The Game is Afoot at the Sherlock Theme Park

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

This past week the Internet exploded with word of a Sherlock Holmes theme park being built in Portsmouth, London. Portsmouth is where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle resided and created the beloved fictional characters and stories. Within this theme park, there will be rides and holograms of everything related to Sherlock Holmes.

As a ride junkie, I always loved to see what rides people come up with, how they work, and the experiences they offer. I imagine that they will use the original Sherlock as opposed to the modern Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch, Robert Downey Jr.) because the park is also paying tribute to Conan Doyle and the original works. Below are some ride ideas for the upcoming Sherlock theme park.

3) A Case of Identity

In the article I have linked above, it claims that the theme park will feature interactive and high quality activities. In A Case of Identity, Sherlock solves a rather simple, but elementary case of an engaged couple. I specifically chose this case because it’s not too easy or hard and it would fit the attraction I have in mind. I imagine that they would build this attraction as three places that tie together: Sherlock’s residence, Miss Sutherland and her fiance’s place, and the church. Within each place, guests can touch specific items that give them clues and information to solve the mystery. Once they’ve gathered all the clues, they could go to a secret room behind the church’s altar to see if their deductions were correct or not, and to hear how the case ended.

2) The Reichenbach Falls

Ah yes, the fall at Reichenbach – the one episode of Sherlock that broke many fans’ hearts, but the original story shattered many readers’ hearts as well. In the story of The Adventure of the Final Problem, Sherlock has decided to confront Moriarty once and for all. The guests would walk through an entry way consisting of scenes that look like Sherlock’s residence. As they roam about, Sherlock is heard explaining how dangerous Moriarty is and what he has done. The final room prior to the loading area would feature Moriarty and Sherlock animatronics conversing in a study, with their dialogue heard through hidden speakers. The loading area itself would look like a London study.

This would be a log flume ride with a very basic track mostly considering of turns, small drops, and uphill climbs. It would also highlight the important features of the story such as Sherlock explaining his plan to John and the guests, the three events that nearly kill Sherlock, the telegram that informs Sherlock Moriarty has escaped, and John being tricked by the letter. This ultimately builds up to the final drop, at the bottom of the lift hill John is panicking and worried about his friend. He calls for Sherlock and talks to himself through hidden speakers, hoping Sherlock is safe. As the car climbs higher, guests hear John’s concerns fade away, and they see Sherlock and Moriarty fighting.

The big drop itself represents Reichenbach Falls, which leads guests to an enclosed area where they see John reading a letter Sherlock left him. As they go through the area and to the loading station, they hear John’s voice reading the letter aloud over the speakers.

1) The Hound

Everyone is familiar with the famous Sherlock Holmes story, The Hound of the Baskervilles. In this tale, an attempted murder is inspired by a legendary, loathsome Hellhound. The Hound would be a wooden roller coaster and would have an enclosed entrance, featuring rooms with clues from the case, important and iconic conversations between the characters playing from hidden speakers, and at times, Sherlock’s violin playing a mysterious yet eerie tune. The rooms will be designed to be Sherlock’s residence and the Baskerville residence.

After walking through the rooms, guests will enter the main chamber: the foyer of the Baskerville residence where Watson, (a live actor) will explain to everyone that the Hound is loose and that they must follow Sherlock’s lead in order to be safe. After this, the gates will open, and guests will go to a loading area themed as a forest before the moor where the hound is. Sherlock’s dialogue will be playing over the speakers urging guests to stay close, be careful, and that the game is afoot side while owls hoot, crickets chirp, and a chilling howl is heard at times along with snarling.

The cars will have safety bars and its track will bear a similar resemblance to Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain, being an indoor/outdoor ride. Guests will go up the first hill as the forest is splayed around them, with animatronics of Sherlock and Watson talking about the hound. As guests reach the top of the hill, the hound appears before them howling at a luminous moon, and they drop down the first hill. They are taken through a series of curves, hills, and miniature drops while surrounded by a forest exterior.  At times, the hound appears with glowing eyes and gnashing teeth as well as Mr.Baskervilles who is seen running through the forest or hiding.

