Seth Kubersky: Arts and Attractions

Welcome to Seth Kubersky.com!

2016-07-01T12:52:00.004-04:00

Welcome to SethKubersky.com! This is where you can find information about Orlando-based author and consultant Seth Kubersky.

Click on Park Planning for details on how Seth can help you plan a VIP theme park vacation.

This website's blog is currently inactive, but you can read Seth's arts and attractions writing at TheUnofficialGuides.com, OrlandoWeekly.com, and AttractionsMagazine.com.

Video: Lake Ivanhoe Holiday Lights Relit

2013-11-24T14:57:00.001-05:00

The Lake Ivanhoe holiday lights were relit on 11/22/13.

The Lake Ivanhoe holiday lights, a half-century old seasonal Orlando holiday tradition, returned on Friday November 22, 2013 after a nearly two decade absence. The lights atop the former OUC plant at 1111 N Orange Ave, which alternate flashing "HAPPY HOLIDAYS" and "HAPPY NEW YEAR," were first lit in the 1950s, and last appeared in the 1990s.

The Ivanhoe holiday lights were restored for this year thanks to a campaign spearheaded by the Ivanhoe Village Main Street. Watch the following video of of the re-lighting ceremony with Mayor Buddy Dyer and Commissioner Robert Stuart.

Video: Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl Testing at Universal Studios Florida

2013-07-26T13:37:00.001-04:00

Here's a new video of cycle testing on Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl, the soon-to-open Simpsons-themed spinner in Springfield USA at Universal Studios Florida.

Note that the flying saucer ride vehicles' altitudes can be controlled by the riders, but that all the cars ascend to full height at the end of the cycle. Also note the back side of the freshly-installed attraction marquee on the far left.

Photos and Video of Transformers Grand Opening at Universal Orlando

2013-06-20T16:04:00.001-04:00

After weeks of soft-opening previews, Transformers The Ride 3-D finally officially opened this morning with a bang. Celebrities in attendance included voice actors Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (Megatron), film actor Glenn Morshower, and producer/director Steven Spielberg.

Here are links to my live-streamed videos from the red carpet and explosive opening ceremony, followed by a gallery of photos. The attraction is now open daily to guests, with a massive multi-hour line at the current moment. So, if you want to Prepare for Battle, be prepared to wait!

Optimus Prime on the red carpet Part 1 and Part 2

Mark Woodbury

Peter Cullen and Frank Welker

Tom Williams and Bill Davis

Steven Spielberg

Grand Opening ceremony Part 1 and Part 2

Springfield USA Fast Food Boulevard Now Open at Universal Orlando

2013-06-04T12:52:00.001-04:00

This past Saturday, Universal Studios Florida quietly debuted the first portion of their Simpsons-themed renovation of the park's former World Expo area. Springfield USA's Fast Food Boulevard features iconic eateries from the long-running cartoon, including Moe's Tavern and Krustyburger, serving unique menu items inspired by Homer's favorite foods.

So far I've tasted the Frying Dutchman's calamari and clam chowder, Cletus' chicken and waffle sandwich, the cheese-oozing Krustburger, and Duff beer (in regular and lite versions, specially brewed by Florida Beer Company). I've been impressed with the quality and portion size of everything I've tried, and look forward to sampling the rest of the snacks.

The Simpsons expansion continues later this month with a new "Duff Gardens" beer pavilion and a "Kang and Kodos" spinning carnival ride. In the meantime, enjoy this photo gallery showing off these emerging attractions.

Transformers The Ride Opens at Universal Orlando on June 20

2013-05-02T12:14:00.001-04:00

After months of speculation, Universal Orlando today announced an official opening of June 20, 2013 for their new 3-D Transformers attraction. A clone of the popular attraction already operating at the Hollywood and Singapore parks, Transformers brings the iconic 1980s robot toys (as cinematically reinterpreted by director Michael Bay) to life through a 3-D dark ride/simulator similar to Islands of Adventure's acclaimed Spider-Man ride.

