Saturday, January 28, 2012

My Mini Pixar Rant (With Loving Intentions)



Okay, there's something I've been meaning to get off of my chest lately. First I need to write a little disclaimer: I love Pixar and their movies and I think they're stories and animation is in a completely separate league of their own, and most other animated movies pale in comparison (except maybe Dreamworks, they old their own also). With this in mind...I shall begin my little rant.

I think Pixar is wasting time with some of the projects they've been doing. Mainly, "Cars 2." Yes, I thought the original "Cars" was very cute, original, etc. However...it's only been a couple years since the original, and they already made a second one, when there are older movies that NEED to have a sequel (that is, since Pixar is set on making a bunch of sequels now). Usually, Pixar makes great sequels. They're the only company that was able to make a third movie out of a beloved and cherished original and knock them all out of the park on completely different levels (Toy Story...of course).

Personally..the main reason to this little rant is a cry for a sequel to these movies: "The Incredibles" and "Finding Nemo." These two movies are just too amazing to pass up a sequel!! "The Incredibles" nearly set up a sequel with their ending perfectly! Just make the children older and set up some sort of unique conflict. The brilliant minds of Pixar can definitely think of something! Sure, it might be a little difficult to think of something for "Finding Nemo 2," but come on...they made a "Cars 2" about a secret agent team in Japan. They totally threw away the original meaning to the first movie, about staying grounded and learning about what matters most in life. This is the main reason why I am so opposed to "Cars 2."

I frequently search for the latest ideas and plans Pixar is forgoing, but am disappointed when I never see either of these as an option. Don't get me wrong, I'm always excited for something completely new and different with every original movie Pixar releases, but I discovered there's going to be a sequel for "Monsters Inc." called "Monsters University" before these other two even get a chance. Yes, I thought "Monsters" was an amazing movie, but I never would have even thought twice about making a second for it. (Don't take offense if you disagree, this is just my opinion.)

I watch the Ellen Degeneres Show all the time, and she is constantly talking about how she would absolutely love to make a "Finding Nemo 2." Even in her latest book she has a chapter that has a lot of dedication towards mentioning why there should be a second movie. Some people say they shouldn't make a second because they might make something terrible in comparison to the first. I say, look at Toy Story 1, 2, and 3. They're even thinking about making a fourth (which I think could be pushing it). Pixar can definitely think of something for "Finding Nemo 2"!

Personally, I think they need a sequel for "The Incredibles" more than "Finding Nemo." There have been rumors of a second one in production or brainstorming ideas, but nothing has been confirmed. There have been random websites that mention the second one will be released in 2016 or something really far away like that, but I've seen the latest line up for Pixar's list of future movies, and it doesn't have any type of "Incredibles 2" anywhere.

Okay, I'm done. Sorry about this little diversion from the usual topics I post about, but I felt like this was an appropriate place to express what I've been thinking.

On a positive note, I'm pretty excited for their new movie "Brave." Kind of reminds me of "How To Train Your Dragon" and "The Hunger Games" (which I'm totally ecstatic to see!!).
Here's a list of all of Pixar's current and future movies in production.

Oh by the way....I just discovered last night that I'm going to Disneyland in a week!!! My best friend and I were going down to Southern California to visit possible colleges we can transfer to, and we had an extra day to spare either for Disneyland or touring Warner Bros. Studios. Surprisingly, Disneyland would be cheaper!! Ahh I'm so excited!!

If you have any opinions on anything mentioned in my little rant...feel free to share:) I'd love to hear what other people are thinking.


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Thursday, January 19, 2012

New Animation Hotel in Florida!




When I was browsing along one of the theme park update websites like I usually do in my free time (I'm cool...I know), I discovered that Disney World is going to have a new hotel in Florida! Of course not just any hotel...but an animation themed hotel!! The first picture I saw I was thinking, "Ehh..." but then, considering it's still under construction, I saw more photos and it looks amazing!! Wish I was able to stay somewhere like that last time I visited Disney World. (Though the resort we did stay at was fantastic, don't get me wrong.) It will be called the "Art of Animation Resort" and will be opening in May 2012. Check it out!


Source
Finding Nemo pool

Finding Nemo Courtyard
One side of the Art of Animation Resort with mural of EAC from "Finding Nemo"
Mr. Ray along the side of the Finding Nemo building
What a Finding Nemo Hotel without seagulls?


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Monday, January 16, 2012

From The Grid to Wonderland


During the first few nights of my Disneyland trip last summer, my friend and I kept hearing loud music once the sun went down. Since our hotel was right across the street from the Disneyland parks, we noticed the loud party music was coming from California Adventure (the strobe and spotlights gave it away). However, we knew it wasn't coming from the amazing World of Color show Disney puts on every night due to the Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Usher songs that were being played. We finally decided to check out the source of this crazy music on our final night, and discovered it was coming from California Adventure's ElecTRONica experience.

