The Return of Tron
The long awaited Tron: Uprising premiered last night on Disney XD and it was well worth the wait. Beck’s Beginning, the 30 minute origin story preview, is a visually stunning, story driven taste of what is to come when the 10 episode season debuts on June 7th. Bridging the gap between the 1982 film Tron, and the 2010 Tron: Legacy, Uprising follows the story of Beck, a mechanic program through his unlikely rise to leader of the Grid Rebellion.
Both Tron and Tron: Legacy were praised for their visual effects but criticized for their lack of story. Uprising upholds the visual legacy and sets out to correct the story flaws in the first two films by delivering a riveting tale. Living in Argon city, Beck and his fellow programs witness the invasion of their home by CLU’s army and and the atrocities that follow. Tron, the long time hero of the Grid and defender of it’s citizens, is no more and their is no one to stop CLU in his rise to power. No one, except Beck that is. Donning the identity of Tron, Beck attempts to inspire his fellow programs to revolt and begins his revolution. In addition to a solid story, “Uprising” is packed with well choreographed action sequences and pays tribute to the films by introducing the light cycle action sequences and disk battles throughout the entire show.
A lot went in to creating “Uprising” and the final product shows just how much the creators cared about presenting something worthy of the Tron name. Combining traditional 2D animation with CG effects, Tron: Uprising is a visual master piece, with shots reminiscent of Hollywood blockbusters and unlike anything seen in animation so far. The soundtrack, while not directly pulled from the Daft Punk Legacy score, is spot on and captures the Tron esthetics. The story is very well written and is a perfect bridge between the two theatrical releases, chronicling the events of Clu’s rise to power. Finally, Disney spared no expense in the voice actor department, hiring the likes of veterans Elijah Wood, Paul Rubens, and the original Tron himself, Bruce Boxleitner.
Tron: Uprising: Beck’s Beginning will re-air on Disney XD beginning today and leading up to the premier of the series on June 7th but you can also watch it in it’s entirety on Disney XD’s YouTube channel.
–END OF LINE–
RunDisney Weekly Status Report
RunDisney fans already know how popular the Disney race series events are and how quickly they begin to fill up lately. In order to help you keep track of capacity status, price increases, and available discount codes, we at monorailmedia.com will sum up all that information and deliver it to you every friday beginning today.
Disneyland Half Marathon – SOLD OUT!
Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K- SOLD OUT!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ 10-Miler – SOLD OUT!
Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run > %50 Availability
Kids’ Races – 52% Full
Disney Villains Hollywood Bash > %50 Availability
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon – 59% Full Price
Increase on May 22nd!!!
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K > %50 Availability
runDisney Kids’ Races > %50 Availability
Walt Disney World® Marathon > %50 Availability
Walt Disney World® Half Marathon > %50 Availability
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – 61% Full
Disney Family Fun Run 5K > %50 Availability
runDisney Kids’ Races > %50 Availability
Pasta in the Park Party > %50 Availability
Pixar Faves Return to the Big Screen
Image Courtesy of Disney/Pixar
Summer movie season is gearing up and just like you– Memorial Day means IT IS ON! Disney*Pixar movies are returning to the big screen, exclusively to AMC Theaters, for Memorial Day weekend. May 25 through May 28, “Toy Story 3″, Up”, “Ratatouille” and “WALL*E” will show once a day at AMC locations around the country. A Pixar short will accompany the main movie as will a behind-the-scenes peak at the upcoming movie, “Brave”.
This might be a particularly good option if rain should have the gall to interfere with your plans for the long weekend. Either way, it’s a chance to bring the whole family to the theatre at a great price– $6.00 a ticket! In true Pixar fashion– throw in a meal after the movie at Pizza Planet.
Beyond Kim Possible
Calling all agents! Kim Possible, the interactive quest game that’s been entertaining guests at Epcot for years, will close on May 18th to make way for the Phineas and Ferb inspired, “Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure”. For those unfamiliar with the Kim Possible concept, park goers would join Team Possible, and through the use of an interactive phone device called a “kimmunicator”, would search for clues throughout 7 pavilions to defeat an evil mastermind and save the world.
Disney has a great formula for interactive theme park games and they know not to fix what isn’t broken. Sadly though, it’s time to say goodbye to Kim to make way for Agent P, the international crime fighting alter ego of Perry the Platypus on Disney Channel’s hit show, “Phineas and Ferb”. If you have no idea what a Phineas, Ferb, or Perry the Playptypus is, don’t worry. Imagineers have promised that the new interactive experience will have plenty to offer everyone.
Like its predecessor, Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure will follow the formula in use in Disney’s other interactive games, currently employed in the Magic Kingdom and aboard the cruise lines. Guests will check in at a designated starting point and will join O.W.C.A, The Organization without a Cool Acronym, and will be given a communication device to use while interacting with the game elements scattered within the pavilions. A mission is assigned as well as a pavilion starting point and the newly dubbed agents are off to save the world.
