A merchandise kiosk near Animagique! [UPDATED WITH PHOTO] Posted by raptor1982 on Tuesday, July 24 2007
A new merchandise kiosk appeared next to Animagique this week. It had been under construction for over a week backstage now, only to be installed next to Studio 2 yesterday.
We don't have any photos for now, but will update this message as soon as we do!
UPDATE: A reader has send in a photo, revealing that the kiosk is appropriately selling Cars and Finding Nemo merchandise!
A stroll around Toon Backlot Posted by raptor1982 on Tuesday, July 10 2007
magicblog, the blog by Photos Magiques dedicated to Imagineering and Disneyland Resort Paris' history, takes a closer look at the new Toon Backlot area, part of Toon Studio.
Did you know that the common theme of the backlot area is the large backdrops for each attraction? Find out more today at magicblog!
Before and after... Posted by raptor1982 on Friday, July 6 2007
Over just a few years, many changes have been made at the former Animation Courtyard. We're comparing two photos from 2004 and 2007 to highlight the changes.
Other major change was the addition of the Toon Backlot area (the location where Crush's Coaster and Cars Rally is build). The old location, visual from the Flying Carpets photo platform, was empty and really made the Walt Disney Studios Park feel like an empty carpark. But that has changed...
Brand new Toon Studio photos! Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, July 2 2007
All Photos Magiques albums covering Toon Studio, including Art of Disney Animation, Animagique, Crush's Coaster, the Toon Studio area and more, have received brand new photos or have been completely replaced.
Sound of the Toons! Posted by raptor1982 on Saturday, June 30 2007
Did you know that a short toon-styled music is played when a character comes on scene at Toon Studio? We've captured a short video of it!
Toon Studio at night video Posted by raptor1982 on Tuesday, June 19 2007
We've uploaded a video to YouTube from the new Toon Studio Plaza at night!
Toon Studio inauguration photos! Posted by raptor1982 on Tuesday, June 19 2007
Photos Magiques has a whole bunch of photos from the press event from past weekend at Walt Disney Studios Park. See the official inauguration by Karl Holz, tons of characters including the rare Mike from Monsters Inc, the Ratatouille characters and Toon Studio at night!
Toon Studio posters: the collection Posted by raptor1982 on Tuesday, June 12 2007
We've lined up all the Toon Studio posters together into one single image.
All the Toon Studio logos! Posted by raptor1982 on Friday, June 8 2007
The newest park plan revealed yet another Toon Studio logo, matching the design of the other zone logos on the park plans.
We're lining them all up for comparison...
Toon Studio construction walls come down! Posted by raptor1982 on Thursday, June 7 2007
Walt Disney Studios Park opened yesterday morning with a few construction walls less. All construction walls that seperated the new attractions area with the former Animation Courtyard have been removed, allowing the area to form one whole piece.
New posters at Toon Studio (UPDATED) Posted by raptor1982 on Wednesday, June 6 2007
New Disney posters are being installed on the lighting rigs at Toon Studio! Magicforum moderator has send us in one photo from a Jungle Book poster, located on the rig near Disney Studio 1.
It's not clear yet if all other posters will be a replica of existing Disney movie posters, or instead the characters posters from Hong Kong Disneyland that we reported about earlier.
Many thanks to Flor for the photo.
UPDATE: Flor has send us in a bunch of cellphone camera photos from other posters on the Toon Studio lot. It appears that the posters on Disney Brothers Plaza are movie poster replicas, while the actual Toon Studio lighting rigs did in fact receive similar posters as can be found at Hong Kong Disneyland.
Sorcerer Mickey statue wallpaper Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, June 4 2007
Download our newest wallpaper from the Sorcerer Apprentice statue at Toon Studio.
Sorcerer Mickey arrives at Toon Studio. Posted by raptor1982 on Saturday, May 26 2007
The Sorcerer's Apprentice statue has finally arrived at Toon Studio. The statue marks the entrance to the Toon Studio land and features its logo as well.
Previous concept arts featured a golden statue with a beam of sparks coming out of his wand, these features seem to have been exchanged for a more realistic Mickey Mouse statue in its original colours.
More photos have been uploaded to Photos Magiques here.
Toon Studio area photos! Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, May 21 2007
Magicforum moderator Flor has send in some great photos from the Toon Studio placemaking, most importantly from the Toon Town backdrop and the details surrounding it!
Just in: Toon Studio area is OPEN! Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, May 21 2007
We just got in from magicforum moderator Flor that the Toon Studio area has opened! The passage way to the Studio Tram Tour has been shut off, forcing guests to enter the tram tour station through the new Toon Studio plaza, through a new path behind the Art of Disney Animation.
Flor is going to send in photos within an hour from the new area and the individual attractions. Stay tuned!
The Toon Studio logo's Posted by raptor1982 on Sunday, May 20 2007
In preparation for the shareholders-previews have signs been put up on the construction walls and lighting rigs with the attractions' opening date and a notice that the previews are for "invitees only".
The sign also features the brand new logo for the whole Toon Studio area and the logo's for both Cars Race Rally and a never before seen one for Crush's Coaster.
New lighting rig poster discovered Posted by raptor1982 on Thursday, May 17 2007
A friend at Walt Disney Studios Park has send us in a photo from a Snow White poster that's currently been placed on a lighting rig backstage.
Identical posters (although the Paris one has been cropped) can be found on the Hong Kong Disneyland esplanade. The artworks each show a Disney character in its traditional 2D-design on a coloured background.
We have received no confirmation yet if all the lighting rigs in the park will receive these posters, as the backstage one can just be a test. To be continued...
