As I said in the last thread, let all this tension from last round clear-up and let's keep this show on the road.
So we have eight contestants left...still...this round we will have a double elimination since I let you all off the hook last round. There wasn't going to be one, but now there is (I think this is our first real double elimination if memory serves). To accompany that, we'll have to merge you all into one team again. Sorry. You can probably figure out that you're all on one team, so I'll just tell you who your Team Leader is: AdvBlueDude. The reason why AdvBlueDude was chosen is because he was pretty much a Team Leader last round, even if he wasn't an "official" one. He sent in the nominations for elimination when jessie wasn't around, he posted the project in a hurry, and was and probably is one of this season's most dedicated contestants. Good work dude, lol. When elimination comes around you will send me TWO nominations instead of just one. Then everyone will vote and the majority winner will win.
Now in case you were wondering about Walt's Vault...well I'm not going to say anything about that, other than the fact that tiki and monkey still own it due to the concluding events of last round. By the end of this round it will move on into the possession of another contestant. By the way another double elimination will ensue next round. Sorry. We only have three projects left.
One of my high-points of going to the mall as a child was going to the Disney Store. Everyone has a Disney Store in their mall (Maybe). If not, allow me to explain. When Disney has trouble selling certain products at the theme parks, they have to find someway to get rid of them and make some money in the process. Where do they send them to? The mall! The Disney Store near my house is pretty cool (Not as much now as it used to be). Everything there is cheaper than it would be at the parks, they have a bg TV screen in there showing off a bunch of new movies and theme park stuff, and they themed it nicely. There are little dioramas and big figurines of Disney characters all over the place. I barely remember it, but my grandma and Me-Ma (I don't know why I call Me-Ma my Me-Ma, lol) took me to the grand opening of that store where I met Mickey and all that good stuff. Now let's get back on topic.
Nowadays the Disney Store(s) aren't the same quality as they used to be. The big TV screen is faded, the products are crummy, the carpet is disgusting, the whole place is dusty, and it's just all-together not the store that it once was. It is your new goal to bring the typical Disney Store into the next generation. Your assignment is to create an ALL-NEW Disney Store for a make-believe mall. We want you to make your store and have it set a quality standard for the rest of this mall. Make your Disney Store so awesome that it tops any other Disney store out there (Even the Wonderful World of Disney stores found at Downtown Disney and Disney Village). You don't even have to call it the "Disney Store," as long as it's Disney-related. All you have to do is make an AWESOME, CREATIVE, and INNOVATIVE store for a mall. Make it so people want to shop there. I'm really looking forward to this.
Now everyone probably remembers what KingMickey and I told you last round, if not I'll refresh your memory. We gave a lecture about how the word "epic" has been extremely overused this season (I'm guilty as charged when it comes to using it). At this point in time it is nothing but a term to make things sound better than they actually are. It's getting old now. We can easily see through that word and tell whether the project presented is epic or not.
If you want to use that term, then make your project LIVE UP TO IT. As said earlier, no project this season has really sparkled to us. Make your projects sparkle. Start with this round. Yes, there are only three projects left (Only two more for those who don't make semi-finals and finals), but now would be a good time to make your work sparkle. It is usually this point in time when a season begins to "drag." Keep things going strong by making a wonderful project. Work on this sucker like there's no tomorrow. Make us some good old-fashioned Disney magic. I look forward to seeing what you guys are able to come up with.
To accompany that last statement, I'd like to talk about something that KingMickey covered: Contestants. In every season there is one or two contestants that really have their heart set on winning and do everything they can to make their way to the very end. From what we've been seeing lately, there are only a few contestants who are doing this (I won't point out anyone in particular, but you probably know who you are) and actually showing it. Sure some of you may have your own little strategy going on behind the scenes, but again no one is really standing out to us as that contestant that is the season's monster, and I don't mean "monster" in a bad way. Disneyson was clearly showing this quality until his elimination, and as I said earlier, an EXTREMELY minimal amount of contestants (About two) are showing a similar quality. I'm not saying this with any resentment against of any of you, and don't take this whole paragraph to heart. I really hope that with the end of the season at hand, you all become motivated to be the very best that no one ever was.
YouTube - The First Pokemon Intro Theme Song (English)
/\ Take that song and apply it to Season Eight.
