo was mutilated, with a big part of its original concept (including an outdoor portion) cut due to a need to save money on EPCOT Center. What should have been a unique and amazing representation of Mexican culture and history became an odd, constrained mix between If You Had Wings, It's a Small World, and Mexico, with a tone that later in the attraction's run could be taken as offensive to Mexicans. To its credit, I will always remember and enjoy the eerie and ethereal atmosphere (complete with haunting music) that culminated in the Pepper's Ghost Priest, the footage of real Mexico, and that catchy Small World-esque theme song. But as far as entertaining and informing about the profound culture and history of Mexico, it didn't come nearly as close as it should have.<br />
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Gran Fiesta Tour</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjkvaRs6DaCX7YqRK1Kc8VBytxqsGioDHTLzxGaB3E4qTSBHPSldRPlegxfeKDo3AlEMJu6Kq3EQac9_0ZRJzQLwcXs_YIAtIR_xYsWH0qwYSpl6tqycRKHnr1b6AVB_BqzgkXU-5rM4/s1600/2541198505_1d7ee54c5c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjkvaRs6DaCX7YqRK1Kc8VBytxqsGioDHTLzxGaB3E4qTSBHPSldRPlegxfeKDo3AlEMJu6Kq3EQac9_0ZRJzQLwcXs_YIAtIR_xYsWH0qwYSpl6tqycRKHnr1b6AVB_BqzgkXU-5rM4/s640/2541198505_1d7ee54c5c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Michael Gray on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Let's be honest; it wouldn't have taken much for Gran Fiesta Tour to not only surpass El Rio Del Tiempo, but also do a great job entertaining and informing guests about Mexico. Although like any other EPCOT Center fan I am extremely wary of character tie-ins at Epcot, especially after the butchering of Maelstrom and the Norway Pavilion by Frozen, the Three Caballeros are not a bad choice at all for an attraction about Mexico. Walt Disney created the Caballeros as the result of a goodwill mission to Central and South America during WWII. Panchito the rooster and Jose the parrot were created <i>specifically </i>for the purpose of representing Latin American culture, entertaining as well as showcasing their respective countries. <i>Saludos Amigos </i>and <i>The Three Caballeros </i>(both of which I desperately need to see) were very travelogue-esque films focused on Central and South America. It is not much of a leap to come to the conclusion that the Three Caballeros should host an attraction about Mexico, a Latin American country. Alas, I do not believe that was the intention of the people responsible for the overlay so much as quickly and cheaply tying in the characters to the ride for merchandise purposes. This is evidenced by the convoluted plot of Donald running off and enjoying the sights of Mexico while his buddies search for him before their big concert, and most of El Rio Del Tiempo being left intact, but with different content on the screens. Thankfully, this meant that the original jungle and temple tableau was left intact, and it still impresses guests to this day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg907sivDizXBucXfraNgRwoURj6apY8BwFmg0OlF-3NA0oieHh7yDxer__9YinFhlHop3UEi7tBf-3KQvHsed-pg2605-5lcWkRCrMHRuiK3v51JWCBmM1mzNHKi9xc8dG7G5Gx2xI8/s1600/5175722194_6b79c50d3c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg907sivDizXBucXfraNgRwoURj6apY8BwFmg0OlF-3NA0oieHh7yDxer__9YinFhlHop3UEi7tBf-3KQvHsed-pg2605-5lcWkRCrMHRuiK3v51JWCBmM1mzNHKi9xc8dG7G5Gx2xI8/s400/5175722194_6b79c50d3c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Inazakira on Flickr)</td></tr>
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Speaking of the screens, Gran Fiesta Tour finally gave them a reason to exist. As Panchito and Jose chase Donald all over Mexico, the vignettes of their story on the screens show all sorts of hilarious antics from both parties. I love seeing Panchito and Jose's close shave with a knife-sharpening chef, and Donald bouncing like a pinball off one of Mexico's famous diving cliffs. But my favorite segment of film is the one that replaces the street merchants. Now there is a huge fiesta where mariachis play and people dance while Jose and Panchito barely manage to keep Donald in their grasp as he reaches for a trio of lovely senoritas. The new film clips that replaced the old travelogue and interpretive dance scenes of El Rio are simply fun, colorful, and full of action, fitting right in place with the Mary Blair-inspired Day of the Dead scene, and the upbeat and rythmic "Three Caballeros" song. The only disappointing aspects of the new films are (1) they are constrained by the specific plot, (2) the entrance into the ruins was stripped of its mist, tomb and Pepper's Ghost priest, the latter two being replaced by a film that starts the adventure, and (3) they are still not in proper sets to give them a realistic space, meaning that most of the ride is an elaborately themed theater for a cartoon. But fortunately, one of those problems with the screens has since been fixed:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhvZeFNuhRwj6pP_ouI2naRHO6dOGCQHL-sMthejGFy4OlwTMMJh-ysAX3NlFIgTlBUVUJSvtn1We0zgdkKMqiuKw35YA38farPFJSCj2kXOLLuux7BcWUTsxRTA6L-1tHoOJFN6ymR8/s1600/2469311071_7b23a984cf_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhvZeFNuhRwj6pP_ouI2naRHO6dOGCQHL-sMthejGFy4OlwTMMJh-ysAX3NlFIgTlBUVUJSvtn1We0zgdkKMqiuKw35YA38farPFJSCj2kXOLLuux7BcWUTsxRTA6L-1tHoOJFN6ymR8/s400/2469311071_7b23a984cf_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gran Fiesta Finale: Before (Joe Penniston on Flickr)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gran Fiesta Finale: After (Sam Howzit on Flickr)</td></tr>
