Spaceship Earth is a much beloved ride. From time to time Disney overhauls parts of it but the general theme of the ride has remained unchanged since it opened.
I remember when I was a kid I didn't believe that a ride could be housed inside that big globe. After going on it for the first time I wanted to go again. Even as a kid I realized how detailed Spaceship Earth was.
Another thing that I love about this ride is it's connection to the original Epcot. The "edutainment" of the original Epcot is still alive and well when you ride Spaceship Earth. We can thank the structural design for this. Very little can be changed about the layout of the ride. This was discovered years ago when Michael Eisner wanted put a roller coaster inside of Spaceship Earth. Sometimes it's good when an idea fails.
You can see the video here.
Showing posts with label Michael eisner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael eisner. Show all posts
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Movie Review: Waking Sleeping Beauty
I finally got around to seeing "Waking Sleeping Beauty." If you haven't heard of this movie before it's a documentary about Disney Animation from the early 80's to the mid 90's. It starts at just before Disney's lowest point in the early 80's just before the release of the box office bomb "The Black Cauldron."
This documentary really shows the story behind the changing of the guard from the original animators to the second generation of Disney animators. It then takes you through the emotional ups and downs of the second Disney golden age right to the implosion of the late Eisner years.
This documentary was more than just a detail by detail replay it went into the relationships the animators had and the stress between the Disney executives. There times when this movie really tugs on your heart strings. Disney suffered two major losses during this period and this film covers both of them.
Even non-Disney fans would enjoy this film. It really gives you a good idea of how animated films make it from concept to the light of day and how a company can go from the bottom to the top in less than ten years.
This documentary really shows the story behind the changing of the guard from the original animators to the second generation of Disney animators. It then takes you through the emotional ups and downs of the second Disney golden age right to the implosion of the late Eisner years.
This documentary was more than just a detail by detail replay it went into the relationships the animators had and the stress between the Disney executives. There times when this movie really tugs on your heart strings. Disney suffered two major losses during this period and this film covers both of them.
Even non-Disney fans would enjoy this film. It really gives you a good idea of how animated films make it from concept to the light of day and how a company can go from the bottom to the top in less than ten years.
Monday, December 13, 2010
400 Posts - Somone Must Have Lost a Bet by Now
Somehow I made it to 400 posts. I think I’ll adopt the slogan “I succeed despite my best efforts.”
In the last 100 posts I rolled out a number of photos, videos, and accidently my two of my most popular posts ever. I don’t know why or how it happened but someone running another Disney site that people actually visit linked to one of my posts about a new fake marathon. Sadly most of the people hitting my blog had no idea what they were in for. No one complained but I’m guessing a lot of people were not pleased. The other post drew people because they thought it might be true. COME ONE PEOPLE! Did you really think Disney was going to off Light Cycle rentals in it's parks?
Those people are the first group I’ll apologize to. If you’ve never read one of my round up posts, I don’t thank people anymore I apologize to them for mentioning them on the worst Disney blog on the net.
Here are the others I’d like to apologize to:
Mr. Potato Head – It wasn’t even a good photo but I posted it anyways.
The Power Rangers – Even though I really don’t like you I know I kicked you while you guys were down.
Father from the Carousel of Progress – You were the brunt of one of my meanest posts ever.
Anyone who works at any Disney Resort – I’m sure you don’t appreciate the fake nicknames.
Michael Eisner
People Who Like Mission Space
The Yeti
Kodak – I would have run for the hills too.
Donald Duck – I know your not an insane terrorist.
Len Testa – I must have made fun of you at some point in the last 100 posts. If not I’m really losing my edge.
Lou Mongello – For stealing your idea for a restaurant.
Now without any further shenanigans here are the last 100 posts. It might not look like it but all of the titles are linked to the posts.
Post #301
A photo of the best audio animatronic in Disney World
Post #302
The classic fireworks show from a secret location.
Post #303
My review of the much beloved dining location
Post #304
A true story about what happens when things go wrong on the tower of terror.
Post #305
A decent photo of the neon Soarin sign.
Post #306
My second review of the San Angel Inn
Post #307
I celebrate the announcement that the Mighty Morphing Power Rangers got dropped by Disney.
Post #308
Want to read a review about a bad restaurant? Well here you go.
Post #309
I explain in this post when Disney has some of the best queues anywhere.
Post #310
My review of the Downtown Disney eatery.
Post #311
I explain why the Princess and the Frog is one of the worst Disney movies ever.
Post #312
It’s been a while since I did a truly demented post. It was long over due.
