Imagineering - Offstage WDW

New Disney Immersion- Interact in a Unique Way

offstagewdw — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 16:15:21 +0000

Last October, Disney began rolling out beautiful golden character statues throughout the four theme parks. They are finally all out! Besides adding some glam to the scenery, these statues allow guests to interactive with them in a unique way. Here is how it works-

First, you MUST have a MagicBand+, the newest version.

When you find a statue, walk up and wave your hand (the one with the MagicBand+) in front of it. You will feel a vibration & your band should light up.

The statue will “interact” by playing a flourish of music and/or a cute little message from the character! There are 35 statues, equaling 50 total characters. You can download the ‘Disney Fab 50 Quest’ on the Play Disney App to keep track of the statues that you find!

Some guests have reported issues with their MagicBands+ being unable to activate the statues. There is an easy way to fix this!

Log into the My Disney Experience Map.
Go to your account page- the three lines all the way to the right located on the bottom menu bar
Scroll down to ‘MagicBands and More’
Click on the name of whose MagicBand that you are adjusting.
Select ‘Settings’ to adjust the sensitivity settings. *You will need to do this for each individual band.

On the other side of the spectrum, others have noted that the statues go off as they walk by. In the end, it will all come down to individual settings and the location of the statue sensors… which by the way, are not always in front of or attached to the statue.

Want to know which statues are found in each park? Check out the list below!

The post New Disney Immersion- Interact in a Unique Way first appeared on Offstage WDW.

The Coolest Tree at Disney World!

offstagewdw — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 18:06:50 +0000

The Liberty Tree is the oldest tree in the park! This 100-year old Oak tree was found on the property about 8 miles from it’s current location, it it the largest tree ever to be transplanted at Walt Disney World. It took careful planning and months of prepping to get this 38-ton tree to its new home. Bill Evans was one of Walt Disney’s personal landscapers, he was handpicked by Walt himself to oversee the landscape projects at Disneyworld; he was in charge of this huge project and came up with the innovative way to move this oak. Holes were drilled through the hardwood center of the trunk and steel rods were inserted to create a support for hoisting and hauling the tree with a 100-ton crane.

This tree now stands tall and grand in the middle of Liberty Square. It is decorated with thirteen hanging lamps which represent the original thirteen American colonies. The story of the Liberty tree dates back to Colonial Boston at the beginning of the American Revolution. It is said that the Sons of Liberty gathered under a large elm tree to protest the British Stamp Act. From that day forward, the tree became known as the “Liberty Tree.” It became a meeting place and was often decorated with lanterns and a yellow flags were raised to call people to meetings

At the base of the tree there is a plaque that reads: “The Liberty Tree – Under the boughs of the original Liberty Tree in Boston in 1765, Patriots, calling themselves The Sons Of Liberty, gathered to protest the imposition of the Stamp Act. In the years that followed, almost every American town had a Liberty Tree — A Living Symbol Of The American Freedom of Speech and Assembly.”

The post The Coolest Tree at Disney World! first appeared on Offstage WDW.

Walt’s South American Goodwill Tour

offstagewdw — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 17:50:46 +0000

In the early 1940s, tensions were high as Nazi influence crept its way around the world. That is when the CIAA or Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs created an initiative called the Good Neighbor Program. They essentially wanted the Hollywood Elite to infuse Latin American themes into their films, creating a feeling of goodwill between the two countries. So in 1941, they approached one of the most prominent film makers of that time, Walt Disney.

Walt on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro

Excited by the notion of research for future projects, and in desperate need of a vacation, Walt agreed. In August of 1941, Walt, Lilian, and 15 hand selected studio employees (& 1 employee spouse) took flight for Rio de Janeiro!

Ready for adventure, the team, nicknamed “El Grupo” from a hotel bellhop, dived right into their research. Even though Walt was considered a Cultural Ambassador, he stated, “I set up a shop. Never went near the embassy. Didn’t go around the usual haunts of the goodwill people. I went right in.”