ElecTRONica was fascinating; it actually felt like you were inside the movie and the video game. However, once you get past the initial entrance, flashing lights, and loud music, you realize all there really is to do is either watch a preview of "Tron," buy expensive drinks, play games in the arcade, or dance (this is if you have missed the Laserman performance, which unfortunately I was not able to see. But you can see it online here). I was personally more interested in watching all of the special effects they had established in order to transform the Hollywood Backlot into The Grid.

If you have not experienced this Tron phenomenon, you better schedule a visit before April 2012, because it will be gone. Instead, Disney is introducing the "Mad T Party" this coming summer.

Modeled after Tim Burton's unique version of "Alice In Wonderland," Mad T Party will include two stages with live entertainment and DJ, new Wonderland-themed food and beverages, dancers dressed as twisted playing cards, characters from the movie, and an interactive video gaming area to replace Flynn's Arcade. Concept drawings of what will hopefully be the new and interesting T Party can be seen here.

What seemed to originally be only a filler for guests waiting to see the incredible World of Color has now grown into a popular them changing dance party. I personally think making a Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland themed dance party/club should be very...interesting.


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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Everything About "Cars Land!"

For quite some time now there has been news about the latest attraction area in Disney's California Adventure: Cars Land. At first when I heard they were going to make a "Cars" attraction, I thought, "Oh gosh...another thing for Cars...this better be good." However, after going to California Adventure this past summer with my best friend, we were able to get an amazing view of the park being made. Of course, Disney has exceeded any of my expectations.

Cars Land is huge! We were in awe on the amazing mountains/canyons being constructed, the giant cones for the Cozy Cone Motel, etc. It's going to be a real life version of Radiator Springs.

Personally, I thought it was just going to be a ride or two with a Cars theme. But I never thought they would actually build the entire town (as seen here). Cars Land is a whopping 12 acres in total, the largest section in the Disneyland resort! There are three different unique attractions, three dining areas, and two shopping locations for merchandise and souvenirs.

Attractions:


Luigi's Flying Tires: I've seen a couple videos about test runs of this ride, and it looks like a modern Disney twist on your traditional bumper cars. First instead of cars, guests will be riding in giant tires. Second, the tires will be flying. Yes. Literally flying. Air comes up from the floor and guests will be able to glide across, shifting direction with their body weight and bumping into other fellow riders. John Lasseter was able to give it a test run, as shown here.

Mater's Junkyard Jamboree: How could they have a Cars section without a ride dedicated to the hilarious Mater? Mater's Junkyard Jamboree will have guests ride in mini trailers behind baby tractors. These tractors will be kind of "square-dancing" around to Mater's voice singing from a junkyard jukebox. When the tractors switch directions, guests are whipped around, narrowly missing the trailer next to them. A test run of the ride can be seen here, but I personally hope the ride will be sped up a bit than shown in the video. Otherwise, this seems like a ride for small children or individuals who enjoy low key rides (unlike myself).

Radiator Springs Racers: Personally, I'm looking forward to this ride the most. Much like EPCOT's Test Track ride in Disney World, this 6-acre ride is a fast pace race through the canyons of Radiator Springs mixed with a storyline. At the end two cars race to the finish line to see who can win the Piston Cup. For a small example of how the attraction is designed, you can see a video here.

Stores:


Ramone's House of Body Art
Radiator Springs Curios

Food:


Cozy Cone Motel: When I last went and saw a view of the park, I was able to distinctly point out the cones for this dining area, looking a lot like this at the time.

Flo's V8 Cafe: In construction looks like this, and the end result will resemble this.

Fillmore's Taste In: I couldn't find any photos of this building in construction, but it will look like this in the end.

With all of these interesting and unique attractions Disney has in store for its dedicated guests, Cars Land will definitely be a hit. In summer of 2012, visitors will finally be able to experience this incredible world. I can't wait to see it!


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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to my Disney blog! My name is Sara and I've been obsessed with everything Disney since I was little. From the parks to the movies, I love them all! My curiosity on the latest projects Disney has in store usually leads me to finding some interesting news before my peers or family members, so I felt like I should share the interesting news i discover to the public. Everything the Disney company does is fascinating and fun, who wouldn't want to hear the latest news?

Around September of this year, I plan on applying to the Disney College Program in Florida. It would be my absolute dream to be a part of the Disney magic and help others have the amazing experience I usually have when I visit any of their parks. If I'm accepted, I want to hopefully take their marketing classes they have to offer through the program. When the time comes, I will try to keep you up to date on that adventure! If you have participated or applied to this program, I'd love to hear what you have to say!


Here's an overview on the college program:



For more information: Disney CP Youtube Channel
                                Disney College Program Homepage


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