Cartoon network

Tokyo Disney Sea reopens - New Fantasmic show

I am be in London until monday evening. I'm part of the guests invited at Buckingham Palace reception for the Royal wedding and you'll understand that i wouldn't miss this for anything in the world! (just kidding). However the awaited TDS Fantasmic show just began with the reopening of the park, and here is the full show on two videos. Enjoy, and see you next tuesday!







Videos: copyright TDRFantasmiclove

A different look to Shanghaî Disneyland artwork

The Shanghaî Disneyland event was undeniably eagerly awaited by the Disney fan community and the SDL WDI artwork was what we had waited for for many months. I will have, today, a new look at this SDL artwork. Although Disney did its best to not provide renderings which would reveal SDL design in detail, there are still interesting elements to provide food for thought as we saw last week in my previous SDL article.

Something in particular in SDL artwork caught my attention. Although it's hard to see details, when we look at the rendering the only area which seems to have a futuristic "Tomorrowland" design is the area located on the left of the castle, i.e in a location where normally a Frontierland or an Adventureland is built, and exactly at the opposite where are all other Magic Kingdoms built their Tomorrow/Discovery/lands - except Tokyo Disney Sea which have its Port Discovery located on the west side.



But there is more: WDI Imagineers know from all studies done since 1955 that guests are generally inclined to visit Magic Kingdoms clockwise, i.e they usually begin by Adventureland or Frontierland, and then the other lands. Not all of the guests of course, but most of them. It's well known, and there might be another meaning at this clockwise visit, as by doing this guests begin by the past (Frontierland) and end with the future (Tomorrowland) which is quite logical.

But in Shanghaî, it seems that everything is inverted. Not only am I not surprised by the lack of Frontierland, but also what seems to be an Adventureland area stands where we usually find a Tomorrowland or, at DLP, Discoveryland. So knowing all this, why WDI Imagineers would have put a "Tomorrowland" exactly at the location where guests usually begin their visit, why would they invite SDL guests to begin by the future instead to have a look at a nostalgic past?

Well, maybe because there is no nostalgic past for chineses. At least for the period of time that we usually find in Frontierland. Generally Frontierland bring back DL guests in the 19th century at a time of pioneers, gold rush, and the birth of a nation. Like everyone, China had its 19th century but, you see, they probably don't keep good memories of it. For centuries China was the most advanced civilization, much more advanced than the rest of the world; especially in science, medecine and arts. China also brought to the world major inventions like printing, paper, compass, bank notes, gunpowder and even pasta!

And then, in the 19th century, China adopted a defensive posture towards European imperialism. As China opened up to foreign trade and missionary activity, opium produced by British India was forced onto China. Two Opium Wars with Britain weakened the Chinese Empire's control and European imperialism proved to be a disaster for China. The First Opium War was from 1839 to 1842 and the Second Opium War from 1856 to 1860. The subsequent passing of the humiliating Treaty of Tianjin in 1856 and the Beijing Conventions of 1860 opened up more of the country to foreign penetrations and more ports for their vessels. Hong Kong was ceded over to the British. Thus, the "unequal treaties system" was established and heavy indemnities had to be paid by China, and more territory and control were taken over by the foreigners.

I think you begin to understand why the Chinese don't really have a nostalgic image of the 19th century. For China, it was probably the worst time of humiliation in all of China's history. I've been told that at WDI, quite a while ago, for HKDL i think, they envisioned doing a chinese Main Street instead of an american one. I though it would have been a good idea and I probably thought this because of my romantic vision of chinese cities at the turn of the century, but China probably don't have the same romantic image of that era...

Now, in this early 21st century China is back and its residents are on their way to become the most powerful nation in the world which probably will happen in the next 20-30 years or the other half of this century at the latest. The time of a new greatness is coming for China and the Chinese are well decided to put China's flag on the moon - and probably they will succeed. In two words, we have a whole nation looking towards the future and not really back two hundred years ago. That could be a reason why SDL's Tomorrowland would be located where guests usually begin the park visit. Nothing right now is more important for China than the future, so let's begin with it!

Although China doesn't have good memories of the 19th century it doesn't mean that the collective subconscious doesn't have myths and legends. China civilization is more than 5000 years old, and there is no doubt that old myths are part of China's subconscious and that Shanghaî Disneyland will probably pay tribute to some of them. As for the SDL fireworks that we can see on the rendering, when Shanghaî Disneyland will open in 2016, Disney better not be cheap on the evening fireworks. Because the Chinese know what the word "fireworks" mean. As a matter of fact they also invented fireworks. And not last century, but 900 years ago.

