Tinkin' About...Saying Goodbye to The Magic of Disney Animation Attraction

Good afternoon, Tinkers!

     Well, it is a sad day at Disney's Hollywood Studios, as yet another original attraction is laid to rest. Today is the last operating day for The Magic of Disney Animation attraction, the Animation Academy attraction, and the character meet and greet areas inside the Animation Building.
     For me, it is a bittersweet goodbye. I remember this attraction really heightening my interest in Disney films when I visited in the early 90's. I loved watching the late, great Robin Williams get turned into an animated character, and tour the WORKING animation studio with Walter Cronkite in the "Back to Neverland" short movie that was shown as you toured the facilities. I remember walking the tour halls and looking through the glass, down into the actual ink and paint departments, where work was really being done, for movies like "Lion King", "Mulan" and "Lilo and Stitch".  I remember thinking, 'THIS is magic.' It was incredible to see hand drawn animation coming to life before my eyes. And even after Disney Animation Orlando was shut down in 2004, The Magic of Disney Animation, (though not as exciting as it once was), was still a place where you could count on learning about animation, trying your hand at drawing a character or two, and even meeting Disney's newest stars. Some of the most recent animated classics have had their rarely seen cast of characters available for meet and greets here, including The Incredibles and Frozone,  Chicken Little,  Bowler Hat Guy from "Meet the Robinsons",  Remy and Emille from "Ratatouille",  Bolt,  Carl, Russell and Dug from "Up",  Lotso from "Toy Story 3",  Ralph and Vanellope from "Wreck It Ralph",  and most recently,  Hiro and Baymax from "Big Hero 6".
     But the truth is, it was never the same after the animators moved on. And at this point, I am glad to say, "Goodbye, old friend," knowing that The Studios is in need of some bigger and better things to come along. Of course, rumors have been swirling for months, and even years at this point, as to what the fate of the Studios will be. The most recent and consistent rumors I have heard, have hinted to the new version of the Disney Hollywood Studios being a mix of Star Wars attractions, Indiana Jones attractions, and Pixar attractions, (possibly even including the coveted Cars Land from Disney's California Adventure). No one knows for sure, but right now, we do know this... Sorcerer Mickey's meet and greet will be moved to the Streets of America, over by the old AFI Showcase. Minnie will be making her appearances in front of the Chinese Theater, on Hollywood Boulevard. As for Hiro and Baymax, they are moving on. Off to save SanFransokyo from the villains that lurk, I suppose.

     Since K is a HUGE Baymax fan, we did sneak over to the Studios for the chance to meet the robot and his human sidekick in person this past Thursday. It was so much fun to meet them and have K's eyes go wide with excitement at meeting two of his heroes. He even got to firstbump Baymax and say, "Blah-lah-lah-lah". We did also do a quick check in with Minnie, since she had no wait, and K is always willing to be doted on by Disney characters.
     We also happened by the "Olaf's Summer Cool Down" stage show, taking place in front of the Chinese Theater, as part of the Frozen Summer Fun celebration. It was a cute little show, featuring the singing snowman, and a handful of dancers. It only lasted about 15 minutes, and included a fun little blast of cool air, "snow" and dry ice smoke at the end of the show, as Olaf shared his "flurry" with you. (Trust me, it was needed, since it was about 100 degrees out.)

     Of course, I HAD to stop by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame Plaza, just to see the empty podium, which just days before had held the bronze bust of Bill Cosby. Disney officials decided to remove the statue, based on the drugging and rape allegations that have been made against the star over the past few years. It appears that Desi Arnaz is looking on in judgement...

Bill Cosby, you got some 'splainin' to do...

     We also had lunch at Sci-Fi and I will be posting that review just as soon as I can get to it. Forgive me, but I have a lot of catching up to do.
     In honor of the last few hours of The Magic of Disney Animation happening right now, I will leave you by saying, "This is Walter Cron-cat, saying "Meow, me-me-meow, me-meow."  (Fist bump to you if you know what I'm talking about!)