General

“Adventures by Disney” to offer one-of-a-kind trips to Hawaii & Yellowstone

JHM gives you a detailed look at the pilot program that the Mouse has put together to test two non-theme-park-based vacation packages that the company will begin offering to the general public later this summer.

Published

18 years ago

April 6, 2005

Jim Hill

Let the “Adventures” begin!

As of noon this past Monday, several hundred Disney cast members had supposedly submitted applications to be part of the “road test” for a new concept in Disney vacations: “Adventures by Disney” trips.

Though only 40 Disney employees (and their family members) will eventually be selected to take part in the test trips in June, I’m told that these folks are truly in for the “Adventure” of their life-time. As they get to “test drive” the Hawaiian-based “Escape to Paradise” package or the Yellowstone, Great Teton & Jackson Hole-based “Quest for the West” package.

These “Adventures by Disney” test tours represent a significant departure for the Mouse. Given that — other than a few token appearances by Disney characters during the 8 day / 7 night experience — these packages feature no stops at Disney theme parks and/or any trips on the Disney Cruise Line.

Even so, the two test intineraries that Disney has assembled for “Adventures by Disney” make these trips sound absolutely spectacular. A “must do” once the Mouse works all the kinks out and makes these vacation packages available to the general public later this summer.

“What’s so special about these ‘Adventures by Disney’ trips?,” you ask. Here. Take a look at the transcript of the ABD brochure that I’ve provided below. This will give you a full run-down of what the cast members who are taking part in these initial test tours can expect to experience:

It’s a Whole New World of Adventure

The next time you want to get away with your family, don’t just plan a vacation. Plan an adventure. Better yet, let us plan it for you. With Adventures by Disney vacations, we’ll take your family on the journey of a lifetime filled with exciting activities, fun events and unique activities. We’ll handle all of the details, from your luggage, to accomodations, to activities from the whole family. Two of our expert Adventure Guides will be your escorts, guiding you through two of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and creating the kind of lifetime family memories that you’ve come to expect from Disney.

Be One of the First

This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be one of our first-ever adventurers. A very limited number of families will get the chance to experience and help us refine our Adventures by Disney vacations during our Summer Preview 2005 trial. We’re testing two unforgettable adventures starting in June: Hawaii’s “Escape to Paradise” and Yellowstone’s “Quest for the West.” Not only will you enjoy flexible itineraries and hassle-free traveling in a small group, you’ll have access to the kind of experiences that tourists only dream of. All you have to do is pack your bags, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. To book your adventure, call ***-***-****

Hawaii: Escape to Paradise

Crystal blue waters, miles of pristine beaches, tropical breezes and the magic of Disney. Does it get any better? As a matter of fact, it does. Because with our “Escape to Paradise,” you’ll get all this plus world-class accomodations, fine dining and your choice of exciting excursions and fun activities. Snorkel among some of the most beautiful reefs in the world. Tour a real volcano rim. Learn how to surf like a local. Or just relax and soak in the sun. Young or old, big or small, everyone in the family will experience their own litle slice of paradise.

Day 1: Aloha Adventure

When you touch down in paradise, you’ll be whisked to the JW Marriot Ihilani Resort and Spa in Ko Olina on Oahu. First you’ll meet your Adventures Guides, then you’ll be greeted in the traditional Hawaiian way, with a flower lei. You’ll have time to take in the hotel’s beautiful beach and sparkling blue lagoon before experiencing a legendary Hawaiian sunset. Then you’ll kick off your vacation with a Hawaiian feast.

Day 2: Legends of the Islands

Start your first full day on the islands with a delicious breakfast featuring fresh local fruit. From there, step back in time for an unforgettable tour of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Enjoy lunch in Waikiki. Then the choice is yours — hike to the heights of Diamond Head for a gorgeous view of Oahu, hit the shops in Waikiki for souvenirs, or simply relax on the beach. Dinner will be served at the resort at the end of the day.

