The “World” According to Jack from March 2009

Disneyland Paris – Discoveryland — Part 4 — Star Tours, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, and Autopia

March 30, 2009 by Jack Spence

Star Tours Star Tours is the one attraction in Discoveryland that deviates from the overall theme of the area. Instead of looking like the future as seen through the eyes of early visionaries, this ride’s exterior features architecture more in line with a 20th century view of the future. Or maybe in the case of … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris – Discoveryland — Part 4 — Star Tours, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, and Autopia"

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Disneyland Paris – Discoveryland — Part 3 — Space Mountain: Mission 2 and Les MystÃ©res du Nautilus

March 27, 2009 by Jack Spence

Space Mountain: Mission 2 Once again, I have to say that Disneyland Paris takes first prize when comparing one of its attractions to its overseas cousins. Space Mountain is easily the most beautiful of the five futuristic peaks and it definitely offers the most thrilling ride. This attraction was inspired by Jules Verne’s book “From … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris – Discoveryland — Part 3 — Space Mountain: Mission 2 and Les MystÃ©res du Nautilus"

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Disneyland Paris – Discoveryland — Part 2 — Orbitron and Videopolis

March 25, 2009 by Jack Spence

One of the first attractions you see when entering Discoveryland is “Orbitron – Machines Volantes” (Flying Machines). This is a simple, yet visually appealing attraction. Twelve 2-passenger rocket ships circle a stylized orrery. (An orrery is a mechanical apparatus that displays the relative positions and motions of the moon and the planets as they orbit … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris – Discoveryland — Part 2 — Orbitron and Videopolis"

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Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2009 — Part 2

March 23, 2009 by Jack Spence

The first topiaries you’ll encounter when leaving Future World for World Showcase are Mrs. Pots, Chip, Cogsworth, and Lumiere from “Beauty and the Beast.” I have to admit, Anita Answer and I were both somewhat perplexed by Chips lips. It looks like he borrowed a pair of Mrs. Potato Head’s. Hmmmm. In keeping with the … Continue reading "Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2009 — Part 2"

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Animal Kingdom – Pwani View Guest House

March 22, 2009 by Jack Spence

This next detail isn’t earth-shattering or awe-inspiring. It’s just an example of how many details abound at Walt Disney World if you take the time to look for them. Located on the backside of Tusker House (near the new entrance), you can see the “Pwani View Guest House.” There are tables in this area and … Continue reading "Animal Kingdom – Pwani View Guest House"

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Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2009 — Part 1

March 22, 2009 by Jack Spence

The 2009 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival officially opened on Wednesday, March 18 (and runs through May 31). I wasn’t there on opening day as I usually am, but I had a good excuse. This year, Epcot held a special press event for a number of the Disney web sites like Allears.net – and I … Continue reading "Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2009 — Part 1"

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Disneyland Paris – Discoveryland — Part 1 — Entrance, Le Visionarium, and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast

March 21, 2009 by Jack Spence

When I was a kid, Tomorrowland at Disneyland, California was my favorite land. For me, Walt’s vision of the future was fantastic. Space-aged architecture and vast amounts of concrete created an exciting world for an impressionable mind. In the early years, I could pilot a flying saucer, ride in a monorail, and visit the House … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris – Discoveryland — Part 1 — Entrance, Le Visionarium, and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast"

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TREN-D — Downtown Disney Marketplace

March 19, 2009 by Jack Spence

A new store opened today (March 19, 2009) at Downtown Disney, Marketplace. Replacing Summer Sands, TREN-D is a stylish shop that caters to the young-at-heart woman. Everything from handbags to jeans to blouses to jewelry is for sale here. Much of it is Disney branded, but not all. And Minnie seems to be the character … Continue reading "TREN-D — Downtown Disney Marketplace"

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Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 5 — “it’s a small world”

March 19, 2009 by Jack Spence

Like so many other attractions at Disneyland Paris, I think their version of “it’s a small world” is superior to all the rest. Let’s start with the exterior of the attraction. The first IASW (“it’s a small world”) was in California. (Yes, I know, it was actually at the New York World’s Fair, but I’m … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 5 — “it’s a small world”"

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Muppet*Vision 3-D Trivia

March 16, 2009 by Jack Spence

My next bit of theme park trivia involves the Muppet*Vision 3-D attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The moment you enter the building, look to your right. You will see a ticket window. Hanging in the window is a sign that says “Back in 5 minutes key is under mat.” Walk around the turnstile and look … Continue reading "Muppet*Vision 3-D Trivia"

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