Interactive dark ride using projection screens, laser guns and 3D glasses to present Toy Story-themed midway games.
Due to open at both Disney's California Adventure and Disney's Hollywood Studios parks, 2008.
For DCA, part of the DCA $1bn masterplan (//http://www.photosmagiques.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=615).
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For a few weeks now, rumours have been circulating around the net about a new dark ride attraction that might be built at the Disney-MGM Studios as well as California Adventure's Paradise Pier area. At the moment, this ride is referred to as "Midway Mania"... (for whatever that's worth).
Anyway, I stumbled across one sentence in yesterday's MiceAge Update (//http://www.miceage.com/allutz/al053006e.htm): "In its [placemaking] place, most of that money is being poured into the new Pixar-themed Midway Mania ride, the first Disney dark ride to require its riders to wear 3-D glasses."
Now... of course there are already attractions that use 3-D glasses, most prominently "SpiderMan" at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando.
But back in my mind (a very dusty, cob-webbed place, by the way :wink: ), this line by Al Lutz triggered something: I remembered a very old rumour...
Way back in 1999 / 2000 there were claims that Disney was looking into shutting down the "Great Movie Ride" at its WDW Studio park, replacing it with a brand new E-ticket attraction. Now rumour was that this replacement project would heavily feature the Disney villains - and a brand new technology, using projectors - and CAVE technology.
Now CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) is already being used as a tool for creating three dimensional virtual environments, for example in urban planning. Even the Disney imagineers used it to create areas of DCA and Hong Kong Disneyland.
So far, this technology is mainly used on computer screens - but the created images could be used to being projected on larger screens. And with 3-D glasses these environments could look quite real... In short: this technology is a bit reminiscent of the holo deck as seen on Star Trek.
Doing some research I stumbled over this Orlando Sentinel article from February 15, 2000:
Disney's Big Secret May Rock Your World
by Mike Thomas The Orlando Sentinel February 15, 2000
Beam me up, Mickey. When it comes to Rumor World, Disney is the undisputed champ. Whole Web sites are devoted to what the Mouse is planning next at its theme parks. I would not lower myself to engaging in such speculation. Until now! Because Disney is meddling in something that can best be described as a Star Trek holodeck.
Imagine being trapped in the Mummy's tomb. Or being hacked to death by the Seven Dwarfs. Well, I've been checking into this and . . . it's true! Sort of.
The technology is called Cave- Cave Automatic Virtual Environment. It will be the next big- possibly huge- breakthrough in theme-park entertainment. It will make current simulator rides look like Model T's.
To understand Cave, consider this: With current 3-D technology, you look at the three-dimensional forest. But with Cave, you can't see the forest for the trees. That's because you are surrounded by the forest. The dirt road you see goes on forever, both in front of you and behind you.
How is it done? The Cave itself is a boxed theater with screens for walls.
Three-dimensional images are projected on the screens, surrounding you with the scene they create. "We have created earthquakes with the floor moving, and ceiling tiles and light fixtures falling on your head," says Dennis Jones, a professor at Virginia Tech, which is building the world's largest Cave, a 20-by-20-foot theater.
In a cave, Jones says, you can stand on the edge of the Grand Can-yon and look down at the river thousands of feet below. Or you can tour the Kremlin . or take a space walk. Or, perhaps, you'll be able to mingle with some of the world's greatest movie villains at Disney in a few years. Here's what I know:
People familiar with such things say Disney has one, maybe two, Caves, and has spent millions on them.
Here is what I also know: Disney is planning a big new ride to replace the Great Movie Ride at MGM/Disney Studios. One concept being considered is a ride that would bring guests in contact with great movie villains. Here is what I think I know: This ride would incorporate Cave technology. Guests would interact with three-dimensional villains.
Imagine being in Dr. Frankenstein's castle and having the monster sneak up behind you? Lance Hart runs the Screamscape Web site, which is devoted to news about the theme-park industry. He keeps in touch with Disney Imagineers, and said he has heard the time frame for such a ride has been moved up to the next three or four years.
There still are technical challenges. For one, the projectors are a bit fuzzy and can even flicker. This could take a couple years to fix, said one expert. Or if Disney pumps big bucks into it, it could take less than a year. But even existing projectors used in the handful of caves in operation at universities and military- training centers are good enough that people sometimes put their hands through screens while trying to grab imaginary objects.
Another hurdle would be developing software. As with all new projects, Disney isn't talking about this one. Says one technician who has worked with the company, "They are so competitive. There is more secrecy in working with the theme parks than the military." There is one drawback to all this. You'll still have to wear those goofy glasses.
(Source: //http://www.wdwmagic.com/disney_archive1.htm)
So, I have to wonder, has Disney finally found a way to bring this amazingly new technology to its parks? Could "Midway Madness" be the "next big thing" in the world of theme park entertainment? (Or am I just reading way too much into this?)
I remember seeing one of these Travel Channel / Disney documentaries (which I sadly don't have anymore) in which an Imagineer hinted at the possibility of combining theme park and virtual environments... So could this be it?
I am really intrigued by this project (if you weren't able to tell 'till now :wink: )
(For more information on CAVE: //http://www.geospatial-online.com/geospatialsolutions/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=125725)
wow interesting.I hope these plans do go ahead! MGM needs a new attraction to make the rides a bit more exiting
Wow, this sounds really cool. Just one thing bothers me; the Midway Mania theme. Why does it have to be Pixar again? Dear Walt Disney Imagineering, I hope you guys will get allowed by the merchandise-freaks at the top of the company to use your imagination once again. Pixar doesn't belong in Paradise Pier. At MGM it would fit rather well I have to admit, depending on its location ofcourse.
In a recent Jim Hill atricle, Jim mentioned some plans for new attractions/replacements and closures at the Disney-MGM Studios. Attractions like Sounds Dangerous, Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Who Wants to be A Millionaire? are going to be closed in a couple of years. According to Hill, Walt Disney World management wants a Nightmare Before Christmas darkride at the Studios... :)
In my opinion Midway Mania should replace Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Animation Courtyard really seems the place where it belongs.
yay.
new rides...replace the not so interesting ones(sounds dangerous.ect)
with lovely new ones!