Clues will be provided via the “F.O.N.E.” or Field Operative Notification Equipment and guests will use this clues to solve riddles throughout different locations within the Pavilions. Imagineers set out to create a unique experience for all so Kim Possible veterans need not worry as all of the puzzle elements have been redesigned entirely for a whole new experience. Solving each puzzle will bring guests closer to a final encounter with the Evil Dr.Doofenshmirtz and his dastardly “inators.”
There will 7 different adventures to embark on with one adventure taking place within Mexico, France, Germany, Norway, Japan, China and the United Kingdom Pavilion.
New Course Revealed for 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon
RunDisney fans scouring for information on the 20th anniversary celebration of the Walt Disney World Marathon now have a little something to tide them over. Today, RunDisney revealed the new course on the Disney Parks Blog, complete with a special announcement from Mickey Mouse himself. Runners will arrive at the Magic Kingdom faster than before; and for the first time ever, the course will wind through the Walt Disney World Speedway (sans the cars of course) and through Champion Stadium at the ESPN complex for a special mile 20 celebration. No news on what the celebration will entail yet and the new medal has yet to be revealed. Check out the course video below and stay tuned to monorailmedia.com as we continue to provide you with the latest updates.
These Are The Droids You’re Looking For
This Friday kicks off the start of Disney’s Star Wars weekends and when you mix The Mouse with Star Wars you’re sure to get merchandise. Lots and lots of merchandise. Darth’s Maul will open up in Hollywood Studios early on May 18th and fans of Lucas and Disney alike will line up to get first crack at some truly unique items. New items this year include new Star Wars vinylmation, beach towels that make you look like you’re wearing Jedi pants, pins, iphone cases, and much more.
If merchandise is your thing then you’re definitely going to want to get to Darth’s Maul on the first day of Star Wars weekends as the unique fan sought items will certainly sell out. Expect long lines for just about everything in the Mall and if you are traveling with a stroller, allow extra time to find parking as they are not allowed within the venue. TIP: If you’re just looking for a t-shirt, coffee mug, or other common items, there’s going to be plenty so go ride Star Tours and Toy Story mania while everyone else is shopping.
Also debuting this year inside Tatooine Traders is the Droid Factory experience. Building upon the success of the Build your own Lightsaber experience, Disney will allow guests to unleash their inner Anakin and build a unique atromech 3 3/4″ droid from a vast selection of parts (71 to be exact). Select a droid body, legs, dome top and Disney accessories and bring home your very own personalized R2-D2 type droid. Accessories include multi-colored ear hats for now but later this summer we can expent, Yoda hats, Goofy hats, and Agent P’s Fedora. Droids will be sold in either a single or double pack, with the double pack being sold at what Disney is calling a “value price”. I personally can’t wait for this one!
Finally, in what may be quite literally the coolest Star Wars souvenir ever is the Carbon-Freeze Me experience. Starting on May 18th, guests will be able step into a carbon freezing chamber for a chance to be encased in carbonite and assume the roll of Han Solo at the end of The Empire Strikes Back. Using a series of high tech camera’s guests will have the change to have a 3D model made of themselves and then have that model turned into an 8″ figurine of themselves encased in carbonite. The experience will cost $99 for the first figure and $75 for each additional figure and will also include a light-up bracelet. This experience is by appointment only and separate park admission is required. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324). Expect 4 weeks for delivery.
Run the Walt Disney Family Fiesta 5K
Since debuting in 1992, Disney running events have grown exponentially in popularity. Combine this with the growing popularity of running itself and it should be no surprise that Disney races are becoming the race of choice for beginner, novice, and expert runners alike. But what about the family and friends of all the mouskaletes who make the pilgrimage to a Disney Park each year. How can they get in on the fun of a Disney race? Furthermore, how can those who are running share the experience of a Disney race with their non runner loved ones? Thankfully, Disney has provided a solution to everyone’s problems in the form of the 5K races that proceed every one of the RunDisney main events.
The 5K race series are the perfect gateway event that let’s the entire family participate in the fun of race weekend. Disney kicks off each event with a family friendly 3.1 mile “race” that is open to all skills levels. The race is a non timed, stress free fun run on courses that take participants through the parks, complete with character stops and refreshments along the way. Serious 5Kers are asked to line up in the start corals first allowing walkers, stroller participants, and first timers to line up in the back and run/walk/stroll at their own pace.
Participants receive an official race bib and race shirt; and finishers receive a finisher medallion to show off their accomplishment.
Now we invite you to virtually experience the 2012 Walt Disney World Family Fiesta 5K through the magic of YouTube.
Back to the Grid
Don’t de-rez yet Tron fans. In a just a little over a week, Disney XD will debut the next feature in the Tron universe with a prequel to the prequel of sorts in the form of Tron: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning. For those unfamiliar, Tron: Uprising is a new animated series that will run on Disney XD chronicling the events between the original film and Tron: Legacy.
