Disney Theme Parks' Pixar Presence

Art provided by Disneyland Postcards.

As somebody who has never been to Disneyland (or any Disney theme park,) I'm still mesmerized by the Disney magic through images and words, old and new. Photographs and stories emphasize past or present attractions, behind-the-scenes details, and the ongoing construction of the parks, keeping me excited and anticipating my first visit. Even if I am a 'grown-up,' I know I'll be as wide-eyed as a kid in a toy store when I do make it there.

When the rides showcase some of our favorite film characters, like the ones from 'Star Wars,' 'Indiana Jones,' and 'Lilo and Stitch,' it's all the more incentive to want to go to 'the happiest place on earth' and make some movies of your own. Without a doubt, these are the reasons many people venture to Disney's Magic Kingdoms and why people keep going back. The Disney theme parks naturally have various shows and costumed characters from these movies walking around, but the experience wouldn't be anything without rides or attractions. Add the Pixar creations to the list of films and you have some of the most successful animated tales of all time being translated into spectacles everybody can experience.


A beautifully lit evening view of 'Stitch's Great Escape.' Though 'Lilo and Stitch' isn't a Pixar film, it's a classic regardless.

A recently opened Pixar attraction, 'Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters' at Disneyland (video available here,) features everybody's favorite galaxy-saving Space Ranger and his nemesis, the evil Emperor Zurg. From my understanding, it's sort of like a 'laser tag with vehicles.' Watching the video, you can see how smooth the animatronic Buzz is and how immersive the environment can be. For another good review and walk-through, I recommend checking out the excellent photo report by Matthew Walker.


Buzz Lightyear prepares guests to battle the evil Emperor Zurg at the 'Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters' attraction. Riders travel along zapping targets, later getting a chance to shop at 'Store Command.'

In Florida, 'Turtle Talk with Crush' can be found at The Living Seas Pavillion at Epcot. Extremely popular since its opening, the latest stunning achievement from Walt Disney Imagineering has Crush captivating both kids and adults alike with his surfer-dude lingo and animated charm. Using digital projection and real-time animation, he interacts and recognizes audience members, asking them questions about the human world in which they live.


'Turtle Talk with Crush' is already thrilling visitors at The Living Seas in EPCOT.

Flik and friends aren't left out either. Some great photos and videos of the opening ceremony of 'a bug's land' are available at this LaughingPlace.com article and at StartedByAMouse.com. 'Flik's Fun Fair' is also part of Disney's use of 'A Bug's Life' characters, adding an even more kid-friendly attraction to 'Disney's California Adventure.' So while it appears as though there is no shortage of exposure for Pixar's creations at the theme parks, Disney has more enticing attractions planned.


'Tuck & Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies' uses the memorable circus performers as the basis for a bumper car ride in 'a bug's land' at Disney's California Adventure.

One of the many rumored new rides at Disneyland to involve Pixar characters is based on the enormously successful 'Finding Nemo' movie. The former 'Submarine Voyage' (based on the '20,000 Leagues Under The Sea' film) and 'Motorboat Cruise' attractions are currently undergoing major deconstruction and renovation to make way for Nemo, Marlin, Dory, and many of their other underwater friends.


Construction continues as 'Submarine Voyage' evolves into a possible 'Finding Nemo' attraction.

According to Jim Hill, the 'Finding Nemo' attraction will "cleverly mix old and new," using elements from the previous 'Submarine Voyage' Lost City of Atlantis sequence to place Nemo's Fishtank Gang around a Disney-style underwater volcano. Since the group initiated Nemo into their gang via a decorative bubbling volcano inside the fish tank, it seems only natural that they gravitate towards a real one upon their escape from the dentist's office. From Captain Nemo to Nemo the Clownfish, the evolution of the underwater ride seems a destined one.

Mice Age provides us with this latest multi-page report on the ride construction progress. For those of you not familiar with Mice Age, they always have great photographic reports dealing with what's going on behind-the-scenes at Disney's theme parks.

High-resolution photos of the construction can be viewed here.