...just not my beautiful movie ride!
New information from MiceAge:
Quote from: "Al Lutz at MiceAge.com"The days of cheap fixes and lowered expectations for DCA have apparently come to a very quick end once Lasseter took the DCA plans home with him earlier this summer. Before the remake of Paradise Pier and the removal of Route 66 and Golden Dreams can take place though, the new Midway Mania attraction will open in June, 2008. Most of the operational and artistic elements of the expensive new ride have been hammered out, and it really is going to rewrite the book on what a Disney dark ride is. With an hourly capacity of just over 1,500 riders per hour it will keep the lines relatively short compared to the more traditional dark rides that only handle 600 or 700 riders per hour.
The basic plotline to this attraction is that the Toy Story gang has created a series of midway games for you to play, and they are all themed to their individual character. Riders will sit in rather traditional looking dark ride vehicles that have a cannon mounted on a rotating turret for each seat. The vehicles will travel through the show building and come to a stop in each show scene, where a different midway game is laid out for riders to play. The plan is to have a half dozen different midway games offered up to each car, with a bonus round at the end to determine the winner in each car.
After an animatronic Mr. Potato Head acting as a midway barker lures you in to play, you move from one game to the next during the 5 minute long ride. For instance, the vehicles would come upon Little Bo Peeps Balloon Pop where you play the famous water gun race found at most county fairs. That would be followed up by the Green Army Men Shooting Range with moving targets coming at you, or Barbie's Beach Ball Bash throwing balls into rings. A Frontierland-style shooting gallery and a Rex the Dinosaur Red Hot Dino Dash amongst lava flows and erupting volcanoes are also planned.
What has the designers most excited, and where the huge costs come into play, is the interactive elements and extremely sophisticated technology needed to pull all of this off. The riders would be wearing 3-D glasses, and the animatronics and some of the special effects would be controlled much like the Roz figure on the Monsters Inc. ride where specific lines and reactions are directed at specific riders. It all promises to be very impressive and WDI plans on offering up several "How Did They Do That?!" moments throughout the ride. Older folks may find it a bit too frantic, but much like Buzz Lightyear the kids will instantly take to it and likely outscore their parents on the first ride. With all of the randomization and individuality offered up by each show scene, it's also an attraction that is going to have immense repeatability. And just as nice is that the construction of this large attraction and its boardwalk frontage will erase much of the bland, generic strip-mall look that Paradise Pier was saddled with by the original designers.
Source: http://www.miceage.com/allutz/al091206b.htm (http://www.miceage.com/allutz/al091206b.htm)
It sounds like a Disney attraction version of Nintendo's Mario Party games! In other words: awesome.
LaughingPlace.com has a great report from Friday's press event, with lots of new stuff shown from "Toy Story Mania!". The videos show more too.
:arrow: http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-365.asp (http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-365.asp)
Sorry to always put a Paris perspective on things, but this has to join Philharmagic as the most likely expansion options for Toon Studio, don't you think? It's probably a fairly small ride too, since there's no sets, just 3D screens.
Some of the concepts are the same style as Crush's Coaster/Cars too, you can tell from the style of the people:
(//http://www.laughingplace.com/lp/lotion/pics/SS20070126-WDWAnnounce%5CP1-0005.JPG)
I guess Mr. Potato head will be where Buzz is in Astro Blasters?
Edit: By the way, if they need a theme to slot this into WDS - go with a TV Gameshow!!!
Mr Potatoe Head sounds fantastic, but the ride otself im not fully sold on, yet. Kinda got high hopes for it, but I keep thinking of those video games that have are made up of loads of little games and how lame they are.
Quote from: "penfold12"Mr Potatoe Head sounds fantastic, but the ride otself im not fully sold on, yet. Kinda got high hopes for it, but I keep thinking of those video games that have are made up of loads of little games and how lame they are.
Yeah, it's like a 3D ride-through version of Mario Party.
I think it sounds brilliant, especially the interactive Potato Head. The only thing that worries me slightly is how it might make Buzz suddenly seem quite boring, since as Tom says in that video, "you're just shooting the same targets over and over.."
MAn, yout sentence Baloo jsut made me wonder how cool would it be to have a ride like this with Nintendo characters!! If only Disney had the rights...
WOW, this ride looks amazing! I really hope that this comes to Paris :)
Construction at DCA;
(//http://www.disneygeek.com/updates/2007_05_18/IMG_5482.jpg)
(//http://www.disneygeek.com/updates/2007_05_18/IMG_5521.jpg)
(//http://www.disneygeek.com/updates/2007_05_18/IMG_5541.jpg)
And MGM;
(//http://www.disneygeek.com/update_wdw/2007_03_21/IMG_0484.jpg)
(//http://www.disneygeek.com/update_wdw/2007_03_21/IMG_0488.jpg)
(//http://www.disneygeek.com/update_wdw/2007_03_21/IMG_0501.jpg)
(//http://www.disneygeek.com/update_wdw/2007_03_21/IMG_0499.jpg)
(//http://www.disneygeek.com/update_wdw/2007_03_21/IMG_0493.jpg)
(//http://www.disneygeek.com/update_wdw/2007_03_21/IMG_0483.jpg)
//http://www.disneygeek.com/updates/
while i was at DCA it looked very well blank just a couple of holes dugso great too see some progress!
What i have been thinking is wont the ride shake and be very loud as california screamin' goes over it ?
yea and also it looks rather small i thoght that it was going in the old who wants to be a millionare play it building as thats still vacant
(//http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s205/convrsboy/NorthHalf1stFloor.jpg)
bigger and colored:
:arrow: http://photoalbums.wdwmagic.com/data/50 ... oor-02.jpg (http://photoalbums.wdwmagic.com/data/500/TSM_NorthHalf1stFloor-02.jpg)
That´s a blueprint of the ride. The first is from convrsboy from the forum of wdwmagic.com, the second from mickhyperion also from this forum.