Artwork: copyright Disney

Many thanks to Nate Walz for the text editing!

" Squaring the Circle " or : What you need to know to understand DLP management

Since DLP Big Thunder Mountain accident last monday most of the comments whether on D&M or on other websites complain - or even accused - about DLP "supposed" bad maintenance of the park. The whole story is much more complicated than that and i'd like to take a minute or two to explain you why you shouldn't blame DLP management - specially before we know precisely the reason of the accident.

Let's begin by the beginning, i.e back almost 20 years ago, when the financial problems of the park began. When Disneyland Paris - at that time still called EuroDisney - opened, everyone celebrated the opening of a gorgeous Magic Kingdom. From the first year the park was a huge success and became instantly, not only the most visited place in France but also in Europe with more than 11M guests visiting the park. The park was so popular that DLP decided to build as quick as possible new rides.

However, in the next years problems on the financial situation of EuroDisney began and the good question is: why? Why a place which was the most visited place in Europe had this financial problem. The answer is in one word: Hotels. From day one DLP had seven hotels built on site, including the Davy Crockett Ranch. Right now the hotels are doing fine but at the beginning it was different. So, seven hotels from day one, not one or two, SEVEN! Many voices shouted "Fools!" to the management, knowing that there was so many hotels in Paris that building seven on-site hotels was going to be a financial failure.

So, why the WDC decided to build seven hotels on the site when they could have simply built only two, and more afterwards if necessary? Two words: Michael Eisner. You, see, Eisner, who was as we know WDC CEO at that time has always been a "wannabe architect". For those of you who don't understand what a "wannabe" is, it means that a person has always wished to be something that, sometime she succeed to be, or, most of the time, she never succeed to be. In the case of Eisner, he became the CEO of a big company, but never an architect.

So what did Michael when it was time to design hotels for the DLP project? He hired some of the best architects - and probably some of his favorites - and asked them to design great buildings for DLP hotels resort. The hotels section of the project was one on which he had the final cut and having them designed by the best architects was his way to live his "wannabe" dream to be an architect. And it would have not be a problem if Eisner had decided to build only two hotels, but instead seven hotels were built which means a huge maintenance cost, not to mention the salary cost of all the people working at the seven hotels.

Right now the hotels are doing really well, but back in 1992 it was not the case at all. And what had to happen happened: the hotels costs were a burden in DLP accounts and Michael Eisner's dream was finally responsible of the beginning of DLP financial problems. Eisner never admits his responsability but he was not the kind of guy to admit his faults, anyway.

So, first problem, too many hotels from day one. Again, the hotels are doing very well now, the mistake was only to have seven hotels operating from opening day. Then the park decided what was indeed the best thing to do to resolve the problem, i.e to build DLP second gate, the Walt Disney Studios. Good idea, if you have two parks, you necessarily will have more guests spending nights in the hotels. But it's a good idea if the park is just as good as the first one was. And when the WDS opened - and although WDI Imagineers did their absolute best with the money at their disposal - everyone complained, one about the lack of theming, another that it was a half day park, or that there was not enough attractions for young kids, etc...

Mind you, there was many other designs for the WDS but finally the WDC chosen the one we know, probably thinking that "the guests won't see the difference" which is probably the most stupid phrase that any executive can say as the guests always see the difference. And, talking about executives, guess who was WDC CEO at that time and had the final cut on the budget allowed for the WDS? That's right: Michael Eisner. Second mistake, and this one was going to cost a lot to the park. Since then, for all DLP's executives, ruling DLRP is like squaring the circle.

Those of you who have followed DLP financial news might say "wait a minute, i thought that the park had 400 M euros of cash flow at the bank?" That's right that's more or less the amount they have but what you don't know is that they can't use the money just like they want. Each time the park needs money for a new project whether it is, for instance, the new World of Disney Store, or a new attraction, or a big rehab program as they currently do, they need the bank agreement for the needed amount. Considering the park's debt i can understand that the banks wants to make sure that the money will be well spent, but, still, it doesn't make the job easier for DLP management.

