Book Review: Jeff Heimbuch’s Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Whimsical Tributes by Jennifer Vichko

Published December 1, 2014 by jpmdo

There’s no greater feeling of excitement than when you’re ‘walking right down the middle of Main Street, USA.’ There, after walking under the train station, you’ll get first official sighting of the Castle, catch a sweet smell from the Confectionary wafting through the air and maybe even have to step aside for a Trolley or two. Some guests like to make a beeline to rides and attractions right after rope drop – which is a great strategy! – however I can’t help but take my time and enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of the street I wish I lived on!

It’s no surprise that the Walt Disney Company pays attention to little things. From Hidden Mickeys in the parks and resorts to Easter Eggs in movies, Imagineers and Animators alike truly reward their fans for noticing the tiny details. One of the lesser known hidden gems for guests at Disney Parks are the cryptic tributes in the advertisements in each of the windows that line Main Street. I’ve walked up and down this Street many times and was shocked to find out how little I actually knew about this huge honor!

In his new book, Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Whimsical Tributes, author Jeff Heimbuch takes us on tour of all the Main Street windows of Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Much like Hidden Mickeys, Disney has not produced a full listing of the windows anywhere else in the world so Heimbuch’s gorgeous pictures and descriptions now serve as the official catalog.

Each page features a full-color photograph of a window (or two) and a breakdown of the names featured and meaning behind it. Though most people are well aware that Disney pays attention to even the smallest of details the fact that almost every window pays tribute to someone that contributed something special to the Disney organization is incredible!

For example, one window in Disneyland has the following advertisement:

Ragin’ Ray’s

River Rafting Expeditions

Experienced Guides since ’55

Ray Van De Warker

Owner Guide

The author goes on to illustrate the meaning behind this particular window, describing the career path of Ray Van De Warker. He started his tenure at Disney as summer help in 1955 and eventually became head of the Davy Crocket Explorer Canoes where he inadvertently helped start a yearly Disneyland tradition of Racing Around the Rivers of America. I love the humor behind these tributes and am sure the honorees are incredibly grateful for the acknowledgments.

I can’t even being to think about all the time and effort Heimbuch spent in creating this guide. From obtaining stunning photographs of each and every window in all of the Magic Kingdom-esque parks to researching the details behind the advertisements, his hard work certainly has not gone unnoticed. Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Whimsical Tributes is a great addition to any Disney fan’s library and I can’t wait to take it with me on my next trip to the Magic Kingdom to spot some of my new favorite features of Main Street, USA.

Jennifer Vichko is a lifelong fan of all things Disney and is thrilled to be reliving the magic through the eyes of her one-year-old daughter. She resides in Pennsylvania with her Husband of 6 years where her hobbies include decorating, DIY and planning her family’s next Disney vacation.

Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World Celebrates First Holiday Season by Joshua Snyder

Published November 26, 2014 by jpmdo

If you’re one of the thousands of people that want to escape the wintry doldrums to someplace nice and warm, the Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World has holiday excitement to spare as it celebrates its first Christmas season.

As you enter the lobby of the resort, you’re greeted by a beautifully decorated 12 foot Christmas tree, along with festive wreaths and columns wrapped in garland, seasonal floral arrangements, and a few surprises. You’ll also get a chance to view Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber’s gingerbread masterpiece while sipping on complimentary cider and hot chocolate from 2:00pm to 5:00pm daily.

If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth, you’re covered too. Throughout the resort there are chances to try sweet delicacies, such as peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, ice cream (served each afternoon in The Hideout) and an awesome chance to decorate your own holiday cookies with Chef Saber on select dates. Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi has even created some gelato masterpieces for the season such as chocolate peppermint, gingerbread, and cranberry (yum).

The resort also offers a complimentary kids camp each day for kids 4-12 years old. Open from 10:00am to 6:00pm, the Kids For All Seasons has all sorts of offerings for children, ranging from lazy river races to face painting and candy cane scavenger hunts. Each week the KFAS camp will also offer classic holiday movies along with a chance to write a personalized letter to Santa.

