Conference koolit::disney

What say we start things off in this topic with some tips and comments on a few
of the rides/attractions in WDW's "The Magic Kingdom".  I could drone on for
hours about any of the theme parks (as my personal name suggests) so I'll try
to limit this installment to a few highlights and will ignore the "givens"
(e.g. "don't miss the Haunted Mansion").  With encouragement I will be happy to
post future installments.

Please bear in mind that these are my experiences and opinions; your mileage
may vary.  Also, these comments apply equally well to Disneyland's equivalents
(where applicable).



FRONTIERLAND

* The Diamond Horseshoe Review

	This is a "must-see".  Basically a wild-west vaudeville show set in a
circa 1880's saloon.  Don't worry parents, the entertainment is MUCH cleaner
than those John Wayne movies would lead you to believe and the kids will love
it.  They serve lunch-type items with a western flair (i.e. chili, burgers,
sarsaparilla, etc.)  WORD OF CAUTION: The Horseshoe only accepts reservations
for the 10 or so shows they give each day AT THE DOOR OF THE HORSESHOE!  What
that translates to is bee-line it for their door 5 seconds after the gates of
DisneyWorld open up or you will find all shows for the day booked solid.  No
advanced reservations, either, so you can't book for the next day.  This
booking business is the only negative point about the place.

* Tom Sawyer's Island

	Perhaps the most under-rated attraction in Disneyland and WDW.  A safe,
man-made island with caves to explore, barrel-bridges over ponds, etc.  TONS OF
FUN even for us kids who's ages are in double digits.  Go before dusk since the
island closes at that time.  This will wear the little ones out (perhaps an
advantage?) if you just turn them loose and let them run wild so plan
accordingly.


ADVENTURELAND

* 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

	Everyone sees these Captain Nemo submarines and goes bonkers and wants
to ride them RIGHT NOW.  Resist the urge.  The lines for the submarine rides at
both parks are always INCREDIBLY LONG for just this reason.  Also, since
everything is man-made this ride looks VERY silly in broad daylight.  Kill two
birds with one stone and ride this one about 8:00 PM.  At night, the ride looks
more realistic and virtually everyone else at the park that day has ridden this
one so the lines are more reasonable.

* Jungle Cruise

	Hum.  This ride is fun the first time you ride it, but after that you
just don't care!  In fact, as much as I enjoy the ride I just cannot justify
the time I spend in line for the caliber of the ride.  I would say "pass"
unless the line is under 15 minutes.


FANTASYLAND

* Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

	Just because the majority of rides in Fantasyland are for the younger
set does not mean that the "adults" must suffer.  This ride affords you the
opportunity to drive an out of control jalopy/Model-T through walls, rooms,
court, etc. before you are run over by a train and literally go to Hell.  Great
stuff, but the line can be quite long in the late afternoon.


MAIN STREET USA

* general shopping

	If you wait until the end of the day to shop you will live to regret
it.  My usual plan of attack is to be the first one in the gate, run
(seriously) back to The Horseshoe and get reservations, ride at least one
super-awesome ride (like The Haunted Mansion) before the lines get out of
control, then return to Main Street at about 10:00 AM.  I do all my shopping
and then go under the train station by the front entrance and rent a locker
(for, like $1.00) and stuff all my stuff into it for the day.  It is then a
simple matter to stop on the way out and pick up those coveted Mickey Mouse
Ears Hats while laughing at the poor slobs who waited until the last minute and
are now in "panic mode".

	Speaking of which, if you want a pair of Mickey ears be sure to buy
them during this early morning shopping spree.  The lines at stores that
specialize in hats and personalization grow exponentially starting 2 hours
before closing.  Personalization on the Mickey ears is, of course, free.





'Nuff for now, and hope this helps,
David.

    These are my favorites,
        
>FRONTIERLAND
>
>* The Diamond Horseshoe Review
>
>	This is a "must-see".  
    
    I totally agree, finally got around to seeing it on my last trip.
    
>* Tom Sawyer's Island
>
>	Perhaps the most under-rated attraction in Disneyland and WDW.  A safe,
>man-made island with caves to explore, barrel-bridges over ponds, etc.  TONS OF
>FUN even for us kids who's ages are in double digits.  

    my son and I really enjoyed this.


    Also Thunder Mountain Railroad is  a  must  if  you  like  Roler Caster
    rides, although this is tame compared  to  others, it's fund due to the
    Disney Magic, try and see it both  during the day and night if you can.
    And of course Country Bear Vacation Hoodown.

        
ADVENTURELAND

>* 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

    Uh this is in Fatasyland
    
    I also like Jungle cruise and the Pirates of the Caribbean as well
    

FANTASYLAND

 Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and 20,000 leagues under the sea
    
    
LLBERTY SQUARE.
    
    The Haunted Mansion, and Hall of the Presidents    

TOMORROW LAND
    
    Space Mountain, Magic Carpet 'Round the World circlevision movie.
    
    Claude

>    ADVENTURELAND
>
>>* 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
>
>    Uh this is in Fatasyland
    
    
    OOPPS!  My mistake.  In Disneyland it's in TOMORROWLAND so I guess
    I just got confused.

        
    I stand corrected,
    David.

    	I'm getting the shakes from WDW withdrawl reading these notes.
     I've gotta convince the Wife that we should go again soon, before
    I get out of control!!!
    
    
    AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!
    Tom

    
    When I was there (Disneyworld Magic Kingdom) this past labor day,
    the biggest hit among the little ones (2&5) was Mickey's Birthdayland.
    Is it still there (seeing his birthday is over)?  It was behind
    Mickey's house and consisted of a stage show with singing and dancing
    and all the characters.  The kids went crazy over this.
    
    gog
    

    
     The '88 S.B. Guide makes mention of a new attraction being scheduled
    for Tommorrow Land. Info on this should have come out in late '88.
    Has anyone heard anything about this ? 
    
    George
    
    P.S. I have somemore info on this in the guide, but I don't have
    it with me today.
    

reply to < Note 7.6 by USMFG::GHIGGINS "Oh Nellie !! Your Here At Last..." >
    
>     The '88 S.B. Guide makes mention of a new attraction being scheduled
>    for Tommorrow Land. Info on this should have come out in late '88.
>    Has anyone heard anything about this ? 
    
    I beleive your  talking  about the Dreamflight ride presented by Delta,
    is a ride-adventure that depicts the history and future of aviation.
    
    Claude

    
    Re: .7
    
         I think that's it. Any info on when it will be open or
       constructed ?
    
        George

    last I heard  it  would  open Dec '88, it was to be located next to the
    Carousel of Progress and  Circlevision's  American  Journeys anyone who
    went in the last month verify that it did indeed open?
    
    Claude

< Note 7.5 by MURPHY::OGRADY "George - ISWS - 262-8665/296-4023" >

>    When I was there (Disneyworld Magic Kingdom) this past labor day,
>    the biggest hit among the little ones (2&5) was Mickey's Birthdayland.
>    Is it still there (seeing his birthday is over)?  It was behind
>    Mickey's house and consisted of a stage show with singing and dancing
>    and all the characters.  The kids went crazy over this.
    
    
I asked at City Hall last October if Mickey's Birthdayland was going to
permanent or not.  No one for sure but thought WDW would keep it there
and change it's theme to meet whatever special celebration would be 
going on.

Anyone have a more recent update?

mis

    
    Re- .6 .7 and .8
    
    My 89 Birnbaum (released Dec/88) said about the same thing as the
    '88 version. "Look for a new dream flight ride coming" 
    
    Or something like that (my book is on loan .... oh the pain when
    you need it from time to time).
    
    Mark
    
    

RE: .1
    
> FRONTIERLAND
> 
> * The Diamond Horseshoe Review
> WORD OF CAUTION: The Horseshoe only accepts reservations
> for the 10 or so shows they give each day AT THE DOOR OF THE HORSESHOE!
        
    I have just found out that this is no longer the case.  The name
    is now Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree.  Reservations are NOT TAKEN AT
    THE DOOR and are ONLY taken at some new place on Main Street USA
    called the Hospitality House (located next to The Walt Disney Story).
    
    SO....
    
    Please accept my apologies and modify your plans such that you bee-line
    for this Hospitality House place first thing.  If you arrive about
    1 hour before the stated "official" opening time of WDW you can usually
    get on Main Street USA, so you should still have time to get things
    in order/control before running amuck after the park "really" opens.
    
    <Sigh!>  I *need* to get back to WDW soon...it's been 4 years and
    look at how much as changed!!!
    
    
    David.   (whose credibility is probably already shot in this conference!)

    re:  a few back...  I was just at WDW 3 weeks ago and yes Mickey's
    Birthday land is still open.  I have to agree, the show is worth
    seeing and really cute.  My 5 year old "usually" says Mickey's birthday
    party was her favorite "thing" when asked.  Other times it's Michael
    Jackson's Captain EO film in Journey into the Imagination in Epcot.

    Re - Mickey's Birthday Land
    
          I think I recall reading somewhere that this attraction/land
         will onlt be in exsistance till Oct/Nov '89. Can anyone
         confirm this ?
    
    George

    	I have heard the same as in the last reply.
    
    Tom

    I seen a three dimensional movie in Fantasyland called 
    "Magic Journeys"..(like Micheal Jackson's Captian EO"...and I thought
    is was one of the best attractions in the park...I never seen such
    a lifelike three dimensional movie...my hands were actually reaching
    out to touch the objects!
    
    Dont Miss it when you visit the next time!
    
    Lynne S.

    Magic Journeys was accually the first 3D movie shown in the Kodak
    Imagination building before Captain EO.
    
    While we're on the subject of the 3D movies,  I had been 'blinded'
    to the 3 D effect until last trip!  I just could not see the 3D
    effect.  I wear glasses, have an acute astigmatism [sp] in one eye.
    I did discover, that if I held my head back as though I was looking
    up, I could get the effect.  WOW, what a difference!
    Anyone else have this problem?
    ed
    

    
    Well, I'm totally blind in one eye and haven't seen either one (yet).
                                        
    Not even sure it will work for me at all, but I intend to check
    it out anyway. (give it to Marky, he'll try anything once !)
    
     

    re .5
    
    We went to Disneyworld in December this year (1988) with our 3 year old
    daughter, Lauren and our best investment to date, our camcorder.
    We filmed Mickeys' Birthday Surprise Party Show (about 20 minutes).
    Well this film has eclipsed almost every other Mickey Mouse film
    in popularity at our house. Lauren loves to see the party over and
    over again and her wonderful encounter with the worlds' most lovable
    rodent. BTW, I think they did a smart thing allowing you to line
    up to see Mickey and giving your child a full 90 seconds or so to
    be unchallenged in the quest for Mickeys attention. 
    
    This attraction however was nowhere to be found when we went to
    Disneyland in January '89. (We are Disney-holics and we don't want a
    cure!) We were very disappointed. 
    
    Personally, my favorite attraction is Star Tours. (That's why 
    we had to go to California, we couldn't wait for it to open in
    Florida). I always feel like I'm Luke Skywalkers' co pilot. It is
    the most realistic sci-fi adventure of them all. 
    
    We use the magic of Disney to alter behaviour patterns in our daughter.
    She is trying very hard to stop sucking her thumb so that we can
    return and she can go with her Dad and I on some of the big guy
    rides. I know this sounds cruel but it is having a promising effect.
    She is far more aware of her thumb than before. She still sucks
    on it for comfort just before dozing off, but while awake, we never
    see her thumb in her mouth!
    

    I think my favorite attraction in The Magic Kingdom is "Pirates
    of the Carribean".
    
    The line is usually short, the ride is fun, the audioanimatronics
    figures are great, and I love the explosions in the water!  As a
    matter of fact, I usually get right back in line after this one.
    
    72 Days and counting.
    Steve O

    
    One of my personal favourites too!  Maybe I'll see you in line!
    
    George
    71 Days and Counting...
    

	Pirates will always be a favorite.  I cant remember if it was 
	before we moved back east, in '68, or when we moved back west in '71
	that I, along with others, Field Tested the ride in Disneyland.  
	I bet it was '68 cuz I remember Gram taking the Grand kids one last 
	time before we moved away.  Anyway, I recall there were cast member's 
	outside the building rounding up guests to test the ride.  I recall 
	that it was not crowded at all, that we were told it would be open 
	for "this week only", then shut down for repairs/modifications for 
	approx. 6 weeks, before opening offically to the public.  When we 
	exited in the cafe, there were cast members handing out 
	questionnaires, and asking people all kinds of questions about the 
	ride.  Most questions centered around how wet we got, if we minded, 
	and what we would want changed, etc. 

	It was neat, I'll never forget my first ride!!!

		Bryan


    

    
    
    Here's something to ponder !
    
    Most of the books (such as Birnbaum, etc) talk about Diamond Horseshoe
    (the show place to eat) as being in Frontier Land. I have a huge
    30"x50" colored map of Magic Kingdom (souvenir) that "lists" Diamond
    Horseshow as part of Liberty Square (in the legend). On that same
    map it's location appears to be on the edge between Liberty Square and
    Frontier Land.
    
    Sooooooo, if some one were to ask you which land is it located,
    
    What would YOU tell them ?


    (just to stir things up a bit)    

    
    Mark (87 days) 
    

    Certainly Frontier Land.  It fits the theme very well!

    Frontierland, after  all  that's what the MK guidebook that I have from
    my '87 trip  says,  and if you can't trust Disney to hand out good maps
    who can you trust?
    
    Plus like Steve says it fits the theme of the Frontier vs Liberty.
    
    Claude

    
     Ditto to Frontierland. I was in Disneyland in April, and thats
    where it was. Is it the same for the MK in WDW ?
    
    George_who_has_just_36_days_left_!_!_!

There is a large passageway right next to the Diamond Horshoe Revue that leads
into Adventureland.  It makes, in my mind, a division between Liberty Square and
Frontierland.  Thus, physically, the Diamond Horseshoe Revue is in Liberty
Square, and logically in Frontierland. 

--Jay

    
    I like that comment, Jay. Physically in Liberty Square, Logically
    elsewhere, because that's how it "appears" in the map
    
    

    The Diamond Horseshoe Revue is in Liberty Square.  It is one of
    the transition buildings that Disney used in the park design kind
    of like the Peco Bill Cafe with the spanish look to help transition
    into the Carribean Plaza portion of Adventure Land.
    
    A few other tips for you:  Use the left lane at the Jungle Cruise.
     They load two-thirds of every boat from that line.
    
    Use the Left lane at the Priates of the Carribean.  This line is
    physcially shorter than the right lane.  Also, don't so anything
    weird in the boats in the Priates.  They have cameras monitoring
    the whole ride.  You can see the control tower as you pull out of
    the loading area.  There is a glass viewing booth where you can
    see the main ride operator.
    
    If you have kids and they want to ride Dumbo, do that first thing
    upon entering the park.  As of last year, that is the only attraction
    in EPCOT Center and the Magic Kingdom that I have not done.  The
    lines are too long to fight with the 3-8 year old crowd.
    
    Generally at Space Mountain, take the left side.  Most people
    automatically go to the right.
    
    When riding the Walt Disney Railroad, look to your left most of
    the way through the ride, this will give you a chance to see some
    of the backstage areas.
    
    When going down Main Stree USA, take a look at the windows on the
    second floor of the buildings.  You will see names of people that
    were or are important to the Disney organization.
    
    As a former Custodian of the Magic Kingdom, you see and hear lots
    of stories.  When I get a chance, I'll post more here.
    
    Joel
    

    On the recent comments about "Streetmospehere" in MGM, now it seems
    that the MK has got it.  When in Frontierland in June(*), they had
    some "bad guys" come in too "kill them a sheriff".  It was quite 
    good.  The characters were fun ("I wanna kill 'em!","No! You killed
    the last sheriff.  Its MY turn").
    
    George
    
    (*)I know.  I haven't done my trip report yet.  But DEC sent me to
    Ireland a week after I got back and they don't seem to believe my Disney
    trip report can take precendence over my Ireland Trip Report (or Expense
    Report, or XXX Report, etc..) :-)  As soon as I get a chance I will
    post in 34.
    
    					- Gaw
     

rep to < Note 7.30 by NITMOI::WITHERS "So shines a good deed in a weary world.." >

>    On the recent comments about "Streetmospehere" in MGM, now it seems
>    that the MK has got it.  When in Frontierland in June(*), they had
>    some "bad guys" come in too "kill them a sheriff".  It was quite 
>    good.  The characters were fun ("I wanna kill 'em!","No! You killed
>    the last sheriff.  Its MY turn").

    Been doing this for a  few  years now, I remember seeing something like
    this back in '87, the bad  guys/sheriff later turn out to be members of
    a bango band, that entertained the people  waiting  to  go into Country
    Bear Vacation Hoodown.
    
    Claude

    According to what I've read the difference between what you describe,
    and "steetmosphere" is the involvement of the crowd.  

    In both Epcot and the MK you see street theater, marching bands, and
    various other performers.  Many of them also interact with the passers-
    by.  However steetmosphere characters play a role and expect the
    guests to become part of it, as opposed to just watching the show. Does
    that make any sense?

    Let's start a separate note on street performers at WDW and Disneyland.
    (See 126.*).

                <<< INDMKT::DUA0:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DISNEY.NOTE;2 >>>
                                 -< DISNEYANA >-
================================================================================
Note xxx.x                     WDW Space Mountain                     No replies
WHYNOW::NEWMAN "What, me worry? YOU BET!"             5 lines  27-JUL-1989 20:46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Someone told me that they heard that the "ride cars" at WDW Space
    Mountain have been changed to single person cars.  Supposidly this was
    done for safety reasons.
    
    Does anyone know if this is true or not?

    I ASKED ABOUT THE CHANGE IN CARS BECAUSE MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT TALL
    ENOUGH THIS TIME ALTHOUGH SHE RODE ON IT LAST YEAR. THERE ARE STILL
    TWO CARS HOOKED TOGETHER BUT EACH CAR NOW HAS 3 SINGLE SEATS IN
    STEAD OF TWO DOUBLE. EACH SEAT HAS A LAP BAR NOW. THEY CHANGES THE
    SEATS (ARE YOU READY FOR THIS) BECAUSE TOO MANY PEOPLE WERE STANDING
    UP ON THE RIDE AND THEY HAD TO SHUT THE RIDE DOWN WE THEY SPOTTED
    THEM. THE CAST MEMBER ALSO ALLUDED TO DENTS IN THE BUILDING WHERE
    PEOPLE HAD BUMPED THERE HEADS WHILE STANDING. I WAS SHOCKED. STANDING
    UP ON SPACE MOUNTAIN WHILE IN MOTION? WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I WAS CRAZY
    BUT NOT THAT BAD

    Re .34 - Thanks for the response.  that is what I had heard but just
    wanted to check to be sure.
    
    You mentioned something about a "height requirement" for the ride.  Do
    you know what it is?  My son is looking forward to riding on Space
    Mountain and I would really not like to get in line and then find out
    he is too short.
    
    What about height requirements for other attractions at WDW?  From
    looking through various guide books and notes entries it appears as if
    the requirements either vary (on the same ride!) or are not strictly
    enforced.

>   You mentioned something about a "height requirement" for the ride.  Do
>   you know what it is?  What about height requirements for other
>   attractions at WDW?
    
    I do not remember the *exact* height requirements (it is something
    like 125 centimeters or roughly 4 feet), but all rides in the MK
    that have a height restriction have a sign out front telling you
    so.  Also, these signs have the minimum height marked on the sign
    so you can measure the child in question prior to getting into line.
    While I will grant you that the enforcement of these restrictions
    is somewhat at the discretion of the Cast Member operating the
    attraction, it is better to play it safe than to stand in line for
    an hour only to be disappointed.
    
    Hopefully some major-league junkie out there (Claude?  Len?  ;-)  )
    has a book or something handy and will give further details.
    
    
    David.

rep to < Note 7.36 by RECAP::SEAGLE "Disneyland junkie!" >

>    Hopefully some major-league junkie out there (Claude?  Len?  ;-)  )
>    has a book or something handy and will give further details.

    Major-league junkie eh?
    
    
    Height restriction at the MK are
    
    Big Thunder Mountain Railroad   3'4"
    Space Mountain 3'
    Grand prix Raceway 4'4"
    
    I'm unaware  of  any  others in the MK or EPCOT/DISNEY-MGM Studio Theme
    Park.
    
    Claude

rep to 7.37 
    
>>    Height restriction at the MK are
    
>>    Big Thunder Mountain Railroad   3'4"
>>    Space Mountain 3'
>>    Grand prix Raceway 4'4"
    
Claude,  where did these numbers come from?  When we were down in April, we
found out the hard way about the new height restriction for Space Mountain.  My
daughter was too small for Space Mountain, but was just able to go on Big
Thunder Mountain.  She was about 43" tall (3'7") so we assumed the height
requirement was 42".  But it is definitely higher for Space Mountain.  And in
the past, we have never run into height restrictions on the Grand Prix Raceway.
Is that for driving alone?

--Jay

    Jay,
    
    I got the height restrictions from my '89 copy of the Unofficial Guide.
    since someone mentioned the  new design for the cars, I guess they must
    of  up'ed  the  restriction  for Space Mountain  since  the  guide  was
    publiched.  As far as the Grand Prix,  yes  it  for  driving  the cars,
    there is no restrictions for passangers if I remember correctly.
    
    Claude

    Warning:  If your child barely makes the height restrictions
              for the Grand Prix Raceway, ride with him or her.

              My niece barely made it, and the cast member let her
              ride alone.  She had trouble holding the pedal down
              because she was too short.  Traffic was backed up so 
              bad that a cast member came looking for hold up and
              drove the car in for her.

    During one of my College Program seminars, I asked why Space Mountain
    had an age restriction and Big Thunder Mountain had a height
    restriction.  The answer I received had to do with the seats.  On
    BTMR you sit side to side and SM had people sit one in from of the
    other.  On BTMR, you have a height because of the lap bar.  On SM
    you had age because of lap strap there wasn't a problem.  But, most
    adults would hold on tightly to the child.  Disney put the age
    restriction because by age 6 (I think that was the limit), the bones
    had developed to such a point that they could not be as easily broken
    by an adult trying to hold on tightly to the child.
    