Transformers can be found in the Universal Studios Florida park in a newly-constructed building on the site of the old Murder She Wrote and Hercules & Xena shows. The new ride's gift shop is currently open, and meet & greets with the attraction's Autobot and Decepticon stars are being held daily outside the attraction. Look of unannounced soft openings in the weeks before next month's grand opening.

Here is the full press release direct from Universal:

Orlando, Fla. (May 2, 2013) – Megatron and the Decepticons are closing in on Orlando…we must prepare for battle…

The highly anticipated blockbuster attraction TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D will officially open on Thursday, June 20, 2013, Universal Orlando announced today.

Universal also launched an all-new “Join the Resistance” Facebook experience to prepare fans for the battle they’ll experience on the mega-attraction. “Recruits” can create their very own NEST IDs, train for battle, access exclusive photos and video and win prizes – including a trip to the attraction’s grand opening celebration on June 20. Click here to join the resistance.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D is a mind-blowing, action-packed ride experience that pushes the limits of technology to place guests in the middle of a larger-than-life battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The ride was created under license from Hasbro, Inc. and is based on its iconic TRANSFORMERS brand.

The battle begins when guests enter the NEST facility – the headquarters for the government operation that partners with the Autobots to protect Earth from the Decepticons. While inside, they are recruited to help protect the AllSpark – a powerful energy source that would allow the Decepticons to destroy the planet. Guests board EVAC – an Autobot created exclusively for the attraction – to transport the AllSpark to safety. But beware…the Decepticons are in close pursuit…

For more information about Universal Orlando and TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Photo Gallery: Universal Studios Florida April 2013 Construction Update

2013-04-19T23:35:00.001-04:00

Here is a look at the latest changes at Universal Orlando's original theme park, taken on Wednesday 4/17/2013.

Weekdays in April after Spring Break ends are a great time to visit with short attraction lines.

You can tell how much construction is going on right now by counting the cranes!

A closer look at what will be the London side of Harry Potter's expansion.

ScreenPlay is Universal's new augmented reality smartphone app. Download it, and scan posters around the park (like this tribute to the former Jaws ride) with the ScreenPlay logo to play trivia games.

Speaking of Smartphones, Universal has followed Disney's lead and rolled out free in-park WiFi Internet for all guests.

These cars in the New York area are advertising the newest Fast and the Furious film.

Transformers has its illuminated marquee and extended outdoor queue.

The ride's stars are currently doing meet and greets on the sidewalk, but will soon have a home between Mel's Drive In and Shrek.

Finally, progress continues on the Springfield min-land, including Moe's Tavern and Krustyburger.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Express Entrance Opens for Busy Spring Break at Universal Orlando

2013-03-29T18:29:00.001-04:00

This week I braved the spring break crowds to briefly inspect what's new over at Universal Orlando. With all the construction currently underway in both parks, it's hard to keep up with all the changes!

The big news is that, after many years of being excluded from the Universal Express Plus system, the "fast" lane at Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket finally became operational last weekend. When I visited, the standby and single rider lines were both 120 minutes, while Express was estimated at 30 to 40 minutes. The lane is available for all onsite hotel guests, purchasers of Express Plus passes, and Premier Annual Passholders (after 4pm).

It's so busy, there's even a line to take a photo with Bruce the shark!

To entertain spring break crowds, Universal has temporarily added some street entertainment, like this chair stacking acrobat...

...and these break-dancers.

Finishing details are being applied to the theming of Transformers.

The buildings of Diagon Alley are rising rapidly on the former site of Jaws.

The (still unannounced) Simpsons mini-land is taking shape.

This Homer-themed carnival game is a recent addition.

Welcome to Moe's!

After being used only for special events and character breakfasts for most of the last decade, La Bamba reopened with a menu of ribs, chicken, and Mexican specialties. Looks tasty!

Over at Islands of Adventure, it's wall-to-wall guests. These new automated will-call machines to the right of the entry plaza should help speed the ticket lines.