For the second blueprint:
QuoteStandby Queue - Bright Green Line
FastPass Queue - Bright Pink Line
Merged Queue - Aqua
Loading - Yellow
Handicapped Loading - Light Purple
Handicapped Loading Track - Yellow Dotted Line
Unloading - Plum
Ride Beginning - Red
Ride Option A - Blue
Ride Option B - Green
Ride Conclusion - Orange
Ride Track - Yellow Line
Maintenance Track - White Dotted Line
Maintenance Building (Right Side) - Beige
Bathrooms (Bottom) - Beige
Hey, well as you can see from the plans, this is the first Disney dark ride with two alternative tracks. So that's something new and radical. I wonder if you'll get to choose which track you want to go down, or if the two tracks are there simply to increase capacity?
On the downside, there isn't much track, so I wonder how long the ride will last. Will it be a short 2 minute affair like Crush's Coaster, or something more substantial like the near 5 minutes of Soarin?
Like Baloo said, this would make a great candidate for a future addition to the Walt Disney Studios, along with Mickey's PhilharMagic and Soarin'. Toy Story Mania on paper is high-tech, different, indoors, and something the whole family can ride together. Only problem is, with all those screens, will it be too much like a video game, and not enough like a proper ride? Will it be too similar to playing your PS3 at home, and not enough like a classic Disney dark ride?
Quote from: "Alan"On the downside, there isn't much track, so I wonder how long the ride will last. Will it be a short 2 minute affair like Crush's Coaster, or something more substantial like the near 5 minutes of Soarin?
I'm sure I heard the vehicles would stop for a short time at each midway game, you're basically just travelling from one to another. The two tracks is a nice surprise though, I'm guessing it'll be random which way you go. It's also cool that even though they've been hyping up how it's under construction at two Disney Parks at once, the buildings are both completely different.
It looks pretty big actually, I can't really think where it'd fit in WDS. Maybe filling the entire space behind AODA? I think it's more likely than Soarin or Philharmagic though.
All this new technology sounds great and all, but why can't Disney use it for some proper storytelling? I mean, Midway games? Isn't that the kind of thing that Walt stood against in creating Disneyland? Anyone in the entertainment industry should know that art comes first, and when technology is put ahead of it the results are very unsatisfying (eg- the Star Wars prequels). Think of all the amazing atmospheric settings that could be created with this, so why did they choose Midway games with Toy Story characters?
Oh right, the vehicles stop. So there could be, what, 5 different games/stops within the ride. And I can't imagine each game being any shorter than 30 seconds, so it'll easily be over 2:30 in duration. Good.
Yeah, I don't know where they'd put it in the Walt Disney Studios park as we know it. I guess the park will need to expand before we see Toy Story Mania.
With the Tower of Terror and Toon Studios now built, there remains just one available site within the Walt Disney Studios; the space between Cinemagique and Stitch Encounter. Realistically, what attraction could they clone from the other parks, and put in that space?
- Soarin' (would be huge success, but presumably just one theatre)
- Monsters, Inc. Dark Ride (a good addition, but shouldn't it be in toon studios?)
- Muppet Vision (unlikely, since it's yet another film-based attraction)
Quote from: "Alan"Oh right, the vehicles stop. So there could be, what, 5 different games/stops within the ride. And I can't imagine each game being any shorter than 30 seconds, so it'll easily be over 2:30 in duration. Good.
Yeah, I don't know where they'd put it in the Walt Disney Studios park as we know it. I guess the park will need to expand before we see Toy Story Mania.
With the Tower of Terror and Toon Studios now built, there remains just one available site within the Walt Disney Studios; the space between Cinemagique and Stitch Encounter. Realistically, what attraction could they clone from the other parks, and put in that space?
- Soarin' (would be huge success, but presumably just one theatre)
- Monsters, Inc. Dark Ride (a good addition, but shouldn't it be in toon studios?)
- Muppet Vision (unlikely, since it's yet another film-based attraction)
For me as im such a big fan, im hoping the next new ride will be in the Disneyland Park, Splash Mountain. :) Although i would love for Soarin' to come to Walt Disney Studios.
According to The Disney Enquirer (//http://disneyenquirer.com/NewsArticle-675):
QuoteDisney has filed a Notice of Commencement for a "Disney-MGM Studios Pixar Studios" facilities package. What does this all mean? Well, in the near future you'll be seeing the name "Pixar Studios" on more than just movies.
Disney has denied claims that it will rename the park, but has confirmed that the area around Toy Story Mania (currentlly "Mickey Avenue") will be renamed Pixar Studios. The name change will not likely occur until Toy Story Mania debuts next year.
The park's name will remain the Disney-MGM Studios for the foreseeable future.
(//http://www.disneygeek.com/updates/2007_06_15/IMG_7548.jpg)
(//http://www.disneygeek.com/updates/2007_06_15/IMG_7554.jpg)
More Photos at; //http://www.disneygeek.com/progress/midway_mania/index.php?page_id=1&image_count=0
Is there a concept art or something how the pier should look like after toy story mania and the other changes?
More Photos; //http://www.disneygeek.com/progress/midway_mania/index.php?page_id=1&image_count=0
Construction update at DCA:
(//http://www.mousetimes.com/dlrpictorials/2007/07_30_07/tn_img_1775.jpg)
It even "wraps" around California Screamin' with a taller tower at the back...
(//http://www.mousetimes.com/dlrpictorials/2007/07_30_07/tn_dsc02773.jpg)
More: http://www.mousetimes.com/dlrpictorials ... ndex1.html (http://www.mousetimes.com/dlrpictorials/2007/07_30_07/index1.html)
I love the design of just the frame, I wish they'd release some concept art for the actual building. This should be something pretty special for DCA.
More Concept art;
(//http://www.disneytheque.com/phototheque/disneyland_resort/placemaking/071020/048.jpg)
(//http://www.disneytheque.com/phototheque/disneyland_resort/placemaking/071020/032.jpg)
(//http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w172/Owain11/018.jpg)
//http://www.disneytheque.com/index.php?/archives/39-Toy-Story-Mania.html
It looks so cool, I really hope that we get a version of this ride system in the Studios :)
DLR has setup a preview site (//http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/special/toyStoryMania/page?id=Flash) for the upcoming attraction!
