Editor's Note: Since many months it was a rumor, but Disney and more confirms it to you: the awaited Transformers ride will be a great E-Ticket using the next generation of "Spiderman ride" technology.

Will the awaited Transformers ride use the IOA Spiderman ride technology ?

I think it's fair to say that any theme park fan considers the Spider-Man Ride at Islands of Adventure one of the best rides in the world. For many, it's even THE best ride in the world. Now, how good of news would it be if a totally NEW ride using the same technology was coming anytime soon? That would be a great news, wouldn't it? Well, if all that I've been told is true, this new ride should open at Universal Singapore in 2011 and it will be the long-awaited Transformers ride.

Universal Singapore is opening early next year, probably in February or March, but as is often the case when Disney or Universal opens a new theme park, they keep one big E-Ticket to open one or two years after the main opening, just to re-boost the new park. In the case of Universal Singapore it will be the totally new Transformers ride in Sci-Fi City land. And one year later, in 2012, the Transformers ride will open in Universal Hollywood in the former Backdraft building.

All the news I have about it from my good sources seems to confirm that the Transformers ride will use the same technology as the Spider-Man ride at IOA i.e a vehicle mounted on a simulation platform moving in real decor with huge rear projection and all in 3D. The first Spider-Man ride was designed for Universal by Landmark Entertainment, but apparently it seems that this time the creative guys at Universal are designing the Transformers ride by themselves. They will create brand new software for the ride or they will "adapt" the Spider-Man program to the Transformers ride. Also, the new ride will benefit from enhancement in high definition 3D technology.

It's always better to wait for confirmation, but the fact is that using the Spider-Man technology on a Transformers ride is probably the best choice for Universal. Transformers' robots would be difficult to create as Audio-Animatronics, especially when they transform themselves, and a 3D projection would be definitely the easiest way to resolve the problem with a spectacular, and even frightening, result. Just think about one of these robotics arms popping out of the screen, or a rocket launched by one of them as we can see in the rendering above... Which doesn't mean that no Transformers robot can't be expected as AAs. They could do it more easily as long as the robot is not transforming itself and it seems that the ride will also feature two-story tall robots going at it all around you...



Another question is: will they add new effects that were not included, technically speaking, in the Spider-Man ride? Well, it now may be important to remember that the Transformers ride will be build at Universal Hollywood in the former Backdraft building....which, as everybody knows, was a real "pyrotechnic" attraction. Which means that all the gas installation that would be needed to create fire and flames effect are already there - and God knows that there was really a LOT of fire in the Backdraft attraction! So, can we expect pyrotechnic effects in the future Transformers ride? Although it's my own pure speculation, i think we can bet on this, even if it is just for the pleasure. Let's say that there will be a real logic for Universal to recycle their gas installation to add spectacular effects in this new ride.



Above: A marketing picture for the Backdraft attraction.

You may also ask if the Disney deal with Marvel is responsible of not building a Spider-Man ride at Universal Singapore. Frankly, I don't think there is a correlation with the Disney-Marvel deal, as the choice of doing a Transformers attraction was done before they signed it. But Marvel had also envisioned to build their own Marvel theme park in Dubai as it was announced in March 2007. I'm not sure the project is still going on but they were supposed to build attraction on a full library of Super Heroes - including Spider-Man, Iron Man, The X-Men, Incredible Hulk, The Fantastic Four and the Silver Surfer. And Dubai is not that far from Singapore, so maybe it was a problem for Universal to get the rights to build the Spider-Man ride in Singapore...which eventually may have lead them to design a brand new attraction using the same technology...

The Spider-Man ride exists only at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Japan, and if, just like me, you were wondering why it was not envisioned for Universal Singapore, now you have the answer. Instead of the Spider-Man ride, they will have the Transformers ride with the same technology, and, let's hope, the same pleasure for the guests.

One last word: Universal said some months ago that Michael Bay was involved in the making of this Tansformers ride, and, well, ooops, it seems that Bay had yet to approve the concept and this kind of false announcement really infuriated him as he said on his web site last year: “They had me in a press release saying I supported it – but Universal has a long way to go in my mind. I don’t support it – I’m not involved and not sure the story of the ride works, and I know Optimus is not going to just show up to be directed by some new people that have never worked with him. I hate when people bullsh*t a quote from me that I never said. I’ll keep you informed. Maybe the guy making the rides at Universal will direct Transformers 3?“

They've probably resolved the problem with Michael Bay by now, and that shouldn't stop this awaited ride to open in Singapore in 2011. Is Disney and more going to do a special report when it opens? You bet I will!


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Many thanks to Nate Walz for the editing of this article.