Return tickets are required to enter the Wizarding World on peak attendance days. Timed tickets are available at kiosks near Sindbad in Lost Continent, or across from Pizza Predatoria in Jurassic Park. A standby queue forms behind the Jurassic Park Discovery Center.

Finally, Green Eggs and Ham is open to service spring break crowds. Get your green egg sandwiches while you can!

Photo Gallery: Artist Doug Rhodehamel Makes His 50,000th Mushroom

2013-03-29T14:10:00.001-04:00

Last night (3/28/13) at The Venue in Ivanhoe Village, Orlando artist Doug Rhodehamel made his 50,000th paper bag mushroom in front of a cheering audience. Rhodehamel's elaborate installations animals made from recycled materials have been seen locally at the Orlando Science Center, Stardust Video, and Say It Loud!, but he's best known for his Spore Project, which has spread fake fungi to every continent on Earth.

Once the mushroom milestone was reached, the crowd partied to vintage vinyl spun by DJ Nigel John. Enjoy these photos from the evening, featuring the climactic final mushroom making (which was counted down by the artist's mother).

Photo Gallery: 4th Entertainment Designer Forum

2013-03-13T14:38:00.001-04:00

Last Friday night at Orlando's Orange County Regional History Museum, the 4th Entertainment Designer Forum sold out two fascinating Q&A forums with top talent from the theme park design world.

Representatives of Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Ripley's, and several independent companies gave insightful answers to fans' questions about the creation of Orlando's fantasy lands while raising funds for cancer research, all in honor of late local designer Stephanie Girard.

You can read about my favorite moments from the forum in the latest Orlando Weekly's Live Active Cultures column. Here is a photo gallery of the event, highlighting the one-of-a-kind collectors items, many used inside the parks, that sold at the silent auction. I personally took home the rare 2001 publicity photo of Eddie, a chainsaw-wielding maniac (brother to Jack the Clown) who was intended to be the host of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, but was censored post-9/11 and never appeared at that year's event.

Photo Gallery: Autobots Roll Out at Universal Studios Florida

2013-03-05T01:20:00.001-05:00

The new Transformers ride doesn't debut at Universal Studios Florida until sometime this summer, but the Autobots have already arrived. On Monday March 4th, walk-around characters Optimus Prime and Bumblebee greeted guests for the first time in front of the NEST Headquarters, which will soon house the heroic Autobot's high-tech 3-D dark ride simulator.

Here are some photos of the "Robots In Disguise" meeting their Floridian fans for the first time, along with images of the new Supply Depot gift shop on its first day of operation. Expect the store and characters to be available on a regular basis from now until the ride debuts in the coming months.

Photo Gallery: Dapper Day at WDW's Magic Kingdom

2013-02-25T15:36:00.001-05:00

For 364 days out of each year, Mickey T-shirts and ugly sandals are the standard uniform for most visitors to Disney's theme parks. But for one day on the calendar, some guests aim a bit higher on the sartorial ladder.

If you visited the Magic Kingdoms in Orlando or Anaheim on Saturday (2/24/13) you may have thought you slipped into a time-warped world of 3-piece suits and flapper dresses. Fear not, it was only the 3rd annual Dapper Day, a unofficial bi-coastal gathering of nattily attired theme park fans.

The event (which, like Gay Days and Bats Day, is not a Disney-sanctioned event) attracted scores of guests dressed in couture from the 1920s through 1960s and beyond. Their look is inspired by the original Disney concept art by Imagineers like John Hench, which often included well-dressed adults and children filling their illustrations.

This year, the festivities at Walt Disney World included a group ride on the Magic Kingdom's carousel, an outing on Tom Sawyer's Island, and cocktail parties at the resort hotels. Here is a gallery of photos from one of the most well-attended events, a group ride on the Liberty Belle riverboat around Frontierland.

