Wrecked!

This past summer I was speaking to a friend and fellow animation fan and told her I'd seen Pixar's Brave.  "Ooh, you did?" she asked.  "How was it?"
"It was good," I answered with a bit of a shrug.  "But I really wanted it to be great."

Today I finally got to see Disney's latest animated feature, Wreck-It Ralph.  While I thought the concept was clever enough and the animation looked pretty, I went in expecting it to be shoulder-shrugging "good."  What it was turned out to be freakin' great!
In fact, I'd call it a modern day masterpiece!

I was completely blown away like a loose brick in an unfortunate wall pummeled by Ralph.  Put aside the amazing animation and 3D effects used to their full potential and actually serving the story, this movie is an incredibly well-written, entertaining tale full of heart.  From his first words of dialogue, Ralph is the most likable "bad guy" ever to appear on screen.  You're rooting for him almost immediately, and as a man you feel for his sense of discontentment in his career and desire for more, not materially but spiritually.

The plot is completely original and unique, even if somewhat predictable in a few places.  It's so perfectly executed, even the moments you saw coming don't disappoint.  In fact they still manage to fill your heart with satisfaction.  Don't get me wrong, Wreck-It Ralph threw me more than a few curve balls.
Mentos and diet soda . . . who saw that coming?!?
Even plot devices I figured would return eventually were still used in completely unexpected ways, making even us soured old adults laugh and cheer and want to clap for our brutish hero and his adorable sidekick!
 

Not only is the story writing near perfection, the voice-casting is spot-on!  While there are plenty of recognizable voices, I wouldn't call any of it "stunt casting" where some big star is hired in the hope their fame will equate to more ticket sales . . .even if their voice doesn't serve the production  (*cough* Rosie O'Donnell in Tazan *cough*)
All these actors seem to have thrown themselves into the roles and it pays off so well!  In fact one actor created such a perfect character, I could not for the life of me figure out who it was!  King Candy is voiced masterfully (with a nod to the late great Ed Wynn) by Alan "It's called a lance" Tudyk of A Knight's Tale and cult-favorite Firefly.  John C. Reilly and Jack McBrayer were born to play their parts, and Sarah Silverman may have actually reinvented her entire career with this movie as Venellope!  We'll have to wait and see what she does next, but Silverman has never been this lovable!

Even Jane Lynch who I will admit I find to be a bit over-saturated right now was fantastic.  And her character is pretty hot too!
   

I never saw Wreck-It Ralph coming.  I expected a decent, funny animated effort full of video game references, half of which I wouldn't get as a non-gamer, that would fill 90 minutes and keep the kids interested for the most part.  This film will not be relegated to the second shelf of my collection with Bolt, The Wild, or Meet the Robinsons.  Wreck-It Ralph is a new Disney classic.  This movie, even with it's very specific video game references will hold-up and remain timeless.  Ralph will rest alongside Peter Pan and Pinocchio.  I truly believe if Walt could see this movie he would stand and cheer, filled with joy for what his animation studio has accomplished!  They managed to make a beautiful piece of cutting-edge visual art yet placed inside it a beating, feeling heart that touches every audience member regardless of age.  It's not the "Roger Rabbit of video game movies."  It's so much better!
What surprised me the most was how many times I felt myself getting emotional, almost tearing up.  This isn't a video game movie at all.  It touches the human spirit.  Perhaps even more-so for us big guys!
And let's be honest, how bad do I want to play a real Sugar Rush game now?!?


What saddens me just a bit is something that also recalls that earlier conversation I mentioned.  When I told my friend how I kept waiting for Brave to really reveal it's self, to feel that punch in the gut so many earlier Pixar films always delivered, she sighed and cocked her head with concern.
"Do you think Pixar has peaked?" she asked.
I thought for a moment, then told her I didn't want to say it.  I still don't.  It wasn't very long ago there were those who said "Disney Animation is dead!  Pixar is the only hope.  Long live Pixar!"
As Brave kind of fell at the finish line for me, and I see the plan for the next few years is to keep going back to the old Pixar wells and trying to draw up more water, my concern grows. 