Disneyland Paris Toon Studios Concept Art.

Another great report showcases the new Toon Studios designs that will feature a separate 'Finding Nemo' dry-for-wet ride at Disneyland Paris. The 'totally awesome' Crush and friends will take riders through an underwater kingdom on the back of a giant sea turtle!


Note the 'Finding Nemo' Crush front to the building in this artwork for Disneyland Paris Toon Studios.

Like the 'Toy Story Funhouse,' a stage show based on 'Woody's Roundup' didn't last long. But the 'rootinest tootinest cowboy in the wild wild west' will be back. In an earlier article, Jim Hill suggests that there will be a new 'Toy Story' based attraction at Disneyland using Woody, Jessie, and Bullseye that would act as a sort of 'Transitionland' between Frontierland and Fantasyland.

"According to what I've been hearing, "Sheriff Woody's Corral" (One of several names being considered for this proposed addition to the park) is deliberately being designed to serve as sort of a transition "land" for Disneyland. Meaning that guests who are walking from Fantasyland to Frontierland along Big Thunder Trail ... Well, they'll go from a cartoonish looking old Europe to a cartoonish Old West to a more realistic looking western frontierland. Making for a much smoother transition from one part of the theme park to the other."

"Conversely, Disneyland guests traveling from Frontierland from Fantasyland along Big Thunder Trail will leave a somewhat realistic portrayal of the Old West for a cartoonish take on the West followed by a cartoonish version of Europe."

As Luxo and Jim Hill Media told you earlier, rides are also planned for 'Monster's Inc.,' 'The Incredibles' and 'Cars.' With the former two being box-office successes, and the latter sure to be a hit, definitely some of the best Pixar-based fun is yet to come. Development is well underway, and Mr. Incredible, Sully and Mike, and Lightning McQueen should be firing up the rides within a year or two.

It is also important to consider the current Disney/Pixar negotiations when talking about Pixar rides and attractions. Obviously their past relationship gave us the existing displays and provides the fuel for future ones. If a new deal is reached, it means that this exposure will continue, and many more families will get to enjoy adventures at the Disney theme parks with the beloved Pixar characters. What could be better?

It's sad, but inevitably, older rides and attractions are dismantled at Disney's theme parks, making way for attractions relevant to today's films and television shows like 'Finding Nemo.' Walt Disney himself envisioned that Disneyland would never be completed, always evolving into something new. Not being able to see the original '20,000 Leagues Under The Sea' attraction at Disney World is a shame, but I know I can travel to Tokyo DisneySea and experience a similar adventure. Even its sister ride 'Submarine Voyage' no longer exists and it's difficult to imagine a Disneyland or Walt Disney World without an underwater attraction. In this case though, replacing one Nemo with another, makes the closing of an older ride (even if it's been that way for a few years) worth it.

For more on the old 'Submarine Voyage' attraction visit Sail Away, Once Upon a Time in Anaheim, Visions Fanastic (with video and audio files), or Submarine Voyage at Yesterland.

What's a bit of imaginary nautical nostalgia without an incredible photo journey through the old '20,000 Leagues Under The Sea' attraction at Walt Disney World? Have a look at this great website and see how great Disney attractions used to be.


Update: Luxo reader Brinke Guthrie sent along this charming photo of him and Buzz Lightyear outside 'Club Buzz' at Disneyland. Not mentioned in our original posting, 'Club Buzz' is yet another example of Pixar's characters making a presence at the Disney parks. You can see more great photos from his trip at his Disneyland Visit blog.

Former Pixar Coordinator Jean Flynn

Former Pixar Production Coordinator, Jean Flynn is profiled at SFGate.com. Flynn left her position at Pixar after coordinating production on 'A Bug's Life' to found her own interior design company, Jean Flynn Interiors in Berkeley.

"I learned a lot at Pixar, and I think it's fair to say that while I was there I developed a reputation as a stylist and as someone who gets things done," she says. "It was a great place to work. But after 'A Bug's Life' wrapped, I decided it was time to do my thing."

