Originally Posted By trekty I was a bit skeptical at first, but after watching the video, I think this is a great change! It makes the characters more believable
Originally Posted By jaycub This is why I will always love Disney. They always come out of the woodwork and surprise me with something special like this. Last night, my family (in preparation for our upcoming trip) were talking about the costumes that characters wear, and how they had changed since the ones that debuted in Disneyland on opening day in 1955. (Yikes!) I remember seeing a show at Videopolis with Mickey and the gang, and remember seeing Donald "talk" without moving his mouth. I really believed that they were real, and this was with the costumes in the 80's. Now I see this video and I get chills watching these characters appear to be real once again. Whether or not I could take my picture with them, that's still a magical experience that only Disney can provide! And as long as I get my picture with Jack Sparrow (sorry, Captain Jack Sparrow) I won't feel too bad about Mickey not blinking when the camera flash goes off.
Originally Posted By Kansasteen This reminds a lot of the tv show on the Disney Channel in the 80's, Welcome to Pooh Corner, I couldnt help but think that when I saw this.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros "...how they had changed since the ones that debuted in Disneyland on opening day in 1955." What's even scarier about those original costumes is where the came from. Since Disney didn't really have any reason to have character costumes before DL opened, they just didn't. Apparently the idea to have the characters walk around in the park came along fairly late in the process (or maybe they planned it this way all along), but the original costumes in Disneyland were hand me downs from the Ice Capades. Now, I've always thought that those original costumes would hav really freaked me out as a kid, but seeing one of those doing triple axles would really scare the you know what out of me.
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 Well, Disney did have occasional costumed characters before Disneyland, but I don't know who made them or what became of them. There were costumed Dwarfs and Snow White at the premier of that film. There were probably others, but I don't really recall.
Originally Posted By dixielandings "And as long as I get my picture with Jack Sparrow (sorry, Captain Jack Sparrow) I won't feel too bad about Mickey not blinking when the camera flash goes off." to funny I think im as excited as jaycub only 8 days till WDW Yheeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaa I hope i see you at the P and P party
Originally Posted By TDLFAN In regards to the animated talking rubberheads.. Just a couple of days ago, while visiting Universal Studios Japan, I saw their "New year's Wish' show feat. the Sesame Street characters and their talking heads.. While this has been done for years at Universal Japan, this was the first time I honestly noticed them based on the knowledge that Disney is now doing the same.. My question is... why did it take Disney so long to catch up, especially since this type of animated head was introduced at DAK with Timon's costume some 6 yrs ago???
Originally Posted By threeundertwo Great video clip, thanks for posting it! Why couldn't walk-around characters have a "voice" like PUSH? Couldn't someone stand nearby with a mic that creates the Mickey voice?
Originally Posted By TDLFAN G-Fan and I made a trip to the MK to check this out. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the new talking rubberheads. I like the way the blink their eyes and move the mouth. Certainly bring the rubberhead performances up in quality and believability. KUDOS for this improvement. I wonder how long it will be before they debut at TDR..as these animated heads would be a hit with those character loving office ladies there. One unrelated question... wasn't Pluto in the cast of this show??? He wasn't there yesterday and I am wondering if that's because of the new talking heads not being avail in Pluto versions yet.
Originally Posted By jaycub <<I think im as excited as jaycub only 8 days till WDW Yheeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaa I hope i see you at the P and P party>> I'd say that's safe to say. Now there's only 7 days to go! YAY!! I'm sure you'll see us at the party. I'll be wearing a T-shirt with the Skeleton steering a ship in the storm on it.
Originally Posted By HydraLing First, as a CM who performs the show, I can say for a fact that each show is performed live and nothing is preprogrammed. Second, tell your kids what we've ALWAYS told people: "Mickey and Minnie are saving their voices for the show."
Originally Posted By HydraLing <<I would think the ideal situation would be to have a wireless setup that triggered the actions based on the audio>> Wireless signals would set off the pyro for the show and be VERY unsafe.
Originally Posted By HydraLing <<My guess is that the movements are all pre-programed and sychronized to the audio track of the show. This would not be that hard to do. Sychronized audio wireless control has been implemented for years in the various Disney parades. This would be the least expensive approach and not burden the character actors.>> LEAST EXPENSIVE? Really. REALLY? C'mon.
Originally Posted By HydraLing TDL...since this discussion group is about the CHARACTERS, I'd say that's a silly question. Obviously the music is pre-RECORDED. And no, the fireworks are NOT programmed. They are activated live for each and every burst of the show. It wouldn't be safe to opperate any other way.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Actually, my question was sarcastic. But this one is not: are you ashamed about the cheap production values of the shows you guys perform at the MK? I mean... hardly any props, no fiber optic stages, no lifts, too much preachy and cheesy dialogue from the characters, costumes that lack sparkle and finesse, small cast..etc etc etc?? Seems to me all of the other parks at WDW and DLR, including the international resorts are doing a much much better job in regards to the "live" entertainment they offer their guests. Why is the MK so far behind in so many ways???
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>no lifts<< meaning multiple lifts from underneath the stage, and NOT the one used on this show to elevate Mickey to the 3rd floor of the castle.
Originally Posted By HydraLing Again, as a CM at WDW and as a CM performing this show, and on behalf of all of the performers, we appreciate your speculations. Please know that any and all current and past CMs are under contractual obligation NOT to reveal how the "magic" is created. The most we can do is inform you if you are incorrect. We cannot tell you if you have guessed correctly and cannot reveal hidden and proprietary information. Any current or former CM that does is opening themselves up for termination or legal action from the company. Why not simply enjoy the new magic and appreciate the incredible performances of these hardworking and dedicated performers? There is, truly, only ONE Mickey...and he loves creating magic for each and every guest, no matter which park you visit or in what context you see him.
Originally Posted By HydraLing TDL...as your name implies, you seem to be a fan of the Japanese parks. First, please note that they are NOT actually run by Disney. They are licensed and thus don't have to spread a budget among SIX U.S. parks. Second, since you seem to NOT like any other park, why bother particating in here? I'm not embarassed in ANY way to be a part of this incredibly talented and dedicated cast. The cast has no say or choice in the shows they perform. And why do you feel that the more props the better? The show, as is, is concise and to the point. It's honest and loving and true to all that Disney stands for. Yes, it's a combined and condensed version of former TDL shows, but so what? It's STILL the best thing that stage has seen in nearly a DECADE. If all you can do is rip it apart, then please, by all means, find another forum that suits you better.