Day 3: Beach Party, Hawaiian Style

After breakfast, you’ll get the chance to see the coral reefs’ colorful residents as you snorkel in the hotel’s lagoon. Then you’ll embark on a private reef & ray excursion (An “Adventures by Disney” specialty) where you’ll be able to hand-feed the stingrays. In the afternoon we throw a Hawaiian luau on a secluded beach “Adventures by Disney” was granted special access to. Kids can build sand castles and make leis, parents can enjoy a massage session, and everyone can learn how to surf. After dinner, relax with some Hawaiian storytelling by a bonfire under the stars.

Day 4: Big Island Spirit

Today, we turn up the heat as we travel to the Big Island to explore Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park. You’ll have once-in-a-lifetime expereinces like touring a volcano rim with a geologist and hiking through a real lava tube. Back at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, little ones can dive into a Disney-style kids-only pool party while parents can enjoy a romantic sunset dinner. At night, the whole family can get together for a moonlight snorkel.

Day 5: Hawaiian Treasures

Get ready to travel back to ancient Hawaii. After breakfast, you’ll head out on a hike with a Hawaiian guide, seaching for petroglyphs — ancient Hawaiian rock carvings used to document special experiences and occasions. The rest of the day belongs to your family, to create some special experiences of your own. At night, you’ll witness a torch-lighting ceremony and enjoy a beachfront ‘ohana-style’ dinner before watching Disney movies under the stars.

Day 6: The Ancient Island

In the morning, we say mahalo and goodbye to the Big Island and travel to breath-taking Kauai. After a private ocean-view lunch at the famous Duke’s, prepare yourself for some dramatic, stunning scenery as we tour the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific,’ Waimea Canyon. Later, we’ll arrive at your luxury hotel just in time for a lei greeting. The evening is yours to explore and enjoy on your own.

Day 7: Paradise Found

Today we set sail on a calamaran cruise around the Na Pali coast. It’s the perfect way to see Kauai’s rugged beauty, steep cliffs and famous waterfalls as you soak in the sun on deck. We’ll have lunch on board, then plunge into the crystal-blue water for some snorkel time. At night, we pull out the stops Disney-style with a private paradise farewell dinner full of Disney surprises.

Surprise Visitors: Keep your eyes open, because you never know when you might meet up with one of your favorite Disney friends.

Day 8: Aloha

Enjoy one final aloha breakfast before bidding goodbye to paradise.

————————————————————————-

Quest for the West: Jackson Hole – Grand Teton – Yellowstone

Wide open spaces, rushing rivers and roaming wildlife abound in our Quest for the West. Take your family into the awe-inspiring heart of cowboy country as we explore Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, beginning and ending our trip in beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You and your family will hit the trail hiking or on horseback, experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, fish a mountain pond or simply relax and take in the splendor of the Wyoming scenery. Between Disney and Mother Nature, you’ll be treated to the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 1: Wyoming Welcome

Upon landing, you’ll be greeted with that famous western hospitality by your Adventures Guides. The drive to Jackson Hole will give you time to check out Wyoming’s spectacular scenery and maybe even see some bison or elk. When you arrive at our hotel in the shadow of the Grand Tetons, you have time to settle into your anything-but-rustic accomodations before a private welcome reception and dinner.

Day 2: Grand Nature

Early risers can chose to start their day off with a morning wildlife hike. Then we head to majestic Grand Teton National Park for a scenic raft tour down Snake River. Along the way, keep an eye out for moose, elk, beaver, bison and bald eagles. After lunch, you can saddle up for a horseback ride, hike in the mountains or relax and enjoy the astounding views. Later, your Adventures Guides will set up telescopes for some after-dinner wildlife and star-gazing.

Day 3: Yellowstone Journey

After breakfast, we all travel by ferry across beautiful Jenny Lake to Yellowstone National Park. Once ashore, you’ll embark on an unforgettable hike past the cascade of Hidden Falls and onward to the aptly-named Inspiration Point, where you’ll see some of the most stunning scenery Mother Nature has to offer. After a picnic lunch at Colter Bay, you’ll witness the geothermic wonders of West Thumb Geyser Basin before checking into the historic and grand Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Then, we’ll seek out some evening adventure on a wildlife excursion through the park.