Now I would like to point out some positive aspects that have been going on lately. It seems as if some people are getting along quite well and some nice determination is going on. Everything seems to be going well amongst some of you, and that's a good thing. We've had a wild ride with lots of rough twists and turns, and somehow or another you all managed to pull-through. Yes there are some villains (There's one or two in every season), but in a way you can all be considered heroes - Heroes for making it this far in such a rough season. Round one and eight were nuts and I congratulate you for making it through.
Hang in there guys.
- Garrett
Disneyland DHI:
MEW, King Mickey, I want to commend you guys for a great season. Literally. As Tiki said in the Project Eight info thread, this season is going down in SYWTBAI, and maybe even VF history. (Prob not, since that's just me being dramatic. :D) This has been my favorite season. Yes, I know I've only been an active VF user to partake in Season 6, observe Season 7, and participate once more here, but honestly, this was the best out of all three, though I didn't read about the end to Season 7, but still... We opened up with an enormous explosion, and even if it did get utterly confusing, from that moment we were all assigned the surreal Disneyland, we all knew it would be a great season. Sure, we've lost some contestants along the way... Big Disney Fan... Trevor A... (Insert Rex sadly going "Disneyson...") And yeah... even Disneyson. But even with all the eliminations, that's what made this season what it is. We're only on project nine and it only gets better... Holy crap, Project NINE? I can't believe I made it this far. Honestly. Life has been putting me in unfair hands at the moment, and I tend to disappear off the face of the earth at times, and I'm seriously still in. But anyways, I know you guys don't want to hear the word anymore, but this season was truly epic and validates your promises you've been making at the start of the season. So Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and I guess I'll see you all at the end of the season. ![Wink](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tu0q6IPFTH6GF4QZV55j2ZSWzXfyU8yp_7L-toCgiWg9GM5eLefCOoYHsMZwHx2oNDYe5gPWa6hjF71p9dsYcG3wviAVfjN95zyXn3_R4Hn88P3q4zdpOclCKLNegYnmMLfWRHBw=s0-d)
And as for the usage of the word, don't forget: there still is the EPIC Threequel.
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Disney Store!
Main entrance
The front for the store on the ground level will look like a large old fashioned movie theater. Along the sides of the store until you get to entrance there are windows similar to the old emporium windows on main street except they look into the store and only have a little bit of diorama in the front that matches the part of the store the windows they look into. Some of the windows use the live feed feature used on the DCL's Disney Dream to show parts of the store that the windows can't "reach". These windows will be presented as though they are movie posters for films currently showing in the theater. The store's entrance doors will look like Disneyland's Main Street Cinema's entrance except main street will be changed with the name of the city that the store is in and the Steamboat Willie title is changed with "The Wonderful World of Disney." Upon walking into the store guests go up a 3 ft or so ramp and underneath the monorail "station", for the Lilly Belle sized monorail that traverses the store, and then enter into the main store area. This area is raised to allow certain areas to have a sense of immersion using ramp
The Hub
But what else do each of the Disneyland parks have to accompany this set-up? A Castle, of corse! The huge castle stands before guests, it's highest tower literally going into the clouds! Tinkerbell flys around the clouds, sprinkling pixie dust on them. When she does this, projections of fireworks or Disney Characters in flight (such as Peter Pan and Dumbo) appear and fly past! For guests ready to check out, all they have to do is walk behind the castle, and get in line, for the registers are located behind the castle.
As guests were marveling at the castle, the castle doors suddenly open, and the they head into what appears to be an elevator. But this is no ordinary elevator, it is a Spirevator! An elevator that spins while going up, and on the walls of there Spirevator, there is a magic mirror, that tells guests the story of Sleeping Beauty (since the castle that you just entered is Sleeping Beauty's castle). The elevator doesn't spins like the Mad Tea Cups, though. (guests not wanting to use the spirevator may use escalators and stairs located in other parts of the store)
As the guests exit the spirevator, they find themselves to be above the clouds, really! Guests step out onto the clouds, and can even see into the store below them!
Beast's Library
(do note, the library is only one story high. Space constraints)
The walls are lined with books! Pirate books, princess books, cook books, scrapbooks, Disneyania books, every kind of book you can imagine! You are amazed to see just how many books there really are to choose from! You send her off to go find a book, because now even you want to go look for one!
Look out the windows! You can see outside! There's snow falling, and you can see Belle and Beast playing in the snow!
