Pink, purple monorails to be retired - new teal monorail coming

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Walt Disney World has taken the undamaged remains of monorails pink and purple and put them together to make a new train. Out of respect for Austin Wuennenberg, who was killed in the tragic monorail accident in July, both pink and purple will be retired as monorail colors. The new train will become monorail teal.

In addition to the newly formed train, Disney also told the Sentinel that they expect to add a 12th monorail to bring the total number of trains back to the same amount as before the July accident.

Sum of All Thrills opens today

Raytheon Company today unveiled the Sum of all Thrills™ at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort. This new ride is a unique experience that lets park guests custom-design their own thrill ride using mathematical tools, an innovative touch-screen table and a robotic simulator. As the first ride to be located within INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®, Sum of all Thrills™ is the latest example of Raytheon’s innovative approach to help educate and inspire young students about the power of math and math-related activities.

“Sum of all Thrills™ is an example of how Raytheon is using innovation to encourage students to develop and sustain an interest in math and science,” said William H. Swanson, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company. “By experiencing the “thrill” of math in this environment, students have the opportunity first hand to feel the excitement and possibilities of careers that are possible with math and science. We hope young people and adults alike will enjoy this innovative experience.”

Interactive and customizable, Sum of all Thrills™ lets guests of all ages create their own experience by first choosing a ride theme, including a roller coaster, bobsled or jet plane. Using multi-touch, object recognition tables with instructions available in six languages, guests use math and engineering based tools, such as rulers and speed dials, to design and customize their ride by adding corkscrews, inversions or steep hills. Guests learn and apply mathematical and engineering principles to determine how much energy is needed for a jet to take off or for a roller coaster or bobsled to make it up its first climb.

When the design of the ride is complete, it is saved on a personal card with a unique bar code. The card is then utilized to allow each guest to experience their custom ride from beginning to end on the robotic KUKA RoboSim 4-D simulator. Inside the simulator, guests experience their ride on immersive high definition video combined with stereo sound and controlled air motion for a complete sensory experience. The KUKA RoboSim 4-D simulator creates a four-dimensional experience through 3-D robotic motion and “wind” that controls air movement to stimulate the senses, providing a more realistic simulation experience.

“Disney parks are well known for their creativity and innovation. Raytheon’s Sum of all Thrills™ is a perfect addition to INNOVENTIONS, which was built in part to showcase cutting-edge technology,” said Dan Cockerell, Vice President of Epcot®. “This immersive experience, our first-ever INNOVENTIONS ride, will inspire young guests to embrace math and science and the important role these subjects play in our lives.”

In addition to the experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®, today, Raytheon unveiled a virtual Sum of all Thrills™ experience on-line at MathMovesU.com. The Sum of all Thrills™ world, aimed at middle school students, combines the three ride elements of the theme park experience into one multidimensional ride. Students answer math-related questions to unlock elements that enable them build their own ride on-line.

Sum of all Thrills™ is the latest initiative in Raytheon’s MathMovesU program which is committed to increasing students’ interest in math and engineering by engaging them with activities they enjoy most, such as sports, fashion and music. Sum of all Thrills™ joins Raytheon’s other MathMovesU programs including the “In the Numbers” game, partnership with the New England Patriots on display at The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, the company’s three year sponsorship of the National MATHCOUNTS competition and the MathMovesU scholarship and grant program, which provides over $1 million in funding to students and teachers each year.

More information on Sum of all Thrills™ can be found at www.raytheon.com.

Tip Tuesday: Customized maps

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

This will be the first installment in a series of Tip Tuesday posts dealing with building excitement for an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World (of course, some of us don't need any help getting excited - that's why we do blogs, podcasts and magazines!).

This week, I'd like to discuss a little freebie and keepsake that not too many people are aware of or take advantage of - customized maps.

Kids, especially those who have never been to Walt Disney World, may not an appreciation for just how much there is to do. In a similar manner, many first-timers may not have an appreciation for just how big WDW is and how much planning may be needed to make sure a WDW trip is as enjoyable as possible.