Once again the guests return to a dark enclosure where Sherlock and the hound are facing off. This entire section is another climb as the hound is heard snarling and growling at Holmes. Sherlock yells at Watson to find Mr.Baskerville and run. No sooner he gives this command, the cars drop from the hill and plummet into more curves, sudden drops, and swift turns. At last the ride ends with the hound defeated, Mr. Baskerville found, and everyone returning to the forest themed station.

What would you like to see at the Sherlock theme park? Feel free to comment and as always, feedback and followers are welcomed.

There's Magic in the Air Tonight

Welcome everyone to the finale of Disney Magic Mondays here at The Magical Mystery Blog.

Magic makes the best moments at Walt Disney World. Magic can happen while walking down Main Street or even just sitting on a bench at Hollywood Studios. It’s spontaneous and random, just like the nightly fireworks. At Disney World you’ll be able to tell when magic hits you because it seems like you've ascended into a world you've dreamed of. It’s a wonderful moment when it happens and when it does, you’ll be awestruck and filled with belief that anything can happen.

In my thirteen years of Disney, I've had some fantastic magical moments. Below are my top ten magical memories that I hope inspire you to visit Walt Disney World in the future.

10) ALL THE DESSERT – before it became Tutto Italia, it was Ristorante Italiano. Located in EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion, my family and I dined there year after year. Our last time there wasn't a pleasant experience and to make up for it, the waiter brought us a tray of all their desserts. All of them. Strawberry shortcake, tiramisu, and tons of others. He didn't have to do that but it brought a little magic to our night and a smile to my face.

9) A Fairy Surprise – remember how I mentioned in one of my previous entries you can wake up Tinkerbell if you arrived at the Magic Kingdom extremely early? Well, on my fourth year of Disney World I did just that. It was our last day and I wanted to go to that specific park because it was (and still is) my all time favorite. That morning the cashier handed me the bell and I rang it as loud as I could, yelling the pixie’s name, and telling her to wake up. In a matter of moments, she flitted before my eyes before fading away into the store.

However, that wasn't the last I’d see of Miss Bell that day. To this day I’m not sure how my mom hid this from me but she is good, I will say that. During our flight home, my mom managed to fall asleep. Reaching for my Nintendo DS in the carry on bag, I felt something squishy. I didn't remember packing anything of that nature and pulled out a Tinkerbell binder. Containing my joy behind a smile, I eagerly opened the purple binder. Inside was a few months’ supply of Tinkerbell themed school gear such as pens, post its, and many other items. No sooner school began, I used as much as I could of the pixie styled items.

8) Fantasmic – I solemnly swear that this is the most epic show I've ever seen at Walt Disney World. Discovering this my third year at Disney World, I was spellbound by the outdoor performance of fire, puppetry, and beauty. This show takes us through the dreams of the famous mouse himself where we are met with the ultimate battle of good vs evil. I would have to say that the part that spellbound me the most was Maleficent in her gloriously dark dragon form, appearing on the rocky stage, and spewing fire onto the surrounding island. Roaring into the night, she sent chills down my spine but made me grin in elation. After seeing this show for the first time, I made it a tradition to always see it whenever I went to Disney World.

7) Beneath the Orange Moon - in my tenth year of Disney, I was transforming into a young adult. High school wouldn't last forever and college would be starting soon. What I wanted to do with my life would have to be determined as soon as possible; I couldn't keep playing Kingdom Hearts forever and somehow turn it into a career. All these thoughts and concerns were getting to me on this particular vacation and I couldn't enjoy it.