But before she can go find one, she sees a big group of kids laughing around a table in the corner. Curiously, she walks over to find Cogsworth and Lumiere, bantering with one another yet again. But what are they arguing over now? "No, no, no no no no no!" begins Cogsworth, "Her red outfit are much prettier than his hat!" "No!" Lumiere returns, "hiz hat is much better looking!". She looks at the girl and boy they were talking about and notices that they are wearing a red outfit and hat! "Oh, Bonjour Madame!" says Lumiere all of a sudden. She looks around, not sure he was talking to her. "Qui! You! Yes, hello! What is you're name?" "Alice...?" "Well, bonjour, Alice! Why don't you stay and be our guest!?" And with that, he begins to sing "Be Our Guest" (much to Cogsworth's detestation).
Just as things were getting to be so much fun, you call her, and it's time to check out. "Au revoir" says Lumiere says as she gets up to go.
"Oh, but mother! I didn't get to pick out a book!" she suddenly cries. "Don't worry," you tell her, "I've got one that you'll enjoy" as you show her a Beauty and the Beast book.
Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise
As you continue to look through the many areas of the Wonderful World of Disney, you will be drawn towards a large replica of the Matterhorn. This is the centerpiece of the parks aand resorts merchandise. The actual area is pretty plain. Blue floors with blue walls surround the area. If you look up, you'll see some classic Disney ride vehicles hanging from the ceiling including tea cups, Dumbo and a scale monorail. Looking out at the Matterhorn, you will notice that this is an exact replica of the actual ride in Disneyland. Multicolored bobsleds make their way through the caves of the mountain while miniature mountain climbers can be seen scaling the mountain. Looking at the stand that the mountain stands on, you notice a cave entrance which stands in between the racks of pins and T-Shirts. entering this cave, you are delighted to find that inside the cave are the miniature caverns and cave systems running through the inside of the mountain. Beautiful crystals light the caves that the bobsleds continuously run through. Occasionally, the yeti roars as he comes out to scare the tiny people who are forever riding the Matterhorn. After looking through this, you exit through the other side to view the racks of clothes, vinylmations and even more pins.
Toys and Stories:
TOYS! You're greeted by two Lego statues of some of your favorite friends...
As you look around, you notice the walls are adorned in bright blue paint with projected versions of Andy's clouds (giving an illusion of moving throughout the room as if on a summer day) as zooming Zero Gravity Light Cycle toys race around the walls as they're comandeered by Cast Members. The Cast Member races that toy up the ceiling, drawing your attention to the claw-shaped mechanisms hanging overhead, the claws holding up lights in the shape of LGM heads. Speaking of the claw, a four-person version of the popular game sits in the center of the room. Another notable difference is that rather than just all aliens, plushies of popular Disney characters are in it as well. A stage in the back of the room is ideal for events, Meet and Greets, and toy demonstrations.
Items here are varied. This is one place that toys from the parks, Disney Store exclusive toys (Actual quality ones), and general Disney toys finally meet. However, being such a great Disney Store, there are items that are EXCLUSIVE to this store:
Duffy Bear/Plushie outfits
Collectible LEGO Disney minifig set
A three-inch sized version of Woody's train
Potato Head parts (From the Make Your Own Potato Head station, with all new exclusive parts not found anywhere else)
The room is great on its own, however, it would lack a certain magic if the characters of the films weren't included.
- On the highest shelf you'll notice Woody sitting in a locomotive with two more cars attatched filled to the brim with Trolls dolls all dressed up as Disney characters, all the while retaining their signature hair.
Atop a shelf, one notices Utility Belt Buzz and his “dad” Zurg playing catch together. Every so often, a ball will hit Buzz too hard, resulting in him speaking Spanish.
Potato Head, Rex, Hamm, and Buttercup play cards atop another shelf. Rex has Potato Head's right ear in his lap, Hamm wears the trademark bowler hat, and Buttercup has Potato Head's left ear and moustache. Potato Head holds his nose, attempting to negotiate with the others (“How about three out of five?”)
Mrs. Potato Head reads a Disney storybook to her LGM children and Big Baby on a platform near the stage.
Buzz “flies” on a similar plane to the first movie; Jessie watches below on the platform behind the counter, standing next to Bullseye, impressed.
Dolly tries to break up a shushing match between Pricklepants and Trixie.
Ken and Barbie are mounted on their truck behind the counter, bantering back and forth, “I...” “Love...” “You!”
Well you've soaked just about everything of the toy area in... And you pretty much bought all the delicious collectibles you can possibly get... Maybe just one more go on the claw game? Maybe not, if you want to save that money for another department. As you leave the area, one of the last quotes of Toy Story 3 echoes in your head, ”So long, partner...”