    Joel

    > Disney put the age restriction because by age 6 (I think that was the
    > limit), the bones had developed to such a point that they could not be
    > as easily broken by an adult trying to hold on tightly to the child.

    Are you saying that the restriction was not because of any danger
    inherent in the ride, but because adults might squeeze their kids too
    hard?  Is this still true?

    There are dangers on any type of roller coaster type ride, but they
    felt that the youngsters were safe with the lap straps and that
    they wouldn't slide around like they would on Big Thunder Mountain
    Railroad which leaves space between the person and the bar.

Like many others, my family enjoys the preparation for a trip to Disney World.
As part of the preparation, we attempt to determine what attractions we want to
ride/view in the Magic Kingdom.  As a starting point, we began with the
following list of the known attractions. I thought that maybe this list will be
helpful to someone else.  If I have missed any, I'm sure someone could help by
pointing them out.

peter


*******************************************************************************

MAIN STREET

____	Walt Disney World Railroad

____	Penny Arcade

____	Main Street Cinema

____	all kinds of shops

*******************************************************************************

FANTASYLAND

----	It's A Small World (11 minutes)

____	20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (9 minutes)

____	Snow White's Scary Adventures (3 minutes)

____	Magic Journey's - 3-D show used to be in Imagination
		theatre (17 minutes)

____	Skyway to Tomorrowland

----	Peter Pan's Flight  (3 minutes)

____	Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (3 minutes)

____	Cinderella's Golden Carrousel

____	Mad Tea Party

____	Dumbo, The Flying Elephant

*******************************************************************************

TOMORROWLAND

----	Mission to MARS (12 minutes)

____	Circlevision 360 - American Journeys (20 minutes)

----	WEDWAY People mover (10 minutes)

----	Grand Prix Raceway (5 minutes)

----	Space Mountain (3 minutes)

____	Starjets

____	Carousel of Progress (18 minutes)

____	Skyway to FANTASYLAND (5 minutes)

____	Dreamflight - new Delta attraction (5 minutes)

*******************************************************************************

FRONTIERLAND

____	Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (4 minutes)

____	Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree (30 minutes)

____	Country Bear Vacation Hoedown(15 minutes)

____	Frontierland Shootin' Arcade

____	Tom Sawyer Island


*******************************************************************************

ADVENTURELAND

____	Pirates of the Caribbean (8 minutes)

____	Jungle Cruise (9 minutes)

____	Tropical Serenade - Enchanted Tiki Birds (16 minutes)

____	Swiss Family Island Treehouse (10-15 minutes)


*******************************************************************************

LIBERTY SQUARE

____	The Haunted Mansion (9 minutes)

____	Hall of Presidents (23 minutes)

____	Liberty Square Riverboat (16 minutes)

____	Mike Fink Keel Boats

____	The Liberty Tree

*******************************************************************************

MICKEY'S BIRTHDAYLAND

    
    
    That was great, I have been meaning to write a list up like that
    for my upcoming trip!
    
    Thanks,
    
    Chuck

    Peter,
    
    I'm impressed.
    
    Mickey's_friend_Mike

    One of my favorite attractions has not been mentioned and I'm fearful
    that it is gone.
    
    Is the Mickey Mouse Revue still around or has it gone bye-bye? It
    basically included a number of audio-animatrons on stage doing a medley
    of Disney songs.
    
    Is is still there?
    
    Mike

    According to the Fall issue of Disney News, Mickey's Birthdayland,
    will be staying for a while, and is to be renamed to Mickeyland.
    The shows are to be revamped in order to salute some of Mickey's
    friends who have recently become quite well know on the TV cartoon
    circuit. Appering with the Mouseter of Ceremonies will be Scrooge
    Mcduck (Duck Tales), Winne the Pooh, Zummi Gummi (Gummi Bears) and
    Chip 'n' Dale (Rescue Rangers).
    
    Claude

I have to say that I'm getting siked for my trip in 27 DAYS and counting.
I was in WDW in '87 and the only ride that wasn't available was the
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.  I'm looking forward to it this year.

Everyone has been talking about their favorite rides... boy what a decision 
to determine which was your favorite - I LOVED THEM ALL (I'm a kid at 
heart) - any Haunted Mansion and Thunder Mountain are two that first come 
to mind - went into Haunted Mansion 3 times (had the same ghost each time) 
and went on Thunder Mountain 6 times...

We are taking a CAMCORDER this trip... so it will be revived everytime we 
watch it... can't wait.

Anyone else going in the October timeframe?  To each of you who haven't 
gone to WDW yet - WHAT'S TAKING YOU SO LONG.... it's the greatest adventure 
of all.

26 days - 20 hours - 0 minutes.....


Linda

    I remember going down in September one year and was told back then that
    20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closes after LAbor Day.
    
    Can anyone confirm this? 
    
    Mike (294 days)

    I was there last October and 20,000 L.U. the S. was open.
    
    dan

    
        I was just watching the news where they had a special report about
    how Walt Disney World, specifically(sp?) the Magic Kingdom, stays
    squeaky clean I'm sure you Disney-holics(I'm one too) already know that
    the streets are washed done each night with major-league fire hoses,
    but here are some other interesting tidbits....
    
    -Every floor is waxed or shampooed and vacuumed every night
    
    -All the windows are washed every night
    
    -All the railings are polished
    
    -and the real kicker... they take apart all the tables and clean them
     just to put them back together again, you guessed it, evert night!
    
    - oh just another bit of info. they also rehearse the parades at night
    
    Well enough for know. I'll post more when I have more time. 

    I used to work in custodial and I know from experience that some
    of that information is propaganda.  Yes, the rugs are vaccuumed
    every night, but they only shampoo them about once a week.

    Usually the streets are hosed down each night, but on those nights
    when the water could freeze, they won't do it.  One of the jobs
    of a custodial person opening an area is to push broom all of the
    standing water puddles and wipe down all of the wet benches caused
    by the hosedown from the previous night.
    
    Windows are clean every night by a special team of third shift
    custodial that does nothing but windows.  (Gee, wouldn't you like
    them to come to your house during Spring Cleaning?!) 
    
    I am assuming that you mean brass or metal railings.  In addition
    to the railing, other metal polishable items are usually polished
    every night.  I used to hate working in the Adventure Land Veranda
    and starting to polish about 8pm when the park closed at 9.  There
    was always some jerk or small child that would come over and ruin
    the polish before the night was out.  The worst place to work for
    polishing brass was the Harbour House in Liberty Square.  I was
    lucky that I never had to work there!
    
    As for the tables.  I never saw that done.  Currently, with the Disney
    employment crunch (lack of cast members) they wouldn't spend that kind
    of effort for something that would be noticed by a very small fraction
    of the people, if anyone at all. 
    
    The parade rehersals is true.  They need the park to reherse and they
    can only do that after the gates are closed and the park is clear of
    guests.  I can remember working Easter Sunday back in '86 in Fantasy
    Land and watching a rehersal, actually, the last dress rehersal before
    the "Totally Minnie" show made its debut.  They went right up to the
    point when they let people off of Main Street USA and then the
    scrambled to get the stage cleared off before the parents and kids
    flooded towards Dumbo's Flight.  I can remember watching the first show
    and then going backstage after and seeing how happy the people involved
    were! 

    
    Joel

  I have taken the liberty of utilising the recently submitted list of MK 
  attractions and adding some comments, tips etc. These titbits are an 
  amalgam of my own limited experience, the Unofficial Guide and some items 
  from this conference. Further inputs are welcome.
  
  Robin_29_days_to_go.
  


*******************************************************************************

MAIN STREET

	As soon as you arrive go straight to Hospitality House on Main Street
	and book for the Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree. Then go to City Hall and  
	pick up a daily entertainment schedule.

____    Walt Disney World Railroad
	
		Best left until you have seen the attractions. Queues shorter 
                at Main Street and Mickey's Birthdayland Stations. 

____    Penny Arcade

		A dreadful place. Best avoid it.

____    Main Street Cinema

		Somewhere to go if it is raining or too hot. Not especially 
                worth seeing.

____    Walt Disney Story

		A 23 minute film. Queues rarely form so leave it until the end 
                of your visit.
*******************************************************************************

FANTASYLAND

----    It's A Small World (11 minutes)

		A MUST if you have small chidren. They will love it. Boarding 
                probably faster on the left.

____    20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (9 minutes)

		Not as impressive as I thought it was going to be. Not worth 
                the immense queues which build up. Catch it first or last 
                thing.
	
____    Magic Journey's - 3-D show used to be in Imagination
                theatre (17 minutes)

		A MUST! Incredible 3-D effects. Queues not often long. Catch it 
                during the hottest part of the day to cool off.

____    Skyway to Tomorrowland

		Take it for the views if the queues are short. 

----    Peter Pan's Flight  (3 minutes)
	
		A MUST! Incredibly delightful. Enjoyed by kids from 2 to 102.

____    Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (3 minutes)

		Not very wild at all. Not worth waiting in a long queue for.

____    Snow White's Scary Adventures (3 minutes)

		Not very scary but a cut above Toad.
	
____    Cinderella's Golden Carrousel

		Just another Carrousel albeit a very pretty one. Loading and 
                unloading is very slow and during peak times the ride is very 
                short.

____    Dumbo, The Flying Elephant

		A standard fairground ride. Nothing to get exited about.
		
____    Mad Tea Party

		Ditto
*******************************************************************************

TOMORROWLAND

____	Skyways to Fantasyland

		Worth it for the views but not as a means of transport. Far 
                quicker to walk.

----    Mission to MARS (12 minutes)

		Personally unimpressed. Queues usually short. Save it for peak 
                times.

____    Circlevision 360 - American Journeys (20 minutes)

		A MUST for adults. The theatre is huge so waiting times are 
                never long. The whole show is watched standing up so not 
                suitable for toddlers unless you can carry them.

----    WEDWAY People mover (10 minutes)

		A nice relaxing ride. A good way of inspecting Space Mountain 
                queue length.

----    Grand Prix Raceway (5 minutes)

		Does not live up to it's promise. A rather boring ride. Not 
                worth queueing for.

----    Space Mountain (3 minutes)

		A MUST if you dare. Probably the most popular attraction in the 
                park. The only way to avoid queueing is to be at the ropes when 
                Tomorrowland opens and run like hell. To gain a 100 yard start 
                go to the end of Main Street and turn right past the Plaza 
                Restaurant. Wait at the rope barrier under the archway labelled 
                "Plaza Pavilion Terrace Dining". 

____    Starjets

		Just another fairground ride. Not worth a wait.

____    Carousel of Progress (18 minutes)

		I found this rather corney. Queues are rarely long so can be 
                seen during the busiest part of the day.

____    Dreamflight - new Delta attraction (5 minutes)

		The Unofficial Guide rates it excellent. 
		

*******************************************************************************

FRONTIERLAND

____    Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (4 minutes)

		A MUST. A very popular ride. I managed to get three rides in 
                without queing by being first in the park. However it is best 
                ridden in the dark.

____    Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree (30 minutes)

		A MUST. Reservations only. You can eat lunch there as well.

____    Country Bear Vacation Hoedown(15 minutes)

		A MUST. No reservations required but queue can be long.
		Best seen before 11.30.

____    Frontierland Shootin' Arcade

		Good fun for budding Wyat Earps. Costs 25c a go.

____    Tom Sawyer Island

		Take your kids there when you need a rest. You may have 
                difficulty getting them off it.
	
____    Davy Crockett's Canoes

		A chance to paddle your own canoe.
*******************************************************************************

ADVENTURELAND

____    Pirates of the Caribbean (8 minutes)

		A MUST. A very high capacity ride so do not be put off by long 
                queues. The left queue is shorter than the right.

____    Jungle Cruise (9 minutes)

		A MUST.	Has to be ridden once but does not bear repetition. The 
                left queue loads fastest.
			
____    Tropical Serenade - Enchanted Tiki Birds (16 minutes)

		Not usually crowded. A pleasant way of passing a quarter hour 
                during the hottest part of the day.
		
____    Swiss Family Island Treehouse (10-15 minutes)

		Requires a lot of climbing. I personally found it rather 
                uninspiring. 
*******************************************************************************

LIBERTY SQUARE

____    The Haunted Mansion (9 minutes)

		A MUST. A popular attraction so try and catch it early or 
                late.	

____    Hall of Presidents (23 minutes)

		The theatre holds around 750 people so a seemingly long queue 
                can soon disappear. Can be very boring for young children.

____    Liberty Square Riverboat (16 minutes)

		A pleasant ride covering the same ground as Davy Crockett's 
                canoes and Mike Fink's keelboats.

____    Mike Fink Keel Boats
	
		I prefer the Riverboat.

*******************************************************************************

MICKEY'S BIRTHDAYLAND

	All my comments here are second hand.

____    Mickey's Surprise Party (16 minutes)

		A MUST if you have small children. The show takes place in two 
                consecutive theatres. After the last part of the show there is 
                a queue to meet Mickey. Get near the doors to the left of the 
                giant cake and when they open make for the building on your 
                right. You will be at the head of the queue.

____	Grandma Duck's Petting Farm

		Reputedly a bit naff.

*******************************************************************************
                		
 

re: .56
    
>____    Dreamflight - new Delta attraction (5 minutes)
>
>		The Unofficial Guide rates it excellent. 

    I rate it dull.  But it is fast loading, and should be much of a wait.

    Note, that the latest edition of the Unofficial Guide was published
    BEFORE Dreamflight was open.  Also before the Studio theme park opened,
    yet it contains traffic flows and recommendations for that as well. 
    This wouldn't bother me so much, except they make such a big point of
    claiming that they developed all the plans and recommendations on their
    own, and do not rely on Disney information like "the other guides".

>____	Grandma Duck's Petting Farm
>
>		Reputedly a bit naff.
    
    What does this mean in American?

  I don't believe naff has a direct American equivalent. It simply means not 
  very good. 
  
  Robin

    Should you arrive at the MK when the turnstiles open, but before they
    drop the ropes opening the park (at the end of Main Street), you can
    look in at the Penny Arcade and the Main Street Cinema.  When we were
    there in Nov, there was a 1/2 hour between when the gates opened and
    the ropes were dropped.  Some of the games in the arcade were originals
    from many years ago, along with more recent games.
    
    You can also browse the shops on Main street at this time and either
    make purchases now (and store them in a locker to be retrieved later)
    or just to get an idea of what is available to be purchased later.
    
    peter

    
    Question Time!
    
      Are there any female Jungle Boat drivers?  My daughter's sole
    ambition in life (for today anyway) is to be one of those drivers.  Any
    chance?  If WDW doesn't have any females, are there any particular
    resons why not?  Just wondering!
    

    No, there are no female Jungle Skippers or Train Conductors.  The
    reason being that because Disney is putting on a show, they can get
    away with casting certain people for certain roles.  Also, there is
    something legal, I can't remember the correct terminology that deals
    with history.  Disney can show that there were no/very, very few female
    jungle skippers and train conductors so therefore for correct
    historical representation, they can limit these parts to males.  Disney
    wants to be historically correct, don't you know.
    
    J Rhys

    Not that I'd call Joel as giving incorrect information, but Back in 
    [I think] 1976 I went on the Juncle cruse and there was a female
    skipper.  I remember her closing lines to me distently " why don't
    you go out and buy a bannana? Then you'l have appeal!"
    Maybe they discontinued the practice.
    ed
    

    Has anybody heard any information  on this new Mickey's Starland
    that they are building. I saw a commercial for it the other day.
    
                 TEd

    Mickey's Starland is what used to be Mickey's Birthdayland. It is
    scheduled to reopen May 18. According to the multi-page add in the
    travel section of The Boston Globe last Sunday, it's
    "a captivating character cavalcade with all your friends from 'Chip
    n' Dale's Rescue Rangers', 'Ducktales', and 'Tailspin'". 
    
    Can anybody translate that into who the characters are who will be 
    there? I've been out of touch with these movies (no kids).
    
    Linda
    Only two more days!!!!
    

    Rep to <<< Note 7.64 by GEMINI::GIBSON >>>

    Linda,
    
>    Can anybody translate that into who the characters are who will be 
>    there? I've been out of touch with these movies (no kids).
    
    Chip n  Dale's  Rescue  Rangers,  Ducktales  and  Tailspin, not sure of
    Tailspin (never heard of  it)  but the other two are the current Disney
    Cartoon shows shown either daily  or  on  weekends  depending  on  your
    station.  Chip n Dales stars  you  know  who  and  some  new characters
    forget their names, and Ducktales stars Huey, Duey and Louey as well as
    Scrooge Mcduck and some others.
    
    Also  Mickey's  Birthday land is now going to be the  official  feature
    celebration  area  for  any of the Disney characters who are turning  a
    major milestone in their lives like 50th, 60th birthday etc.
    
    Claude

    Okay,
    
    Who's hitting a milestone this year (besides me)?
    
    Mike

    Isn't Tailspin the new cartoon series that's going to star
    the bear (Baloo?) from the Jungle Book?  I seem to recall
    reading about this coming up for the Disney Channel.

    re: .67

    Yup.  It started recently, we watched it last weekend.

    Tailspin, C & D Rescue Rangers, Duck Tails, and The Gummi Bears make up
    "Disney Afternoon", a two hour daily animated package that has been
    syndicated to start in the fall.  The last thing I read said that they
    had already sold it into > 80% of the US TV markets.

    The new show in Mickey's Starland features the characters from these
    four shows.  Disney cross-promotion strikes again!

    Joel,
    
    Maybe you can answer this for me.
    
    Over the weekend I had a discussion with some friends regarding the 
    Haunted Mansion in TMK. The discussion centered around two aspects of
    that attraction.
    
    First, regarding the streeetching room when you first enter. SOme of my
    friends swear it's an elevator. I said that it wasn't but just a room
    that gives the impression that it's an elevator. Does anyone know the
    real answer?
    
    Also, do handicapped visitors have access to attractions such as The
    Haunted Mansion? 
    
    I couldn't answer the second question but I felt that the room was not
    an elevator.
    
    Mike_who_cannot_believe_that_he_is_29_days_from_his_vacation
    

    Mike,
    
    >First, regarding the streeetching room when you first enter. SOme of my
    >friends swear it's an elevator. I said that it wasn't but just a room
    >that gives the impression that it's an elevator. Does anyone know the
    >real answer?
    
    In Florida, the roof raises.  In California, you are on an Elevator. 
    Look at the floor where the lobby and the stretching room meet and also
    look at the doors themselves, this will confirm your impression.
    
    >Also, do handicapped visitors have access to attractions such as The
    >Haunted Mansion? 
    
    Yes, most attractions are handicapped accessable.  For the Haunted
    Mansion, handicapped guests are brought it through the exit of the
    ride.  They miss the stretching room sequence.
    
    Joel

    Haaaah!
    
    I knew it...I knew that wasn't an elevator in Florida.
    
    Thanks Joel,
    
    Mike_who_is_on_day_5080_of_a_5110_day_wait_to_return_to_see_The_Mouse
    

    The room is actually *both* (at least in Disneyland).  The floor goes
    down about a story while the ceiling rises about a story resulting in
    an elongated room.  The catch is that the ceiling does not begin its
    movement until about 3/4ths of the way into the stretch routine.

    Now, at WDW/MK, I thought the floor only moved a few feet while the
    ceiling made up the balance to result in a room which stretched about
    the same amount.  I have not been there in several years, but I seemed
    to remember the floor moving a bit to give you more sensory feedback
    and fake you out on what was happening; am I wrong?  I could have sworn
    that the basic mechanics of the rooms at both parks was the same but
    that the mix of movement was different.


    FWIW,
    David.

As some of you know, October 1, 1991 will be the 20th anniversary of
the Magic Kingdom and several resort hotels.

Does anyone know when the celebrations will begin? 

I believe that the 15th anniversary started on Oct. 1, 1986 and ran
thru Sept. 30, 1987.  However, another note (I can't remember where)
stated that parade currently at Disneyland would be in Florida
for the anniversary beginning in January.

I'm starting to plan a trip for next fall and would like to attend something
special if at all possible.

Thanks,

Marilyn

    Is it just me or did the "Small World" ride lasts FOREVER!  Every
    corner I went around I thought it was the end but it kept going on and
    on and on...I thought it would never end.  I walked off the ride
    singing It's a Small World After All, I felt like I was being brain
    washed or something....!  :^)
    
    Linda

    I hope you realize that your last note just set off the tune in
    everyones head who has just read your note  ;-)
    
    
    For those of you who missed it the first time...1..2..3...
    
    It's a small world after all, It's a small world after all, It's a
    small world after all, it's a small world after all.
    
    

    Although it does seem long when you're on it, it's even longer
    when you're showing the video to the folks back home and they
    all start getting fidgety during this portion.

    You have stumbled upon another magical feat of Disney Imagineering.  

    You should pay closer attention to the name of this attraction.  Most
    people think the name of the ride is "It's a SMALL World", with the
    emphasis on the third word.  It is more correctly read "It's a Small
    WORLD", With the last word emphasized.

    It is difficult to tell by looking at the building from the front that
    faces Peter Pan's Flight, but the attraction actually extends far back
    into the backstage areas of WDW.  In fact, much of the 43 square miles
    of the park that are supposedly undeveloped are taken up by Small
    World.  It may reach all the way to Sea World.

    In order to make this all work, the Imagineers had to use a fleet of
    4,351 boats, and a cadre of dancing dolls that rivals the population of
    many small cities.

    The music was written by Disney folks using a patented process that uses
    special hooks and barbs that catch in the folds of your brain and make
    it stick there.  You can actually see these if you look at the sheet
    music.  The same technique is used throughout Disneyland, WDW, and in
    many of the Disney Movies. OSHA has asked that some kind of protective
    device be developed for the cast members who must work for long periods
    in these attractions, but so far no effective protection has been
    found. 