One night after walking throughout the Animal Kingdom, I decided I needed some me time. The pool at our All Star resort was filled to the brim with vacationing teenagers and a few adults sneaking in some night swimming. Finding no calm among the noise, I managed to discover an abandoned pool. Palm trees looked down upon this pool as they seemed to hold up the moon on their hunched bark backs. A serene silence invited me to this miniature, almost glowing pool as I climbed in, and proceeded to float.

Staring into the tangerine moon, my thoughts started to meld into one: what will I do with my life? After an hour, my worries seemed to be absorbed by the water. The moon appeared to steal all the questions I had about myself and reminded me of where I was. I was in Walt Disney World for the tenth time. I was in high school with a few years left before college. At that time, I had nothing to worry about other than what park to visit tomorrow. Leaving the pool with boulders off my shoulders, I smiled, knowing I could relax for a few more years.

6) Finding Elwood – for as long as I dined at Disney’s House of Blues, I never noticed Elwood until my twelfth trip. My family and I always made it a point to sit out on the water because of the beautiful scenery, excellent breeze, and wonderful environment. At the start of our eighth year of Disney, we dined there but had to sit inside due to the terrible rain.  

During this time in my life, I had discovered The Blues Brothers which I still consider to be an excellent comedic classic, and by far the greatest combined work of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Behind the bar area of the House of Blues was something I had never noticed before. Something that caused my heart to beat like a hummingbird flapping its wings. Hanging in the middle of the beers and vodkas rested a portrait of Jake and Elwood Blues. Giddy at this discovery, I whipped out my camera and proceeded to take a ton of pictures. Sadly, I had accidentally deleted the photos while cleaning out my camera.

5) She’s a Pirate – seniors tend to do crazy things in high school. Some drink outrageously, others party harder than the average human being, but I decided to become a pirate. On my senior trip to Walt Disney World, there was a miniature pirate show featuring Captain Jack Sparrow, and one of his sea dogs. While the outdoor performance was for children, I decided to be a part of this crowd. When Jack asked who would like to be a pirate, I raised my hand, and proclaimed my love for the dashing swashbuckler. He allowed me to join the group in declaring ourselves pirates and handed me a certificate stating my oath to piracy. Until the day I die, I will be a pirate.

Me

4) Big Thunder Mt. Railroad – whenever my mom goes to a theme park she avoids roller coasters at all cost. During our first visit to Walt Disney World, we stumbled upon Big Thunder Mt. I knew it was a roller coaster, she didn't  So I convinced her it was a gentle train ride through the wilderness. She said it sounded like fun and climbed aboard with me and my dad.

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Wildest ride in the West? No, no, it's the Tamest ride in the West.

As we began to ascend the dark tunnel, my mom suddenly realized that this was no tranquil train ride. After the first drop was where the fun began. A sudden rush of wind pushed our visors off to which my mom proceeded to scream like a fan at a QUEEN concert. Thankfully the hats were rescued by my dad who caught them and created a Kodak moment. Sadly, we lacked a Kodak camera. After the ride, I was relieved that she didn't want to strangle me for tricking her onto a roller coaster. However, she got her revenge the following year. 

3) The Haunted Mansion – as a child I hated the Haunted Mansion because I thought it housed cadaverous beasts from nightmares. The second year of Walt Disney World, my mom decided that she wanted to go on it. I’m not sure if it was payback from Big Thunder Mt. or her mere curiosity, but she dragged me through the queue. Throughout the ride I was horrified until we reached the end. When leaving the ride, my mom asked what I thought of the attraction to which I responded, “Let’s go again! Let’s go again!”

To this day she regrets taking me on the Haunted Mansion because I extremely adore it.

2) Halloween – for my sweet sixteen my dad decided to surprise me to a trip to Walt Disney World during Halloween. The weather was as warm as a hug, the season of spirits was in the air, and I was going to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. No sooner I entered our shuttle to the Magic Kingdom, comments about my costume arose like zombies. When we reached the park I became popular in just under a half hour with my outfit of the Haunted Mansion’s Beating Heart Bride (or as the Cast Members call her, Emily Cavanaugh Gracey).