WDSfans photo: thanks to P.T. Hong Kong Disneyland photo by Laughing Place
A big warm welcome to Peter, Wendy and Tink! Posted by raptor1982 on Thursday, May 17 2007
They finally arrived: the golden statues that originally circulated Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World. For now three statues have been installed: Peter Pan, Wendy Darling and Tinker Bell. Rumours persist that Winnie the Pooh, Ariel, Flounder and Dumbo would be placed on the building as well, but there's no sign so far from them whatsoever.
In the mean time, construction workers are finishing up the connecting path between the Studio Tram Tour and the new Toon Studio plaza, leading behind the Art of Disney Animation building.
All photos by Grandmath on Disney Central Plaza.
Toon Studio not ready for its close-up yet [UPDATED] Posted by Anthony on Tuesday, May 15 2007
It has been the talk of several fan forums recently that today could be the day those fences around the Toon Studio expansion finally disappear, allowing guests to wander the new land and reach Studio Tram Tour as the heart of the park is further closed off by the Hollywood Boulevard "production".
As raptor1982 reports live from the magic, though, the new area appears not to have opened today, with fences still bordering to entire zone toward Crush's Coaster, Cars Race Rally and the Toon Town area.
Guests at the park today are, however, being rewarded with an Animation Courtyard filled with far fewer fences than before - the area between Disney Bros. Plaza and Animagique is now fence-free, though two small sections of fences remain in front of Animagique on each side. Since this was the location of a new flower bed on almost every concept, could we hope beyond hope that Animagique will see some improvement beyond new paint?
On the right of the photo, you can just spot the area reserved for Sorcerer Mickey, whilst new metal studs in the bottom-left now mark out the parade route.
That other Sorcerer's Apprentice statue Posted by raptor1982 on Thursday, May 3 2007
This month's Tales from the Laughing Place magazine features an interview by Lee McDonald with Imagineer Corey Sewelson about the Toon Studio placemaking and its attractions.
Although all information in the article was known before, it does feature a wonderful photo of Imagineer Valerie Edwards sculpting the Sorcerer's Apprentice statue that will go to the Toon Studio entrance.
If you don't own your copy of this magazine yet, we suggest you backorder it at Laughingplace here, as it not just features the Toon Studio article, but also a wonderful interview with the 4 leading Imagineers for the Euro Disney Project.
A Toon Train for Toon Studio? Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, April 30 2007
Kinou, a well appreciated member of our magicforum posted today quite an interesting newsbit.
Starting in July, a Toon Studio train with some characters and musicians would make several appearances during the day.
How the actual train will look like is not known yet...
To be continued...
Many thanks to Kinou on the magicforum
Toon Town: from sketch to reality... Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, April 16 2007
La Roquine on Disney Central Plaza posted an amazing piece of concept art on the Disney Central Plaza forum! The artwork features the large Toon Town backdrop with the Toon Studio gate and a security booth next to it. An information board with hours for the park's shows and spectacles is also featured. On the far left cracks can be seen in the wall, caused by Goofy crashing his car against the wall. His silhouette can still be seen going through one of the backdrop buildings.
Alain Littaye on the other hand has posted a current construction photo of the Toon Town area showing the nearly finished backdrop and the Toon Studio letters on the gate.
Blue walls and green fences... Posted by raptor1982 on Tuesday, April 10 2007
Construction fences at "Animation Courtyard" near Animagique are finally coming down to reveal more of the new flooring. The repainting of the building has now been extended to the queue area were the walls are currently receiving their blue makeover. The wall separating backstage with on-stage has been painted bright white, most likely the primer for a different colour (blue anyone?).
Back at the entrance of the "zone" has the planter in front Art of Disney Animation finally received its protective fencing, which are exactly the same as the other ones in the area.
Space reserved for Toon Town Posted by Anthony on Wednesday, April 4 2007
...The hillside lettering, that is! The new backdrop to the Toon Studio expansion area has continued to grow this week with rolling, green hills behind the colourful Toon buildings, all nestled behind the yellow studio wall and neatly covering the ImagiNations Costuming building behind.
The most noticable step was the installation yesterday of the piece of hillside where the "Toon Town" lettering will soon appear. The outlines of the letters are cut into the hillside, hinting that they will likely be 3D, similar to the inspiration for the backdrop at Toon Town in Disneyland, California.
Scoring the Toons Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, April 2 2007
The Toon Studio make-over at Animation Courtyard continues as the old flooring is disappearing bit by bit and more blue is being painted on Studio 3.
But there's another significant change: a brand new area music loop! The new loop features music not just from hit animated movies like Beauty and the Beast and Tarzan, but also lesser known tracks from The Rescueurs and even Walt Disney World's nighttime parade Spectromagic are among the new score.
Constructing Toon Town Posted by raptor1982 on Wednesday, March 28 2007
A brand new floor, Toon Town façade and more blue. These are some of the great ingredients for the Toon Studio cocktail.
Let's start with first things first, the new flooring. Construction fences were removed past Saturday, revealing the new flooring consisting out of large squares of grey and red paving stones and black tarmac. Rumours are insisting that the latter should be replaced by fiber optic tiles or painted blue.
A big blue world! What would a Toon Studio update be without reporting more blue paint? Painters were caught in the act while repainting the façade of Art of Disney Animation and traces of blue could be seen behind the Animagique scaffolding.
Toon Town style Here comes the fun part! The first pieces for the Toon Town backdrop were brought on scene yesterday and installed on the metal structure in front of the Imaginations (costuming) building. The wall in front of the backdrop is currently being repainted in the old Walt Disney Studios yellow. More great additions have been added to the area, like the Toon lampposts, similar to the ones at Toon Town in Disneyland California.