Source: The Walt Disney Family Museum

The group of 18 Disney representatives did not always stick together. Many of the animators focused on the local culture while creating concept art. Walt on the other hand was busy attending performances, meeting dignitaries, artists, reporters, filmmakers and more. Sadly during this time, Walt learned that his father Elias Disney had passed away. Required to fulfill his contract with the American Government, he had to continue the tour.

Source: The Walt Disney Family Museum

Disney’s ‘El Grupo’ spent a total of two months on their goodwill tour. Together they traveled through Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Chile.

Source: Documentary “Walt and El Grupo”

The tour was counted a great success! Not only was goodwill relations between North America and Latin America on the upswing, Disney’s group found inspiration for their future films, Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros, as well as a documentary called Walt and El Grupo.

The films introduced José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles, two beloved characters seen today at Mexico’s Pavilion Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros located in Epcot. In a later interview about the films Walt stated, “It was one of those things that they (the government) thought Disney needed the subsidy, but you know, fortunately that little thing went out and it did a heck of a business, and the United States Government didn’t have to put up one nickel.”

To see more from Disney’s Goodwill Tour, check out these photographs from LIFE photographer, Hart Preston, who documented ten weeks with the group.

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

You can also find the documentary Walt & El Grupo on Disney+.

The post Walt’s South American Goodwill Tour first appeared on Offstage WDW.

Okay, but what is a Disney Wienie and why are they EVERYWHERE?!

offstagewdw — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Alright, let’s talk about Wienies. What the heck is a Wienie? It is a termed coined by Walt Disney himself, to describe a large visual element within a park. Wienies can be seen from a distance and are meant to draw people in towards an area.

It is pretty obvious the main Wienie for each park.

These large structures can be seen from various areas within each park. Cinderella Castle and The Tree of Life are situated more or less in the “center” of their park. The “lands” or areas then radiate out from them like the spokes of a wheel.

Wienies also help guests to navigate throughout the park more easily. There are the main ones as listed above and secondary ones.

Magic Kingdom

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

Epcot

Each Pavilion, with maybe the exception of Germany & United Kingdom, have their own secondary Wienie.

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

Hollywood Studios

This park is filled with secondary Wienies! The most famous, their former Sorcerers Hat and Mickey Mouse Ear Water Tower, which has long since been removed.

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

Animal Kingdom

At Animal Kingdom, the lush landscapes are visual magnets on their own.

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

What’s in a Name?

Soooo why name these visual magnets “Wienies?” The story goes something like this: the Disney family had a standard poodle named Duchess, whom adored Walt… she was his dog! Duchess was an old gal with several ailments, who spent her final days sleeping. The only time she showed excitement was when Walt came home. Here is a quote from Diane Miller (Walt’s oldest daughter) in an 1956 interview:

“In the evening it was cooler, so maybe that helped. Dad would park his car in the garage and come in to the house through the kitchen. He would go to the refrigerator and pull out two uncooked hot dogs, one for himself and one for the dog. He would play with her, wiggling the hot dog around and she would go wherever he moved around and was so happy when she finally got her treat. It was part of an evening ritual and both of them loved it and looked forward to it.”

Photo Source: D23

During the initial construction of Disneyland, Walt spoke with amusement park developer George Whitney. Whitney explained that the flow of the crowd could be controlled with lighting, sounds, and raised buildings. People would tend to move to the taller structures that they could see once they left a ride. Walt knew the perfect name for these visual magnets… Wienies! Just like the hot dog wienies he would use to entice Duchess to move around.

Wienie or Weenie?

If you google Disney Wienie, you will see it spelled both ways; however, I used the spelling of Wienie as it is used in this form in “The Imagineering Field Guide to (insert park name…I have them all!) at Walt Disney World.” It is an Imagineer’s tour of the parks written by Imagineers! With the Imagineers as the source, I think it is safe to say the correct spelling is in fact, Wienie.

There are far more Wienies than people would think, and there are some that I probable left out. Next time you are walking around a park, see how many Wienies you can find!

The post Okay, but what is a Disney Wienie and why are they EVERYWHERE?! first appeared on Offstage WDW.