And of course you can’t forget the adults. The resort offers Mixology Classes each week, taking place in the Ravello demonstration kitchen from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. These classes are led by a highly qualified team of master mixologists and range from rum based cocktails to cocktails from exotic locales. These classes are sure to be a hit and may fill up quickly. And for those looking to catch a quick NFL football game, they can visit Ravello Bar, which will be transformed into Cigar City Brewery’s Fan Club. And don’t forget to check out the spa and golf course for special holiday offerings as well.

Of course, who can pass up an excellent dining adventure during the holidays? Not this writer. In addition to the character breakfasts offered daily from the resort, they will offer special holiday dinners at several of the resorts restaurants. In PB&G, you can find a Craft Beer & Holiday Cheer event, held on December 19th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. At a cost of $49.00 per person, this event includes small hors doeuvres and unlimited (yes, unlimited) beer tasting on more than 20 season beers across the country with a souvenir 5-ounce glass to take home with you. The resort’s Cuban American restaurant, Plancha, will be offering an amazing family style dinner Cuban-style. Chef Pedro Sanchez Negron will be presenting a few of his family’s favorite holiday recipes, offering a new and exciting take on the traditional Christmas dinner. Dinner at Plancha will be served December 22nd from 7:00pm to 10:00pm and will cost $55 per adult and $22 per child. On December 29th, Plancha will transform and offer a unique Turkish take on Christmas dinner. At a cost of $75 per adult and $26 per child and will feature fresh vegetables, herbs, and fish with a Turkish flair. On Christmas Eve, Ravello will offer a five-course prix-fixe dinner menu for $95.00 per person. Also, Capa will serve a prix-fixe dinner menu for the same price on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, look for a brunch buffet served at Ravello at a cost of $95.00 per adult and $35.00 per child. Capa will once again offer a prix-fixe dinner menu at a cost of $95.00 per person. On New Year’s Even the resort comes to life with several different dining options. At Ravello, enjoy an amazing holiday buffet for $115.00 per adult and $45.00 per child. At Capa, they will offer two seating options for dinner: between 5:00pm and 7:00pm they will offer a three-course prix-fixe seating at a cost of $145.00 per adult and $65.00 per child. They will also offer a second, five-course prix-fixe seating between 8:00pm and 11:00pm at a cost of $295.00 per adult and $95.00 per child. Both seatings at Capa will offer access to the amazing New Year’s Eve “After Party”, held in the grand Ballroom. Featuring a DJ, dance floor, balloon drop, cash bar, appetizers, deserts, and more, this event is not to be missed. Resort guests also have the option of attending the “after party” with dining reservations for a rate of $65.00 per adult and $35.00 per child. Kids For All Seasons will be open New Year’s Eve for Resort guests only at a cost of $95.00 per child.

Space for most of these options is limited, so make sure to make your reservations early by calling the resort at 407-313-6161.

What holiday options will you and your family enjoy most at Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World? I’d love to hear your stories and see your pictures. You can send them to joshua@mousehunterstravel.com with the subject line “Four Seasons Holidays”.

Joshua Snyder is a Disney fanatic and Travel Agent, working with MouseHunters Travel. He is an annual passholder for Walt Disney World, Sea World, Aquatica, and Universal Studios. In his spare time, he enjoys reading everything he can about the parks and visiting as frequently as possible. He currently resides in the Orlando, FL area. He can be reached at joshua@mousehunterstravel.com.

Artegon Marketplace Orlando – By Guest Author Jacquie Princz MontesdeOca

Published November 26, 2014 by jpmdo

artegon orlando marketplace

November 20^th saw the opening of Artegon Marketplace Orlando . This 1.1 million square foot shopping area and artisan marketplace will be on International Drive, the middle of Orlando’s tourism. Even though this is not directly on Disney property – it is close enough that we thought you’d want to know about it!

Artegon Marketplace Orlando is being developed by former Festival Bay Mall by Paragon Outlet Partners, LLC best known as one of the most influential and forward-thinking development firms in the nation’s retail real estate industry. This will be a new shopping concept for Orlando which was inspired by other marketplaces such as Seattle’s Pike Place, Boston’s Faneuil Hall, New York’s Chelsea Market and the London Flower Market. Paragon redeveloped the former Belz Factory Outlet into the now well-known and highly-successful Prime Outlets Orlando which eventually were sold to Simon Properties. Steven Sless, executive vice president for Paragon Outlet Partners said “It’s fantastic to see our vision coming to life.”