New WDW Big Thunder Mountain Interactive Queue Props

2013-02-01T22:20:00.001-05:00

I stopped by WDW's Magic Kingdom yesterday to check out some new theming that's recently been installed in the standby queue of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

These new additions are rumored to be part of yet-unannounced interactive features expected to appear in the attraction later this year, similar to earlier enhancements in Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion. Currently, the interactive features have not been enabled, but we can get a hint of how they may work from what's already been installed.

To begin, there are a number of signs and set pieces themed around the "Big Thunder Mining Company" offices.

There's gold in them thar safe!

Some humorous signs depicting the "glamorous" life of Old West miners.

Next, we enter the explosives storage area.

This overhead electronic device may trigger an explosive effect...

Along the windows closest to the ride track, these hand-cranks and plunger boxes have been installed. Perhaps guests will be able to trigger "explosions" as trains pass through the finale.

Then there are a series of devices that appear to be periscopes for peering down into the mine shafts below.

...followed by these boxes with circular cranks. No clue what they may do.

Note the canary cages hanging from the ceiling. Never go down into a mine without one!

Finally, these machines seem to spray samples of air from various depths.

Photo Gallery: Universal Studios Florida Construction Update (Jan 2013)

2013-01-29T13:17:00.001-05:00

A few days ago I posted a photo update exploring the latest construction at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure theme park. Today, we're back at UOR for a look at what's happening at Universal Studios Florida.

First, a look at the progress on Transformers. Now that the building is full enclosed, there isn't much to see other than the eventual exterior theming.

These posters have been added to the Transformers construction wall.

Next, check out the construction for Harry Potter's London expansion, on the site of the former Jaws ride.

New Coke Freestyle soda dispensers are now available inside Monsters Cafe. Don't try to cheat; if you don't put a properly purchased cup on the pad, nothing will come out.

This photo booth, themed to an old-fashioned box office, has appeared under the Palace arcade marquee.

This "fart gun" is my favorite new souvenir in the Despicable Me shop.

A new Donkey meet & greet is being built across from the Shrek store.

Finally, a glimpse of the new Simpsons mini-land, which is expected to include new eateries like Moe's Tavern and Duff Gardens.

Photo Gallery: Islands of Adventure Construction Update (Jan 23 2013)

2013-01-24T17:24:00.001-05:00

At Universal Orlando, the Universal Studios Florida theme park is the focus of the bulk of the resort's current construction, with a buzz of activity surrounding the Transformers, Simpsons, and Harry Potter expansion projects. But that doesn't mean all is quiet at Islands of Adventure next door.

Yesterday, I stopped by IoA to photograph progress on three construction projects; one recently completed, and two still in progress:

Here is the now-complete performance stage in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Previously, this was a bare patch of concrete; now, the actors portraying Hogwarts students have a suitable stone and wood stage to stand upon.

The only criticisms I can make is that the integration of the pre-existing stone monolith (which now appears significantly shorter) is awkward, and the wooden flooring needs more aging to look authentic. Otherwise, it's a nice addition that will finally allow shorter guests to see the short shows staged here.

Around the corner, a giant construction crane marks the future location of the Hogwarts Express train station.

It's even visible from the greenhouse in the Forbidden Journey queue.

Guests will embark here for a one-way trip to the Kings Cross station in USF's upcoming London Potter-land, enhanced by simulated windows showing passing scenery (and some magical surprises).

Construction on the IoA end of the route has recently gone vertical; note how close the new block work comes to the Dragon Challenge roller-coaster track.

Perhaps some close encounters with the new train station will return some of the thrill lost when the Dragon trains ceased dueling.

Finally, this mysterious wall has appeared between IoA's entrance plaza and CityWalk's NBA City.

On the other side: not much, other than a dumpster, an old Blue Man Group sign, and some torn-up cement. Possibly this is just minor repair work, but we'll have to wait and see...

Film Review: Les Miserables

2012-12-21T22:27:00.001-05:00

Les Miserables is arguably the most critically and commercially successful Broadway show of the late 20th century. Cameron Mackintosh's production of the Schonberg/Boubil musical marked the apex of the late 80's wave of British imports, and still claims millions of devotees nearly three decades after its debut. So any years-in-development film adaptation of such an icon must naturally be approached with trepidation. But as a Les Miz lover for a quarter century I'm pleased to report that, though imperfect, director Tom Hooper's interpretation easily exceeded my expectations.