Sizes of Disney Castles Around the World Ranked

offstagewdw — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 22:05:50 +0000

Disney castles, a beacon of magic for the parks. Below you will find them ranked in size from shortest to tallest.

Disneyland

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

Location: Anaheim, California Height: 77 ft Did you know: Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is the original and oldest Disney castle. Guests are able to walk through parts of the castle to view dioramas/scenes depicting the classic story.

Hong Kong Disneyland

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

Location: Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Height: 77 ft-original 167 ft-2020 redesign Did you know: When the park was built in 2005, a survey of people showed that they wanted the same Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland and the Imagineers delivered. As the park’s 15th anniversary approached, Imagineers wanted to do something special to have the castle stand out. They decided to make it bigger and dedicated it to not just one princess, but ALL the princesses! Since the castle already existed in a busy park, they painted and assembled 15 prefabricated parts off site, then moved them to add onto the castle. Now named ‘Castle of Magical Dreams’, the gorgeous castle features 12 towers specifically designed to represent the 13 princesses (Anna & Elsa share a tower).

Disneyland Paris

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

Location: Coupvray, France Height: 167 ft Did you know: The castle Le Château de la Belle au Bois dormant is a literal translation of the name Sleeping Beauty. Imagineers found the name quite lengthy but the French residents loved it! The castle looks different from the original Sleeping Beauty one located in Disneyland because Imagineers wanted to design something completely different than a “typical” castle. France just so happens to be home to more than 40,000 castles; therefore, they made one that looked more fairytale like than any castle found along the French countryside.

Tokyo Disneyland

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

Location: Urayasu, Japan Height: 168 ft Did you know: Based off of Walt Disney World’s Cinderella Castle in Florida, Tokyo’s Cinderella Castle features a walkthrough attraction of the classic film.

Magic Kingdom Park

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

Location: Walt Disney World Resort- Lake Buena Vista, Florida Height: 189 ft Did you know: Cinderella Castle is exactly 189 feet tall and not a foot taller because if it was, it would require a blinking aviation beacon. While this castle does not have any walk through attraction, the walls within the interior archway are covered with five intricate mosaic murals. The pieces are made up of 300,000 Italian glass and completed with real gold and silver laced throughout.

Shanghai Disneyland Park

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

Location: Shanghai, China Height: 197 ft Did you know: Acreage wise, Shanghai Disneyland is one of the smaller parks at 100 acres (Disney’s Hollywood Studios is bigger) BUT it has the largest castle! Named Enchanted Storybook Castle, it includes a restaurant, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, walk- through attraction, stage, and boat ride that goes beneath the main level and outside the castle.

Honorable Mentions

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

Labeled as an attraction, the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast located inside the Beast’s castle in Tokyo Disneyland, takes guest through scenes of the beloved story. Opened in 2020 as part of a massive expansion, the castle stands at an impressive 108 feet tall. If it were an official castle on our list above, it would be ranked at number six in size.

[See image gallery at offstagewdw.com]

Located at the Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort, the Beast’s Castle stands host to the highly sought out restaurant, Be Our Guest. Looming off in the distance, the castle is one impressive optical illusion. In reality, the castle that was built as part of the New Fantasyland addition in 2012, sits at about 15 feet tall!

A frequent visitor of the Walt Disney World Resort, I can’t wait to visit the other Disney castles located around the world! Which one are you most excited to see in person? Share your pick in the comment section below!

The post Sizes of Disney Castles Around the World Ranked first appeared on Offstage WDW.

Haunted Mansion Lore: Madame Leota

offstagewdw — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:24:08 +0000

Madame Leota is arguably one of the most popular ghostly presences in the Haunted Mansion. There are two variations of her story; one innocent and one sinister, both intertwined with Disney lore.

Theory One

There has been no official background story about Madame Leota from Disney; so one must use the clues left by Imagineering to piece together her story.

Madame Leota- Located inside Memento Mori

Memento Mori is said to be the location of Madame Leota’s home when she was alive. Inside many of her personal effects are on display. She was close to the Gracey family, earning her a room in the mansion and a burial in their family plot.

