I went to T-Rex today. I hate to review an establishment on their first day, but I have nothing else to write about, so here we go. First of all, the staff was very friendly and the food was a lot better than I was expecting with my low expectations. But everything wasn’t perfect. First of all, the server wanted to point out every detail in the restaurant. That gave me nothing to discover on my own, except the bathrooms which were surprisingly very nice.
I also thought it was odd that the T-Rex figure was the least impressive AA in the joint. The figures of the Wooly Mammoth and the Pterodactyl were more impressive even though you would think the T-Rex would be the focus since the place was named after him. The meteor shower that happens every 22 minutes was much more impressive than Rainforest Cafe’s storm. Although it wasn’t impressive enough that I wanted to see it twice from the time I finished eating until I was done paying my bill.
Though the chicken dish and soup I ordered were quite good. But does anyone plan on going to this place for the food? But the good taste the food left in my mouth was washed away when my server said, “visit again, and don’t forget to visit our retail shop”. While I do find the Build-A-Dino concept enticing, I don’t want to be hit up to spend more after spend $40 for some soup, chicken, and a Coke.
One thing I do have to say there were plenty of folks working there on the first day trying to smooth out all the bumps in the road that must be present on any establishment’s first day. (We all remember Black Sunday). I do wish them the best of luck in launching the new era of Downtown Disney and I look forward to giving it a second chance.
Quick Takes:
Studio Entertainment: When Bolt is released in Disney Digital 3D, you will be able to go green. While you can still keep your glasses as a collectable, you will now be able to recycle your 3D glasses at the theater. Since after Chicken Little was released with cool green glasses, all of the films have come with basic black. With many 3D films on the horizon, how many pairs do you really need? Although soon I won’t need glasses at all. I am going to have an experimental laser surgery that will allow me to see in 3D.
Media Networks: Last post I discussed how Radio Disney might evolve under the leadership of the Disney Channel. Yesterday, Radio Disney announced that Phil Guerini is joining Radio Disney as their Vice President of Marketing. Phil comes to Radio Disney from Walt Disney Records where he was Executive Director, Broadcast and Strategic Marketing. I know it must be a great leap for the guy that was in charge of marketing Disney music through broadcast to go to marketing Disney broadcasting, but I think he is up to the challenge. This appointment just shows us again how Disney Channel, Radio Disney, and Disney Records maintain a perfect balance of cross-promotion and marketing that is the envy of the entertainment industry.
Consumer Products: Is it just me, or has this segment of Disney been very quiet lately? I wonder if Andy Mooney is planning his next big move, or have they been busy spending their available capital on the Disney Store reacquisition. Should be an interesting three months for this segment.
Disney Interactive Media: DisneyFamily.com is offering tips on how to avoid economic blues. In a new survey from DisneyFamily.com, 67% of families revealed that their biggest economic concern was making ends meet or paying off debt. Hopefully, the other 33% are concerned about how to pay for their next Disney vacation. (At least they get in free on their birthday).
What to Watch: The final Presidential debate is tomorrow at 9ET. ABC has had more viewers for the debate than any other broadcast network. This is great news for ABC News, which has to find a way to survive without a cable network to help share costs. So tune in and see a future Audio-Animatronic discuss the issues.
Video of the Day: Check out the latest commercial for the “What Will You Celebrate” campaign. This one takes place in a school. If there is one thing I have never celebrated, it is school.
News from Around the Web:
ABC News: ABC News Now’s Daily Download is about a dog named Zorro that survived after falling overboard. To honor the dog’s second chance at life, he is being renamed Zocalo.
NY Times: The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox to bring them only one win away from heading to the World Series. The only downside, not including the Angels not going to the World Series, is that it looks like the Rays will not be returning to play at the Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World. Well at least the Rays will get to keep their 6-0 perfect record at the complex intact. GO RAYS!!!
USA Today: Disney’s step-brother Apple unveiled their new laptops with faster speeds and lower prices. And everyone gets a free MacBook on their birthday. Or not.
LA Times: Backers are pushing a bullet-train ballot measure as a dramatic change in California transportation. Proposition 1A would authorize $10 billion in bonds as a down payment on a 800-mile network that would connect Anaheim to the rest of the state. While the measure could have major financial implications to the state, it couldn’t hurt Disneyland as it gives potential visitors up and down the state an affordable way to get to California’s most important destination.
Orlando Sentinel: Many of the former residents of Pleasure Island have found new homes, and Carol Stein of the Comedy Warehouse is no exception. The former accompanist is now the “Hat Lady” at Epcot’s Rose and Crown Pub. Now we can only hope that P.I’s former real estate ends up being as productive in its second act.
Variety: Eisner talked about new media at Mipcom. The head of Vuguru is quoted as saying that ““The way you dig yourself out of problems in the entertainment business is with hits.” Oh well, I guess that is not good news for Vuguru, but it is great news for Disney. Because when it comes to making hits, I trust Iger a lot more than I trust Eisner.