Getting Inside the Grid

Ok, so I finally got around to seeing TRON: Legacy. I know some people on my Twitter account wanted me to post what I thought of it, so here goes nothing.

I think that the movie was pretty awesome. Better than James Cameron's Avatar visually, and we all know it beat it in the plot line realm (Sci-fi Pocahontas doesn't really qualify as a great plot). If you haven't seen the first film, and think this is a sequel, it really isn't. There are some nods to the previous film, some blatant, others subtle, but overall, this is a new style of TRON.

Some complained how the real world was shot in 2D, and the grid was shot in 3D, and how it didn't look good. Well, I've got to disagree here. It may not be the same on a regular screen, but when you watch it on a huge IMAX screen, it's amazingly impressive.

When it comes to visuals, I loved it way over Avatar. The Grid was crisper, brighter (and darker in areas), and it was it's own idea. Avatar seemed (to me) to be something like South America meets Super Mario Smash Brothers (islands in the sky). Also seeing the "younger" Jeff Bridges was REALLY impressive. I can see my friends points on how the younger version, and CLU look too "plastic", but at other points he doesn't. It's REALLY hard to make someone look 30+ years younger than they literally are. But I think that with what they did, it was a great job.

The story was well done too. Now remember, I'm just an average fan of these movies, I'm not a hardcore nerd fan that knows every possible option and story of the Grid. But I thought the characters had a good amount of depth to them, some less shown than others (like Quorra. I really would have liked to see how she survived as the last of the ISO's but who knows, that could be saved for part of a sequel). Seeing Sam grow up and be the rebel rich kid who wants nothing to do with his dad's company was a good setup to show the angst and tension because of a "broken" promise he and his dad made years ago.

SPOILER
(skip this small part if you haven't seen it yet)

I LOVED how TRON became Rinzler. It gave the film a reason to have some sympathy for Kevin, because he lost his best friend and partner in the Grid because of the sacrifice TRON made. Now I wonder how they can twist the rest of what happened into a potential future sequel.

END SPOILER

Overall, I really enjoyed the film. I'd definitely go watch it again. Sometimes with an average film, fans and moviegoers shouldn't really critique it to death, and just sit back, relax, and just watch.


END OF LINE.

Single, Double, nah, let's go with TRIPLE Frontier.

Looks like Johnny Depp's in talks with some big people in Hollywood. As if that's new news. But what's interesting is that he's talking to Katheryn Bigelow, and Tom Hanks. About what you might ask? The Triple Frontier. A movie told in the jungles and wilderness of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. Not much is known about the film yet, or even if it's going to become something. But seeing one of my favorite directors, with two of my favorite actors makes me a really happy guy.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Official Trailer

It's HERE. WATCH. THIS. NOW.

Promotional Works

I've recently been thinking about a lot of things. Some related to Disney, some not. And thank God I've got my blog, because if I were to post this on Micechat, I would get torn apart and fed to those trolling websharks. So, I'm going to post my full opinions, and take it for what its worth. Let's get down to business...


- Fans online often complain about how the park is doing too many movie-based attractions lately. From Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, to the new Tangled meet and greet. It is an ok observation. It's true, the rides are based off movies, but here's something people are missing.

You know that iconic symbol of the park? The Castle? Yea. That's Sleeping Beauty's castle. Did you know that when the park was being built, Sleeping Beauty HAD YET to debut in theaters? Walt Didn't use Cinderella's castle in Anaheim, he used SLEEPING BEAUTY. Want to know why? Because he was promoting his new film through the castle.

Now, one can argue that these attractions are coming out after the films debut. True, however if you look at the films the rides are being based off of, then you need to realize that these films are immensely popular. Finding Nemo is the second highest grossing film, behind the recently created Toy Story 3. Look at the two Toy Story (Midway) Mania attractions. Based off of a trilogy that, as a whole, grossed roughly $1,9oo,900,200.

There's also a cry for wanting original based attractions. Attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, or Haunted Mansion. As true as this is, people fail to realize that even though Disneyland itself may not be getting anything "original" at the moment, other parks are. Hong Kong is getting three new lands, two of which are completely original ideas. Personally, I'd love to see something original as well as something movie based. I don't care if it is tied into a movie or not. If the attraction is done well, then I'll enjoy it. I'm a fan of Winnie the Pooh, and I'll probably like the Florida's version, or Tokyo's when I get to riding them, however I cant' stand the one we have over here in California because it's so...cheap looking. That's an example of ride lacking some good lovin' on the creative side.

