Behind the Camers

Continuning on with our Studio Tram Tour of Walt Disney Studios, we are faced with a replica of a set used in the mini-series Dinotopia.
This is the Waterfall City facade which was used on the mini-series, and it allows the guest to have a closer look at how a movie set is constructed and how it appears from behind the camera.
Here we see some of the runs and riggings for the camera, and also a truck used to transport equipment. And what's that? Another detail from the Imagineers in the number plate? Let's have a closer look.I am not sure what '9606' stands for. I guessed June 1996, and the only major achievement with the Resort then was the extension of their festival tie-in with the new Space Mountain ride. However 'VA92' relates to the opening of Euro Disney in 1992 (presuming VA stands for Marne-la-Vallee, where Euro Disney is situated). And can you also find the Hidden Mickey?

Let's Fly Away!

After we board the Studio Tram Tour, we are taken among the first of a couple of boneyards on the tour. This one shows some more traditional forms of travel used in the movies. Let's have a look, shall we?
These planes were used in the making of the film Pearl Harbour, which starred Ben Affleck and Kate Beckinsdale.
Of course, we are also introduced to some more unusual forms of travel. Anyone tried travelling on a dinosaur?
I'm only joking! This dinosaur 'shell' was used in the film Dinosaur as an animatronic.

Let's Start the Tour!

When the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris opened, one of the largest attractions and draws was the Studio Tram Tour. The Tram Tour takes you "Behind the Magic" and allows guests to get up close and personal to artifacts from movies, and shows you how many of the special effects on our favourite movies are created!
The ride experience lasts 15 to 20 minutes and takes us around a very large area, making it the largest attraction of the Park - and possibly the Resort. It has been adapted from the Florida Park, Disney's Hollywood Studios, but there are several new elements. The entire attraction takes place in the tram (unlike the Florida counterpart) and due to the language barrier, there is no Cast Member guiding us throughout the attraction. Instead there is a video screen commentary in English and French, with the English part being narrated by a Disney favourite - Jeremy Irons.

The tour is great for the whole family, but it's important to note that younger children may get frightened at a few of the scenes, as there are explosions and loud noises. Although, if they are warned, they may not be as scared!
Over the next few days here at DF'82, let's take a trip through the Studio Tram Tour, and behind the Magic of the Movies!

What Is This Mania?

Taking a quick step away from the European park, let's have a look at one of the newest attractions to the American parks. I have been reading a fantastic book, entitled The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World written by Susan Veness, who also writes the 'Brit's Guide To' books for Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World.

In The Hidden Magic... we are introduced to an interesting passage about the Toy Story Mania attraction over at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Florida. Or is it Toy Story Midway Mania?

Although the title above the door is Toy Story Midway Mania, the Florida version was originally called Toy Story Mania - and that is the name used by Imagineers on press releases and on some merchandise - while the California version simply used the nondescript title, Midway Mania. California's version was then renamed Toy Story Midway Mania, which gave it the necessary tie to the movie, and ultimately, they both officially took on the Toy Story Midway Mania title.

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World, p147

That makes things more clear, right. Right?

What Do You Celebrate?

Continuing with our Celebrate series, here at DF'82, today's interview is with someone who is a big fan of the world of Disney, but would not call herself a geek, like many of us would! I think it is important and interesting to meet all kinds of Disney fans - and remember that there are many who are not as flamboyant or obsessive as us... But what do they love about Disney and, mainly, what do they celebrate?

Myrna Litt is a lover of the Mouse and all things magical. She truly appreciates the creativity of the Walt Disney Company, and especially enjoys Hidden Mickeys!

How did you become a Disney fan?
First went [to Disney] when I was about 5. My husband's dad worked with Roy Disney [and] was invited opening day but did not go.

What is your favorite Disney Theme Park?
Only been to Anaheim but Bill has been to WDW.

Which is your favorite attraction - past or present - and why?
Always loved the Golden Horseshoe Review. I have great memories of Wally Boog and also Skull Rock. We always had ice cream at the carnation plaza. I still see Billy Hill every time I go. My husband likes all the trains past and present.

Is there one show or parade, which you feels best embodies the spirit of Disney?
Main Street Electrical parade. The music alone makes me cry.

What is your Disney "guilty pleasure"?
Buying trivia books.

How do you bring your love of Disney into your daily life?
Love to share with people things they just don't know about Disney.

Challenges In The Castle

Earlier in the week, here at DF'82, we looked at how Imagineers had to change their concepts of different lands to fit in with the European way and stylings. Another interesting detail from Tony Baxter, as read in The Art of Walt Disney book by Christopher Finch, is the challenges that faced them when creating the beautiful Sleeping Beauty Castle. We touched on this in this previous blog when we introduced you all to le Château de la Belle Au Bois Dormant.
For people like myself who live in Europe, we are used to seeing and experiencing real Castles and their beauty on an almost daily basis. This was something the Imagineers had to take into account when designing and building this weenie.

"We had to reinvent the castle, and our solution was to make it more like an illustration in a book of fairy tales - an illustration by someone like Arthur Rackham. So its built on a crag, and part of the second floor is supported by stone trees. The colours are fairy-tale colours and the architecture is deliberately distorted. There's a dragon living in a cavern underneath the castle and Merlin's workshop is in the middle of it all. And we've added a hedge maze, like the one at Hampton Court Palace in England, which is an interactive experience of the most primitive kind."

The Art of Walt Disney, p443

TICKETS!

One of the things I love about Disneyland Paris is the layout of the entrance to the main Park. To enter you have to go through beneath the Disneyland Hotel, which is actually the area where you can buy tickets!

After passing through security just after the train station and outside the Disney Village, you carry on towards the Disneyland Hotel, which is also the entry way for Parc Disneyland.
You pass through one of the several entry-ways, and are then introduced to many, many ticket booths. On weekends this can get very busy!

Once you have purchased your ticket, it is only a short distance to the gate entries for the Park. If you already have a ticket, you can bypass the ticketing area by going round the right of the Disneyland Hotel and going through the side gates.