Photo Credit: Studio 2719 Jason & Amanda Oswalt

In Disneyland, she does not have her own store; however, she does have a caravan wagon where she worked as a Psychic Medium.

It is safe to say Madame Leota dabbled as a clairvoyant/fortune teller and was loved by the Gracey family. We never learn how she passed or how her spirit ended up in a crystal ball; although we can make some pretty good guesses about the latter.

Theory Two

Now we get to the good stuff! According to Ghost Gallery. unofficial lore from Cast Members who worked inside the Haunted Mansion, Madame Leota’s story is far more sinister. Get ready for this doozy of a story…

Source: Disney©

Leota was born in the swamps of Louisiana to a nomadic woman and a voodoo priest. She was schooled in the arts of the occult and was taught to manipulate others without any regard. She was reportedly bitter and could easily fly into a rage; however, it was when she was calm and calculating that she was the most frightening.

She eventually made her way to New Orleans, where she earned some coin reading palms and holding seances. Even though she would sometimes use effects for show purposes, Leota was the real deal. It was in New Orleans she met George Gracey Jr. and saw the opportunity of a lifetime. Gracey was young and trying to figure out his new life as a Master of his family manor.

Gracey was spellbound by Leota and her abilities. She moved into the mansion with Gracey and his wife, Lilian. Frequently calling on his personal clairvoyant made it easy for Leota to manipulate him to her will and they inevitably became romantically involved. Soon after, well 9 months after, Leota gave birth to a daughter, Little Leota, named after her mother. Lilian and Leota despised each other; and both plotted to get rid of one another. Lilian just wanted Leota fired but Leota wanted Lilian dead.

One evening, Leota hypnotized Lilian into performing an old tightrope act for the family. During the show, Leota summoned an alligator to attack Lilian, killing her.

Look familiar? Master Gracey’s first wife Lilian O’Malley Gracey.

At the urging of Madame Leota, Master Gracey remarried shortly after the death of Lilian (he picked up his new 16 year old wife at her parent’s funeral ). Emily Cavanaugh was young, beautiful, and wealthy. After their wedding, Gracey and his young bride were playing hide-and-seek. Still in her wedding dress, Emily ran up to the attic and hid in a large, stuffy chest. Leota seized the chance to take her out by locking Emily inside the chest, where she suffocated.

Meanwhile, Little Leota ran amuck around the mansion pranking everyone and helping her mother with seances. She grew up within the mansion and reportedly made her father, Master Gracey, very uneasy. As she should have because “Little” Leota murdered some people of her own. Click here for that crazy story.

Many years later, Madame Leota attempted to open up a portal to the spirit world. Master Gracey put his foot down, which lead to a huge argument. It was then that he learned Leota had murdered his wives (how did he not see that?!) and attempted to leave. Leota used her powers to control the servants, cutting off all exits and funneling him up to the attic. Infuriated, she attempted to imprison him inside her crystal ball. In despair, Gracey hung himself, the spell went awry, and Leota accidentally trapped herself in her crystal ball. If that ain’t karma, I don’t know what is.

The Ghost Host’s Way Out- ©Disney

With limited powers, Madame Leota found a final resting place within the mansion where she continues to call to the spirits.

There you have it! Perhaps elements from both theories can build her backstory. Regardless, Madame Leota is an intriguing force to be reckoned with!

The post Haunted Mansion Lore: Madame Leota first appeared on Offstage WDW.

Haunted Mansion Lore: Portraits Edition

offstagewdw — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 19:29:35 +0000

Welcome Foolish Mortals to the Haunted Mansion Lore- Portraits Edition.

Mass Image Compressor Compressed this image. https://sourceforge.net/projects/icompress/ with Quality:80

“Our tour begins here in this gallery. Here, where you see paintings of some of our guests as they appeared in their corruptible, mortal state.”

The Stretching Room

When we enter the room, the portraits look ordinary until the room and paintings begin to stretch!

Lore provided is according to The Ghost Gallery, Cast Members who have created unofficial backstories for ghosts in the Mansion. Let us begin with the most important portrait…

Mary Gracey

September 30, 1859 to Unknown

This nice? old lady is Mary Gilbert Gracey the mother of Master George Gracey Jr. (owner of the mansion).

