Toy Story of Terror REVIEW

By D.Z.

I just got done watching Toy Story of Terror, a short film that premiered on ABC this evening at 8/7c. This 30 minute short is about the beloved characters of Toy Story getting trapped in a motel. The characters go through a terrifying experience including some of their worst fears. The gang almost gets split apart. I was actually a little disappointed in the short. I think it could of involved more action and more conflict. Because the characters were mainly toys, there wasn't many scary creatures featured in the film. The short also ended very abruptly. I was really surprised how it ended and how fast it did. Overall I would rate the short a 7/10. I recommend it for a younger age group, but not the parents.

"In Service to The Mouse" Book Review

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

A few weeks ago, I was able to read "In Service to The Mouse" by Jack Lindquist with Melinda Coombs. The book is about Jack's journey working for Disney, leading up to becoming Disneyland's first president. This is one of my favorite books of all time. Jack tells his story with humor, also containing very well descripted information. He makes you feel like you were there. The book mainly talks about Disneyland Park, but also talks about about Epcot and Walt Disney World! This is a must read for all Disney fans! You will learn so much about the company and why the Disney Parks are still in operation as of today!

Book Rate: 10/10

Avatar Renderings for Animal Kingdom Revealed

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

It has been two whole years since the announcement of Avatar Land at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The only time we have heard about the land was during the 2013 D23 Expo:
 

 

 

Just minutes ago, Tom Staggs posted on the Disney Parks Blog with some of the concept art for Avatar Land. It was first revealed during the D23 Expo Japan, currently going on now!

 

 

Pictured here is some of the concept art. Guests will be able to visit the world of Pandora.

 

 

Coming soon to Animal Kingdom, there will be a lot of nighttime activities including a water spectacular with water screens and projections. When I learned about this, I thought of World of Color!



You will also be able to visit the jungles of Pandora!

 

Avatar Land will debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2017!

 

Artist Renderings: Disney

D23 Expo Japan LIVE Chat

During Japan's D23 Expo, we will be chatting all about what's going on in Tokyo. We can answer all your pressing questions about the expo.

The chat will go from 5:00-6:00pm Pacific on Saturday, October 12th.  

We will also be LIVE video streaming at the same time! (See below)

 

Catching Fire Filming Locations Found

By Beemerboyz803

          Hi Hunger Games fans out there! I have some good news! I found several filming locations of Catching Fire on Google Maps that gives us a hint on what life must be like living in Panem. 

As many of you know, Catching Fire targets Peeta and Katniss after they win the 74th Annual Hunger Games, after threatening to commit suicide in the arena after the rules have been changed. Since there were two winners, President Snow wants to take her out as a force, but as Plutarch Heavensbee says, "in the right way". Since it is the Quarter Quell, Snow decides to reap winners back into the arena. Now, Katniss is the only female winner, and there is only one winner. With Peeta on her side and a rebellion sparking, she's made herself a target and put her loved ones at risk as well.

Now anyways, back on topic. The most famous set I found was the Cornucopia and the beach clock at Clayton County International Park. Coincidentally, the park was used in the Atlanta Olympic Games for the volleyball matches. Oddly enough, the next location is Atlanta Motor Speedway,and on Google Maps it shows a picture of The Tribute Parade as a part of the Capitol in the corner of the parking lot. 

Now onto my favorite location, District 12 and the Reaping area. It is the Goat Farm Arts Center. Believe it or not, it's still in Georgia. Another location is The Georgia World Congress Center and Amicacola Falls. Amicacola Falls is predicted to be the woods Katniss hunts in for her family's benefit. I think the Congress Center is President Snow's Mansion. They are also filming the big Capitol Party at the Swan House. If you want to see more pictures, you can look up and personal on Google Maps. Happy hunting until November!

Resources:

Clevver TV

Google Maps

My Hunger Games.com

Google Images

YouTube

Legoland California: 2013 Trip Report

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"
Monday, September 30th, 2013

Earlier this week, I was able to visit LEGOLAND California. I went to check out the Halloween decorations and enjoy some fun rides. I was at the park for 4 hours and had a great time:

 

I arrived at the park right when it opened, so it was not crowded at all.

 

 

Recently, Sea Life Aquarium added a large new model of King Neptune in front of the entrance. The model is about 10 feet high, all made of LEGOS.

 

 

While visiting, I was able to do a lot of spectating, creating one awesome video!



 

One of my first stops was the Adventurers' Club! This walkthrough experience takes guests on a quest to find 3 keys through the South Pole, a temple and even the jungle.

 

 

A full video walkthrough of the whole thing.
 

I then headed over to Pirate Shores. Recently, the park took out a few LEGO models by "Captain Cranky's Challenge" attraction and replaced them with plants.
 

The park also took out three LEGO Pirate musicians, but will return very soon. While they are being reconstructed, four mice provide the music.

 



I once again, took the plunge on Pirate Reef.

 

One of the newest attractions at LEGOLAND is Pirate Reef! On this ride, guests take a 25 foot plunge into the water.

 

I was able to capture a lot of Pirate Reef through video!
 

Pirate Reef was great for a hot day!

  

After Pirate Reef, I visited Star Wars Miniland!
 

Full video tour of Star Wars Miniland.
 

A little bit later, I was able to check out "Land of Adventure" and go on Lost Kingdom Adventure!
 

 

I then was able to take a nice boat ride on "Coast Cruise".

 

FULL POV of "Coast Cruise".

 

Until December, the park will be hosting the Star Wars X-wing Model Display! We were able to check it out and see it for ourselves.
 

 

Because of the season, the park was decorated for Halloween:

 

 

 

 

To end the trip, I was able to catch one of the showings of THE BIG TEST!

 

The show is about a wacky group of firefighters who train for disasters!

 

The show includes a lot of laughs, stunts and special effects!
 

 

 

 

 

Throughout the whole day, I was live streaming on Ustream. I was on air 30 minutes at LEGOLAND! Check out the replay video:

 

 

As you can see, I had an amazing time visiting LEGOLAND California. I hope all of you get out to the park. There is so much to do and so much to see!

Legoland Florida Announces DUPLO® Valley Toddler Area



By Zach 

Announced today, LEGOLAND Florida will be adding a few new attractions by redeveloping the  toddler section of the park.  DUPLO® Valley will include a water play area, and a mini tractor ride. The main attraction of it all is the DUPLO Train. This train ride will pass through a number of scenes including farms and campgrounds. Another "toddler favorite" will be the DUPLO Barn. Inside, parents will be able to relax and enjoy while their toddler is having the time of their lives, building with DUPLO bricks.   

DUPLO® Valley will officially reopen in Spring, 2014.

Photo by LEGOLAND Florida.