Quote from: "raptor1982"DLR has setup a preview site (//http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/special/toyStoryMania/page?id=Flash) for the upcoming attraction!
WOW! That is a great site, I love the inside photos in the photo gallery, the ride looks so cool :D
Although, it makes you think, how comes they have started a site up for this which opens next summer, when the TOT which open in January has even got a proper mention on the official site :?
The ride cars look awesome ! :)
This attraction looks pretty cool. Hopefully it makes its way to Paris one day. It looks a little bit like Buzz Lightyear's Laser Blast, but it would fit very well in the WDS park. It's bad that it doesn't open in January at WDW, so I'm not able to ride it. :(
I didnt realise untill the recent pics on disneytheque.com that the frontage for Toy Story Mania in MGM is based on the Pixar Studio's building in Emeryville.
The entrance to what will be Pixar Place is being built now, and is a replica of the entrance to the Pixar Studio. I think thats a really good touch. Not all cheesey and cartoony, as I imagined with the name Pixar Place, It looks very good
(//http://www.disneytheque.com/phototheque/disneyland_resort/midway_mania/071204/003.jpg)
disneytheque.com
I didn't know this either... quite surprised they chose Emeryville as the theme! It's a very serious look compared to Paris' Toon area. I wonder how many real guests will know it's Pixar HQ? So the story for this at MGM is now that you're visiting Pixar and the Toy Story characters are holding some kind of carnival inside? Not bad.
The recent photos of the actual ride vehicles on that cool official website look great too, I hope it doesn't disappoint now. Have any opening dates been set?
Cheers Baloo, I was having problems uploading a pic! I have to say, in Floridian sun, this entrance is a great in joke, or nod to those who care, and still can pass a simply a great looking entrance to those who dont.
Lots of great new DCA pictures here:
http://mousetimes.com/dlrpictorials/200 ... index.html (http://mousetimes.com/dlrpictorials/2008/01_20_08/index.html)
The building is so beautiful, it would be right at home even in our DLP...
(//http://mousetimes.com/dlrpictorials/2008/01_20_08/tn_matt057.jpg)
The new facades on the boardwalk games are a massive improvement too:
(//http://mousetimes.com/dlrpictorials/2008/01_20_08/tn_matt023.jpg)
And if you read the captions, it's funny to see they seem to be as desperate for a new fountain as we have been. :wink:
The New York Times has a pretty cool feature on Toy Story Midway Mania and some new pictures:
(//http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/02/10/business/10disney.large2.jpg)
(//http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/02/10/business/10disney.large3.jpg)
QuoteMr. Potato Head — with help from a dozen video cameras, several computers, an unseen ride operator and a $1 million budget — will be able to make his mouth form words, a first for Disney animatronics.
The comedian Don Rickles, whose gravelly voice brought the character to life in the films, was hired to record 750 words and four songs. The hidden ride operator, armed with a computer and cameras that scan the crowd, will then choose phrases based on the actions and appearance of people standing in front of it. ("Hey, you in the red baseball hat.")
The goal was to make the character so perfect that it looked as if it had just stepped out of the movies. "
(//http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/02/10/business/10disney.xlarge1.jpg)
:arrow: Link (//http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/business/media/10ride.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5070&en=4d9f350dfd56a47f&ex=1203310800&emc=eta1)
I'm so excited about this ride, I really hope that this or a unique and improved (if it can be :wink: ) version makes its way to Paris in the very near future :D
^ I have to say that makes it look very interesting and exciting.
Loving the sound of the Mr Potato Head animatronic. I can't see one of these attractions coming to Paris, maybe an update of Buzz in a couple of years but you have one shooting game attraction, you don't need another one...even if it does have fancy new stuff.
Quote from: "peep"^ I have to say that makes it look very interesting and exciting.
Loving the sound of the Mr Potato Head animatronic. I can't see one of these attractions coming to Paris, maybe an update of Buzz in a couple of years but you have one shooting game attraction, you don't need another one...even if it does have fancy new stuff.
Both WDW and Disneyland California have the Buzz lightyear attraction that we have and it hasn't stopped them :wink:
Quote from: "The Butlin Boy"Both WDW and Disneyland California have the Buzz lightyear attraction that we have and it hasn't stopped them :wink:
Ah, really? Fine, didn't know/realize that. I think thats generally stupid then.
Look at the size of Mr. Potato Head!! :shock:
Quote from: "peep"I can't see one of these attractions coming to Paris, maybe an update of Buzz in a couple of years but you have one shooting game attraction, you don't need another one...even if it does have fancy new stuff.
Will the two be any less different than Space Mountain and RNRC though? Or Les Voyages de Pinocchio and Snow White?
Good point Baloo. Although I still wouldn't see the point of a Toy Story one and a Buzz one, if they were going to make a second shooting/interactive attraction I would prefer a different movie theme at least.
True peep, it's a very different style of theme (despite being from the same film), but a bit more variety wouldn't be bad. I suppose Toy Story is a good fit because of the ensemble of characters.
Latest news from DHS (weird initials for a Disney park) is that soft openings should begin on 25th April. Source. (//http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=278560)
WOAH! :shock: The worlds biggest potato just got cooler:
(//http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/3046/ricklespotatoheadvo8.jpg)
How awesome is that? For anyone who doesn't know who the person in front of Mr Potato Head is, it's Don Rickles, the guy man behind the voice of Mr Potato Head in the films and now the ride :)
Source: OogieBoogie on MiceChat (//http://micechat.com/forums/showthread.php/ts_mania_mr_potato_head-90923p3.html)
They actually got the real voice back! (well, I suppose he's doing TS3 anyway) I thought his voice would actually be done by a CM on-stage to talk directly to guests. Will that not happen, or will someone select clips from Don's recordings that match for the type of guests walking past?
I don't like his arms, but I suppose they haven't developed AA arms that can fit in thin bendy plastic yet. :lol:
(//http://moodymommy.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/mrs__potato_head10.jpg)
Can he remove more than just his ear, I wonder?