Post #313
A photo of some of the harder to see animals on the tree of life.
Post #314
My review of the Hall of Presidents. I got to do it without my wife. Which means I didn’t have to listen to someone complain.
Post #315
A photo of Cinderella’s Castle during the 25th anniversary celebration.
Post #316
An overview of the good, the bad, and the ugly rides when you have a bad back.
Post #317
A true story about how a well meaning cast member can put you in the dog house.
Post #318
Lets go hang out in a giant tree house! Oh joy!
Post #319
I ride Pooh again. I guess I’m a slow learner.
Post #320
A photo of the dumbest cowboy boots you’ve ever seen.
Post #321
A fake news story about the Splash Mountain
Post #322
A photo proving that Disney hasn’t abandoned educational attractions.
Post #323
My plan to ruin Golden Oaks. This post was inspired by Elizabeth Barrett’s Facebook post.
Post #324
My review of the Tiki Room. It makes me sad.
Post #325
I compare the two versions and explain which I like better.
Post #326
I do a review of the boring, misguided movie in China
Post #327
A nice photo of the Illuminations show in Epcot.
Post #328
A fake news story about Universal turning fat people away and Disney helping them out.
Post #329
I do a comparison of the morning and evening extra magic hours. Beyond time there is a huge difference.
Post #330
I explain why I bought another hat when I don’t wear hats.
Post #331
I describe a new YouTube video that covers one family over 25 years of Disney vacations.
Post #332
A fake news story about one of the animatronics resigning from the Carousel of Progress.
Post #333
A new YouTube video that only took me six months to get to.
Post #334
True stories about some of the grumpiest people in Disney World.
Post #335
I explain the real reason why the Magic Kingdom
Post #336
I expose what the most neglected park is and explain why it qualifies as the most neglected park.
Post #337
My idea for an amazing Disney video game that will never happen.
Post #338
A fake news story about a Disney Donkey being decorated.
Post #339
The first round of the Resort Rivalry series.
Post #340
A nice photo of World Showcase just before Illuminations begins
Post #341
An honest look at Michael Eisner’s Impact on the Disney Company
Post #342
A rant about one of the worst rides in Epcot – Mission Space
Post #343
A fun fake news story about the status of Jose the Yeti
Post #344
A great nighttime photo taken in Frontier Land
Post #345
I do an overview of things that should be made into movies and movies that should be remade.
Post #346
I explain why Disney raises their ticket prices every year in this post.
Post #347
A photo of Burt and Mary in a parade.
Post #348
Part two of the fake cast member rivalry. This one is full of insults that can be used to offend numerous cast members.
Post #349
A fake news story about how Disney plans to attract boys to the new Fantasy Land Expansion.
Post #350
A Decent photo from the Hoop Dee Doo Review
Post #351
A fake news story about monkeys invading the Swiss Family Tree House
Post #352
A fake interview with a Disney spokesman about the dynamite chewing goat on Big Thunder Mountain
Post #353
I officially announce my next trip to Disney World.
Post #354
The last of the resort rivalry series.
Post #355
I review one of the worst attractions in Disney World!
Post #356
A photo of Jim Henson’s imprint in front of the Great Movie Ride.
Post #357
I give props to Mongello. Please do not send hatemail.
Post #358
A decent photo of Spaceship Earth in the Morning
Post #359
An overview of the places to injure yourself in Disney World.
Post #360
I expose something that Carnival likes to keep hidden.
Post #361
My overview of the rumors people spread about Walt Disney and how true they are.
Post #362
A decent photo of the inside of the Tower of Terror
Post #363
A dire prediction of horrid weather on it’s way.
Post #364
My overview of Kodak ending their sponsorship of the Imagination Pavilion.
Post #365
I provide a list of people who are addicted to google.
Post #366
A fake news story about Donald Duck going nuts.
Post #367
A list you can use to know when you’ve gone nanners.
Post #368
I explain where to find a big design flaw in Disney World. I also explain why it’s a flaw.
Post #369
A cool photo from the seas pavilion.
Post #370
A list of 20 must follow rules while in Disney World.
Post #371
The announcement of a new brutal marathon and of course it’s fake.
Post #372
An old school photo taken with an old school camera.
Post #373
Some tips and tricks for getting the most out of the dining plan.
Post #374
Blog Updates
Post #375
I explain why it’s an honor to be a deek.
Post #376
I give some simple advice for people who want to take better photos
Post #377
Failed Disney SlogansA list of fake Disney Slogans that never saw the light of day.