So, as you probably understand now, the job of the park is, finally, to find the best way to manage a budget. They need money to build new attractions to have the guests coming back and increase parks, hotels and merchandise revenues AND they need money to transform the WDS in a full-day park AND in the same time they need money for the park maintenance AND they need money to reduce the park's debt to the banks. And it is more complex that we can think as, as we know, if they don't build new rides guests won't come back AND so the resort revenues will not get better AND so they will not have money to reduce the debt with the banks AND so the banks will not accept to give them money to build new rides, etc... As i've said it's almost like squaring the circle, and i can assure you that DLP management is doing absolutely their best, and it's not easy, considering they've inherited of these two major mistakes explained above, mistakes that they are not responsible of.

So, please keep in mind all the complexity of the situation when you'll write your comments, that will be fair for all the people doing their best at DLP.

Costco is Offering a So Cal Resident Discount!!!

Costco is repeating last year's discount offer for Southern California residents!!!   Be sure to read the fine print before you buy to make sure this ticket is ideal for you. The 4-day park hopper ticket is $199, and is valid now through August 31, 2011. There is no "fuse" on this ticket, so you could use the first entry this week, and your remaining dates later this summer. The ticket is blocked out July 1-4, and August 21-22. The ticket comes with a $50 Disney gift card!!!  Tickets valid only for Southern California residents within ZIP Codes 90000–93599 and valid ID may be required for admission.

However, if you were planning on upgrading this ticket to an Annual Pass, it has an upgrade value of $151.00.  CLICK HERE to go to Costco's website to see all the restrictions.  

Disneyland Resort Closures and Refurbishments

The following attractions, restaurants, and/or shows are scheduled for refurbishment within the next six weeks.  Please note these closures are always subject to change and they may or may not be closed during your visit.  In addition, attractions not listed here may be closed when you arrive. 

Disneyland

• Splash Mountain: Closed through May 26 for refurbishment.
• Star Trader: Closed for refurbishment, Opens May 4th
• Stage Door Cafe: Closed for refurbishment May 2 - 26
• The Golden Horseshoe: Closed for refurbishment May 9 - 26
• Indiana Jones Adventure: Closed for refurbishment May 17 - 18
• Star Tours: Closed for Star Tours 2 overhaul. Opens June 3, 2011.
• Mark Twain Riverboat:  Closed for construction of grandstand seating and staging for Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides through May 12
• Dave Crockett Canoes:  Closed for construction of grandstand seating and staging for Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides through May 12 
• Sailing Ship Columbia:  Closed for construction of grandstand seating and staging for Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides through May 12 
• Tom Sawyer's Island:  Closed for construction of grandstand seating and staging for Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides through May 12
• All Main Street Vehicles:  Closed May 6 - 7 for construction of red carpet area for Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides

Disney California Adventure

• None Scheduled

Serious accident at DLP Big Thunder Mountain - Five guests injured, one seriously hurt - [ Updated 4/26 ]

A serious accident happened today at Disneyland Paris Big Thunder Mountain. Five guests were injured, including one seriously, when one of the fiber glass rocks which moves during the lift C fell down, hitting the guests in the train.

UPDATED 4/26: According to DLP the faux rock in fact didn't fell directly on the guests. Instead, the rock fell on the track, was hit by BTM locomotive and flying pieces of the rock then hit the five guests aboard the train.

Last news are saying that a piece of fiber glass and wood fell at about 2:50 pm on one of the train wagon. A 38 years old man was seriously hit on his head and was evacuated by helicopter at the Beaujon hospital in the town of Clichy-sur-Seine. The man supposedly has a cranial traumatism which can be really serious.

UPDATED 4/25: A source close to the inquiry said that it was too soon to say if the man will recover but on the other hand a DLP spokeswoman just announced that the man is apparently "out of danger". She also said that Disneyland Paris was taking care of his relatives.

Four others people were slightly hurt and been looked after on location, in the park. Apparenly they were released back in the park after, which would mean they are not too badly hurt. Of course Big Thunder Mountain was closed immediately and will very probably remain closed tomorrow if not the next days while police and park can conduct an inquiry and determine that the ride is safe.

UPDATED 4/26: Considering that BTM was supposed to close for a big refurbishment on May 9 until May 27 chances are that the attraction will not re-open before May 9. Also, please don't attack DLP in your comments about the park's maintenance. I can assure you that DLP is trying to do the best maintenance that they can on the parks, and one of my last update let you know about DLP big refurbishment program which already began. Right now we don't know exactly the reason of the accident and may be the inquiry will determine that it came from a maintenance problem, or may be not. Until then we must give to DLP management the benefit of the doubt as no one knows exactly the reason of the accident. To understand better how the management of DLP is complex, please read my latest article HERE.