People love seeing stories come to life, and they love the stories even more when their favorite stories allow them to travel through the story. Look at the line for Peter Pan's Flight, or Alice in Wonderland, and try to prove me wrong on that.

All in all, I think people need to realize that Disney is making the right call with creating attractions that fans can recognize and love already from the film. But there's always going to be those fans that refuse to like it JUST because it's movie based. Here's some wise words of wisdom:

GET. OVER. IT.

Now that we've got this out of the way, let's go camp out in front of CarsLand. I wanna ride Radiator Springs Racers.

Can't Be Tamed?

Sounds of the Grid

Now that we're only nine days away from the global premier of TRON: Legacy, the Disney company has released the soundtrack to the film. If you're any fan of Daft Punk, you've GOT to get this album. The full album is available on iTunes for $9.99, or $1.29 a song. But on Amazon.com, it's available for $3.99 for the full album, or $0.99 a song. But on iTunes, you get two songs that you don't get on Amazon.
"Father and Son" and "Outlands Part II". These two songs are cheaper than the $1.29, and knocked down to $0.99.

On Amazon, you get the exclusive "Sea of Simulation", which on its own, is a killer song. The first 22 songs on both sites are the same, and I'd suggest buying the album on Amazon, and then getting the last two songs ("Father and Son" and "Outlands Part II") on iTunes, and it's still pretty cheap.

Now it's only a matter of days until we get to see this world come alive on the silver screen.

End of Line.

Happy 109 Uncle Walt

Today one of the most creative men in the world was born. Without his passion for animation, and later, places for families to spend time together, who knows what we would have today in the entertainment world.

Walt Disney.


Happy Birthday to the man who pretty much was one of the leaders in kickstarting animation, and continuing to innovate and create new things as time ticked.

Tangled Trailers

If you haven't already seen Disney's newest animated film, and are wondering what the trailers are that are front runnners for the film, then here's a list of what's coming up, and being advertised before the hair-filled fantasy.

Cars 2 - Racing star Lightning McQueen teams up with his best friend Mater for an international adventure as they go up against the world's fastest cars.

Prom - A group of teenagers get ready for their high school prom. (Sounds simple right? Not really. Remember. This IS about high school. THERE WILL BE DRAMA)

Gnomeo and Juliet - Garden gnomes Gnomeo and Juliet have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness?


Two of these three films, to me, are going to be good. Take a wild guess as to which ones they are.

Showing at a screen near you...

Guests Want A Cracker?

Ok, Polly's been missing for some time now. I'm beginning to wonder what's to become of the chatterbox.

Now its just a blind guess, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Disney's working on the parrot to interact with guests. Maybe with that rumored chip technology, maybe not. Maybe even the same way they do Mr. Potato Head next door at Disney's Construction Adventures.

Think about it. It's a perfect spot for them to utilize the technology. It's right as the guests enter the building, the boats float right on by the AA, and they can easily hide the cameras right at the door, and behind the parrot.

Just a thought, but if this happens, you know who guessed it first.

Control to tower: Your Plan Backfired.

TSA: Thousands of Sexy Applicants.
Pretty sure this is what was going through their minds when they greenlit the new X-rays at the airports. Too bad they don't see who's REALLY flying nowadays.


Not everyone is Heidi Klum and Minka Kelly. Remember, there's still people like Rosie O'Donnell and Kirstie Alley that fly too.

I feel bad for those security guards manning the x-ray machines having to look at everyone...*shudder*


But if it was like this....then who would mind? hahaha

Disneyland for Alex's Birthday

Double-oh-Mater

The first official Cars 2 Trailer has surfaced on youtube. The story looks pretty decent now that you can see more of what is going to happen. The first teaser trailer made it seem kind of hokey, and I wasn't too sure what to think of it. But now that we have something concrete to see, I can't wait to see this in 2011.
Racing, and shooting its way on screen soon.

Scrumdidilytronsious

Now I REALLY can't wait to see TRON: Legacy

Terminated Pirates

I can't wait to see the fourth installment of the Pirates franchise, but doesn't the first movie poster look a little like something from Terminator?
I'll be back........for rum.

South Valley Sports

As much as I really don't like this valley, I gotta do a plug for a new sports program in town. South Valley Sports is a homeschooled program that is starting this next year. I figured I could do my little part in giving them some free advertising, and try to get some more people to know about them. Their site is still new, but adding new information quickly to the site. If you know someone in the South San Juaquin Valley that is homeschooled, or isn't in a public/private high school and wants to play sports, give the site a look, and get a hold of them. They'd love to have additional players and participants in their sports and P.E programs.

