About 15 years ago Disney released on of the greatest computer programs I’ve ever purchased. I wasted more time then I care to even think about using the Walt Disney World Explorer. That program was amazing.
For those of you who don’t know what the WDWE was, let me give you an overview. Imagine if Disney had a website that worked, was informative, and fun to use. Now take that, put it into a program, make is very reliable and user friendly and shazam! You have the WDWE.
It had great overviews of every ride in Disney World with in depth descriptions, tons of photos, and good voiceover work. The maps were colorful; there were some videos, and even a hidden Mickey Game.
There were other small side games too but I’m going to get into those.
This program let me go back to Disney at anytime. Now that I think of it, it made me want to go back to Disney every time played around on the thing.
Here we are years later and for some reason Disney never released a new version. Sure they did an update version but that was a real punch in the face. You paid full price for almost nothing extra.
I’m not sure why there was never a new version released. Maybe the original was a total flop. Maybe the website was supposed to replace it. Whatever the case I think a new version could be released and a profit easily made on it.
I’ve been waiting for more than a decade so I’m not holding my breath. I wonder if anyone else misses this thing.
Showing posts with label hidden mickey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hidden mickey. Show all posts
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Things That Amaze Me Volume 3: Hidden Details
Disney is famous for their attention to detail. People have written entire books on how in depth the detail in Disney World is. Most of the detail is in front of you but there are some things that you just wouldn’t catch unless someone pointed it out or you are unbelievably observant.
Here are some of the details that most people never see or just overlook:
1 – The Entrance to the Magic Kingdom: Most people just think it’s an entrance. Guess again! After you get through security and start to walk through the tunnels stop and think. What are you doing? Look around for a second. Most people notice the amazing posters for the rides but they don’t realize what they are. Look closely. They’re not really ride posters, they are movie posters. The entrance to the Magic Kingdom is the same as an entrance to a movie theater. Both have posters for current “attractions” that are playing. If you’re in a movie theater what comes next, the concessions right? As soon as you are through the tunnels what is the first thing you see and smell? It’s an old fashion popcorn maker. In old movies what was the beginning of the movie? Before Star Wars all movies played their credits at the beginning. As you walk down Main Street USA you’ll notice there are names on all the windows…get it? You are seeing the opening credits for the Magic Kingdom. Welcome to the show.
2 – The Walk Ways: Have you ever noticed the walk ways in most theme parks? Typically it’s tarmac or concrete. Good old stand gray. Ever notice the walkways in the Disney parks? The walk ways are a salmon color. Why would you want that? Did someone just really like salmon? No. When you look at the color wheel what color is almost opposite from pink or salmon? Green is. When you put the two colors next to each other they don’t blend together. This causes the greens to look brighter than they actually are. That’s one reason why everything looks brighter and healthier in Disney World.
3 – DO NOT OPEN / It is Only for Show: A good rule of thumb in Disney World is; if it says “do not open,” open it. You’ll find all sorts of hidden funnies by doing this. I’m not going to tell you where they are, you’ll have to go look for them. Another fun detail is all the things that look like they are just decorations. If you see an old fashion phone, pick it up. If you see a pay phone in the middle of the park…it’s not really a pay phone in most cases. You can hear some really funny conversations by picking these up.
4 – Gags: There is a sign in the queue for Muppet 3D Vision that says “Key under mat.” They are not kidding. There really is a key under the mat if you take the time to pull the mat up. Yes it is bolted to the floor. Muppet 3D is full of gags. Ever notice the net hanging from the ceiling? It’s not full of foam. It’s full of Jell-O. Do you get it? A-Net-Full-of-Jell-O. Just think of the original Mickey Mouse Club and you’ll figure out the play on words. Ok, I’ll break it down more – ANET-FULLOFJELLO. Say it that way and you might get it.
5 – Hidden Mickey’s: At this point everyone knows about the hidden Mickey’s in Disney World. They are all over the place. The largest hidden Mickey ever created is no longer viewable. If you have an original map of DHS, turn it upside down. DHS in its original form was a massive hidden Mickey. There are also some hidden Mickey’s that are more than just the famous ears. In the steamboat scene on Splash Mountain you’ll notice the clouds form a little more than just mouse ears.
6 – Don’t leave too fast: People tend to bolt for the doors as soon as a show or attraction is over. If you always do this you’ll miss some classic moments. One example is the Tiki Room. If you stick around long enough you’ll hear the birds make fun of another attraction. One of them says he’s tired and is going to go to the Hall of Presidents to take a nap. It’s not the funniest statement in a Disney World attraction. That has to go to the old guys from the Muppet Show. “Hey look at the guy in the Goofy mask.” “That’s not a mask!” “Sorry lady!”