One way to help get kids excited about an upcoming trip is to order customized maps from the Disney Web site. Best of all, they're FREE!

Once you go to the online site, you can select which items on the map you would like highlighted as your "favorites." Even if you don't choose any favorites, all the different attractions will be included. Once you have selected your favorites, you'll need to select which layout you want. The classic layout (see image above) has the feel of an old pirate map, while the characters layout (see image below), is more whimsical, featuring different Disney characters.


Each set comes with five maps (one for each park and then an overall map). Each map is personalized with the family name (i.e., The Smith Family's guide to the Magic Kingdom).

For my first trip to WDW, I ordered a set of maps and then brought them with me to have different characters sign it. This made for a very unique keepsake. I'm still trying to find a frame to fit the map - it's a bit of an odd size.

The one small downside of this opportunity is that the maps come folded. I contacted Disney to see if it was possible to get a rolled copy (which is better for framing). Unfortunately, the maps can only be delivered in a folded form.

As you're planning your next trip to Walt Disney World, order the customizable maps - they're a great way to get geared up for a trip to the world's number one vacation destination!

TTA's new narration not so hot

A few weeks ago, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority reopened after a refurbishment in coordination with the ongoing refurbishment at Space Mountain.

Initially, the highly popular attraction reopened with the same narration many fans have come to love. In the last week or so, however, a new narration has surfaced.

While I haven't heard this in person, I have watched some videos of the new TTA narration and I have to say I'm not that thrilled.



The video above is one of the ones I watched to listen to the new TTA script.

This new script acts much more like a preview for Tomorrowland as opposed to a narration of scenes you encounter along the "super skyway." To me, the concept of "Tomorrowland" has been completely ditched. I might expect this from a vacation planning video about tomorrowland.

The new narration also includes quick soundbites from some Disney characters including Stitch, Mickey Mouse and Buzz Lightyear.

Especially strange is the segment inside Space Mountain. Even though you can't see anything because of the construction walls, there's no sound at all in Space Mountain. Nothing. Nada. It's pretty boring. The construction walls don't even have anything on them.

It may just be the video, but it appears this new narration is harder to hear as well. There were a couple of segments I couldn't make out.

I usually love many of the improvements Disney makes. I'll even admit I found parts of the very brief Stitch's Supersonic Celebration to be fun.

I'm not so sure about this new narration. I guess I'll have to see and hear it for myself the next time I'm there.

What are your thoughts? Have you experienced the new TTA?

Sum of All Thrills to open Oct. 14

The Sum of All Thrills, an interactive robotic roller coaster simulator will be opening at Innoventions in Epcot on Oct. 14.

Sponsored by Raytheon, The Sum of all Thrills is the latest initiative in the company's MathMovesU(R) program, which is committed to increasing U.S. students' interest in math and engineering by engaging them with activities they enjoy most, such as sports, fashion and music. The Sum of all Thrills joins Raytheon's other MathMovesU programs including the "In the Numbers" game and partnership with the New England Patriots; the company's three-year sponsorship of the National MATHCOUNTS competition; a robust volunteer program; and the MathMovesU scholarship and grant program.

In addition, KUKA Robotics, the company that created the robotic arm issued their own news release:

KUKA Robotics Corporation is pleased to announce the usage of the RoboSim 4-DSimulator ride system as part of a new exhibit at INNOVENTIONS in Epcot® at theWalt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The addition of theRoboSim 4-D Simulator is an expansion of KUKA`s current presence at INNOVENTIONSat Epcot®. KUKA currently sponsors Rockin` Robots - a 2,000 plus square foot interactive exhibit allowing guests to conduct a robotic band located in the INNOVENTIONS West building.