Pictures: copyright Universal Studios

Snowflakes Fall Early This Year at Hong Kong Disneyland !

Christmas at Hong Kong Disneyland will begin earlier this year as the Park transforms into A Sparkling Christmas – A Winter Wonderland. From November 20 to January 3, a Christmas celebration full of whimsical fun is ready to delight Guests and their loved ones in this special holiday season. As snowflakes drift softly onto Main Street U.S.A., families and friends will be dazzled by the new festivities Lights of Winter and it’s a small world christmas, as well as the enchanting Sparkling Castle Lights.

Sarah Fox, Director of Marketing, Product Strategy, of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (below) explained the details of ”A Sparkling Christmas – A Winter Wonderland”: “Disney Parks have a rich legacy of Christmas traditions with over 50 years of experience. We have been celebrating Christmas with Guests around the world since 1955. This year, with our trademark dedication to details and quality entertainment production, we have created A Sparkling Christmas – A Winter Wonderland. From a snowflake to the Sparkling Castle, we want to make sure our Guests can experience the authenticity of a Holiday Celebration.”




A Sparkling Christmas Brings Everyone Closer in All New Winter Wonderland

Lights of Winter

The all new Lights of Winter will ignite Guests’ senses with a mesmerizing combination of snowflakes, lights and music. In a magnificent procession set to yuletide music, giant snowflakes and Christmas lights will be illuminated along Main Street U.S.A. Alluring winter spirits performers will be sparkling all the way to Sleeping Beauty Castle, culminating in the splendor of Sparkling Castle Lights to set every heart aglow.



Celebrate Christmas with it’s a small world fun!

A whole new world of Christmas fun will await Guests at it’s a small world christmas! Guests can capture unique holiday memories at six giant winter scene pop-up cards; or enjoy the glittering courtyard decorations. Together everyone can sail into the new whimsical setting and say hi to Santa Claus in the North Pole. Be sure to check the 38 Disney Characters out as to see how they celebrate Christmas in their own way!



Christmas on Main Street U.S.A

From the glistening 60-foot tall Christmas tree in Town Square to the frozen garlands and icicles, the true spirit of Christmas lingers on snowy Main Street U.S.A. Whether it’s strolling down the picturesque street or listening to beautiful Christmas carols, every moment at Main Street Christmas is magical for Guests and their loved ones.

The spectacular “Let It Snow” Christmas Parade will spread the yuletide merriment as hundreds of dancers in grand costumes stage a glittering performance in the snow. The high-energy parade cheers the Guests to celebrate Christmas together on Main Street U.S.A.!

Look through the special Hologram Viewer to see all the lights transformed into magically glowing Christmas effects. From the Sparkling Castle Lights to the lights of Main Street U.S.A. and even the fireworks, you’ll see the romance of Christmas lights like you’ve never seen them before.



Completing the Christmas celebration…

Hong Kong Disneyland has prepared over 140 exclusive Christmas merchandise for Guests to take home the magic of Christmas. Wonderful festival of foods will be available at the Park and the two Disney-themed hotels. Guests can enjoy a happy Christmas meal, seasonal snacks, a festive turkey dinner or Christmas tea buffet with family and friends. They can also extend the yuletide cheer with a stay at one of the two award-winning Disney-themed hotels starting at HK$699 per Guest and enjoy a sparkling Christmas at the Park.



"Christmas has always been a very important time of the year for the people of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Disneyland is having the Holiday Celebration earlier and longer this year for a 45-day period,” said Frederick Chan, Director of Marketing, Hong Kong Business, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. “To further spread the merriment, the Park will leverage popular platforms among Young Adult Guests including Facebook, iphone, and YouTube, in addition to deploying the traditional channels such as newspapers, magazines, TV, and outdoor advertising”.


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All pictures: copyright Disney - Hong Kong Disneyland

DLP Update : A closer look to the Last Chance Cafe Terrace - Panoramic pictures

Here is a "take two" on the new Last Chance Cafe terrace. In a previous article, i've told you what i thought about it, but now that it's totally finished with tables and chairs under the terrace, and guests too, i wanted to have a second look at it.

What i really wanted to see was the "visual intrusion" of this new terrace. I mean, before it was built, we had this soft curve of western buildings going from the Lucky Nugget Saloon to Phantom Manor's entrance. We still have it of course but now there is the terrace in the middle of it and the best way to show how it look and if there is a visual intrusion or not was to do panoramic pictures. As i didn't had a digital camera able to shoot panoramic pictures ( i will have one soon ) the panoramic were done by putting the pictures together with Photoshop. So, it's not perfect but it will give you a good idea - and i've shoot virtually on every angle outside the terrace but also inside to show what view you have when you're sit and enjoying a cup of coffee or chocolate.