He'll look much better when he's properly lit inside the ride too, the Buzz AA would look bad in full light.
Quote from: "Baloo"Can he remove more than just his ear, I wonder?
As far as I'm aware thats his limit, but that's still quite something though! =D>
Quote from: "Baloo"They actually got the real voice back! (well, I suppose he's doing TS3 anyway) I thought his voice would actually be done by a CM on-stage to talk directly to guests. Will that not happen, or will someone select clips from Don's recordings that match for the type of guests walking past?
I posted this a few posts back;
QuoteMr. Potato Head — with help from a dozen video cameras, several computers, an unseen ride operator and a $1 million budget — will be able to make his mouth form words, a first for Disney animatronics.
The comedian Don Rickles, whose gravelly voice brought the character to life in the films, was hired to record 750 words and four songs. The hidden ride operator, armed with a computer and cameras that scan the crowd, will then choose phrases based on the actions and appearance of people standing in front of it. ("Hey, you in the red baseball hat.")
The goal was to make the character so perfect that it looked as if it had just stepped out of the movies. "
So he'll sing as well, that'll be interesting! :lol:
I don't think we've seen this video yet:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22806809#23244784 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22806809#23244784)
It shows the Imagineers testing the attraction along with some lovely cheesy kids pretending to pull the trigger -- which is actually some kind of string or rope, like a catapult. As The Disney Blog where I got the link asks - how will that stand up to daily guest wear and tear?
What stands out to me is that the double-vehicles are really huge. Very high off the floor and they seem to have some giant bumper around them stashed with all the electronics. I wonder what kind of capacity it'll have with just 8 people per car?
It's looking good anyway, a pure ride-through Nintendo Wii game. :)
Cool thanks for sharing!
Yes the ride-vehicles looks reaaaally huge! Seems that they need much space. But maybe they ride all in a long row or something like this. I´m very intersted in the capacity, too!
New photos were posted by MousePlanet (//http://www.mouseplanet.com).
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(//http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e260/dlphotopost/DCAexpansion/toystorymania/TSMM1_031408_AVP.jpg)
The vehicles look really nice, as does the queue! I'm really curious for the ride experience.
WOW, that looks fantastic, I can't to see pictures and videos of when it's open. When can we get one in Paris? :)
Toy Story Midway Mania seems to blend in perfectly with the Paradise Pier area. This should have been the quality and kind of theming back when the area opened in 2001. This attraction seems to be designed specifically for Paradise Pier, which makes Disney's Hollywood Studios look like an odd location even more theming wise. :wink:
And the updates on Toy Story Midway Mania keep on coming!
The following few pics are from a LaughingPlace.com update (//http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-590.asp):
(//http://s231432788.onlinehome.us/lotion/pics/SS20080319-DLTSMania/P1-0001.jpg)
(//http://s231432788.onlinehome.us/lotion/pics/SS20080319-DLTSMania/P2-0002.jpg)
(//http://s231432788.onlinehome.us/lotion/pics/SS20080319-DLTSMania/P3-0002.jpg)
(//http://s231432788.onlinehome.us/lotion/pics/SS20080319-DLTSMania/P5-0001.jpg)
(//http://s231432788.onlinehome.us/lotion/pics/SS20080319-DLTSMania/P5-0002.jpg)
(//http://s231432788.onlinehome.us/lotion/pics/SS20080319-DLTSMania/P5-0003.jpg)
(//http://s231432788.onlinehome.us/lotion/pics/SS20080319-DLTSMania/P6-0002.jpg)
(//http://s231432788.onlinehome.us/lotion/pics/SS20080319-DLTSMania/P7-0003.jpg)
This update also has a video where the ride gets explained to the press.
Also, two pictures where posted on the MiceChat forums (//http://www.micechat.com) showing the sign of Toy Story Midway Mania:
(//http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/6995/2685440319xebslsm9.jpg)
(//http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5074/268544401b5pv5lkr6.jpg)
I haven't experienced the ride yet (off course not! ;)), but I'm already very enthusiast over the exterior alone!
Wow! Looks nicer and nicer! Well done!!! :mrgreen:
Has somebody a before Midway Mania and after picture? It´s so hard to remember
Quote from: "Riebi"Has somebody a before Midway Mania and after picture? It´s so hard to remember
A quick search on Google brought me this:
(//http://farm1.static.flickr.com/159/348488991_c9a95e9116.jpg?v=0)
I think you can already see the construction walls in this picture, but I'm not sure about that.
Thank you for the wonderful pics Remco! Especially the last one makes you appreciate the new theming even more. Just imagine what Paradise Pier would have looked like with a bigger budget back in 2001. I can't wait to find out what the general public thinks about Toy Story Midway Mania. By the way, is there any progress on Toy Story Mania/Pixar Place at DHS?
Quote from: "Maarten"By the way, is there any progress on Toy Story Mania/Pixar Place at DHS?
Probably, but as far Toy Story Midway Mania, it all takes place indoor, so there's not much you can see from the outside, except for the exterior. But you can't see the ride vehicles coming outside like at DCA.
I wonder if the ride will be an exact clone of DCA.
Initially I wasnt too struck on this attraction. I keep wondering why they were making yet another Toy Story Shoot em up style attraction.
However...... After seeing that video, wow! The detal and theming is fantastic! I love the idea that what ever you are shooting changes to suit the game. Also just think, you can actually see it leave the gun and shoot to the target, unlike the current buzz light year.
I am even more interested now though, to see how this fits into DHS, as the ride appears to b designed for DCA and Paradise Pier in particular. I know they will re theme, but I wonder how?
Quote from: "penfold12"I am even more interested now though, to see how this fits into DHS, as the ride appears to b designed for DCA and Paradise Pier in particular. I know they will re theme, but I wonder how?
This is the building for Toy Story Midway Mania at DHS. The area surrounding it will be called Pixar Place in the future.
