The following was originally posted on Florida Thrills:

Florida Thrills was invited to SeaWorld Orlando yesterday to experience their newest attraction, Manta. As a special treat SeaWorld recorded one of our trips for your enjoyment.

During the opening of manta we had the privilege to interview Brian Morrow, Design and engineering for SeaWorld Orlando. We used many questions submitted to us by the members and readers of Florida Thrills as well as the followers of @BGTGuide on Twitter.

If you enjoyed these videos please visit Florida Thrills.

The crowds waiting to get in

The main media checked in over there before being brought into the park.

They were shooting a promotional video with Kris and a hand full of his fans, possibly for the American Idol Experience.

They shot some crowd reaction shots for the B-roll footage

They were handing out balloons to line the parade route

After checking out the recording they were doing I was approached and given a wristband to join a Cast Member group and get a closer look at the event, as well as priority seating for the first American Idol Experience show.

I was one of the lucky guests to get a wristband to get a closer look.

Kris does a stand up interview.

The host of the event talks to everyone before Kris arrives.

Kris has the Orange County Police Department escort him

Kris arrives with Mickey Mouse

Kris meets some of the guests

After his parade Kris was taken around to some of the fans that were in the Cast Member group and then take the stage.

Some of the balloons went free.

These lovely ladies carried Kris’ banner

Kris gets up on stage

Kris performs Heartless

Orlando Attractions Magazine has video footage of Kris Singing:

Kris then thanked his fans for coming and posed for some photos.

Kris meets Minnie Mouse

Minnie was kissed by Kris

We were then escorted into the American Idol Experience for a special surprise.

This is The American Idol Experience

Kris made an appearance during the first American Idol Experience show of the day to give some advice to the contestants.

Kris comes out to give advice to the contestants.

We meet the judges

At the end of the show Kris was brought out to play Ryan Seacrest and announce the winner of that show.

Kris congratulating the Semi-final winner, who would go onto the finals.

It was a memorable day and enjoyable to see Kris perform.

Click Here for Larger Photos: http://gallery.figmentsmedia.net/Walt-Disney-World/Disneys-Hollywood-Studios/Disney-Lucas-Freemantle-Idol/8378912_4tfCF

The latest American Idol, Kris Allen, will be having a motorcade, a Fan question and answer session, and a mini-concert at Disney’s Hollywood studios on Friday May 29.

The event will begin at 10 a.m.with a motorcade down Hollywood Blvd. with the Fan session immediately following it at 10:15 a.m with the whole thing winding down by 11a.m.

Theme park admission is required to attend the event.

Source: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/fea…ppearance.html

A crane has appeared in the park

Moving some wood or steel

Moving a dumpster

The preceding photos were originally posted on FloridaThrills.Net

Have you ever wanted to fly like a superhero, or soar through the ocean like a killer whale? Beginning May 22, 2009 you can on SeaWorld’s newest roller coaster which happens to be Florida’s only flying coaster, Manta. On Tuesday May 05 Fleastcoaster, Lead Orlando Reporter, and I went to SeaWorld Orlando to experience the furry of Manta. Upon arriving we were given a tour of the newest attraction before the day guests had their chance to ride the attraction at noon.

This Article was Originally Posted on FloridaThrills.Net.

Have you ever wanted to fly like a superhero, or soar through the ocean like a killer whale? Beginning May 22, 2009 you can on SeaWorld’s newest roller coaster which happens to be Florida’s only flying coaster, Manta. On Tuesday May 05 Fleastcoaster, Lead Orlando Reporter, and I went to SeaWorld Orlando to experience the furry of Manta. Upon arriving we were given a tour of the newest attraction before the day guests had their chance to ride the attraction at noon.

The main entrance for Manta

On this tour we learned that Manta is really composed of three attractions. The first attraction is the stand by queue; it travels down long corridors and past multiple aquariums and various plaques which include quotes from famous marine biologists as well as educational information on the various species you may be looking at in the aquariums.

A Shark Ray in the main aquarium.

As you travel past the main tank the queue approaches a fork in the road. This little area separates the stand by queue from the second attraction, the underwater viewing aquarium. Those guests who may feel nervous and wish to “chicken out” can use this area to exit the queue and enjoy the other aquariums in the underwater viewing aquarium.

A SeaWorld PR Team Member demonstrating the aquarium

Including the aquariums in the queue with the underwater viewing area Manta features 10 aquariums in total and many of the under water viewing aquariums feature innovations Busch Entertainment may have learned during the Jungala at Busch Gardens Tampa. One such adaptation is a “pop up” viewing aquarium designed for the younger guests, or those brave adults. This aquarium is populated by schools of clown fish.