UPDATED 4/26: According to a DLP Cast member working at the Silver Spur Steakhouse restaurant "the emergency team reacted extremely quickly. In less than five minutes Frontierland backstage was full of emergency doctors, firemen, police men, etc... and we can say that the emergency teams did a great job" Always according to him who saw everything in Frontierland backstage "the crania traumatism of the guest seriously injured was not a small one". He also heard - before the accident happened - "a guest eating at the restaurant asking if it was normal that a BTM rock in the last lift was not moving as it usually does" which means that some guests apparently noticed that something was going wrong before the accident happened.

For those of you who don't know what is the "lift C" it is the last lift, the one in which you have false rocks moving and the gold mine appearing as it is shown on the WDI rendering below. Of course, as we know, the rocks don't really fall, they're just moving. Except that today one of the rocks really fell down, unfortunately this occured when the train with 25 guests aboard was inside the tunnel.



I will have more news about this dramatic accident tomorrow, and my french readers will find below a short news in french from Le Parisien web site. I've also posted today my regular DLP update and you will find it below or HERE. And below a video (in french) from a french news TV channel with a DLP rep explaining what happened.




"Un élément de décor du Train de la mine de Disneyland Paris s’est décroché lundi après-midi, vers 15 heures, au passage des wagons. «Cela s’est produit vers la fin du parcours de l'attraction, avant le tunnel final», indique une responsable de la communication de la société Eurodisney, confirmant l’information.
L’attraction à sensations, appelée aussi Big Thunder Mountain, est située dans la partie Adventure land du parc principal, à Marne-la-Vallée (Seine-et-Marne).

«Le rocher est tombé sur un wagonnet du petit train qui transportait au total 25 touristes. Il s’agit d’un rocher artificiel fabriqué en résine. Cinq adultes ont été blessés dont un grièvement. Victime d’un traumatisme crânien, cet homme, un Français de 40 ans, a été admis aux urgences de l’hôpital Beaujon, à Clichy-sur-Seine (Hauts-de-Seine). La direction du parc a annoncé que sa famille était prise en charge et hébergée par Eurodisney le temps qu’il restera hospitalisé.

L’attraction est fermée jusqu’à nouvel ordre. Le commissariat de police de Chessy est chargé de l’enquête".

Pictures: copyright Disney

Disneyland Paris Update : Getting ready for DLP 20th Anniversary - Part Two

Here is a new Disneyland Paris update and we'll begin by some pictures of the works on the big World of Disney Store which will open next year for the 20th Anniversary. Located at the entrance of the Disney Village it will hide the Gaumont theatre facade, which is good news. Just like others World of Disney stores guests will find inside all the Disney merchandise they can dream of.







Last month in another DLP update i've told you all about a meeting organized by DLP for the webmasters to keep us informed about what will be done this year to make sure everything will be as beautiful as possible for DLP's 20th Anniversary.

Since then DLP released a short video filmed during this meeting and, surprise, we can see in it some interesting Imagineering documents that we saw during the presentation but couldn't take pictures of. I did some screen captures of the video for you and let's begin by documents related to the renovation of the Molly Brown.







A picture of the always charming Peggie Fariss, now in charge of DLP Imagineering, interviewed by Mathias Dugoujon from DLP web communication, during the inaugural cruise of the new Molly Brown on the Rivers of the Far-West.



As you know Sleeping Beauty Castle is currently being repaint and during the presentation Thomas Bardenat - here on the picture - shows us the color palette of the new colors chosen for the castle. On the picture below you can see behind him some of these colors...



...and below two DLP Imagineers painting the castle model with the new colors.



One very interesting document is linked with the transformations inside Main Street U.S.A Disney & Co shop. As i told you the beautiful band organ currently inside the shop will be send to Florida and placed inside the Story Book Circus area in the new Fantasyland...



...And WDW Imagineering in exchange will provide to DLP some visuals which will be used inside the Disney & Co decor. On the video as they had to fill the whole 16:9 frame the picture is distorted and the visuals don't look like the one we saw. So i photoshopped it and now they look more like the real visuals which are more rectangular than square. They're not perfectly sharp but that's the best i could do!