I'm certain Pixar's success and the guidance of the great John Lasseter over the last few years helped right the ship, and have steered a new direction for Walt Disney Animation.  Now it seems, at least to me the ship is steering itself beyond perhaps even that captain's vision.  The last Disney animated feature I truly loved was Tangled.  Also NOT a Pixar flick.  And call me what you want, those direct-to-video Tinkerbell movies have for the most part been fantastic.  Especially the most recent offering, Secret of the Wings.  That could & should have been a theatrical release.  Meanwhile, I've been disappointed with the last couple Pixar releases.  Even Toy Story 3, which I did love, played more to our sentimental attachment to those characters, and not a great story.  I'm not saying "screw Pixar, we don't need 'em anymore."  I hope they find their way and aren't just making a few last cash grabs with sequels and prequels, knowing their best is behind them.


What I am saying is Wreck-It Ralph proves that Walt Disney Animation is still the champion.  They may have had a few years on the ropes, but they've sprung back to their feet, stronger and determined, with the eye of the tiger.  They certainly knocked this one out!  I can't wait to read the standings on Monday, as I predict even weeks after it's premiere, Ralph will have pummeled Dreamjerks latest offering, Rise of Tattooed Santa . . . or, uh . . .whatever.  Ralph rules!             






Update:  Since writing this, Wreck-It Ralph received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, along with lesser-worthy films Brave and Frankenweenie.  I suppose as long as Disney wins, we all win.  But if the best man shall win, it will be a man with enormous, brick bashing arms!  Go Ralph!!! 

Talkin' Turkey!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends! 

In honor of this day where we give thanks and appreciate the blessings in our lives, I just wanted to take a moment to say Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and thank you for being friends, readers, and supporters! 

Thanksgiving always makes me miss my grandmother.  We always spent Thanksgiving with her and she was an amazing cook.  She turned their little apartment in a retirement village into a 4 Star gourmet restaurant.  Okay, hillbilly gourmet . . . but damn it was good! 

This holiday's never been the same since my grandparents passed on.  But this year we're keeping it small, just my wife and kids and I.  And I'm liking it!  But if I weren't at home, there's one place I wish, other than my grandmother's table that I could be spending Thanksgiving! 

If every day on Mainstreet USA is the Fourth of July, then it’s always Thanksgiving in Liberty Square!  That is, if you’ve got your dinner ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern.  

 

That's a hypothetical “if” because if you don't eat there at least once, well, you're dumb!  Fashioned after the Colonial inns our founding fathers dined in, Liberty Tree Tavern is the perfect location for family dinner.  The food is old school traditional American eats.  Servers drop off family-style platters of roast turkey, pork, beef brisket, vegetables, fresh baked rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, and Mac & cheese.  It's all you can eat and it's all delicious!  In some cases even better than mom used to make.  Just don’t undo your belt after dinner.  That would be weird.

 

Don't try to walk-up and expect a table either.  The staff will of course try to accommodate, but plan on being hungry for another hour or more because that’s how soon you’re likely to be seated.  

 

Of course, if I were at Walt Disney World today, I might not want to sit down to a big meal . . . even on Thanksgiving, the Super Bowl of eating holidays!  

 Thank goodness the parks always offer another alternative to satisfy your craving for what was almost our National Bird!  

 

Lately I’ve noticed every carnival and fair sells turkey legs.  But the first place I ever enjoyed one was at Walt Disney World.  I tried one at our local County Fair once.  I spit out the first bite and pitched the rest to the raccoons.  It was heinous.  A criminal offense to my taste buds.  I was so pissed I tied the vendor to the Tilt-a-Whirl and punched a prize-winning sheep on my way out. 