Toon Studio's new floor will be... blue! Posted by raptor1982 on Wednesday, March 21 2007
La Roquine on Disney Central Plaza saw the first square meter of the new Toon Studio flooring. Currently all concrete has been scraped off and is being replaced by a checkerboard of blue and concrete flagstones. Each flagstone will be separated by a border of red bricks. The combination of these colours will hint to the colour style of both Cars Race Rally and Crush's Coaster.
New Toon Studio concept art released Posted by raptor1982 on Wednesday, February 28 2007
A new concept art for the Toon Studio area has been released showing the overall look of the transformed Animation Courtyard and the integration of the new attractions.
This artwork by Christian Hope differs from the previously released drawings: » The concrete has been replaced by tiles on different ground levels. » A small fountain is located in front of Animagique.» The Toon Town backdrop seems to be larger and features now a sun.
Sources are insisting that this artwork was part of the early concept ideas, so it's not a given thing that we will see all of these cool features when the project is finished.
New concept reveals the magic of Toon Studio Posted by Anthony on Tuesday, February 13 2007
The magic of Disney doesn't come much better than this. Just as the Toon Studio placemaking project was beginning to fade away into nothing, a stunning new concept arrives to show us exactly where they're heading with the blue and gold makeover. Posted by burne on DisneyMagicInteractive.com, the concept takes the view of a guest just stepped out of Disney Studio 1, looking towards the brand new Sorcerer Mickey statue, a repainted and redecorated Art of Disney Animation and more.
The concept features several previously unknown details, such as the appearance of not only Tinkerbell, Peter Pan and Wendy on the Sorcerer Hat (from Walt Disney World's Happiest Celebration On Earth decorations), but also Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo and Ariel. The stars, lines and moon of the Hat are repainted gold and joined by several 3D lines spiralling upwards, whilst the base of the Sorcerer Mickey statue and new decorations on the lighting rigs mimicks the stars and lines design of the Hat. However, it has already been confirmed that the redecoration of the lighting rigs in this way is unlikely.
As for the statue itself, Mickey is shown as a fully gold statue, unlike the full-colour statue all other concepts show. The words "Toon Studio" are featured beautifully below. The blue and pink repaint of Art of Disney Animation has covered the entire building, and the pistachio green canopy of Cars Race Rally can be seen along with Crush's Studio 5 in the distance.
The concept appears to be one of the closest to reality we've seen so far, and certainly shows the style and vibrancy this project is trying to extract from the Studios' existing land. The budget of the Toon Studio placemaking is reportedly far less than that of Hollywood Studio (Hollywood Boulevard), giving even more promise for the entire park, beyond Mickey's wondrous piece of sorcery.
Sculpting Sorcerer Mickey! Posted by Anthony on Saturday, February 10 2007
The latest issue of Disney fan magazine 'Tales from the Laughing Place' features an article all about the Toon Studio placemaking project at Walt Disney Studios Park - including an exclusive first look at the brand new Sorcerer Mickey statue! The magazine has previously presented a superb article about the creation of CinéMagique, and from the small preview given on its website, this latest Paris-based article looks just as revealing.
The statue is shown being sculpted by an Imagineer in a full-page image, with a coloured concept art opposite giving an impression of the finished product. The statue is large, very rounded and depicts Mickey pointing his wand into the air - which rumours persist will be followed by a trail of gold stars leading across the parade route and into the planter outside Art of Disney Animation.
The preview for the article reads: "Tooning Up: A sneak peek at the new Toon Studios that will debut in June at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris with the executive producer Corey Sewelson;"
This marks the fourth statue of Mickey to be featured in the park, after his appearances at the Front Lot "Fantasia Fountain", Disney Bros Plaza "Partners Statue" and miniature Art of Disney Animation Character statue. It will be installed at the park sometime in March, serving as a grand entrance for Toon Studio, with the name itself featured on the blue stone base below Mickey.
The first page of the article also features a previously unseen piece of concept art for Toon Studio, focusing on the Animation Courtyard side of the area. It shows not only the entrance statue, but the Peter Pan figures flying around the Sorcerer Hat, extra planters, beautified flooring and even a fountain in front of Animagique!
Toon Studio area open in May Posted by raptor1982 on Thursday, January 11 2007
The new Toon Studio area, currently under construction, should be open for guests in May to lead them to Studio Tram Tour.
The regular path will be closed off for the Production Courtyard placemaking project.
Note that the actual attractions, Crush's Coaster and Cars Race Rally, will not open before June 10.
More photos from the Oasis Posted by raptor1982 on Wednesday, January 3 2007
WDSfans.com staff member Anthony returned from Disneyland Resort Paris with a whole bunch of great photos from the WDS construction sites, including the freshly unveiled Oasis area.
Notice also the photos from the new planter in front of Art of Disney Animation.
Crush and Cars soft opening confirmed Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, January 1 2007
Soft opening for Crush's Coaster and Cars Race Rally will take place from May 31th, 2007 to June 8th, 2007. It's not clear yet whether these are the previews for "regular" guests or Anual Pass and Share holders.
Official opening will be on June 10th, 2007.
The new Oasis revealed! Posted by raptor1982 on Friday, December 29 2006
The three new planters in front of the Flying Carpets over Agrabah have finally been revealed after construction started in August of this year.
Julien, member on our magicforum was the first to post photos of the new area development. Notice that there are 3 planters, each with Arabian lamp posts, palm trees, regular trees and plants, surrounded by brown protective railings.