By the way, these visuals should also interest WDW fans as i'm pretty sure they will be used, too, inside the Story Book Circus area opening in 2012.

I suppose you're dying to see the video, so here it is!




A special bonus with another video as DLP also released a promotional video for the new Disney Magical Moments Festival, including comments of French VIP who were there during the special event.




See you soon for a new update!

Pictures: copyright Disney or Disney and more

Three more copies of the Disneyland Paris book available !

I've succeeded to find from the publisher three more copies of the now totally out of stock Disneyland Paris book "From sketch to reality". One is the english edition with the english text and have minor scratch on the spine of the cover, no dust jacket, but is perfectly okay inside, and the two others are perfect copies of the french edition with the text in french and include the dust jacket.

The price is 87 Euros + 15 Euros for the english copy and 150 Euros + 15 Euros for the french edition copies. I've spent a big part of the day looking all around the publisher stock and these are now the very last copies he had. If one of you is interested, send me an email at: lawrence55@wanadoo.fr as it's probably the last chance to get a copy of this great book, so don't miss it!

For more details about the book please look HERE.

EDITED: Sorry, the last english copy is now sold. Only the french copies are still available.

New Imagineering Behind the Scenes Video : How the Hitchhiking Ghosts Come to Life at WDW Haunted Mansion

Walt Disney Imagineering just released a new video going behind the scenes at the new and amazing hitchhiking ghosts effect in WDW Haunted Mansion. The effect, now in place since two weeks, is unbelievably cool and all Haunted Mansion's fans around the world will love it.



WDW Magic filmed the new hitchhiking ghosts effect and posted the video two weeks ago. If you've not watched it yet on Youtube here it is below.



I'm sure that DLP fans would love to have the same effect at the end of Phantom Manor and some weeks ago i told you that the park was planning to enhance Phantom Manor effects - and introduce new effects, too, at Big Thunder Mountain. There is little doubt that this new hitchhiking ghosts effect would be part of it. Unfortunately i have bad news for you as the latest news say that both Phantom Manor and BTM new effects are on hold for now and won't be installed for DLP 20th Anniversary. It's a bit a pity as both PM and BTM needs really some enhancements. Let's cross our fingers, may be they will change their mind, they still have time to put these amazing effects in place at the end of Phantom Manor.

Picture: copyright Disney

Videos: copyright Disney and WDW Magic

Disneyland Resort Park Hours

Disneyland Resort Hours for April 25 - June 17, 2011

To make travel planning easier, we have changed the listing to include both Theme Park hours on one line each day.  We hope this makes your preparation easier!  The hours are listed Disneyland Resort/Disney California Adventure. 

Monday, April 25:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10
Tuesday, April 26:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10
Wednesday, April 27:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10
Thursday, April 28:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10
Friday, April 29:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10
Saturday, April 30:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10

Sunday, May 1:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10 (Spring Break Season Ends)
Monday, May 2:  DIS 9-8, DCA 10-9
Tuesday, May 3:  DIS 9-8, DCA 10-9
Wednesday, May 4:  DIS 9-8, DCA 10-9
Thursday, May 5:  DIS 9-8, DCA 10-9
Friday, May 6:  DIS 8-11, DCA 10-10
Saturday, May 7:  DIS 7-5, DCA 10-11 (Pirate's of the Caribbean World Premiere @ DIS)
Sunday, May 8:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10 (Mother's Day)
Monday, May 9:  DIS 10-8, DCA 10-9
Tuesday, May 10:  DIS 10-8, DCA 10-9
Wednesday, May 11:  DIS 10-8, DCA 10-9
Thursday, May 12:  DIS 9 -8, DCA 10-8:30
Friday, May 13: DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10
Saturday, May 14:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Sunday, May 15:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Monday, May 16:  DIS 9-8, DCA 10-9
Tuesday, May 17:  DIS 9-8, DCA 10-9
Wednesday, May 18:  DIS 9-8, DCA 10-9
Thursday, May 19:  DIS 9-8, DCA 10-8:30
Friday, May 20:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10
Saturday, May 21:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10 (Armed Forces Day)
Sunday, May 22:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Monday, May 23:  DIS 9-9, DCA 10-9
Tuesday, May 24:  DIS 9-9, DCA 10-9
Wednesday, May 25:  DIS 9-9, DCA 10-9
Thursday, May 26:  DIS 9-9, DCA 10-8:30
Friday, May 27:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10
Saturday, May 28:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Sunday, May 29:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Monday, May 30:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10 (Memorial Day)
Tuesday, May 31:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10