However, the barbecued turkey legs at Walt Disney world are amazing!  I don’t know that anyone would ever plan a trip just for these babies, but they’re almost reason enough!  They’ve become something of a staple snack at every Disney Park, but the first park I ever tasted one was Hollywood Studios.  Theme park food is often hit or miss, but these ginormous drumsticks are a definite hit!  Perfectly smoked with a nice pinkish color, they taste almost more like pork than poultry.  Drop one (or let’s be honest, two) of these babies on my Thanksgiving plate and I’m a happy Neanderthal.  

 

There was a time when a turkey leg constituted a “snack” and one could use a snack credit from their Disney dining plan.  Apparently someone in management wised up because that option has been removed.  At nearly $10 bucks a leg, they might be the most expensive snack on property.  Fortunately it’s a snack that eats like a meal.  And let’s be real, if you drove down the center of the park on a Harley, wearing a Viking helmet, smoking a cigar, with two Hooters waitresses on the back of the bike, you wouldn’t look as manly as when your canines are ripping bird from bone, as nature intended!   

You’ll feel like Henry the VIII!  Plus, no table required.  You don’t even need a plate.  The bone is nature’s handle.  You can keep on walking while you eat; guaranteeing you won't miss out on any fun!  If only more food came with a built-in utensil!

Plus, how many foods inspire their own souvenir apparel?!?

 

And let's not forget the wonderful, condensed version of Thanksgiving between two slices of bread at the Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney . . .

  

Still, I wouldn't hop on Star Tours or Tower of Terror for at least 3 hours after consuming an entire Thanksgiving feast in a single sandwich!  

Happy Thanksgiving everybody . . . just a little over a month til the Disney Parks Christmas Parade!  That ought to give you sweet dreams as you snore in front of the football game this afternoon!!!  

 

Prepare to WALK the plank!!!

Well, I decided it was time I weighed in on the big controversy brewing at Walt Disney World this week!  I know a number of people are upset, some concerned with how it will affect the rest of the theme.  Does such a large franchise belong?  Is this cheapening or commercializing the park? 

That’s right . . .  I’m talking of course about the announced attraction The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow!  Ouch!  Sorry, my triple shot, no whip, not fat white chocolate mocha was a little hot!

Anyway, where was I?  Oh yeah . . . Disney has announced a new walk-through attraction will be opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  They’ve closed the door on Narnia and dropped the wardrobe in a wood chipper.  Where once there was a snowy forest, a lamp post, and fauns, there will now be piles of treasure, gold doubloons, swords, and surely a few skulls & skeletons.  Dead men tell no tales, nor do they use Omnimovers!

Aside from having an incredibly long name, The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow (phew) invites guests into a secret pirate’s grotto, probably not unlike Shipwreck Cove or Isla de Muerta to stand before a magical skull (see I told you!  Skulls!!!)  This ghostly host will test your mettle to see if you’re worthy to join the crew of Captain Jack! The attraction is set to open Dec. 6^th though it’s likely you might catch a dress rehearsal any day now.

I love the Pirates franchise.  Jack Sparrow (yes, I know . . . there should be a “Captain” in there somewhere!)  What I’m not a fan of is walk-through attractions.  Even when wearing Crocs.  I’ve yet to enter one that didn’t seem a bit slap-dash . . . especially those at Hollywood Studios.  The first Narnia seemed like a great idea until I entered the wardrobe to discover it was . . . lame.  It looked like the Christmas tree display at a big box hardware store with a screen showing a glorified trailer to sell DVD’s.  Then of course some deranged White Queen look-alike walked out on the fire escape and yelled at us, and we were ushered out.  I kept thinking “couldn’t they at least put me in a wagon and pull me through?!?”

I never bothered with the Prince Caspian version. 

Even Universal Studios, who I’ll give credit for trying to elevate the walk-through attraction by throwing a ton of money into Poseidon’s Fury at Islands of Adventure still missed the mark.  Of course it didn’t help I waited 20 minutes in the hot sun to get in, not knowing it was a walk-through.  It looked too big, too grand, too expensive not to have a complex vehicle system, right?  Wrong!  The whole time as they ushered us from amazing looking room to room, I kept telling myself “this is all preshow.  The next room will have cars!”  Not to be, sadly.  It felt like we were walking through a great ride building because the track was broken.