In this telling of novelist Victor Hugo's oft-retold tale, Hugh Jackman plays Jean Valjean, the ex-con turned Good Samaritan who breaks parole after an unjust imprisonment, and spends he rest of his life playing cat-and-mouse against monomaniacal Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe) across revolutionary France. Along the way, Valjean rescues Cosette (Amanda Seyfried), angelic offspring of seamstress-turned-strumpet Fantine (Anne Hathaway), from the foul fosterage of the iniquitous innkeeping Thenardiers (Sacha Baron Cohen & Helena Bonham Carter, virtually reprising their riotous Sweeney Todd roles). The company becomes embroiled in an ill-fated Parisian student rebellion led by Cosette's moon-eyed paramour Marius (Eddie Redmayne), climaxing in a life-or-death standoff inside the city's sewers.

Aided by cinematographer Danny Cohen and editors Chris Dickens and Melanie Oliver, Hooper innovates a new visual vocabulary for musical cinema; neither the stage-bound proscenium framing of the golden age, nor MTV-style quick cutting, but a gritty grandiosity born of handheld cameras, long takes, and extreme close-ups. The effect is occasionally uncomfortably off-putting, but more often engaging in its illusion of unvarnished intimacy. Most striking are the signature soliloquies, such as "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "On My Own," and "I Dreamed a Dream," which were captured in unbroken shots with live singing (as opposed to the standard studio-recorded lip-syncing), resulting in unprecedented in-your-face intensity.

Hathaway's devastating performance of that last song is the film's undisputed highlight, an Oscar-worthy rendition that rivals any of the best Fantines I've seen on stage. Jackman also does an admirable job; even if his high notes in psalm-like "Bring Him Home" don't have the operatic oomph of originator Colm Wilkinson (who cameos as a pivotal priest), he brings welcome emotional depth and range to the saintly starring role. The only leading performer not holding up his end is Crowe; his jaw may be sufficiently square for the self-righteous stalker, but his amateurish vocals vacillate from reedy whines to wannabe rock-star growls, neither of which can properly propel a show-stopper like "Stars."

Screenwriter William Nicholson (adapting Herbert Kretzmer's lyrics) cleverly clips some of the show's less essential recitative segments, replacing them with minimalist dialogue, to reduce the famously-long running time without sacrificing any of the beloved songs. The minor structural changes made, such as swapping the order of "I Dreamed a Dream" and the nightmarish "Lovely Ladies," serve to strengthen the narrative drive, and a few melodramatic elements from the source material -- including the urchin ingenue Eponine (Samantha Barks) heroically sacrificing herself for Marius -- were successfully restored. Still, a little more condensing could have been considered in the somewhat sluggish second half, and an ill-advised new ballad added at the midpoint would be better off excised.

Quibbles aside, this is a compelling initiation into the story for the uninitiated, and a friendly return to the fold for the faithful. Just don't forget to pack a box of tissues for the drive back; without a cathartic curtain call to lift your spirits after the heartrending conclusion, you're likely to be sniffling the whole way home.

Photo Gallery: Edvard Munch, James Bond, and more at MoMA

2012-11-16T12:50:00.000-05:00

If you haven't visited New York's famed Museum of Modern Art recently, now is the perfect time. One of the world's most famous painting, Edvard Munch's iconic "The Scream", is currently being celebrated alongside other important images from the last century.

And before you assume that the Big Apple home of Matisse, Picasso, and Monet must be a strictly high-brow institution, a small but thorough new exhibit examines the innovative title sequence from Goldfinger, the best of Sean Connery's 007 films.

Enjoy this gallery of photos taken last Saturday, and make your plans to visit MoMA before "The Scream" is silenced at the end of April 2013.

