Robin
07-26-2005, 11:57 PM
Blast off!
Disneyland launches a renovated Space Mountain ride, while Crush the Turtle is talking at Disney's California Adventure
By STEVEN SABEL
Our Town Editor
July 21, 2005
A sleeker, smoother and faster Space Mountain is now launching rocket cars into a newly configured universe designed by Disney Imagineers, while over at Disney's California Adventure, Crush the Turtle from "Finding Nemo" visits with audiences through Turtle Talk.
After two years of reconstruction, the popular Space Mountain reopened Friday, July 15, at Disneyland to an enthusiastic crowd.
"It was a lot smoother," said Jeff Woodbury of Northern California.
Down for a summer vacation, Woodbury was one of the first members of the public to experience the new ride. He had not been on Space Mountain since 1991.
"It felt more like being in space," he said.
Jeff Maghoney of Dickson, Calif., rode the ride just before it closed for remodeling in 2003.
"It's much more visual (now)," said Maghoney. "The finish was huge."
Both agreed that the ride is faster now than they remember it and both said that it felt longer than before.
"Toward the end it really picks up speed," said Maghoney.
Jerry Maghoney, 16, rode the ride for his first time.
"It's the best ride here," he said.
The official relaunch of Space Mountain included a ceremony for VIPs and members of the media. Legendary U.S. astronaut Neil Armstrong, first man to step on the moon, was on hand to dedicate the new ride and left behind his footprints on a plaque to commemorate the event.
After the morning ceremony, park guests lined up outside the entrance to Space Mountain to enjoy the ride. A loud cheer filled Tomorrowland when employees removed the velvet ropes and a surge of people pushed forward behind the leading "cast members."
Disney employee Keoni Jackson met the crowd at the "terminal gates" and guests took photographs of the walk up the ramps as the intensity among them grew with every step.
"Are you guys ready to ride Space Mountain?" Jackson shouted to the excited crowd.
The energy inside the newly remodeled approach ramps could have launched a rocket itself. New video monitors displayed costumed performers explaining the ride and its cautions. New video technology features scenes of the moon and other planets, while the new design provides a better futuristic environment.
Shouts and screams were uttered every few minutes as the surge drew closer to the ride platform. Anticipation fueled and filled the room, and guests scurried down the ramps to approach the awaiting cars, anxious to get on board.
The actual ride offers much of the same visual attraction as it did before. Total blackness is interrupted only by sparkling stars and a new supernova that has replaced the floating asteroid fans will remember used to look like a giant chocolate chip cookie.
The ride is smoother and faster than before, with more dips and sharper turns. It appears to climb higher than it originally did, which probably accounts for the greater speed and longer feel the ride now has. The final approach feels like the fastest moment in the ride and the big explosive finish at the end is larger than before.
Across the plaza at California Adventure, a new attraction features Crush the Turtle from "Finding Nemo." A giant video aquarium features the digitally created turtle in an interactive demonstration that allows children to talk directly with the cartoon character.
"Totally awesome, dudes," said the character voice to the room when he was welcomed by the preview crowd of children, parents and reporters.
Assisting with the unveiling of the new attraction was U.S. Olympic gold medal swimmer Amanda Beard. Interacting with the computer-generated turtle, Beard helped to illustrate the technological aspects of the attraction, with Crush speaking directly to her and answering her questions.
Another new Nemo feature will replace the old Submarine Voyage attraction at the Disneyland park. The Disney submarine fleet will "resurface" using similar technology to create a "Finding Nemo" adventure for guests in 2007.
"The future is every bit as magical as the past," said Disney representatives.
Disneyland celebrated its 50th anniversary Sunday, July 17, with a rededication ceremony featuring Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The celebration will continue all year long with special attractions, entertainment and guest promotions.
http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com
Disneyland launches a renovated Space Mountain ride, while Crush the Turtle is talking at Disney's California Adventure
By STEVEN SABEL
Our Town Editor
July 21, 2005
A sleeker, smoother and faster Space Mountain is now launching rocket cars into a newly configured universe designed by Disney Imagineers, while over at Disney's California Adventure, Crush the Turtle from "Finding Nemo" visits with audiences through Turtle Talk.
After two years of reconstruction, the popular Space Mountain reopened Friday, July 15, at Disneyland to an enthusiastic crowd.
"It was a lot smoother," said Jeff Woodbury of Northern California.
Down for a summer vacation, Woodbury was one of the first members of the public to experience the new ride. He had not been on Space Mountain since 1991.
"It felt more like being in space," he said.
Jeff Maghoney of Dickson, Calif., rode the ride just before it closed for remodeling in 2003.
"It's much more visual (now)," said Maghoney. "The finish was huge."
Both agreed that the ride is faster now than they remember it and both said that it felt longer than before.
"Toward the end it really picks up speed," said Maghoney.
Jerry Maghoney, 16, rode the ride for his first time.
"It's the best ride here," he said.
The official relaunch of Space Mountain included a ceremony for VIPs and members of the media. Legendary U.S. astronaut Neil Armstrong, first man to step on the moon, was on hand to dedicate the new ride and left behind his footprints on a plaque to commemorate the event.
After the morning ceremony, park guests lined up outside the entrance to Space Mountain to enjoy the ride. A loud cheer filled Tomorrowland when employees removed the velvet ropes and a surge of people pushed forward behind the leading "cast members."
Disney employee Keoni Jackson met the crowd at the "terminal gates" and guests took photographs of the walk up the ramps as the intensity among them grew with every step.
"Are you guys ready to ride Space Mountain?" Jackson shouted to the excited crowd.
The energy inside the newly remodeled approach ramps could have launched a rocket itself. New video monitors displayed costumed performers explaining the ride and its cautions. New video technology features scenes of the moon and other planets, while the new design provides a better futuristic environment.
Shouts and screams were uttered every few minutes as the surge drew closer to the ride platform. Anticipation fueled and filled the room, and guests scurried down the ramps to approach the awaiting cars, anxious to get on board.
The actual ride offers much of the same visual attraction as it did before. Total blackness is interrupted only by sparkling stars and a new supernova that has replaced the floating asteroid fans will remember used to look like a giant chocolate chip cookie.
The ride is smoother and faster than before, with more dips and sharper turns. It appears to climb higher than it originally did, which probably accounts for the greater speed and longer feel the ride now has. The final approach feels like the fastest moment in the ride and the big explosive finish at the end is larger than before.
Across the plaza at California Adventure, a new attraction features Crush the Turtle from "Finding Nemo." A giant video aquarium features the digitally created turtle in an interactive demonstration that allows children to talk directly with the cartoon character.
"Totally awesome, dudes," said the character voice to the room when he was welcomed by the preview crowd of children, parents and reporters.
Assisting with the unveiling of the new attraction was U.S. Olympic gold medal swimmer Amanda Beard. Interacting with the computer-generated turtle, Beard helped to illustrate the technological aspects of the attraction, with Crush speaking directly to her and answering her questions.
Another new Nemo feature will replace the old Submarine Voyage attraction at the Disneyland park. The Disney submarine fleet will "resurface" using similar technology to create a "Finding Nemo" adventure for guests in 2007.
"The future is every bit as magical as the past," said Disney representatives.
Disneyland celebrated its 50th anniversary Sunday, July 17, with a rededication ceremony featuring Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The celebration will continue all year long with special attractions, entertainment and guest promotions.
http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com