Ironically Walt’s original plan for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland was for it to be a walk-through wax museum of sorts.  So in some small, weird way this honors his idea.  I’m certainly willing to give The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow a chance.  The set pieces along will likely make it worthwhile.  Even the artwork on the show building looks pretty incredible.  Hopefully they’ve actually put some real thought (and cash) into this attraction.  If not, it will likely be a walk-through Avengers attraction next year and I’ll stick to the Lonely Island/Michael Bolton song. 

Now back to the good part . . . !

UPDATE:  Ok, I take back any misgivings about this attraction!   Just watched this attraction video posted by Inside the Magic, and it looks cool!!!  There's a little "dead air" towards the end, but the effects look good, they've spent money, and made a quality walk-through (well, looks more like a stand-in) attraction!  Well met!  Check out the video below and check out www.insidethemagic.net for more amazing WDW coverage, video, etc!  

The Most Interesting Pavilion in the World!

Okay, that's probably pushing it.  But I can't think of the Morocco pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase without thinking of the Dos Equis commercials featuring "the most interesting man in the world."  Morocco seems like his kind of place!  It's definitely mine!
   
A few days ago the Disney Parks Blog featured a new entry in their Parks After Dark photo series.  This time the subject was Morocco.  As expected, the pics are amazing!

I'm only disappointed that they didn't put up more shots.  Morocco is up there in my top 3 pavilions at World Showcase, even though I could never really tell you exactly why.  It's something intangible.  There's just a feeling, an energy about meandering through those stone walls.  The authenticity bleeds through the architecture into the air.  It irritates me that so many guests just pass right by, or if they do slow down to check out Morocco, they just do a quick lap and move on because there's no boat ride.
While I would love to see an Aladdin dark ride in the back of the pavilion, it doesn't need any gags or tricks.  It just is.  I find it so relaxing, so enchanting and exotic, I could spend an hour doing nothing but sitting on a bench (with a beer and a pita, of course!)

So in tribute to my beloved pavilion, I wanted to share another excerpt from newly finished book . . .

I have heard people say this pavilion is boring.  That there isn’t enough to see or do inside its walls.   The unfamiliar culture holds no appeal, especially to a real man.  First of all, those people should be spat on by a camel.   It is true; Morocco is a country many of us know nothing about.  Beyond what we learned from Casablanca anyway (and really what more do you need to know?)  Yet ignorant as I am, I love this pavilion.  The mysteriousness is part of what makes Morocco one of my favorite World Showcase pavilions.  Don’t just pass this one by.  Step in.  Take your kids.  Spend some time to get lost in the authentic architecture and artwork.  Wind through its tight corridors and hidden rooms and shops.  Your children will like discovering the little parlor area where an ancient book is sitting open on display, featuring a familiar magic carpet pilot. 

I spent some time exploring this pavilion recently and it is so deceiving, so immersive and authentic that I nearly forgot I was at Walt Disney World.  I was a traveler in Marrakech.  Until I saw Aladdin posing for pictures with guests.  Even the addition of a Disney character aside, everything about this pavilion is incredibly authentic.  It should be considering the King of Morocco (the real one) sent his personal architect to oversee construction and make sure the pavilion met the royal standard.  Unfortunately there’s no boat ride (we all know from Casablanca there are no waters.)  As for a ride, Aladdin’s flying carpets are over at the Magic Kingdom.  But the lack of rides does not equate to “nothing to do.”  Just bring your adventurous side with you.   