The Giant Pacific Octopus Habitat

Another aquarium in the viewing area includes a Giant Pacific Octopus. This aquarium features an adaptation learned from the Tiger viewing area of connecting two habitats with a see through tunnel. It was stated that the Giant Pacific Octopuses have a highly developed brain and can solve puzzles which may eventually lead SeaWorld to host Fox’s newest game show, “Are You Smarter than an Octopus,” Just kidding.

One final aquarium in the Underwater Viewing area is the Overhead Aquarium. This aquarium is designed like an alcove only it is composed of glass giving you a panoramic view into the tank as well as holding back three feet of water above you. glass above you allows the rays swimming in the main tank to glide over giving you unique views as well as a great photo opportunity.

*Cownose rays swim across the Overhead Aquarium

The third attraction in manta is the flying coaster itself, continuing to a different fork in the road we see a team member directing us left or right, while guests with Quick Queue enter the queue here, missing all the aquariums. Here the guests feel like they are ascending above water with special visual effects.

Ascend to the loading platform of Manta up these stairs.

At the top of the stairs the guests finally get to see the manta train up close. After being directed to a row you find out what kind of experience you will encounter. During the soft opening Fleastcoaster and I started with the front row and it is amazing. The view is magnificent and the ride is paced well. For the second and last ride we opted for the last row. This was a completely different experience. The minute you leave the left you feel forces most enthusiasts dream about, especially when the train going through the pretzel loop. That feeling is something that has yet to be duplicated on any other roller coaster by any other manufacturer. Something else to remember, when not in the front row you may see what Fleastcoaster said he could see, “the bunions on everyone’s feet.”

*Brittany Tollerton, Emily Ludder, Adam Shipton and Alison Valentino climb the lift.

Overall manta is a flying coaster designed and manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, known to coaster enthusiasts as B&M. The attraction has over 3,300 feet in track and can travel at a top speed of 56 mph. At this moment it is unknown what the extent of the G-forces is but as mentioned earlier, you can feel them in the back.

Manta makes a splash near it’s grand finale.

We believe Manta is a great addition to SeaWorld and Florida and is worth an hour wait, especially since the aquarium building may hold that many people and it has air conditioning. If you just read this report and cannot wait for the grand opening, there are still some chances to ride the attraction since it has soft opened, but beware as Manta can close down early or not operate at all without any notice.

For more photos: http://floridathrills.net/gallery/sh…ry.php?cat=681

For Fleastcoaster‘s Report: http://www.floridathrills.net/showthread.php?t=6124

Photo Credits: Photos taken by Robert Ashburn unless marked with an “*,” Photos Marked were taken by Jason Collier of SeaWorld Orlando.

To honor this milestone Disney celebrated by holding a event at the Premier theater, not to mention selling decorated cupcakes, a beautiful t-shirt as well adding a few special touches like banners at the park entrance and a history exhibit on the park in the One Man’s Dream attraction. While Disney mostly celebrated the anniversary on May 1 WDW Celebrations held their “Studio 20″ event over three days, April 30 through May 2. You can see the first day’s events here.

The last “Studio 20″ event occurred on May 2 and began with a ride on Star Tours followed by a showing of The American Idol Experience. After that was a a group lunch at the Back lot express and then some independent time to see Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream and The Magic of Disney Animation. As the day went on there was a group ride on the Studio Backlot Tour. The day was capped off by a history walk and group ride on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.


The crowds at the security bag check were manageable

Crowds exiting the American Idol Experience

After lunch at the Back lot Express most of the group went to visit Walt Disney One Mans Dream, which had recently added a history exhibit dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The attraction is now sponsored by D23

Thanks for welcoming me

Disneyland called, they want their office back

It has been restored and now has ashtrays.

They Disney’s Hollywood Studios history exhibit

Photos and artwork showing the prototypes and construction of the Disney-MGM Studios park.

Opening day Merchandise and Cast Exclusive merchandise.

The opening day map

Some of the latest attractions added to the park

The Big Annoying Hat.

Tower of Terror model

Leaving the theater part of the attraction you see this sign.

After another break it was time for the the Studios Back Lot Tram Tour where a group of volunteers; including Adam Roth, Kyle Duffield, and Banks Lee; performed in a production.

The group of volunteers for the demonstration that is at the beginning of the Back lot Tram Tour.

Everyone gathered in the queue

Our brave volunteers suited up.

The sign should say Harbor attack, but that’s missing.

