Nemo Takes Over Tokyo DisneySea

The toon invasion of Tokyo DisneySea continues. Nemo and Friends SeaRider is soon to replace Storm Rider at the new Marine Life Institute. 

...and what it used to look like.

Too bad Turtle Talk with Crush isn't in the area as well. Imagineering concept art from the always great Disney and More blog.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Riding Out the Storm at Tokyo DisneySea

Among fans of Tokyo DisneySea, there seems to be a debate about the attraction that forms the centerpiece of Port Discovery: the flight simulator attraction, StormRider. Some claim a fondness for this new use of flight simulator technology with in cabin special effects. Others believe it to be a second rate version of Disney's popular Star Tours. One thing is certain however. It has an absolutely terrific attraction poster! And here it is in full color and in great scale and size. Click on it to make it even larger.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Last Trip to Endor: Star Tours Headed to an Upgrade!

It was thrilling upon opening. (I was there!) Now, it is passe, with its ideas borrowed at shopping malls all over America. And it was borrowed by Disney itself when Body Wars opened at Epcot in Future World's Wonders of Life pavilion.

Star Tours at Disneyland finally closes tonight for a long deserved upgrade. Too many questions waiting to be answered!

Will it incorporate aspects of Tokyo DisneySea's Stormrider? Probably. Is Imagineering's Tom Fitzgerald the right guy to direct the work from Disney's end opposite George Lucas? Most likely. Film is his thing. Will the end result draw in the crowds? Yes, the effects should astound even in 3D. Will the revamp be the last thing for Disneyland for awhile? Only if Tron:Legacy bombs...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)