Sleeping Beauty's Cloud Botique
Tea Cups! A Disney Snack Bar
Yarr! Let's see:
Pirates Cove
Figment's Music and Video ImagineLab!
You can immediately see that the walls of this part of the area are covered with CDs , and some TV screens being hold by Figment statues. The CDs are divided into: "The Latest Disney" (collection of latest CDs), "Disneyana- Disney Parks and Resorts" (CDs, rare, old, new, from the Disney Parks and Resorts), "Disney's Soundtracks and More!" (Soundtracks for Movies, TV series, and more), "Disney Channel!" (the stuff for the tweens). There is one TV screen for each of these sections, and the screen is showing clips of some music videos. The Latest Disney statue has Figment holding a clock and lifting the TV screen with his foot, the Disneyana section has Figment with Mickey ears and holding a Mickey ice-cream with one hand and lifting the TV screen with the other. The soundtracks section has Mickey with an outfit that resembles Bert in the "Jolly Holiday" part of the Mary Poppins movie, his cane holding the TV screen, and Disney Channel's Figment has a wig and is holding a microphone, obviously singing into it, while his horns are holding the TV screen.
On the rest of this area, dedicated for DVDs, there are lines of DVD shelfs, each with a Figment on the start of each line, simbolising each section. The sections are: "Animated Movies", "Disney Channel's Originals", "Live Action Disney", "Rare Disney" (for old Disney shows, collections, etc, such as the Walt Disney Treasures). The Animated Movies sections has a Figment dressed as Clogsworth, from Beauty and the Beast. The Disney's Channel's Originals has three Figments on a band. The Live Action Disney has Figment dressed like Fozzie Bear, and the Rare Disney section has Figment opening a treasure box, looking, amazed, at its contents.
Well, now, if your kids want to play, or maybe if you want to play too, Figment's ImagineLab is the area for the entire family. This new ImageWorks like place has lots of activities that will keep not only the kids, but the entire family playing and interacting. It is mostly based on the old ImageWorks:
- Enter the Rainbow Tunnel, whose color changes as you walk through it (its the entrance and exit of ImageWorks). Right out of the Rainbow Tunnel, see the Wall of Projections, a wall in which you see your own shadow, and after a few seconds, voila, its on the wall, no need for you to be staying there (the wall can also be seen on the shopping area).
- There is a new version of the Stepping Tones, with a sign informing what it is- not only will stepping on the tones play musical tones, some combinations will also start playing different Disney tunes on this area.
- There is also a new version of the Philharmonic Band activity- but in this case, each member of the family will have to play an instrument, air-style. Choose from many different Disney compositions, and Figment will appear, telling you how it will work: you will have to follow the instructions on how to play your instrument in order to play that composition. Or you can just set your Imagination free and play it, free-style. All the instruments are advanced Animatronics, and each party member can see their instrument on an window in front of them, the screen where the instructions play is right under it.
- Oh no! Figment didn't take very good care of his DVDs, so its up to you (and a few members of your family) to re-enact some scenes he lost. Resemblant of the old Dreamfinder's Acting School, this one actually uses animation magic and puts you- well, an animated version of you- right on the scene, interacting with characters from the classic Disney animated movies. You can even send the finished movie to your home.
- Various other activities that use audio and visuals, including some that teach about CDs and DVDs, such as "Colors and Sounds" (where together with Figment, guests have the chance to learn how a CD is made, by connecting various colors, and therefore, various sounds), and "Video Mashup!" (where Figment tells you how Disney DVDs are made, and then its your turn to create your own virtual DVD, however, you can mashup any scene, character, or song from any Disney movie, together!)
As you exit the area, you see the backside of the Figment entrance. The sign now says "See ya real soon!" and Figment even winks at you.
Flynn's Game Grid
Another thing you notice as you descent into the grid is a distinct musical score under-riding the entire experience. The Game Grid background loop will be a completely unique blend of songs by Daft Punk (including of course tracks from the score of Tron: Legacy) mixed with pieces of the original Tron's score, as well as a few corny 80s songs thrown in for good measure, as well as possibly some classic Tomorrowland melodies like Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow. Really, the loop in itself will serve the purpose of completely and totally surrounding you into the themes and ideologies that the Tron franchise represents. As you reach the basement which serves as the Game Grid, you notice that the world of Tron now completely surrounds you.
A highlight of this particularly compelling electronics section is the ceiling. Basically, think Peter Pan's Flight, except from above instead of below, and computer highways instead of the streets of London. The entire ceiling will be completely lined with a huge diorama using projection effects to completely bring it to life. Also, there will be a few miniature Recognizers that are about the size of the Peter Pan ships and also use the same technology, gliding in and out of the room. Speaking of projection effects, all the walls will be completely soaked in projections simulating the computer atmosphere of the grid. In a DJ booth above the cash register, AAs of Daft Punk as their Tron: Legacy mp3 counterparts are seen spinning the accompanying music.
Also above the cash register, similar to the space ship above the loading area in Space Mountain, is the tractor beam ship from the two films, with a tractor beam, of course, projecting from both sides. Spawning out from the cash register (which is kind of a "hub" of the Game Grid) are shelves of merchandise consistently primarily of video games, electronics, and Tron related products. Along the way, there are also a few recreations of arcade games made by one Kevin Flynn, including the world famous Light Cycle game, which lines the back wall of the Game Grid.
This particular version of Light Cycle however, is extra special. Costing 2.50 per game, players each get into one of ten individualized "chambers" which each contain their own Light Cycles which gamers of course are propped on and use the steering and everything to control the actual gameplay. These chambers are about the size of the rooms in which the Back to the Future/Simpsons Rides vehicles rest before they are lifted into the main theater, except this time, there is a screen that completely surrounds your chamber. As the game starts, the screen projects the race. Your best bet is to use the handy on-cycle LCD screen which shows the race in a classic arcade like 2D perspective if you actually want to win. Of course, in addition to the visuals surrounding you and the Light Cycles themselves giving you an intense simulator like effect, the sound systems in each stereo also surround you with the intense noise of a Light Cycle race...with some possible Daft Punk thrown in to round things off
Overall, Flynn's Game Grid takes the concept of a mall arcade and entirely brings it to a new level, while at the same time serving as the Disney Store's fully functioning electronics section.
Doc's Forest of Furniture
Basically speaking, Doc has set up special zones in the forest to display different types of furniture. Guests access this area through the Dwarfs' cottage. [#] cottages provide displays for living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. The Dwarfs' mine, illuminated by blacklights, houses a bedrooms display. Each piece of furniture is marked with a special tag with a number. When selecting a piece of furniture, guests take a small piece of paper (a thematically dressed take-a-number dispenser) with that number. When finished, guests go back to the cottage and approach a counter. They present the small piece(s) of paper taken and give them to an attendant. The attendant gives them a receipt including a number, call time, and name of one of the Dwarfs (ex. Call Time~7:45 pm, ID~Bashful72). Those three details let the guest know when to pick up their desired furniture
Walk onto the Spirevator, and let's check the second floor!
The second level entrance trades out the movie theater design for a more fanciful archetectural styling. Looking more like the front of the old World of Disney Store in NYC. It will also use the diorama windows of the first floor however these will be changed out to be windows into the World of Disney as though each was a magic mirror. The second level entrance opens directly into the Sleeping Beauty/Girls apparel and accessories section. The second level of the store is slightly smaller than the first as the second level walkway of the mall rests on top of the front section of the first floor shops.
Art of Disney
As you enter the area, you will notice just how different this area is from the rest of the store. Red carpet with gold borders cover the floors and the walls are tan. Orchestral versions of Disney songs can be heard throughout the area. As you look out at the actual store area of Art of Disney, they will see four columns which look like paintbrushes right in the center of the area. In the middle of this circle is a reproduction of the partners statue which is a bit different from what the statue usually looks like. It bears a bit of resemblance to the Partners Statue in Epic Mickey where the bottom half seems to be incomplete. When you look at this unfinished section, you will immediately notice that hundreds of Disney characters have been sculpted into this all the way from Oswald to Tiana. On the walls are seven large columns which have one of the seven dwarves carved into them. In between each of these columns are what appear to be stained glass windows. These windows depict Mickey Mouse, Belle and Beast dancing and Oswald and Ortensia holding hands. Every once in a while, these stained-glass windows come to life. Mickey waves and smiles, Belle and Beast begin to dance in circles and Oswald and Ortensia kiss each other. Neatly placed around the area are many different cases which hold the many models and other things. Hanging from the walls and placed on stands are paintings and animation cells that you can purchase to hang in your home. For all the parks fans, reproductions of blueprints and concept arts of the rides and even full parks. After getting your fill of Disney animation, you are free to leave back through the front door, free to explore what other wonders this store holds.