Volunteer Kyle Duffield works in the engine room

Taken shortly after water splashed him.

and now Kyle gets to act dry.

Banks Lee was the captain of the vessel

Everyone pays attention to the monitors for playback

There is an old map in the prop warehouse.

After the backlot tour everyone got back together to be divided into two groups for the Disney’s Hollywood Studios History Walk. There were two groups with the first one hosted by Tom Corless and Jason Diffendal, the second group was led by Marcus D’Amelio and Jackie Steele.

The second group prepares for the history walk.

Marcus at the first stop

Jackie during the first stop.

Stop 2 was at the Streets of America

I never noticed this fire hydrant before.

Someone is watching us during the history walk.

Stop 3 was around muppets.

a great view of the muppets building.

Upon arriving at the Great Movie Ride the group took a break to let the first group move ahead as well as allow for a few interesting shots.

The Chinese Theater lion stole the flag

Jackie and Marcus posing with the flag stealing lion

Stop 4

Sunset was stop 5

We concluded the tour in an amphitheater at the animation building.

This amphitheater is usually off limits and includes hand prints by the nine old men who were at the opening of the Disney-MGM Studios.

The guests of Studio 20 were encouraged to take photos posing with the hand prints since it is usually off limits.

Jackie Steele with a favorite animator.

The Studio 20 Core Team

After a dinner break everyone met up to ride Tower of Terror, unfortunately we missed the group ride but if you look out there you may find their ride on photo.

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Figments Media is not affiliated with WDW Celebrations in any way or form.

To honor this milestone Disney celebrated by holding a event at the Premier theater, not to mention selling decorated cupcakes, a beautiful t-shirt as well adding a few special touches like banners at the park entrance and a history exhibit on the park in the One Man’s Dream attraction. While Disney mostly celebrated the anniversary on May 1 WDWCelebrations held their “Studio 20″ event over three days, April 30 through May 2.

The first “Studio 20″ event actually began on the night of April 30 at the Fantasia Mini Golf course where attendees were invited to play golf and have fun. For those who have never visited Fantasia Mini Golf it is separated into two courses. The “Fairways” course, where most of the group golfed, is based upon a “not so miniature” golf course and comes complete with water hazards and sand traps. Those who enjoy a more traditional mini-golf can enjoy the “Gardens” course. During the night I caught up with WDWCelebrations Core Team members: Tom Corless, Jose Castillo, and Matt Pezzula who were all about half way through the Fairways course.

Matt Pezzula making a great putt on the “Fairways”

I thought this description was great

looks like someone gave up and left their ball in the water hazard

Tom Corless finishing out the game with a great putt

Everyone was having such a good time that the some people didn’t notice Fantasmic going on in the background and too soon the last ball fell into the final hole. After that final hole everyone bid farewell until the following morning as it was only a few hours until the “Studio 20″ festivities would officially begin.

It was May 1 and sometime before dawn everyone in my room woke up. The group in my room included: myself, my sister Katherine, her friend Felicia, and my mother Chris. To try and get a nice advantage at getting to and from Disney’s Hollywood Studios we chose to stay at an Epcot resort and ended up staying in a Beach Club Villa. This plan almost worked out well as we could use the boat transportation to get to the park and back to the resort with little to no trouble. Unfortunately we did have a little trouble as the boats didn’t begin operating until 7:30 a.m. on May 1. This made getting to the studios by 8 a.m. a little difficult but still possible.

The view out of our villa.

The calm waters before the boat arrived.

The boat transportation was actually fast that morning and we made it to the gates by 7:45 a.m. Decorating the walls around the turnstiles were new banners celebrating the occasion. At 8 a.m. sharp the rope drop ceremony began, and despite being a few rows deep to the side we could enjoy the ceremony. My sister snuck into a store to get a better view through a window, while I snapped pictured in one hand and recorded audio in the other.

Entering the park, they had the wrong times posted

The celebration banners

These are a nice touch

The rope drop ceremony consisted of the director pulling up in his truck and inviting the entire crowd to be the extras in his latest picture. With him was his assistant who one day wanted to be a famous star, She would hold the clapper and help with the recording. Normally the director would have a small family help him by being the stars but today this position was filled by Rilous Carter, Vice President of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Carter talked a little about the parks history and even threw in Toy Story Midway Mania and The American Idol Experience. At the conclusion of his speech the director had everyone in the crowd yell “Hollywood Here We Come” and then instructed everyone to walk rather than run to their next destination.

I was a little far back, but could hear the ceremony quite well.