Let's begin by the pictures showing the terrace fron the outside. I will come back on the making itself but right now we can see the visual intrusion and how the gentle curve of the buildings is broken forever. However,to be perfetly fair, there is also some good points as we will see in the pictures shoot from the inside. But for now, have a look to the panoramic pictures below, and of course double-click on each to see them in big size.













Let's have a look now at panoramic pictures showing you what one can see from the terrace. As you will see the view is pretty good and, depending of where you sit, you'll have a great view of Big Thunder Mountain or the riverboats arriving or beginning their cruise on the rivers of the far-west or on Phantom Manor if you sit on the left side of the terrace.







The next pictures are in normal size and we'll have a closer look on the decoration and the cafe itself. But first, it's time to tell you what is precisely the storyline of the Last Chance Cafe. In Frontierland's mythology Fort Comstock was the first building built a long time ago, then, thanks to the gold rush the first prospectors arrived to search gold on Big Thunder and the first buildings of Thunder Mesa to be built were those you find on the right side when you enter the land and, on the left, the Lucky Nugget saloon and all buldings until the Silver Spur Steakhouse.

The Last Chance Cafe was a place where cow-boys and prospectors came to have a good meal before they leave, for the cowboys to the flatlands of the far west, and for the prospectors before they go to search gold on Big Thunder. That's why it was called the "Last Chance Cafe", because the place was the "last chance" to have a good meal before they go outside Thunder Mesa.

The reason why i'm telling you the true story of the Last Chance Cafe is not only because it's interesting to know about it but also because, obviously, any theming should be related with this original mythology. Let's have a look now to the other pictures. The first one shows the entrance. It's the original sign that was before on the cafe facade and now on the front of the terrace.

When you're under the terrace you notice different props which will look to the guests perfectly "western style" - saddles, winchesters, mine lamps etc... - but the theming could have been more elaborate. For instance, it would have been more interesting to have done something based more on the idea of "last chance": the pans of Miners that were never seen again, or gamblers, etc...









Tables and chairs - and guests! - are now in place under the terrace.



The main problem with the terrace building is what i've told you in my previous article: the architecture does not perfectly match with the time era of the buildings behind. May be it look like a purist point of view and probably the guests won't notice it but if we don't search for perfection at Disneyland, where will we? Also, the wood was ovbviously paint - and there is no really a problem with the colors - but i'm not sure that they've tried to do some "aging" as they did on the buildings behind when the park was built. Time will "age" naturally the terrace but it's going to take some time, of course.

On the very back is the cafe entrance, just where it was before, nothing has changed but it's there where things get worse. The Last Chance Cafe was already pretty dark before the terrace and to avoid the lack of light due to the new building they've let a space between the terrace and the cafe.



Alas, it's still not enough to bring light inside the cafe which, even with the lights inside it, is now almost as dark as a cave. They are probably aware of the problem and all we can hope is that they find a way to bring more light inside it because this darkness is not really appealing. It's so dark that i was obliged to shoot the picture below using the flash mode, so you can imagine how it look in real.



The two next pictures show the left and right wall of the cafe with its famous old historical pictures.





Honestly, now that all is in place it looks a bit better than on the first time i saw it. Although it's true that guests will have a great view while they'll enjoy their meal and drinks, the visual intrusion of the terrace is too strong to get my full approval. Now the Last Chance Cafe terrace is there for a loooong time, so i suppose that all we have to do is to try to see it on its positive angles.


I'll have soon another DLP update but in the meantime make sure to read my "best Christmas gift" article below about the DLP book!


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All pictures: copyright Alain Littaye and Disney and more.

Looking for a great Disney gift for Christmas ? Then, the Disneyland Paris book is the perfect gift for any Disney fan !

Christmas night will be in six weeks from now, and if you're looking for a great Christmas gift to offer to anyone you love - including you! - my "Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality" book with its 320 pages and 750 pictures - including 250 renderings from Walt Disney Imagineering - would be a GREAT gift for any Disney fan!

I still have copies of the book, and, as i am one of the two authors of the book, each copy will be sign specially for you or anyone you wish. Of course, don't forget to tell me the name to whom you wish i dedicate the book.

An important note before i go further: the shipping price indicated below is for airmail shipping which normally takes 2-3 weeks and guarantee you to receive the book on time for Christmas for any order before November 24. If you're not in a rush to get it specially for Christmas, you can choose the flat shipping (also indicated below) "flat shipping" which may take up to 6 weeks delivery.