The original plans for the attraction called for a similar Oasis area, but were scrapped by management due to budget cuts.
Reveal of the new trees Posted by raptor1982 on Saturday, December 23 2006
Construction fences surrounding the new trees aside Art of Disney Animation were surprisingly removed recently, giving Grandmath from Disney Central Plaza forum an excellent chance to capture them on camera.
The planter surprisingly do not feature a protective fence, that in contrary to the oasis planters near Flying Carpets over Agrabah which were installed recently as well. They how ever are not (yet) themed to the whole Agrabah area.
Photos by Grandmath on Disney Central Plaza
A series of fortunate events Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, December 11 2006
Thanks to the storm that struck the Walt Disney Studios Park last week a bunch of construction fences fell over, including the ones surrounding the new trees near Disney Studio 1. Poppy the Monkey on the magic forum was lucky enough to get a few photos from the new trees before the fences were fixed again.
An undersea entrance and a very large wall Posted by Anthony on Monday, November 27 2006
It's a time for opposites at Toon Studio, as the infrastructure of this new area begins to appear around the two new attractions. An entrance here, a giant wall there.
Whilst the queue line path for Crush's Coaster has now extended right out to its main entrance, work has most certainly begun on the Toon Town backdrop to this new animation universe. Towards the back of the new area, two trees have arrived and a huge two-story wall has grown up from the ground. The wall will ultimately serve as an enclosure for the Toon Studio production facility, with silhouettes and outlines of Toon Town hills and buildings beyond, as confirmed by the new map we posted earlier this week.
Repainted Art Posted by Anthony on Monday, November 27 2006
The first phase of Art of Disney Animation's transformation is now complete, allowing it to group with Crush's Coaster to give a distinctive blue hue to the Animation end of the park, separating it from the rest of the studios just as a great definition of what a "placemaking" project really is.
The majority of the yellow on the Southern and Western sides of the building has been repainted to a cool blue tone perhaps identical to that of the new Studio 5, whilst all the bricks surrounding the entrance have been painted a red/pink and the canopy supports have been transformed from cream to a deep blue.
Still awaiting its own animation touch-up is the Cars Race Rally side of the building and the Sorcerer Hat. As revealed in the new map posted earlier this week, the hat's trademark stars and moon look set to become gold. The rest of the transformation has yet to be confirmed. With the building visible behind the Cars attraction, which colour would fit better - yellow for an earthy desert look, or blue for a bright desert sky?
One week of Toon construction Posted by raptor1982 on Friday, November 10 2006
Anthony from DLRP Today has posted an interesting article on his DLRP Blog: a day by day run through of the Toon Studio construction site.
Blue during day, yellow during night?? Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, November 6 2006
WDSfans staff member, Patrick, noticed that the Art of Disney Animation building appears to be bright yellow again when the sun sets and lights go on!
The walls on the side of Studio Tram Tour have been painted blue recently, but regain their original colour during the night, as the filters for the lighting installation haven't been replaced yet.
And another new colour can be seen during the day: pink! The small brick wall to the left of the attraction's door has been painted in the same pink as the border on the roof.
Disney Animation feeling blue Posted by Anthony on Sunday, October 29 2006
Don't worry, there hasn't been another round of job cuts at Feature Animation Burbank - this is strictly Walt Disney Studios Paris news. And, like almost all park news right now, this involves blue paint. A lot of blue paint.
Last weekend we reported that two of the rear walls of the Art of Disney Animation building had been repainted a bright sky blue colour, rather than their original warm yellow. This weekend, the blue fever has spread right up to the brick-surrounded entrance doors of the building, taking in support columns, doors and even the ceiling of the canopy!
As you can see from the photos below, some spots are still missing a touch of blue, and it remains to be seen just how far this new colour will be taken. For now, this is a work in progress with, hopefully, a lot of progress still to be made...
Flood of blue reaches AODA Posted by Anthony on Sunday, October 22 2006
There's a lot of blue paint being sploshed around Walt Disney Studios right now, and newest victim is Art of Disney Animation. In a scene reminiscent of the Pumpkinmen's orange attack on Main Street next door, the entire curved rear section of the building has now been painted a light sky blue colour.
This appears to be the first step from the Imagineers at integrating the attraction into the "new" Toon Studio theme, with further plans of course calling for, amongst other things, character additions to the Sorcerer's Hat. More blue across the building is unlikely, since this would clash with the blue of the Sorcerer's Hat itself, but the addition of this small area of blue adds more interest the large building and builds a new tricolour palette of yellow, blue and purple - the same key colours used in the rest of the land.
A touch of blue for Art of Disney Animation Posted by raptor1982 on Sunday, October 15 2006
La Roquine brings the latest news from the Toon Studio project on Disney Central Plaza:
Parts of the Art of Disney Animation facade, on the Studio Tram TOur side is in progress of being repainted in clear blue, including the toiletes.I think the results is a lot better, as it breaks the monotonous colours of the building. [...] Work on the Toon Town photolocation has started as well, as ground breaking has start.
We'll update the news as soon as possible when photos are on hand.
New trees in front of Disney Studio 1 as well! Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, October 9 2006
As reported earlier, trees have been added in front of the Art of Disney Animation. We can confirm now that similar trees have been added in front of Disney Studio 1.
Extra trees for Art of Disney Animation! Posted by Anthony on Sunday, October 8 2006
Another day, another massive Walt Disney Studios Park improvement! After the Flying Carpets palm trees reported on Friday and the strong rumours of the addition of Stitch Encounter yesterday, today our site host raptor1982 stepped out of Disney Studio 1 to discover a line of about 3 to 4 brand new trees, as you can see in the cameraphone image below.