Link: South Valley Sports

Photoshop Dangerous

My goodness, what's up with Nicholas Cage's movie posters lately? They're all starting to look the same. They look the same, just like his voice sounds the same in EVERY SINGLE MOVIE this guy does.

Gnomeo, my dear Gnomeo, wherefore art thou?

Check out the poster for the new spin on an old.....old....old classic.

Mowing it's way into theaters in 2011.

Crossing Bridges

From TRON: Legacy, to True Grit, Mr. Bridges is somewhat of a busy actor. He's got two new films coming out in December. One is a bit more talked about, and the other is talked about mainly in western circles.

Tron: Legacy has been talked about ever since that little clip debuted at Comic Con a year ago, and since then, has generated over 2,000,000 views on Youtube.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm totally stoked, and I can't wait to see this new Legacy on Imax on my Christmas Vacation to Colorado this year. But another film that looks just as good, but hasn't really been talked about much is the new version of the old John Wayne classic, True Grit. We all can now say Jeff Bridges has pretty much conquered it all. From a comic book character Obadiah Stane, to the original sci-fi cult classic Tron, and now coming back to that same character with Tron, AND remastering a John Wayne role? This dude has done it all. Well, not all. He's gotta be a pirate next, and then we can say he's done it all.
Maybe that might not be too far off in the future if he keeps working with Disney, and becomes buddies with Johnny Depp...who knows what can happen in Hollywood. Personally, I'd love to see Johnny and Jeff work together on maybe a 5th, or 6th pirates film, or even something else. But as of right now, Jeff is conquering the film worlds, one realm at a time.

Dancing with Big Bad Selena Gomez

Getting the crowd pumped!
Getting prepped for one of the many recordings.


Was privileged enough to spend a few minutes chatting with Tony. Very nice guy.





This past week Disney and ABC filmed the Disneyland holiday parade specials at the Disneyland resort. I know the news and photos have already been released, and I know I'm just now getting around to posting them. I'm sorry they're a bit late, but I've been a busy dude! So, here's some of the photos my team shot when we were down there.

Special Thanks to my good friend Lance for taking photos, while I shot video.

Back to the Woods

Next summer, Disney's taking us back to the 100 Acre Woods. This time, not as a CGI film, but back to that classic, heart-thrown-into-the-work hand drawn animation. I hope this keeps the Pooh Franchise alive and kicking, and re-introduces the silly ole bear to a new generation. John Lassetter is so far doing a really great job with lending his creative hand to the Disney and Pixar films. First the Tink franchise, now Winnie The Pooh, and there's some other projects he's got his magic fingers on too..
But for now, break out the Hunny pots, and take a walk through the woods Summer 2011.

California Screamin' Feat. Gary Hoey

Here's a little idea I had featuring a relatively unknown artist. Gary Hoey has a version of Wipeout that really rocks, and in my opinion, goes really well on Screamin'. I know, I know, it may not be Victorian, but I think this version is a lot better than the current music they have now. Check it out, and let me know what you think. Send and e-mail to mainstreetjake@yahoo.com, or just leave a comment below.

Disneyland Hotel

Finally got to stay at the new rooms at the Disneyland Hotel, and I gotta say, they're quite impressive. The light up headboard, the mickey carpets, and the subtle hints of Disney here and there are very nice, and really well done. Now we just have to wait for the new restaurant(s), and the redesigned pool area. Here's to 2012.

Christmas Day Tapings at the Resort

TRONcore

Well, as a lot of fans in the Disney board community know, the first addition to the World of Color has been added. And man is it pretty impressive. For an "ad" for a movie, this is really cool. I know this is just another thing that gets me excited to see the film, but when you see 1200 fountains, and what looks like a laser image of a lightcycle race around like that, it gets me all giddy inside.




If you want to see the movie, jump into the world of TRON: Legacy December 17th.

call the doctor...

Sorry for the lack of posts...I've been really busy on trips, and I just got my wisdom teeth removed yesterday. I'll be blogging a lot tomorrow. But here's a small bit for you guys.
Looks like the WoC boys are playing again late at night with some new segments..this time TRON. Keep your eyes peeled soon for a new scene, or finale to the aquatic wonder show.