Post #378
A half decent photo taken in one of the darkest parts of the Haunted Mansion
Post #379
You Won’t Find Boobies Here…At Least Not the Ones You’re Looking For
You just have to read this one.
You just have to read this one.
Post #380
Disney Announces New Crowd Control MethodA crazy post about using shrinking rays to fit more people onto rides.
Post #381
My top ten list of the best movies of all time.
Post # 382
I show a decent fireworks photo and explain how you can take it.
Post #383
CMDTA’s Worst Movies of All TimeI do my top ten worst movies list.
Post #384
In this part of photo tips I explain the different settings on the average camera and when to use some of them.
Post #385
A joke news story about a new promotion where you can help build Disney World.
Post #386
A fake news story about Disney trying to milk as much money as possible out of Tron Legacy.
Post #387
My announcement and reaction to Disney shutting down the Food and Wine Festival in Disney Land
Post #388
Toy Story 3 ReviewI finally watch Toy Story 3 and give everyone my two cents.
Post #389
A photo of Illuminations taken with a Fireworks setting.
Post #390
A fake news story about Disney banning ugly people from their parks because of their new promotion.
Post #391
I explain why Carnival has some of the worst customer service in the cruise industry in this post.
Post #392
I explain how Disney fireworks are different from normal fireworks displays.
Post #393
I explain why an on-ride photo can be a painful experience for some people.
Post #394
I explain why some Disney films die before they even hit the screens in this post.
Post #395
A Photo of the topiary versions of Mickey and Minnie at night with Cinderella’s Castle in the background.
Post #396
I tell what Disney song gets me out of bed.
Post #397
It’s what you think. A list of upcoming topics with some good old fashion NCL bashing.
Post #398
In the return of the CMDTA series I explain why flying is just awful.
Post #399
CMDTA on Vacation – Pre-Cruise HotelI relate the my experience with one of the worst shuttle services EVER!
If you missed the past group lists - here they are:
100 Posts - What a Fun but Colossal Waste of Time!
200 Posts – The Men With the Nets Haven’t Caught Me Yet!
300 Posts – Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid
If you missed the past group lists - here they are:
100 Posts - What a Fun but Colossal Waste of Time!
200 Posts – The Men With the Nets Haven’t Caught Me Yet!
300 Posts – Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Man Who Was Vilified
Throughout the history of Disney there have been people who have been labeled as legends, visionaries, and saviors. Others haven't been so lucky. Some people were labeled villains and run out of the company. In some cases the action taken against them was well deserved. However, in at least one case the label of villain put a tarnish on all he accomplished.
A lot of people talk about Michale Eisner as if he abused animals and murdered children. Is that fair?
When Eisner took over things were bad. For years Disney had been a target for companies who wanted to take it over. The movies were crap. Disney World itself was struggling to meet it's guests demands.
What happened over the next two decades? (not in chronological order)
1 - On property hotel rooms expanded from 5k to over 30k
2 - Disney Hollywood Studios opened
3 - Animal Kingdom opened
4 - Disney Vacation Club
5 - The Littler Mermaid released
6 - Aladdin released
7 - Lion King released
8 - Beauty and the Beast released
9 - Wonderful World of Disney made a comeback
10 - Revival of the Disney Parks
11 - Grand Floridian
12 - Wilderness Lodge
13 - Swan and Dolphin
How many people who are Disney fans today grew up in the late 80's through the 90's? My parents took me to the parks and movies during that time period. It seemed like every time we went there wasn't just a new attraction but ton of new stuff to check out. There seemed to be a buzz that you couldn't explain. It really seemed like Disney was firing on all cylinders.
I don't know where everything went wrong. It seems like you never hear the same story twice. What I do know is that Disney is around today because of what took place in the late 80's and through the 90's. There are a lot of fans today that became fans during those years.
A lot of people talk about Michale Eisner as if he abused animals and murdered children. Is that fair?
When Eisner took over things were bad. For years Disney had been a target for companies who wanted to take it over. The movies were crap. Disney World itself was struggling to meet it's guests demands.
What happened over the next two decades? (not in chronological order)
1 - On property hotel rooms expanded from 5k to over 30k
2 - Disney Hollywood Studios opened
3 - Animal Kingdom opened
4 - Disney Vacation Club
5 - The Littler Mermaid released
6 - Aladdin released
7 - Lion King released
8 - Beauty and the Beast released
9 - Wonderful World of Disney made a comeback
10 - Revival of the Disney Parks
11 - Grand Floridian
12 - Wilderness Lodge
13 - Swan and Dolphin
How many people who are Disney fans today grew up in the late 80's through the 90's? My parents took me to the parks and movies during that time period. It seemed like every time we went there wasn't just a new attraction but ton of new stuff to check out. There seemed to be a buzz that you couldn't explain. It really seemed like Disney was firing on all cylinders.