Beck’s Beginning will be a sneak preview of sorts, airing Friday, May 18th, weeks before the show’s official debut. The 30 minute prequel to the series will focus on the origin of the new hero program, Beck, and the events that lead to his eventual leadership of the digital uprising against nemesis CLU in the electronic world of the Grid.
According to Disney, “Disney XD delves inside the computer world of The Grid and the people who live there with “TRON: Uprising,” a visually striking new animated television series that follows the heroic journey of a new character, a young program named Beck, who becomes the unlikely leader of a revolution. The series, produced in CG animation with a 2D aesthetic, is set in the era of “TRON” between the stories in the 1982 feature film and Walt Disney Studios’ “TRON: Legacy.” Disney Channel will present “TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning,” a 30-minute uninterrupted prelude to the series on FRIDAY, MAY 18 (9:30– 10:00 p.m., ET/PT). The special will encore uninterrupted on Disney XD on MONDAY, MAY 21(7:00 p.m. ET/PT), followed by the series launch on THURSDAY, JUNE 7 (9:00 p.m.) on Disney XD.”
“… His mission is to free his home and friends from the reign of the villainous Clu and his henchman General Tesler. Beck will be trained by Tron – the greatest warrior the Grid has ever known. Tron will not only teach Beck the fighting skills he needs to challenge this brutal military occupation, but will be a guide and mentor to him as he grows beyond his youthful, impulsive nature into a courageous, powerful leader. Destined to become the new protector of the system, Beck adopts Tron’s persona and becomes the archenemy of Tesler and his oppressive forces.”
Tron: Uprising will feature the voice talent of Elijah Wood, Mandy Moore, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Lance Henriksen, Paul Reubens, Reginald VelJohnson and Tron himself, Bruce Boxleitner
iPads for FastPass Advanced Scheduling
According to an @DisneyProjects Twitter post, Walt Disney World Parks is updating FastPass with an iPad centered ticketing system. This is the same technology we mused about in an earlier post– when things were just buzz and rumor. RFID technology and Apple’s iPad will allow guests to schedule ride passes before their visit.
So, if you decided that you needed to hit Toy Story Mania in the morning and The Legend of Jack Sparrow in the PM (we also scooped you on that soon-to-be-here ride, read about it), you would have the divine ability to schedule those ride times in advance of your actual arrival at the park. No long, hot sweaty lines. Upon entering the park, you would be tagged like a shark given a bracelet with an embedded RFID. This wristband would then be scanned at the entrance to each ride, show or character meet and greet. Cast members will be at the ready with iPad in hand, able to see that yes, you are quite savvy to have used the new FastPass scheduler and graciously welcome you to your extremely short queue.
If you happen to be in the parks in May, snap a pic of the new technology in use and send it over to House of Mouse Online at team@houseofmouseonline.com
Louboutin Re-imagines Cinderella’s Slipper
A new shoe is being commissioned by Disney for the ready-to-wear market by one of the world’s most famous shoe designers. It is fitting that Frenchman, Christian Louboutin, of such divine and magical talent is partnering with Disney to enchant the grown up princesses of the world. At the first glimpse of the famous red soles– every woman cranes her neck to get a better look at the masterpiece, only to look away, awkwardly with a wry little smile, when caught by the lucky lass who wears such beauty. It is as if, without words, you know that princesses exist right before your eyes. Right here, in line at Starbucks, in queue at the Apple Store, squeezed into the adjacent table at the impossibly crowded restaurant– right next to you! Moreover, you too can feel the artistry and grace that comes with wearing Christian Louboutin’s designs.
What of this slipper? Will it be more of a stiletto? Really, with all the cobblestone in fairytales, is that practical? Maybe a wedge? Kitten heel/slipper? Although, originally Cinderella was written by another Frenchman, Charles Perrault in the late 1600′s and thought to be made of fur. Perhaps, squirrel or weasel. Delving further into the fairytale, which is thought to have Orient origins from the 9th century, the slipper is made of gold. Glass seems to enter the picture at the stroke of midnight in all three versions.
I propose a historically inclusive version, with variegated textures/textiles/material resulting in a daintily stacked, 4″ wood heel, covered in gold plating, with swaths of (PETA read: faux) fur, gold rope and Swarovski crystals entwined in braided bliss across the instep. Architectural and organic in shape. A symbiosis of lines and material. That sounds hideous as I re-read my writing, but in my mind’s eye– it’s all very chic, an ode to the dual nature that Cinderella embodies. An abused servant of nobel birth and eventual romantic marriage. Hardy wood and fur married with royal gold and crystal. Perhaps, the straight forward crystal stiletto with red sole will be the final design, which suits me just fine, it goes with more anyways.
Not to presume, Christian Louboutin needs my help or opinion, but for a committed shoe and Disney freak– my imagination runs wild and jumps (up and down, up and down, up and down) for joy! Such whimsy, carefree escapes in fairytales and shoes. Very simple and so full of pleasure when you get down to it–Joie de Vivre.