End Of (drip)Line.

angry tourist strangles disneyworld bus driver 10/12/10

Six Flags Magic Mountain - Three New Coasters 2011

Disneyland 10-6-10

Expensive Candy

Disneyland's Halloween events are quickly becoming a great thing to look forward to come Fall season. From the classic Haunted Mansion Holiday, to the new, and INCREDIBLY popular Ghost Galaxy overlay on Space Mountain, it's definitely fan favorites all around. The nighttime Trick or Treat party at the sister park has become a BIG SoCal hit, and sells out almost every year. But since California Adventure is so under the knife with it's reconstruction surgery (thanks Eisner, oh, by the way, you look like you could use a few botox shots yourself), the suits decided to move the annual nighttime party from the younger sister park, back over next door to the big sister.

This is really a good thing, because Disneyland itself has far more seasonal decorations, and overall, just seems to fit. However, the prices for this little shindig has nearly doubled. Why? Because there's more to do. The Halloween Screams fireworks show that debuted last year, is now exclusive to the party. So, if you want to see the wildly popular villains pyro in the sky, you have to fork over $50 to $60 bucks. But the fireworks aren't the only thing you can see. There's now a small Halloween parade that goes down Main Street twice. Not into the entertainment? Candy's more your thing? There's 50+ Candy stations throughout the park. The park is planning on shelling out over half a million pounds of candy.

Overall, I'm all for the party over at the original park....for now.
Once DCA is done with its facelift, my vote goes for putting it back over at DCA. Disneyland can survive on its own with its seasonal offerings, but DCA is gonna need a boost here and there to catch up the attendance. Not like that will be a problem though, seeing that World of Color has been driving guests through those turnstiles in all out droves. Once DCA's entrance changes to Buena Vista Street, we could easily see more seasonal themeing, and this show can go back over there.
But for now, the party's at the Kingdom.

Audio Voices

Lately there's been a hoard of Twitter accounts that have popped up. But these aren't your regular people tweeting. They're, for the most part, classic Disney audio animatronic characters. Now, you can get an idea of what goes on with the AA's after hours, and what they REALLY think about things. Here's a list of them to follow:

Murphy - The twice fallen Dragon of Fantasmic!


The Hatbox Ghost - Soon to be back in his eternal home!


Madame Leota - The floating seance of the Mansion


Harold - Yeti of the Matterhorn.


Tom Morrow - not-so-famous-because-his-attraction-sucks

The Brontosaurus in the Diorama - chewing the same leaves since....ever.


Abraham Lincoln - It's always a Great Moment when he's at the party.


The dog in Pirates Of the Caribbean - still not giving up the keys.


The Nemo Bay Seagulls (note: they CAN say more than "Mine?")


Hitchhiking Ghosts - Trying to catch a ride since 1969


and the infamous Red head from pirates - shifting cargo. Lots and lots of cargo.


They're actually pretty funny. I'd suggest giving them a follow, and feel free to reply to their stuff. I know the mysterious Boy33 adds fuel to their fire at times. These aren't started by Disney, but are by fans just as an entertainment.

Following the voices...

Punking the Crowds

Just heard a rumor that Daft Punk might be playing opening night of ElecTRONica at DCA. Here's the deal it could be:
1. It's not true, but a fan's way of getting a sweet rumor going.
2. It's true, Disney's denying it right now so swarms of fans don't bombard DCA. Just like DCA "added" another World of Color show due to "demanding popularity" this past summer every night it was running up until the recent schedule change for the fall season.

I sure hope it's a true rumor. I'd definitely head over there to see these guys play. If not, then we still have the really awesome ElecTRONica to dance the cool Anaheim nights away, with our $10+ drinks in hand.


End of Line.
...for now.

A Wonderland of Film

So since Tim Burton has come out with his version of Alice in Wonderland, what's next for him? Well, according to IMDB, he's working on producing Big Eyes, a story about the painter Margaret Keane and her life in the 1950's and 60's. Another one is actually based on a popular novel, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. The Vamp hunter's due out in 2011, and so is Big Eyes. But what about directing? Well, he's got Frankenweenie, which has been locked away in scripting prison since forever. Like, back when he was animating for Disney forever. Ok, not forever but a really long time. He's directing and producing (finally) this film which is due out in 2012. Sad that we have to wait even MORE for this film. I've always been a fan of the story idea, and I can't wait to see this when it comes out.

But what about Disney? He's had a helping hand with Nightmare Before Christmas, which turned into a fan favorite seasonal overlay for the Haunted Mansion in now not only Disneyland, but also Tokyo. He recently created his own version of Alice in Wonderland which was a HUGE success. What's next for Burton and the Mouse? Personally, I'd love to see him get a contract to shoot live action versions of other Disney stories. The first one I would LOVE to see is Sleeping Beauty. Maybe not even told from the snoozing princess's point of view, but Prince Phillip's, or Maleficent's view. And definitely live action.