You can read the lengthy profile and interview at the link above.

Disney and Pixar Could Strike a New Deal

The London Times has more speculation about a possible Disney/Pixar reconciliation.

“This has been probably the most successful relationship in the history of Hollywood” said Dick Cook, the head of Disney's Film Studios. “We’ve had a great working relationship with [Pixar]. It’s been about as easy as any has ever been in terms of making movies and distributing and marketing them,” he added during a visit to London this week.

“It’s definitely our desire to further the relationship with Pixar for years to come, and develop it even more, and we’re hopeful they feel the same way,” Mr. Cook said.

Though it is early talk, it puts a positive light on the situation with Dick Cook's involvment. Having successfully negotiated the smooth exit of Bob and Harvey Weinstein from Miramax last month, Mr. Cook has emerged as Hollywood’s premier diplomat. It also helps that he is on excellent terms with Mr. Jobs. “We’re good friends; I talk to him all the time,” he said.

Check out the link above for more on this ongoing saga.

Storyboard Summit Report

Just a delayed follow-up here to a recent event. Over the Easter Weekend in March, we spent some time at Boarding: Stories & Snow Summit at The Banff Centre, located in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. The event was co-organized by the Banff New Media Institute Accelerator Program, and Ken Bautista, who organized all the guest speakers for the event.

'Boarding' was an immensely rewarding series of workshops, guest speakers, discussions, dinners, and general creative brainstorming focused on developing Storyboards and Characters for visual media. All of this was conducted within the humbling natural scenery of Banff. Participants also had the opportunity to learn to snowboard or even ski at nearby Sunshine Village. Overall the weather was beautiful, with occassional light snow and wind; certainly a lot less of the white stuff than we usually see in Alberta in March.

Among the honored guests was Ronnie del Carmen, Story Supervisor and Story Artist at Pixar Animation Studios. Ronnie was not only incredibly inspiring and entertaining, but the attendees were riveted to his every word and illustration. I think we all left the Summit as better storytellers because of his being there. We're very thankful that both Pixar and his family allowed Ronnie the time away from his busy schedule to come and share his wisdom with us.

We also had the incredible opportunity to be around Story Artist and Storyboard Artist Kris Pearn of Sony Pictures Imageworks, Director/Animator Woody Woodman, Character Designer and Story Artist Chris Tougas, as well as Animator and Storyboard Artist Jorden Oliwa. Moderating the Summit was Peter Hansen, Independent Producer and Program Chair of NAIT's Digital & Interactive Media Design program.

You can read about Ronnie's experience in Banff here and see a few more photos at this posting on his blog, Tirade.

For a more detailed rundown of the Summit and additional photos, head over to my blog and read the report.

Thanks again to The Banff Centre and all who made this a great experience!

Gini Cruz Santos: An Animated Life

The Philippine News Online has a story on Philippine-born Gini Cruz Santos, one of the many talented Animators who worked on Pixar's 'The Incredibles.'

She submitted to [Pixar] her reel without even a resume. “I submitted it just for the heck of it,” she says in the article. “I never imagined that I would get in.”

Rejecting other job offers, she held out and waited a month before hearing the good news from the company where she believed her future lies.

Nine years later, she’s still happily employed at Pixar, where a growing number of Filipino animators also work, and getting better and better at her craft.

Read her inspirational story at the link above.

Frenchman Loses Nemo Copy Claim

A French court recently ruled on a case where a French author claimed that Disney/Pixar's 'Finding Nemo' title characters were based on his orange and white clown fish, Pierrot.

The court ruled that Nemo had existed before Franck Le Calvez created his character. He was ordered to pay 61,000 euros ($80,000, £42,000) damages and costs. This is the second court case for Le Calvez, who also lost the first case.

BBC NEWS has the report plus this story on the first court case.

Thanks to Dr. Michael Ryan of Palaeoblog for keeping us informed!

