Clouds in the Sky: "Test Track: Tron" Reimagined

Test Track: Tron
So in the last couple of weeks, before Disney released the very "Tron'ish" looking renderings for Test Track's refurb, I decided to create some renderings of my own about what I imagined a Tron car for Test Track might look like. I have recently begun to dabble into the world of 3D modeling so forgive me as it is no-where near a professional work, and I am using open source tools for modeling and subsequently rendering the models (which is fairly slow).

Anyways without further ado, I give you a little glimpse into the current work in progress that is my model.
Front View:

It was partially modeled off of Mercede's very Tron like concept sports car that can be seen here. I want to continue working with it and round off some of the sides and such like I did on the back...but I figured I better share what I had because apparently Disney is actually doing a Tron refurb, and they might release something that will make mine obsolete! The interior of the vehicle also needs to be detailed with the standard 6 seats, and the display screen. As well as the hood and headlights are not right. And I still need to redo the sides maybe to make it more realistic for loading. But it's a start and I thought I would get some feedback.
Back View:

There will be more to come, let me know what you think!! I want to get into modeling a bit and maybe start doing some Disney concepts for my ideas. It's been very cool to see a few of my ideas come to life rather than just in descriptions!

In the News: Press conference Tuesday??

There are reports across the internet that Disney will be having a press conference Tuesday (Jan 18th) to discuss/release the plans for the new Fantasyland expansion.

I have heard many rumors including:

Seven Dwarves Mine Coaster:

Ah the classic ever present mine coaster rumor....but maybe it's not so far fetched this time? Gives new generation of kids more exposure to Disney classic. And makes it so the entire expansion isn't "girly" as I believe some executive was quoted as saying they were discussing plans to make the expansion more boy friendly as well.

ToonTown:

Now I haven't heard alot of chatter about this...but how perfect would it be if we were getting a full blown toontown in the Magic Kingdom finally? I'm hoping for this but am not optimistic....

Anyways, sorry for the break, I was out of town....let me know what you guys think!!

I'm looking at possibly finding a feed of press conference and or a live blog. Anyone interested?

In the News: Disney to open park in Israel?

Disneyland Israel?:

I've caught wind of some of these reports that Disney related investment firms have signed on to help develop a possible Amusement venue in Israel. So first of all assuming this is a reputable report and sources related to Disney are indeed investing in this. There is no way this is going to be a "Disney" park. I think it's very telling that the only person quoted is the New Line Cinema person. It may be founded by people close to Disney, but it is not a Disney park. And this is not to say that it won't have Imagineers backing it along the way (see LAX and other things Imagineers have been "contracted" for).

Regional Entertainment:

Sign me up, what a place!!

However this does bring up the Disney "micro-park/boutique park" that is always rumored for the Magic Kingdom. I have long wondered if this isn't something Disney is developing, especially with the Disney Aulani Resort. Places like that would be the perfect place to have a small boutique park. I haven't really looked at the plans for that area so I don't even know if that is something that is feasible with that property. But I believe this has to be in consideration at Disney. How awesome would it be for Disney to develop some other destinations, not full blown parks but maybe foray into a Wisconsin Dells indoor water park super resort type thing outside the Dells....I'd bet the farm that if Disney jumped into that, the other "brands" (read Kalahari, Wilderness) would follow and it would be just like Orlando. That's the name power that Disney has....they could turn any small Midwestern town near an interstate into a winter vacation destination....and can anyway honestly say that if the Imagineers did an indoor water park it would not be 1000000 times more immersive than anything out there.

What do you think? Should Disney pursue regional entertainment complexes? Send me an email at:

theimaginators.blog@gmail.com

In the News: Hyperion Wharf

Hyperion Wharf:

Disney artists rendering of waterfront

Photo taken from Disney Parks release

In my effort to catch up on Disney Imagineering topics that I have failed to comment on in my extended absence I'm going to discuss some views on Disney's announced revitalization of Pleasure Island and downtown Disney. And maybe add some of my ideas of things they could do/might go over well.