 There is the Moroccan restaurant, Restaurant Marrakech with an exotic and actually delicious menu.  Be just a little bit daring.  You can get chicken fingers or sliders at home anytime.  They’re not serving chilled monkey brains!  I've been called a picky eater (my gut would beg to differ) and I've loved everything I’ve eaten here.  Even if you're not crazy about trying a new cuisine, there’s another reason to make an ADR at Marrakech.  Something equally as thrilling as any roller coaster: belly dancers! 

If the smell from the kitchen doesn't get your mouth watering, these attractive performers dancing the Seven Veils just might.  Just don't get caught ogling too long.  Your wife might exile you to the couch, and that’s if you’re in a deluxe resort.  Otherwise you’re sleeping on a lounge chair by the pool!  Although, it is Florida.  Hey!  Snap out of it!  Don't get caught ogling the bellies, if you catch my midriff . . . err, drift!   

 

Alright, if I can't excite you with eastern architecture or exciting new cuisine, and you're the “lead me not into temptation” type, I understand, Flanders.  You don't have to wander too deep to taste the best of Morocco.  There's a beverage stand right outside the pavilion.  I’ve mentioned I don’t normally go for colorful drinks, least of all bright orange ones.  Nor do I drink frozen cocktails.  When I do indulge in the occasional margarita (or seven) it’s always on the rocks.  That said Morocco’s tangerine daiquiri has on more than one occasion almost changed my philosophy on blended beverages. 

 

I won’t delve too deep into description because, well, they’re not burying the lead here.  It’s a daiquiri that tastes like tangerine.  Apparently the Clever Names team was off that day.   It is sweet without being thick and syrupy.  For a nice treat in the middle of a hot day, I'd certainly take one of these over a Popsicle.

The star of that drink cart for a real man is definitely Morocco’s home brew, Casa Beer.  

   Apparently one of North Africa’s best kept fermented secrets.  It’s a nice crisp lager with earthy, citrusy notes and a perfect balance of sweet and bitter.  Seems somewhat appropriate for a desert environment.  I’ve never seen it sold in my part of the world and I'm actually glad.  As a beer drinker, it’s one of a thousand little details about Walt Disney World I look forward to as each new trip approaches.

 Man's Journal:

I found myself roaming the antechambers of the Morocco pavilion.  I decided to take a little breather.  A live band called Mo Rockin was playing this wild blend of rock meets traditional Arabic meets electronica.  I found a bench in the courtyard and sat taking in the pavilion and watching tourists all around.  Across from me aromas of grilled meats and vegetables from the Tangerine Cafe filled my nose.  I sipped my cold Casa beer and sighed, happier to be there over almost any place in the world.

A handful of guests from Morocco, the real place, friends or family of one of the Cast Members wandered about.  I watched as the manager appeared to greet them.  On his way, he stopped a few feet from me to bend down and pick up a piece of trash.  Again, that Disney difference.  Not even a second thought, regardless his position.  The park is everyone’s responsibility. 

I watched as he was introduced to this new group and everyone smiled warmly and hugged and kissed each other.  There was this genuine friendliness and affection between them all.  Maybe I’ve seen Casablanca too many times, but it made me think again that Morocco a country I must visit I kick off. 

If it was good enough for Bogey, it’s good enough for me.

For me there is nothing better than the few minutes I steal for myself, get my beer and relax in the Moroccan courtyard.  It's then I really appreciate being on vacation.  Especially since Epcot is almost always my first day destination.  I'll sit in that intricately tiled courtyard, hearing music, smelling good food, hearing laughter, and inevitably look at my watch thinking “any other day, I'd be at work right now.” 

There is a Moroccan proverb that hangs almost hidden inside pavilion:  “The first thing one should own is a home; and it is the last thing one should sell.  For a home is one's castle this side of Heaven.” 

The moments I spend in Morocco are always a little sample of the other side.

   

Check out the Disney Parks Blog post at:  http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/11/disney-parks-after-dark-morocco-pavilion-at-epcot/

You May Be Luke's Father, But Now Mickey Is Your Daddy!