A particular feature of the center will be Florida’s largest daily indoor artisan marketplace. The Village at Artegon Marketplace Orlando will have 165 artisanal shops and stores where local suppliers will sell and showcase their products and services. They will include Florida Soap Company, Poca’s Hottest, Vagabond Traveler, David Ramirez Chocolates and Kathryn McHenry of SOS Art Studio, along with a many others one-of-a-kind artisans who will be offering eco-friendly handbags and accessories, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media artwork, custom clothing and locally-sourced foods.

Sless expects that the artisan marketplace to be fully leased by opening day. “We have experienced a marked increase in inquiries over the past month as interest and excitement builds among Central Florida’s top artisans and craftspeople,” Sless said. “With each passing day, we are seeing new and interesting concepts and handcrafted works arrive to our leasing office as entrepreneurs explore our exceptional business opportunity.”

Along with The Village at Artegon Marketplace Orlando there will be some of the biggest brands in dining and retail. Some of these anchor stores will include Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Cinemark Theaters, Sheplers Western Stores, Radbourne Center, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill and Berghoff’s Octoberfest. The latter two venues are scheduled to open between fall 2014 and spring 2015.

There will also be more than 20 in-line retailers enhancing the guest experience, including GODS & MONSTERS, the first high-end innovative comics and collectibles store of its kind in the country, and the nation’s first International Hot Glass, a glass gallery showcasing artists from around the world and a studio where guests can work with a professional glass blower to create their own piece of art.

“We’ve designed Artegon Marketplace Orlando to be a highly immersive and interactive experience unlike any other in Central Florida,” Sless explained. Beyond the artisan marketplace, anchor tenants and in-line retailers, other defining features include:

The Great Hall with an expansive “Climb Adventure” ropes course (paid admission) and a variety of food offerings, from coffee and Danish to pizza, sandwiches and salads.

Daily food trucks.

Free Wi-Fi both indoors and in the outdoor plaza areas.

Caricaturists, henna and jawa tattoo painters, canvas airbrush artists and other edgy performers.

Streetmosphere performers, from jugglers to singers to stilt walkers, strolling throughout the shopping attraction on weekends.

An industrial-chic environment punctuated by heavy wooden support beams, exposed brick and weathered steel.

Thearon Scurlock, director of marketing added , “Artegon Marketplace Orlando is poised to become a must-see attraction for residents, visitors and conventioneers alike, providing them with a new place to experience the sights, sounds and flavors unique to Central Florida.” “Guests can discover authentic local culture and take home a hand-made treasure and lasting memento of their trip to Orlando.”

Artegon Marketplace Orlando will be great for group outings as it will be interactive and entertaining. This will be especially great for community events, off-site convention outings, corporate parties and bus tours. Mears Transportation Group is the official transportation partner for convenient taxi service, and trolley service is available along I-RIDE Trolleys’ Red Line at stop #3.

The center provides ample, free surface parking with 5,800 spaces. Operating hours are 10am -9pm Monday-Saturday and 11am-7pm on Sunday. Artisan studios will be open Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm and noon-6pm on Sunday. Artegon Marketplace Orlando is located at 5250 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. Local residents will especially appreciate easy access to the center via W. Oak Ridge Road, Sand Lake Road, and other alternatives to I-4.

To learn more about Artegon Marketplace Orlando, visit ArtegonOrlando.com. Like on Facebook and Follow on Twitter and Instagram #ArtegonMarketplace

Elsa Inspired Jamberry Nail Wraps by Guest Author Tanya Shores

Published November 20, 2014 by jpmdo

I’m back with more information on Jamberry and some new Disney-inspired designs! If you are planning a Disney vacation anytime in the future, it would be awesome to take a long what us Jamberry consultants call a “Jamicure”! Since Jamberry nail wraps last up to 2 weeks on fingers and 4 weeks on toes, you won’t have to spend a minute thinking about your nails and worrying about chips during your vacation. Jamberry nail wraps are completely water-safe, so you can definitely spend all day in the pool at your hotel or go on any water rides at the parks without worrying about ruining your beautiful nails. Also, no last minute trips to the salon while you’re busy prepping for your trip – you can EASILY give yourself the perfect Jamicure!