Photo Preview of Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights XXII plus Transformers Construction

2012-09-13T19:24:00.001-04:00

Normally, pausing in the middle of one of Universal Orlando's famous haunted houses to take pictures is strictly forbidden. But yesterday, selected media were granted the unique opportunity to preview and photograph a pair of attractions being prepared for next week's debut of Halloween Horror Nights XXII.

Below, you'll find a still gallery of images from the press preview, starting with a display of creatures, costumes, and concept art inside Universal Studios Florida's La Bamba lounge.

HNN designers Jim Timon, TJ Mannarino, Mike Aiello, Patrick Brailard, and Lora Wallace talked to the assembled about this event's annual innovations.

Here are some glimpses of the ghosts that await in the poltergeist-packed "Dead End" haunted house.

Finally, I captured a tantalizing peek of the construction site for next year's still-unannounced Transformers ride.

If you want to see a unique lights-on view of the video game-inspired "Silent Hill" maze, head over the the Orlando Weekly Culture to Go blog.

Video: Media Preview of Florida's 1st Wawa

2012-07-18T13:13:00.001-04:00

Wawa, the wonderful convenience store chain, has finally migrated from the Philadelphia area down to Florida, and this morning their first Orlando outpost opened near SeaWorld. Yesterday, I was lucky enough to be invited to a media preview of the new store, hosted by Wawa CEO Howard B. Stoeckel and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. Check out the following video for a taste of why I'm so excited for Wawa's imminent explosion in the Central Florida area.

Universal Studios Orlando SS44 Demolition: Prepare For Battle?

2012-07-15T13:02:00.001-04:00

In a recent edition of Orlando Weekly, I mentioned the ongoing demolition of the long-abandoned Sound Stage 44 building inside Universal Studios Florida, and placed a virtual wager on the unannounced project being a walk-through haunted maze similar to the House of Horrors attraction in Universal Studios Hollywood.

It's a good thing I don't make many bets, because it looks like my hypothetical money has hit the road. This past week, USF installed a super-sized crane over the site, the the sort used to build skyscrapers. More telling, as reported by Parkscope, recent public construction permit filings indicate the new attraction will include ride vehicles that require lift pits, and will be housed inside a building over 50' tall.

All this new info points to a major new attraction filling the land formerly used by the "Murder She Wrote" and "Hercules and Xena" shows, as opposed to a simple walk-through. In fact, it appears the haunted house rumors may have been deliberately leaked misinformation intended to throw Internet sleuths off the trail.

The strongest rumors now all points to an East Coast version of the 3-D Transformers ride already operating in Singapore and Hollywood. As an admirer of the new ride, I'd be happy to have it here in Orlando. But its installation would raise serious questions about Universal's long term strategic intentions regarding its recently upgraded Spider-Man ride at the neighboring Islands of Adventures park, since the two attractions share very similar technology and story beats.

No announcements regarding the ride were made at this week's San Diego ComicCon, as some anticipated, so we'll just have to wait for Universal to pull back the curtain for further confirmation. In the meantime, enjoy this exclusive video I shot of a massive metal piece of sheet piling being lifted from the future building's foundations. Note how tiny large crane seen in the video is compared to the huge one above it; see the accompanying photos for a scale comparison.

Photo Gallery: Christmas Town is Coming to Busch Gardens Tampa

2012-07-11T13:28:00.001-04:00

Christmas came early to Tampa yesterday as Busch Gardens invited media and Passholders to preview their 2012 holiday offerings. From November 20th through December 23rd, the park will open after dark as Christmas Town on Fridays through Sundays, offering spectacular lighting displays, special seasonal shows, and nightly concerts featuring Jimmy Osmond and Jars of Clay.

Tickets are on sale now, and cost from $40 before advance purchase discounts. Annual Passholders can buy $10 advance tickets this week only. Find all the details at www.christmastown.com. Until November, you can get a season preview in the park's Timbuktu area, as seen below.