Day 4: Untamed Nature

The day begins with a driving tour of Yellowstone’s Grand Loop, a road that was originally formed by old wagon trails. From there, you’ll venture into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and witness the heart-stopping view from Artist Point. Then you’ll explore the rainbow colors, hissing steam and bubbling geysers of Norris Geyser Basin. Finally, you’ll travel to Old Faithful to catch a few of the world-famous geyser’s 130-foot eruptions before checking into the Old Faithful Snow Lodge or the Old Faithful Inn (one of the last log hotels in the country).

Day 5: Trail Blazers

The morning begins with a biking or walking tour of Upper Geyser basin, for more hydrothermal activitiy among the plentiful geysers, hot springs and steam-filled fumaroles. You’ll enjoy lunch back at the hotel and spend the afternoon either exploring on your own or on an exclusive Disney backcountry bike trip to Lonestar Geyser and Kepler Falls. At night, there’s a kids-only dinner with the Adventures Guides, while parents get some romantic dining time alone. Then you’ll get together for a cowboy-style scavenger hunt before bed.

Day 6: The Wild West

Today we’ll round up and head out to the Spotted Horse Ranch in Jackson Hole, with a stop along the way to snap a picture at the Continental Divide. You’ll tap into your inner cowboy at a local saloon for lunch, then have some time to check out the town. Later, the adventurous at heart can take on a whitewater rafting trip while the more subdued traveler can experience the Jackson Hole aerial tramway. Spend the evening in true Disney style, with local cowboys cooking, playing music and telling stories by the campfire.

Day 7: On the Range

Start your day off with a mouth-watering range breakfast, then tailor your day to fix your tastes. Take off for some trail riding on horseback, go fishing in a tranquil trout pond or enjoy time around the ranch with your family and the new friends that you’ve made. At night, we’ll bring our wonderful week to a close with a farwell dinner party, where we’ll dance, sing and reminisce in true Disney fashion.

Disney Friends: With “Adventures by Disney,” no two days are ever the same. Be prepared for magical Disney touches around every corner.

Day 8: Happy Trails

Fill up on a hearty ranch breakfast before waving good-bye to the great west.

————————————————————————-

Don’t those trip itineraries sound like spectacular? Don’t you wish that you could be one of the cast members whose families were selected to take part in the “Adventures by Disney” pilot program?

Well, just so you know, Disney employees still have to pay for the privilege of taking part in the “Adventures by Disney” test tours. The “Quest for the West” test (which departs on June 30th) is charging cast members $1,699.00 per person for a single reservation, $1,399.00 for a double, $1,299.00 for a triple and $1,249.00 for a quad. Children 17 & under get to experience this text tour for just $100.00 per child.

The “Escape to Paradise” tours (Disney actually running two tests of its proposed Hawaiian itineraries. One that departs on June 15th and another that departs on June 25th) are even pricier. A single reservation for cast members goes for $2,299.00, a double goes for $1,699.00, triple goes for $1,499.00, quad goes for $1,399.00 and children 17 & under still get to do the tour for $100 per child.

It should be noted here that — as snazzy as these “Adventures by Disney” tours sound — they’re not actually all inclusive. While the packages that Disney put together DO include:

Accomodations at hotels & resorts
transportation and baggage handling

All scheduled meals
All scheduled group activities
Gratuities for bellmen, housekeepers, drivers and dining room staff

The “Adventures by Disney” tour package does NOT include:

air transportation between destination and home
gratuity for Adventures Guide

Also — due to the nature of the active intineraries that the Mouse has put together — Disney was recommending (at least on these initial test tours) that travelers be at least five years old to take part in the Hawaii “Escape to Paradise” tour and at least six years old to take part in the Yellowstone “Quest for the West” tour.