Wednesday, June 1:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10
Thursday, June 2:  DIS 8-9, DCA 10-8:30
Friday, June 3:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10
Saturday, June 4:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Sunday, June 5:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Monday, June 6:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Tuesday, June 7:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Wednesday, June 8:  DIS 8-9, DCA 10-8:30
Thursday, June 9:  DIS 9-9, DCA 10-8:30
Friday, June 10:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10
Saturday, June 11:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Sunday, June 12:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Monday, June 13:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Tuesday, June 14: DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Wednesday, June 15:  DIS 8-12, DCA 10-10
Thursday, June 16: DIS 8-9, DCA 10-8:30
Friday, June 17:  DIS 9-12, DCA 10-10   

           

Remember: Park Hours are subject to change.  Disney only posts Theme Park Hours six weeks in advance, and we are unable to give you exact hours beyond that time frame.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Wish Upon A Star Travel at (805) 964-3601 or via e-mail.  

Dragon Ball SD Manga Series

It’s official, a new Dragon Ball manga entitled Dragon Ball SD premiered on December 3rd, 2010 in Japan. The release date marks the 26th anniversary of the original Dragon Ball manga. Its creator is Naho Ooishi who also did the manga adaptation of Akira Toriyama’s “Hey! Son Goku and Friends Return!” anime special. The manga is regularly featured in Shonen Jump’s new magazine Super Strong Jump (Saikyō Jump).

Chapter One (Translated in English)

Clich here to view the manga

Is WDI Developing Attractions Inspired by Marvel Super-Heroes ?

The next D23 Magazine Summer issue will be released soon and some of the articles should be really interesting. In one of them called "What a MARVELous world!" Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, is interviewed and "has big hopes for Marvel now that they're part of the Walt Disney family, including having Marvel's stable of iconic characters become fixtures at Disney theme parks around the world".

The guys at IGN had an exclusive advance look at the interview Feige did for the upcoming D23 issue in which Feige says: "It's the biggest dream of all. We get to tap into this spectacular team that is better than anyone else on the planet at bringing fantasy to life, not only on the big screen but in the real world," said Feige.



Feige continued: "The notion of walking into a theme park and going into Asgard or the X-Mansion—Disney does this better than anyone. That is why I've gone to Disney parks multiple times every year for my whole life. It's that next step in fully immersive storytelling, whether it's a dark ride, a stunt show, or a thrill ride. The options are endless when it comes to how Imagineers can turn our characters, our adventures, and our films into amazing experiences."



Now, that's not all. In the same "What a MARVELous World!" article we learn too that Stan Lee also talks about "his excitement to be working with WDI Imagineers: "It's great for Marvel to have access to Disney's brains, because they're pretty smart, and it's great for Disney to have all these characters, with their built-in audience. It's one of the wisest things that either company could have done"...The article's glimpse into future plans for this historic team-up shows why Disney, Marvel and fans alike are looking forward to super hero-sized results."

We knew it had to happen, that some day WDI attractions themed on the Marvel Super-Heroes universe will appear in a Disney theme park. And, after all, when we see what Universal did at Islands of Adventure with the Spiderman ride there is no doubt that WDI could create great rides inspired by Marvel super-heroes.

The only question is not really "when?" these attractions will come as it will probably take some years before we see the first "Marvel" attraction in a Disney park - but more "where?", where these Marvel rides will be installed. Laughing Place is asking "Is Marvel Heading to Disneyland?". Let's hope not as the only place in Disneyland for a Marvel ride would be Tomorowland and i would prefer Tony Baxter's Wall-E attraction project inside the former Carousel of Progress building than an Iron Man ride. California Adventure would be a better choice but where at DCA? They probably would have to create a new "Marvel" mini land...

Or may be these WDI Marvel rides concepts - if WDI Imagineers are really working on that - will be developed for DLP third gate? Remember that DLP CEO Philippe Gas said some months ago in a Telegraph article that "DLP's third park could be a Marvel super-heroes theme park". In this case, considering that DLP third gate won't open before 2020 i'm afraid we will have to wait quite a while to ride these upcoming-or-not WDI Marvel attractions.

May be we will learn more in the next D23 summer issue, available on May 3!