After all this walking... maybe you want to do it again? Or just plunge yourself into a place... where the water rains, and rains... and rains. The shower.
KingMickey:
Ok, well this has been one interesting round. With all that happened last round and then the CostaFreak’s sudden departure yesterday, I think this project has kept everyone on their toes. You’ve all come a long way, but sadly, by the end of this review, one of you will not be joining us. So, let’s get on with this review, shall we?
First off, the first thing that caught my eye, mainly because it was the first thing that was seen in the project was the Layout/Map Key. Personally, I love this kind of stuff. It creates a great image of what your idea actually is. It makes the project seem much more realistic and it is very eye-catching, so kudos to whoever to the time to create the layout.
I really liked how you used the hub-and-spoke design of a Disney park to design your shop. I felt that these shop was honestly a step above any sort of shop Disney has ever created, maybe with the exception of the World of Disney at Downtown Disney in WDW. I went to the new store in Times Square about a month ago and this shop definitely trumps that store. I love the idea of the Castle Spirevator, I thought that was very innovative.
I really liked how immersive the Toy Story section and Beast’s library was. The touch of seeing the falling snow outside of one of the castle’s windows or seeing you favorite Toy Story characters coming to life was nice touch. And the addition of adding “Living Characters” into the store is always a plus. I thought the Sleeping Beauty Boutique, the Tea Cups! Café, the Pirate Cove and the Snow White’s Forest areas were all great areas that just helped better the store.
I’m glad that you gave Figment a more universal role in the gift store. I’ve never really been sure about taking Figment out of Epcot, just because he seems like a solely in-park kinda character, but I think you guys made it work. I’m glad that you actually put your spin on what an ImageLabs should be, even if it is cramped into the tiny space of a mall store.
I also really enjoyed the addition of Tron in the store. I thought the entire area was very innovative, what with the design of this section and the entire idea of the Game Grid. I know Tron in itself is supposed to have that innovative design, but I felt that this area brought some sort of realism to it. Also, the addition of the Art of Disney store. If it’s one thing that I’ve noticed about Disney theme parks, it’s that people love these stories, so I thought it was a wise decision to add this section in your gift store.
I liked how the entire store really had a good mix of franchises, they had some of the older classics, such as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, there are franchises that they are going to market forever *Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Pirates), then new releases like Tron have representation. Then, the theme parks are also represented, of course. I just thought that there was a good, wide field of good franchises represented. It seemed like a realistic design of what a Ultra Disney Gift Store would be.
So, all in all, I thought that you had a great gift store in the end. Since this was a group project, there are no winning or losing teams, but rather, you’ll all just receive the same grade for the project. I’m going to give you a solid A. As for elimination, AdvBlueDude had nominated CostaFreak, Disneyland DHI and Stratofarius and this round was going to be a double elimination. With CostaFreak’s early elimination, it came down to the votes between Disneyland DHI and Stratofarius. Personally, I think both of you are really great players and it’s sad to see one of you go. With that said, Straofarius, you have been eliminated from So, You Want to Be an Imagineer.
Strato, it’s sad to see you go. I think that your demise was that once you found out that you were nominated for elimination, you just assumed that you wouldn’t make it to the next round. The truth is, when a contestant is up for nominations, it’s really their time to shine, to show everyone what they’re made of and prove that they deserve a spot in the competition. You were a completely new player and you made it this far into your first season, I think you should be very proud of yourself! Let’s hope to see you return to this competition soon.
As for the rest of you, good luck with the future rounds. Everything’s about to change!
First off, the first thing that caught my eye, mainly because it was the first thing that was seen in the project was the Layout/Map Key. Personally, I love this kind of stuff. It creates a great image of what your idea actually is. It makes the project seem much more realistic and it is very eye-catching, so kudos to whoever to the time to create the layout.
I really liked how you used the hub-and-spoke design of a Disney park to design your shop. I felt that these shop was honestly a step above any sort of shop Disney has ever created, maybe with the exception of the World of Disney at Downtown Disney in WDW. I went to the new store in Times Square about a month ago and this shop definitely trumps that store. I love the idea of the Castle Spirevator, I thought that was very innovative.
I really liked how immersive the Toy Story section and Beast’s library was. The touch of seeing the falling snow outside of one of the castle’s windows or seeing you favorite Toy Story characters coming to life was nice touch. And the addition of adding “Living Characters” into the store is always a plus. I thought the Sleeping Beauty Boutique, the Tea Cups! Café, the Pirate Cove and the Snow White’s Forest areas were all great areas that just helped better the store.
I’m glad that you gave Figment a more universal role in the gift store. I’ve never really been sure about taking Figment out of Epcot, just because he seems like a solely in-park kinda character, but I think you guys made it work. I’m glad that you actually put your spin on what an ImageLabs should be, even if it is cramped into the tiny space of a mall store.
I also really enjoyed the addition of Tron in the store. I thought the entire area was very innovative, what with the design of this section and the entire idea of the Game Grid. I know Tron in itself is supposed to have that innovative design, but I felt that this area brought some sort of realism to it. Also, the addition of the Art of Disney store. If it’s one thing that I’ve noticed about Disney theme parks, it’s that people love these stories, so I thought it was a wise decision to add this section in your gift store.
I liked how the entire store really had a good mix of franchises, they had some of the older classics, such as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, there are franchises that they are going to market forever *Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Pirates), then new releases like Tron have representation. Then, the theme parks are also represented, of course. I just thought that there was a good, wide field of good franchises represented. It seemed like a realistic design of what a Ultra Disney Gift Store would be.
So, all in all, I thought that you had a great gift store in the end. Since this was a group project, there are no winning or losing teams, but rather, you’ll all just receive the same grade for the project. I’m going to give you a solid A. As for elimination, AdvBlueDude had nominated CostaFreak, Disneyland DHI and Stratofarius and this round was going to be a double elimination. With CostaFreak’s early elimination, it came down to the votes between Disneyland DHI and Stratofarius. Personally, I think both of you are really great players and it’s sad to see one of you go. With that said, Straofarius, you have been eliminated from So, You Want to Be an Imagineer.
Strato, it’s sad to see you go. I think that your demise was that once you found out that you were nominated for elimination, you just assumed that you wouldn’t make it to the next round. The truth is, when a contestant is up for nominations, it’s really their time to shine, to show everyone what they’re made of and prove that they deserve a spot in the competition. You were a completely new player and you made it this far into your first season, I think you should be very proud of yourself! Let’s hope to see you return to this competition soon.
As for the rest of you, good luck with the future rounds. Everything’s about to change!
MEW:
I honestly don't feel as if I have to write a review because the feelings I have about your project are the same as KingMickey's. But I will review the project anyways.
I LOVED EVERYTHING. No joke, this project is a monster compared to any other Disney store on this planet we call earth. The really sad part is that you designed a Disney store that is better than a Disney store designed by professional Imagineers. Dang. That's really saying something. You guys rock. This is a humongous leap from the chaos of last round. I am extremely proud of what's been going on lately. This is one of the season's best projects. Everything about it was great. No bad comments here. IT. WAS. GREAT.
A+
Stratofarius you are a great contestant and I personally can't wait to see your return next season. No joke, it will be great just to see how you've grown as an Imagineer. Season Nine may seem far away, but with anticipation like this (Meaning your return), it will come up faster than you think. Farewell Stratofarius. You will be missed.
DHI I agree with tiki. You stand for what SYWTBAI stands for. You answer the question that not many people have ever answered: "So, you want to be an Imagineer?" And your answer is: "Yes." Can't wait to see what else comes out of you.
Moving right along folks, check out the Project Ten thread if you haven't done so yet.
I LOVED EVERYTHING. No joke, this project is a monster compared to any other Disney store on this planet we call earth. The really sad part is that you designed a Disney store that is better than a Disney store designed by professional Imagineers. Dang. That's really saying something. You guys rock. This is a humongous leap from the chaos of last round. I am extremely proud of what's been going on lately. This is one of the season's best projects. Everything about it was great. No bad comments here. IT. WAS. GREAT.
A+
Stratofarius you are a great contestant and I personally can't wait to see your return next season. No joke, it will be great just to see how you've grown as an Imagineer. Season Nine may seem far away, but with anticipation like this (Meaning your return), it will come up faster than you think. Farewell Stratofarius. You will be missed.
DHI I agree with tiki. You stand for what SYWTBAI stands for. You answer the question that not many people have ever answered: "So, you want to be an Imagineer?" And your answer is: "Yes." Can't wait to see what else comes out of you.
Moving right along folks, check out the Project Ten thread if you haven't done so yet.