The trees are similar in style to those previously lining the fence where Cars Race Rally is now being constructed, with very long, thin branches and a box-like body. They're similar even, perhaps, to those surrounding Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, and give a very stylised and refined look to the future entrance of Toon Studio, matching the nature of animation itself.
This area of blue fences was erected back in late August, with the only sign of construction over the past month being a large hole. Now though, we can see the true start of the original Animation Courtyard's placemaking, as more greenery arrives and the lands of Walt Disney Studios are finally separated.
Update (13:36 GMT): raptor1982 also reports that he believes the same line of trees may have also been added behind the green construction fences, next to Disney Studio 1.
From Cinderella to Sorcery Posted by Anthony on Monday, September 25 2006
In a turn of events that will surely please many eco-warriors worldwide, Disney will soon be doing a remarkable bit of recycling between its Floridian and Parisian parks. Whilst all but the giant mirror and stage decorations have now been removed from Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary-decorated Cinderella Castle, don't be fooled into thinking these have gone straight to a landfill. No, instead they're steaming across the Atlantic to our very own Walt Disney Studios Park - three of them, at least.
The golden Wendy, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, who previously circled the highest spire of Cinderella Castle, will soon turn to sorcery as they find a permanent home around the curving spike of the Sorcerer's Hat to add more magic to this enhanced Toon Studio landmark.
Across from this, behind the new green fences we reported last week, the park's fourth statue of Mickey will be installed in the next few weeks. If Front Lot's Fantasia Fountain, the Partners Statue and the mini Art of Disney Animation statues weren't enough, Mickey will once again be a new icon for the park in a colourful statue inspired directly by his infamous Sorcerer's Apprentice role. Appearing to be stood on a large blue podium, Mickey will be firing a golden spark of pixie dust across the entrance of the land to where the blue construction fences currently stand. The base of the statue may also feature the words "Toon Studio", to welcome guests to the new, improved land.
Photos below show: the decorations on Cinderella Castle in Florida, the Sorcerer Mickey statue in the original Animation Courtyard concepts - likely to the basis for the new statue.
The Animation Courtyard Labyrinth Posted by raptor1982 on Friday, September 22 2006
Poppy the Monkey reported on our magicforum that more construction fences popped up all over Animation Courtyard yesterday, to continue the Toon Studio placemakig project. Additional signs have been placed on those fences, to make sure that guests find their way in this construction maze.
Work at the Toon Studio entrance (near Disney Bros Plaza), including new flooring, a Sorcerer Mickey statue and additional flower bedding should be finished by November 2006.
Source: Poppy the Monkey. More photos can be found at the magicforum.
The Toon shedule Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, August 28 2006
La Roquine on Disney Central Plaza forum reports interesting news regarding the Toon Studio placemaking project:
- Work will start this week at the main entrance of Art of Disney Animation. - Mid-October to mid-November work continues at the entrance of Animation Courtyard to install the Sorcerer Mickey statue. - Construction fences will then move to the entrance of Animagique and the exit of Art of Disney Animation. - Followed by the zone between the Incredibles photo location and the Cars Race Rally construction site.
La Roquine points out as well that the new yellow flooring near the Flying Carpets will receive handpainted details in the coming months.
More news from Agrabah Posted by raptor1982 on Wednesday, August 23 2006
Disneytheque.com posted a photo of the fast growing Agrabah Oasis, which has now received a layer of sand-coloured concrete!
The Flying Carpets over Agrabah is receiving an additional Oasis area, as originally intented by the Imagineers.
Agrabah's expansion Posted by raptor1982 on Sunday, August 20 2006
The Oasis expansion, part of the Toon Studio placemaking, is coming along well. The concrete has been poured and the curbs for the greenery are in place.
Imagineers were spotted on location on Saturday to make sure the construction continues to go as planned.
The Toons are coming! Posted by Anthony on Monday, August 14 2006
Today, 14th August 2006, should hopefully mark the start of fullscale work on the Toon Studio transformation project with the first "coup de pioche"! La Rouquine on Disney Central Plaza forum reports backstage sightings of the huge new flagstones, carring "vibrant" colours, which will replace the asphalt flooring of the land.
Toon Studio progress Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, July 31 2006
Photos Magiques has the latest construction photos online from past weekend!
Interesting to point out are the updated construction fences with a blue colour and the completion of the outdoor Crush's Coaster track.
The Toon transformation is coming... Posted by Anthony on Sunday, July 30 2006
...on August 14th 2006, at least according to La Rouquine on Disney Central Plaza forum. This is the date currently set for the start of full-on work to transform the existing Animation Courtyard area into the lavish entrance area of the new Toon Studio. Work is expected to begin with a slew of construction fences throughout the land, most noticably around Art of Disney Animation.
It is expected that the transformation will include sandy-coloured paving throughout the area, the repainting (to blue/purple) of several buildings, new gardens and trees and, of course, the long-rumoured addition of Wendy, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell circling the Sorcerer's Hat. The date for the changeover of names from Animation Courtyard to Toon Studio is not yet known, however current schedules suggest the work will be complete by the time the busy Christmas Season kicks in in late December this year.
Toon Studio construction supersize photo Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, July 24 2006
Get a detailed look on the Toon Studio construction site! Click to enlarge.
Crush's Coaster and Cars Race Rally logo's Posted by raptor1982 on Thursday, July 13 2006
Despite not officially opening until June 2007, the marketing machine is already in motion for the Toon Studio attractions! Check out the first official logos for Crush's Coaster (produced in Glendale by the WDI graphic department) and Cars Race Rally here.
It was confirmed last week that the name of the land will infact be "Toon Studio" rather than "Toon Studios". This land will then also include all the current Animation Courtyard attractions - Art of Disney Animation, Animagique and Flying Carpets Over Agrabah. The new area will not, however, be the main marketing draw - the attractions will clearly be advertised on their own as two seperate, brand new attractions, allowing Disneyland Resort Paris to use these valuable Cars and Finding Nemo character properties to their maximum effect.
Mike joins Sulley Posted by raptor1982 on Tuesday, July 4 2006
Disney Magic Interactive forum reports that a 3D statue of Mike has been added to the Monsters Inc photo location.
Photo by Scrooge on Disney Magic Interactive forum.
Crush and Cars get official press releases; New name for "Crush's Coaster"? Posted by Anthony on Thursday, June 22 2006
As Disneyland Resort Paris begins to unveil the plans of its biggest celebration yet, to run from April 2007 to March 2008 in honour of the resort's 15th Anniversary, the first official press releases for the two Toon Studios attractions are now available:
Feel the rush with Nemo and Crush.
Hang loose with Nemo and Squirt on the new rip-roaring ride, Crush’s Coaster – opening June 2007. Totally inspired by Disney’s presentation of Pixar’s Finding Nemo, this is one of two new major attractions opening in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Disneyland Resort® Paris.
Get ready to plunge into the underwater world of Nemo and Squirt. A world full of adventure, fun and hidden “dangers”… oh yes, and a few thousand fish.
Here, you’ll “sea” life a little differently as you twist and turn over colourful coral reefs with Squirt, Nemo and friends. But don’t close your eyes… or you’ll miss the fun as you dive straight down into the inky darkness of the deep to explore a sunken submarine nestling in an underwater minefield. Watch out - you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled to avoid coming face-to-face with Bruce, the vegetarian shark and his snapping mates. But what’s there to worry about? Just remember fish are friends, not food. But hang on, you’re not fish, are you?
Then, if you thought escaping the sharks was a white-knuckle ride, prepare yourself for the rush: spinning and twisting with along the powerful Eastern Australian Current, where even the coolest dudes have to screeeeeeeeam! So hang ten (and hang on) for the ride of your life!
~
You’ve seen the movie, now take it for a spin.
Hit the road with Lightning McQueen and friends on the new piston-pumping ride Cars: Race Rally – opening June 2007. Inspired by Disney’s presentation of Pixar’s Cars, this is just one of two brilliant new attractions opening in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Disneyland Resort® Paris.
Welcome to Radiator Springs, a sleepy, one-horse-power town that’s about to be woken up. So fuel-up for fun and get in gear to join this engine-roaring rally on the dusty desert track of Route 66 - you just know it’s going to be a gas!
Rest assured though there’s no need for pre-race nerves, as Lightning McQueen will be there to give you all the best driving tips. With more trophies and sponsors than you can shake a loose exhaust pipe at, this road champ will get you and your family revving into action in no time. So will Mater, a good ol’ trusty tow-truck with a big heart and the quickest tow cable in Carburetor County. Buckle-up!
And, once you’ve discovered the hotshot-racing driver in you, it’ll be time to take that pole-position and put everything you’ve learnt into practice. So take a mighty fine grip of the wheel and get ready for a spin to take the chequered flag. There’s vrrrrrrooom for everyone.
~
Perhaps the most interesting detail from these press releases, and indeed the generic 15th Anniversary press release (which can be read here), is that Crush's Turtle Twister seems to be going by the official name of Crush's Coaster, despite the "Turtle Twister" name being believed to be so strongly confirmed. Hopefully upcoming days will bring more news on this development, until then, you can discuss it all on our forum.
Toon Studios opening date Posted by raptor1982 on Sunday, June 18 2006
Toon Studios is expected to open somewhere in June 2007, according to the promotional Cars page at the official Disneyland Resort Paris website.
Goofy to gain Food Cart? Posted by patrick on Thursday, June 15 2006
Even more rumours are arising about Toon Studios, the latest is that Goofy will become the chef for Toon Studios, with the addition of a Food Cart, which has crashed into the back wall of the area. This leaves the idea of where will Mickey's trailer go? Peter Bell the author of the rumour does suggest that the trailer will just stay in its current position between Cinemagique and the Disney Channel Studio. This rumour yet again has come from Peter Bell's reactions to his article on MiceAge.
You can discuss this rumour right now on our forum
NEW Toon Studios concept art! Posted by Anthony on Tuesday, June 13 2006
MiceAge writer Peter Bell has revealed some exciting, brand new artwork for Toon Studios in his latest article. Take a look:
The concept art allows us to spot some interesting new details, such as: The landscaped entrance/exit of Crush's Turtle Twister, with wooden decking. Paint splashes across the Studio 4 (Crush) building and on the ground. Rich Western themeing for Cars, with a Lighting McQueen and Mater meet 'n' greet towards the entrance. A large "ToonTown" backdrop to hide the ImagiNations Costuming building. Features a high wall and gates in front of it, to create the illusion Toon Studios is just a small part of this larger Toon universe. The repositioned Studio Catering Co. van towards the back of the area. A second gate, this time open for guests, possibly leading to a new path behind Art of Disney Animation. Lighter-coloured flooring - large square paving slabs similar to those in Front Lot.
Peter Bell goes on to give a susprising amount of detail concerning both Toon Studios and the redesigned Animation Courtyard area, which he once again strongly suggests will be joined together under the single "Toon Studios" name.
