Mouse Extra

My family and I were able to catch the latest Muppet movie simply titled “The Muppets.” It stars Jason Segel (who also co-wrote the movie), Amy Adams, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and well, you know who else. Unlike some other movies starring these furry characters, this one truly captures the charm and wit of the old Muppet Show.

It should be noted that one of the highlights of the movie actually occurred before the opening credits even started. Playing with this feature is a new Toy Story short called “Small Fry.” It’s Pixar’s take on the story of those cheap toys found in “happy meals” in various fast food joints. Much of the short focuses on the pain these poor toys feel. And its hysterical. Its worth going to the theaters for the Muppets just to see this cartoon.

But on to the main show. The plot is relatively simple. The muppets have long broken up and the old Muppet Theatre is in disarray. The bad guy wants to buy it and level it. Only a telethon featuring the old gang can save it. Jason Segel and his girlfriend, Amy Adams, assist Segel’s brother (who,oddly, is a new muppet named Walter) to get Kermit and the rest of the muppets to save the place.

The first part of the movie is Kermit getting everyone together for the show. Sort of a muppetized take on the Blues Brothers. The second half of the movie is, of course, the telethon itself. All along fans of the old series (or even MuppetVision at Walt Disney World) will love this movie. First of all, it makes fun of the fact that it is, in fact, a movie. Its chock full of cameos like the old Muppet show or even their prior feature films. The musical numbers are generally funny. I particularly liked “Man or Muppet.” And like everything Muppets young children to adults will find things to laugh about; which was always the true appeal of this franchise.

I recommend this movie to everyone. Both of my children, who obviously are unfamiliar with the old show, laughed uncontrollably. As did thier father. And most of the rest of the audience. I’m pretty sure we will all be humming Ma-Na-Mon-Nah for quite some time.

Today’s article is written by Mike

There is a new character featured prominently throughout the parks (although mostly Epcot) nowadays. It’s a giant stuffed teddy bear who goes by the name Duffy. The backstory to him is this: Mickey was going away by himself and his girlfriend Minnie did not want him to be lonely so she made him a teddy bear for him to take along on his journey.

Duffy the Disney bear was a huge hit in the Japanese parks. So, Disney execs brought him over to the American parks in full force about a year ago. Many guests still have no idea what the bear is supposed to be, but kids seem to fall in love with him fast. You can count my daughter into the growing group of kids who are fans of the bear.

Whether you like Duffy or not, Disney has a potential marketing goldmine here. They can tap into the popular Build-A-Bear market. All over Epcot are different outfits for the bear. You can have a french Duffy, a Buzz Duffy, a pirate Duffy and more. There is an outfit for every World Showcase pavillion and for various holidays. I bought a whole mess of these outfits during our last trip. At World Showcase, there is a pavillion where one can meet Duffy, and it’s quite popular. The Duffy bear is also featured prominently in the Kidcot activities. There are different sizes of the bear himself. The outfits (which cost around $18) are for one size.

So what do you think of Duffy the Disney Bear? Is he a cheap marketing ploy aimed at young kids or a fun new character added to the Disney family?

Today’s article is written by Brooke and Mike

Not that long ago, I wrote a piece about my favorite queues in all of Walt Disney World. Now, I want to give you a list of the 5 attractions I think should be a part of the NextGen of queues. That is, which queues should become interactive like Haunted Mansion. The rides I picked are not necessarily ones that are bland and boring, but are ones that are bland and boring and are usually popular, like the already reworked Winnie the Pooh and Soarin’.

5. Maelstrom: To me, Disney could really get creative here. I would rework the rather bland queue into a little forest populated by trolls and vikings. Interactive elements would be easy to add, perhaps “find the troll.” And who wouldn’t want to be a viking battling it out with frost giants. I wonder if Disney could use the Marvel character, Thor, in some manner.

 4. Test Track: This one may already be in the works. Rumor has it that the attraction is going down for an extended overhaul early next year. There are photos on the web on a new vehicle being tested (pardon the pun). Currently, the queue is not too terribly boring, but this attraction screams interactive queue.

3. Kilimanjaroo Safari: The line is looooooonnnnng. And frankly, misused. There are a couple of spots where you watch animals (colobus monkeys for one) while waiting in line, but this should be greatly expanded. You could easily add exhibits for small animals like insects and reptiles that guests can view while waiting on the line. Plus, interactive computer screens could be used to enhanced the guests understanding of the critters they are looking at.

2. Peter Pan: This one is probably gonna get done and its sorely needs it. The line is always lengthy and there is absolutely nothing to do or see. Neverland lends itself to some interactive games for kids. Mermaids, tinkerbell and some lost boys could be a mess of fun. Plans are underway to move the bathrooms next to this attraction which in theory would open up plenty of space for a fun filled queue along the lines of the Pooh attraction just down the path.

1. Big Thunder Mountain: I love this ride. I really do. Its one of my favorites in the entire Mouse. But the line can be daunting. The switchbacks are often hidden so just when you think you are there. Bam. Another room with more lines. I know thats true with a lot of Magic Kingdom attractions such a the Jungle Cruise (which nearly made my list). But what makes this one worse is the heat. The closed confined building can be intolerable in the summer humidity. Help, may actually be on the way here. Big Thunder is getting a major refurb starting in January and it won’t reopen until Memorial Day. The ride is getting serious help with the track but rumors state that the queue will be interactive. Lets hope so. The back story of the mining town is rich in details and can be turned to gold by imagineers I am sure. In fact, I think this ride has the greatest potential for its queue.