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The finale of Gran Fiesta Tour used to be disappointing too, as it was just another screen, a big one that replaced the marionette carousel for the grand concert finale. Especially with the abundance of screens and lack of animatronics, this original finale was a pretty mediocre way to end the ride. Then in 2015, WDI revealed one of its best surprises in years; overnight, restored versions of the original Three Caballeros animatronics from the old Mickey Mouse Revue show were installed in the finale of Gran Fiesta Tour. I got my first opportunity to meet these guys in February of this year, and I cannot overstate how impressed I am with the fantastic job they did with upgrading the finale of Gran Fiesta and restoring classic WDW animatronics to boot. This new finale is definitely a marked improvement over the marionette carousel of El Rio, and is a worthy climax for Gran Fiesta Tour. <br />
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Trying to set Gran Fiesta Tour against not only El Rio Del Tiempo but the standards of EPCOT Center as well is a challenge. A case can be made that the presence of the Three Caballeros to Mexico's boat ride drowns out all information and entertainment from the original star of the ride itself: Mexico. <i>But was El Rio Del Tiempo </i><b><i>any</i></b><i> better at </i><u><i>effectively</i></u><i> presenting the history and culture of Mexico then Gran Fiesta Tour? </i>Both attractions can claim to have a slight edge over the other; El Rio actually tried to present the culture and history of Mexico, but Gran Fiesta Tour, in my opinion, is far better at what it does with its concept then El Rio did with its own concept, and as a result can hold its own against El Rio. Thus, it is my humble opinion that Fiesta Tour not only executed its own concept better then El Rio executed its, but is at least as good at executing <i>El Rio Del Tiempo's </i>concept as El Rio itself was, if not better. The Three Caballeros win this one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-81wwR70zE8pMp9_yuuyOs3oIlJhd2n77Hk8kAvKppZ2dadlP98E3AbRMxF5_UzDxapJEgY92fZf09StMbDBC15ZHbDvBwiErxBYtFqGhyphenhyphen41KuXDU2mbVJi4q6QOdZdLUzLO8IG46UOM/s1600/The_Three_Caballeros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-81wwR70zE8pMp9_yuuyOs3oIlJhd2n77Hk8kAvKppZ2dadlP98E3AbRMxF5_UzDxapJEgY92fZf09StMbDBC15ZHbDvBwiErxBYtFqGhyphenhyphen41KuXDU2mbVJi4q6QOdZdLUzLO8IG46UOM/s320/The_Three_Caballeros.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Adios, Amigos! </i>(Sam Howzit)</td></tr>
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El Rio Del Tiempo: 1 Gran Fiesta Tour: 1</h4>
<b>Potential</b><br />
El Rio Del Tiempo was a ride with a grand concept it came nowhere close to realizing, but at least it tried. Gran Fiesta Tour did not <i>mean </i>to try, but did so anyway, and it may have made more progress then El Rio on that course with its irresistible mixture of Three Caballeros, Mexico, fun, color, music, and the art of Mary Blair. All the latter needs is to abandon the storyline of Donald being separated from his friends in Mexico, restore the mysterious atmosphere of that original ruin entrance, and redress the sets and films so that they look seamless with each other (and add some more animatronics, both Caballero and human, please!). I would greatly enjoy a romp through Mexico with the Three Caballeros, joining them as they teach us about Mexico, enjoy the country together and in different ways, and then reunite for their Gran Fiesta Tour Concert. I think a lot of people would agree with me.<br />
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But no matter how incredible an attraction starring the Three Caballeros may be, there will always be an inherent discord between the main ride and that mysterious, awe-inspiring tableau that starts the ride. When I see the Olmec stone head covered with vines, the simple huts in the distance, and the eerie glow that emanates from both the temple and volcano, it seems to be speaking an unfulfilled promise. That promise is of sailing a River of Time, where people and places from Mexico, both ancient and modern, come together in an epic journey that you undertake. Dreams of this journey could become reality, in the form of a greatly expanded, revised, and brilliant El Rio Del Tiempo.<br />
