Showing posts with label monsters university. Show all posts
Showing posts with label monsters university. Show all posts

June 11, 2025

A Better Monsters Inc. Land Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

The Door Roller Coaster is a sure thing! But what is also included in the new plans for Disney's Hollywood Studios revision of the area once home to Muppet*Vision 3D into one that celebrates all things Monsters Inc.? You can bet this concept art is keeping some details hidden, but let's be honest. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor belongs here (with perhaps a new name to avoid its unfortunate abbreviation) as does Monsters Inc. Mike and Sully to the Rescue from Disney California Adventure

Disney's Hollywood Studios needs an actual dark ride for the youngest of guests who will not able be to ride the family coaster. The park has a current total of zero old school Disneyland styled classic dark rides. These are the kind of smaller attractions that are classic Disney and round out a park filled with E Tickets and stage shows. Will the suits ever really get their popularity? They bring charm and warmth to any park, something the Studios is sorely lacking.

This expansion also needs a character filled, friendly monster stage show to go with the meet and greets. Imagineering and the Disney park fans have made these an inevitable part of any Disney themed land. 

Lastly, this new land needs a great spot to sit down and eat for folks who cannot get into or choose not to splurge on the sure to be quite overpriced Harryhausen's Japanese restaurant. The slightly Muppets themed PizzeRizzo is a prime location for something great and with a menu price befitting the family friendly budget. 

With the stunning success of Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland, the bar for this time of land has been set very high. Will it be matched or exceeded at Walt Disney World? It better! With Epic Universe being SO good and nipping at Disney's heels, the war continues.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Thanks to Blog Mickey for the image.)

July 15, 2013

Thoughts from Dear Old Dad

So many random and crazy thoughts going through my head as I read the headlines and on line conversation boards! 

Let's start with Cory Monteith from Glee. It wasn't a show I saw more than once or twice, but here's a guy who from most accounts had everything- looks, talent, charm, friends, success, and money. But all the things the world offers couldn't take the edge off his drive for living on the edge. And this time, he lost. Very sad. I hope his death helps someone else find help with their addictions.

Trayvon Martin / George Zimmerman. Clearly, the race / justice tensions are bound to continue anew now. Black kid, Hispanic man. Guns, fear, violence, tension. The world and the human race continues its downward spiral.

Lest you think all I do is bemoan the state of the human race, I also bemoan the state of other aspects of life! 

Yes, Monsters University will probably outdo The Lone Ranger in the United States. Big loss- enough money to feed a small nation for years. 

My family continues to be a blessing. With my sister recently in town and my kids raising their own kids (with three more on the way), it's clear I'm a pretty blessed man. Besides, my wife is well worth her weight in gold.

The State of Disney's American Parks and D23.  Now that California Adventure mostly rocks, and Disneyland is in tip top shape, isn't it time for Walt Disney World to see some serious upgrades? And not just to compete with Universal Orlando in the ongoing battle! (Psst. Disney's losing, by the way. The edge now belongs to the newcomer who has come out swinging for years now and their Royal Pacific Hotel is tons less than Disney's Polynesian Resort. I know. I looked at the rates for our next trip. Sorry, Disney.)

Let's be honest: Epcot is traveling full speed ahead to become the World's most beautiful shopping and dining center; Animal Kingdom has de-evolved into just a zoo; and Disney's Hollywood Studios makes California Adventure sparkle in comparison. Only the perennial favorite, the Magic Kingdom seems slightly fresh thanks to a New Fantasyland environment (but not the new attractions). The bright spot? The competition for the dollar might bring on a slew of new and first class attractions worldwide.

The Political environment: more of the same. And under President Obama, we continue to move backwards in about every area. How's that change working for you? It's not for me.

A rant? A rave? Absolutely. It's time we stopped taking it on the chin and start fighting back. It starts by looking within and realizing we need help. We mouth the words that we belong to a higher power but our lives show much too little of His influence. Mine included. Please, God, let that change!



June 27, 2013

Not Top of the Class

Just saw Monsters University. It's a good film, full of heart and an interesting story, but something is missing. Certainly better than many things out there now, but given Pixar and their reputation for world class films, I was a tad bit disappointed.

Monsters Inc. is one of my most loved Pixar creations, so I was extremely excited to see more adventures with Mike and Sully. My wife thinks the lack of "door action" slowed the pace and interest of the film. Perhaps. I'm a bit more inclined to think it was the familiarity with the storyline, as the "opposites attract" buddy story is a staple of Hollywood films. 

The animation is top notch. The environments stunningly beautiful. John Goodman and Billy Crystal are terrific, but it's Helen Mirren as the dean that propels the plot in a way both harsh, blunt, and eventually with heart. No spoilers here. I will say the first half is a solid "A" grade film, and the second half still a solid "B".  The big question: Will I buy it on DVD? Perhaps...

(Art copyright Disney/ Pixar.)

December 1, 2012

Worth the Wait

Monsters University is the sequel that deserved to happen but I doubted if it ever would. Cannot wait to see Mike and Sulley on the big screen once again!

June 20, 2012

Monstrously Funny Preview for Monsters University

Monsters Inc. is towards the top of my list when it comes to favorite Pixar movies. And now, Disney / Pixar has released four previews for the next film, Monsters University. You'll find one in a theater near you when Brave debuts this Friday. Can't wait for Summer 2013!

(Art copyright Disney / Pixar.)