Nicknamed The Black Widow, Mary was manipulated into a loveless marriage with George Gracey. She became rightfully salty after her husband left her to raise their son solo. Eventually, George Sr came home and told his wife that he had an affair. In anger she murdered him with a hatchet to the head, stating it was a “crime of passion.” She was let off for her crime, took her inheritance and fled the country leaving her son, George Gracey Jr, the master of the mansion.

Lillian Gracey

August 3, 1896 to June 14, 1937

This lovely lady is Lillian O’Malley Gracey. She is the first wife of Master George Gracey Jr.. At the age of 15, Lillian ran away from her wealthy family to be with her circus performer boyfriend. After he died in a freak accident with a lion, Lillian joined the same circus as a tightrope walker.

Lillian eventually left the circus to marry Master Gracey but the apple didn’t fall far from the tree and George Jr cheated on his wife with his clairvoyant Madame Leota! (p.s. I want my own clairvoyant) Madame Leota became fed up with Lillian, convinced her to do a tightrope act for the family and then summoned an alligator to kill her. Furiously crosses ‘want my own clairvoyant’ off my list.

Edward Gracey

November 9, 1877 to May 1, 1937

This pompous looking fellow is Ambassador Edward Gracey, Master Gracey’s paternal Uncle. Edward never married and entered the diplomatic corps after college.

He was working in Burma as an ambassador when insurgents burst into the embassy.

The Dynamite Gentleman died after he caught the insurgents lighting the dynamite barrel. “But where are his pants?” you ask? Edward was in the middle of ironing them before his big speech when he found the insurgents.

Quicksand Men

unknown to November 1, 1942

The top man with the bowler hat was Master Gracey’s liveryman (stable attendant) & illegitimate half-brother. Remember that affair George Sr had?!

The middle man was Asa Gilbert, the mansion’s handyman and half-brother of Master Gracey’s mother, The Black Widow.

Eddie Foster, the unfortunate man on the bottom was the mansion’s gardener and illegitimated son of Master Gracey’s uncle, Edward Gracey. Ambassador Gracey never married but that didn’t stop him from getting around.

All three men were reportedly in love with Mistress Lillian Gracey and devastated by her traumatic death, via alligator. They were tricked into the mansion’s quicksand pit by Little Leota (Madame Leota’s daughter) after her failed attempts to seduce ALL THREE OF THEM (presumably not at the same time). Quite the love triangle…

Source: dystopika on reddit

In all my times inside the Haunted Mansion, I never knew the portrait’s backstory or how they were all connected to one another!

I hope you enjoyed this detailed look at the stretching room’s portraits. Stay tuned next week for Haunted Mansion Lore: The Madame Leota Edition.

The post Haunted Mansion Lore: Portraits Edition first appeared on Offstage WDW.

Haunted Mansion Lore- The Ghost Host

offstagewdw — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 19:29:22 +0000

“When hinges creak in doorless chambers, and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker, where the air is deathly still – that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight!”

Photo Credit: Judd Helms WDW Magazine

Welcome Foolish Mortals to The Haunted Mansion Lore- Ghost Host Edition. Just who exactly is the deep, disembodied voice that takes you through the Mansion?

Our host is a ghost host. We never see him nor learn his name. Contrary to popular belief he is NOT Master Gracey, the owner of the Mansion, and whose portrait is seen when entering the stretching room.

Master Gracey

“Your cadaverous pallor betrays an aura of foreboding, almost as though you sense a disquieting metamorphosis. Is this haunted room actually stretching? Or is it your imagination – hmm? And consider this dismaying observation: this chamber has no windows and no doors… which offers you this chilling challenge: to find a way out! Of course, there’s always my way.”

The Ghost Host’s Way Out- ©Disney

Our ominous host alludes that it is him that is hanging above, not Master Gracey.

So who exactly is this guy? He just so happens to be one of the 999 happy haunts, who is a part of the Sinister Eleven, the more famous and vocal ghosts who have their portraits hanging in the portrait corridor.

