Monday February 13, 2012
You love theme parks. (Otherwise, what the heck are you doing here?) Chances are you also love movies. Do I have that right? So, how about combining two of the things you love by coming up with a theme park attraction based on one of your favorite films?
My buddies over at CoasterRadio.com are seeking entries for their 2012 "Reel" Design Contest. Simply describe your movie-based attraction idea in a couple of paragraphs, submit it before the deadline of February 20, and you could win the elegant "Reel" Design trophy -- and perhaps launch your new career. Hey, crazier things have happened. I'll be part of the panel of judges (along with Neil Patrick Harris and some major industry players!). Discreet bribes graciously accepted.
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Photo: CoasterRadio.com
Thursday February 9, 2012
Without their elaborate themes and inspired storytelling, Pirates of the Caribbean would be a boring boat ride and the Tower of Terror would be just another drop tower. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) represents the creative professionals who bring theme park attractions and other projects to life. To celebrate the industry's outstanding achievements, the organization will be presenting its annual Theas ceremony on March 17. The awards gala will be held at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, and Disney will be helping to produce the event.
Although all park fans would be interested in TEA and the Theas, this blog is really directed to the industry professionals and aspiring creative pros who frequent my site (and I know you're out there!). You have to check out The Season Pass podcast episode that explores the TEA and this year's Theas. Might industry bigwigs such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Lassiter, and Neil Patrick Harris appear at the event? You'll just have to listen to find out.
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Photo: TEA.
Tuesday February 7, 2012
Any trip to Disney World is wonderful, but accompanying a small child, especially one who has never been to the enchanting place, can be especially gratifying. Have you ever had the chance to see the pure joy that a youngster radiates riding Dumbo or Peter Pan's Flight for the first time? It's quite an experience for both the child -- and the adult. In addition to Peter Pan and Dumbo, find out which attractions are among the best throughout the resort in my new rundown of the Top Ten Disney World Rides for Young Kids.
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Photo: ©Arthur Levine, 2005. Licensed to About.com.
Friday February 3, 2012
Throughout my crazy career as a theme park journalist, I've had the good fortune to speak with some of the industry's heaviest hitters, including Disney's Marty Sklar (who worked alongside Walt Disney), Universal's Thierry Coup (who had a major hand in designing Spider-Man and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter), and Disney Imagineer extraordinaire Tony Baxter. With all due respect to these and others whom I've interviewed, my best "get" happened recently while I was on assignment producing videos at Walt Disney World. I got to chat with (drum roll...) Crush, of Finding Nemo fame. It was quite an awesome experience talking with the famous surfer dude.
You can see an excerpt of the interview in About.com's latest Theme Parks video (unfortunately, I'm in the dark in the shot; you'll have to take my word that it is, in fact, me talking to Crush) about the best attractions for little kids at Disney World. I rank Turtle Talk with Crush as one of the five top attractions. See what else made the cut in the video.
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