Mouse Extra

We have all been spending what seems like a lifetime discussing the possible new remake of the Star Tours attraction at Disney’s theme parks.  For years, rumors and speculation have permeated the Disney internet community.  And the rumors have only intensified over the past few months, as we seem to get closer and closer to an official announcement of what exactly is going to happen to this popular attraction.

We all are fairly certainly that some kind of change is in the works, but what has made us full of nervous excitement is what this new version will be about.  Late last week Theme Park Insider upped the level of excitement one more notch with a rumor of what exactly we may see.

As rumored, the rehab is about to start. And you know why? Because Tokyo Disney (Oriental Land Company) wanted their own version so they poured in some money. And George Lucas has been VERY involved. The new version sounds REALLY cool. Apparently, the original Star Tours was supposed to be updated every three years or so with a new film (ha!). So now, they’re creating a new 3-D film (yes, everyone will have to wear 3-D glasses). The new film will be set in the time between Star Wars Films 3 and 4 (so, after Queen Amidala’s death but before Luke finds Obi Wan and blows up the Death Star). But here’s the cool part — they’re saying that the ride will now have hundreds of versions, so guests will never know what they’re getting into….they’re going to film about 25 openings, about 25 middles, and then 25 endings, so your ride will never be the same…this is one way to make sure it stays fresh for MUCH longer. I can’t wait to see this.

Let me begin by saying that I can not verify this report, and have not seen anything similar to this anywhere else.  So this is an outlier, but what a great outlier it is!  Even if it is just an idea, it is certainly worth discussing.

The timeline of when in the Star Wars universe this new version would take place was the source of most of the nervousness on the part of fans, myself included.  I did not want to see a ride based on the prequels, and I don’t think anyone else did either.  But the possibility of Lucas using the attraction to further the popularity of the prequels was certainly a real one.  But this idea seems to bridge the two together.  A nice compromise if you ask me. 

And I can’t imagine anyone doesn’t like the random sequencing proposal either.  Re-rideability is at the root of what makes Disney rides so great.  This idea would be a revolutionary way of bringing that idea to a new level.  Who wouldn’t go back over and over again to see what else there is to experience?  If this is not true, Imagineering should take a look at this rumor and consider it for future projects anyway.

Pizza is a bad thing at Walt Disney World. It really is. The personal pies at Wolfgang Puck’s are a soggy mess. At the Boardwalk window, the grease comes pouring off each slice. Its all horrible.

 
At Pizzafari, however, its edible. Even a little bit better than that. Its actually a good slice, or personal pie really. The place also has italian subs and chicken parmesan sandwiches which are pretty good. The kids’ menu includes pasta and meatballs along with a personal cheese pie.
 
This counter service establishment is very festive in decor. There are colors everywhere. Better still, there is a lot of indoor, air-conditioned seating, which is vital at the Animal Kingdom. Make sure you check out all the rooms in the place. There are six rooms for seating in total all with various themes like the Bug room, the Camouflage room or the Noctrunal room. Plenty of cooled space and decent pizza. All in all, its pretty good.

Today’s restaurant review is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra.

TouringPlans.com is reporting this morning that Disney, in about as a quiet a fashion as you will ever find Disney doing anything, has launched a new online Dining reservation service for restaurants at Disney World.  Yes, that’s right.  You can now book those illusive ADR’s from your own home on the internet.  You must go to the Restaurants page at Walt Disney World section of the Disney website to do so.

Les Chefs de France

Just taking a quick look at the website, it appears the 90 day booking windows are in place.  It also seems to be rather easy and straightforward system to work with.  If you have never looked at the restaurants page, it is a rather nice and well done site to begin with.

This was certainly a long time coming, though I do understand if Disney held out on this until they could be sure of a way to prevent widespread abuse of the system and a resulting increase of unused reservations.  There does appear to be some security measures in place, by I think only time will tell if they really work.  Until then, this has to be seen as a great step and a big improvement for those who like to do their own travel arrangements.

As we first reported yesterday on our Twitter page, Disney World officials have decided to permanently close the brand new stage show “Stitch’s Sonic Adventure” at Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom.  The Orlando Business Journal is reporting this incredibly quick closure.

Disney officials wouldn’t say why the show, which opened with much fanfare just six weeks ago, is on the way out. Postings on blog sites by Disney fans suggest that park patrons complained about having to form queues in the late spring heat without shelter or seating.

Personally, I am blown away by this.  I know this did not open to the most glowing of reviews, but there has to be more than that, though I can’t figure out for the life of me what it could be.  Disney spent time and money building and designing a new stage, besides all the time, effort and money put into developing the show itself.  And they close it after six weeks?  This is certainly a strange one.  Can you remember an attraction closing this quickly?

Yes, we here at Mouse Extra, probably the least tech savvy group of bloggers you will find anywhere in the blogosphere, have joined those of you more familiar with the 21st Century and have signed up for Twitter. 

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The always readable DVCNews.com reported yesterday that Disney Vacation Club members will have the opportunity to take part in a sneak preview of the newly refurbished and updated Hall Of Presidents attraction at the Magic Kingdom.  The preview takes place June 28.  The attraction opens to the general public, appropriately enough, on Independence Day Weekend.

Based on a sculpture by Imagineer Valerie Edwards (who succeeds Disney Legend Blaine Gibson in the role), the Audio-Animatronics® representation of President Barack Obama addresses the audience and shows off new advancements in motion and facial expression that helped Imagineers capture the essence of the new Commander in Chief.

This attraction is one of those that often get overlooked by those who go to the Magic Kingdom looking for Pirates, Princesses, and well dressed mice.  For those interested in Disney history and Imagineering, anytime they claim “advancements” in the art of Audio-Animatronics we take notice.  But make no mistake about it; the addition of the new president is the change that is certain to make the Hall of Presidents more popular in the short term.

So, will you go see the new Hall Of Presidents?  Are you excited to see President Obama become the next legendary Audio-Animatronic?