The Incredibles 3D Mobile Game

Verizon Wireless (USA) recently announced the availability of 'The Incredibles 3D' mobile game on their new V CAST wireless broadband multimedia service. According to the website, V CAST allows customers "to view crystal clear graphics for 3D games and video clips because it runs on Verizon Wireless' Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network."

From the press release: Players assume the roles of Mr. Incredible and Dash, guiding them through sixteen dynamic levels of play using the characters' incredible powers to combat the evil forces and traps of Syndrome. The game boasts vibrant 3D environments, based on the film, which include: Nomanisan Island, Lava Caves, Syndrome's Lair on Nomanisan Island, and the city streets of Metroville.

'The Incredibles 3D' is available under V CAST Games in the getGAMES shopping aisle of the Get It Now virtual store for $4.99 monthly access or $9.99 for unlimited use purchase. V CAST customers can find 'The Incredibles 3D' on three new EV-DO phones available today - the LG VX8000 from LG Mobile Phones is the featured phone and is available to Verizon Wireless customers for $149.99 after $70 rebate with a two-year customer agreement. V CAST customers can also find The Incredibles 3D on the Samsung a890, which is $249.99 after a $70 rebate with a two-year customer agreement, and the CDM8940 from UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corp.) for $229.99 after a $70 rebate with a two-year customer agreement.

Read the official press release for a whole lot more information on the game, other V CAST content, and fees.

Thanks to Brinke and all the other readers who let us know about this!

NPR : The Man Behind 'The Incredibles'

NPR's Terry Gross has another audio interview (Real Player or Windows Media Player required) with Brad Bird: The Man Behind 'The Incredibles.' These radio interviews fit well with 'The Incredibles' story and, perhaps unintentionally, keep the theme of the early part of the film. And If you haven't done so already, check out the related 'Incredibles' stories at the site.

How did you get your f*&%ing awesome job?

Shoshana Berger, a writer with ReadyMade, "A bimonthly print magazine for people who like to make stuff" has a question for 'The Incredibles' Director Brad Bird, and it's one we're sure many of you were dying to ask: "How did you get your f*&%ing awesome job?"

Brad responds to the question giving a fairly lengthy interview about his career leading up to and including 'The Incredibles' at Pixar. Discussed is his involvment with CalArts, Disney, 'Amazing Stories: Family Dog,' 'The Simpsons,' Warner Brothers, and one of our personal favorites, 'The Iron Giant.'

Nemo Can't Help Keep Rockport Dry

The Keep Rockport Dry Committee was hoping to have the backing of a famous clownfish to champion its cause against allowing alcohol sales in the town, but the plan has been washed out to sea.

According to this report in the Gloucester Daily Times, 'Finding Nemo' Co-Director Andrew Stanton had just given the 'OK' to the final advertising campaign when the deal was ended by Disney/Pixar due to rights issues. Though nobody would apparently be profiting from the use of Nemo, legal issues still put a stop to the idea. Some supporting the idea of liquor sales feel that the character would not make a difference with voters anyway and that they'll make up their own minds on the matter.

As an added bonus in the Gloucester article, you'll learn some of the references to Rockport that Stanton and crew snuck into 'Finding Nemo.'

The Edge of Innovation - John Lasseter

In a Special to MSN, Xeni Jardin discusses Pixar Animation Studio's John Lasseter. The Special is part of MSN and Infiniti's 'The Edge of Innovation' feature which also offers interesting sections on entertainment, technology, and design.

In the article, Lasseter discusses his early influences, his career at Disney and Lucasfilm, and the transition into Pixar. Also talked about is the upcoming animated feature 'Cars,' including the insightful reasoning behind locating the character's eyes on the windshields rather than the obvious choice of headlights.

Thanks again to Animated News for the link!

Finding Nemo Foamies

One of the most popular lines of foam-shaped products for kids, Foamies, will soon feature characters from Disney/Pixar's 'Finding Nemo' in foam crafting kits. No word on which characters have been selected, but one can imagine the possibilities with all the colorful sea creatures and environments that 'Finding Nemo' has to offer.

Read more about the product announcment by clicking here.

Find out more about Darice, the company behind the products.