So what happens now? Well, we all sit back and hope that some of the cast members who actually signed up to take part in this test program eventually get back in touch with JHM and share some stories about their “Adventures by Disney” vacation experiences. As I understand, the Mouse will be using the feedback that they get from these Disney employees and their family members to help fine-tune these vacation packages. So that “Adventures by Disney” will be virtually bug-free by the time Mickey begins offering these same vacation packages to the general public later this summer.

Anyway … That’s your detailed look at the proposed “Adventures by Disney” intineraries. So is anyone else out there up for a trip to the islands and/or a journey ‘way out west?

Your thoughts?

Special thanks to Cent for sharing all this snazzy “Adventures by Disney” info with JHM readers.

General

Seward Johnson bronzes add a surreal, artistic touch to NYC’s Garment District

Published

8 years ago

June 23, 2015

Jim Hill

Greetings from NYC. Nancy and I drove down from New
Hampshire yesterday because we'll be checking out
Disney Consumer Products' annual Holiday Showcase later today.

Anyway … After checking into our hotel (i.e., The Paul.
Which is located down in NYC's NoMad district), we decided to grab some dinner.
Which is how we wound up at the Melt Shop.

Photo by Jim Hill

Which is this restaurant that only sells grilled cheese sandwiches.
This comfort food was delicious, but kind of on the heavy side.

Photo by Jim Hill

Which is why — given that it was a beautiful summer night
— we'd then try and walk off our meals. We started our stroll down by the Empire
State Building
…

Photo by Jim Hill

… and eventually wound up just below Times
Square (right behind where the Waterford Crystal Times Square New
Year's Eve Ball is kept).

Photo by Jim Hill

But you know what we discovered en route? Right in the heart
of Manhattan's Garment District
along Broadway between 36th and 41st? This incredibly cool series of life-like
and life-sized sculptures that Seward
Johnson has created.

Photo by Jim Hill

And — yes — that is Abraham Lincoln (who seems to have
slipped out of WDW's Hall of Presidents when no one was looking and is now
leading tourists around Times Square). These 18 painted
bronze pieces (which were just installed late this past Sunday night / early
Monday morning) range from the surreal to the all-too-real.

Photo by Jim Hill

Some of these pieces look like typical New Yorkers. Like the
business woman planning out her day …

Photo by Jim Hill

… the postman delivering the mail …

Photo by Jim Hill

… the hot dog vendor working at his cart …

Photo by Jim Hill

… the street musician playing for tourists …

Photo by Jim Hill

Not to mention the tourists themselves.

Photo by Jim Hill

But right alongside the bronze businessmen …

Photo by Jim Hill

… and the tired grandmother hauling her groceries home …

Photo by Jim Hill

… there were also statues representing people who were
from out-of-town …

Photo by Jim Hill

… or — for that matter — out-of-time.

Photo by Jim Hill

These were the Seward Johnson pieces that genuinely beguiled. Famous impressionist paintings brought to life in three dimensions.

Note the out-of-period water bottle that some tourist left
behind. Photo by Jim Hill

Some of them so lifelike that you actually had to pause for
a moment (especially as day gave way to night in the city) and say to yourself
"Is that one of the bronzes? Or just someone pretending to be one of these
bronzes?"

Mind you, for those of you who aren't big fans of the
impressionists …

Photo by Jim Hill

… there's also an array of American icons. Among them
Marilyn Monroe …

Photo by Jim Hill

… and that farmer couple from Grant Wood's "American
Gothic."

Photo by Jim Hill

But for those of you who know your NYC history, it's hard to
beat that piece which recreates Alfred Eisenstaedt's famous photograph of V-J Day in Times Square.

Photo by Jim Hill

By the way, a 25-foot-tall version of this particular Seward
Johnson piece ( which — FYI — is entitled "Embracing Peace") will actually
be placed in Times Square for a few days on or around August 14th to commemorate the 70th
anniversary of Victory Over Japan Day (V-J Day).

Photo by Jim Hill

By the way, if you'd like to check these Seward Johnson bronzes in
person (which — it should be noted — are part of the part of the Garment
District Alliance's new public art offering) — you'd best schedule a trip to
the City sometime over the next three months. For these pieces will only be on
display now through September 15th.