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I've tried my hardest to choose between sailing on the River of Time or having an adventure with the Three Caballeros on their Gran Fiesta Tour, but it seems no matter which one I'd choose I'd never be content with not having both. My final decision as of now is that Gran Fiesta Tour could stay with the improvements I mentioned and the Mexico pavilion would have a fine attraction, but if the Imagineers wanted to dream bigger, they could bring back the spectacular new El Rio Del Tiempo the pavilion deserves (and hopefully find a way to give my amigos the Three Caballeros an attraction of their own). What do YOU think? In any case, I award both El Rio Del Tiempo and Gran Fiesta Tour a point in this final round.<br />
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El Rio Del Tiempo: 2 Gran Fiesta Tour: 2</h4>
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Conclusion: Dead Tie</h4>
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I would love to hear your thoughts on this split decision.</h4>
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Sincerely, Kyle</div>
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Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-956716096996174853.post-80167333958866732792016-11-15T10:23:00.000-08:002018-07-13T20:01:46.512-07:00Good Morning: Waking up Haunted Serenade with some neat vintage MK Photos!Good Morning, and aloha to the blogosphere!<br />
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Years of going to Walt Disney World, reading good books, and watching countless movies old and new have culminated in <i>Haunted Serenade</i>, a blog dedicated to my thoughts on stuff like Disney, Calvin and Hobbes, and other genuine works of art. I'll also write about some of the greatest music I've ever listened to, from the score of <i>Soarin' </i>to Vince Guaraldi's sublime compositions for the Peanuts specials. <br />
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Though I now live far away from the Disney parks, their influence on me is still strong. The name<i> Haunted Serenade</i> is a tribute to my favorite attraction and show at the Magic Kingdom; the Haunted Mansion and Tropical Serenade (now Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room). I'll be eternally grateful to WDI for bringing back the original Tiki Room, and stunning me by how much better it was than the New Management I grew up with. Now I don't have to tolerate Iago to admire the Southern Seas décor or the window dioramas. However, it is the Haunted Mansion that truly blew my mind, excited my curiosity and jump-started my appreciation for masterpieces. From that first foreboding welcome inside the estate to the quiet exit through the crypts, the Haunted Mansion represents the absolute finest in themed entertainment. Unfortunately, it has been marred in recent years by the questionable actions of modern Imagineers, and I undoubtedly shall dedicate posts to my ideas on helping the Mansion, and other attractions I truly care about.<br />
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But today, I'll share with you some neat vintage Magic Kingdom photos taken from two of my Dad's vacations with his parents to WDW. The first batch of photos are all marked 1988 on the back, and they reveal some interesting details from that time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jKEf8v6U6sPenNqHmY9dv2lJC6zWTi84FjKZROmSuGD9YHvUYqCS5LllSl4dzQKvAR7Y1E4u8zkPRIk2nK42OzMkGhFwYadTliSS_7XP2857uY6KB_mGOlOzi9aCrhN-sFfpfkY270s/s1600/DSCN5017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jKEf8v6U6sPenNqHmY9dv2lJC6zWTi84FjKZROmSuGD9YHvUYqCS5LllSl4dzQKvAR7Y1E4u8zkPRIk2nK42OzMkGhFwYadTliSS_7XP2857uY6KB_mGOlOzi9aCrhN-sFfpfkY270s/s640/DSCN5017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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First, we have two pictures of the then brand-spanking new Mickey's Birthdayland. If only this had really been temporary! Not much to say about these except the flat-out cartoonishness of Mickey's house and car stick out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of the Magic Kingdom's architecture. Note the Birthday Tent plainly visible in the background of the bottom photo.<br />
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Moving on to the castle, where it appears a gaudy temporary stage has been constructed. I've never cared for shows on the castle stage. I want to be able to <i>go through </i>the castle. Unfortunately, the castle stage has become permanent as well, messing with the view of Cinderella Castle.<br />