Today’s Director

The lovely assistant, hoping to one day be a star

Vice President of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rilous Carter

Everyone walking to get into the park

After the rope drop ceremony many guests divided into smaller groups. Some groups “walked” to get Toy Story Midway Mania fast passes while others went to get a 20th anniversary t-shirt. The longest line was at the Sorcerers Hat where guests were lined up to get the limited edition Disney’s Hollywood Studios pin set. My sister, Katherine, and her friend, Felicia got in line fast and were even in front of Tom Corless, owner of WDWNT. My mother, Chris, went to pick up some t-shirts for the group.

Felicia near the front of the line for pins

Tom Corless getting his pins

The line for the pins kept growing before they opened 2 more registers

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 20th Anniversary T-shirts

As the line for the pins grew the characters and my sister, Katherine, and I hung out with them while waiting for everyone else to finish buying the anniversary merchandise. It was during this time Katherine brought out a special guest that a lot of cast members fell in love with through out the visit, Figment. The characters loved playing with Figment, who was dressed in his Hollywood finest with a party hat!

The special guest, Figment

Mickey had the longest line, and was the only character I posed with

Donald was surprised to see figment

Mickey still doesn’t know about the kiss Figment gave minnie.

Figment is a ladies man here

Stitch got a kiss from figment, a little creepy yes.. but why not!

Katherine loves this photo.

All that meeting and greeting helped pass the time and the shoppers were soon done and on their way to the Streets of America so the WDWCelebrations group could get settled and ready for the first session with imagineers. During May 1 disney held two public sessions and one cast member session with three imagineers who helped create and transform Disney’s Hollywood Studios into what it is. They were detailed and shown a lot of artwork and even reference photos for the real buildings which helped inspire the parks architecture. When the subject of the Sorcerers Hat came up, they quickly changed subjects and joked about how they didn’t like it either, unfortunately most don’t think the hat will be going anywhere for a while. Shortly before we entered the theater though, the entire group got together against the San Francisco Backdrop for a photo.

Unfortunately I don’t have a group photo, but you can find one here.

The imagineers at the session

I can’t read.. did it say no photos or no.. never mind

They used these monitors for photographs, concept art, and even old videos.

They sat there for most of the presentation.

After the glorious hour long presentation we were forced to leave rather than get an encore. The imagineers did have to do a second public session still, followed by that cast member session so everyone who was with Studio 20 went out of the theater and gathered next to the Lights Motors Action Stunt Show arena to pick up a scavenger hunt packet. It included 69 questions and only one really required you to enter an attraction, or go through the exit like I did. The packets also included five tie breaking questions that were harder. An example of a question was: Who is this white character hanging from a clock tower. The answer was Gonzo who is found hanging off the clock tower at the Muppets courtyard. The idea behind these questions was to create a challenge that anyone could find the answer to if it was their first time or their one million and first visit. The following photos were taken while on the hunt.

Jason and Marcus giving out the Scavenger Hunt and explaining the rules

A slightly old photo showing Gonzo hanging off the clock.

Double word scores was another question

On my way out of the Animation store I found this collectible for sale. They were selling 100 of these framed reproductions of the opening day map for $350. It is an exact replica except for one change which was the subtraction of the chinese theater and using the current icon, The Sorcerers Hat. One of the managers said the lawyers asked that the theater not be used so they sketched the hat there instead. I don’t know how accurate that story is though. I did get a little sidetracked and ended up at “Staring Rolls” and picked up a scrumptious “Studio 20″ marble cupcake which was loaded with chocolate, so much I did not finish it.

The limited edition of 100 sketch

a little side tracked

The Studio 20 Cupcake

Take the hat off, and you find more chocolate.

Time was soon running out and the scavengers soon had to return to the Sorcerers Hat to turn in their answerers and then enjoy the street extravaganza known as Block Party Bash. Upon celebrating everyone got out their cameras to record the event, During the parade the green army men from the floats ahead of our show stop even joked and ordered everyone to put the cameras away as we should be dancing and watching with our eyes, not viewing screen. After our show stop the entire group followed the parade to the Star Tours parade gate and enjoyed the play off that all the dancers from the parade participate in and grabbed a few foam balls at the end.

Matt Pezzula sure is not camera shy

Let’s party!

They sure do get off the ground

Some adults join in on the other side

The incredibles show up!