(//http://www.disneytheque.com/phototheque/disneyland_resort/midway_mania/071204/003.jpg)
(//http://www.disneytheque.com/phototheque/disneyland_resort/midway_mania/080301/002.jpg)
(//http://www.disneytheque.com/phototheque/disneyland_resort/midway_mania/080301/003.jpg)
Pictures are from Disneytheque.com (//http://www.disneytheque.com)
Yeah, the entrance to Pixar Place is a copy of the entranceto the Pixar Studios, and the Midway Mania is a copy of the actual Pixar HQ. This is what I meant, the attraion isbased on midway games. This is funfare games,hence the theming in DCA, doentquite fit in with Pixar Place or the building.
The Mr Potatoe Head Barker wouldnt fit, also the cars etc. I wonder if the themeing is different from DL?
Quote from: "penfold12"Yeah, the entrance to Pixar Place is a copy of the entranceto the Pixar Studios, and the Midway Mania is a copy of the actual Pixar HQ. This is what I meant, the attraion isbased on midway games. This is funfare games,hence the theming in DCA, doentquite fit in with Pixar Place or the building.
The Mr Potatoe Head Barker wouldnt fit, also the cars etc. I wonder if the themeing is different from DL?
From what i understand the story is that the toy story characters are having a carnaval inside of the Pixar HQ, so i think the ride itself will still look a lot like the DCA version, i think.
Quote from: "mehdi5"Quote from: "penfold12"The Mr Potatoe Head Barker wouldnt fit, also the cars etc. I wonder if the themeing is different from DL?
From what i understand the story is that the toy story characters are having a carnaval inside of the Pixar HQ, so i think the ride itself will still look a lot like the DCA version, i think.
Not to sound grumpy, but I think that Toy Story Midway Mania should have stayed a Disney's California Adventure original. Especially since it seems to be designed for the park and secondly since DCA doesn't have much original attractions of its own. Tokyo's future Monsters Inc. Hide & Go Seek (Midway Mania with a Monsters Inc. theme) would have been a nice alternative for DHS if you ask me.
Wow!
Wow! The Paradise Pier version looks truly brilliant. And I'm sure DCA fans are going wild that it is called
Midway Mania, right? Looking like one of the most high tech attractions ever done by WDI too, is that
four LCD screens per vehicle I see?!
Quote from: "Maarten"Not to sound grumpy, but I think that Toy Story Midway Mania should have stayed a Disney's California Adventure original. Especially since it seems to be designed for the park and secondly since DCA doesn't have much original attractions of its own. Tokyo's future Monsters Inc. Hide & Go Seek (Midway Mania with a Monsters Inc. theme) would have been a nice alternative for DHS if you ask me.
Or since TSM is going into the old Millionaire area, perhaps some kind of TV game show theme would have been more natural?
Cheerioooo! Let´s hear mr. potatos song!
[youtube:6nvqyp9h]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETQTKMyqw7s[/youtube:6nvqyp9h]
:mrgreen:
That is truly incredible, I had visions of how he would move in my head, but it works so much better, it's just pulled off incredibly well. You watch it for a second, and then you completely forget that he is an AA, it's just so life like. I really want one in Paris, the gem of "Midway Maniaaaaaaa!". :)
Edit:
This video really should be posted as well:
[youtube:2ju8amiz]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhpv_CerF-c[/youtube:2ju8amiz]
Edit (again :roll: )
If you're like me and still craving for more Potato ( :roll: ) you may like to see this video:
[youtube:2ju8amiz]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO119YsCZDQ[/youtube:2ju8amiz]
Easily the most realistic audio-animatronic I have ever seen! I find it amazing what the Imagineers can acheive these days. :shock:
Wow the last video is really cool cause it´s so long and show some people around!
Just fantastic!! The most amazing thing is how smoothly he removes his ear!!! Just great
Thats is truely AMAZING ! =D>
Wow, amazing! Quite impressive! I'm glad Disney keeps pushing the envelope with this kind of inventions. Keep up the good work! =D>
Wow, this attraction looks really great. Do you think that we will see this attraction in Paris someday too?
Here are some 'behind the wall' photos of inside and outside Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios:
(//http://orlandounited.com/news/images/ToyStory/tsm31.jpg)
Source:Orlando United (//http://orlandounited.com/news/toystorymania.html)
Can you say "short straw"?
Although I much prefer this look to the plasticy Buzz Lightyear rides. The scale actually looks very realistic and appears to fit quite well within a "you're visiting the real Pixar Studios" story. And hey - it's even "Midway" Mania in Florida!
Are there any real opening or soft opening dates known yet?
Quote from: "Riebi"Cheerioooo! Let´s hear mr. potatos song!
:mrgreen:
holy cooooooooow that's amazing! just look at him move! I wanna see it so bad! :( (I just moved back to NY from Orlando less than 2 months ago lol)
EDIT: omg!!! That is sooo cool I just watched the second video where he's talking right to the crowd.
EDIT II:
[youtube:vvm7jr6k]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhpv_CerF-c&feature=related[/youtube:vvm7jr6k]
Has anyone seen THIS yet? woah
SPOILER ALERT!
DisneyHD (//http://www.youtube.com/user/DisneyHD) uploaded an onride to YouTube (//http://www.youtube.com) of the DHS version of Toy Story Midway Mania.
Don't let the video disappoint you... You aren't wearing any 3D glasses! :P
[spoiler:2yf1ef49][youtube:2yf1ef49]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_ZCrf6m9OU[/youtube:2yf1ef49][/spoiler:2yf1ef49]
I think this ride can be a lot of fun!
:lol: ...The "bonus" at the end. Thanks for the video Remco.
Well, it looks like a very new and weird concept. Something completely different. Very different even to Buzz. It's strange how you ride past all the video walls along one side like that, I thought it'd more like one, closed-off passageway through the ride. It's more like riding through a giant hall.
Probably one attraction that you really need to ride to properly judge.
Though I have to admit I don't like the look of the DHS queue there, to be quite brutal, it looks like the crèche at a supermarket. The Pixar Studios exterior has turned out brilliant though, they got the style so perfect. Makes me wonder if DHS could be in for some new land names... Lucas Studios, etc, as if it were literally a collection of different Hollywood studios.
