February 2008

February Recap Part Two: Newly Updated Spaceship Earth - Production Update: Pirate & Princess Party 2.

Welcome back for the conclusion of my February Walt Disney World trip recap.

Feb 2008 Recap - Part 2:

I was finally able to experience Epcot's newly updated Spaceship Earth attraction. I arrived in Florida on the very last evening of soft openings just before the ride was to close for final preparations for the official opening on February 15th. I rode a few times and recorded the attraction before coming back on February 15th to see the final completed version.

The exterior looks great and I was glad to see the original entrance mural remained untouched. As the ride starts you are asked to look at a screen and smile for a photo image capture. I was very impressed with how good everything looks and the fantastic fluid movements the audio animatronic figures now have.

The attraction scenes are similar to other versions until you reach the new computer section near the top. I did notice the hair color on the computer guy below changed from gray on the preview to dark black in the finished version. I also remember the female computer tech below from the radio booth in the older versions of the ride.

After the computer scenes you pass the mystery young computer pioneer (Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak ?) and start the descent. This is where things get very different from all past versions of the attraction.

You are asked a series of questions and according to your answers you are shown a short animated ending with your own image attached to the animated body. This is actually quite funny and caused laughter to be heard from other cars on the descent.

My overall impression was mixed. I still love the attraction but find the mood to be lighter than the three previous incarnations I had grown up with. Although Judy Dench does a fine job narrating I would have preferred a different choice, perhaps Patrick Stewart as originally rumored. I also feel the score could be plussed to a grander more memorable selection on a future update. The ending was funny for me and it does remind me of the old Horizons where your choices select the finale you will get. I think time will tell for me on this one and It will be interesting to see how I feel in a year.

New Release Update:

The next all new title from JeffLangeDVD, Pirate & Princess Party 2 will be released within the next few days. The DVD will include the 'Dream Along With Mickey Show', 'Disney's Enchanted Adventurers Parade ' (including all the float additions made after the original P&P last February), 'Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial' and the hi-light of the event, the 'Magic, Music & Mayhem Fireworks Spectacular!' Please check back soon for more information.

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

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Click here to browse all Epcot Center titles.

February WDW Recap, Disney's Hollywood Studios, What's New Around The Resort, Daytona 500

Hi everyone. I have returned from another very productive trip to Florida. There was so much going on that I will break this into multiple installments.

Feb 2008 Recap - Part 1:

I was able to make my first visit to the newly renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios. There was still work going on with changing out the MGM signage but the park itself looked great!

Below is the latest construction going on for the new Pixar Place and Toy Story Mania attraction. I have been hearing that the opening of Pixar Place could be by the end of March with soft openings of Toy Story Mania possibly in the middle of April to the beginning of May. I am definitely looking forward to checking it out!

I also stopped by the Contemporary Resort to see the new concourse layout. It actually looks very nice in person. Between the Mickey ears is the new Grand Canyon Concourse Gift Shop selling the usual merchandise available all over property.

The construction shots below are the new DVC Tower going up where the old North Garden Wing once occupied. It really is a massive structure and reminds me of a giant coliseum as it looks now. This is going to be huge. You can get a great view of the horseshoe design from out on Bay Lake.

Next are some images from Disney's Pirate & Princess Party (soon to be renamed Mickey's Pirate & Princess Party starting in April) . I attended the Party Feb 14th and captured all the special entertainment including the Enchanted Adventurers Parade, Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial, The always awesome Magic, Music & Mayhem Fireworks and more! I am working on a new updated 2008 Pirate & Princess Party DVD now.

I have also included a few shots from the 50th running of the Daytona 500. The shot below right is of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as seen in the pre race festivities. They are truely awesome and I recommend seeing them if given the opportunity

Below is the field heading to the checkered flag on the final lap! Car #12, Ryan Newman was the big winner!

Please check back soon for part two with photos and my review of the newly updated Spaceship Earth.

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

Click here to browse the JeffLangeDVD store.

Travel Update: Spaceship Earth Re-Opening, Pirate & Princess Party 08, Universal Orlando, Sea World's Aquatica, Daytona 500 and more!

Hi everyone. This week I will be traveling back to Florida with a jam packed schedule to accomplish.

I plan to finally experience the new updated Spaceship Earth tonight before it closes for a week for final installations. I am very excited to finally see the first half of the attraction as I have heard only great things! I am reserving comment on the ending until I experience it myself and it is fully complete. I will also be in attendance for the official Spaceship Earth re-opening on Friday (2/15/08)! I intend to record this multiple times for a future release. I am also attending the Pirate & Princess Party and hoping to capture any new updates and additions for P&P 2008 release.

Other plans include: Joining my old friend Jim Hill for a walking tour of Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure & the Mardi Gras Party plus possibly a walk thru of Sea World's new water park Aquatica. Recording more Magic Kingdom footage for my upcoming Walt Disney World Class of 1971 release, Meeting with other site owners to discuss future projects and attending the 50th running of the Daytona 500!

While I am traveling you will still receive the same level of quality service and guaranteed 24 hr shipping you have come to expect from JeffLangeDVD. Please remember, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

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Magical Comments Re: Epcot's Horizons 2-DVD Set!

Hello everyone. Yesterday I received the following email that really made my day. I call these ' Magical Comments' and with Mr. Marashian's blessings I am sharing it today!

Mr Lange,

I just wanted to commend you on this fantastic 2 DVD set remembering the classic attraction Horizons at EPCOT Center. My wife purchased this DVD for me for Christmas, but had misplaced it. She finally found it, and I was able to watch both discs in their entirety this evening. There are really no words to express how wonderful your footage, audio, and attention to detail are.