Jamberry is much more cost efficient than a mani/pedi at the salon (a single sheet gives you 2 pedicures, 2 manicures, and 8-16+ accent nails!), which means more money for your Disney trip!

In my last post (https://disneyways.com/2014/09/06/meet-tanya-your-official-jamberry-consultant-for-disneyways/), I shared some fun Disney-inspired character designs that I created in our custom Jamberry nail art studio. I’ve now created a few Princess-inspired designs. It would be so much fun to have Elsa-inspired nails when you meet Elsa in the new Frozen attractions at Epcot! I have also created designs inspired by Cinderella and Aurora (my favorite princess!).

Let me know if you have any other characters or princesses you would like to see a design for. I’ll be posting soon with some beachy-Disney designs to get everyone ready for those Disney cruises! Winter will be over before we know it (unless you spend too much time around Elsa ;-)).

You can contact me on my Jamberry Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/tshoresjamberry) with any questions or to get info on how to order these special Disney-inspired custom nail wraps. Find out more about Jamberry on my Independent Consultant site (http://tshoresjam.jamberrynails.net).

Magic in the Details: Digging DINOLAND U.S.A. ~ by Guest Author Adam M. Berger

Published November 17, 2014 by jpmdo

As a professional attraction show writer, I’m always fascinated by the many ways the Disney Imagineers use their mastery of visual storytelling to immerse guests in their themed environments. But you don ‘t have to be a theme park designer to appreciate the countless details that fill every Disney theme park, helping to communicate the storyline and adding so much enjoyment to your experience.

One of my favorite examples of this is also among the most easily overlooked—especially if you are visiting without a young child in tow. I’m talking about The Boneyard playground in the Dinoland U.S.A. section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You may think The Boneyard is all kid’s stuff…but you’d only be half right, because it’s also an example of Disney themed storytelling at its finest.

The story plays out on several levels, and you can decode it by simply looking around and paying attention to the details. First, you’ll notice that this is very clearly a paleontological dig site, with the fossils of dinosaur bones exposed in the various layers of earth that have been deposited over millions of years. If you take a few moments to study the (fake yet very realistic-looking) rock formations, you can clearly make out the different layers or “strata” in which the fossils have been trapped.

Superimposed over this is the architecture of the paleontologists’ camp. The scaffolding, netting, and debris chutes double as climbing structures, slides, and other play elements. But check out the graphics, signage, and audio and you’ll discover an intriguing conflict that is at the heart of the Dinoland U.S.A. storyline.

The conflict is a generational one. First we have the professors of the fictional Dino Institute and their outdated understanding of dinosaurs. Then we have the youthful graduate students and their new (and occasionally radical) ideas about the subject based on the latest scientific research. Take a few moments to examine the plaques, signs, and whiteboards posted around the dig site and you’ll see the conflict in full blossom, with the students tacking their own handwritten corrections onto the Institute’s official descriptions. In places, the professors have pushed back with their own tacked-on notes.

As it happens, the conflict between the professors and the grad students is not just an example of the eternal “generation gap” between young people and their elders. It’s also an example of an uneasy real-world transition that’s been occurring in recent decades—from traditional scientific ideas about dinosaurs to newer theories that have revolutionized our understanding of these prehistoric beasts.

You can also see the grad students’ rebellious streak demonstrated in other ways. Although you won’t find any of the grad students at work on the dig site, you’ll hear two of them yucking it up between tracks as the wisecracking deejays of the Institute’s pop rock radio station. And be sure to seek out a certain wall of excavation tools, which reveals at least one student’s non-conformist impulses.

So have you visited DAK’s Boneyard playground? Were you surprised to discover the depth and detail of the storytelling in what is nominally a “kids zone”? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Adam M. Berger is president and senior show writer at Berger Creative Associates, Inc., an Orlando, Florida-based creative writing and consulting firm serving themed attraction and design clients around the world. He is also the author of the book Every Guest is a Hero: Disney’s Theme Parks and the Magic of Mythic Storytelling—available in print and e-reader editions from Amazon.com and other fine online booksellers.