Overall this looks absolutely spot-on for DHS, the kind of thing it massively lacked. I'm not sure if I'd put it on a WDS wish-list though.
Wow, that ride looks like such great fun. It's probably just like Buzz as well, in the fact that it has such a huge re-rideability factor to it, something you could ride again and again and it wouldn't get boring, which is something that the studios needs (only a few rides have this). I'd also love to see Mr.Potato Head in the studios as well, but I don't know how they'd get around the language barrier (actually, come to think of it, how about Mr AND Mrs Potato Head together, with one in English and one in French? :lol: )
Quote from: "The Butlin Boy"how about Mr AND Mrs Potato Head together, with one in English and one in French? :lol: )
WAY to expensive! :shock: :lol:
Mr Potatoehead features a lot of prerecorded lines. Perhaps they can have the French voice actor for Mr Potatoehead to record a bunch of lines in French as well, and then just use them randomly.
Here are some new videos and pictures for you all to enjoy:
Very good video below, really recommend it! :mrgreen:
[youtube:31dcs69v]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtCza2-zvOc[/youtube:31dcs69v]
Laughing Place also has some very good photos and a cool Mr Potato Head video to look at:
:arrow: http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-664.asp (http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-664.asp)
I don't know about you guys, but I'd really love to see this ride in the studios, I don't think that DCA's version's theme would work in our studios, but I think that this one would. At first I wasn't sure about the look of the queue, but now after seeing more pictures, I think it'd be great. I love how they've used famous toys and brands in the queue, along with crayon pictures seen in the films, and other details (like the over sized plug sockets, the shop label sign outside, and the signs in the queue that look like bits of paper stapled down. The queue does do an amazing job of making you feel like a toy, which is what it is meant to do. Besides, I've only seen positive reviews of the queue, so it must be good :wink:
The ride itself looks so good, the 3D/4D aspects are meant to be very realistic, and this new video really does make it look as good as I've heard it is. It just looks so fun :D
I'd really love to see this in our studios park (in a Toon Studio expansion with a Toy Story Toy Shop, and a moved and improved Pizza Planet from DLP, yes I've thought it all out :wink: ), but the only problem is how to get Mr Potato Head here with the language barrier issue :-k
Quote from: "The Butlin Boy"but the only problem is how to get Mr Potato Head here with the language barrier issue :-k
It's not really much of an issue, just the same as Buzz at Laser Blast. Alternate his lines in French then English.
I'm still not sure if this is something I'd really
want to see at WDS. I mean sure if it was rumoured I'd be thrilled, but from the point we're at now, I'd prefer them to consider other options for the park's first dark ride. Something a little less flat and a little more immersive.
Agreed it would fit stupidly well at the back of Toon Studio though, even better than at DHS and maybe even DCA, if they went with a kind of Toy Story TV gameshow story. The queue reminds me of Fun House on CITV (with Pat Sharpe!!). I just keep looking for the fireman's pole and the ball bit, or the go-kart track...
This is a billboard for Toy Story Midway Mania (DCA). Weird enough it's called Toy Story Mania on this billboards.
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dustysage/FridayVisions/2008/05-30-08/CIMG0002.jpg)
Source: MiceChat (//http://www.micechat.com)
Quote from: "Remco K."This is a billboard for Toy Story Midway Mania (DCA). Weird enough it's called Toy Story Mania on this billboards.
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dustysage/FridayVisions/2008/05-30-08/CIMG0002.jpg)
Source: MiceChat (//http://www.micechat.com)
What I've read on Wiki... Although this is the first ride with joint Imagineering teams in development for two parks, the naming of both is said to be slightly different I don't have a clue why, but It could describe the reasoning why it appears on the billboards as Toy Story Mania
Quote from: "Captain Pan"the naming of both is said to be slightly different I don't have a clue why, but It could describe the reasoning why it appears on the billboards as Toy Story Mania
As far as I know, both versions of the ride are called Toy Story Midway Mania. But there's probably a very logic reason behind it. And although I study marketing and communications, I haven't found that reason yet! ;)
Quote from: "Remco K."As far as I know, both versions of the ride are called Toy Story Midway Mania. But there's probably a very logic reason behind it. And although I study marketing and communications, I haven't found that reason yet! ;)
I guess they just think the general public can only remember as many as three words?
Love the billboard, really eye-catching, I wish DLRP would keep things simple and modern like that.
Quote from: "Remco K."This is a billboard for Toy Story Midway Mania (DCA). Weird enough it's called Toy Story Mania on this billboards.
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dustysage/FridayVisions/2008/05-30-08/CIMG0002.jpg)
Source: MiceChat (//http://www.micechat.com)
Both attractions are called Toy Story Midway Mania, but adverts for both have called them Toy Story Mania. Don't ask me why though... :roll:
Quote from: "Baloo"Love the billboard, really eye-catching, I wish DLRP would keep things simple and modern like that.
Indeed. But DLRP has done a pretty good job with the Tower of Terror billboards. They weren't that simple and modern, but so isn't the Tower of Terror. :P
Photos from DCA's version of Toy Story Midway Mania can be found at the two links below:
:arrow: http://micechat.com/forums/showthread.p ... 98011.html (http://micechat.com/forums/showthread.php/photo_update_6_6_midway-98011.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
:arrow: http://micechat.com/forums/showthread.p ... 98053.html (http://micechat.com/forums/showthread.php/midway_mania_ap_preview_lots-98053.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
One of my favorite pics of the ride, so simple but so effective (it's found after you exit the ride):
(//http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/DisneylandResort/01_2008/06-06-08/IMG_1093.jpg)
:mrgreen:
Wow. Thanks for the link.
Considering they were built and developed at the same time, the difference between the MGM and DCA versions is massive. In my opinion, MGM is saddled with a rather tacky style and completely uninteresting exterior, whilst DCA has this brilliant, beautiful, multi-layered attraction that has completely transformed one corner of the park. It's like the difference between some of DLP's attractions and the older ones at Magic Kingdom, but built at the same time.
The toy box at the end is such a fantastic detail. I hope this is a massive hit for DCA.