Imagine seeing the cinematography of thorns around a castle wall, while Maleficent is transforming from human to Dragon, and Phillip is standing there watching it all fold out in front of him. The whole movie would be great to watch, but the final fight scene would be amazing to see, especially on IMAX.
I guess we'll have to sleep on this idea before we see anything like it come to fruition...

World of Color: Tron Testing

Halloween Time at the Disneyland® Resort: Wicked Fun for Everyone!

New advertisement features a World of Color bit. Nice to see Disney add new stuff to an already previous, cool advertisement.

Fantasmic Dragon Breakdown 28 AUG 2010

Here's what happened during the show on August 28th with Murphy....doesn't look to pretty. Take a look.

Welcome Programmers....

This is the new concept art for ElecTRONica, the new dance club at DCA. Starting Oct. 8th, you can check out an authentic Flynn's Arcade, along with new DJ's, and the Tron Evolution Video game area.
Now...all we need is a guest appearance by Flynn himself on opening night...and maybe a concert or two by Daft Punk....

End Of Line.

Branson Summer Trip

Protest...Protest...Protest...

photo from OC Register .

So the female employee at the Grand Californian Hotel is causing quite a stir. She refuses to work, unless she can wear the traditional Hijab, of her Muslim faith. Disney is denying her request, and offering other options for her to use in costume, to continue working. She has taken days without pay, and will not wear the options Disney has offered. Now, there's a protest going on soon, with people supporting her.

Honestly, this lady needs to give it up. Disney is offering her options for her, and she's denying them. Do you see Jewish Castmembers with yamakas on stage? I don't. Disney is a non denominational company. They aren't racist. They're an entertainment company that has costumes, and when you're on stage, then you need to abide by those costuming rules. If you don't like it, then go find another job. In today's times, I'm sure there's people that would love to work, and take her job.
Looks like this story is still a work in progress...

The Queen Anne's Revenge...

Wow, she's awful purty! Mahalo to Shockya.

On Stranger Sets...

Photos are slowly leaking from on set of Pirates of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Here's a few of the most recent, and I'll update as I find more. Mahalo to Shockya .

Lots and Lots of Change

Well, now that Disney decides to raise their prices...AGAIN, there's still more change going on at the Resort. I guess they're trying to find a way to pay for all of the stuff they're adding to the Resort. Money's got to come from somewhere, right? And we all know that TDA won't use the money Disney's already made. They just want more from the guests.

If you can't tell, I'm not too happy about the price increase.
Here's a list Micechat made for their weekly column.

Aside from Disney getting even more money (I'll rant about this in a later post) from their guests, there's a lot of stuff going on at the resort that's making Disney everything it should have been a decade ago. Disney's California Adventure is making severe progress in becoming a full day theme park. Paradise Pier should be the first project to be totally completed. The back half has already been completed for the most part, as Toy Story Midway Mania has been there for awhile now, the games are reopened with new Victorian facades, The Sun Wheel is redressed as Mickey's Fun Wheel, and The Orange Stinger is now Silly Symphony Swings.

Now the rest of the Pier:
The Maliboomer is going away September 7th, and the last riders are being blasted off on the 6th. Current plans, as far as I know, is that this area will be a park area, with a character meet and greet. For now. There could be plans for an attraction to be placed inside the helix and backstage. There's room for it, so who knows what the boys in Glendale are up to.
Pizza Oom Mow Mow and Burger Invasion are being redressed as Victorian themed buildings, still serving the same food.

Mulholland Madness is being redressed and rethemed as Goofy's Sky School. This attraction will be going down sometime early October. The whole theme is based off the 1940's Short "Goofy's Glider", and will be a flying school that teaches beginner aviators how to fly, the goofy way, of course.

Golden Dreams Theater is already gone, and now you can see steel rising up for the newest D-ticket attraction, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure. This is slated to open summer 2011.

The rest of the park is slowing evolving as well. The old Timon and Pumbaa parking lot is becoming a desert wonderland filled with Cars. Most of the steel infrastructure is already there, now they're working on sculpting and molding the rock work into the Radiator Springs backdrop. Everything here is slated to open in 2012.

Hollywood Pictures Backlot is a quiet project, but it's changing to REALLY look like Hollywood, circa 1930's and 40's. Red Car Trolley tracks are already being place, and soon will start to make their way to the front of the park, which is going to be redesigned into Buena Vista Street, a vision of how Walt arrived in Los Angeles back in the 20's. This is probably going to be one of the last projects completed, but will, in my most humble opinion, be the best.

and yet we haven't brought up Disneyland yet, now have we? That'll be in the next post.