New Modern Costumes Proposed for Epcot's American Adventure

2012-07-01T20:29:00.001-04:00

Since the park's opening three decades ago, cast members at Epcot's World Showcase pavilions have worn detailed costumes appropriate to the traditional culture of the countries they represent. For employees at The American Adventure, that's meant Colonial garb inspired by the Georgian mansion that houses the headlining Audio-Animatronic production.

This past week, I was alerted by a long-time Disney employee to new costumes proposed to replace the classic designs. As depicted in sketches released on, and then quickly removed from, an internal website, employees may soon wear modern clothes that look more like airline attendants than anything worn in Thomas Jefferson's day. These yet-unconfirmed changes are rumored to be the first of a series that will roll out across the internationally-themed areas for the park's upcomming 30th anniversary.

Attempts to reach Disney for comment were not returned at this writing. Obviously, there are some employees who are upset by this proposal. Read the below letter from one concerned cast member, and let me know what you think in the comments.

We are definitely not happy Disney World Cast Members at Epcot's "The American Adventure" pavilion.
In the near future, we will (unfortunately) no longer portray "Colonial Gentlefolk" and represent hospitable residents of the magnificent Georgian mansion which houses the unique Epcot Auto-Animatronic theater show known as "The American Adventure" because some Disney executive has decided to take away the appropriate period costumes from the Cast Members. This arbitrary change (after 30 years) seems like a mis-guided and ill-informed decision.
Instead, we Colonial Folks will wear modern suits and dresses closely resembling air-flight attendants. (Perhaps these uniforms were discarded from the failed Disney/ABC-TV series "Pan Am"?) Yes, the color combination will indeed project a red/white/blue USA color scheme, but the same color comment could also apply to France, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Where is the distinct design and style? Current Cast Members who will be directly affected have negatively expressed their obvious displeasure by labeling the sketches of the proposed costume designs as "hideous" or by using the "thumbs-down" gesture in despair.
Gone will be the classic period theming and atmosphere which has always ranked as a distinguishing hallmark of the various Disney theme parks. Where's the story, the living narrative, the character, the heritage, the culture, the attention to detail? The popular attraction's official Operating Guide clearly states that three years of extensive research were used "... to obtain information as complete and as accurate as possible ..." from historical experts, libraries, and archival resources. Surely these modern uniforms will visually nullify the ambience which the original Disney Imagineers so carefully created and cultivated. Who will be next: the Fife and Drum Corps or the Voices of Liberty?
Ironically, in a recent edition of "Orlando Attractions Magazine" [Summer 2012, Volume 5, Issue 3] Richard Taylor (former Vice President of Walt Disney World Entertainment and Costuming) makes this statement: "One of the main components of the Disney experience is the meticulous attention to details, often in places that the public don't really notice. Costuming is one of those places, and it's the costumes of all Cast Members that really themes the parks." He then continues to detail how Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom was specifically constructed with utility corridors underground to solve the problem of Cast Members appearing in areas where their costumes didn't fit, a situation which troubled Walt Disney himself at Disneyland. Won't these contemporary costumes destory that illusion of definite time and place?
Through the years WDW Guests have come to anticipate and appreciate the personal interaction and appearance of the appropriately dressed World Showcase countries inhabitants. One of the Guests' (as well as we Cast Members') favorite frequent activities is to pose for souvenir photos with the attraction's Colonial Folks. These picture opportunities seem especially important to visiting school groups and tourists from other nations. They often comment on how much they like or admire the historical-appearing clothing from America's proud past. What Guest will want to pose with a contemporary airline steward? What performance role will we now play if we don't look the part? Will these new contemporary costumes create Guest disappointment and dissatisfaction?
This whole modern costume sitaution at Epcot's "The American Adventure" attraction seems so sad and pointless, particularly since nobody was consulted or surveyed, not even management. (If so much money readily exists in the current budget, new seat covers in the theater would have easily qualified as a much better project.) But for now, we Cast members directly affected are not happy about our future portrayals at Epcot's "The American Adventure" attraction.
Sincerely, Lonnie Hicks ...
16 year Disney Cast Member and a Partners in Excellence honoree

Photo Gallery: Roger Waters performs The Wall at Orlando's Amway Center

2012-06-19T02:25:00.001-04:00

Over twenty years ago, I first saw a videotape of Roger Waters -- former singer/composer for legendary classic rock band Pink Floyd -- perform his opus The Wall in Berlin, shortly after the fall of the famous wall that separated east and west Germany. I've been waiting ever since to see that show with my own eyes, and on June 16th I finally had my chance.