The Ghost Host’s (otherwise known as “Hatchet Man”) portrait is seen with the Sinister Eleven and in the Corridor of Doors. According to Imagineer Jason Surrell, the piano player’s shadow we see is in fact belongs to the Ghost Host.

With clues about his identity sprinkled throughout the ride, he continues his narration during various parts of the mansion. The first to greet guests, he is also the last to send them off:

“Now I will raise the safety bar, and a ghost will follow you home!”

The Disneyland and Walt Disney World Ghost Host is voiced by the famed Paul Frees. Disney Fans will recognize him as Ludwig Vin Drake, the narrator of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (Disneyland), the Auctioneer in Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland) among many other uncredited roles. He is famously known as Boris from The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show and the Burgermeister for Santa Clause is Comin’ to Town.

He also has his own grave stone dedicated to him in the Haunted Mansion graveyard!

The Ghost Host also appears as the narrator of the HalloWishes firework show during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. (not voiced by Frees)

Out of Disneyland, Magic Kingdom WDW, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris; Hong Kong’s Mystic Manor does not have a Ghost Host! It is also unlike its other counterparts in a huge way. In respect of Chinese Culture, it is a lighthearted family ride that does not contain references to ghosts/spirits or the after life.

©Disney

For the longest time I had the misconception that the Ghost Host and Master Gracey were one and the same. What facts above surprised you the most? Share your thoughts below! We are dying to hear from you! MUHAHA

Stay tuned for next week. We will continue our Haunted Mansion Lore with the Stretching Room Portrait Edition.

The post Haunted Mansion Lore- The Ghost Host first appeared on Offstage WDW.

Magic Kingdom by the Numbers: a Statistical Semicentennial Listicle

offstagewdw — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 22:53:27 +0000

In celebration of Magic Kingdom’s 50th Birthday, let’s take a look at 50 fascinating facts that make up the iconic park:

million fireworks used annually

resorts available on opening day

mountains to conquer

Dapper Dans

“it’s a small world” sung in languages- English, Japanese, Swedish, Italian and Spanish

lands

levels on Buzz’s Space Ranger Spin

Source- Pinterest

songs in Mickey’s Philharmagic- Mickey Mouse March, Be Our Guest, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Part of Your World, I Just Can’t Wait to Be King, Un Poco Loco, You Can Fly, and A Whole New World

acres of Utilidors beneath the park

minutes to relax on the Tomorrow Transit Authority PeopleMover

attractions you could ride on opening day, with the purchase of a $5.75 ticket book

Source: Disney Collector Archives

rockets flying on the Astro Orbiter

lanterns, one for each original colony, hanging from the Liberty Tree Branches

Source: Mike Billick WDW Magazine

ft park elevation, making it “two” levels

boats that tour the Jungle Cruise- Amazon Annie, Bomokandi Bertha, Congo Connie, Ganges Gertie, Irrawaddy Irma, Nile Nellie, Orinoco Ida, Rutshuru Ruby, Sankuru Sadie, Senegal Sal, Ucyali Lolly, Volta Val, Wamba Wamba, and Zambesi Zelda

Disney Main Street Popcorn Company flavors- not including the seasonal ones!

collection points for AVAC trash system- trash travels through the system at 60 mph to the large garbage collection area behind Splash Mountain

teacups spinning around

(October 1, 1971) opening day attractions: Cinderella’s Golden Carousel, Country Bear Jamboree, Diamond Horseshoe Revue, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Frontierland Shooting Gallery, Grand Prix Raceway, The Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion, it’s a small world, Jungle Cruise, Mad Tea Party, Mickey Mouse Revue, Mike Fink Keel Boats, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Skyway, Snow White’s Scary Adventure, Swiss Family Treehouse, Tropical Serenade, and the Walt Disney World Railroad.