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The original bride of Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion. You know, before that Constance appeared...

After walking around the park, I managed to grab a seat for the Halloween parade.  Down Main Street U.S.A., a black mare charged through the night carrying a headless horseman with a flaming pumpkin in his grip. Through the roar of applause and wonder filled eyes, the parade started. Disney villains flooded the street, grooving out to some spirited music. Haunted Mansion ghosts waltzed through the street and in the distance, a skeleton band unleashed some wicked tunes. To top off this remarkable night was a glorious fireworks display which showcased the villains once more in orange and ebony tinted lights.

1) Bert is the Ultimate Sweetheart –Honestly, Bert is the first Disney character I ever remember seeing. As a child, I was convinced he was talking to me during the beginning of Mary Poppins. I’ll admit I had a crush on him when I was young but that faded over the years. Until I went to Walt Disney World that is, where he warmed my heart like hot fudge melting a scoop of ice cream.

The first time I met the chimney sweep was at Hollywood Studios. I was depressed because we were leaving the next day and I didn't want to leave Walt Disney World. It was our first time there and I had fallen in love with Cinderella’s Palace and wanted to live there. 

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Yeah if you can just move the flat screen to the living room I'd appreciate that....

 As the Disney Stars in Motor Cars Parade passed in front of me, I saw Bert riding his popcorn yellow horse from the movie’s horse race scene. Heavy with sorrow, I blew him a weak kiss which he caught in his hat and blew me one back. My frown was immediately transformed into a smile as I giggled and smiled with joy.

The second time I ran into Bert was on my sweet sixteen, our eleventh year of Disney. It’s rare to catch a glimpse of Mary and Bert strolling around Disney World and for them to show up on my birthday was something special. Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better present than a hug from the chimney sweep and practically perfect nanny. It was by far one of the best birthdays and Disney experiences I've ever endured. 

This entry concludes my Disney Magic Monday entries here at The Magical Mystery Blog. From Mondays onward, I will be posting more normal things like I do on Fridays. Until then, c ya real soon. 

A Whole New World

Greetings everyone and welcome to another installation of Disney Magic Monday here at The Magical Mystery Blog.

With time comes change and a desire for something new, improved, and fantastic. Out with the old and in with the new and for Disney, this is no exception. Disney likes to keep up with the changing times to satisfy its massive population. Below are a few renovations you might not know of that show that Disney is magically changing.

           1)      New Fantasyland – this is the biggest renovation which opened on December 6^th, 2012.  This new location dominates the eastern half of the Magic Kingdom and is based on the Disney princesses. Towering over the rest of the park is Beast’s Castle where the Be Our Guest character dining restaurant presides. This castle also serves as a staple to show the Belle section of the New Fantasyland which includes a meet and greet opportunity with her. I find that there are more eateries when it comes to this new Beauty and the Beast section. Along with Be Our Guest, there are two fast food places, and a tavern.

Oh and also Gaston. Cause no one forgets Gaston!

Next to this is Ariel’s area with her new ride, Journey of the Little Mermaid, and her grotto. While there isn’t much of her, I hope there will be more of Ariel in the future. By next year (or 2015 at the latest), the new Snow White Mine Dwarf coaster will be in full operation, and replace the Snow White’s Scary Adventures ride.  It will be located in the heart of the New Fantasyland and be just like Big Thunder Mt. only with ‘It’s Off to Work We Go’ blasting at every twist and turn. 

However, there are traces of New Fantasyland escalating in the original Fantasyland.  Just behind the castle is another area in construction entitled the Princess Fantasy Hall.  By late 2013, this section will be opened up to the public where thousands can meet Disney princesses such as Cinderella, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White. The only downside to this new character meet and greet is that they had to tear down Snow White’s Scary Adventures. Towards the end of original Fantasyland, just before Liberty Square, visitors are introduced to another new aspect of New Fantasyland. Looming over the Haunted Mansion in all its royal glory is Rapunzel’s tower. The area below houses restrooms and a comfortable relaxing area for those who have walked throughout the Magic Kingdom.

