Disney Dish Podcast: Tower of Terror History & Park News

Epcot and Walt Disney World News

• 🗓️ The Epcot Food and Wine Festival dates were announced for July 15th to November 20th, 2021, with no surprises.
• ⏰ Park hours are being extended for the second half of April, with Magic Kingdom opening at 8 a.m. and Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom operating for approximately 12 hours.
• 📏 While social distancing markers remain at 6 feet, there's a relaxation of rules, allowing guests to drink water while stationary in line.

Harmonious Barges and Epcot's Aesthetics

• 🚢 The new "Harmonious" barges on World Showcase Lagoon are described as hideous and monstrous, significantly blocking views of the pavilions.
• 💧 Attempts to hide the barges with water fountains are deemed impractical due to the immense water and power required, and the potential for wind to disperse the water mist.
• 🎨 Imagineering's decision-making process for the barges is questioned, with a focus on operability over aesthetics, contrasting with previous projects like Rivers of Light.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror History

• 🎬 The episode details the development of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, including initial concepts and the decision to use the Twilight Zone IP.
• 💡 Fallback ideas included using "The Outer Limits" or Stephen King themes, but Twilight Zone rights were secured from CBS and Rod Serling's widow, Carol.
• 🎢 The ride system evolved from a free-fall concept to a unique elevator-based system designed to incorporate the sensations that elevators typically eliminate.
• ⚙️ The massive, custom-built "physical vertical vehicle conveyance systems" (PVCS) are designed for longevity and programmability, allowing for multiple drop sequences over the years.
• 🔮 The future of the attraction is discussed, with speculation that a retheme is unlikely due to ongoing royalty payments and the declining popularity of The Twilight Zone IP, though other IP like Doctor Strange were considered.

Mickey's Audition and Park Operations

• 🎬 A segment discusses "Mickey's Audition" (also known as "Mickey's Big Break"), a live-action/animated film from 1991 featuring Mel Brooks, which was shown at Disney's Hollywood Studios and later on Main Street, U.S.A.
• 💡 The film is notable for its unique perspective from Mickey's point of view and celebrity cameos, including Roy E. Disney.
• 🎢 Stories about the powerful parking lot trams at Walt Disney World are shared, including a humorous incident where a tram got stuck on a pole.
• ❓ Listener questions covered DVC resort internet reliability and the estimated opening timeline for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, with predictions leaning towards 2022.

Disneyland Expansion Plans (Disney Forward)

• 🏗️ Disney is proposing an ambitious expansion plan for Disneyland, dubbed "Disney Forward," aiming to rezone parking lots for mixed-use development.
• 🤝 The plan involves extensive negotiations with the city of Anaheim and Orange County officials to amend the 1990s resort development plan.
• 📈 Disney aims to transform Disneyland into a multi-day resort similar to Orlando, but Anaheim has leverage to ensure the surrounding businesses benefit from the expansion.
• ⏳ The full build-out of "Disney Forward" could take up to 10 years, and the current proposals are conceptual, not definitive plans.