Pictures: copyright Disney-Marvel

Confirmed: Dragonball Kai to End with Episode 97

Earlier this week Fuji TV updated their TV schedule indicating that the final episode of DragonBall Kai would be skipped and Toriko would in fact be taking over the 9:00AM time slot on 3 April 2011. As you may recall, everything had originally been thrown off an entire week due to the horrific earthquake that struck Japan the other week. Well, Toei Animation's official website for DragonBall Kai is now noting that episode 97 is indeed the "final episode" of the series. It appears they will be entirely skipping episode 98, even though we know it has likely been completed, as its episode title was previously released, the dialogue is recorded weeks in advance, and it was originally scheduled to air on Fuji TV this week.

There is still no word whether this episode will ever be broadcast or available on a home release. It may eventually be broadcast on Fuji TV Two, a satellite only channel that will begin re-running DragonBall Kai episodes on 30 March 2011, but that is mere speculation at this point. No matter how you spin it, the end of Kai has been quite the fiasco, and certainly nothing like what any of us expected it to be.

And thus passes one really, really weird chapter in DragonBall history...

Cars 2 Update : New "London" Posters and Characters

Pixar released new visuals of Cars 2 linked with the "London" sequence, beginning by two new vintage posters above and below.



Also released visuals of new British Cars characters and let's begin the presentation by the Royals. First one is of course the Queen - voiced by Vanessa Redgrave: "With the final stage of the World Grand Prix racing through the historic streets of London, England, the Queen is quietly elated she was invited to preside over the finish line by Sir Miles Axlerod. Painted in shades of the most royal blues and never without her jeweled crown, the Queen is the definition of decorum and regality, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t enjoy a bit of first-rate competition!"



Next Royal is "Prince Wheeliam": "Prince Wheeliam of England is an avid racing fan. He can’t believe his luck that the final race of the one-of-a-kind World Grand Prix is happening on the streets of London. Though he must remain impartial when by his grandmother the Queen’s side, he is privately rooting for his fellow Brits Lewis Hamilton and Nigel Gearsley to cross the finish line first."



From Buckingham palace guards here is "Sargeant Highgear": "Sgt. Highgear is a member of the regiment assigned to London’s landmark Buckingham Palace. With a recognizable tall bearskin cap atop his scarlet body, he stands guard at his sentry box with pride and conviction."



Next is "Topper Deckington III": "Topper Deckington III is a classic British double-decker bus in a vivid shade of red who relishes in his daily Killswitch route through London’s famous bustling Petroldilly Circus."




Last one is called "Chauncy Fares" : "No one knows the sites, streets or shortcuts of London better than the jovial Chauncy Fares, a quintessential London black cab."



Pictures: copyright Disney-Pixar

New Details about Star Tours 2 - Plus: how to create your own Star Tours 2 Galactic Passport !

Editor's Note: Want more details on Star Tours 2: The Adventure Continues? Want to create your own Star Tours Galactic Passport? Then jump to my new articles on the D&M Star Tours web site HERE.

And if you've not seen it yet i remind you to don't miss the D&M ollectibles sale HERE as it may be your last chance to find a copy of the now totally out of stock Disneyland Paris book!

SDL Artwork high-res files reveal more Shanghaî Disneyland secrets

When Disney released on April 8 the first Shanghaî Disneyland artworks i had, probably just like you, a mixed feeling. I was happy to see - at last - some SDL artwork and on the other hand i was a bit frustrated by the low resolution which didn't helped to see the concept in details. I thought we would have to wait until 2016 to discover high-res artwork, but, no, finally Disney released high-res files of these renderings! And it changes everything, as we can have now a crystal clear view of the SDL project - at least as it is now!

So, here we go again for a new exploration of the SDL artwork and as you will see these high-res files reveals more about what kind of attractions we can expect at Shanghaî Disneyland. First rendering on the top is the high-res version of the full Shanghaî Disneyland bird's eye view of the park.

As you will see when you will enlarge the pictures these renderings are very probably digital paintings. Even more, nothing - except may be the castle - seems to have a definitive design. As we know Disney doesn't want to reveal SDL design too clearly to avoid copycats of the concepts - which is perfectly understandable - but my guess is that WDI SDL Imagineers may still be in blue-sky mode on some of them and, as Jim Hill would say, we'll try to don't get "shanghaied" by what we will see now. However, i think that a big part of the ideas that we can see on these renderings should stay in the final concept.