Tuesday my friend Amanda Belle Starr asked me to write a piece for her site:  amanadabellestar.com.  It happened to be the day the Disney/Lucasfilm merger was announced . . . 
 

This afternoon I got a strange email from Amanda “Belle” Starr.  It read:  “Do you want to write something about Disney buying Lucasfilm?”

To which I responded:  “Sure.  Wait . . . WHAT?!?!  That happened???”

Pesky day job gets in the way again!  But I soon caught up on today’s big Disney news.  In a deal valued at over $4 Billion (with a B) George Lucas turned the keys to the Empire over to the Kingdom.

The minute I read it, I got chills.  And the strangest thing is I don’t know why.  To be honest, I’m not that big of a Star Wars fan.  I’ve seen the flicks and liked about half of them.  In fact according to most hyper-Star Wars fans I like all the wrong ones.  I loved the third one, Jedi, which is somehow of course the sixth. And I thought the last one, Revenge of the Sith, somehow the third movie (man my head hurts) was completely satisfying. How Anakin Skywalker went from whiny, emo white kid to James Earl Jones I’ll never understand, but otherwise a solid origin story!

I’ve never read any of the litany of Star Wars novels (whether they’re canon or not.)  I don’t watch the Clone Wars, nor do I have a box of action figures stashed away in the basement for the kids’ college fund.  I do have some Star Wars Legos – I never said I’m not a geek, just not a Star Wars geek!  But I couldn’t tell you if Han shot first if my life (or Greedo’s) depended on it.

I owe more of what I know about the galaxy far, far away to Kevin Smith than I do George Lucas. But I’ve always respected the worlds and creatures that Lucas created.  His alien characters are some of the most memorable in cinematic history and have inspired generations of artists, like myself.  Just like Disney.

Where the mighty chinless one always fell short for me was in the story department. His plots are pretty infantile and yet sometimes so pointless they become impossible to follow.  And as a director, I sometimes wondered if he even watched the performers in the monitor or was too busy signing advanced licensing deals.  No offense, but that Hayden Christensen was about as emotive as a hermit crab.  And I mean no offense to hermit crabs!

Perhaps that’s why I see this as such a brilliant move.  Disney believes story is most important.  At Disney, be it the studios, parks, stores, or even the office bathrooms, everything tells a story.  I’m guessing on one of those!

According to Tony Baxter, Lucas once said “if I couldn’t have done it on my own, the only company I would have trusted with was Disney.” Today he put his money where his mouth . . . well, he actually took their money and put it where his . . . their . . .you know what I mean!

Lucas states he wants to retire but wants to see the universe he created carry on. Quite a switch from the guy who said after Sith there’d never be another Star Wars.  One wonders if all the criticism of the prequels finally got to him. One also wonders if all those zeroes on the check got to him!

Disney has announced the seventh Star Wars is already in the works.  We don’t know the current stage, but are told Lucas handed over 3 complete treatments for Episodes 7, 8, and 9, and it’s widely speculated they will continue the stories of Han, Luke, and Leia.  Whether the original cast will be reprise them remains to be seen.  Mark Hammill would be great as the elder Obi Wan-like leader of the reborn Jedi.  And everybody loves Harrison Ford’s Han Solo . . . and he knows.  God forbid they take the Hollywood route replacing Han with a Robert Pattinson-type or Leia with Kristen “I’m always constipated” Stewart.

Beyond the obvious stories, imagine the cornucopia of stories that could be expanded on in the Star Wars universe.  An entire film franchise based on the exploits of badass bounty hunter Boba Fett!  I’d like to see the story of the completely underused Sith Lord, Darth Maul.  Who was he?  Where did he come from?  Was he really red with black spots, or black with red spots?

Disney has the resources and creative teams to make expand these stories and a million more.  And as for the Disney parks, forget about it!  Yes, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is already Star Wars heavy.  CEO Bob Iger implied that the parks will play a large role in this acquisition.  The rumors of a Star Wars theme park have flown around the galaxy for years.  While that seems like a risky move to me, an entire Star Wars Land somewhere seems plausible and exciting and now, more likely.  As long as it doesn’t screw up any possible Marvel additions!  Though I’ve officially accepted we can kiss Pandora goodbye!