Firing Back

So Disneyland is selling those toy guns again from my childhood. I'm pretty happy about this! Heck, I might even buy one for old time's sake. In an article according to Mouse Planet
they're the same guns as before, just painted bright red and green, and are being sold in the " Pioneer Mercantile, Pieces of Eight, and the Indiana Jones store." What's funny is that back on my trip to Branson, I saw the same guns (hey, its the midwest, guns are common for even 6 year olds.) being sold, and posted a picture of them on my facebook with a comment stating " Hey DISNEY! Get back to selling these things!"

(photo from the trip)

Apparently they listen to me. So Disney, if you're reading this, please bring back the people mover, not with any movie tie in. Oh and also, could you please not put a Tinker Bell attraction in the old Motorboat Cruise area? Thanks so much.

Viva La California

I'm back from vacation in Branson. It was a great trip, seeing that I got to fly on the coattails of other people's dinero. I got to go to the local theme park several times, the water park, several stage shows, movies, a day out on the lake on a nice boat, and paid airfare.

It was a lot of fun, but definitely a lot of life lessons were learned. Like learning when to shut your mouth and let things roll. Or to just let an argument go when others won't let up.
I'll say it again. I love California, and I can't really see my self ever moving out of this state.

I will go back eventually to this place again, maybe for a cool photoshoot or something. (:

land of Cyber Bullies and people with no lives.

Lately people have been bombing my formspring with explicit, and rude comments. I've got a pretty good idea as to who it is, but I thought this would be a good way to talk about cyber bullying briefly.
Cyber bullying can really mess with people. It's not cool, and it NEEDS to stop. I don't think people realize that hateful words on a screen really do affect people. Posting blackmail photos of people, saying hateful stuff online gets to people. In this world of constant communication, and instant news, it doesn't take news long to travel around the world.
I think there should be legal actions that should be placed, if they aren't already.
Anyways, I hope that those that have been cyber bullied know how to handle it all, and realize that people will be idiots, and try to get at anyone just because they aren't comfortable with their own self.

Castle To Tink, You're Clear For Take Off

So now the Mouse is thinking about taking those wires down from the Matterhorn, and giving Tinker Bell free access to fly. According to an article at Disneyland Live, they're developing new technology for a literal WIREless flight pattern for the green fairy.

In 1961 Disneyland hired a 71 year old retired circus performer named Tiny Kline to do something amazing during the firework show. Disney had strung an arial cable from the top of the Matterhorn Bobsleds Attraction over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and attached it to a landing platform on the other side that was made to look like a giant pine tree. The new part of the show would amaze guests as Tinker Bell would actually take flight during the show and zip down over the castle. This sight remained basically untouched for years as the aerialist would be litterally pushed from the start and land on the other side letting gravity do the rest. It has been a traditional part of each firework show at Disneyland, and later at other Disney Parks ever since.
For the 50th anniversary Tinerker Bell’s flight was upgraded in a radical, and amazing way. Using a motorized system she would now fly down the over the castle, back and forth and even make a return trip towards the end of the show. This system has since flown Zero during the Halloween Screams Fireworks as well as Dumbo during the latest Magical Fireworks Show. But could we see a unharnessed, remote version of Tinker Bell soon fly and land on a lamp post?
Reasearchers at MIT have designed and recently demonstrated a new system that may one day be used as such. A foam glider has been build that flys like a plane but lands like a bird! Unlike a traditional airplane that needs to reduce altiude before landing and slowing to a stop on a surface, this new system can swoop down and land in a single spot, such as a bird does on a wire. Rick Cory, a PhD student at MIT has been hired by Disney to possibly create such a system.

The US Air Force and Disney has expressed interest in this techonogy and Cory was recently quoted in an artical for MIT (link) saying the following. “The air force wants an airplane that can land on a power line, and Disney wants a flying Tinker Bell that can land on a lantern…” According to the Cory the on board computational power is currently limited but only appears to be a few years away. Cory has taken a job with Disney where he will be researching advanced robotic techniques.
So could we see a new version of Tinker Bell soon at Disneyland?

I think this will be a great new way to show off the fairy during the nightly fireworks show. My only thought of this would be that they find a way to make Tink look very real, and not just a flying rag doll. But knowing Disney, they will find a way to make it impressive no matter what. I've got trust in them, and the kids at MIT. We'll have to wait and see if the wires fall, and the fairy flies.