So, let's begin by the beginning, i.e the entrance. As we know, tihere is no Main street U.S.A but as you'll see on the top of the image, after the main gate and before the big green space area in front of the castle, there is some buildings on the left and the right and SDL might have, finally, something which seems to be as long as half the length of Main Street, with a different design of course.



Before we enter the park, let's have a look at an interesting area located just on the left of the entrance. If the SDL map below is right it should be "commercial facilities", right at the exit of the park, may be a kind of equivalent of our Disney Village at DLP, i.e an area where SDL guests will find merchandise shops and restaurants.



Here is again the SDL map that i've posted last month showing where will be what, including SDL hotels. As you will see an hotel with view on the park is envisioned by WDI Imagineers.



We will come back to the castle with others renderings but apparently the "Fantasyland" part of the park will be, as usual, located behind the castle although there will be some classic Fantasyland rides around it. If you enlarge the image you'll see on the right of the castle something which definitely looks like a labyrinth. Will they put there the Alice's Labyrinth that we have at DLP or will it have another theme?



Let's move on the left. Where we find generally Tomorrowland SDL guests will have their Adventureland! And this is now for sure as we can see clearly on this part of the rendering a Pirates fortress, a gallion in te lagoon close to it and a Mayan pyramid on the very right. All this seems to confirm that Pirates of Caribbean and Indiana Jones Adventure will be part of Shanghaî Disneyland on opening day. I've read on forums that some people were thinking that the big dark mountain on the foreground might be an Expedition Everest but, first, this mountain doesn't look at all like the one of Expedition Everest and, two, may i remind you the feelings of chinese officials about everything linked with Tibet? If there is an attraction that i'm pretty sure we will never see at SDL it's really Expedition Everest, at least in its original theme as WDI could use the track with another theming.



Let's go now on the west part of the park where we find generally Frontierland or Adventureland. Instead, SDL guests will find in this area SDL Tomorrowland as there is no doubts that this is the Tomorrowland area of Shanghaî Disneyland.



A closer look reveals not a lot, except that this big dome building on the left should be SDL Space Mountain. Here, too, the design is obviously not the final design. On the picture above you'll note that a kind of Astro Jets / Orbitron ride might be at the entrance of the land. However i will not be surprised if this land received modifications in years to come, so let's say it's just a first look, which is better than nothing!



Always from this SDL bird's eye view rendering, let's have a closer look at SDL lake and pier. The fountain at the center was already identifiable on the low-res version but we can see clearly that the big boats will not look like American steam river boats. Also, we might have smaller boats moving on the lake like they do on WDW Seven Seas Lagoon.



At the far right of the lake is another pier and, behind, it might be the hotel with view on the park that we saw on the map. I know it doesn't look really like a hotel but WDI is probably keeping secret the original design.



Let's go back to the center of the park and the castle with a new high-res version of another rendering we saw last week.



Here is a close-up on the castle and what looks like multi-colored water falls in the front might mean that there will be a big fountain pond at the foot of SDL castle.



Always in front of the castle the next image shows not only small chinese pavilions but also a path with cherry trees in blossom and, if you look well, an area with Disney characters topiaries!



We already saw them last week but here is a better view of the Fantasyland Carousel. You'll note also on the picture others carousels in the background....



..and the Dumbo ride, both located in this 46,000 square meter of green space at the centre of the park - also designed to be a cultural hub and a reminder of "the themes of sustainability and nature that will be integrated throughout the park" as Iger said.



The third rendering released last week is also available now in high-res and it allows us to have a closer look at the castle. Here is the full picture in its high-res version...



...a close-up on the castle...



...and an even closer view on the castle's entrance.



So, let's see what we know now about Shanghaî Disneyland according to these renderings. If there is no changes SDL guests should find:

- A gorgeous fairy-tale castle with in front of it small chinese pavilions, Disney characters topiaries, Dumbo and Fantasyland Carousel rides as well as others carousels.
- An Adventureland area on the east side of the park with, very probably, Pirates of Caribbean and Indiana Jones Adventure
- A Fantasyland area behind the castle, including an Alice-like or other theme labyrinth
- A Tomorrowland area on the west side of the park with, very probably, Space Mountain as well as an Orbitron ride or similar
- A merchandise and dining area at the left of the entrance

That's not a lot and i wish we knew more about the rides themselves but for now, that's the best we can do with the artwork available!

Artwork: copyright Disney