On November 18th, 2010 Disney announced a plan to revitalize the downtrodden Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island district. The largest change is the expansion of dining options adding many more seats and variety as well as revitalized atmosphere and facades. Among the renovations are expanding and revitalizing the lego imagination center (can you say AWESOME?), renovating AMC theater, and other merchandising expansions.

Now onto detailed views on parts:

Hyperion Wharf:

Wow, I totally love the concept art, this is exactly what sets Disney apart that attention to detail and atmosphere. I really feel this place will be successful, if they don't price everyone out and have a variety of dining that is not available for most people at home. Make the experience special and people will love to come down here for an evening.

BRING IT BACKKKKK

photo taken from Jim Hill Media (Another good read for Disney fans)

That said with an early 20th century theme, there has to be some way they can fit the Adventurers Club back in....right?....RIGHT?

AMC Theater:

I am glad that this place got some love, a theater at Disney world should be the flagship theater of theaters. I didn't find anywhere where they discussed the Facade but the theater could really use an update (Hyperion theater type thing from DCA? ) or even just a futuristic brick and metal design. I will admit though that it has probably been a couple years since I noticed AMC theater down there (last couple trips didn't get to that area) But I remember it as just somewhat being a large building. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Disney Quest:

Alright I know there may be some people who really enjoy this, but it desperately needs help. It seems to me that the attractions are kind of just virtual counterparts to their real life attractions in the parks. I feel like this could be a cool place, if it provided people with novel opportunities they don't get elsewhere. Maybe make this like a Disney Imagineering test lab for people to try things. Bring ride vehicles here before the attraction is finalized....and allow guests to use them in generic environments and just see what the opinions are, see what works and what doesn't. I don't know, but this place has to get some draw other than what it has now.

What do you think about the revitalization plans?

In the News: Disney tackles wait times

Wait Time Crisis:

80 minutes??

I saw an opinion post on this article from the New York Times about Disney tackling the biggest issue around theme parks... ridiculous wait times. I mean Disney is dealing with children (and parents) ever shortening attention spans. And sometimes these complaints are well founded, and Disney understands this, parents don't want to pay thousands for a vacation in which they spend 60% of their time standing in line. Especially with just standing there, not alot to keep someones attention. This is why we have seen the advent of the video games in line queues (Space Mountain, Soarin). Apparently Disney is creating a "wait time crisis command center" I envision this as a mix between White House situation room, and Buffalo Wild Wings Sprinkler guy commercial...or what do I know, but it's a fun thought. Apparently this room will be able to push buttons to release more ride vehicles as well as push button entertainment or shows. It will be intriguing to see how this is implemented, I always assumed Disney would move towards the "management" of wait times. By doing things such as "The Virtual Queue" something I came up with, basically using a fast pass system but going all out and doing away with or severely limiting standby lines. Now I know this would take ALOT of thought before implementation as there are huge issues with just restricting or removing standby lines. But that may be another post I guess....What do you guys think about wait times at Disney?

I'm Bacccccccccck

After a long and tenuous period away I have returned to really accomplish what I set out to do with this blog. Look for more posts coming soon on some imagineering things going on, Also just finalized a trip to the kingdom this summer so that is something I'm REALLY looking forward to!! Maybe I can do some segments/pieces on some things I observe while I am down there!!

In the News: Disney's World of Color

Tonight at Disney's California Adventure Imagineers will debut quite possibly the biggest light, laser, water, and fire spectacle ever seen. Announced in 2007 with the rest of the California Adventure expansion, construction began in 2008. According to many reviews this show is like "Fantasmic on steroids".

I marvel at how Disney continues to do things like this, not only plussing something but quite possibly revolutionizing the industry once again! These shows dwarf anything done at many other parks!

I'm thinking another west coast trip is in order if nothing else but for this show!

Check it out on LATimes.com

If anyone has seen it or is going let me know what you think!!!

Also coming soon a BIG series for the blog, it should be alot of fun!