Technically, as of January 8th, 2008, the Florida movie-themed park is now known as Disney's Hollywood Studios, and is initalled as "DHS" instead of "Disney/MGM Studios".
Just to alert you that in case you didn't know about it. [Monty Python British Army General impression]Carry on, though.[/Monty Python British Army General impression]
Quote from: "AmericanMouse"Technically, as of January 8th, 2008, the Florida movie-themed park is now known as Disney's Hollywood Studios, and is initalled as "DHS" instead of "Disney/MGM Studios".
If I ever use MGM, it's a combination of the fact that DHS sounds too much like BHS, a not-so-great department store here in the UK, and a way of annoying the many American fans who still believe Disneyland Resort Paris is called Euro Disney, Euro Disneyland, Disneyland Paris Resort, etc, but have caught onto this name change so quickly.
I will change the topic title though. :wink:
Quote from: "Baloo"Quote from: "AmericanMouse"Technically, as of January 8th, 2008, the Florida movie-themed park is now known as Disney's Hollywood Studios, and is initalled as "DHS" instead of "Disney/MGM Studios".
If I ever use MGM, it's a combination of the fact that DHS sounds too much like BHS, a not-so-great department store here in the UK, and a way of annoying the many American fans who still believe Disneyland Resort Paris is called Euro Disney, Euro Disneyland, Disneyland Paris Resort, etc, but have caught onto this name change so quickly.
Haha, exactly. And don't forget the stupid Disney Studios Paris name. For some reason only a few Americans seem to get the names of the Parisian parks right haha. But well, personally, I try to call it Disney's Hollywood Studios (DHS) nowadays, but for some reason the park will remain Disney-MGM Studios (MGM) for me. I'm used to it and it still think Disney's Hollywood Studios is a lame name. :wink:
Sorry for getting off-topic. From a theming point of view I think DCA's Toy Story Midway Mania version wins. Its clear that the attraction suits Paradise Pier better. In the end, I think Pixar Place is a great addition to DHS since Mickey Avenue was quite boring to look at. The Pixar Studios facades fit the park very well I think, the midway theme seems a bit out of place though compared to DCA.
Quote from: "Maarten"Sorry for getting off-topic. From a theming point of view I think DCA's Toy Story Midway Mania version wins. Its clear that the attraction suits Paradise Pier better. In the end, I think Pixar Place is a great addition to DHS since Mickey Avenue was quite boring to look at. The Pixar Studios facades fit the park very well I think, the midway theme seems a bit out of place though compared to DCA.
Completly agreeing with you their Maarten, The toy story mania DCA version blends really well into Paradise Pier and looks like it allways has been there. DHS is more for Mois and Cinema rather than 'classic boardwalk games' as it says on the video on the disney destinations site.
I really hope to experiance htis ride for myself in the not to distant future :)
Wouldn't you just love to be able play Toy Story Midway Mania whenever you like? Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to queue for it? And wouldn't it be fantastic to be able to play it in your bedroom, on the bus, or even on the loo? Well folks, now you can...
http://www.disney.co.uk/mobile/games.jsp?g=36 (http://www.disney.co.uk/mobile/games.jsp?g=36)
Step right up and play the greatest mobile phone game in town; Toy Story Mania! :mrgreen:
:P :wink:
If they ever brought games like that out on Wii, wouldn't that actually leave the attraction a bit redundant?
Though, I suppose maybe not, unless you can be one of the first people in the world to get a 3DTV and also set up a queue line in your hallway with that Mr Potato Head animatronic...
Rode this at DHS in May 2008. It had just opened and the best way to get on was with Fastpass. We visited the studios just before it closed one night for a last ride on ToT and RnRC. After we'd done them we walked round to see what the standby queue was like for TSMM. It was 210 minutes! Needless to say we just went back early the next morning and got a Fastpass.
The ride itself is good fun, the 3D/4D effects are great. There are 4 in our party (me, wife and our 2 girls aged 6 and 9 at the time), the first time we rode me and one girl had a great time but the guns on the other side of the car didn't work so they just had to watch the games. Anyway we were all allowed to ride again.
It would be great to see this at DLRP, hopefully it would help reduce Crush's queues!
Kev
BBC have an article about the attraction and technology Disney have developed for their attractions.
//http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7829005.stm
(//http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d20/nonob88/smallposterTSMM.jpg)
A new game has been added to TSMM - "
Rex and Trixie's Dino Darts" it was introduced to the ride this weekend. Also new to the attraction, the addition of several TS3 characters (including Buttercup in the Hamm and Eggs game, and Dolly/Mr. Pricklepants in the final score scene.) From the Disney Parks Blog:
QuoteThe new Toy Story Mania! game, called "Rex and Trixie's Dino Darts," will involve shooting virtual darts at all new balloon targets in a primeval world filled with volcanoes and lava balloons. You'll be cheered on by Rex (the nervous Tyrannosaurus rex) and his new friend Trixie (a blue Triceratops, one of the toy characters from the new film) beginning in late May. Walt Disney Imagineering has also added some hidden surprises to the game that will be replacing "Bo Peep's Baaa-loon Pop."
//http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/04/new-toy-story-mania-game-toy-story-3-character-coming-to-disney-parks-in-may/
A few pictures from Dateline Disneyland - TSMM at DCA:
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dustysage/FridayVisions/2010/05-23-10/IMG_7134.jpg)
The new poster is up in the queue
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dustysage/FridayVisions/2010/05-23-10/IMG_7916.jpg)
Inside the attraction
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dustysage/FridayVisions/2010/05-23-10/IMG_7960.jpg)
The Top Score screen has been updated to include a
Best in Vehicle score
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dustysage/FridayVisions/2010/05-23-10/IMG_7166.jpg)
Finally, game posters have been added to the wall as the vehicles head back to the load station
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dustysage/FridayVisions/2010/05-23-10/IMG_7969.jpg)
A video which highlights the new additions (posted by MintCrocodile)
[youtube:1fovkn70]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yZUO--ghpo[/youtube:1fovkn70]
I just loved this attraction @ the WDW Hollywood Studios.
Highly addictive and very nicely themed :thumbs: