By now, many of you know from previous
Disney Parks Blog articles that I am a huge fan of science fiction. I love all genres probably because of the former
Epcot attraction Horizons that taught me “if I can dream it, I can do it.” That is one reason why I can’t wait for the Disney Trading and Collectible Experience we have planned for Summer 2011 at the
Disneyland Resort. We recently announced the theme of this one-day event at the
Dateline Disneyland 1955: Pin-Vited Press Event in July 2010. I caught up with Chris Chapman, the lead designer for this event, to discuss its evolution.
“We started work on this event in May 2010,” explained Chris. “This event will feature some of the most involved storytelling we’ve ever done. The event will be for every fan whom has ever visited Tomorrowland, enjoyed science fiction entertainment, played video games in the Starcade and more. We want to immerse our Guests into the story from the event experience to the product packaging to the merchandise we are designing.”
Mike Sullivan (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/03/the-mechanical-kingdom/) from Disney Design Group is the leader character artist for this project. He shared some details about the story created for Sci-Fi Academy.
“Mickey has always loved adventure stories,” explained Mike. “His good friend Professor Ludwig Von Drake created a device making it possible for Mickey to be transported into his favorite Sci-Fi tales from the late 1800s to today. After each trip, Mickey would return with otherworldly keepsakes. As time passed, he realized he could not study all of the great Sci-Fi movies, books, games and television artifacts he collected. So, Commander Mickey created the Sci-Fi Academy, where recruits could help him collect, analyze and catalog these treasures.”
As a child, I remember spending many hours in Tomorrowland watching people and listening to ambient sounds of the future. I recall riding the People Mover during my first visit to Disneyland in the early 1990s (gosh, I loved that soundtrack). Chris explained that this event will pull from those nostalgic childhood memories and experiences.
Chris also created the teaser poster and the four logos representing the different science fiction genres that will be featured at the event. Doesn’t that poster look like advertisement for a brand new motion picture? How I wish it was – sigh. Nevertheless, stay tuned to
DisneyPins.com as we reveal more details in the coming months about this event. And I hope to see you at the Academy.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/08/recruitment-begins-in-summer-2011/