This is the one Disney attraction that I will always miss the most. Your DVD has archived, in outstanding quality, just about every version of the attraction there was. I was even more shocked that you had captured the rare GE "Sparkling" ending music in there as well! Simply put, this is a MUST HAVE for any Horizons fan.

I thank you for your time reading this e-mail; you are certainly due all the praise and commendation you receive. I have a few more DVD's that I plan on ordering in the near future, and I am certain I can expect top notch quality on those as well.

Best regards,

Mehran J. Marashian Jr.

I would like to again thank Mr. Marashian for his nice comments. I also share his passion for Horizons (It was and is my all time favorite attraction). I'm glad I am able to preserve these memories for those of us who grew up with these great rides and also for people who never had the chance to experience these classic attractions.

For more 'Magical Comments' please click HERE and as always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

Click here to browse the JeffLangeDVD store.

Click here to browse all Epcot Center titles.

New Release - Jeff Lange Remembers Walt Disney World's 20th Anniversary DVD

Jeff Lange Remembers Walt Disney World's 20th Anniversary DVD

6 February 2008

Jeff Lange Remembers Walt Disney World's 20th Anniversary DVD Released Today.

To purchase this new JeffLangeDVD title, click This LINK.

Windsor, Conn. (February 6th, 2008) -Today, JeffLangeDVD have released their latest title, Jeff Lange Remembers Walt Disney World's 20th Anniversary DVD.

Jeff Lange takes you on a nostalgic trip back to 1991 for Walt Disney World’s 20th Anniversary Surprise Celebration.

Featured are highlights from all around the Magic Kingdom, the Surprise Celebration Parade, Roger Rabbit’s show stoppers, the original Spectro-Magic, a special 20th Anniversary photo slide show and a surprise bonus: Sorcery in the Sky fireworks!

20th Anniversary Magic Kingdom Tour

Your 20th Anniversary Surprise Party begins outside the Magic Kingdon as you pass the twenty birthday candles on the Main Street Train Station. You travel down Main Street USA past the Magic Shop to take in Cinderella’s Castle and the 20th Anniversary decorations. Your trip continues with scenes from Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Frontierland.

Surprise Celebration Parade

Next is the 'Surprise Celebration Parade' featuring larger than life Disney Characters including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Roger Rabbit appearing as gigantic cold air balloons that tower nearly 40 feet above Main Street USA. The parade was shot from multiple camera angles so you don’t miss any of the action.

Roger Rabbit’s Surprise Show Stoppers

The suprises continue throughout the day as Roger Rabbit pops in on the action to announce Sur-p-p-prise! show stoppers filled with music and fun involving guests.

Spectro-Magic (Original Opening Edition)

As nighttime falls you experience Spectro-Magic, a moving gallery of light, music and color. This is the original opening version featuring Roger Rabbit conducting the Disney band. Spectro-Magic portrays the magical worlds of music, wonder, fantasy and dreams.

Walt Disney World 20th Anniversary Slide Show

Your magical day concludes with a special photo slide show packed with over one hundred vintage images featuring the fun and surprises from your day at the Magic Kingdom.

Surprise Bonus Feature: Sorcery in the Sky fireworks

This original version of the Disney MGM Studios nighttime spectacular celebrates nearly seventy years of Hollywood magic. Mickey Mouse, as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia, makes a dramatic appearance atop the Chinese Theatre at the finale of this all time favorite.

Pick up a copy of 'Jeff Lange Remembers Walt Disney World’s 20th Anniversary' today and relive all the magic or experience it for the first time.

Running Time: 67 min

For more details on purchasing this title, click HERE.

For more information on this or other titles please contact jeff@jefflangedvd.com or visit JeffLangeDVD.

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Photo Memories Featuring Epcot's World Showcase: Maelstrom and Skylaidescope plus a New Release Update.

Hi everyone and welcome back for another update featuring more photos from Epcot's World Showcase .

Photo Memories: World Showcase Part 2 - The first set of photos below are from Norway pavilion's Maelstrom boat ride featuring a trip back to a mythological version of Norway’s Viking days.

This is one of the few 'dark ride' type attractions at Epcot and I have always enjoyed it although it is often overlooked today.

Below are some rare photos (circa 1986) of the original Epcot Center lagoon spectacular Skylaidescope!

In this large scale daytime lagoon extravaganza you experienced a battle between good and evil fought with bi-planes, dragon boats, kites, colorful smoke and daytime fireworks. During the show the classic Epcot Center anthem "we've just begun to dream" plays as the bi-planes buzz and circle the dragon boats diving to almost hit them before pulling up into the sky!

At the end of the show hundreds of colorful balloons were released (a common practice in those days not longer done out of environmental concerns). This was truely a fun spectacle and I miss the days of the daytime lagoon shows. It has been over 15 years sinse the last attempt with Surprise in the Skies and I don't see Disney bringing this type of show back anytime soon... but you never know.

For many years after Skylaidescope ended one of the dragon boats (below) was parked in the lagoon behind the Rock and Roll Beach Club ( closing forever February 3rd) at Pleasure Island. I have not seen it for years and I assume it has been retired or perhaps used as a prop somewhere. If anyone knows the fate of this boat please let me know.

New Release Update: The next title from JeffLangeDVD will be released this Wednesday February 6th. Please check back soon for more information.

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

Click here to browse the JeffLangeDVD store.

Click here to browse all Epcot Center titles.