    :-)

    Maybe if they played.. It's a small world... over huge loudspeakers in
    the Persian gulf  everyone could come home for Christmas......

    
    Len Len Len...
    You should be a writer, you have expressed my feelings about Small 
    WORLD perfectly.  On and on and on.... (I feel the same way about
    the Tiki Bird program).
    
    I absolutely will not ride that ride (notice I didn't use the "N"
    word however).
    
    Not meaning to be sacreligious (sp?) but Small WORLD I can live
    happily go without.  And if I never hear that song (stuck in my brain
    folds) or see another dancing doll, well, it would be too soon.
    
    +- Sharon
    p.s. you (humorously) pressed my button

    We now wake up to this tune every morning.  My wife bought two Fisher
    Price alarm clocks for Christmas, one for our daughter and one for our
    sons room.  She set the alarm up to the melody rather than a radio
    station.  The kids loved it!!!! I was already up when they kicked in,
    was shaving at the time...... I'm still bleeding from the nick !!!!!!
    
    My wife thought it was cute.  Now all I have to do is find the owners
    manual on those clocks to re-program them to something else.
    
    She must think this will make me call WDW and book a trip.
    
    Tony

    re: .79
    
    I don't know.  Linda and I actually LIKE the Tropical Serenade.  My kids
    on the other hand hate it.  They don't care much for the Country Bears
    either.  I guess there's no accounting for taste.

    On this last trip I used this fact to my advantage.  I would tell the
    boys if they didn't behave I was going to take them to see the Tiki
    Birds.

    
    re: <<< Note 7.81  by SENIOR::GOLDBERG "Len, I'm a friend of Walt D." >>>
    
    I'm with your kids, in not caring much for the Country Bears.  But,
    they aren't so bad that I won't go see them.  (If a group was going
    in I'd go).  
    If a group was going in Small WORLD, I wouldn't go.  And, at least
    outside Disneyland's Small WORLD there is much to see. Topiary, a
    stream, a place to sit. (I haven't been there in a long time tho)
    
    Maybe, just maybe, it's time for me to re-visit Tropical Serenade. 
    Since you seem to recomend it, I could give it another chance.
    (The only thing I remember was my neck was kinda sore, so I stopped
    looking up and then almost drifted off to sleep).
    
    +- Sharon
                                                                     

    RE: .77, et al.

    It could be worse...read my experience with 'Small World in 24.7!


    David.

    
    	Fans of the Magic Kingdom's " Main Street Electric Parade "
    should make a point of visiting the park this summer. Official word
    came yesterday from a high ranking Walt Disney Company official that
    the parade is about to get its plug pulled.
    	In an interview with WBZ's Dave Maynard, Walt Disney World
    president Dick Nunis said that the Walt Disney Company has a new 
    parade in the works for its Orlando park. Tenatively titled the " Electro
    Magical Parade, " this twice nightly pageant will be similiar to the 
    " Main Street Electrical Parade " in that it will feature brightly lit 
    floats and Disney music. However, due to the advances in fiber optics 
    and computer control, the " Electro Magical Parade " promises to be 
    twice as much fun as the " Main Street Electric Parade " ever was.
    	According to Nunis, the " Electro Magical Parade " will begin 
    rolling through Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom starting in June
    of 1992. He made no mention as to whether a similiar parade would
    replace Disneyland or Tokyo Disneyland's " Main Street Electrical 
    Parade. "          
    
    					JRH	

    RE: .85

    I am going to surprise most of you with this comment, knowing how much
    of a "leave it alone" mentality I am when it comes to the parks, but...

    I LIKE IT!

    A thousand ideas of what you could do with fiber-optics in a parade
    like this just flashed through my tiny brain, and I CAN'T WAIT!!!


    David.

    I was there back in 1976 when the Electrical Light Parade first
    appeared in the Magic Kingdom. It was magical back then and is still
    magical today.
    
    I feel somewhat sad for those who will have not seen this famous
    attraction. I'm glad I've captured it on tape because I will continue
    to enjoy it for years to come.
    
    The Disney folks rarely disappoint us and I have faith in their
    creative juices. I expect that this "upgrade" will be acceptable to
    everyone. I also would think that if it turns out to be less popular
    than the ELP the latter will be reinstated.
    
    
    Yo Robespierre....any idea as to how the transition will be made? Will
    the ELP go on one night and the "new" ELP the following night? Also, is
    it late June 1992 or early June 1992?
    
    Mike_who_hopes_to_go_in_mid_July_92

    
    	As I understand it, the " Walt Disney World Electro-Magic " parade
    won't be making its official WDW debut until June of 1992. What this means
    is that the original " Main Street Electrical Parade " will probably
    continue to run through the winter and late spring of 1992, whenever 
    the park is open late. So you folks should still have 15 months or so
    to see the parade, watch and smile as Elliot the Dragon blows smoke out
    of his nose and King Leonodius hammers away at the keys of his calliope.
    But -- after May 1992 -- t-t-t-that's all folks.
    	On the other hand, I have heard from fairly reliable sources 
    that Disneyland's 35th anniversary " Parti-Gras " parade might be
    recycled in WDW's Magic Kingdom during the Orlando resort's 20th
    anniversary celebration. These means that all those huge inflatable
    Disney characters would be making two trips daily down Main Street,
    with cast members slinging mementos off the floats and confetti
    flying. ( I caught this parade several times when I was out in Anaheim
    last year. And -- while I've seen lots of parades at the parks -- the
    " Parti-Gras " has to be one of my favorites. I liked the color, the
    music and the fact that -- every so often -- the parade would stop and
    break into this wild dance number, with cast members pulling Disneyland
    guests up off the curb and making them take part in this huge conga
    line. This was a parade that was a lot of fun to watch as well as
    take part in. Be sure to catch it -- and get caught up in it -- if and
    when it shows up in Orlando.) Anywho, according to my sources at WDW, 
    the Walt Disney World  version of the " Parti-Gras " parade would begin
    rolling through the Magic Kingdom this October and run through August
    of 1992.
    	And -- finally -- we have the question of when Disney's gonna
    start up a daily parade -- ANY parade -- at its studio theme park.
    Starting this summer, guests visiting that park were supposed to 
    be treated to daily appearances of the " Amazing Muppet Motorcade "
    ( Which was to have featured Miss Piggy and Kermit in an immense
    pink cadillac as well as the infamous tour bus used by Doctor Teeth
    and the Electric Mayhem ), but -- now that the Disney-Muppet merger 
    has bit the big one -- the plug's been pulled on the studio parade
    project, at least for now.
    	So when will we start seeing daily parades at Disney-MGM ? Right
    now, it appears that they're at least two or three years off. Why ? 
    Because -- in addition to having no characters to build a parade 
    around ( Disney's getting really worried about stretching its classic
    cartoon characters -- Mickey, Minnie, etc. -- too thin by having
    them appear daily at The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center as well as the
    Studio Theme Park. That's why the Disney Company has become so 
    aggressive about signing up new characters like the Teenage Mutant Ninja
    Turtles to appear at the parks. They're anxious to freshen up the mix
    a bit of their parks in Florida ) -- they really don't feel that they
    currently have enough open roadway running through the studio theme 
    park to safely serve as the route of a daily parade.
    	Soooo, as of right now, Disney's planning to postpone their plan to
    stage parades at Disney-MGM until they build a little " breathing space "
    into the park. This will entail completing construction of the Sunset
    Boulevard area. This all-new street for the studio theme park -- which
    will start where the " Theater of the Stars " is currently located,
    run north for a half mile or so, then end at an all-new " Theater of the 
    Stars, " which will be four times bigger than the original. This new
    street will serve as home for " Maroon Studios " ( Featuring Roger
    Rabbit's Toontown Trolley simulator attraction, Baby Herman's Runaway
    Baby Buggy Ride, as well as the Benny the Cab attraction ) as well as
    Mickey's Movieland ( This will be a recreation of Walt Disney's
    Hyperion Studio complex. Here, kids will get to do some hands-on
    experimentation with film-making by using over-sized equipment ), as 
    well as the new " Theater of the Stars " ( Which -- if I understand 
    correctly -- is where the new musical Andrew Lloyd Webber is creating
    for Disney, " Noah's Ark, " will be presented nightly. Trouble is --
    if I remember correctly -- this is supposed to be an elaborate 
    musical water-&-light show, similiar to " Illuminations " at EPCOT
    Center. How they plan to stage that here, I have no idea. Has anyone
    else heard anything about this show and where it might be staged ? ).
    	Anyway, Sunset Boulevard -- like Hollywood Boulevard -- will
    feature wide sidewalks and high curbs, which will make it an ideal
    place to view a parade from. They'll also be building an area behind
    the scenes at the studio theme park where they can launch a parade
    from ( It'll be between the " Theater of the Stars " and Mickey's
    Movieland, if I remember correctly ) and upgrading the behind-the
    scenes area where the parades would exit ( Between Sid Cahuanga's
    House and the Mickey's of Hollywood store ). Then -- and only then 
    -- will Disney-MGM really be ready to stage a daily parade. They'll
    finally have the room for people to comfortably view the thing, 
    enough street to roll an impressive assembly of floats down, as well
    as the support facilities behind the scenes for the launching of your
    typical Disney theme park parade. If all goes according to plan,
    everything will be in place by the summer of 1993, 1994 at the latest.
    	But -- after they finish all this construction and behind-the-
    scenes work -- what sort of parade will we finally get to see ? Well, in
    1989, Disneyland -- as a cross promotion for its new sister park in 
    Orlando -- staged a daily " Hooray for Disney Stars " parade. Themed
    around celebrating the golden days of Hollywood,this pageant featured
    classic Disney characters re-enacting various movie cliches, ex : Roger
    Rabbit as a harried studio head, Donald Duck as a temperamental director,
    Mickey and Minnie as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. In typical Disney
    style, it was handsomely produced, fairly witty, pleasing to the eyes
    and ears, and Disneyland's guests seemed to eat it up.
    	So -- chances are -- when Disney-MGM finally gets around to
    featuring a daily parade of its own, we'll probably see a variation on
    this sort of thing -- only the studio theme park's parade will probably
    also feature a couple of floats highlighting the other movie-themed
    attractions you can find in the park. You know, a " Star Wars " float with
    R2D2, C3P0 and Darth Vader lurking about, a " Teenage Mutant Ninja " float,
    and -- who knows -- maybe even a " Muppet " float ? And -- after a
    couple of years of this -- Disney-MGM will probably gets its own 
    version of the " Main Street Electrical Parade, " so that crowds will
    feel compelled to stay late in the park and not miss any of the fun.
    	After all, that's what Disney uses these parades for. They're just
    another reason for you and your family to stay in the park a little
    longer, to wait for that daily character parade. So, even though you're
    all tired and want to go back to the hotel to crash, you hang in there
    'til 3 p.m. or 10 p.m. And -- to keep your strength up -- you buy 
    another coke or an ice cream for each member of the family.
    	You get what I'm driving at ? We -- the Disney fans -- view the
    parade as a treat, additional entertainment for our theme park dollar.
    On the other hand, the Disney Company views its parades as a way to 
    keep people in the parks longer, which gives them more time to seperate
    us from our theme park dollars.
    	I know, I know. You people hate it when I muck up all the magic of
    Disneyland and Disney World by mentioning money. But -- face it, folks
    -- Eisner and crew aren't just running this company for their health.
    They like their work, but they also like a healthy profit too. And so
    -- if they think it'll make you stay longer in their parks, spending 
    more and more of your money -- they'll be putting new parades in each
    of the parks ever year. Get used to the idea, because a new parade cost
    the Disney Company a lot less to mount than opening a big new crowd
    pleasing " Splash Mountain " kind of attraction each year.
    	Oh, one final note on new pageants at Disney. My source also told
    me that -- starting this October -- EPCOT Center would also be getting 
    a new nightly pageant for its World Showcase lagoon. He had only a few
    details about the prject, but -- evidently -- it'll feature elaborate
    settings that will rise out of the water every night for each
    presentation. Then, after the show, they'll mechanically sink out of
    sight, below the surface. Anyone else heard anything about this ?
    
    	Comments ? Questions ? Complaints ? Well, you know where to post
    them.
    
    					Regards,
    
    				      Robespierre

    Last night my daughter asked what land The Haunted Mansion is in and I
    replied Liberty Square. She said, "That's not a land like FantasyLand
    or FrontierLand, or AdventureLand."
    
    She has a good point. I always placed Haunted Mansion and The Hall of
    Presidents as part of Liberty Square.
    
    Isn't Liberty Square's DisneyLand counterpart New Orleans Square? And 
    isn't it there that A Moment with Mr. Lincoln and "Pirates..." reside?
    
    Mike

    As for WDW, Liberty Square is indeed considered a separate land, albeit
    listed on the same pages as Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom Guide Book.

    In Liberty Square are:

    Attractions
    -----------
    The Hall of Presidents
    Liberty Square Riverboat
    Mike Fink Keelboats
    The Haunted Mansion

    Restaurants & Snacks
    --------------------
    Liberty Tree Tavern
    Sleepy Hollow
    Columbia Harbor House*
    Liberty Square Wagon

    * former home of the long lamented Monte Cristo sandwich

    Shops
    -----
    Umbrella Cart
    Olde World Antiques
    Silver Smith
    Heritage House
    Ichabods's Landing
    The Yankee Trader
    Silhouette Cart
    The Courtyard

    I got back from Disney last friday. One of the TRAM operators said that 
    the Electric Light Parade was moving to Euro-Disney in Paris sometime
    in August of this year. This was the only time I heard this and I would
    consider it unoffical. Did any one else hear the same info?
    
    Dave

   I just got back on the 19th and I was told the same thing about the ELP
moving on to Euro-Disney by one of the cast members.

John

    This note is in reply to Dave Gregory's question in 23.108 as to what
    is so special about being on Mainstreet USA before the opening of TMK.
    
    Okay Dave here goes...
    
    For first timers, especially Children, it is one of the first and most
    memorable Disney theme park experiences that will most remain with them
    because of the following...
    
    As first timers you are very anxious to do the attractions so
    anticipation is at an all time high. However, the chain at The Hub
    remains up until 9:00. At 9 A.M. you hear the P.A. system for the first
    time as we hear, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Walt Disney
    World proudly presents...." and from the castle we see Mickey leading
    the parade of characters.
    
    It's great to watch the excitement of children as they see this for the
    first time.
    
    When we visit with first timers I insist we get there early enough to 
    witness this.
    
    That's it Dave....it's one of those "ya gotta be there" to appreciate
    it.
    
    Mike

    can anyone remember some of the sayings on the tombstones at the
    haunted mansion?
    
    ed
    

    Rep to <<< Note 7.94 by SASE::FAVORS::BADGER "One Happy camper ;-)" >>>

>    can anyone remember some of the sayings on the tombstones at the
>    haunted mansion?

    Ed, 
    
    Here's the one I remember, (posted in 34.93)
    
    Claude


                                 ____________
                                /            \
                               /              \
                              |   AT PEACEFUL  |
                              |    REST LIES   |
                              |     BROTHER    |
                              |     CLAUDE     |
                              |  PLANTED HERE  |
                              |  BENEATH THIS  |
                              |       SOD      |
                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Unfortunately my memory is not as good as Claude's but I recall one
    something to the effect.
    
                            ___________
                           /           \
    			 /               \
    			|    Here lies    |
    			|  Good old Fred  |
    			| (was once alive)|
    			|  (but now he's) |
    			|      DEAD !     |
    			|                 |
    			|     (R.I.P.)    |
    			|                 |
    		~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    

    I do not remember if these are from Disneyland or WDW/MK, but...

    "Here lies dear, departed, brother Dave, he chased a bear into a cave."

    "Master Grady laid to rest, no mourning please, at his request."


    David.

    Rep to <<< Note 7.96 by GUIDUK::GREEN >>>

>    Unfortunately my memory is not as good as Claude's but I recall one
>    something to the effect.

    According to my photo that I look at last night but forgot to bring in,
    it went something more like this,
    
                            ___________
                           /           \
    			 /               \
    			|    Here lies    |
    			|  Good old Fred  |
    			| A big Rock      |
    			| Fell on His Head|
    			|                 |
    			|     (R.I.P.)    |
    			|                 |
    		~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    

    Uh oh. Now I could really be in trouble, correcting Claude. I too went
    home and looked at a photo of Fred's Tombstone. Claude got it mostly
    right. I too left my photo at home, but I believe one word was missing
    
*      <<< Note 7.98 by SALEM::BERUBE_C "Good Morning WDW!, in 178 days" >>>
*                              -< more like this >-

*    Rep to <<< Note 7.96 by GUIDUK::GREEN >>>

>    Unfortunately my memory is not as good as Claude's but I recall one
>    something to the effect.

*    According to my photo that I look at last night but forgot to bring in,
*    it went something more like this,
    
                            ___________
                           /           \
    			 /               \
    			|    Here lies    |
    			|  Good old Fred  |
    			| A GREAT Big Rock|
    			| Fell on His Head|
    			|                 |
    			|     (R.I.P.)    |
    			|                 |
    		~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    
    Profuse apologies (especially if I'm still wrong!)
    
    Gulp!
    
    Tim

    
    	Well, for those of you who are marking your calendars for the
    Fall '92 opening of WDW's own version of " Splash Mountain, " take
    note. Last Wednesday, the new Frontierland station opened up and
    now -- after months of running backwards between Mickey's Starland
    and Main Street Station -- the WDW railroad is once again making a
    full circle 'round the park.
    	Guests riding the train have yet to get much of a peek inside
    the mountain itself. Black curtains currently hang in the windows
    where you'll be able to peer down on the ride's finale as the train
    rolls through the mountain ... But -- given that the " Briar Patch "
    ( The official " Splash Mountain " gift shop ) was due to open to 
    the public within the week, and that the exterior of the mountain is
    all but complete -- it won't be too long now before the attraction 
    itself is open. ( By the way, rumor has it that Disney's well ahead
    of schedule on " Splash. " Barring any unforeseen difficulties, expect
    this attraction to open for business in * JUNE *, not September '92. )
    	On an odder note, WDW Tomorrowland fans had best get their visits
    in soon. Orlando going to be borrowing a page from Euro-Disney, for --
    come 1994 -- Tomorrowland becomes Discoveryland. Expect this whole side
    of the park to get a mark-pver a la Jules Verne. Currently, the
    attractions due for installation here are :
    
    	* " From Time to Time " : A Circlevision 360 show a la " Muppet-
    vision 3D. " ( Lots of in-theater effects as well as audio animatronics
    interacting with the film ) Look for Robin Williams to play the voice
    of the futuristic scientist who runs the show ... Sounds like a really
    great show.
    
    	* " The Flying Saucers " : A much loved piece of Disneyland's past
    is being resurrected here in Orlando. Guests board mini-flying saucers
    and are whisked across the floor of a cushion of air. A fibre optic
    starfield as well as other special effects should add to the fun ...
    Look for this attraction to replace " Carousel of Progress. "
    
    	* " Alien Encounter " : WAS going to be installed over at the
    studio theme park, but -- at the last minute -- Disney relented and
    kept this as part of WDW's Tomorrowland makeover. Disney's first PG 
    rated theme park attraction, look for this to make use of the stereo
    headsets from the " Sony Soundworks " over at Disney-MGM for a truly
    scary show. You have been warned !
    
    	* " Orbitron " : Da Vinci styled make-over of the Astro-Jets. Look
    for a model of the universe to be twirling above your heads in the 
    opposite direction of your space craft. Should be fun for the kiddies.
    
    	* " Space Mountain " : Look for new ride cars that feature a
    rock-n-roll soundtrack that runs in tandem to the roller coaster track,
    making " Space Mountain " the world's first -- you guessed it --
    rock-n-roller coaster .... Too cute.
    
    	* " The Astronomer's Club " : Restaurant/theater styled after
    Pleasure Island's Adventurer's Club. Look for lots of looney scientists
    lurking about in here.
    
    	And -- finally -- though Disney isn't talking too much about this,
    they've got a simulator attraction in the works that's supposed also
    going into Discoveryland that'll blow the doors off Universal's " Back
    to the Future " attraction. No word yet on the ride's theme, but it too
    is supposed to be based in an Omnimax theater.
    
    	Further details as they develop. Any questions ?

    He's b-a-a-a-a-c-k...
    
    I'm very glad to hear that they've making over Tomorrowland into
    Discoveryland.  Tomorrowland always seemed to be more like a
    Yesterdayland than its "vision".  Going back and making it a Jules
    Verne-like section of the park makes more sense and they won't run into
    the problem of having to keep all the attractions "current".
    
    Hmmm... more ammunition for a return trip in a few years...
    
    - Skip

    YES!  Splash Mountain in JUne!  That would be great!  those of us
    heading down in July for the Birthday Bash have a chance of
    experiencing it!  Awesome!
    
    Kathy_I'm_not_too_excited
    

    So Jim Hill puts that thing in about Splash Mountain and I read it and
    yeall out "YESSS!!!!" and everyone pokes their heads in to ask me what
    all the excitement is.
    
    Wait until my kids hear about this!!!!!
    
    I would guess there'll be a soft opening of Splash Mountain in the 
    May timeframe and it will definitely be showcased in the Easter or
    July 4th WDW TV shows....maybe the Disney Channel will keep us
    informed.
    
    Signed,
    
    The Birthday Bash Kid

    I'll be coming back this summer, and want to compare the Splash
    Mountains, but I can't wait until they bring back the flying saucers
    (one of the few benefits to being a chubby kid was that I was able to
    ride the saucer by myself [you need enough body mass to steer it]).
    
    tom
    (who has 10 days before going to WDW, and about four hours before going
    to Disneland [wasn't it nice of my boss to make me install software at
    a customer site in Anaheim?])