I FINALLY got around to seeing Inception. In....iMAX! I didn't see the point in seeing the mind blowing, thought extracting film on a screen any smaller. Now to post my thoughts on this film.
Christopher Nolan...well, he's the next Spielberg if he keeps up his films. Inception takes what the Matrix wanted to be, but never was, and plussed it.
I thought the film was just flat out amazing. The special effects were stunning. Who wouldn't be impressed to see a street horizon rise up, and then fold over right on top of you? The actors did a GREAT job. I was actually pretty surprised with Ellen Page. At first I was nervous of seeing Juno Magruff start twisting the dreams into giant cans of Orange juice, but she did very well! Also, is it just me, or did Joseph Gordon-Levitt remind you a little bit of the Joker? I personally think he looks a bit like Heath Ledger. Maybe they could get him to do the Joker for the third Batman? But that's for another post...

Overall, I really feel that this film is a surefire classic. The cast was great, the screenplay blew my mind, and the graphics were awesome. I can't wait to see what else Gotham's finest director has up his sleeves. Guess that's a riddle in itself, now isn't it?

Numbers in Days...

hey everyone...or the select few that actually read this thing...

I'm so ready to get home. I've had fun in Branson, but a month is too long for me to be on vacation. Two weeks is long enough for me. I've gotten to do some cool stuff, and I'll post a lot of photos when I actually have good enough wifi to do so.

• Silver Dollar City
• White Water Water Park
• Jeerk Swedish Rock Show
• Live Radio Broadcast
• Princess Diana exhibit
• Full day on the lake wake boarding and tubing

and more.

I can't thank my friend enough for paying for the whole trip. It's been a really awesome time.

It's The Man In The Sky....

Just got done watching The Invention of Lying. The people watching this with me totally missed the boat on the point the movie (In my opinion) was making. In case you didn't know, the premise of the movie is this:

the world is always honest. Whether or not it's nice, they're honest. A man who's down on his luck, figures out how to lie, and he basically becomes a "prophet".

My friend asked "is this just a pun of Christianity?" I don't think it is, no. Sure, they reference a "man in the sky", and the ten commandments are written on Pizza Hut boxes, but if you REALLY look at the context, and how everything plays out, it's more or less how the world views Christianity. They see it as theres a dude up in the sky, who decides good and bad, and when people die. They see absurd stuff as I've got only 3 chances to mess stuff up, but I'll still be ok, and can get up to my "mansion in the sky".

I can understand why some Christians would get upset over seeing something reference and humiliate it. But really, what they should take from this is that non Christians are being misinformed of the religion, and need to be taught how the relationship with God actually is, and they need to learn that people are lost, and think like this, and as Christians, need to direct them to the actual reality of how Christianity REALLY is, and not the twisted ideas that have been passed around the local coffee shops.

Day...awh screw it.

Yea....this trips awesome and all, but I'm ready to get back to my family. Sure there's other stuff I'd like to see, but I'm here for 23 more days. I already miss my own bed, my own room and privacy. At least I've got something positive to look forward to. Disneyland is the day after I get back with my family.

Cryin' For The Toys...

Went and saw Toy Story 3 for the second time. I have never cried so much in a movie. The film is just flat out amazing. It's definitely the end of an era. I'm not going to say much about the film for those of you who haven't seen it yet (which means you must be really living under a rock...). All I gotta say is GO SEE IT.

oh, and bring tissues.

Boom Goes The Locals...

VIA THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:

For most people, fireworks are a special treat — loud, luminous displays to savor on Independence Day or New Year's Eve.

But for some who live near Disneyland, where fireworks blossom in the skies above Sleeping Beauty's Castle almost every night, the rockets' red glare has worn out its welcome.

Residents have added double-paned windows and extra insulation to soundproof the walls. Juanita Driskell, a retired teacher who has lived a few blocks from the Anaheim theme park for nearly three decades, is so accustomed to the fireworks that when the crackling and hissing starts around 9:30 p.m., she just cranks up the volume on the television. Her two cats hardly bat an eye.

"The good part is I don't have to leave the living room to see fireworks," Driskell said. "The bad part is that it's so loud."

And when the grandkids visit, she has free entertainment to offer, ushering them to the patio to take in the spectacle, eyes skyward.

Driskell's experience is typical of the love-hate relationship residents have with the 250 fireworks displays Disneyland stages annually.

