Around the World
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Animal Kingdom
Some attractions you love because they give you a
thrill every time (ie: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster), some because of the beauty and
wonder (Soarin') and some because they really put together the whole package
(Tower of Terror). And while all of those rely heavily on technology,
attractions that seem to exist just to show off that technology (eg: Sounds
Dangerous or the most recent Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland) often fall flat. Lucky
the Dinosaur is the exception to that rule.
Lucky is the first free roaming Audio-Animatronic figure. Now, before I continue, I will admit I've only seen Lucky once at Animal Kingdom - his debut back in April. Since then I know the show has been changed, so I won't comment too much on that aspect. What I will talk about is Lucky himself - he's amazing! I first saw Lucky at his DCA test run in 2003 and at the LA County Natural History Museum. His movements are amazing. His guest interaction is amazing - taking a hat off a head and signing his autograph. Just the fact that he's able to walk out from backstage and around the land is amazing. You wonder how it's all done. It's a technological marvel that I thoroughly enjoy watching. But unlike other great attractions, I never forget I'm looking at technology. He doesn't quite transcend that technology and actually become a character - not to me anyway. But Lucky is the rare case where the amazing technology is enough.
More Info: LP Lotion - Lucky the Dinosaur
The Magic Kingdom
Last, and unfortunately least, is Cinderellabration. Imported from Tokyo
Disneyland Cinderellabration shows us what happens "after happily ever after"
(at least that's how the Monorail spiel puts it). It's a stage show in front of
the Castle featuring many of the princesses and their corresponding princes.
I've never seen the Tokyo version, not even a video, but I have to believe it
was done better than it is here. The best word I can use to describe it is
"flat" - perhaps the flattest Disney show I've ever seen. Now that doesn't mean
it's the worst show, I've seen much worse. But I can't think of another Disney
show that seems to have so little energy and flow and so few moments that stick
with you. It lacked emotion, it lacked memorable music and it lacked fun. For me
anyway, Cinderellabration is just plain miss-able.
More Info: LP Lotion - Cinderellabration
And that's what I think of the Happiest Celebration on Earth. All-in-all, a real fun time. Now it's back to the Studios for me!
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-- Doobie Moseley
-- Posted June 7, 2005