Haunted Mansion Tombstones

minute Carousel of Progress show… perfect for a power nap

former attractions- Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management), Country Bear Vacation Hoedown, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, Mike Fink Keel Boats, Mickey Mouse Revue, Magic Journeys, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Pooh’s Playful Spot, Skyway, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, If You Had Wings, Mission to Mars, Delta Dreamflight, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, The Timekeeper, Stitch’s Great Escape!, Donald’s Boat, Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook, Mickey’s Country House, and Minnie’s House.

Source: Disney Wiki Fandom

Country Bear Jamboree Audio-Animatronics

karat gold weaved into the Cinderella Castle Suit’s mosaic floor

Source: DVC Shop

$ – Cost of a first haircut package at the Harmony Barber Shop

acres added to the park after the New Fantasyland expansion & refurbishment

different sized towers found on Cinderella Castle

mph- the max speed of Space Mountain

parades over the years

Guests are never further than feet from a trash can- each trash can is themed to the land and has a line of merchandising, like the phone case below

Space Mountain’s two tracks measure at 96 feet for the Alpha Track and 86 feet for the Omega track, making it longer than Thunder Mountain at 2671 feet and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at 2000 feet

flying elephants

Club – a highly exclusive club that has an annual fee of $15,000 and a one-time joining fee of $33,000

mph- The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train max speed-each “cart” can sway side to side

feet- max depth of Bay Lake, while the max depth of the Seven Seas Lagoon is only 14 feet

dining experiences

shopping experiences

tons- the weight of The Liberty Tree

The Stitch Audio-Animatronic was inches tall and had 48 functions, including walking

feet in length- each Electrical Water Pageant float

current attractions

The manmade “tree” of Swiss Family Treehouse is 90 ft tall, 60 ft wide and has fabricated roots that extend feet into the ground

WDW sits at 27,520 acres or square miles, with the Magic Kingdom taking up 107 acres or .16 square miles

On opening day in 1971, it cost a guest $29 to $ to stay at the Contemporary or Polynesian resort

The Hall of Presidents has audio-animatronics- there are not 46 because Grover Cleveland served 2 non-consecutive terms

Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel is number out of 89 created by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1917

President Lincoln’s animatronic has different functions

Located at Peter Pan’s Flight, Captain Hook’s pirate ship is feet long

Looking to the future- Splash Mountain will be revamped for Disney’s th animated film, The Princess and the Frog

magical years!

The post Magic Kingdom by the Numbers: a Statistical Semicentennial Listicle first appeared on Offstage WDW.

What Makes a Dark Ride, a Dark Ride?

offstagewdw — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 19:59:40 +0000

True or False? A ride must take place in the dark to be considered a Dark Ride… FALSE!! What the what?! Then why in the world are they called “Dark” Rides?! There are a few important elements that make an attraction a Dark Ride:

The attraction is more or less contained inside a building.
Guests are moved from room to room.
Lighting and show elements control the narrative.
The attraction tells a story!

Some of the most beloved attractions are considered Dark Rides.

Example: The Haunted Mansion

1.The attraction is contained inside a building

Fun Fact- This is only the façade of the attraction. The building that houses the ride is located behind it!

2. Guests are moved from room to room.

Guests are taken through each scene on a “Doom Buggy”. The track is in continuous motion (unless they have to stop it to aid passengers getting on/off). The Buggies are programmed to turn and face specific scenes, another example of how Imagineers drive the story.

“Doom Buggy”

3. Lighting and show elements control the narrative.

Ominous music fills the air, the sound of an organ. What’s this? Who is playing the dreadful tune? The Doom Buggy turns to face the organ. With the help of effects and lighting, guests can see it is one of the ghosts who live at the mansion.

4. The attraction tells a story!

Welcome to Master Gracey’s home. Here you will be greeted by a Ghost Host (he is not Master Gracey) who will take you on a tour of the spooky estate. You will meet the 999 ghosts who call the mansion home. As you leave you will be reminded that there is always room for one more!

Now that you know how to identify a Dark Ride, let’s test your skills! Check out each picture and determine if it is considered a Dark Ride-

QUIZ START

Which Dark Ride is your favorite? Were there any rides on the quiz you were surprised about? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

The post What Makes a Dark Ride, a Dark Ride? first appeared on Offstage WDW.