Though many in proximity to the resort admit there is an appeal to the radiant bursts that fill the night sky on weekends, holidays and throughout the summer, those in pursuit of peace and quiet have tried for more than a decade to limit the noise and smoke.

When complaints from Disneyland's noise-weary neighbors seemed to go nowhere, they turned to environmentalism and lodged dozens of air-quality complaints. But the effort appears to have waned; regulators haven't recorded any recent air-quality complaints.

Last year, one resident sued Anaheim in federal court, saying that by holding hundreds of fireworks displays at the park each year, the city was violating federal water pollution laws. The suit was dismissed, but residents remain concerned about environmental issues.

"We're OK with fireworks on the Fourth of July and New Year's, but considering the density of the population here, you shouldn't have it every night," said Denis Fitzgerald, who filed the suit and is a member of Anaheim Homeowners for Maintaining Their Environment (HOME), a loose coalition of activists who live near the park.

Fitzgerald and other activists say the fireworks make dogs erupt in a howling chorus, waft smoke and shower ash and corrosive sulfur onto lawns, roofs, swimming pools and cars.

Beyond the smoke and ash, fireworks emit traces of contaminants such as copper, zinc, sulfate, nitrate and barium, which are used to produce their bright colors. Many fireworks also contain perchlorate, which can contaminate water sources.

Pollution and noise are enough of a concern that several other fireworks shows in California have faced obstacles in recent years.

In 2007, Sea World had to apply for a water-quality discharge permit for the 100 or so fireworks displays it puts on each year over San Diego's Mission Bay.

The next year, the state Coastal Commission barred a fireworks show in the Mendocino County town of Gualala over concerns it was scaring away seabirds.

And last month, the nonprofit Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation filed suit to try to snuff out the annual July 4 fireworks show in La Jolla, saying it violates state environmental laws. Their line of argument? Protecting the environment is patriotic.

After 10 years of research, Disneyland in 2004 introduced what it called an innovative launching system that uses compressed air instead of black powder. The result is safer, quieter pyrotechnics that emit less smoke and pollution.

"That demonstrates our commitment to being a good neighbor," said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland spokeswoman.

A Disney study requested by air-quality regulators has shown that lifetime cancer risks posed by the park and its fireworks are well within health limits.

"To their credit, they developed a number of technical innovations that had a significant impact on reducing smoke and fallout," said Sam Atwood, a spokesman for the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

But even here in the blast zone, the fireworks have their admirers.

Hotels near the resort advertise rooms with views of the fireworks, and guests request such views. Year-round, but especially on the Fourth of July, motorists pull to the curb and gawk at the display. Traffic on Interstate 5 slows when the sky lights up with color.

Even critics have a soft spot for the fireworks.

"To be honest, I sort of like them," said Steve White, president of Anaheim HOME, which has fought the fireworks for more than a decade. "But there are issues with the perchlorate."

Sunday, those who live near Disneyland know to expect onlookers to descend and set up lawn chairs to view the show.

But for some who view the nightly fireworks as unremarkable as a trash truck rumbling down the street or a train clattering in the distance, the Fourth of July can be a bit of a letdown.

Jim Helms, 37, used to marvel at the exhibit, which he could easily see from his backyard patio just a few blocks from the park. Over time, he admits, it lost its luster.

"Fireworks," he said, "just don't impress me anymore."

Ok, if people don't like hearing the fireworks, then move. The way I see it, YOU moved there, YOU have to deal with it. If it wasn't for Disney, Anaheim probably would never be the same as it is today.

3rd Day In Branson

Yesterday we went on a dam tour, and then went to The Landing (outdoor mall) to see a Journey Tribute band, and a fireworks show.

Today I spent going back to Silver Dollar City. It's pretty much the midwest Knott's Berry Farm. Really cool park, with a western, down home feel. After hanging out at the park for most of the day, we came back to the condo, had a rather American dinner of hamburgers (every time I think of that word, Steve Martin in the Pink Panther comes to mind....dambeuurrrgers!"), watermelon, and lemonade! After a quick clean up, we split out and drove to some other random town in the middle of these hills to watch the fireworks.

Now I gotta say, if you get a chance to get "special" 3D glasses to view fireworks or any other light event, GET THEM. We got these prism 3D glasses that made the fireworks have prisms around the lights. It was AWESOME!! They really make the fireworks pop. I think Disney should jump on this, and sell these glasses at the World of Color...it'd be awesome to see it all like that.

Well, I'm gonna sign off and watch a movie. I think sitting poolside with my book and iPod sounds like a good plan for tomorrow.