Whatever happens from here, this deal ensures that the Star Wars legacy, were it ever in any kind of trouble, will endure for generations to come.  Judging by my own inexplicable excitement, it seems very likely Disney taking the controls of the Millennium Falcon will bring a whole new fan base … to the rebel base!  See what I did there?

Punch it, Goofy!

Mr. Stark, We've Been Expecting You!

Greetings true believers!

As if yesterday’s announcement of Disney buying Lucasfilm wasn’t enough to keep the drums beating for months, another amazing release followed shortly on its heels.  In fact it blasted those heels with its gauntlet-mounted energy repulsors (geek check . . . here!)

For the last few years, since Disney inked the deal with Marvel many of us have been clamoring for one thing . . . to see our heroes up close and personal.

Now let me stop here and say if you’re of the “We don’t want Marvel characters in our sacred Princess parks . . . snivel snivel . . . meep” then stop reading now.  Or else cinch up your diaper and buckle up!

Cue Black Sabbath:  “I am Iron Man!!!”  Dun, dun, du-du-dunn . . .!

The world is about to become a safer place.  At least Anaheim anyway.  Disneyland has announced come February, they be shuttering Innoventions in Tomorrowland to clear the way for Tony Stark!  Finally, in the second phase of making the Marvel acquisition pay off in spades, an Iron Man themed attraction is coming!  This will be the first Marvel attraction in a Disney park, and like it or not (Catch 22: if you vote not, you get no vote) will be the first of many!

As to what kind of attraction we don’t know yet.  It pains me to give them credit, but what Universal did with their Harry Potter attraction would translate well to Iron Man.  The very idea of flying through a combination of 3-D video and animatronics in the Iron Man universe = mind blown!

If they’re considering bringing Cars Land to Orlando, they’d better have a plan in place to deliver Iron Man as well!  Once they build one, cloning it is easy.  If I may speak heresy, bulldoze the boring speedway!  That plot of land would be a great spot to build a Stark Industries facility!

Plus they could probably get Stan Lee to serve burgers at Cosmic Rays!

Even though Disney is a little limited, contractually to what Marvel properties they can play with right now, there are still many titles in the toy box!  How awesome would an Incredible Hulk attraction be?  Watch Bruce Banner transform right before our eyes before chasing us through a frantic dark ride!  Get knocked around a track as Hulk and Abomination duke it out through the city!  

 

Again, hate to say it but that studio park across town paved the way.  What they did with Spiderman could serve as a blueprint for incredible Marvel attractions.  And of course Disney would plus it!  For instance Of course Disney would have to make vehicles suitable for everyone to ride.  Have you seen the average comic book fan?  We’re men of stature!  You want our money make sure there’s room for our butts!

They wouldn’t have to limit the Marvel presence to any one park.  I know many critics (whiners) say “keep Marvel to Hollywood Studios!”  Why?  By that rationale every attraction connected to any film franchise would have to be shoehorned into DHS!  Magic Kingdom would be a pretty empty place.  If they fit the theme somewhere else, use them.  Incorporate them so it feels organic of course, but don’t deny them just because they don’t come with mouse ears!

Imagine a Black Panther tie-in at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Some kind of attraction based around the tales of the strong, wealthy African prince who dons a costume to fight crime and corruption and protect all life, human and animal in his country.  

 

You say that doesn’t sound tailor-made for DAK?

 

This news is amazing!  This week has been like Christmas in late-October!  To those who continue to be critical, I can only say you got your new princess land this year.  Be honest,you know it is!  Give another demographic a chance.  Marvel characters don’t bastardize the brand; they add yet another layer making it accessible to a wider audience.  That means more revenue, more excitement, and more Disney for everybody!

Excelsior!