The live version of The Wall that Waters has been touring for the past couple years is a theatrical marvel that merges stagecraft, digital projections, and giant puppets with one of the best rock scores ever written. Elements from Gerald Scarfe's original animations, as seen in Alan Parker's 1981 film interpretation, we're included in the production, along with Floyd's iconic inflatable pig. But the real star of the show was Water's musicianship (his histrionic vocals are as piercing as they were three decades ago) and his intensely personal anti-war, anti-corporate, anti-capitalist message (just don't mention the $30 t-shirts sold in the lobby).

I could complain that my nosebleed seats ("cheap" at only $50 each) had an obstructed view of the performers, thanks to an oversized array of loudspeakers, and that my redneck seat neighbors were blind drunk long before the concert began. But by the time the massive arena-wide wall wall built and destroyed on-stage in a thunderous shower of cardboard bricks, all snafus were forgive. And for a famously taciturn, Waters seemed genuinely moved by the massive roar of approval from the crowd that greeted his final bows (not touched enough, unfortunately, to play an encore).

Please enjoy this images from the show, while I slip "Is There Anybody Out There?" (the recording of the original 80's tour of the album) into my iPod...

Sneak Peek at Universal Orlando's Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

2012-06-12T20:16:00.001-04:00

The billboards along I-4 promoting Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the new family-friendly 3-D simulator at Universal Studios Florida, don't even state an opening date, only saying "ride soon." Yesterday, I arrived at the park in time for an unannounced "technical rehearsal" that allowed guests to experience the attraction for a limited time. I had time to try the ride twice, both times with a posted wait of 60 minutes, and an actual wait about half that.

While you'll have to wait for an upcoming issue of the Orlando Weekly or the 2013 edition of Intrepid Traveler's Universal Orlando to read my full review of the ride. For, now suffice to say that it's a marked improvement over the Old Jimmy Neutron ride, which it replaced and still resembles.

There are now two richly-detailed pre-show rooms, featuring very funny film clips voiced by original film star Steve Carell. The main show is still a theater of moving benches, now with a larger screen and HD projections, simulating a jerky 4-minute joyride. Think a slightly less intense, more juvenile version of The Simpsons Ride.

In an amusing touch, the post-ride dance party allows you to boogie with costumed characters, and see yourself onscreen with CGI minions.

The ride appears to be functionally complete, though I did experience 15 minutes of "technical difficulties" while waiting in the queue, and the employees appear to need practice moving guest through efficiently. There is no way right to know if the ride will run or not on a given day, so don't buy admission just to ride it until its official opening is announced.

No recording is allowed in the attraction, but enjoy my selection of photographs from the queue and preshows.

BRAVE Highland Games Now Open at Epcot

2012-06-06T18:08:00.000-04:00

Brave -- the latest computer-animated film from Pixar, and their first to feature a female protagonist -- opens in movie theaters on June 22. To promote the film, a "Highland Games Tournament" interactive experience has been installed in Epcot along the rose path between the Imagination and Canada pavilions.

Elements of this minor attraction include a jungle gym, archery game, and toy caber toss, all in keeping with the film's Scottish theme. There are also banners advertising other promotional tie-ins, like Adventures by Disney guided tours. At the end of the short path, guests are given a complimentary pack of photo postcards with puzzles and games on the back.

I visited on a moderately attended, overcast weekday, but there was still a substantial line of people waiting to try their hand at these "highland games." There was also a camera crew present, filming guests reactions to the experience.

Enjoy these photos, and stop by to see the Brave exhibit for yourself if visiting Epcot this summer.