    
    	Now -- I don't want to get everybody's hopes up -- but ...
    	While talking last week with a friend who works at WDW's Magic
    Kingdom, I commented that it was a shame that Disney never shows the
    original " Country Bear Jamboree " anymore. His reply : " Gee, hadn't
    you heard ? ... "
    	Gotta check with a few more sources just to be sure about this.
    But -- if my buddy's correct -- the original 1971 version of the 
    " Country Bear Jamboree " show will begin performances in Orlando
    starting in mid-February. Give me a few days on this, and I'll get
    definitive word ...
    	In other Disney theme park news : Bette Midler, Danny Devito,
    Rhea Perlman and Ted Danson have supposedly completed voice work on an
    all-new version of the " Tiki Bird " show. Not sure when this new show
    will be installed or which park it'll go into first, but the plan is to
    pull the four original " host " birds and replace them with state-of-the
    -art AA birdies that bear a striking resemblances to the performers who
    voice the show. Look for Bette to play a bosomy song bird, Danson to
    play a cockatoo who hits on pretty ladies in the audience, and Devito
    and Pearlman to play two frumpy love birds.
    	And -- finally -- though the original " Country Bear Jamboree "
    may be making a comeback, look for a fourth version of this show to
    debut in '93 or '94. Plans are well underway for a special Halloween
    Bear show, tenatively titled " The Country Bear Halloween
    Spooktacular."

    ALLLRIGHT.......Big Al singing "There was bloooood on the sa-adle...."
    
    Love it.
    
    Mike

    Rep to <<< Note 104.3 by VISUAL::SCOPA "I'd rather be in Orlando" >>>

>               -< Now we gotta bring back "Mickey Mouse Revue" >-

    Mike
    
    You'd have  to  give  Tokyo Disneland something in exchange, since that
    where it went.
    
    Claude

re: .105
>       	Now -- I don't want to get everybody's hopes up -- but ...
>   	While talking last week with a friend who works at WDW's Magic
>   Kingdom, I commented that it was a shame that Disney never shows the
>   original " Country Bear Jamboree " anymore. His reply : " Gee, hadn't
>   you heard ? ... "
>   	Gotta check with a few more sources just to be sure about this.
    
    
    	When I was there three weeks ago, Country Bear was closed, and I
    was told by the Cast Member standing around in front that they were
    reinstalling the original (I see the vacation hoedown enough out here).
    
    "and a
    great
    big
    
    Puddle,
    of blood on the ground."

    
    	It's official ! Just got a call from a friend who's currently
    visiting Walt Disney World and he said that the original " Country
    Bear Jamboree " is back at Grizzly Hall.
    	And -- speaking of WDW's Magic Kingdom -- this same pal ( After
    exiting the last " Country Bear Jamboree " show of the day ) exited
    the theater last night to see Disney's construction people running
    water and log tests at Frontierland's " Splash Mountain. " During the
    day, the canals running through this flume attraction were bone dry. 
    But -- after the park officially closed for the day -- they're
    evidently running tests on the attraction's drive mechanisms. My pal
    said it was pretty snazzy to see water sluicing down Chickapen Hill
    for the first time.
    	So -- signs are still good that WDW's " Splash Mountain " may open
    well ahead of schedule. Though Disney management won't officially
    comment ( The " Opens in Fall '92 " signs are still up all over the
    place ), employees at the park say that they're really pushing to have
    the attraction open to the public by late June / early July.

I just got back from WDW.  Country Bear Jamboree has been open with the
original show for almost three weeks, according the the hostess!!  It was
Great!  I'll write more in my trip report.  Ditto on the previous note
about splash mountain.  It looks almost ready to go.  Imagineers were
working on small details like the water wheel gears.  Landscaping looks
99% done.  The Frontierland WDW RR stop has been moved north (Splash Mtn
sits where it used to be) and rebuilt as an elevated platform just south
of BTM RR.  There is a small plaza under it, with rest rooms and (I think)
the exit from Splash Mtn.  There are now two bridges over water in from
of SM and BTM RR.  One curves along the waterway along Tom Sawyer Raft
houses, and one goes over a loop of SM's waterway in a direct line between
the Pirate's square and BTM RR.

Bill

    Oh please  let there be a soft opening in late April!!!  I'll be in the
    parks 'till May 2nd, guess I'll be busy calling WDW info.
    
    
Article: 6931
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
From: pvl@Cadence.COM (Pete LaMaster)
Subject: Re: WDW Splash Mountain Status
Organization: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1992 12:36:16 GMT
 
  I walked past WDW "Splash Mountain" yesterday and there was water running
in it and the sign had changed from "Fall 1992" to "Later this year".  Two
gentlemen with hard hats were strolling along by the flume so I asked them
when it would open.  They said that it would open in MAY (yes, just 2 months
away) for "a couple of hours a day", then phase into full operation.
  Bottom line: it sounds like it is very close to being ready.
 
  Pete LaMaster - CADENCE, Melbourne, FL (407)951-2579 - pvl@cadence.com
 

    
     I'm sorry if my question has an answer somewhere else here but I can't
    find it.
       It's about SPLASH MOUNTAIN, is this another roller coaster type
    ride ? Or is it the kind that you grab a rubber tube then you go
    up and WHAMMMM jump into the water ? OR ?
    
    ricardo_who's_still_very_ignorant_about_WDW.
    
    

    See note 65.
    
    Mike

    I'm leaving for WDW in two days!  Yaaaayayyyyyyyy!!!!!
    
    Be back May 5th with fab report!
    
    Leslie, who's on trip # 10!
    

    
    	Mind you, I don't want to get anyone's hopes up, but ....
    
    	I was talking to a friend who works at WDW tonight. And --
    according to her -- Disney will begin actual continous-operation-type
    testing on " Splash Mountain " over the next week or so by allowing 
    cast members to ride the attraction after hours. Should these tests be
    successful, the attraction will then under-go its " soft opening "
    ( Allowing actual park guests to try out the attraction by throwing 
    it open -- unannounced -- for a few hours every day ) during the last
    two weeks of May.
    	Now -- should the attraction meet approval with cast members, " soft
    opening " guest riders as well as Disney management -- " Splash
    Mountain " could officially open to the public as early as the first 
    week of June. Mind you, should the attraction run into trouble during 
    this test phase, " Splash Mountain " 's official opening could be
    pushed back by as much as a week or a month.
    	But -- given that construction has gone so smoothly on this version
    of the log flume attraction ( And given how anxious WDW management is
    to get a huge new attraction open on the property to counter-act the 
    continued popularity of Universal Studios - Florida's " Back to the 
    Future " simulator attraction ) -- it now seems definite that " Splash
    Mountain " will officially be open for business this summer -- so be
    sure to bring some drip-dry clothes ... ' cause ( Everybody, all
    together now ! ) " You * WILL * get wet ! " 
    	Any questions ?
    
    						jrh 

    
    	Here's the latest news on WDW's " Splash Mountain " :
    
    	Though WDW press types continue to deny that this attraction will
    open ahead of schedule, word comes from Magic Kingdom employees that
    " Splash Mountain " has * ALREADY * been operating. Late last week, the
    Imagineers who helped design the attraction -- plus the construction 
    teams that built the " mountain " -- had a private party after hours
    in Frontierland to celebrate the official completion of construction 
    of this $ 30 million + attraction. WDW's own food service department
    set up a monstrous buffet, while the park's entertainment division
    provided music for the 300 + guests. I'm told it was quite a shindig.
    	But -- as nice as the food and the music must have been -- the real
    treat for guests attending the party that evening was being the very first
    people on the planet to officially ride WDW's " Splash Mountain. "
    Around 10 p.m., everyone made for the queue area, where -- after a short
    christening ceremony ( Which was a weird but wonderful little ritual.
    One Imagineer stepped forward, holding up a Mickey Mouse canteen. He 
    explained that he had driven out to Anaheim and personally filled this
    canteen with water from Disneyland's " Splash Mountain " flume ride.
    He had then hand-carried the canteen all the way to Orlando. Taking the
    cap off the canteen, he explained that -- by adding this water to that
    which already flowed through WDW's " Splash Mountain " attraction -- he
    hoped that this version of the attraction would then become as popular as
    the original in California. He then poured the contents into the water
    by the loading area as the assembled masses cheered. Interesting little
    ceremony, don't you think ? ) -- they all climbed into logs and floated
    off to " the Laughin' Place. "
    	Friends tell me that people who had ridden both the Californian
    and the Florida version of " Splash " were divided as to which was the
    better attraction. I'm told that everyone liked the newer " critters "
    that peopled this mountain ( Most of the figures that you see in 
    Disneyland's version of " Splash " were originally created for that
    park's " America Sings " show. Consequently, though many look great,
    few of the figures actually look like they're really supposed to be
    characters out of Disney's film, " Song of the South " -- the classic 
    that provided the music, characters and settings for this attraction.
    For Florida's version of the attraction, a whole new set of " critters "
    were created. Though markedly similiar to those you see lining the
    river bank in Anaheim, these figures -- as well as the set created for the
    soon-to-open Tokyo Disneyland " Splash Mountain " -- are done much more
    in the style of the three " stars " of the original Anaheim attraction :
    Brer Fox, Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear. The term I kept hearing is that the
    AA figures in Florida's " Splash " have a much more authenticly " swampy "
    look ... Whatever that means ... Anyway ... ), but no one likes the
    uncovered version of the ride-out area for Chickapen Hill. The
    Imagineers grumbled that this blows the illusion that -- as one slides
    down the main flume -- one " disappears " into the briar patch.
    	Supposedly, the reason that WDW's " Splash Mountain" 's ride-out
    area was left uncovered was two-fold : 
    
    	1) It'll make for a prime picture taking spot at WDW's Magic
    Kingdom. Disney expects people will wait for hours by the ride-out
    area to get great snapshots or video of their loved ones as --
    drenched to the skin -- they come 'round the bend.
    
    	2) The exposed turn-around area -- as well as the logs full of 
    damp but laughing tourists -- will make for a great " weenie " to 
    lure people into getting in line and trying the attraction.
    
    	I'm also told that -- what with having the ride-out area exposed
    -- this will make maintenance on this part of the attraction much
    easier than it is in Anaheim. Plus -- and I'm not sure how this is
    supposed to work -- but leaving this area open to the air is supposed
    to prevent guests from getting * TRULY * soaked after the ride down
    Chickapen Hill.
    
    	ANYWAY ... Enough with the technical info. In spite of yammerings
    about which version of the attraction was better, everyone who attended
    the " Splash " construction-competion party had a great time. The 
    festivities wrapped up around 1 a.m., and -- as they exited -- all
    guests recieved a button that read " I was among the first -- Splash
    Mountain -- WDW -- 1992. " ( I'm told these buttons will also be on sale
    to the public in WDW's Briar Patch shop on Splash Mountain's official
    opening day. So Disney buttons collectors, you have been warned ! )
    
    	I'm told that -- over the next week or so -- there'll be several
    after-hours " Cast Members Only " " Splash Mountain " parties. We'll be
    sure to get even more info about this attraction when that happens.
    	
    	But -- barring any last minute complications -- it really does
    look like WDW's " Splash Mountain " will be open to the public by the
    first weekend in June. 
    
    	Any questions ?
    					jrh
    
    	   

    
    	Here's yet another update on Walt Disney World's soon-to-be-opened
    new thrill ride / attraction, " Splash Mountain " : The good news is
    that they really have been letting guests ride on the attraction over
    the past week or so. Once or twice a week -- usually in the late after-
    noon -- Magic Kingdom personnel will quietly open the doors to the 
    attraction. Guests getting off the train at the new Frontierland 
    station and/or those folks strolling by as they wander back into the
    park after riding " Big Thunder Mountain Railway " are invited to get
    in the queue line and try the attraction. Word comes from friends at 
    the site that folks seem to really enjoy WDW's " Splash Mountain " 
    and -- as soon as they finishing riding -- they get right back in line 
    for another trip " through the briar patch. "
    	The BAD news is Disney's having trouble with a few of the audio
    animatronic figures in a couple of the scenes inside the attraction.
    In particular, the new jumping Brer Rabbit figure -- which is supposed
    to hop along alongside your " log " in the opening sequence of the 
    show -- keeps breaking down. So there's still some fine-tuning to do
    get the " show " part of the attraction up to Disney standard.
    	More disturbing is the trouble Disney's been having with the logs
    full of passengers after they've slid down Chickapen Hill. This new 
    " log " boats -- different from Disneyland's " Splash Mountain "
    vehicles in that they seat passengers side by side in four rows of
    two instead of back-to-front in three communal compartments -- seem
    to move faster than their Anaheim counter-parts. Some of the more 
    heavily loaded boats -- usually filled with over-sized adults -- 
    get moving so fast after they come down the outside flume that they
    skid up onto the grass alongside the canal in the turn-around area.
    	So far, this has only happened two or three times and -- Thank
    God -- no one's been hurt. But Disney's concerned enough about this
    skidding-up-into-the-grass thing that they're seriously considering
    replacing the " log " boats that were originally built for WDW's
    " Splash Mountain. " Should this happen, you can kiss a summer-time
    opening of this snazzy new attraction. It'll taken three months at
    least to get new logs created to the new specs ... Which means that
    -- though the attraction itself is really ready to roll -- " Splash, "
    for safety's sake, might just have to open in the fall ... Just like
    they originally said it would.
    	Mind you, Disney's looking into other options to resolve this
    too-fast-when-full-of-fatties log problem. Some of the Imagineers
    think a similiar -- and certainly less costly solution -- would be
    to put a series of friction points along the down-side of WDW's
    Chickapen Hill. This would mean that WDW's " Splash Mountain " logs
    wouldn't probably get moving as fast as Disneyland's logs due as they
    make their descent ( Using radar guns, the Imagineers have clocked 
    some of Disneyland's " Splash " logs -- as they make their descent
    down Chickapen Hill -- moving as fast as 45 MPH ! ), but it would
    make the attraction safer for overweight members of the public ...
    Plus it'd take a whole lot less time ( and certainly cost a lot 
    less money ) to install these friction points as opposed to replacing
    all of WDW's logs.
    
    	Should they opt for the friction points, Disney still might be 
    able to get WDW's " Splash " ready for a summer opening. But -- until
    WDW management decides what they want to do, safety-wise -- all bets
    are off. Any questions ?
    					jrh

    Jim,
    
    Wouldn't an interim solution be to reduce the number of guests in the
    logs (by 2) until they have taken care of the problem?
    
    Mike

    
    	Mike, you have to understand that Disney wants WDW's " Splash
    Mountain " to be one of the Magic Kingdom's high capacity rides. With
    eight passengers in each log, Disney can -- when the ride is operating
    at full capacity with no break-downs or delays -- hump 2400 people 
    through the mountain each hour. To cut two passengers out of each log
    would mean lowering that maximum capacity down to 1800 an hour, which
    would probably -- on very busy days at the park -- adding another hour
    to each guest's wait in line. And Disney doesn't like having to make
    their guests wait in lines longer than two hours ( The maximum
    anticipated wait-time for a trip through WDW's " Splash " -- or so say
    the Imagineers. )
    	So -- to Disney's way of thinking -- the number of guests to be
    loaded into each log * HAS TO * remain constant. If there are changes
    to made in " Splash, " they'll have to be made to the log themselves
    or to the " Chickapen Hill " slide area.
    	Any other questions ?
                                        jrh
    					

    I understand all that, but what's to stop them load balancing the logs? 
    
    Too many large people can't travel together. I've seen this done on
    other rides.
    
    Alternatively, there is often a minimum height requirement on rides, so
    why not a maximum dimension of some sort? (Oh-oh, I can just here the
    valuing differences discussion starting. Interestingly my small in
    stature son already feels some of the rules are "heightist")
    
    I hope I haven't started a rat-hole..............
    
    JK

    
    	Yeah, well that's the rub. If you were the trained-to-be-nicer-than
    -nice Disney ride loader at WDW's " Splash Mountain, " how would you
    tactfully tell the 300 pound gentleman and his 250 blushing bride that
    they would have to take seperate logs ? Given that Disney constantly
    stresses to its " Cast members " that all the visitors to its theme parks
    are " guests " and should be treated with ultimate tact and courtesy,
    how would you gracefully tell Elvis that -- due to his excess doughnut
    consumption -- he'd have to go solo down Chickapen Hill ?
    	Mind you, this is not the first time Disney has had to wrestle with
    the " How-do-you-tactfully-tell-someone-that-they're-too-fat-to-ride "
    question. Did you hear -- a year or two ago -- about the 400 pound plus
    woman who, while riding " Dumbo, the Flying Elephant " at Disneyland,
    actually managed to snap one of the supports to her vehicle's lift arm ?
    This sent her car smashing to the ground, shearing off one of Dumbo's 
    ears as the ride vehicle hit the concrete. The woman only recieved
    minor cuts and bruises in the crash ( As well as mega-bucks -- as well
    as ten year's worth of free admissions to the park -- with the under-
    standing that she would * NOT * talk to the media about the incident ),
    but Disney immediately shut down this Fantasyland favorite and -- that 
    very night -- jerked the ride out of the park and, behind the scenes,
    checked each and every ride arm on that attraction for signs of stress,
    wear and tear.
    	Though extensive tests on that particular " Dumbo " ride proved 
    that it was the woman's vaste bulk -- NOT mechanical or engineering
    failure -- that lead to the arm's support snapping, Disney took no
    chances. They took the " Dumbo, the Flying Elephant " attraction that
    WDI had had built originally for Euro Disney and had that new, improved
    version of the attraction installed in Anaheim. The old Disneyland
    " Dumbo " -- which had only been running since 1985 ( When the New
    Fantasyland came on line ) -- was junked ... Though I have heard that 
    Disney is thinking of auctioning off the remaining not-damaged Dumbos
    from this particular attraction to rabid Disneyana collectors ...
    	ANYWAY ... Now that the Euro Disneyland " Dumbo, the Flying 
    Elephant " is up and running in Anaheim ( Which -- when you think
    about it -- is not such a bad thing. The old version had only 10
    elephants, while the European revamp has 16 ... Which makes for a 
    much shorter wait for all the parents trapped in line, trying to
    get their kids their obligatory ride on " Dumbo " ... Hmmmn. Increased
    ride capacity. Shorter lines. Isn't this how this note got started in
    the first place ? ), Disney * DOES * have a special weight policy in
    place for this attraction. Should an obese adult get to the front of 
    " Dumbo " 's line and insist on taking the elephant for a spin, the
    employees have been told to direct that rider to a specially
    re-inforced car. Which elephant is the special super-strong-flying-
    elephant ? Only the ride operator knows for sure ... and they ain't
    telling !
    	Oh -- by the way -- after installing Euro Disney's " Dumbo " in
    Disneyland, Disney executives did have another 16 arm flying elephant
    attraction built for their Parisian park. It's in place and up and 
    running, even as we speak. And -- to date -- no European porkies have
    tested Dumbo's metal ... so to speak.
    	Now -- when it comes to " Splash " -- Disney doesn't have the 
    luxury of having special light-weight logs on hand for overweight
    riders to ride. Given that the logs have to cycle continuously through
    the mountain hundreds of times a days, taking on a new pile of
    passengers as the old pile scurries toward the exit ... Disney has to
    find a workable physical solution to this skidding-up-onto-the-grass
    problem. No amount of tactfully tell Roseanne that Tom will have to
    check the next log helps solve the problem that -- as of right now --
    WDW's " Splash Mountain " 's log aren't entirely safe.
    	Sorry about the long convoluted explanation. Any other questions /
    comments ?
    					jrh              

    A week ago, I saw Fantasmic! in DL and was wondering if the Disney
    folks decided to bring it to WDW, where would they put it??  I know the
    obvious answer is, "same place, Rivers of America," but this would mean
    Liberty Square would jam with folks waiting for the show to begin and
    would clearly interfer with the SpectroMagic route, yes??
    
    What I'm getting at is, if memory serves, there are fewer places around
    the Rivers in WDW MK to view a spectacle like Fantasmic! than there are
    in DL.
    
    Where else could they put it in the parks??  It's unlikely they'd offer
    it for "free" outside of the parks.  The only alternatives would be
    Echo Lake (much too small) and the World Showcase Lagoon (home of
    Illuminations).
    
    Any ideas and/or speculation??
    
    - Skip

    
    	Actually, the word currently coming out of WDI is that -- when 
    " Fantasmic " does start running at WDW ( And -- according to what 
    I've heard -- it should be in place by the summer of 1994 ) -- it's
    not going to be in the Magic Kingdom, but over at the Studio Theme
    Park.
    	There's no word yet about where exactly the show is supposed
    to go. I have had rumors that they're thinking of holding it nightly
    in the lagoon just outside Disney - MGM's entrance. But -- given that
    that area's actually * OUTSIDE * the studio theme park ( Which means
    you'll have a hard time charging admission to people who want to see
    it ) -- I find this idea kind of unlikely.
    	A more likely location would be just off the next " street " that's
    being prepped for the Studio -- Sunset Boulevard. This area was to have
    originally featured a giant Esther William-esque aquacade area, where
    -- once night fell -- Disney was to have presented a pageant ( Featuring 
    original music by Andrew Lloyd Webber ) based on " Noah's Ark. " How-
    ever, after announcing this project, Webber became disenchanted with 
    Disney and went off to work with Steve Spielberg, who's currently
    turning Webber's earlier Broadway smash, " Cats, " into a feature
    length animated film.
    	ANYWAY ... With no Webber night-time extravaganza to go in this
    proposed theater, " Fantasmic " now seems like the most logical
    candidate. The only trouble is Disney - MGM doesn't have a " Mark
    Twain " or a " Columbia " to use as sets for this show. So -- when 
    " Fantasmic " doesn't turn up in Orlando -- you should expect a
    significant revamped / restaged show.
    	But the good part is -- this time around -- Disney will have seats
    available for all those who want to watch " Fantasmic. " The current
    plans for the studio's aquacade area is that it'll hold 5000 people per
    show. If Disney runs 2 or 3 a night, that should clear up any crowd
    control problems.
    	Any other questions ?
    					jrh 

    
    	Well ... After spending a fun 4th at WDW, I bring news for Magic
    Kingdom fans. It's really T-minus time for Tomorrowland's " Mission to
    Mars " and " Carousel of Progress. " In late August / early September,
    these two attractions are getting their plugs pulled -- PERMANENTLY !!
    And thus begins the make-over of WDW's Tomorrowland into the all-new
    Discoveryland !
    	As mentioned earlier, " Mission to Mars " is scheduled to be
    rehabbed into the home of the frightening new attraction, " Alien
    Encounter. " Meanwhile, the " Carousel of Progress " will be completely
    gutted -- leaving just the empty shell of the round building standing.
    Then -- foloowing construction of a new floor, queue area as well as 
    redressing the building's exterior -- the theater-go-ground building
    will then serves as the home of a '90's version of that old Disneyland
    favorite -- the " Flying Saucers. "
    	Oh ... One other funny note. Seeing as Disneyland's " Carousel of
    Progress " Theater has been standing empty since all the figures from
    its " America Sings " show got transplanted to " Splash Mountain, " WDI
    has been trying like crazy to come up with a show for this building.
    Well -- given that it's just been bumped out its WDW theater -- it
    would appear that the " Carousel of Progress " might be returning to
    Anaheim for a few years of performances ( An encore, if you will )
    before it realkly does finally get its plug pulled.
    	At least, that's the plan currently floating around WDI. A lot of
    Imagineers -- knowing how many of the die-hard Disneyana fans in Cali-
    fornia would get a real kick out of riding this 'way-out-of-date
    attraction one more time -- are really Disney management hard to come
    up with the dough to do this. And Disney -- tired of having that big
    empty theater sitting in the middle of Tomorrowland -- might just do
    it.
    	Interesting bit of info, don't you think ? Any questions ?
    
    					jrh 
    	

    Carousel of Progress in Disneyworld/Florida is closing??
    I re-read the last note and couldn't figure out if it was
    closing in Calif. or Florida (it's early!).
    
    If it is closing in Florida, what a dissapointment!  My
    husband & I are going to Disneyworld labor day week.  We
    were just taking about the Carousel last night.  We went
    to Disney 5 years ago and really got a kick out of it, and
    I was looking forward to seeing it again.
    
    Am I in for a big surprise/big changes since I haven't been
    to Disney in 5 years?  Bigger, better, more attractions?
    One more thing, I don't remember having to pay for parking
    before (we're staying off property again).  Was parking
    always an added charge?
    
    Thanks!
    
    Linda
    PS What was Mission to Mars?  I remember the name, but not
       the attraction.

>>    Carousel of Progress in Disneyworld/Florida is closing??
>>    I re-read the last note and couldn't figure out if it was
>>    closing in Calif. or Florida (it's early!).
    
    	Florida.  The Carousel (which has not been "of Progress" for
    decades) in California has been closed for years.  And is still (as of
    last Wednesday) a useless hulk.
    
    
    
>>    PS What was Mission to Mars?  I remember the name, but not
>>       the attraction.
    
    	That's why they are getting rid of it.  When I went to DisneyLAND
    last week with a 4-yr-old, we went on it, and were bored silly.
    
    tom

    
    RE : LAST FEW
    
    	Just to clarify, it * IS * WDW's " Carousel of Progress " that will
    be closing for good this summer. However, given that you're planning on
    visiting WDW around Labor Day, chances are pretty good that the
    attraction might still be running then. But -- after September --
    forget it !
    	And -- while I'm still trying to gety confirmation on this -- it
    looks like a lot of the Imagineers are campaigning to have the " Carousel
    of Progress " brought back to Anaheim for another season or so of
    spinning guests at Disneyland. Whether or not this actually happens
    ( Like Mr. Stern, I too have heard that the " Carousel " building at
    Disneyland is shot. Last year, I had one of Disney's senior WDI people
    confirm that the building's ride motor was burned out. Worse still, the
    building's riddled with asbestos. Disney would have to spend mega-bucks
    getting that facility ready for the " Carousel " 's return. Even so, 
    if just for nostalgia's sake, I hope the Imagineers pull it off. Any-
    way .... ) depends on how generous Uncle Mike is feeling.
    	We'll keep you posted, okay ? But -- in the mean-time -- be sure to
    bag both " Carousel " and " Mission to Mars " during your next trip to
    WDW. ' Cause -- lame as they might be -- this will be your last chance
    to grab a ride on either of these two attractions.
    	Any other questions ?
    						JRH

    Thanks (JRH) for the info!
    
    I still can't remember Mission to Mars.  I believe it was
    in the same area as Carousel.  
    
    Do you think I'd be best to avoid Disney Labor day weekend
    and begin on Tuesday instead?  We're in Florida 7 days.
    Plan on doing Disney 4 days, Daytona Beach 1 day, and
    Sea World 1 day (my husband likes Sea World BETTER than
    WDW -- I keep telling him he's CRAZY!!).  Since it will
    probably be _really_ hot, I'd like to avoid waiting in
    long lines.  Advice?
    
    Linda

    RE: last few

    Hey...c'mon..."Mission to Mars" was *awesome* circa 1968 when it first
    opened.  Remember, this was before the Apollo manned flights to the Moon
    and before we sent any unmanned probes to Mars, so it was "state of the
    art" for the late '60s.

    Of course, *today* it is as cheesy as Wisconsin!		;-)

    The problem with it now is that "Star Tours", et al. puts it to shame!
    Sure...it is time to retire this old work horse.

    RE: .128

    "Mission..." is the ride in which the seats of a simulated spacecraft
    drop and vibrate in a (nowadays) feeble attempt to simulate
    G-force/space flight.  The ride profile is that you and several other
    Guests rocket off to Mars for a scenic fly-by, encountering "danger"
    along the way.  Also, prior to boarding your "rocket", you visit Mission
    Control and are briefed by the Mission Director (an AudioAnimatron).

    Does that help jar your memory?

>   Do you think I'd be best to avoid Disney Labor day weekend
>   and begin on Tuesday instead?  We're in Florida 7 days.

    Man, *I* sure would!


    FWIW,
    David.

    
    re .128
    
    I  WOULD NOT avoid WDW on labor day weekend if I were you! I've been
    there twice over labor day weekend; and it is not that crowded.
    Probably MK was the most crowded; MGM and Epcot were not too bad.
    
    The thing to remember is Labor Day weekend is "normally" the last
    time they show alot of the evening fireworks and other shows. At
    that point they switch to off season showing. In Epcot, Illuminations
    is always shown (barring bad weather); but Surprise in the skies will
    only be certain days of the week; you could miss out. In MGM; the
    fireworks in the evening no longer will happen; since the hours
    change so it closes at 6-7pm; and it's too light for the fireworks
    there. (Unless they are open later on a weekend night). In MK the
    Fantasy in the Sky may only be shown on weekends, especially if the
    hours go down to 7-8pm. They may still try and squeeze in Spectromagic.
    
    So if you'd like to catch those shows; I'd suggest calling and checking
    with WDW as to what the hours ae going to be for Labor day weekend
    and what evening events will happens for the weekend. Do the same
    for the mid week period after labor day. You could save yourself
    alot of dissappointment!
    
    Last Labor day they were heavily advetising that that was going to
    be the end of ELP; and we had no problems seeing it a couple of times.
    They did end up showing it the next 2 weekends; plus making 9/13-14
    the real finale, with special poster/etc and that weekend ended up
    being quite crowded!
    
    So decide what you want to see.... Another consideration is RAIN!
    Labor day weekend falls in the rainy season. It can rain alot
    or not alot (just an hour or so in the afternoon); so you may
    want to alternate your schedule so you don't leave the last
    4 days for WDW and hit alot of rain.
    
    			- Annie

    I always thought Labor Day was the BEST time to go...
    
    I went during Labor Day back in '88' thats when all the kids are
    at school (IMHO what parent is going to bring their kid on vacation
    during the FIRST WEEK of school?) ...I wouldn't... So that would
    mean less crowds.
    
    

    
    Can anyone let me know which lands of the MK are open early to the
    resort guests?  I know FantasyLand is, but I'm specifically interested
    in TomorrowLand (and Space Mountain).
    
    Thanks.
    
    --Jay
    

    Hmmm,
    
    I think you can go over to TomorrowLand but I'm not sure as to whether
    the TL attractions operate before 9 A.M.
    
    Mike

    	I know that Space Mountain is not one of the attractions that is
    open.  I think that there may be alot more area that guests have access
    to than rides that they can actually ride early.  
    
    Tom

    from my recent trip... without a trip report YET !!!!
    
    Fantasy Land was open first but NOT EVERYTHING. 
    No Skyway, no 20000 Leagues.  
    
    In Tomorrow Land.....  Space Mtn opened at 8:00 although the other
    attractions were open at 7:30. ALSO again some attractions were
    NOT open early....  No ASTRO JETS, No Dreamflight, WEDWAY opened at
    8:00 also.
    
    Pasco
    

    	Space Mountain was open early!?!?!  That seems strange as the wait
    was pretty short once everyone went through the Space Mountain dash at
    9:00.
    
    Tom

    Days of early opening .... Resort guests only.....
    Tuesday, Thursday, plus 1 weekend day.
    
    Part of the 20'th anniv. celebration.
    
    Pasco
    

    Space mountain was definately open during the early openings.  There
    was no waiting at all (until 9:00 when the let the masses into the
    park).
    
    MK was opening early (8:00) on every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and
    Sunday for people with resort ID cards.

    
    	Remember earlier this month where I announced that " Mission to
    Mars " and " Carousel of Progress " were finally going to get their
    plugs pulled ? Well, scratch that -- at least for the immediate
    future. Word comes out of Glendale this week that Uncle Mike is 
    still displeased with the script for " Alien Encounter " and has
    asked for yet another rewrite. Without Eisner's final approval on 
    the script for the attraction that's supposed to replace " Mars, "
    there's no point in going forward with the rehab.
    	So -- if you're a big " MTM " fan -- you can breath a little
    easier. " Mission to Mars " will probably still be pleasing folks
    with its cheesey special effects into early 1993 now. But -- beyond
    that -- ... Well, I wouldn't wait too much longer.

    re: .139 (Alien Encounter pushed back)
    
    Bummer.  I was looking forward to seeing some of the Tomorrowland
    re-hab done by the time of my next visit (probably late '94).  How
    likely is that now??
    
    Hmmm... anyone else getting that sinking feeling that the Disney Decade
    is turning out to be much less than originally hyped??
    
    - Skip

    
    	Funny you mention the " Disney Decde " in a less-than-reverent
    tone. I recently attended a seminar in California where Imagineer
    Bruce Gordon spoke about the history of WDI. During part of the
    program, a slide featuring the " Disney Decade " appeared. Because
    Bruce likes his job as one of the high mucky-mucks in Imagineering,
    he couldn't say anything * TOO * nasty. But -- with a sarcastic
    snort or two -- he made it pretty apparent that most of the folks 
    at WDI were less-than-thrilled about how so many of the projects
    Disney management had announced as " absolutely, positively going
    to built in the next ten years " had yet to make it off the drawing
    board.
    
    	Now -- getting back to the Tomorrowland make-over -- yeah, by late
    1994, you can be fairly certain that a few of the new attractions will
    be in place. At the very least, the new Circlevision show -- " From 
    Time to Time " -- will be up and running. I'm told that that particular
    audio-animatronic/Circlevision/in-theater effects show is one of the 
    best things now running at Euro Disneyland. Any of you folks who've
    actually tried this attraction on for size care to comment ?
    
    	And -- as for " Alien Encounter " -- keep in mind that Eisner's
    the one holding this up. He's got a few concerns about the current
    version of the script being * TOO * intense for a family themed park.
    I mean, while WDI keeps hyping this particular attraction being the
    first ever to be rated " PG, " they don't want the show to be * TOO *
    scary.
    	
    	Here's an interesting side-note though. According to friends who
    work at WDW ( As well as folks I've spoken with who actually work at
    " Mission to Mars " ), it seems that Disney's * ALREADY * done an
    on-site test of the " Alien Encounter " show. A year or so back, during
    a period where " Mission to Mars " was down for its annual rehab, a
    team of Imagineers flew out to Glendale and redressed the central
    " MTM " show area for a field test of " AE. " 
    
    	Mind you, due to the animatronic / in-theater effects involved
    ( As well as the temporary nature of this field test ), only a small
    portion of the " MTM " theater was ' tricked up ' as it would be when 
    " Alien Encounter " was finally installed. Only 20 seats featuring 
    the left-to-right stereo speakers so crucial for the beast-moving-
    past-you-in-the-dark portion of the show were placed in the theater.
    The rest of the theater ( As well as all the computers and cabling
    involved with the operation of the Alien AA figure ) was hidden behind
    a temporary curtain.
    
    	Once the central theater was rigged for the field test, Imagineers
    then went out and recruited volunteers. The way they did this is they
    stood in the exit area for " Space Mountain " and snagged groups of
    four or more people who charged off that attraction who seemed 
    particularly chatty. Their pitch line : " You wanna see something
    * REALLY * scary ? "
    
    	If the volunteers seemed intrigued, the Imagineers -- after 
    explaining that they were really-for-real Disney employees who were
    conducting a field test of a proposed attraction, not horrible zombie
    slave monsters leading them to their doom -- would lead the group
    over to the supposed closed " Mission to Mars " building. Slipping
    through the plywood construction fence barring the entrance, the
    guests would assemble in the lobby of the building -- where they 
    found all sorts of renderings of what the " Alien Encounter " building
    would eventually look like.
    
    	Once a group of 20 was assembled, an Imagineer would go into his
    sales pitch -- explaining what the show was about. He walk the group 
    past the renderings, explaining how the exterior of the building as
    well as the rehabbed lobby would give them a sense of foreboding.
    
    	He then walked them into the pre-show area where -- because it
    would have been too expensive to rip out Mr. Johnson and his pals for
    a simple field test -- there was yet another series of renderings 
    and storyboards that suggested how this part of the show would go.
    In that version, Mr. Johnson -- now a jaunty Australian scientist 
    instead of a bland NASA rocket jockey -- demonstrated how teleportation
    technology worked by teleporting a cute little wallaby from one side 
    of the pre-show lab area to the other. During this time, the audience
    also heard that they were having some trouble with the lab equipment
    due to solar flares. But " Not to worry, " says Mr. Johnson, " We'll
    have that all straighted out in time for the big demo. "
    
    	This part of the show done, the Imagineer lead the volunteers in
    the main " Mission to Mars " theater area ... where the * REAL * fun 
    began. Here the guests finally got to see the show as WDI had intended
    it to be seen. True, the in-theater effects were somewhat crude 
    compared to what they'd be in the final version, but at least folks 
    got a sense of what the show was supposed to be like.
    
    	Anyway, the main show begins with a scientist ( On one of the 
    in-theater " Mission to Mars " screens that you view the " Look at
    us ! We're astronauts, prospecting on Mars ! " footage today )
    explaining the significance of the test you're about to see. They're
    going to use their teleportation equipment to send a human being 
    from a space station currently orbiting the moon to the teleport pad
    " that you see in front of you. " After a test or two, sending solid
    object from the space station to the in-theater teleport pad ( Which
    is done to get guests familiar to the lights and sounds they'll 
    experience when the machine is working correctly ), the human test
    subject steps on the teleport pad on the space station, the scientist
    initiate the process and ...
    
    	THERE'S A MASSIVE SOLAR FLARE ! The scientists aboard the space
    station abort the teleportation at the last possible moment. The
    trouble is -- the ground-based unit doesn't abort. And -- when there's
    no human pattern to latch onto -- it grabs the next available pattern.
    
    	It's at this point that the lights grew dim, the theater filled
    with an ominous crackling sound and -- after a few blinding flashes 
    -- an eight foot table alien stood snarling on the transport pad in
    front the audience. The horrified scientist on the overhead screen
    assures the audience to remain calm as they try to transport the
    snarling creature back to whereever it came from. But then there's
    a power surge in the lab ... And the " MTM " was plunged in absolute
    darkness.
    
    	It's here where the left-to-right stereo speakers kicked in --
    giving guests the audio picture of the creature now loose in the
    darkened theater, coming to stand directly behind them ...
    
    	It's at this point that the Imagineers have hit a snag. It's
    this sequence -- arguably the most thrilling one in the show ( When
    your ears tell you that there really * IS * a monster standing
    right behind you ) -- that completely unglues some people. They
    just can't handle the sensation.
    
    	In exit surveys done with guests who volunteered to try out the
    proposed " Alien Encounter, " it was this moment in the show that
    split right audience reaction down the middle. Some people loved it.
    Others just couldn't get past the intensity of that moment of the
    monster breathing down their neck.
    
    	Add to this that the attraction has a story flaw ( In order to
    teleport the monster back out into space, you have to get it back onto
    the transport pad. If you've already established that the alien is
    loose in the theater, how do you logically explain that it ends up 
    back on the transporter pad where you last saw it when the lights
    went out ? Specifically, how do you -- in the course of the story --
    lure the monster back to this exact same spot ? ) and you can see 
    why Disney / Eisner has yet to give the final OK to " Alien 
    Encounter. " Each rewrite of the proposed attraction's script has bled
    a bit of the intensity out of the " There's-a-monster-loose-in-the-
    theater-and-he's-standing-right-behind-you " scene as well as shored 
    up the " Why-the-monster-ends-up-back-on-the-transporter-pad " end
    sequence ... But Uncle Mike still thinks that the show may be * TOO *
    intense for the Magic Kingdom.
    
    	A lot of the Imagineers -- tired of bleeding all the fright / fun
    out of this proposed attraction -- have begun lobbying to have " Alien
    Encounter " placed at the Disney-MGM Studio Theme park. Their argument
    being that -- seeing as this is a * MOVIE * based theme park -- guests
    wouldn't given Disney such a bad time about installing a PG rated
    attraction. " After all, " the folks at WDI argue, " If people visiting
    * THAT * park are going to complain about thrilling attractions, what
    are they going to make of the ' Twilight Zone - Tower of Terror ' ride
    ? " 
    
    	Anywho, in spite of this pitch, Eisner * STILL * wants " Alien
    Encounter " to eventually be installed in in the rehabbed Tomorrowland
    sections of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. And he'll keep after the
    Imagineers and keep sending " AE " 's script back for rewrites 'til he
    gets a show he likes that's not * TOO * intense for his most family
    oriented theme parks.
    
    	By the way, if the idea of field testing of a proposed new 
    attraction in an old attraction's theater sounds kind of strange, 
    you might be interested to know that -- in the past year -- Disney
    did the same thing in Orlando in the " Enchanted Tiki Birds " theater
    ( Again, it was a show -- similiar to the " Country Tree Vacation 
    Hoedown " and/or " Christmas Jamboree " -- that made use of the same
    theater, cast and setting ... but just told a different story. A much
    show-bizzy kind of affair -- featuring Bette Midler as the voice of a
    bosomy song bird -- it didn't quite please guests or Disney management.
    So that show has also gone into rewrite ).
    
    	Hope all the details revealed here don't spoil the eventual show 
    for you folks. Any other questions ?  
    						jrh 
    

    re: .141
    
    "Alien Encounter", as it is, sounds really cool.  With the technology
    on display in SOundWorks in MGM, I can just imagine how awesome this
    would be.  Too bad they're going to homogenize it...
    
    But I agree with the Imagineers who are trying to move it over to the
    Studio park.  Heck, they could even put a "Star Wars"/"Star
    Trek"/"Aliens" spin to it to justify its presence in a movie theme
    park.
    
    Given the "Disney Decade" comment, just what is still on or close to
    its original schedule??  The Tomorrowland re-hab looks like it's on
    hold for a while seeing they don't have much to put into the re-habbed
    buildings.  Will we see the Little Mermaid ride soon??  Sunset
    Boulevard hit a sink-hole.  Not much is being added to EPCOT...
    
    I know, I know, I sound like a curmudgeon, but I'm just wondering what
    will be new and exciting so that I can convince my wife about the need
    for a '94 trip...
    
    - Skip

    RE: .141

    I just love this recurring motif in Tomorrowland of technology running
    amuck.  Mission to Mars has a bit of it, Star Tours is saturated with
    it, etc. and Alien Encounters will have it in spades!
    
    Do you get the feeling that Walt and/or WDI do not trust "high tech"
    (at least in a tongue-in-cheek way)?  This attitude always amuses me
    since I work in the field and "get the joke" all too well.

    Thanks and keep us posted on further developments!
    		(  as if you need encouragement  ;-)  )


    FWIW,
    David.

    I agree that AE could be placed in MGM but I think it's too obvious
    that TomorrowLand is probably the least visited of all the lands in
    TMK.
    
    Other than  Space Mountain I rarely see lines so maybe by "upgrading"
    the attractions more visitors will spend time and give relief to the
    already overloaded fantasyLand and the "Twin Peaks" (Splash and BT).
    
    Mike
    
    

    Here's the latest on several old favorites in the Magic Kingdom.
    
    The Hall of Presidents was closed this week for a quick makeover.  In
    addition to costume cleaning and other such housekeeping chores, the
    theatre itself is also getting a new sound and lighting system,
    according to the cast member stationed in front of the building.  He
    said that the presidents looked like "... a bunch of terminators" as
    they had their skin as well as costumes removed.  He also mentioned
    that they might have to do extensive work on the George Bush figure,
    "... because he keeps lying all the time."  :-)
    
    The Tiki Room, home of the Tropical Serenade (AKA the Enchanted Tiki
    Birds) is closed until October.  This building is getting a complete
    overhaul, starting with a new roof.  It has apparently been leaking for
    quite a few years, and will require major internal repair and
    renovation as the water has seeped into the walls and caused a lot of
    damage.  In addition, the cast member at the attraction also stated
    that the sound system was being upgraded, as well as some of the
    audio-animatronic figures.  He did not lead me to believe that the new
    show that Jim Hill mentioned a few notes ago was being installed, but
    you never know....
    
    Ellen
    

    re: .-1

    One of the little things that Disney does right is that when an
    attraction is taken down, either for corrective or preventive
    maintenance, they never just put up a fence and a sign.  They always
    post a cast member at the entrance to talk to the guests and explain
    why and how long the attraction will be out of commission.  They even
    do this when a major refurb that may last months is going on.

    In the same vein, there is always a cast member posted on the steps of
    the Diamond Horseshoe to explain why the doors are locked, and how to
    get tickets.

    As usual, spending a little extra on service makes a BIG difference to
    how the guests feel about their experience.

    
      A letter from you could make all the difference ...
    
      Yesterday, " The Walt Disney Story " at WDW's Magic Kingdom closed
    -- possibly for good. Though no reason has been officially been given,
    the film / gallery space's low attendance ( Fewer than 50 guests an 
    hour, typically ) is most likely the reason behind the decision to 
    shutter the attraction.
      Mind you, this need not be a permanent thing. A friend in the Disney
    archives told me that the reason the Walt Disney Company appears to be
    doing this on the sly is that they want to know if -- once it's closed --
    guests will miss " The Walt Disney Story. " Should they get enough
    calls and letters, my pal feels certain that Disney would re-open the
    attraction. " After all, " he continued, " Look what happened when
    people put up a fuss about the proposed closing of ' Great Moments with
    Mr. Lincoln ' ? " 
      So now up it's up to you folks. Take a moment now to write a brief
    note to the address I've listed below and voice in a strong yet polite
    way your concern with The Walt Disney Company's decision to close WDW's
    " The Walt Disney Story. " That address is :
    
    	Walt Disney World Company
    	ATTN : Vincent T. Sikora
        Executive Vice President
        P.O. Box 10,000
        Lake Buena Vista, FLA. 32830-9989
    
      These letters need to get in the mail ASAP. Should a month or so go by
    with little or no reaction from the public, the art & awards on display
    in the pre-show gallery space will be packed up and sent back to the
    Disney corporate archives in Burbank. Time is of the essense -- SO
    WRITE TODAY !
      
      We also need to get the word out quickly. Would it be possible for
    one of the DEC Disney dweebs with ties to CompuServe, Internet and/or
    Prodigy to get this info posted on those systems' Disney bulletin 
    boards ? I'd really appreciate any help you folks could give me on this
    matter.
    
      The Walt Disney Company has always made a point of paying attention
    and/or honoring the requests of its guests. If enough of us write and 
    tell them that we * DON'T * like the idea that they've closed " The
    Walt Disney Story, " they * WILL * re-open the attraction. But that's
    * ONLY * if enough of us write ... So get that card or letter in the
    mail today.
    
                Thanks in advance for your kind time and help,
    
                                      jrh 

    
      This does not surprise me, I think it is ashame but, that theatre is
    in a terrible spot right as you enter the park off to the right.  I can
    easily understand why the attendance is low, me thinks if this same 
    attraction was at the end of Main St instead it would get some
    business.  When people enter the park they (usually) make one of two 
    choices 
             1) Beeline down Main st.
    
             2) Get on the train to Frontierland.
    The first choice you will probably not even notice the attraction
    tucked into the corner, the second choice, you wont even pass by the
    WD story.
    
    Then at the end of the day folks just want to leave.  I will write a
    letter as I believe that this is a good attraction but, I can also 
    understand the company closing something that does not seem to be a
    draw for a significant number of guests.  I have long been disappointed
    with the quality of the film presentation, the audio portion is
    difficult to understand at times, I really wish they would clean it up
    Or maybe they have tried and can't.  The displays of letters, still
    photos, drawings, and awards is most impressive.
    
      

    Jim,
    
    consider it done, here's what I posted to USENET
    
    Claude
    
    
Article 9141 of rec.arts.disney:
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
Path: nntpd.lkg.dec.com!salem.enet.dec.com!berube_c
From: berube_c@salem.enet.dec.com (Claude G. Berube)
Subject: Closing of the Walt Disney Story
Message-ID: <1992Oct6.120815.22004@nntpd.lkg.dec.com>
Sender: usenet@nntpd.lkg.dec.com (USENET News System)
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 12:59:21 GMT


I heard through a friend at work that Walt Disney World has recently closed
the Walt Disney Story for rehab, and havn't decided wether to reopen it later,
due to the low number of attendance for this attraction in recent years, 
something like 50 people per hour on average. They are planing to wait and 
see if there is any outcry from visitors as to wether to reopen or not 
similar to what happen with the Lincoln attraction at Disneyland.

I always liked going into the theater and viewing Walt's life on previous trips
and seeing how it all started and can't imaging I won't be able to view Walt's
history on future trips.

If you feel The Walt Disney Story should remain at WDW you can write to

	Walt Disney World Company
	ATTN: Vincent T. Sikora
	Executive Vice President
	P.O. Box 10,000
	Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-9989

I'll be sending my letter. 

    jim,
    
    You don't supposed is a ploy by Micheal to replace it with 
    
        'The Micheal Eisner Story'
    
    now do  you ;^(.  Well I'll be composing something later today and mail
    it tonight when I get home. Thanks for the info.
    
    Claude

I wonder if The Wlat Disney Company could be persuaded to donate the exhibit to
the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, for the Museum of American History.

Now who the hell would I call with that idea???  

				Nigel

    Below is  the  letter  I'll  be sending off later today.  Note that not
    only do I express my dislike with the closing of the Walt Disney Story,
    but also propose alternatives,  such  as,  maybe  it would be better to
    design a whole new attraction  that  commemorates the Life and Triumphs
    of Walt and have it at Disney/MGM.
    
    Feel free to use it as a template for your letter
    
    Claude

    
    
    
    
                                                     06-OCT-1992
                                                     Claude G. Berube
                                                     20 Marion St.
                                                     Goffstown NH, 03045
        
    
    Walt Disney World Company
    ATTN: Vincent T. Sikora
    Executive Vice President
    P.O. Box 10,000
    Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-9989
    
    Subject: Closing of 'The Walt Disney Story'
    
    Dear Mr. Sikora,
    
    It  is  my understanding from an acquaintance at work, that  'The  Walt
    Disney  Story'  attraction  in  the  Magic  Kingdom was recently closed
    down -- possibly  for  good.    I would strongly urge you to reconsider
    this decision if this is indeed true.
    
    Walt Disney is/was and institution,  in that if it wasn't for his drive
    and willingness to try out new ideas in  the  field of Animation, Films
    and Amusement/Theme Park designs, the Walt Disney Company wouldn't have
    existed in the state it is today, prior to when Mr. Eisner took over.
    
    I have always enjoyed viewing 'The  Walt Disney Story' on my previous 5
    trips to Walt Disney World over the last  15  years,  and hope to to do
    again in  the  future.  It was a pleasure and a privilege to see how it
    all began.
    
    Maybe what 'The Walt Disney Story' needs is a newly restored or  redone
    film  or  maybe  better yet, a  new  medium  altogether  (ride  through
    attraction), to show the history of Walt  Disney as well as his brother
    Roy and how the Walt Disney Company and  it's  various  divisions  came
    about.  Maybe the current attraction  (or  a  totally  new  attraction)
    would  be better placed in the Disney/MGM  Studios  Theme  park,  since
    after all The  Walt  Disney  Company  was started by producing animated
    shorts.  
    
    But  to  closed  down  'The  Walt  Disney  Story'  with  no  attraction
    whatsoever at Walt Disney World that commemorates the life and triumphs
    of Walt Disney to me would be a tragic mistake.
    
    
                                        Sincerely yours,

    My letter is getting put in the mail TODAY!  
    
    
    I have a story that will probably help quite a bit.  My 2nd son (T.J)
    is pretty active (a handful, some mights say).  I forced the whole
    family to see TWDS last June.  I had seen the show many time, maybe 5
    or six since I teach seminars for DEC and they are scheduled in Orlando
    quite often.  T.J. was not only mesmerized by the story of Walt and how
    it all started, but wanted to buy something with Walts picture right
    away.  They are all thankful that I made them do it.
    
    I have seen this twice since then and would be crushed if it went away. 
    I do think that an update of the film is in order.  Maybe having more
    then one film scheduled would help.  I would love to see the "Makeing
    of Disneyland" or "Making of WDW" or any of the other parks. 
    
    John

    My letter is ready...goes out tomorrow.
    
    Gee to think we coulda saved The Mickey Mouse Revue.
    
    Mike

    I gave  it  some  more  thought last night (after I mailed my letter of
    course) that probably a better place for 'The Walt Disney Story' wether
    kept in its original  form or revamped into a different medium would be
    right  next  to/incorporated    into   the  'Animation  Tour'  over  at
    Disney/MGM.  Since after  all it all started with a Mouse (realy Oswald
    the rabbit if you wish  to  get  technical,  but Disney doesn't own the
    copyright to Oswald, Universal does).
    
    Claude

    re:155
    
    	I think you are absolutely correct Claude.  That would be the
    perfect place for the WD Story.  It's perfect, you've just been
    entranced by the animation tour and now you want to see the life story
    of the man who is responsible for it all.  Great idea!
    
    
    Tom

    
    	RE : The last few notes
    
    	I want to thank everyone who's taken the time to fire off letters
    to WDW to protest the closing of " The Walt Disney Story " at the Magic
    Kingdom.
    
    	I also agree that -- given that the present location of the
    attraction causes most WDW guests to just pass the place by -- maybe
    relocating " The Walt Disney Story " to the Disney - MGM Studio Theme
    park would probably make the most sense. What with the upcoming
    construction of Sunset Boulevard, surely some space for this gallery /
    show could be found for the attraction on the property.
    
    	But -- evidently -- the current management at Disney doesn't see
    things this way. They'd prefer to quietly pull the plug on the place 
    and hope that too many people don't complain about the closing.
    
    	And the timing of this closure * COULDN'T * have been worse. You
    see, this past weekend was WDW's 21st anniversary. So, the Walt Disney
    Company had invited 5000+ journalists down to Orlando to take part in 
    the festivities. Over the weekend, these folks were wined and dined as
    they were took part in the grand opening of " Splash Mountain, " the
    work-in-progress viewing of " Aladdin " as well as the ground-breaking
    of the ATAS plaza at Disney-MGM.
    
    	So -- you see -- Disney had all these press reps roaming all over 
    the property, yet chose * THIS VERY SAME WEEKEND * to shutter " The
    Walt Disney Story " ! Either they got just plain lucky or most of the
    reporters had flown back home by Monday morning, 'cause I haven't seen
    anything in the major media yet about the attraction closing.
    
    	What's particularly galling about all this is that -- this very
    same weekend -- Eisner and his cronies made a very big show of flying
    into Orlando Walt Disney's personal corporate plane, Mickey Mouse One.
    They had road crews out all day Thursday pulling down the highway signs
    along World Drive so that they could land the plane there Friday after-
    noon. Disney even provided transportation for reporters who wanted to
    watch the thing land.
    
    	They did all this -- spending mega-bucks to pull down as well as
    put back up those over-hanging highway signs -- just so that they can
    put Walt's plane on display in the " Boneyard " section of the studio
    theme park's tram tour ... Yet they don't have the money to keep " The
    Walt Disney Story " open ? Something's just not right here.
    
    	Sorry if I'm rambling on here. I mean, I love a lot of what the 
    Disney Company does ( Like " Aladdin " ! Make a point of checking this
    puppy out when it rolls into a theater near you in November. I was 
    lucky enough to get to see the work-in-progress screening down in NYC
    last month and thoroughily enjoyed the flick. While it's not a sweeping
    musical romance like " Beauty and the Beast, " it is a highly enjoyable
    film. At the very least, it's Robin William's funniest performance
    since " Good Morning, Vietnam. " You'll have to see it * TWICE * just
    to pick up on the jokes you missed the first time 'cause you were 
    laughing so hard. But I digress ... ) ... But bone-headed moves like
    this -- pulling the plug on the one attraction on property that pays
    tribute to the founder of the company -- just make no sense.
    
    	Anywho, thanks for letting me yammer here -- as well as those cards
    and letters you've already sent. With any amount of luck, the noise we
    make here will eventually be heard in Burbank and " The Walt Disney 
    Story " will return -- in one form or another -- at WDW. 
    
    	Keep up the good work,
    					jrh
    

    Hmmm, I know I put a note in here someplace but I can't find it so here
    goes, last night  while  watching  the  tape  I  made of Quantum Leap I
    noticed that it had  the  'Be Our Guest' add for WDW in the first half,
    and again it started off with a shot of a PINK Cinderellas Castle.
    
    What the hell is going on with Cinderalla's Castle?
    
    being that I had it on tape, I replayed it several times in slow motion
    and both I and Greg agreed that  it's  definitely  Cinderellas  Castle.
    Did they repaint it from the old Blue  Slate  color to Pink or are they
    using a lot of red/pink flood lights to make  it appear as pink?  On my
    last trip back in April after watching Spectro they light up the castle
    with  regular  flood lights and I sure don't remember any pink  colored
    castle while down there.
    
    Can any of you recent MK visitors shed some light on this?
    
    Claude_who_liked_the_old_blue_slate_color_better.
    

Last year I was at WDW the last week of November/first week of December. My
friend and I were staying at the Contemporary Hotel and we had a view
of the Castle. Late one night I watched as the Castle changed colors
from blue to white to pink to lavender and even yellow if I recall correctly.

It twinkled, turned off, turned on full white and when through a variety
of different color changes for about 15 minutes. From what I could gather
they were just testing the lighting. 

I've seen the commercial for WDW and the pink castle, but don't recall
if the scene is a dusk or not. If so, it may just be the lighting.

as an aside;

Near the main enterance I could see a huge crane manuvering *the* biggest
Hanukkah bush I'd ever seen :-)

todd///

    
    I have a photo of the castle in my office, and it looks as though
    the exterior walls are grayish-white.  Only the roof is blue.
    
    Shawn

    Claude,
    
    I still think it's an early morning shot of the castle when the Sun is
    sort of hazy. That's my guess....the castle looks kinda pink at dusk.
    
    Mike

I agree with the decision to close down the attraction,
even if it is unpopular in this file.

Of course, I agreed with the decision to close down
ol' Abe.

Just in a believer in market forces rather than
tradition that has lost its lustre.

Collis

    If there were no guests at all using the attraction, then I would
    agree.  But, there are between 25 and 50 guests an hour (mentioned in
    earlier note) that do frequent this attraction.  This says to me that
    the attraction needs something to help it "attract".  Either cut down
    it's square footage so that it is justified with the current draw or
    make changes to increase the draw.
    
    IMHO of course.
    
    John
    

    
    RE : .162
    
    	While I too believe that " Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln " has
    perhaps over-stayed its welcome in Anaheim, I also would think it 
    inexcusable that the Walt Disney Company be making all this money off
    the ideas, characters and concepts created by the man the company is
    named for -- yet not have the decency to honor this man's memory by
    keeping the one attraction that celebrates his legacy. 
    	I mean, we're talking about the * WALT DISNEY * Company, aren't we
    ?  The same folks who operate * WALT DISNEY * World ? You'd think --
    given the * BILLIONS * they rake in annually -- that they find a few
    bucks to pay tribute to their founder. And -- if you've ever been in 
    the " Walt Disney Story " -- you'd understand that it doesn't cost
    for the Disney Company to maintain the space. Usually, they have just
    one cast member manning the space. He's the one who greets you at the
    door, gives the speech in front of the mural, then presses the button
    to open the curtains and start the projectors. ONE GUY ! Versus the 15
    - 20 or more that daily mann " Big Thunder, " " Pirates, " " Space
    Mountain, " " Haunted Mansion " or " Splash. "
    	So we're talking -- what -- the salary for a total of two or three
    cast members year around ( Well, you can't expect that same guy to work
    365 days a year ! ), the power necessary to keep the lights on as well 
    as run the projectors, as well as whatever it costs to keep everything up
    & running as well as the floors clean. This * ISN'T * a monstrous amount 
    of money we're talking about. Probably the receipts from one hour's
    business from the Emporium on any Saturday night would easily a year's
    operating budget.
    	But Noooooooooooo ! ... Uncle Mike and his cost concious cronies
    wanna shut the " Disney Story " down. And the bottom line here * IS *
    the bottom line, folks. Not enough guests coming through, so you pull
    the plug. Never mind the meaning of the attraction you're shutting 
    down or the message you're sending out to your guests and/or employees,
    just shut the thing down.
    	Kind of sad, don't you think ?

    Rep to <<< Note 7.164 by BRUTWO::HILL >>>

>    	So we're talking -- what -- the salary for a total of two or three
>    cast members year around ( Well, you can't expect that same guy to work
>    365 days a year ! ), the power necessary to keep the lights on as well 
>    as run the projectors, as well as whatever it costs to keep everything up
>    & running as well as the floors clean. This * ISN'T * a monstrous amount 
>    of money we're talking about. Probably the receipts from one hour's
>    business from the Emporium on any Saturday night would easily a year's
>    operating budget.

    Jim,
    
    Remember that  the  Cast  Members  are  unionized  at  WDW, and when my
    brother  was  working    for  a  local  moviehouse  here  in  NH  as  a
    projectionist (prior to all  the  automation),  he  was asked if he was
    interested in working for WDW  for  3-6 months, the catch was he had to
    be in the union which he wasn't (boy was he  bummed).    
    
    At the time  he  was asked (10 yrs ago or so), Disney was using a union
    projectionist for each of  their  attractions that incorporated film as
    it's major medium (ie Circlevision,  American Adventure, Magic Journeys
    etc.), or at least that's what my brother told me.
    
    Claude

    I'm a little late (work has been hectic!) but I'm sending my letter
    off today!
    
    Kathy
    

    Gees!  You're starting to sound like *me*, Jim.  Better take a few days
    off!   ;-)  :-)

    FWIW, I agree (and am sorry you beat me to the punch with this
    vitriolic tirade) wholeheartedly.  Mike & Co. are money-grubbing
    vermin, IMHO, and have no qualms about "selling out" the Disney
    concepts, heart, and soul in the interest of profits.  This is just the
    latest chapter in the on-going saga.

    Hrrruuummph,
    David.

Article 9632 of rec.arts.disney:
Path: sousa.ltn.dec.com!nntpd.lkg.dec.com!nntpd2.cxo.dec.com!pa.dec.com!decwrl!ames!sun-barr!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!foxtail!blkhole!pmarlowe!russell
From: russell@pmarlowe.uucp (Russell Shanks)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
Subject: Re: Haunted Mansion (DL, WDW) Tombstone captions
Keywords: repost, please?
Message-ID: <1992Nov2.151211.26568@pmarlowe.uucp>
Date: 2 Nov 92 15:12:11 GMT
References: <1992Nov1.195747.3029@nic.csu.net>
Reply-To: russell@rsg.org.UUCP (Russell Shanks)
Organization: rsg
Lines: 46

In article <1992Nov1.195747.3029@nic.csu.net> jtinkle@sparc1.sparc1.csubak.edu (j. tinkle ) writes:
>Could the keeper of the compendium of Haunted Mansion tombstone sayings
>repost them?  I didn't know I "needed" the list until yesterday afternoon!
>Thanks a lot,
>Jennifer

   These came from an "official" press release from WDW's Magic Kingdom.
 I haven't been able to verify if these are the same at Disneyland.  Also,
 I haven't had time to compile a list of mausoleum phrases.

 Enjoy!

                    HAUNTED MANSION TOMBSTONE EPITAPHS
                

    * Rest in peace, brother Huet.
      We all know you didn't do it.

    * R.I.P, good friend Gordon.
      Now you've crossed the river Jordan.

    * Master Gracey laid to rest.
      No mourning, please, at his request.
      Farewell.

    * At peaceful rest, he's brother Claude.
      Planted here beneath this sod.

    * Here lies good ol' Fred.
      A great big rock fell on his head.

    * Here rests Lawful R. Bender.
      He rode to glory on a fender.

    * Dear departed brother Dave.
      He chased a bear into a cave.

    * Here lies a man named Martin.
      The lights went out on this old Spartan


-- 
______________________________________________________________________

    Russell Shanks               Internet:   russell@pmarlowe.cts.com
                                 UUCP:      ...!crash!pmarlowe!russell

    OK now when  will  MR.   Clinton debut as President # 42 in the Hall of
    Presidents?
    
    Jan xx 1993, inaugural day?

    Well, I recieved  a  reply to my letter to WDW about the closure to the
    Walt Disney Story (see below).    Unfortunately doesn't look like there
    is anything in the works right now based on the reply.
    
    Claude
    
    
    October 29,1992
    
    Mr. Claude G. Berube
    20 Marion St
    Goffstown , NH 03045
    
    Dear Mr. Berube,
    
    Thank you  for  writing to Vinve Sikora.  i was asked to repond to you,
    and appreciate the opurtunity to address your comments.
    
    We are pleased your visits have  been  enjoyable,  and your compliments
    for The Walt Disney Story are particularly  appreciated.    However, we
    are  concerned  by  your disapointment that The Walt  Disney  Story  is
    closed.  Please be assured that copies of your  letter have been shared
    with the appropriate management individuals.
    
    Because the opinions of our guests are of great importance  to us, from
    year to year, we survey our general guests' reponse to our attractions.
    Based  on  that  input,  we may modify or replace an attraction in  the
    park.  We feel it is important to periodically revise our entertainment
    features  in order  to  appeal  to  first-time  visitors,  as  well  as
    returning guests.  At  this  time,  information  about an attraction to
    replace The Walt Disney Story is unavailable.
    
    Mr.   Berube, we appreciate  your  patronage  and  hope  to  serve  and
    entertain you in our Vacation Kingdom again.
    
    Sincerely,
    
    Nancy Soluri
    Manager
    
    

    But, they haven't seen all of our letters yet. I have not got any reply
    to mine yet. Maybe it is too early to lose hope?

    
    	I too recieved a note from the customer complaints office at WDW.
    Given that my letter was almost identical to the one posted here
    earlier, I can only assume that we all got some sort of in-house Disney
    form letter foisted on us. You know, something out of their " Thanks-for-
    your-kind-note-but-we're-going-to-do-what-want-anyway " file ? So -- at
    least for the immediate future -- Walt Disney World won't have an 
    attraction on property that pays tribute to the firm's founder ...
    which makes me * VERY * depressed ... * Sigh *
    
    	Disneyland fans should take some solace in knowing that * THEIR *
    version of " The Walt Disney Story " * WILL * remain open for the
    immediate future -- even though it's running on a radically shortened
    schedule. As of right now, " The Walt Disney Story " featuring " Great
    Moments with Mr. Lincoln " will only be presented on weekends. The
    official reason behind this is that -- now that the park has cut back 
    to its off-season staffing levels -- Disneyland's management doesn't
    have enough people on hand to keep this show open as well as the bigger
    attractions scattered around the property. So, on weekdays during the
    non-holiday periods of the fall and winter, Disneyland pulls the plug
    on Walt, Mr. Lincoln, Main Street's fire engine, taxis, the Columbia,
    the Mike Fink Keelboats ... You get the idea ...
    
    	But -- even so -- I'm still kind of leery of this " Only-on-week-
    ends " staffing of Disneyland's " The Walt Disney Story. " Given how
    quietly they pulled the plug in Orlando, it's not too far fetched to 
    see this " Saturdays-and-Sundays-only " stuff as Disney's way of
    preparing Orange County's hard-core Disneyana fans for that day in 
    the not-so-distant future when " TWDS " & " GMWML " close for good.
    A year or so of this shortened performance schedule, and who'll think
    to complain when -- * VERY * quietly one day -- Eisner & friends 
    finally pull the plug on Abe.
    
    	On a more positive note, it's worth noting here that -- after 
    * YEARS * of script problems and concept rethinks -- Walt Disney 
    Company president ( And chief holder of the company's purse strings )
    Frank Wells has * FINALLY * given the financial green light for the
    construction of ' Alien Encounter. ' There's no official timetable 
    -- yet -- as to when the attraction's supposed to open. But -- as 
    of right now -- the first version of Disney's first-ever-PG-13-rated
    theme park attraction is scheduled to go into Walt Disney World's
    Magic Kingdom. 
    
    	So -- if you're a " Mission to Mars " fan -- Well ... Given that
    Disneyland's version has already shut down for good and that WDW's
    version is now only running on weekends and/or holiday periods, the
    attraction's final countdown is well under way.
    
    	Any questions ?
    
    
    	Alright

    Yeah Jim I have a question, "Who the heck is a Mission to Mars fan?"
    
    Mike_who_isn't

    I'm with Mike.  As someone who goes both to WDW (occasionally), and
    Disneyland (a lot),  I found it somewhat of a culture shock to see,
    after such a long walk to get there, how little WDW's Tomorrowland has.
    At DL, it's usually the busiest land (with Space Mountain, Star Tours,
    even Capt. Eyore, People Movers, Jets, and MTM); at WDW, Space Mountain
    is far enough away to count as its own land, and no real biggies along
    the way.
    
    tom 

    SOunds like WDW's TomorrowLand has a long way to go.

    Well we are down here this week...and were disappointed to find out 
    that Space mountain was closed for renovations.  BUT...my wife
    convinced me to go on the people mover.  (I've always found this "not
    too exciting"...)  Well anyways the people mover ends up going inside
    SM and the lights are all on because of the renovations...got some
    good video footage of the 'exposed mountain'.
    
    
    -Jay
    
    PS: the weather is a little showery today...hence my laptop access to
    work...and out late departure from FW...they told us that SM will
    reopen on Saturday so we can ride it our last two days.
    

    The 1992 Annual Report also mentioned the re-hab of Tomorrowland that
    is getting underway in both WDW MK and Disneyland and the featured
    attraction, Alien Encounter.  All it had for dates was mid-1990s so
    nothing new there.
    
    However, they did mention a new attraction for Adventureland that's in
    the planning stages.  It's called the Indiana Jones Adventures and it
    takes guests through a string of disasters that's just a day in the
    life of the intrepid explorer.  Sounds pretty neat but don't expect it
    'til mid-decade.
    
    - Skip

    SKip,
    
    Hence the Scopa plan to return no sooner than 1997 (25th Anniversary
    Celebration). Of course bets have been placed for 1994 but we'll see.
    
    Mike

    Just thinking:  I wonder if they have (or how soon the will) put
    Clinton into "The Hall of Presidents"?
    
    tom

    Has anyone heard about the plans to introduce the ol' "Sword In the
    Stone" ceremony at The Magic Kingdom?
    
    The deal is that construction will start soon somewhere between the
    castle and the carrousel and sometime late '93 or early '94 WDW will
    have it's own version of the DL favorite.
    
    Mike

    "Sword in the Stone" Ceremony?  I've missed this one.  Please explain?

    The Sword in the Stone Ceremony has been held for years in Disneyland,
    right in front of King Arthur's Carousel.  
    
    Description of the show follows the form feed (those who don't want to
    know should skip this message now).
    
    At the back of the ride (but just in front of the castle), is an anvil
    with a sword embedded in it. At several times during the day, the
    Magical Brass band (and Merlin) announce that King Arthur has gone on a
    vacation, and they need to find a substitute King (or Queen) of the
    Kingdom. After humiliating a grown-up for his inability to move the
    sword (the sword never comes all the way out), they will give a kid in
    the audience a chance.  When succssful, the kid is proclaimed the
    Substitute King (or Queen) of the Kingdom for the Morning (or
    afternoon), and given a souvenir button.
    
    

    Thanks.  Sounds neat.  I'd be glad to volunteer to be humiliated!

    Sounds like a job for Jim Pappas.

    No doubt he'd (Jim) stands out as that adult waiting to be humiliated.
    
    Then his son Greg will go up to the stone and yank the sword with no
    effort at all.
    
    Mike

    The Magic Kingdom will be open until midnight every Saturday from
    20-Feb-1993 thru 20-Mar-1993.
    
    SpectroMagic will also appear at 9 and 11 each night on those weekend
    nights (Saturdays only).
    
    Plan accordingly.
    
    Mike

    
    I was reading the 1993 unofficial guide last night, trying to immerse
    myself in what my upcoming June trip will be like (third time in three
    years) and noticed that Splash Mountain has caused a shift in the 
    touring plans.
    
    The new recommended order:
    
    Arrive EARLY, as always...
    
    Proceed down Main Street and turn left at the end, ready to run
    to Splash mountain through frontierland (or was it Adventureland)
    to Splash Mountain.
    
    Next, do Big Thunder Mountain next door.
    
    Next, proceed to Space Mountain where the Space Mountain Marathon 
    will have subsided and you should be able to walk right on.
    
    
    If you use this approach you've got the biggest three rides in the
    first 45 minutes without much hassle and can return for re-rides
    during the parades or at closing when lines are thinner.
         

    Merlin's search for the "Ruler of the Realm" should just about be
    going on now at FantasyLand in The Magic Kingdom.
    
    Six ceremonies a day will find Merlin looking for that special someone
    who can draw a gleaming sword from the anvil atop a large granite 
    boulder sitting just beyond the breezeway of Cinderella Castle.
    
    Mike

    Yes, I'll confirm that this is now on, and the "Sword In The Stone" is
    located right at the south side of the Carousel.
    
    Cheers,
    Ken
     

    I guess TMK had a big year last year with the onslaught of SpectroMAgic
    and Splash Mountain.
    
    But what about.....
    
          o Alien Encounter? I thought we buried JTM.
    
          o Carrousel of Progress? Has that shut down?
    
          o New Circlevision show. That's planned for '94.
    
          o When will the Tiki Room present their new show?
    
          o Where will the VOTLM go in FantasyLand?
    
    Just some thoughts on yet another day filled with the -itis.
    
    

    
    I made my wife ride the carrousel the first week in July
    so it was still running then...
    
    --bert

    To partially answer .190, the front page story of the June 24 issue of
    Eyes & Ears is entitled "Prepare Yourself for a New Tomorrowland".  E&E
    is the WDW employees (I mean cast members) newspaper, so I guess the
    article can be considered "official".  Anyway, the article describes
    the "mid-decade" makeover of Tomorrowland, including quotes from Judson
    Green, WDW Attractions President.  He describes Alien Encounter as the
    centerpiece of TL.  The theme of AE is based on the X-S TEch
    corporation from another galaxy which is demonstrating to guests their
    new interplanetary teleportation system.  Naturally, things go awry and
    they accidently teleport a "hideous alien creature" right into the
    middle of the guests.  There are a few artist's drawing with the
    article and it looks like the alien is a giant holographic image.  The
    article also states that Star Jets will be revamped/re-themed along
    with Carousel of Progress. The new C of P will cover a broader range of
    technological achievements, but will include some sort of tribute to
    the original (1964-65 World's Fair) version.  Finally, the whole TL
    area will get a facelift.

    A hot tip from another manager in my group who just returned from a two
    week stay at the CBR with his family (he doesn't read this conference!):
    
    Go to the Magic Kingdom any day BUT when on-site guests get early
    admission!
    
    Over a two week period, they had ample opportunity to test crowd size,
    and found that when they used their on-site early admission benefit, the
    MK was busier for the entire day than on days that did not allow early
    admission.  The converse also held true - he said that on days when the 
    MK had early admission for on-site guests, MGM and EPCOT were 
    relatively empty all morning.
    
    Cheers,
    Ken
    

    On the early admission days we shot into TMK for the morning and then
    took off about Noon. That early 1 hour advantage can translate to
    several early morning adventures on Space Mountain, Big Thunder
    Mountain, or SPlash Mountain for the teens and a nowait line for
    Dumbo, Peter Pan, and Snow White's Adventures. That and the characters
    at Mickey's Starland are worth the early trip but I'd take off by
    Noon because as Ken says, it's a bit more crowded on those days.
    
    On those early admission days go to the base of the Skyway to
    Tomorrowland Ride and you'll be close to Libery Square and a short
    sprint from Splash Mountain.
    
    Good point Ken.
    
    Mike

    re: .194 MK tip
    
    I agree.  I had noticed some comments in trip reports about the
    crowds at the MK being different from what Birnbaum said.  I
    suspected it might be due to the early admission benefit.  Based
    on what I experienced, I was right.
    
    Ruth

    HEYYY!!!!! RUTH'S BACK!!!
    
    WHERE"S THAT TRIP REPORT?????????????????????????????????
    
    
    The Trip Report Police

    >WHERE"S THAT TRIP REPORT?????????????????????????????????
    
    It'll get written but don't hold your breath waiting.  Work will be
    getting in the way.

    I know....I'm just getting revenge from last year!
    
    ;^)

    re:   7.198
    
>>    Work will be getting in the way.
    
    
    Doesn't it always?
    
    tom

    Carol and Rich Koster are rec.arts.disney's answer to Mike Scopa... :-) 
    They've just returned from the 2nd Annual Disneyana Convention at
    Disneyland in Anaheim and brought back a lot of info such as...
    
Article 22564 of rec.arts.disney:
Path: ryn.mro4.dec.com!nntpd.lkg.dec.com!crl.dec.com!pa.dec.com!decwrl!wupost!tulane!agwbbs!Rich_Koster
From: Rich_Koster@agwbbs.new-orleans.LA.US (Rich Koster)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
Subject: Pt.9-Carousel of Progress
Message-ID: <Rich_Koster.2arh@agwbbs.new-orleans.LA.US>
Date: 2 Oct 93 21:06:16 CST
Organization: The Amiga GateWay BBS * New Orleans, La.
Lines: 57

(This is from Carol:)

Cross-posted to Fidonet's Disney Echo and Usenet's rec.arts.disney
newsgroup:

Announcement made by Judson Green, President, Walt Disney
Attractions, during the 2nd Disneyana Convention, Disneyland Hotel,
Anaheim CA, Friday September 17, 1993.  Summary of remarks:

Green says this attraction occupies a significant place in Disney
history.  Carousel of Progress (COP) is the Disney attraction which
got Disney's park expansion dreams, in Florida and worldwide,
underway.  1994 marks the 30th anniversary of the attraction.
Since it's opening at the 1964 New York World's Fair, more than
170 million people have seen COP at the Fair, at DL and currently
at WDW's MK.

As a prelude to his remarks, Green played a video of Walt Disney
himself describing how the 'Father' AudioAnimatronic figure in the
show works.

Disney is now in the process of making "significant improvements
and updates" to the Carousel to commemorate the anniversary.

They are bringing back the original Sherman Brothers' tune "There's
A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" (big applause!).  While the current
song ("Now Is the Best Time of Your Life") is a Sherman
composition, Green said even the Sherman Brothers indicate they
themselves are bigger fans of "There's a Great Big Beautiful
Tomorrow" and the original music.

The same cast of characters will populate the refurbished
attraction, but guests will see "great new costumes, new gags, new
props for each scene".

But the last act of COP will take guests "back to the future", says
Green.  Asks Green "Who provided the voice of 'Father' in the
original Carousel?"  If you said "Rex Allen" you're right!  Green
says Allen will return to play the voice of Grandpa in the new
version of the Carousel show.  Green asked more trivia of the
audience:  "Who played Uncle Orville?  Clue:  It's the only voice
role he ever did for Disney."  Answer:  Mel Blanc.  Disney will
be using some of Blanc's 1963 outtakes for the new COP show.

The premiere and rededication of the new COP will take place in
Tomorrowland of WDW's MK "this holiday season", and Green invited
the ConventionEARS to come and share in the celebration.

--Carol Koster

 * "There's a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of
 * "every day. [....]  There's a great big beautiful tomorrow,
 * "just a dream away!"

 * Q-Blue v0.7 *

-- Via DlgQWK v0.71a

    It's good to know that CoP is not being abandoned (The way it, and then
    America Sings has been out here in Cal).
    
    But they were wrong about one thing; while this may have been Mel
    Blanc's only Disney assignment, he did at least two voices in CoP.
    
    tom

    When an attraction becomes dated like CoP it's nice to know that it
    will receive the attention needed to "upgrade" it to Disney's 90's
    standard. It's also nice to know that it's not ignored.
    
    I wonder what this means as far as the plans to return that "Saucers"
    ride to TL?
    
    Now if I can only start a campaign to bring back The Mickey Mouse 
    Revue to Florida and get rid of Magic Journeys. I still think that
    Magic Journeys is a a semi-PG attraction in regards to little tykes.
    
    The Mickey Mouse Revue is for everyone and the last noter to see it was
    Jim Pappas on his trip to the Far East. Jim said he was thinking of me
    when he saw it in TDL.
    
    Mike

    NO!!  keep magic Jouney's   its the ONLY 3D movie I can see in 3d.
    

    Muppet 4D runs rings around Magic Journeys.
    
    Of course Ed if you have never seen The Mickey Mouse Revue you don't
    know what yer missing.
    
    Mike

    I have seen the mickey mouse revue, DL?
    muppet 4d is nice, but I can't see 3d due to eye condition, and
    if I bend my head back and look sideways....MJ lets me see 3d, but
    no others...
    

    I was at WDW Magic Kingdom last Friday.  My wife and two boys (7 & 3)
    were with me.  We took the boys to Journey to Mars.  The attendant said
    this was the last day to see it.  After Friday it was closed forever,
    and a new attraction would open in 18 - 24 months.  After seeing
    Journey to Mars I can see why they are closing it.  It was poor.
    The good thing was there were no lines :>)
    
    For that matter there were no lines for nearly every ride.  The only
    place we had to wait in line was Splash Mountain (15 mins) and Thunder
    Mountain (10 mins).  Every other attraction we could virtually walk
    right in.
    
    EPCOT was even better.  They tend to have more continuos flow rides/
    attractions.  we could just walk right in, hop on a conveyor belt/
    ride and watch the show.  Great stuff !
    
    Don

    Sounds like Alien Encounter will be opening up around the Summer of
    1995.
    
    Mike

    E&E reports that Hall of Presidents will reopen in November.  The
    refurbishments include a new introduction by poet Maya Angelou
    regarding the Bill of Rights and the long-awaited addition of Bill
    Clinton.
    
    Bob

    
    
    reply -1
    
           "Long-awaited" by who?????????
    
    
                 -=-=-R~C~W-=-=-

    Ahhh.  Just wanted to see if anyone was paying attention.
    
    Bob

    Looking for more advice from some of the experts.  Here's the scenario.
    You arrive at DW on the Sunday after Thanksgiving with two kids that
    have never been there, and who really don't know what to expect.  The
    first thing is to obviously pick up your passes, but then what?  I was
    thinking of going to MK first.  I'm somewhat dissapointed for my
    5 year old daughter that Small World is closed for refurbishment.  I
    know she would have liked that.  Any advice on where to go first?  It
    will probably be around noon time or just before on Sunday.
    
    					Steve

    Steve,
    
    Definitely go to TMK first. There is a generation gap between the 
    audioanimatrons in TMK and those in EC and MGM. 
    
    Stop in at City Hall and get a Show Schedule. Also ask which characters 
    will be appearing at Mickey's Starland and when.
    
    When you go to TMK make a beeline for FantasyLand and do whatever you
    can in there first. Psst.....take the train. Dumbo is always popular,
    as is  Snow White and Peter Pan. These will be even more crowded since
    SW is closed while you're there.
    
    From FL go to TL and do Space Mountain (if you feel the kids are into 
    rocket roller coaster rides) and Dreamflight. I don't know what else
    will be open these days.
    
    Head back through FantasyLand and take a right at the carrousel and
    head to Mickey's Starland for some character visits including the big
    cheese himself.
    
    Other areas and atrractions you may want to hit include the Haunted
    Mansion, Splash Mountain (if open), Big Thunder Mountain RR (another
    roller coaster ride), COuntry Bear Jamboree, and Pirates of the
    Caribbean (usually crowded). The Jungle Cruise may have a long line by
    mid-day.
    
    I hope the other "-holics" put in their ideas so you can get a feel for
    what others prefer to do.
    
    Mike

    When is SMALL WORLD going to be re-opened ??
    
    thanks

    advice will vary from family to family.
    
    I don't rush.  we go at a slow pace, sure we don't see everything in a
    day, and I know there's some stuff at the MK that I have seen yet!
    If I were to rush my kids at 5 & 9, I'd get cranky kids, we'd be wore
    out and end up needing a vacation after the vacation.
    I'd get there earily in the day when the kids are fresh.  toward
    mid-day, I'd slow down, take in a show, people watch.
    or go back for a nap, hit EC twoard afternoon/evening, as it stays open
    later [we go in the winter, MK tends to close earily.
    
    remember, you are going there for FUN.  there is no need to 'see
    everything'.   if you miss something, it helps justify the next trip
    [my secret is out].
    we enjoy it more when its crowded.  Disney seems to bring out more
    street entertainment.  We could spend hours listening to the street
    bands and groups.
    ed
    

    The thing to remember with small kids is that you are there for them
    to have fun, not for you to see as much as possible.  I agree with the
    previous noter.  I have taken my boys 7 and 3 years old to Disney three
    times.  If we try to rush, the kids get cranky, we get cranky, no one
    has any fun.
    
    Kids have fun doing seemingly simple things.  Adults sometimes don't
    understand this and try to pull the kids away from these things and
    push them towards other attractions.  For example my boys loved the
    jungle jim/ obstacle course/ maze/ at Mickeys Starland.  It is one of
    those things with rope ladders, nets, slides, tree house type rooms,
    and jumping areas with the thousands of brightly colored balls.  My
    kids played on this thing for about a half hour and were in no hurry
    to get to see Mickey Mouse and his show.  At first I tried to encourage
    them to hurry up so we could go see Mickey.  No success.  Then I sat
    down and had a Coke and watched the people and relaxed.  I felt great
    the kids felt great.
    
    I found the most fun days with the kids were at Typhoon Lagoon, River 
    Country, or even at the Dolphin Hotel Pool/Beach area.  Much more
    relaxing, less noise, more fun.  The kids loved the water, and the
    crowds were much smaller.  I suggest alternating days  between the
    parks and the water attractions so you don't get too tired.  We also
    went to Epcot every night for dinner and the fireworks.  My kids just
    loved the fireworks.
    
    In the end it depends on the kids.  Take your cue from them and move at
    a pace they are comfortable with.  Slow down when they get tired or
    irritable.  Relax and enjoy yourself.  This isn't a race.
    
    Don

    Steve,
    
    I guess what we're all saying is that you should treat this trip as
    your first of several trips. Noone can do everything in one trip.
    
    Many people rush around and get tired, create cranky kids, and come
    back complaining. Stop and smell the roses down there. Their sweet
    smell will bring you back.
    
    If you go too fast the scent will pass you by.
    
    Mike

    Really good advice and I strongly endorse it.
    
    This year was our third trip (kids of 8 & 5) and most of what we saw
    was new to us.
    
    I particularly agree with the "go with the flow" theme - on our first
    trip we spent over 4 hours in Mickey's whatever-it-was-land, and hardly
    any of that was in a line! We even spent 20 mins watching the children
    play with some leaves!!
    
    Personally I don't think it's a good idea to get there around
    lunchtime. The lines might be long. So perhaps you should go somewhere
    else on the first day. Nothing to do with Disney, how about Green
    Medows farm where you can pet all sorts of farmyard animals, and even
    milk a cow! It rated in the top 5 events according to our kids list.
    
    I'd go to MK on Saturday when there's the evening parade. When we went
    in October there were two identical parades one as 9.00pm and then at
    11.00pm. We enjoyed the first so much we stayed around for the repeat.
    I'd recommend going to MK first thing in the morning, leave after lunch 
    and have a rest back at your accomodation, and then return around 
    5-6pm for a second session.
    
    I don't know what the lines are like this time of year, but
    I'd suggest that for the first session you head straight to Micky's
    whatever-it-is land (we didn't do it this year) - and I agree, go by
    train. Once you've done that, if you're not tired then head for the
    tea-cups and the motor racing. 
    
    If you're tired go on some of the gentle rides in tomorrow land. With
    any luck it will be time for the day parade.
    