Crush's Turtle Twister
On the subject of Crush's Turtle Twister, Bell describes the attraction as featuring "many and varied" special effects, with "a variety of dry-for-wet techniques, and brand new holographic animation effects". The storyline for the attraction is also described, with guests boarding their Sea Turtle vehicles from Sydney Harbour fishing pier before "plunging into black-lit coral caves, shoals of jellyfish, and an abandoned submarine".
It seems that, from the point where the vehicles begin to climb the lift hill and the three sharks appear through the wreckage, the ride turns into a dramatic chase to get away from the three hungry animals who have obviously given up their "fish are friends, not food" motto. An interesting new rumour for the outside section of the ride, where the vehicles will take a quick downward dip before returning inside, is that a Big Thunder Mountain-style water splash effect could be installed here. The concept art itself offers the most realistic and close impression so far of what the finished attraction will look like.
Cars: Radiator Springs Spinout
Less new information is given by Bell for Cars: Radiator Spring Spinout, but he does once again raise the rumour that the spinning tea cups-style vehicles will "talk" to the guests onboard through pre-recorded audio. The concept area gives a very detailed look at the attraction and its surrounding landscaping, which looks set to include cacti, trees and rockwork similar to that found in Frontierland. A far more modern theme, however, is given by the building on the far left which will house the queue line of the attraction. To the right of this, you can see the tarmac road which rolls into the area and is joined by a meet 'n' greet of lifesize replica cars from the film and various "Route 66" signs.
The Toon Studios Theme
Describing the transformation of the area by saying it is "no longer a real world studio, but a realm of fantasy", Peter Bell comments on the large ToonTown backdrop and the "honey-coloured" flagstones, which will apparently also be used across the whole of the current Animation Courtyard area. He suggests Art of Disney Animation and Animagique buildings will receive new colour schemes of "purples and blues" and gives one of the clearest descriptions yet of the new entrance statue and Sorcerer's Hat decorations:
Finally, the new land will be separated from its fellows by an impressive new entrance way. A golden statue of Mickey in his sorcerer's robes will stand on a plinth, opposite the Art of Animation building, his wand raised towards the giant sorcerer's hat. The wand will be emitting a beam of magical energy, arcing into the air as far as the parade route, where it will cut off, only to reappear on the other side, falling to Earth at the foot of the hat.
From this point, wide loops and spirals of golden energy will wind up towards the peak, where a golden figure of Tinker Bell will perch, her own wand raised. Tink won't be alone though. The golden figures of Peter Pan and the Darling children, currently in orbit around Cinderella's castle in Florida (shown above) will be transplanted to Paris, flying around the hat to meet Tink. Some concept artwork has already leaked out, and I can assure you that it looks terrific - a true return to Disney form.
This sudden outburst of so many new details and rumours is sure to create a vivid new image of how the completed Toon Studios area will look, and you can discuss it all right now on our forum.
Make way for the CDA! Posted by Anthony on Sunday, June 11 2006
The new Monsters, Inc. photo location, which officially opened on the 8th April 2006, has now been enhanced further with the addition of two new life-size CDA officer figures. The statues have been placed in a corner between Disney Studio 1 and a flower bed, facing towards the photo location.
Animation Courtyard rumours Posted by raptor1982 on Friday, June 9 2006
More and more rumours are starting to float around on the several message boards about the coming Animation Courtyard placemaking project. "Burne", moderator on Disney Magic Interactive shares some interesting rumours.
Animagique and Art of Disney Animation Courtyard will be repainted, according to him. Gold and blue, colours that are already present will set the tone. A new coloured floor, similar to the one at Fantasyland is an option.
A new Sorcerer Apprentice statue will be pointing to the Art of Disney Animation. Statues, similar to the ones used on the Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World for the 50th Anniversary, may be put on the Sorcerer's Hat.
He continues that Disney Cinema Parade will be re-directed to Production Courtyard during the works.
Stay tuned for more news in the coming days and weeks!
Animation Courtyard losing its name? Posted by raptor1982 on Thursday, June 8 2006
Will Animation Courtyard's name be changed into Toon Studios? It will at least according to "Chat de Chester" on Disney Central Plaza.
The Animation Courtyard place making project includes according to him: the construction of Crush's Turtle Twister and Radiator Springs Spin Out, new theming and decorations and its new name: Toon Studios.
Animation overhaul finally gets the a-ok! Posted by Anthony on Thursday, June 8 2006
Rumours have been circulating for some time that a large-scale enhancement and rethemeing programme is in the works for both Animation Courtyard and Production Courtyard, ready for the opening of Toon Studios and Tower of Terror respectively.
Animation Courtyard has already received a surprisingly well-themed Monsters, Inc. photo location, and now news has arrived from La Rouquine on Disney Central Plaza forum that the large-scale placemaking project for the zone has finally been accepted and the budget decided. Work should start later this year to transform the area in time for the opening of Toon Studios in Spring 2007. The similar project for Production Courtyard is still in the planning phases at Walt Disney Imagineering, but initial reports claim it looks to be an ambitious project that will definitely give this rather unspecific area a true Disney touch.
Rumours for the Animation Courtyard project are currently rather vague - we'll bring you more on these as soon as possible.
Scream Monitors now working! Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, May 22 2006
The Scream Monitors at the Monsters Inc photo location are now finally fully working, the volume visually goes up when children are screaming in the machines.
The Toon Studios Imagineer... Posted by raptor1982 on Monday, April 24 2006
In their report about the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast opening, Laughingplace talks about the Toon Studios Imagineer Corey Sewelson and his past jobs. They also promise concept art and an interview with Corey in their magazine Tales of the Laughing Place.