The Play off at the Star Tours gate

After gathering our belongings we trekked back to the Chinese Theater where a presentation was going to take place. This presentation including donating $300 to The Dream Team Project, a charity that Lou Mongello of WDW Radio runs, as well as announcing the winners of the scavenger hunt. Unfortunately for us, we didn’t get enough right. For those who are curious about the scavenger hunt it was announced that WDWCelebrations will soon post the questions and answerers on their website. Upon finding out the winners it was then time for a group photo followed by a ride on the Great Movie Ride.

Lou Mongello thanking us for coming to the event, and for the donation

Jason Diffendal presents Lou Mongello with a $300 check

Lou personally thanking the core team.

The WDWCelebrations Core Team presents Matt Hochberg with a commemorative shirt, which Everyone Signed

The WDWCelebrations Core Team for Studio 20

The winning groups of the Scavenger Hunt

Jason Diffendal trying to direct us to stay together for the Great Movie Ride

After the Great Movie Ride it became time for a break for dinner, My group had decided to try out the Brown Derby since it was a studios original, and we have not eaten there in years. Strangely on the way there we spotted some adventurers who were enjoying the anniversary as well. For dinner I enjoyed sharing a cobb salad and a steak. Everyone enjoyed the meal, though a it was little pricey and if it were not for the anniversary the 50s prime time cafe would have been my choice.

Marching along, we’re forever adventurers!

This was really good actually!

After this there was no room for dessert.

The final event of the day was a group ride on Toy Story Midway Mania, and we closed out the attraction! all in all this was a fun day.

We had people all over the loading platform

Lets see how we did

I’m on the left.

I wonder was the top score someone who enjoyed “Studio 20″

Everyone leaving hand in hand, till tomorrow!

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Strait out of the film Ratatouille, Remy travels around the restaurant on a rolling gourmet food cart with a Maitre d’ presenting him to each table in the restaurant. Once the guests see Remy he may interact with sprightly movements and lively banter, or even dance to a classic French love song or bust a move to hip hop.

Famed French Chef Paul Bocuse greets Remy.

Remy and his Maitre d’ will perform four times a day Monday through Saturday for guests dinning at the Les Chefs de France, which is located in the world showcase section of Epcot.

Remy is the smallest Audio-Animatronics character to date. “By combining technologies, our Living Character initiative creates new levels of guest interaction and brings characters to life like never before,” said Holger Irmler, who worked on the Remy project for Walt Disney Imagineering. “Things we do are so complex, yet our goal is to make them seem so magical to our guests.”

Famed French Chef Paul Bocuse introduces his grandson to a Remy.

If you’re interested in seeing Remy before he leaves in September you can catch him around lunch time Monday through Saturday, just call ahead to make a reservation. Disney’s reservation number is: 407/WDW-DINE (407/939-3463). You may make a reservation up to 90 days prior to your visit.

Photos by Walt Disney World Resort, Copyright 2009

Back in March I went to Les Chefs de France and Remy came out! here is the video:

Enjoy the Photos and a Video link:


The Pre-parade featured the George Jenkins High School Dream Maker Band from Lakeland Fla.

There were crews on hand recording the parade for future promos

The parade opened with a Rhythm Gymnast with Ribbons

The Grand Marshal Vehicle is now used in the parade itself.

Disney added some Celebrate Today decorations to it.

The Grand Marshals today were the 2009 Walt Disney World Ambassadors and their families.

Some of the dancers for the parade in front of the new Mickey Mouse float.

The updated Mickey Mouse Celebrate Today float

Minnie now has a place on this float.

The envelope from the commercial and travel DVD.

Dancers are in between each float unit.

The melody for the parade actually changes when the floats pass by to include a melody from the movie.

Dopey is now on the float

So is her unnamed Prince

Pooh has a new balloon.

Bert is now with Mary Poppins

These dancers were a little more violent as they preceded the villains float.

Some of the more popular villains

This driver is in character

Cruella de Vile

Ursula is still on the back of the float

Just as this float approaches us and parade stops

The dancers really move around with the show stop

Al around the parade the dancers are all dancing to the show stop

The guys get swing flags

The ladies then throw streamers out into the crowds to end the show stop.

This float is the least changed since it’s introduction in 2001

The only change is adding the Mad Hatter and Alice

This float even still has this famous walt quote on it.

The next float is the princess unit.

The Princess unit is made up of three floats tethered together.

Cinderella with her Charming prince

Belle and the Beast

Ariel and her prince

The castle float ends the parade.

They added a Celebrate Today banner and a bunch of balloons to it.

Not to mention getting the characters in new outfits.

The updated castle float

The parade ends with two gentlemen carrying a banner, it does say something on the other side but I did not get a photo of it.

If you would like to see the video from the parade, Click Here (Requires DivX to play)