    I'd spend early evening around Frontierland for pirates etc, and then
    get a seat for the parade.
    
    Cheers,
    Gary - Remember DONT RUSH IT - you WILL be back!
    
     
    
                                        

You are going at a great time of the year.  The Sunday that you arrive [I'm
thinking the Sunday after Thanksgiving] might be crowded, but the following
week should be great (I've been there the past two years at this time).  

What I try to do is have a basic plan.  In each of the lands we have a 
'highlight of the day'  (it might be Dumbo, Space Mt., Splash Mt. and the
Jungle Cruise).  These are determined by the kids at the same time we have
'alternate plans'.  This is just in case.  How my kids (12,8,6) get cranky
is not only by running them around, but it seems that standing still in 
a line is much worse.  The alternates attractions in the land are just in case
you go to Space Mt and find a 45 minute wait (probably will not happen most
days/times that you are there).  We will immediately go to the 'rocket ships'
[can't remember the name] which are close by and take a ride and move on.

Later in the day we might be at a 'good time' [say near closing] and then return
to Space Mt. for that ride, and even hit it twice in a row...then proceed to 
the 'space ships' again for a second spin.

Like Ruth said, take your time and have something planned out...but by keeping
the group moving at a steady (but, read not hurried) pace the crankyness doesn't
set in.  Someone mentioned the train.  Obviously from my previous statement,
depending on the day, your 'good time' for Space Mt. might end up with just
after a trip on Thunder Mt...we will immediately get on the train get a little
rest on the ride to Mickeys Starland and then get off there.  You keep it
moving, keep the interest high but get some rest out of it.

Remembering back to my first trip all of what I stated can easily be done if you
get a book and map *before* you get there.  This will not work as good if 
you/and the kids don't have an idea of what is interesting to the group.

Sounds militant in nature...with having a strategy but if you are sly about it
noone in the group even realizes the 'grand scheme' of things, just that they
are having a good time and seeing everything that they were interested in 
(from the book).

-Jay

    Maybe someone has a more recent update, but as of Nov 5, the Dumbo ride
    was closed for repair/renovation (as was 'Its a Small World' as
    mentioned earlier.) I didn't notice a date for reopening for either
    attraction.
    
    Freddie

    I just came back from Florida on Saturday Nov 20th, while we were there
    both the Dumbo ride and Its a Small World was running (that was one of
    my favorites).
    
    Pam

    
    	I have a question around handicap people and rides at MK.  My
    	parents are planning a trip for Sept '94, my dad suffered a
    	back injury 2 years ago that makes it hard for him to move
    	"fast"  As neither of them have been to Disney, I was suggesting
    	things they would like to see, I know he really wants to see 
    	the haunted mansion, I read about 100 replies back that they 
    	take handicap people in through the exit to get them on the ride.
    	So they miss out on the introduction with the room, I think he
    	would like to see this, but I'm not sure he can move "quick"
    	enough to get on and off the carts at the ride.  (He has trouble
    	catching his footing).  
    	Obviously they won't be hitting space/splash moutain they are
    	interested in the slower paced attractions.  I can't think of any
    	other rides that has this "moving floor" type thing.  I would like
    	to let my parents know of these things before they get to the front
    	of the line and realize he can't do it.  (he also doesn't like
    	anyone to know about the injury even though its obvious)  Would
    	the attendant running the attraction help him out or would they run
    	into problems?  I also noticed that some attractions have "warning"
    	signs for people with bad backs..do they have those types of signs	
    	up on the haunted mansion too?   If anyone can think of any other
    	rides that might pose a problems please let me know so they can
    	plan around them......
    
    	(We've already got them a week at a resort with hottubs in the
    	 rooms so hopefully he can enjoy the trip....)
    
    	jb

    
I recently received this info from Skip Williams:
    
    
This just in from rec.arts.disney....

The transformation of Tomorrowland into Discoveryland is fully
underway.  The entrance from the Hub is entirely closed off so you can
go now only enter via Fantasyland.

The area around the Star Jets (including the entrance to the WEDway
People Mover) is also closed off due to construction.  The Star Jets
are being re-furbed into the Astro-Orbiter similar to what EDL has and
the WEDway People Mover will become the Tomorrowland Transit
Authority.  These are both supposed to be up and running in June 1994.

And we already knew that Mission to Mars is being moved out to make
way for Alien Encounter.  What surprised me though is that the date
bandied about for the AE opening is February 6, 1995.  Also, the
replacement of "American Journeys"/Circlevision-360 is supposed to be
online at that time as well.

The only attractions currently open in Tomorrow/Discovery-land are
Space Mountain, Dreamflight and the recently renovated Carousel of
Progress (though the "reporter" probably didn't consider the Grand
Prix Raceway as an official part of Tomorrowland).

    Has anyone heard about a new daytime parade for the Magic Kingdom?
    
    It seems I came across some information about a new parade that will
    celebrate Mickey with dancers and floats and all kinds of parade
    paraphenalia designed with Mickey in mind.
    
    This new parade will grace Main Street U.S.A. sometime soon but I'm not
    exactly sure of the start date.
    
    Mike

    I read in the Boston Globe (4 page section on Disneyworld) that the
    parade will start on June 1st.  I don't remmeber a time, just that it
    was scheduled for every day.
    
    Julie
    

    Mike,
    
    	I just got back from MK!  From about 12:30 to 3 there was a "show"
    in front of the castle.  They did songs/dances from all the movies.  I
    only saw a couple of minutes....When you walk in the main gate and go
    through the tunnel, there is an announcement about the show.  My 3 year
    old love the show...Mermaid, Beast, 101 , etc
    
    Kathi
    
    (who HATES this Colorado snow and would like to be back in the 90's)
    
    

    The new Mickey Mania Parade is supposed to start in TMK on June 1.
    
    This parade is supposed to have over 100 singers, dancers, musicians
    and Disney characters march down Main Street, U.S.A.
    
    Mouse-ear images will be all over the place in the form of floats,
    costumes, toys, clocks, and balloons.
    
    Mike

    
    Regarding The New Carrousel of Progress:
    
         - New name "Walt Disney's Carrousel of Progress".
         - Exterior has pastel gears.
         - Video monitors with Walt added to holding areas.
         - New signs.
         - New song "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow"
         - The opening discusses Walt.
         - New logo.
         - All scenes have changed.
         - Reduced emphasis on electricity and more on culteral phenomena.
         - Rampant sexism replaced by a "father-as-oaf" theme.
         - Each scene represents a holiday instead of a season.
         - Final scene deals with virtual reality and voice-activated
           devices.

    I heard from a castmember that the Mickey Mania parade will be changing
    over the next month or so. Apparently the parade is still going through
    some adjustments, one of which is the music.
    
    The music is loud and repetitive and the parade organizers aren't too
    pleased with the response from the visitors.
    
    The visitors do like the walking Mickey hands and the shoe cars.
    
    Mike

    Well well,
    
    Recent visitors should have spotted something different about one of
    the scenes in "Pirates...".
    
    Does anyone know what changed?
    
    Mike

    
    On my recent visit to Disneyland, the fog in the Ship vs. Fort battle
    scene was quite thick.  I thought it was done quite well.
    
    -Rick

    Mark,
    
    Remember our conversation this morning? 
    
    Well guess what guys? Word from the internet is that 20,000 Leagues
    will be shutting down FOR GOOD on Sept. 5.
    
    Also, a young girl was injured recently while on "Small World" but
    I haven't been able to find any details. I do know that the accident
    was termed as "severely injuring" her. 
    
    Anyone hear this?
    
    Mike

     Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
    Subject: Re: Stabbing at WDW
    From: louis.allen@jumpstart.com (Louis Allen)
    Date: Sun, 21 Aug 94 20:25:00 -0500
    Organization: JumpStart 407-337-2559 Port St Lucie FL
    
    > On <08-17-94-15:07> Brett Borowski <brett@surfpix.Princeton.EDU> wrote:
    >
    > Some evening last week, upon leaving the Magic Kingdom, the boarding ramps
    > for the express monrail to TTC were closed. They rerouted everybody up the
    > exit ramps between the two tracks.  This struck me as a bit odd but the
    > local TV news clued me in the next day.
    >
    > A man, who had been bumped with a stroller, stabbed the stroller-pusher in
    > the stomach and chest.  Both men were Florida residents in their 30's. The
    > stabee apparently survived.
    >
    
    Was a bad week for Walt Disney World.  A 5 year old girl, visiting WDW
    for her 6th birthday that was coming up, fell between the boat launch
    and the boat itself in "It's a Small World."  She was rushed to the
    hospital with broken ribs.  (Source: Channel 12 WPEC (CBS) News in West Palm
    Beach).
    
    In a related story, a tourist filmed the event on his camcorder, which
    was promptly taken away from him by the police (presumably from the Reedy
    Creek Improvement District (Disney's Police)) and the videotape is now
    in their hands.  Is this for evidence or to avoid the tape winding up on
    some tableau show.  I know their answer, but I just have to go hmmmm...
      __      __
     / _\____/_ \
     | \(|)(|)/ |  FDC Walkaround Jafar <unofficial> - Wizard
    ExtraOrdinaire
     \__(`  ')__/  louis.allen@jumpstart.com - Newest Network Artist (Look
        \`--'/     for Disney artwork coming to alt.binary.pictures.misc)
         ||||  <--- Jafar's staff.  I'm a sorceror, not an ASCII artist!
    
    --
    Disney's Reality--What a Concept!
        

Mike,

Yes, I heard about the little girl on It's A Small World.  I think it
happened about two weeks ago.  Your trip report's item on someone almost
falling in made me shudder since this happened only a few weeks later:

Somewhere during the ride, a toddler (2 yrs old, I think) fell out of the
boat and into the water.  The report said she was "struck" by the next
boat and that she was in serious condition.  

Of course, we all know those boats don't go fast enough to "strike." My
guess is she may have been caught by a mechanism on the floor under the
water and was caught while the next boat was pulled into her.

I haven't heard of any update on the incident.  Think they'll tell me if
I ask in October?

Bill A.

    No more 20,000 Leagues. That's amazing to me. I wonder Mike if you'll
    be correct in your thoughts about a "Little Mermaid" type ride taking
    its place?
    
    I wouldn't expect any type of "thrill ride" in that locale given it is
    in Fantasyland right next to Dumbo, Mr. Toad, etc. 
    
    I only rode 20,000 Leagues once, back in '87 and with my at the time,
    8 year old daughter. Guess we'll just have to tell my 6 year old boy
    what it was like.
    
    We should have a little contest to name a 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
    replacement?
    
    Regarding the other incident at "Small World", I did catch something
    quickly on the news a couple of weeks ago. Disney made a statement that 
    they will improve the debarking process their, including signs and
    announcements when the ride is still in progress and when it has come
    to a stop.
    
    
    Mark

    Mark,
    
    At first I thought the 20K area would be used for FANTASMIC but they
    need an attraction to balance out the lines in FL. With that in mind I
    am thinking either a Little Mermaid attraction or a series
    of attractions. One thing for sure, there is not much room back there
    so expansion for the park may not be a viable option.
    
    I will prod my WDW contacts on what's to replace 20K.
    
    Mike

    
    Apparently, there was a mother with 5 or 6 small children all in the
    same row of a boat.  As the boats come up to unload, there is one boat
    on the "unloading" dock and another on the ramp about to enter the
    unloading dock.  A 5-year-old girl from this group on the waiting boat
    jumped onto the unloading platform, but when the boat started moving to
    the unloading position, she evidently panicked and tried to jump back
    into the moving boat.  She missed the boat and instead became lodged
    between the boat and the dock, sustaining several broken ribs and a
    collapsed lung.
    
    She was hospitalized, in critical condition, but I believe she has
    improved and is expected to recover completely.  There was some
    contention that her mother should have had more control over her (true,
    I think, to some extent), but the fact that there were a bunch of
    additional young children was seen as a mitigating circumstance.  I
    wonder if the mother was stuck going on the ride with all those kids
    because the other parents wouldn't go on the ride.  Or was she there
    alone with 5 or 6 young kids (I cheddar to think of it - can you tell
    that I miss Kitchen Kabaret?).
    
    As far as the video tape incident goes, I seem to recall that someone
    in a non-American (and non-English-speaking) family was videotaping and
    happened to catch the accident.  The police (not sure if it was Disney
    security, but I think not) asked for the tape for review and the family
    refused (anyone have the number for Hard Copy?).  When the police
    insisted, one of the men became unruly and was arrested.  The family
    then claimed it was a case of racism against them.
    
    The stabbing at the Monorail was the second run-in between the two
    antagonists.  They evidently had scuffled earlier inside the MK and
    just happened to "run into" each other at the monorail.  I guess the
    stabbing was precipitated when one of the men ran into the other with a
    stroller.  He was probably trying to cut ahead.
    
    The attacks on foreign tourists has now finally arrived at WDW.  An
    Italian couple were celebrating their 25th anniversary at WDW and were
    attacked outside a Kissimmee hotel, on Rt. 192.  The man resisted when
    the muggers wanted their money and he was shot multiple times and was
    in critical condition.  The woman was shot I believe once and is not in
    too bad shape, considering.  She told police that the attacker who did
    the talking was a "light-skinned" black man who spoke Italian.  After a
    few days of searching without any luck, the police then surmised that
    instead they should be looking for a Spanish-speaking Hispanic man. 
    Does "Give me your money" sound the same in Italian and Spanish?
    Italy was considering issuing a warning against travel in central
    Florida as a result of this incident.
    
    That's all the dirt I've got now.
    
    --Jay
    

When we were down in July we noticed that the CM's at small world were
not paying attention to the visitors boarding and leaving the boats.

They were joking and playing around while people were left on 
their own to board and leave the boats.

We noticed this on a few of the more gentler rides.

We also noticed that Disney seems to have cut the number of
CM's down that are assigned to the rides. So this type of
accident has been "waiting to happen" for sometime.

    Just thought I'd make mention again that the 20K Leagues Under the Sea
    attraction in TMK's FL is now closed for good.
    
    At an Imagineering meeting last week several ideas were tossed onto the
    table (11 ideas in all) but no decision has been made just yet as to 
    what will happen in that space.
    
    Apparently Eisner wants to set on this for awhile and not spend any 
    money.
    
    I don't have any info yet on what some of those replacement ideas are
    but I'm sure we'll hear about them soon. I'd like to see WDW survey
    it's customers (repeat visitors) for an opinion.
    
    Mike

    Curious as to why they would close an attraction without a replacement
    in mind. Seems they ought to use it as a crowd thinner until new
    designs are in place. Unless their getting a jump on physically
    removing it. Interesting.

    I feel quite sad to learn that 20,000 Leagues is closing. I went to
    WDW in 1977 and that is one of the rides, apart from Pirates, that
    I remember most. I took my family to EuroDisney early this year and
    it seems that they are building a 20,000 Leagues ride in Discoveryland,
    which ties in well with the Jules Verne theme. I told my daughters
    then,  " never mind, when we go to WDW in 1996(hopefully), we will go on 
    it then". Alas, it is not going to be.
    
    Still, there will be lots of other things to compensate it's departure.
    
    
    
    					Dave. 

    Word from Orlando is that The New TomorrowLand is going well ahead of
    schedule.
    
    Alien Encounter, mentioned in this conference some four years ago, will
    open way ahead of schedule. Originally scheduled to open in the Spring,
    this attraction may open before Thanksgiving.
    
    Mike

    
    Has anyone heard when Alien Encounter is scheduled to reopen?
    
    --Jay
    

    Jay,
    
    I recall seeing something this week saying that AE is now scheduled
    to open sometime in late May or early June.
    
    Mike

    We just talked to a cast member who said that AE is scheduled to open
    now on June 10.
    
    Paula

I have down in my notes:
<  There is an official opening of TMK that first-timers should see.
<  Only Main Street, USA is open before 9 but when 9 AM arrives...

<  If you get to TMK before 9AM opening, head over to Fantasyland first
<  as it will fill up fast.

Are these mutually exclusive?  Where should I be to see this great official
opening, whether on days when the "resort guest early opening" is for TMK or
for another park?

    Carol

<  There is an official opening of TMK that first-timers should see.
<  Only Main Street, USA is open before 9 but when 9 AM arrives...

I suspect the person who said this just means that watching the hordes of
people run for their favorite attractions when the ropes drop at 9:00 is 
quite a sight to see.  Just don't get caught in the stampede.

<  If you get to TMK before 9AM opening, head over to Fantasyland first
<  as it will fill up fast.

I think that this means that if you are among the hordes of people there for 
the opening bell, you might want to head to Fantasyland first since the lines
get long there.

You can't get to Fantasyland *before* the opening unless it is an early opening 
day.  In that case you get taken over to Fantasyland (the only part 
of the MK open early) on the train.  If you do this you won't see the mad
dash from Main Street at 9:00, but you will see two mini mad dashes (from
Fantasyland toward Space Mountain and from Fantasyland toward Splash Mountain)
when the ropes to the other "lands" drop at 9:00.

						Tracy

|<  There is an official opening of TMK that first-timers should see.
|<  Only Main Street, USA is open before 9 but when 9 AM arrives...
|
|I suspect the person who said this just means that watching the hordes of
|people run for their favorite attractions when the ropes drop at 9:00 is 
|quite a sight to see.  Just don't get caught in the stampede.
...
    
    
    I did this and thought it was a nice thing to do...isn't there some
    type of announcement or 'story' told over the intercom before the rope
    is dropped?  Basically Main St. opens up earlier than the rest of the
    park, people gather 10 minutes before the official park opening for the
    day at the end of Main st.  It is blocked by a rope and as mentioned,
    the rope drops and people run for their favorite spots.
    
    -jay
    
    PS: boy I wish I was there....
    

    Back in the 70's this opening was a real treat. At 9 A.M. you would
    hear, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to Walt Disney
    World. And now Walt Disney World proudly presents the Walt Disney
    World characters."
    
    The rope would drop and you could see Mickey waving from the castle.
    Mickey and the rest would then skip down both sides of the castle ramps
    and then the picture taking and autograph signing began.
    
    I remember being awestruck by the clarity and volume of the public
    address system and the sense of excitement in the air.
    
    Of course back in those days Walt Disney World was only The Magic
    Kingdom and Orlando still had a small jetport so the crowds weren't
    overbearing as they are today.
    
    That helped to make it enjoyable too.
    
    Mike

So, other than watching people run, there isn't anything excited about 
the opening now?

    Carol

    Carol,
    
    That's about it...Most people head over to the rope that's closest to
    their first destination then....ZZZZZZZZIIIIIIIIIPPPPP and off they go.
    
    But it IS IMPORTANT to get there early because the first 90 minutes is
    the best time to get on your favorite crowded attractions.
    
    Mike

    What I like is how they say "please walk slowly and safely" 
    and you see hordes of people running to their favorite
    attraction.

    There was some thought that Alien Counter was to reopen by now but I
    haven't heard anything on it. Maybe Bill A. can shed some light on this
    attraction.
    
    Mike

Was closed when I was there and cast members were cagey...

But a news item in USA Today yesterday said the re-opening day is...
err, was... yesterday, June 19!


Bill A.

    Now open.

Just returned and went to this on the 23rd. Very interesting effects. 

More next week when I start writing up my trip report.

Steve

My aunt, uncle, and cousins just came back from WDW last night, and I have an
early, though short and fourth hand account of Alien Encounter.  I heard from
my sister who heard from her husband who heard from my uncle that it is
*terrifing* and has some really incredible "4D" effects.  Apparently at one
point

spoiler alert...


you actually feel broken glass hitting you in the face.  My sister started
telling me about another effect like this but I cut her off just in time.
I didn't want all the surprises to be ruined!

						Tracy

    We took the kids down last week.  This attraction is one of the best
    I've seen.  The previous note was right on - the special effects are
    terrific.  
    
    WARNING:  there were smaller kids (3-5) absolutely horrified and crying
    out of control.
    
    One of the longest lines last week.  Avg wait about 40 minutes.  Still
    managed to see this 3 times.

    I'm surprised there were small children at the attraction.  When we
    were there, in June, cast members were stopping people with small
    children from entering.  They said no one under 8 years old was to be
    admitted because they wouldn't understand this was make believe and
    that they were in no real danger.

    
    January 21 they are having sort of mini SciFi convention in
    tomorrowland.  Here's the tentative schedule I cut from the
    WDW web site:
    
    CONTACT 1996 - One-Day Sci-Fi Event, January 21, 1996
    Tentative Itinerary
    
    Continuous Events
    9:30AM - 7PM:
         Sci-Fi Museum; The Timekeeper
         SCI-FI Channel Movie Marathon; Disney Story
    
    Speakers - Disney Story (or) Galaxy Palace Theater
         10AM; 2PM - James Doohan
         11:30AM; 3:30PM - Billy Mumy and Jonathan Harris
         5PM - Leonard Nimoy
         6PM - Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis
    
    Celebrity Signings - Plaza Pavilion
         11:30AM - 1:30PM - James Doohan and Nichelle Nichols
         1PM - 3PM - Jonathan Harris and Billy Mumy
         2PM - 4PM - Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis
    
    Author Book Signings - Merchant of Venus
    At various times between:
         11AM - 6PM - A.C. Crispin and Kevin Anderson
    
    This event is included in your regular Magic Kingdom admission.
    Hours and events subject to change

    the local paper is making light of this event.  seems it may not go off
    as intended.  anyone entering the park may be able to attend vs the
    intended fair.  they say sci fi fans wont pay the money wanted.
    ed
    
    80 degrees and sunny. our last day in town. hold the snow.
    watch for trip report monday.
    

    Well it looks like 20K will return with some changes in the
    scenery and a few other changes. Don't know when it will reopen.
    
    Mike

    Put this on your "to do" list for your next trip to The Magic Kingdom:
    
         - Take a ride on the new Liberty Belle Riverboat
    
    Yup...in the long tradition of the Fowler and Irvine boats a new
    triple-decker boat now resides at TMK.
    
    Mike