The Fabulous Disney Babe
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My galpal from Japan, sojourning in Europe at present, has some information: Inquiring minds have spotted balloons rising from various locations on the Paris Studio site at a height approximating that of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. The ride is yet to be green-lighted although hopefully imminent.
There's also been a giant hatbox (about 5 stories tall) spotted on the site that allegedly houses a giant, and to Southern Californians, familiar sorcerer's hat, which is about to be unveiled and "Lights, Camera, Hollywood" is the name of the main sound stage which will house many shrines to 40's, 50's and 60's kitch. It's like their own little baby boomer Main Street, U.S.A.!.
There are, now that I've gotten a good look at the site map, huge differences between the Paris Studio of the Euro Disney days and now. Robespierre tells me that several extra shells of the car/booths for the Sci-Fi Dine In Restaurant were built and shipped to Paris in anticipation of DMSE, but were later sold when things went sour in '93. So, if you're ever in some out-of-the-way Bistro and see familiar-looking mock retro car seating, you'll know from whence they came.
What's going on at our own WDI? Well, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Park's Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spins are keeping me busy. Can you believe they are actually talking about canceling out the Disney Studio Paris version, replacing it with the Aladdin's Flying Carpets spinner? I kid you not.
Behind the velvet rope: (If you're not in WDI, you probably won't understand this:) With the juggling of bandleaders over at DLDS, the former soloist is being given vague bits of melodies, which he refuses to accept, but no sheet music whatsoever, so then it kind of gets set aside and things just go on without resolution. Instead of a cheery melody, there is aimless cacophony there, with no sign of good direction ahead.
WDI's CFO has initiated an ID check at each entrance. So, every time Imagineers enter, they have to show our ID, even if they have been there for decades and know the Security Guard. So if you're considering plastic surgery to look like John Hench just to get in and look at those blueprints, you're out of luck.
Security Guards are busy enough there without having to check longtime associates' IDs: they're taking to the halls in groups of two, escorting out each and every new layoff victim. WDI management has been kind enough to exclude Imagineers from the corporate layoff incentive initiative. They apparently feel that since they will be laying people off anyway, why waste money on incentives. And that will help pay for Michael's huge annual bonuses, won't it? I wonder if he still goes around saying "I always wanted to be an Imagineer." I bet not.
I'm going to start doing a DCA tour this month. Keep your eyes glued to LaughingPlace.com for details. Kisses, Fab
Discuss It
-- Michelle Smith
Michelle Smith can be reached using the Talkback form below or by emailing her at [email protected].
The Fabulous Disney Babe's column is posted every Friday and when ever else she has something to say. For more on Michelle's background, see her first column. She also offers The Fabulous Tour: Disneyland Secrets and Stories. Click here for more information.
The opinions expressed by our Michelle Smith, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted April 13, 2001