Memento Mori- A Store Dedicated to All Things Haunted Mansion in Disney’s Magic Kingdom ~ By Guest Author Karyn Locke

Published November 13, 2014 by Karyn Locke

Those of you that have read my blog posts in the past certainly know my affection for Disney’s Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom. I get asked what my favorite ride at Walt Disney World is all the time, and without hesitation, I happily answer, “Haunted Mansion”. My family and I have gotten to the point that we know which wall panel of the stretching room will slide open and head directly to it, and can talk right along with “Your Ghost Host” while he is reciting his monologue. Yeah, I’m that much in love with the ride. With each visit to Magic Kingdom, I would hunt out the latest Haunted Mansion items for sale in the shops and carts, hoping for something other than a HM key chain or t-shirt to purchase.

Fast forward to the opening of Memento Mori- Disney’s Haunted Mansion store in Liberty Square. From the Latin phrase Memento mori (remember death), the Magic Kingdom store was bound to not only have every item that I’ve dreamt of owning, but a sense of humor just like my beloved ride.

I, along with my family, was one of those folks happy to queue up outside the storefront in Liberty Square waiting my turn to purchase goodies covered with spooky-eyed wallpaper and adorned with candlestick-holding gargoyles. Giddy with delight, my family and I headed into the shop, and just like a kid in a candy shop, could not decide what to purchase first.

What’s “In Store” for You?

What’s in store for happy shoppers, you ask? So many spooky, kooky, creative, and downright awesome Haunted Mansion items that you’ll be hard-pressed to choose a favorite!

When you walk through the store entrance, you’ll notice a cool photography room where you can get “ghostified”, as my daughter calls it. Just like the famous paintings in the ride, the photo will look normal from one angle and creepy from another. Well worth the $20 if you ask me.

There’s tons of fun items to take home, like well-made pens, fedoras, and of course, t-shirts.

Make sure to mosey around the store, as there’s some really cool details along the walls.

Haunted Mansion phone cases, necklaces, and other themed jewelry as far as the eye can see!

Want a Haunted Mansion hair accessory? Look no further. There’s really cute headbands with the bat stanchions from the ride queue available for your wearing pleasure.

Here’s the part of the store that was the most fun for me- the kitchen/table ware area. There’s Master Gracy china, Madame Leota towels, HM aprons, cups, glasses, and candlesticks for your table.

Looking for a way to spruce up your living room & bedroom? There’s throws and pillows that would make a fine addition to the room.

I did notice an absence of one important item: the doombuggy! I’ll put that on my list for Santa this year.

Karyn Locke, Marketing and Social Media Guroo and Mid-America Guroo for trekaroo is a travel writer from Ohio that has a passion for all things Disney and a hankering for Dole Whip Floats at least three times a week. Also creator and blogger for Sand and Snow…and everywhere in between!, she’s happy to give Disney tips to anyone that asks and is pleased as punch that her family shares her love of the most magical place on earth.

Can’t miss affordable events for Disney fans: coming to Orlando!

Published November 11, 2014 by Disneyways.com

Two very special and affordable events are coming to Orlando for Disney fans! Check out this post I wrote for Chip and Company for full details! Hurry! Tickets won’t last long!

Video: What is it like to meet Hiro and Baymax at Hollywood Studios?

Published November 11, 2014 by Disneyways.com

Have you been wondering what it’s like to meet Hiro and Baymax at Hollywood Studios?

Check out this video to find out! Click HERE to learn more about Big Hero 6 – get printables and so much more!

Our thanks to ThemeParkConcierges.com for this insider video!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2014: Your Map, Information and Ticket Pricing

Published November 5, 2014 by Disneyways.com

Planning is half the fun right? We’ve got the 2014 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2014 map, information and ticket pricing. Click the images to enlarge! This information is accurate as of November 5, 2014 but is always subject to change. Check out Disney’s official site HERE.

Here Come Mickey and Santa!