"The popularity and expansion of INNOVENTIONS coupled with KUKA`s unique and innovative robotic and educational solutions in this exciting entertainment and education project will enhance the KUKA brand presence while strengthening our continued growth in the North American market."stated Stu Shepherd, President of KUKA Robotics Corporation. "We are excited for the opportunity to demonstrate KUKA`s unique capabilities in a market that drives progress and interest in learning."

The KUKA RoboSim 4-D Simulator creates a 4-dimensional experience through 3-D robotic motion and "wind", by controlling air movements to stimulate the senses providing a more realistic simulation experience involving high speeds, quick direction changes and different climates for a unique sensation. The appeal of the 2-seat simulator is that it does not fully enclose the rider, but allows the rider`s legs and feet to be suspended.

The spherical carbon-fiber hood, which is integrated as part of the unique KUKA RoboCoaster® ride system, immerses the rider into a true sensory experience by using high definition video combined with stereo sound and controlled air motion. "The KUKA RoboCoaster® programmable robotic ride system utilizes 6 axes and 6 degrees of total directional freedom with synchronized "under the hood" entertainment provides a thrilling experience like no other." commented Stu Shepherd. The RoboSim 4-D Simulator is TÜV certified and includes safety devices such as smoke alarms and temperature monitoring. Video cameras and microphones allowRoboSim operators to monitor passengers at all times.

Prime venues for use of the RoboCoaster® and RoboSim versions include theme parks, science centers, shopping malls, family entertainment centers (FEC),amusement parks, leisure parks, and other motion-enhanced, virtual reality applications. KUKA Robotics offers a wide range of industrial robots and robot systems, which includes the RoboCoaster®. The RoboCoaster® operates with a service-proven PC-based control platform. This PC-based robot controller (KR C) benefits from all the advantages of PC technology, such as remote diagnosis, Microsoft Windows interface, field bus, Soft PLC, OPC Server and much more.

Tip Tuesday: One Man's Dream - don't skip it!

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

This week, let's head over to Disney's Hollywood Studios, where there are great exhibits and a film chronicalling the life of Walter Elias Disney. It's called "One Man's Dream," and it's definitely worth the time. No, there are no ride vehicles, but there are plenty of thrills, especially for Disney fans.

What makes "One Man's Dream" such an must see are all the different exhibits and actual artifacts from Walt's journey to create the studios and, eventually, Disneyland and Walt Disney World. As you stroll through each scene you get a sense of what made Walt different. He was a plain man who wasn't extravagant. The recreation of Walt's office is very simple, not at all what you think a studio executive's office would look like.

The recreation of the Florida film (see above) is almost like being there in person. Here, you begin to understand the story of how Walt Disney World came into being. If you've never seen parts of the Florida film, you'll be able to see a few scenes.

As you wait for the doors to the theater to open (you should stay for the film -- it's wonderful!), you can check out models of each of the different Disney parks from around the world. Also, there are several D23-related exhibits as well (for you D23 members out there).

"One Man's Dream" is another one of those attractions that is much, much more than just a place to get out of the rain or to cool off. It's an important monument to the man who created all that we Disney fans have come to appreciate so much.

Buy 4, get 3 free returns!

Today Disney officially announced the popular "Buy 4, Get 3 Free" offer has returned.

Here are the details: Buy 4-nights at a moderate, deluxe or villa resort and get 3 nights free (with minimum 5-day park ticket).

For value resorts, book a 5-night Magic Your Way Package with a minimum 6-day park ticket and get 2 nights free.

This offer is valid for travel most nights 11/1/09 - 12/24/09 and 1/3/10 - 3/27/10 (based on availability & some black out dates do apply).

The number of rooms is limited for this offer, so don't wait to long! Book by 12/20/2009.

Special thanks to my friends at MouseFanTravel for letting me know about this.

Tip Tuesday: When to eat

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

In previous posts, I've talked about the need to make Advanced Dining Reservations (or ADR's) as part of your planning when taking a trip to Walt Disney World.

One part of the ADR process I haven't discussed as much is what time you should make your ADRs for.

