Tuesday, February 22, 2011

“The Magic, The Memories, and You!” at the Magic Kingdom


Disney's new show, “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” is visually spectacular and a great addition to the Magic Kingdom's night time schedule. I've seen it a couple times now and can honestly say that it is one of the more impressive things Disney has come up with, mainly because of the wonderful blending of technology, music and imagery. "Two Thumbs Up!"



Here is the entire Disney Press Release:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – In a dramatic new projection show filled with special effects and magic, Cinderella Castle will transform into a shimmering canvas for images of Walt Disney World guests and the memories they made that day at Magic Kingdom.

In the nighttime spectacle, photos of guests captured that very day in the park will be projected larger-than-life among the spires and turrets of Cinderella Castle. In similar fashion, guest images will be projected onto “it’s a small world” on select nights at Disneyland Park in California, beginning Jan. 27.

The ten-minute experience – called “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” – will dazzle park guests on both coasts in ways never before experienced, themed to beloved Disney stories and with playful animated sequences that seem to defy the architecture of the buildings. The spectacle is scheduled most nights with up to two shows per night depending on theme park operating hours and other special ticketed events.

As many as 500 images shot that day will project onto the castle each night the show is presented, producers estimate. Disney PhotoPass photographers will capture guests creating new memories as they “smile for the castle.”

“Disney parks create family vacation memories to last a lifetime,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “What better canvas for those memories than Cinderella Castle, one of the most photographed icons in the world.”

After the sun goes down, 16 high-powered state-of-the-art projectors will bring the castle to life as that day’s photos (and videos taken from Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin” online hub) seem to dance about the famous facade, explained Alan Bruun, associate creative director, Walt Disney World Entertainment.

As classic Disney music weaves in and out of the new “Let the Memories Begin” theme song, turrets spin while the castle shimmers and magically transforms itself in playful and exciting ways to accompany the guests’ memories of fun, adventure and family experiences.

“The images dance to the music and culminate in a spectacular finale punctuated by animated and actual fireworks,” Bruun said.

As Disney Parks encourages families to “Let the Memories Begin,” guests have been celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their stories and by uploading photos and videos online at DisneyParks.com/memories.

Vacation memories hold a special place in the hearts of families, too, according to a recent survey of Americans and Canadians conducted by Ypartnership, a leading research firm that tracks consumer insights and trends in travel.

Nine out of 10 parents polled said they plan their vacations with the express hope of creating a lasting family memory. And most memories don’t fade with the passage of time. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed said they think back “often” or “very often” on their most cherished vacation memories.

Friday, February 11, 2011

The No-Name School That Mints Grammy Winners

Time writes about Full Sail University's part in the success of this years Grammy award nominees. All five of the "Album of the Year" nominees were mixed or engineered by Full Sail graduates, and there are 74 alumni with credits on Grammy Award nominated projects. Makes me feel good about all the money I've spent at this school, even though I'm not in recording arts.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

SeaWorld to Launch New Killer Whale Show: “One Ocean”



 One Ocean” is scheduled to premiere at SeaWorld Orlando at the end of April, SeaWorld San Diego on Memorial Day weekend and SeaWorld San Antonio in June. Check out the video below to get the scoop from Julie Scardina, the curator of animal training. 





Official Press Release


SEAWORLD TO LAUNCH NEW KILLER WHALE SHOW:
“ONE OCEAN”

Orlando, Fla. (February 3, 2011) -- SeaWorld parks across the United States will debut an all-new killer whale show this spring and summer, connecting guests to the sea with a new level of energy, excitement and vibrancy as it educates and inspires them to make a difference in this world.
“One Ocean” features SeaWorld’s majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea, and the ocean as the center of our natural world. The show connects guests with these remarkable animals and immerses the audience in the vivid colors and sensations of the underwater world. At the core of the show is the unifying message that both animals and humans are part of one world, with one ocean, and its future is in our hands to cherish and protect.
“One Ocean” is scheduled to premiere at SeaWorld Orlando at the end of April, SeaWorld San Diego on Memorial Day weekend and SeaWorld San Antonio in June. It will replace the popular “Believe,” a show that enjoyed a five-year run in all three SeaWorld parks.
“This new show brings to life SeaWorld’s mission in the most powerful way yet,” said Jim Atchison, President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “This show is what guests love about our parks – thrilling entertainment that educates and inspires you to celebrate, connect and care for the world we share.”
The show features spectacular whale behaviors, including thrilling high-energy leaps and multiple whales performing simultaneously. The whales interact in new ways with trainers, the audience, each other, and even the set itself. In one segment, the whales play amid giant fountains.
Shamu Stadium – with its three-story set, panoramic LED screens and hundreds of surround-sound speakers – will feature special effects that envelop guests in the show experience, including brilliantly colored lights; soaring fountains; stunning underwater imagery and an original, contemporary musical score with global rhythms.
But even more important is the educational message the show imparts: we are all part of one world and have the power to make a difference. The message of caring and respect for the world we share is woven throughout the show – encouraging guests to make a difference through their own everyday actions.
“There is an unprecedented level of energy, excitement and passion in this show,” said SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s Curator of Animal Training, Julie Scardina. “It is the ultimate SeaWorld experience: world-class entertainment that educates and inspires action. Trainers, producers and educators are collaborating on new ways to connect with the audience and show how closely the human and animal worlds are connected.”
For updates, information and photos as the shows are developed, visit www.SeaWorld.com/OneOcean.