Maybe we were wrong about the Muppet Mobile Lab landing in Future World?
There is just a terrific piece this morning by the Orlando Sentinel’s Scott Powers, the man who I envy for his job more than anyone else. It’s a great story about the Muppet Mobile Lab and the test Disney is performing with this moving comedy show in Epcot’s Future World. Check out the video as well.
The Muppet Mobile Lab, as the rig is called, is the star of a test that Walt Disney Imagineering is conducting at Epcot during the next few weeks. The lab gives the research-and-development staff a chance to try more-advanced robotic, interactive and transportation technologies — mixed with some human comedy talent. With remote-control and two-way communication, Disney operators are sending the show out and about Epcot’s Future World periodically to interact with the crowds.
There’s no guarantee the Muppet Mobile Lab will become a permanent feature. Disney Imagineering officials are as interested in testing the various components as they are the entire package, for possible transfer to other characters or locations, said Christopher Holm, director of the principal technical staff.
The first thing that stands out in my mind is that the reports this test was going to take place around the Imagination Pavilion were obviously incorrect as this was taped with Mission: Space in the background. Also, the audio coming from Dr. Honeydew is terrific and the voice used is wonderful.
But let me just admit when I am wrong. Last week when the story broke that the Mobile Lab was coming to Epcot, I complained that it didn’t seem a very good fit there and belonged over at the Studios Park. Well, I can’t say exactly why, but something just seems right. Seeing this contraption weaving its way around futuristic buildings and the monorail tracks just feels like it fits. It’s almost as if Beaker and Dr. Bunson Honeydew somehow helped create this world with their own form of science. Here’s hoping it stays, but chances are it will soon be just a great memory for a very select few Epcot guests.
Matt said,
August 22, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
Blasphemy! Simply put, it does not belong in Epcot. There is an entire themed area of the Studios perfect for this yet it’s in Future World in Epcot (yet another attraction that has nothing to do with the future). Sometimes I get the feeling the Studios is treated like the step child of the parks when it comes to publicizing it, however, I digress.
KINGCRAB said,
August 22, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
Oh, Matt. You couldn’t be anymore wrong even if you tried.
The Lab fits right in at Epcot and they probably didn’t have enough room to run at the Studios (the smallest of the 4 WDW parks) anyway.
So, please stop putting down Epcot and stop thinking that the Studios is getting the short end of the stick like you think it is.
David said,
August 22, 2007 @ 6:55 pm
Oh come on Matt. That parks is getting more pub then any right now. A new name, shiney new e-ticket, new parade. It may actually become a full day park!
Eric said,
August 22, 2007 @ 7:18 pm
Ah…if only us Disney enthusiasts had strong opinions.
From what I’ve read, this is planned as a short (1 or 2 week) trial run before the MML is sent to an overseas park. So, in short, I don’t care. They could wander them around the Animal Kingdom parking lot to test them out, as long it was just that- a test.
If it will be permanent, I would prefer it be at the Studios, because it does just make more sense there. Plus, I agree that the Studios needs the most help right now. But, if it were plopped into FW, it wouldn’t be the end of the world (or the Walt Disney World). It is just as “futuristic” as Playstations and car testing grounds. Maybe it’s time to just rename Future World?
Mike said,
August 23, 2007 @ 1:50 am
Matt vehemently defends his Studios
Raidermatt said,
August 23, 2007 @ 10:26 am
Matt’s dead-on, it belongs in the Studios.
That said, if it’s only a test and it was done in Epcot because the wider walkways made it easier to control the test, that’s fine.
Biblioadonis aka George said,
August 23, 2007 @ 3:52 pm
Great minds, Eric.
Most of us posting here are rabid Muppet, Star Wars and Disney fans. The rest of the world, apparently, isn’t.
I am indoctrinating my kids with the Muppets DVD, numerous trips to WDW and by watching nad playing Star Wars. Of course, my three year old calls the Muppets monster puppets.
Anywhere that Disney can put the Muppets is a-ok in my book. They really need to get them out there. Future World is a good start. Tomorrowland would even be ok.
Of course, the Disney Hollywood Studios would be the ideal place to put any Muppets.
Besides, can’t we all just get along?
Bill Zanetti said,
August 23, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
Okay, you got this story, well, parts of it, completely wrong. First, the Imagination Gate IS where the Lab enters and exits the park from. Also, the locations are around Future World. Near the Inventor’s Circle, near the Fountain of Nations, and near the Mission Space area. The lab is in different locations depending on the time of day.
Also, if fits in with Epcot just fine, as you’ll soon find out. Imagination is key here… and Muppet Labs seem to fit in with Imagination just fine.
David said,
August 24, 2007 @ 12:25 am
Thanks for clearing that up Bill. I have not seen it myself and only had the vidoe to go by.
Eric said,
August 24, 2007 @ 1:07 am
“as you’ll soon find out”
Bill - do you have some additional information to add to the story?
Bill Zanetti said,
August 24, 2007 @ 4:52 am
Sorry, none at this time.
Just putting the idea out there. But consider not many people know what Imagination’s major rehab will entail this time around. And Lasseter is working on the project personally.