The time of your reservation can have a significant impact on not only what you eat, but how much it might cost.

To start off, let's review a bit of background knowledge when it comes to table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World.

• Breakfast generally is cheaper than lunch.
• Lunch generally is cheaper than dinner.
• For buffets, lunch usually starts around 11 a.m.
• Lunch and dinner usually have similar (if not the same) menus.

With these basic thoughts in mind, let's examine how the time of your ADR can affect your dining experience.

If you happen to be an early riser, an early (pre-park opening) ADR at an in-park restaurant offers you a wonderful opportunity to have a few moments to stroll into a park before the rest of the crowd. I've done this at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. It's a nice, relaxing stroll. No attractions are open, but it does make a great opportunity for unobstructed photos. If you happen to get a very early ADR (like 7:30 a.m. or so), you might be the first at the buffet, meaning the entrees will be fresh.

If you're a brunch kind of person, then you want to think about a 10:30 or 10:45 a.m. ADR at a buffet restaurant like Crystal Palace or Chef Mickeys. There are two benefits. First, you are paying the breakfast rate. Second, you stand a good chance of having "breakfast" choices for your first trip and "lunch" choices for your second (or third, or fourth...) trip.

If you're a late night person, but don't want to pay those dinner prices, then try to get an ADR at the very end of the lunch period. Restaurants vary a bit on the lunch to dinner switch, so it's a good idea to check some online menus, or check the restaurant page on the Disneyworld.com Web site. If you plan it right, you will get an early dinner at the cheaper lunch price, even though the lunch and dinner menus are similar or the same. This works very well when taking advantage of those late Extra Magic Hours or during special party nights (MNSSHP or MVMCP). Why waste "party" time eating? Get a late lunch and then enjoy a snack later that night.

A quick note -- Disney Dining Plan members are still charged a table-service credit, no matter whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, so there really isn't any cost savings by choosing breakfast over lunch or lunch over dinner. I still recommend thinking about your ADR times, though.

So before you start making those ADRs, give a little thought to when you want to eat. Depending on what time you choose, you may be giving yourself a little extra treat!

Disney announces new 2010 promotion -- Give a Day, Get a Disney Day

Disney has announced a new "free ticket" promotion for 2010 -- "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day." Starting January 1, 2010, Disney wants to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization in their communities and celebrate their good works by giving each of them one day admission to a theme park at Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort, free.

According to an FAQ posted on Disney.com, the company with working with the HandsOn Network to facilitate guests' volunteering efforts. As the nation’s largest volunteer network, HandsOn Network has 250 on-the-ground volunteer action centers across the country and connects volunteers to more than 70,000 nonprofit agencies that need their help. Many of the opportunities will be projects that entire families can participate in together.

Guests can starting signing up to volunteer their time on January 1.

Children (age 6 and older) also can take part in this program, provided they are accompanied by an adult when volunteering.

Disney says tickets for this promotion are limited. The promotion ends Dec. 15, 2010 or whenever tickets run out.

For those guests with annual passes or other ticket passes, Disney is offering three alternative options:

• Disney's Special FASTPASS® cards for certain attractions for you and up to 5 additional members of your party.


• A collectible Ear Hat figurine with exclusive trading pins (limited availability).


• Donate your free ticket to a non-profit organization designated by Disney Parks.

There are blackout dates for this promotion. At Walt Disney World, these dates include March 29 - April 8 and July 4, 2010. At Disneyland, these dates include February 13-14, March 21, June 21-22, July 4, November 21 and December 11-12, 2010.

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More video:

Disney Parks to start their own blog

This afternoon, Disney Parks are expected to launch their own blog at http://www.disneyparks.com/blog.

Theme park experts, including writers at The Orlando Sentinel, think Disney is trying to take advantage of all the fan-based blog and message board sites (including this one!).

I'll be keeping an eye on this blog and will be sure to relay important posts. It will be interesting to see how Disney decides to use this new method of communication.