          2)      Dumbo – believe it or not, this is the one of the most popular rides in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.  There’s something nostalgic and magical about taking flight on an elephant that children and parents adore. Over the years, this ride has had extremely crowded lines with a usual wait time of 30 – 75 minutes or more (unless you have a Fastpass).  After realizing that having people wait so long for a simple ride, Disney decided to do something about it. In March 2013, the Magic Kingdom opened The Storybook Circus as a part of their new Fantasyland. This particular section features not one but two Dumbo rides, the Barnstormer roller coaster (originally found in Toon Town but they moved it here), a character meet and greet, an indoor playground, and a miniature water play area.

Along with this new area, Disney also created a new way to board the Dumbo ride. As opposed to standing around and waiting for the line to gradually decline, ride operators now hand out pagers. The pagers flash and vibrate when the next ride is ready for boarding. While parents and children wait for the next available seats on Dumbo, they can relax in the large queue room. That’s right, you don’t have to wait under a canopy anymore. Instead you get to hang out in an air conditioned room themed to look like the big top circus from the Dumbo film. The only downside to this new renovation is that they had to eliminate Toon Town just to build it. 

          3)      Downtown Disney – while this renovation has not been completed yet, it is currently happening as we speak. In 2016, Imagineers are hoping to finish the new Downtown Disney or as it will soon be called, Disney Springs. The Downtown Disney we have all come to know and love, will be replaced by a Southern, Spanish atmosphere. The buildings will be redesigned to fit a Southern celebration theme with architecture similar to the Coronado Springs Disney resort.
 

      Disney Springs will also have separated sections, one for the overall marketplace (yes most of the stores will still be there including the Lego Shop and Once Upon a Toy), one for dining, and one for something else. Disney Springs was initially supposed to be the makeover of Pleasure Island but the Imagineers decided to take it a step further. Pleasure Island, I believe will also be a part of the renovation. 

           4)      Big Thunder Mt. Railroad – the ride itself did not receive a renovation. However, the queue line did. Since this is a popular coaster of the Magic Kingdom, the lines tend to be crowded. Sometimes the ride can even boast a 45 minute wait. People, especially children, tend to get antsy waiting in line for so long. In an attempt to remedy this, Disney added an interactive queue line which also added a story to the overall ride itself. Unlike EuroDisney where their Big Thunder Mt. story ties in with Phantom Manor’s, the Walt Disney World Big Thunder Mt. has a story all its own. Big Thunder Mt. was once a mining company owned by billionaire, Barnabas T. Bullion.

In his spare time, Mr. Bullion tried to make bouillon cubes out of bullion gold.  

       
As you make your way towards the ride, you venture through Barnabas’ office, tour through an explosives magazine room, and even get to help some of the miners out with their duties. You get to take part in mining activity by setting off some dynamite and even watching miners mine for gold through a subterrascope. This renovated line was completed this year and is in full operation.

          5)      Test Track – as mentioned in last week’s Disney Magic Monday entry, Test Track is a popular ride at EPCOT. On December 6^th, 2012 this Chevrolet sponsored ride was given a new, futuristic look.

You could say it's so futuristic it looks like Tron.

Now you can customize your own car and drive it through the test course. You decide what your car looks like, how it runs, how quick it responds to your command, and how much gas it saves by going green. The entire design phase is all done on a touch screen which gives you a whole new way of creating a car. Once you’re finished crafting your ride, you climb into a test car, and throughout the test run see how well your car does. When the ride is over, a screen will appear and show you how your car did. 

If there’s any information about any Disney Park (Disney World included) you would like to know about, feel free to comment, and I’d be more than happy to respond. Until then, have a little faith, trust, and pixie dust.