And now, here is a description of the book and everything you need to know to order one of the last signed copy of this beautiful book. Please note that NO re-printing of the book is scheduled, and these last available copies may be the REAL last one!


IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THE ENGLISH EDITION OF THE BOOK WITH THE TEXT IN ENGLISH:

Price for one copy of the english updated edition is 87 Euros

About the shipping:

IF YOU NEED THE BOOK FOR CHRISTMAS: Air-mail shipping (3 weeks delivery) is 25 Euros.

IF YOU'RE NOT IN A HURRY AND DON'T NEED THE BOOK FOR CHRISTMAS: Flat shipping (5-6 weeks delivery) is 15 euros.

Considering that french post office always have a lot of work during Christmas time, if you really need the book to be on time for Christmas i strongly recommand you the airmail shipping AND to place your order before November 24th!

If you have a Paypal account you can proceed to the payment by paypal - paypal payment including your choice of shipping must be sent to the email adress: lawrence55@wanadoo.fr

Important: Note that the price is in Euros, not in U.S $, so you have to choose the "euro" currency when you do the paypal payment.

If you don't have a Paypal account, a bank wire transfert is possible, just let me know.

And, of course, thanks to confirm me your order and payment AND the shipping adress by email at the email adress: lawrence55@wanadoo.fr


PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR NOW I DON'T HAVE ANY MORE COPIES OF THE FRENCH EDITION, SORRY. IF YOU STILL WISH A FRENCH COPY? PLEASE LET ME KNOW? I'LL TRY TO FIND A COPY FOR YOU.

As i am the one who designed the book, i'm not really at the good place to send compliments about it, but if you are a reader who already own the book, please leave a comment at the end of the article to let other readers know what you think about it.
Previous comments can be read at the bottom of this page where the article below was previously posted.

So, here is a little description of the book, now - See below some pictures of the book pages - click on each of them to see the photo-montage pictures in big size.



The book is a gorgeous "coffee table book" with 320 pages and 750 pictures - of which 500 are park and attractions photos and 250 are Walt Disney Imagineering renderings!

The size is 9 x 12 inches, all pages are in color and it's hardbound with a glossy dust jacket. The text (by Disney historian Didier Ghez), was written after more than 75 interviews he conducted with all the Imagineers who created the park. He goes into just about everything you wanted to know about this unique place that many describe as the best "Magic Kingdom" ever created by WDI.

It took five years to create the book, but it was worth all the time we spent on it, and the book looks just as good as we had hoped for at the beginning - in fact Imagineer Bruce Gordon told us that it was "probably the best book ever done on a Disney theme park". Coming from Bruce who did with David Mumford the great "Disneyland, The Nickel Tour" book, it was more than a compliment.

The first chapter about Main Street has 52 pages and introduces the reader to the "legend" of Main Street, USA. You'll learn all about the Disneyland Paris Railroad, the unique "Discovery" and "Liberty" Arcades; find out about the architecture, the restaurants (like "Walt's," a tribute to Walt Disney, but also inspired by Club 33 in Anaheim) and the shops; with dozens of photos, renderings, models, and reproduced for the first time here, all the "cities of the future" posters located in "Discovery Arcade."



The second chapter on Frontierland discusses the park's western side with extensive sections about its major attractions, "Big Thunder Mountain" and "Phantom Manor." In fact the book has the longest sections ever put together in a book on all the major attractions. The Pirates of Caribbean section in the Adventureland chapter is 26 pages, Phantom Manor has 16 pages devoted to it, as does Space Mountain, it's a small world, etc. The photo material was so great that we kept adding more pages to the book, which was supposed to have only 240 pages when we started... we ended up with 320 upon completion!



The Frontierland chapter also covers the Mark Twain, the River Rogue Keelboats, Fort Comstock, all the restaurants, the shops and Cottonwood Creek Ranch.and featuring stunning photos of Disneyland Paris from the air by Yann Arthus Bertrand, author of The Earth from Above that make spectacular "double-pages," and allow the reader to discover the park from a whole different angle.



The Adventureland chapter is even more interesting, as many elements of the land exist only in Paris - such as the Bazaar and Aladdin to Africa and the ex-"Explorer's Club." Plus there's a long section about "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril," "Adventure Isle" and "The Swiss Robinson Treehouse" and, of course, "Pirates of Caribbean" the land's major attraction and featuring its amazing Audio-Animatronics! All in all there are 56 full pages about Adventureland, and as in the previous chapters, there are dozens of photos, lots of concept art, and many shots of Imagineers at work. There's even a great bonus here, with the Marc Davis artwork for "Pirates" also included.