"Next year Toon Studios will open its doors at the Walt Disney Studios Park under the direction of veteran imagineer Corey Sewelson (who was responsible for the original Tower of Terror and Condor Flats/Hollywood Pictures Backlot at Disney's California Adventure park). This project completes the toon cycle for Corey as he has also worked on Toontown at Tokyo Disneyland where the animated characters live and Toon Studios is where they actually go to work! One of the attractions is a spinning coaster called Crush's Turtle Twister (from Finding Nemo) which will have slower dark-ride show scenes within the building. A second will be similar to Francis' Ladybug Boogie (at DCA) and will be Cars themed (Radiator Springs to be exact). The ride name is still in limbo. Tales from the Laughing Place readers can expect to see an interview with Corey and artwork in an issue later this year."
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix at Mouse Planet
Clovers at Toon Studios coming afteral? Posted by raptor1982 on Friday, April 21 2006
When the managment announced Toon Studios last year, a particular concept art was accompanied by this announcement. It showed next to Crush's Turtle Twister, a Bugs Life attraction in an area themed with huge clovers (the same as at Disney California Adventure). All that was dropped in favour of a Cars attraction and its Radiator Springs theme.
Now word has reached us that certain Toon Studios plans mention a few clovers afteral! They are supposed to accompany Mickey's meet 'n greet trailer that will be re-located all the way in the back of Toon Studios. This area would be stuffed with greenery and props from the Toons's Greenery Department.
Unfortunately, we have no confirmation wether these plans are still a GO, since rumours are lately popping up about a whole "street" dedicated to Meet 'n Greet locations.
Monsters Inc photo location now open! Posted by raptor1982 on Sunday, April 9 2006
The new Monsters Inc photo location has been revealed past saturday. The high quality shows that a lot of effort and money has been put in this newest addition at the Walt Disney Studios Park!
The sign of the Monsters Posted by Anthony on Thursday, April 6 2006
Raptor1982 has reported live from Walt Disney Studios the latest progress on the new Monsters, Inc. photo location near the entrance to Animation Courtyard. The giant frame has now been given a themed yellow edge, with a large Monsters, Inc. "M" logo put in place on the front.
The new photo location is due to open this weekend, so stay tuned for a full look at the fun, new, themed corner in just a couple of days!
A larger version of this image is available on our Message Board »
Monsters Inc photo location progress Posted by raptor1982 on Wednesday, April 5 2006
It looks like the main part of the photo location is in place.
Photo by J°o°el
Progress on Monsters Inc photo location Posted by raptor1982 on Friday, March 31 2006
Disneytheque reports that the Monsters Inc photo location should open tomorrow. Although there's no sign of any props yet, a wall on a side building of Disney Studio 1 has been painted blue.
Pathway between Toon Studios and Production Courtyard? Posted by raptor1982 on Friday, March 24 2006
Blue construction fences have been erected behind the Art of Disney Animation. Grandmath speculates on Disney Central Plaza that the pathway behind this building (which is only used by Cast Members for the moment) could be enlarged to connect Production Courtyard with Toon Studios. Also according to him has EDLI (Euro Disneyland Imagineering) been toying around with the idea of placing an improved version of the Chicken Little set on a path like this...
More news on the Monsters Inc photo location Posted by raptor1982 on Saturday, March 18 2006
Maarten on the Photos Magiques forum found this post on the Miceage board by Mike:
"Some fresh news, hot from the DLRP Imagineering labs! I've got the lowdown on the new Monsters Inc. photolocation that's being built in the Animation Courtyard at the moment. The centrepiece will be Boo's door, which will sit in the middle of a section of the factory floor. This will be surrounded by the cannisters containing the screams that power Monstropolis. The good news is, these will be interactive! Guests will be able to scream into them, and see the gauges rise and fall. The door will also be surrounded by static "props" of the Child Detection Agency agents, and Rosie, the secretary. No word yet as to whether these will be 2D or 3D props. Of course, "live" characters will put in regular appearances as well."
Mike & Sulley to the rescue: together? Posted by Anthony on Friday, March 17 2006
Sven from Castmember.be has just posted news on his website that the new Monsters, Inc. photo location will be open from 1st April 2006. Even more interesting, however, is the news that whilst Sulley will be presented in full, hairy real-life form, Mike Wazowski will have to make do with a life-size figurine, similar to those used at the Finding Nemo and The Chronicles of Narnia photo locations.
Presenting the character of Mike in the parks has always been hard due to his unusal size and dimensions, not to mention his "ONE EYE!" The photo below shows a rare appearance of a real-life Mike, at the Walt Disney Studios "Monsters, Inc." movie premiere event.
Monstropolis coming to the Studios? Posted by Anthony on Wednesday, March 15 2006
Another character meet 'n' greet photolocation is due to join Mickey, The Incredibles, Chicken Little and Narnia at the Studios very soon. The new Monsters, Inc. character location will be placed next to Disney Studio 1 in Animation Courtyard, an area previously featuring tables and chairs as overflow from Restaurant En Coulisse. The photolocation was rumoured during February and upon the addition of a huge Monsters, Inc. poster on the side of Disney Studio 1, above the area, seen as even more likely. When the area was cornered off with construction fences at the end of February, however, the rumour appeared to be confirmed.
Nothing is yet known about the design or arrangement of the new photolocation, but as soon as there's news - you'll find it right here!
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The landscaped entrance/exit of Crush's Turtle Twister, with wooden decking.
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