Looking Into the Blue Sky
We've got changes at Walt Disney Imagineering, new tech from Universal and at Disneyland, plus big new plans from Kings Island.
Bob Weis to Retire from Walt Disney Imagineering: Don't miss our exclusive interview with the former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, who talked with us one day before announcing his retirement from The Walt Disney Company. Bob shared with us his thoughts on what Imagineering has accomplished, how to pitch unusual ideas, and what he is up to next in his ongoing creative career.
No 'Play' Pavilion at Walt Disney World: In additional news from the world of Imagineering, Disney has decided not to proceed with its Play pavilion concept at Epcot, even as it completes repairs and renovations to the former Wonders of Life pavilion.
Looking Into the Blue Sky
Has Universal Solved the 'Cell Phones on Rides' Problem? Can't keep people from bringing mobile phones on rides? Then why not a safe place for people to mount them while they record or take photos? That's part of Universal's recent patent application, which includes allowing fans to use their phones to control elements on the ride.
MagicBand+ Debuts at Disneyland
How to Use MagicBand+ at the Disneyland Resort: MagicBand+ officially debuts at the Disneyland Resort theme parks today, and Disney invited us out last week to put the next-generation wearable tech to the test. Here is what we learned about how Disneyland visitors can use MagicBand+ when visiting the parks.
How to Play Disney's New 'Batuu Bounty Hunters' Game: We also got to test the Disneyland installation of the Batuu Bounty Hunters game that previously debuted inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World. We also got a ton of backstory for the game.
Meanwhile, at Cedar Fair
A New 'Adventure Port' Is Coming to Kings Island: The team at JRA – Part of RWS Entertainment Group is creating a new Adventure Port land for Kings Island, transforming the area between the park's Coney Mall and Action Zone with two new rides and themed refresh for one of the park's roller coasters.
More Theme Park News
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Best wishes for the week ahead,
Robert Niles