56 full pages are also dedicated to Fantasyland. There's an extensive look at Sleeping Beauty Castle, sections on all the dark rides (Snow White, Peter Pan and Pinocchio), as well as a look at "Alice's Curious Labyrinth," the "Mad Hatter's Tea Cups," "Storybookland," and "Casey Jr." There are even 14 pages about "it's a small world" with stunning photos of nearly all the scenes in it. Here the reader can discover a new attraction that exists only at Disneyland Paris, with a great view from above of Alice's Labyrinth.

Discoveryland also gets 52 pages of special treatment, with sections on the Visionarium, the Nautilus, Star Tours, Space Mountain, and everything you wanted to know about the other attractions in this land – Autopia and Orbitron. In fact the Nautilus chapter takes you on a visit with photos of every room of this detailed walk-through and two double page photo spreads, one which makes you feel you're inside Captain Nemo's grand salon, and the other showing you a unique view of Discoveyland featuring the Nautilus and Space Mountain in a kind of "CinemaScope" view.



When the book was released in early 2002, the Walt Disney Studios didn't exist, so you won't see them in the book. But there's still one last chapter about the hotels of the park, and Disney Village too, with the great Buffalo Bill Wild West show that entertains hundreds each evening.

And because every day in a Magic Kingdom should end with a parade and fireworks, we have the Main Street Electrical Parade that close the book, with an Herb Ryman gorgeous painting!



Pictures: copyright Disney

Editor's Note: If you've not read yet my "Michael Jackson's Peter Pan's Neverland theme park that never was" article, don't miss it, as this Michael Jackson's secret project will really amaze you! You will find it below, right after the "Prep and Landing" article or HERE.

It's a Small World Ad video celebrate children of all nations

Disney Parks has released a really nice advertising video for the Christmas season of It's a Small World. Frankly, it's done with tenderness and it reproduces perfectly the childhood spirit of the attraction. This reminds me that "It's a Small World Celebration", a kind of Christmas version of IASW will begin at DLP November 21st!

Last wednesday you saw my article on the Neverland theme park project, but as you will see this Ad also have some Peter Pan spirit. Enjoy!




Picture and video: copyright Disney

New Pixar short animated " Dug's Special Mission "

"Dug's special mission" is the new Pixar short animated that you will find in the UP! DVD and Blu-Ray editions. The DVD was released last week in the U.S but in Europe or Asia, we'll have to wait at least three more months before its release.

The action of this new and funny short animated takes place in the movie, just before Carl and Russel meet Dug for the first time.

Internet being what it is, some people have already uploaded it on a kind of Youtube-from-another-planet and here is the link below. "Dug's special mission" is not my favorite Pixar short, but there is some fun parts in it, beginning of course by Dug himself. Have a look by yourself, you can watch it HERE.

Picture: copyright Disney-Pixar

Michael Jackson " This is It " documentary pays tribute to the Haunted Mansion !

I saw tonight in Paris the Michael Jackson doumentary "This is it". And it's great, really. You should go see it for two reasons: First, the editing is perfectly done and it's almost like a concert. You don't see Michael's death, they stop the movie before. Michael is in good physical condition - he was almost 50 so he don't have the same energy he had at 35, but you definitely don't have the feeling that he was at "the doors of death".

But there is also one very good reason for you, Disneyland super-fans, to go see it and it's this one: They've filmed for this concert-that-never-was a new video for the "Thriller" sequence which was supposed to be projected on stage, and guess what? a big part of it is totally inspired by the Haunted Mansion! No doubt that it is due to Michael's love of Disneyland.

For instance, do you remember the key-keeper Audio-Animatronic that we see in the attraction shaking at the doors of the cemetary? Of course you do. Well, he is in this video as one of the ghosts. Just like the other ghosts which are sit on the chandelier hanging from the ceiling of the Haunted Mansion ball room! And guess what? They had envisioned to have people holding ghosts walking in the walkways during the concert, and the ghosts look just like the one flying in the cemetery of the HM!

For all these reasons, beginning by the fact that it is a great documentary and almost a concert, go see it while it is in theatres, i promise you'll enjoy it!

Disney Parks launch interactive "storybook" Youtube videos

Disney Parks launched this week a series of interactive Youtube videos. They're all about Christmas season and there is 11 different nice little videos, all looking like a Christmas storybook.

What do you have to do? It can't be more simple: just watch the first short video below and at the end they will ask you to make a choice between three options. Click on the one you wish, and a new video will appear. At the end of this new one do another choice, etc...until you've seen them all. Simple but good idea although it was may be not that simple to create, technically speaking. Note that your first choice will send you to Youtube where you'll see the next videos. Don't forget to come back on Disney and more after you've seen them all!

Enjoy!



Picture and video: copyright Disney