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My grandparents must have loved the Haunted Mansion on this particular vacation; this is the first of three photos of the Mansion. In this one, those dreadfully misplaced trees are already a nuisance to the photographer. The problems caused by those trees in the front of the Mansion have only gotten worse over the years as they have grown.<br />
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Who hasn't wanted to take a photo of this end of the Mansion? That glass conservatory is fascinating and makes photos taken at the entrance of the ride pretty spectacular. However, I am not sure if this particular photo could be recreated; the hearse and invisible horse added to the courtyard may have taken this spot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSIrBUc-AYvMUckRq3amZVd9oHu3j7lgQOG6zD3USGdIk6vi0eGyC85a1v5mCxdwMVvN1FdOt4TK162HU61L0x8p8U_BmSYhi2SGqofUz-utBLnSoL9nzabUVSc2oK_nMT2ZhICRfFl8/s1600/DSCN5015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSIrBUc-AYvMUckRq3amZVd9oHu3j7lgQOG6zD3USGdIk6vi0eGyC85a1v5mCxdwMVvN1FdOt4TK162HU61L0x8p8U_BmSYhi2SGqofUz-utBLnSoL9nzabUVSc2oK_nMT2ZhICRfFl8/s640/DSCN5015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here we have a photo of the graveyard with some interesting lighting and shadows, making the forest on the berm seem inhospitably thick and dark. Unfortunately, that same thing results in only two of the headstones being recognizable; Brother Dave and Master Gracey (the latter with a mound in front of his tomb). The rest are either whitewashed in sunlight or obscured in the shadows.<br />
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The next several photos are much earlier, taken on one or possibly more of the vacations my dad went on in the mid-to-late 70s. Their obvious tint only adds to their vintage charm.<br />
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My dad posing in front of some of the famous topiaries that once graced the land near Ticket and Transportation Center; is that a hippo ballerina between the rhino and camel? My dad is probably only 6 or 7 in this picture, which puts the following pictures around 1977-1978, give or take.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUnnidzgZdaPf_HTOUEasGqeX4hP5as6cWy6UjpohcYaSzC7IitC1vbOXKxOzNsaRBAUpjHB0IlKgJqww9r3pWPwYmQOuPrwEyfJQhuWLXOUHuFukFi_1k33bj-vDqmrUtIBzcjsGVZw/s1600/DSCN5020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUnnidzgZdaPf_HTOUEasGqeX4hP5as6cWy6UjpohcYaSzC7IitC1vbOXKxOzNsaRBAUpjHB0IlKgJqww9r3pWPwYmQOuPrwEyfJQhuWLXOUHuFukFi_1k33bj-vDqmrUtIBzcjsGVZw/s640/DSCN5020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are gorgeous shots of Main Street and Hospitality House. Look at all the trees! Trees in the hub, trees in Town Square and all down Main Street! You can't even read the Cinema marquee because of a tree! This is Main Street the way it was, and the way it should be, with tons of unique shopping and dining, and all those trees.<br />
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<i>Hurry back.... Hurry back...</i><br />
We have indeed come back to the Haunted Mansion, in all its 70s glory! Although the aged and worn look it presents now is great, there are some nice qualities of this pristine Mansion, such as the ghost white cornerstones. Note that there are no huge trees blocking the view, only smaller ones lined up directly in front of the Mansion.<br />
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A keen shot of the Rivers of America. As guests wait to enter the Haunted Mansion, others at bottom right await the arrival of a Mike Fink Keelboat, while the Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat (which was accidentally destroyed and retired in 1980) returns to port. I love the screen of tree branches and shrubs framing this photo in the foreground.<br />
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Last but not least, a genuine diamond of a picture taken in Fantasyland. By sheer luck or pure genius, the photographer managed to capture a huge chunk of old Fantasyland in a single photo. In this picture alone is the old version of Dumbo, the Carrousel, a Skyway Bucket, and way near the bottom, the facade and sign for Snow White's Adventures. In the background, Cinderella castle's spires reach toward the heavens. This is easily my favorite picture of the bunch, as it packs a wallop of nostalgia inside its small screen.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this look at the old Magic Kingdom, and that you'll be interested in my thoughts and ideas for the Magic Kingdom and other theme parks. Any comments about these vintage treasures will be appreciated, and I'll attempt to answer questions as best as I can. Thank you for taking the time to look at this humble blog, and please stay tuned, as much more is to come. Until next time, the grim grinning glee club says, Aloha!Kyle, Your Tiki Bird Emcee And Ghost Hosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765104959888770884noreply@blogger.com0