R.A. Pedersen's Blog, page 23
January 11, 2012
Tutto Italia Refurbishment Photo Update
If you've read our book The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia then you know that Epcot's Italy pavilion is not exactly what it was planned to be. Problems with the original sponsor/operating participant stagnated the pavilion's growth well into the new millennium.
The long-story-short is that the original pavilion sponsor was to build a second restaurant and flesh out the pavilion. It was essentially built as a glorified mall with a single restaurant, two small shops, and some decent...
Epcot Photo Update of New Chiquita Sponsorship at Living with the Land
Epcot recently got a new sponsorship deal at the Living with the Land attraction in the Land pavilion. The the fruit of the labor are new signs dotted throughout the attraction that we've put into the gallery below for your viewing pleasure. Essentially it's mostly cosmetic changes – the sponsor name on the marquee for example.
In the ride's greenhouse there's a bit more heavy branding at the signage at the bananas and lettuce displays, but these aren't too blatant and the narration makes no ...
New Fantasyland Photo Update
We managed to get a bunch of new photos of the New Fantasyland being built in the Magic Kingdom. This week the old Dumbo spinner closed and was absorbed by the refurbishment walls. It's still mostly there, but being taken apart slowly.
Elsewhere, the Beauty and the Beast area is getting sculptural work and texture added, while Mermaid is finishing up its rockwork. New Dumbo is progressing nicely, despite being a bit of an eyesore from the speedway.
Due to the walls moving outward into the...
January 6, 2012
Press Release: Disney/GM Confirm Test Track Overhaul April – Sept
Two of the world's most recognized brands extend an alliance that will create a new experience for millions of Guests at Epcot.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan. 6, 2012 – Disney and General Motors have renewed their long-term business relationship with a new multi-year corporate alliance.
As part of the new alliance, GM will be actively involved with Walt Disney Imagineering in the development of a re-imagined, design-centric Test Track experience. The refurbished Test Track will be presented by...
January 5, 2012
The WDW 40th Anniversary Fans Want but Disney Wont Do
It's fairly obvious a celebration of Walt Disney World's 40th anniversary would have been appreciated by the fans of the resort. However, Disney has Duffy crap to sell, a cruise line to force down our throats, and probably at least 5 more RunDisney events planned to tell us about in "surprise" announcements.
What comes with a good celebration though? Obviously not a thrown-together-last-minute ceremony like Epcot's sad little 25th anniversary. No, normally there's a parade and a grand hoopla e...
January 4, 2012
CGI Ride-Thru of Radiator Springs Racers Leaked
Full ride through of one version of the Radiator Springs Racers attraction coming to Disney California Adventure:
January 3, 2012
WDW Passholders Beware of Benefit Changes April 1st 2012
This is the 2011 version of the standard-issue warning that Disney has put out with its information regarding annual passes and their benefits. It has been stated like this for as long as anyone can remember:
2011 Passholder benefits expire on December 31, 2011. All valid Passes will be subject to the enclosed benefits from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. Updated benefits will be available for all valid Passholders on January 1, 2012.
This is the version released on January 1, 2012:
...
Walt Disney World offers $99 Wild for 3 Pass for FL Residents
Florida Residents can purchase the Wild for 3 Pass—a 3-day ticket to a Walt Disney World theme park—for just $99, plus tax! Purchase January 4, 2012 through May 21, 2012 and enjoy admission to one theme park per day on any 3 days January 4, 2012 through May 24, 2012, excluding blockout dates.* Good at any of the 4 Walt Disney World Resort theme parks!
With 3 days at the theme parks, you can enjoy magical moments with loved ones. Looking for a little extra magic? Add a 4th day for just $30...
December 28, 2011
The Great Orlando Wheel May Still Be Coming
This month the company behind the Great Orlando Wheel sent a request to the local water management district to have its permits for construction of the attraction extended until 2016.
The story as we know it: the Great Orlando Wheel – a giant Ferris wheel with scenic views – was supposed to originally open in 2010. The project stalled and was re-hyped again later as opening in 2011. That didn't happen either. To date, no one we've talked to knows of any actual work on the site for the planned ...
December 27, 2011
Consultant in 1990 Declares Where EPCOT Center Went Wrong
In the 1990′s the Walt Disney Company was actually concerned about how EPCOT Center was abandoning its intended purpose and roots as a monument to humanity. It was drifting away from being an educational center and turning into something that existed purely for entertainment.
They hired a group of consultants. This article from 1990 points what one of those consultants feels were the inherent flaws in the EPCOT Center concept. This feedback would be taken quite seriously by the company and...