Here are some of the details that most people never see or just overlook:
1 – The Entrance to the Magic Kingdom: Most people just think it’s an entrance. Guess again! After you get through security and start to walk through the tunnels stop and think. What are you doing? Look around for a second. Most people notice the amazing posters for the rides but they don’t realize what they are. Look closely. They’re not really ride posters, they are movie posters. The entrance to the Magic Kingdom is the same as an entrance to a movie theater. Both have posters for current “attractions” that are playing. If you’re in a movie theater what comes next, the concessions right? As soon as you are through the tunnels what is the first thing you see and smell? It’s an old fashion popcorn maker. In old movies what was the beginning of the movie? Before Star Wars all movies played their credits at the beginning. As you walk down Main Street USA you’ll notice there are names on all the windows…get it? You are seeing the opening credits for the Magic Kingdom. Welcome to the show.
2 – The Walk Ways: Have you ever noticed the walk ways in most theme parks? Typically it’s tarmac or concrete. Good old stand gray. Ever notice the walkways in the Disney parks? The walk ways are a salmon color. Why would you want that? Did someone just really like salmon? No. When you look at the color wheel what color is almost opposite from pink or salmon? Green is. When you put the two colors next to each other they don’t blend together. This causes the greens to look brighter than they actually are. That’s one reason why everything looks brighter and healthier in Disney World.
3 – DO NOT OPEN / It is Only for Show: A good rule of thumb in Disney World is; if it says “do not open,” open it. You’ll find all sorts of hidden funnies by doing this. I’m not going to tell you where they are, you’ll have to go look for them. Another fun detail is all the things that look like they are just decorations. If you see an old fashion phone, pick it up. If you see a pay phone in the middle of the park…it’s not really a pay phone in most cases. You can hear some really funny conversations by picking these up.
4 – Gags: There is a sign in the queue for Muppet 3D Vision that says “Key under mat.” They are not kidding. There really is a key under the mat if you take the time to pull the mat up. Yes it is bolted to the floor. Muppet 3D is full of gags. Ever notice the net hanging from the ceiling? It’s not full of foam. It’s full of Jell-O. Do you get it? A-Net-Full-of-Jell-O. Just think of the original Mickey Mouse Club and you’ll figure out the play on words. Ok, I’ll break it down more – ANET-FULLOFJELLO. Say it that way and you might get it.
5 – Hidden Mickey’s: At this point everyone knows about the hidden Mickey’s in Disney World. They are all over the place. The largest hidden Mickey ever created is no longer viewable. If you have an original map of DHS, turn it upside down. DHS in its original form was a massive hidden Mickey. There are also some hidden Mickey’s that are more than just the famous ears. In the steamboat scene on Splash Mountain you’ll notice the clouds form a little more than just mouse ears.
6 – Don’t leave too fast: People tend to bolt for the doors as soon as a show or attraction is over. If you always do this you’ll miss some classic moments. One example is the Tiki Room. If you stick around long enough you’ll hear the birds make fun of another attraction. One of them says he’s tired and is going to go to the Hall of Presidents to take a nap. It’s not the funniest statement in a Disney World attraction. That has to go to the old guys from the Muppet Show. “Hey look at the guy in the Goofy mask.” “That’s not a mask!” “Sorry lady!”
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Hit or Miss Ride
Most rides at Walt Disney World are very consistent. That’s one of the charms of going. You get consistently good results. One ride that doesn’t really fit this mold is the Jungle Cruise.
The Jungle Cruise is a classic. It was one of Walt’s ideas and it’s been a fan favorite since its debut. The Jungle Cruise is always decent but sometimes it’s amazing. The Jungle Cruise is one of the few rides left that actually have a cast member that plays a big role in the ride. Your experience will vary greatly depending on the cast member you get.
The last time I rode this ride I got the perfect cast member. I wish I had taken note of her name. She was easily the best “skipper” I’ve ever had. She was funny, interactive, and quirky. She got me laughing even though I’ve ridden this ride a good dozen times over the years.
Another classic ride I had on the Jungle Cruise was extremely different. It was during Mickey’s Christmas Party. I didn’t care at all about the Christmas stuff, I just wanted to hit rides with no lines all night. I got in line at the Jungle Cruise and found out I was the only one. I got on the boat and the cast member pulled away from the dock. Since I was the only one on the boat, she looked at me and asked if I wanted the normal ride or the behind the scenes ride. I opted for the behind the scenes ride. She went in detail into the background of the ride, its history, and even pointed out a hidden Mickey in the wall of the cave. It was another Jungle Cruise ride I’ll never forget.
The other times I’ve ridden the ride were good, they just didn’t match up to the other experiences. It must be hard though. To do the same thing over and over but try to keep it fresh and make it seem like your not mailing it in can’t be easy.
Too bad I never went on the ride when “Skipper” Ben of the Inside the Magic podcast was doing that ride. I bet he could do a good one.
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