I don't know where everything went wrong. It seems like you never hear the same story twice. What I do know is that Disney is around today because of what took place in the late 80's and through the 90's. There are a lot of fans today that became fans during those years.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Mickey’s MMA Festival 2010
In a special nonexistent press release it was announced that Mickey’s MMA Festival would be coming back. The fight card will change greatly. However there will be some rematches.
Mickey Mouse vs. The Jonas Brothers – Inspired by an episode of the Comedy Central cartoon
Professional Opinion: Mickey will wipe the floor with the girly boys. He’s been working out a lot lately to get in shape for Epic Mickey. He also has experience on his side. Expect Mickey to knock out all of the brothers by the forth round.
Princess Battle Royal - This is a rematch with a twist. Cinderella, Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White, Belle, Ariel, and new comer Tania will step into the ring in a no holds bar, electrified steel cage, ladder, table, garbage can, match. The winner will be declared top princess.
Professional Opinion: Look for Cinderella to get off to a great start. Years of fighting with her step sisters has toughened her up. All the manual labor has also given her a strength advantage. Don’t forget about the glass slippers. In a match with no rules they can be used as weapons.
Miley Cyrus vs. Annette Funicello - New school meets old school in this fight. Annette might be old but she’s been around the block a number of times. Miley Cyrus isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer and is going into this fight cocky. She thinks her age advantage will make this a slam dunk.
Professional Opinion: Funicello in the first round. Once Cyrus takes the first punch she’ll crumble.
Disney Bear vs. Liver Lips – In this clash of the titans we’ll see a rare appearance by the Disney Bear when he attempts to take down the Country Bear Jamboree Slugfest winner Liver Lips.
Professional Opinion: Liver Lips in a split decision. Disney Bear will stick it out because he’s afraid of being shelved. Liver Lips will get tired after a few rounds because he’s horribly out of shape. Might as well take a nap after the first few rounds.
Michael Eisner vs. Robert Iger – CEO vs. Former CEO in this amazing fight. This is the fight everyone is talking about.
Professional Opinion: Iger in the third round. Eisner is the better fighter but Iger just sold a ton of stock to get Eisner to throw the fight.
Doggie Match of Doom – The fur is going to fly when Goofy (yes he is a dog), Pluto, Bolt, and Copper (Fox and the Hound) will steep into the ring in the first ever four way fire hydrant match.
Professional Opinion: The biggest underdog, Copper, will win this one. Copper is a basset hound. They only move if food is involved. Copper’s trainer has promised him all the food he can eat if he wins this match. You don’t get between a basset and food.
Carl vs.Wall-E – In what is being called the strangest match Carl of Up fame will be taking on everyone’s favorite robot, Wall-E.
Professional Opinion: Wall-E hands down. Once Carl breaks his cane on Wall-E’s metal head he’ll be defenseless against the enraged robot.
Ursula vs. Maleficent – Love them or hate them this is the match everyone wants to see. These two have been lighting up Twitter with insult after insult and now they are going to settle it in the ring!
Professional Opinion: Ursula will have a big advantage until Maleficent changes into her dragon form and fries Ursula like a big chunk of calamari.
Flik vs. Mary Popins – How did this match come about? The card needed one more fight so the promoters had the computer provide two random names from the Disney archives.
Professional Opinion: Mary Popins in 2.5 seconds. Not only is everyone’s favorite nanny; magical, talented, and undefeated in 29 mixed martial arts fights, she’s out weights her opponent by 120 pounds.
Dorey vs. Flounder – Many people don’t know but these two dated for over a year. They broke up over allegations that Dorey cheated on Flounder. Dorey claims not to remember ever doing such a thing.
Professional Opinion: Flounder in the 10th. Expect Dorey to keep forgetting she’s in a fight. Flounder might be wimpy but he’s an angry wimp.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Roy E. Disney – Dead at 79
Roy E. Disney has died after a year long battle with stomach cancer. Nephew Roy Disney and Nephew to Walt Disney, he followed in his family’s footsteps and worked and remained active with Disney in many different roles.
Possibly best known for his efforts to “save” Disney, he led a revolt that ousted Ron Miller, Walt’s son in-law, and then worked hard to get Michael Eisner installed the company’s head. Oddly enough
With
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