Start planning for a magical gathering in late 2014 with family, friends and familiar Disney faces. Held select nights in November and December, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party offers cheer and enchantment for all ages and interests.

Delight in the lights shimmering like ice on Cinderella Castle! And hum along with the holiday music that fills the air. It’s a time for wishes to come true!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place from 7:00 PM to midnight, on November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21 and 30; and December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 19, 2014.

Holiday Entertainment Live!

Revel in these festivities that are crafted just for this joyful season and fill the air with yuletide magic!

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

Wave to some of your Disney friends in this holiday parade brimming with cheer! This year, beloved residents of Arendelle—Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf—will be joining in on the frosty festivities. Delight as they join your favorite Disney Characters, gingerbread men, elves and others for a procession down Main Street, U.S.A.—plus a special appearance from Santa, wishing you a “Merry Christmas!” from his colorful sleigh!

Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season

Brilliant white lights explode in the air above Cinderella Castle in this breathtaking music and fireworks show. Watch for Tinker Bell as she soars into the sky over the crowds! And cheer as Jiminy Cricket reminds you that home is where the heart is—especially during the holidays.

Totally Tomorrowland Christmas

Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and Stitch fight holiday doldrums across the galaxy in this jolly musical revue chock full of the coolest dance numbers. Stitch is on a special mission to track down Santa. But will this adorable alien be naughty or nice to Saint Nick? Find out what happens at the rockin’ grand finale!

Celebrate the Season Show

‘Tis the season to give gifts, and Mickey’s present to Minnie is not to be missed! Goofy, Donald and others get into the holiday spirit with their own version of The Nutcracker in this jubilant musical spectacle.

Other Highlights

Character greeting opportunities throughout Magic Kingdom park
Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
A magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

A Frozen Holiday Wish

Marvel as Cinderella Castle is transformed with a Frozen display of gleaming winter magic.

The merriment begins early at 6:15 PM, but don’t worry! Guests with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets are able to join the festivities and see the spectacular show.

Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf have ventured all the way from Arendelle to put on an awe-inspiring display at Magic Kingdom Park. Get swept up in the spirit as Elsa uses her powers to create a sparkling, icy holiday centerpiece.

Know Before You Go

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party requires a separate admission ticket. Be sure to purchase your ticket early!

2014 Dates and Times:

November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, & 30
December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, & 19
7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Epcot’s Test Track – The New Version

Published November 4, 2014 by jpmdo

Test Track is a giant slot car attraction at Epcot’s Future World in Walt Disney World. The ride uses some of the rough tests that General Motors uses for its concept cars, ending in a high-speed drive around the outside of the attraction. It closed for refurbishment in April 2012 when sponsorship changed from GM to Chevrolet and re-opened on December 6, 2012.

In the queue, instead of crash test dummies and cars being tested, the way it was before the refurbishment, it shows two Chevrolet concept cars. Guests then have the choice of designing their own car that will be tested on the sim-track. While guests wait to board the sim-cars, they’re told to scan their design key to upload their car design to the ride.

After riders board the sim-cars and go through the seat belt check, the car that they designed will go through four different tests: capability, efficiency, responsiveness, and power. In the capability test, the car first rushes past a rain/snow projection and skids out of control. Next, the continuing path disappears and the sim-car turns around to speed up again. The sim-car then makes a sharp left turn as a lightning bolt strikes, and then passes by a futuristic city. The sim-car then starts the efficiency test. It’s scanned for “optimum eco-efficiency” and has an aero-dynamic test. During the responsiveness test, the sim-car accelerates around hairpin turns with laser-projected trees. The power test is where the sim-car runs on a track outside of the ride, increasing its speed. After the test is complete, the car returns to the loading station where the riders leave.

I still like to ride Test Track, but it’s not the same as the original version of the ride. In the old version, it felt more like it was actually testing the car. The ride used to have real people explaining each test, real temperature rooms, and different kinds of roads that the car would drive on. In this new version, everything seems too digital and virtual. Even the voices explaining the tests sound like they’re computerized.

About the Author: Amber Montes de Oca is a huge Disney fan. She’s an annual pass holder and loves to visit the Disney parks often. Her hobbies are singing, acting, and drawing. She has a BA from the University of Central Florida.