General

Wondering what you should “Boldly Go” see at the movies next year? The 2015 Licensing Expo offers you some clues

Published

8 years ago

June 10, 2015

Jim Hill

Greeting from the 2015 Licensing Expo, which is being held
at the Mandalay Bay
Convention Center in Las
Vegas.

Photo by Jim Hill

I have to admit that I enjoy covering the Licensing Expo.
Mostly becomes it allows bloggers & entertainment writers like myself to
get a peek over the horizon. Scope out some of the major motion pictures &
TV shows that today's vertically integrated entertainment conglomerates
(Remember when these companies used to be called movie studios?) will be
sending our way over the next two years or so.

Photo by Jim Hill

Take — for example — all of "The Secret Life of
Pets" banners that greeted Expo attendees as they made their way to the
show floor today. I actually got to see some footage from this new Illumination
Entertainment production (which will hit theaters on July 8, 2016) the last time I was in Vegas. Which
was for CinemaCon back in April. And the five or so minutes of film that I viewed
suggested that "The Secret Life of Pets" will be a really funny
animated feature.

Photo by Jim Hill

Mind you, Universal Pictures wanted to make sure that Expo
attendees remembered that there was another Illumination Entertainment production
coming-to-a-theater-near-them before "The Secret Life of Pets" (And
that's "Minions," the "Despicable Me" prequel. Which
premieres at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival next week but
won't be screened stateside 'til July 10th of this year). Which is why they had
three minions who were made entirely out of LEGOS loitering out in the lobby.

Photo by Jim Hill

And Warner Bros. — because they wanted "Batman v
Superman: Dawn of Justice" to start trending on Twitter today — brought
the Batmobile to Las Vegas.

Photo by Jim Hill

Not to mention full-sized macquettes of Batman, Superman and
Wonder Woman. Just so conventioneers could then see what these DC superheroes
would actually look like in this eagerly anticipated, March 25, 2016 release.

Photo by Jim Hill

That's the thing that can sometimes be a wee bit frustrating
about the Licensing Expo. It's all about delayed gratification. You'll come
around a corner and see this 100 foot-long ad for "The Peanuts Movie"
and think "Hey, that looks great. I want to see that Blue Sky Studios production
right now." It's only then that you notice the fine print and realize that
"The Peanuts Movie" doesn't actually open in theaters 'til November
6th of this year.

Photo by Jim Hill

And fan of Blue Sky's "Ice Age" film franchise are in for an even
longer wait. Given that the latest installment in that top grossing series
doesn't arrive in theaters 'til July
15, 2016.

Photo by Jim Hill

Of course, if you're one of those people who needs immediate
gratification when it comes to your entertainment, there was stuff like that to
be found at this year's Licensing Expo. Take — for example — how the WWE
booth was actually shaped like a wrestling ring. Which — I'm guessing — meant
that if the executives of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. didn't like
the offer that you were making, they were then allowed to toss you out over the
top rope, Royal Rumble-style.

Photo by Jim Hill

I also have to admit that — as a longtime Star Trek fan —
it was cool to see the enormous Starship Enterprise that hung in place over the
CBS booth. Not to mention getting a glimpse of the official Star Trek 50th
Anniversary logo.

Photo by Jim Hill

I was also pleased to see lots of activity in The Jim Henson
Company booth. Which suggests that JHC has actually finally carved out a
post-Muppets identity for itself.

Photo by Jim Hill

Likewise for all of us who were getting a little concerned
about DreamWorks Animation (what with all the layoffs & write-downs &
projects that were put into turnaround or outright cancelled last year), it was
nice to see that booth bustling.

Photo by Jim Hill

Every so often, you'd come across some people who were
promoting a movie that you weren't entirely sure that you actually wanted to
see (EX: "Angry Birds," which Sony Pictures Entertainment / Columbia
Pictures will be releasing to theaters on May 20, 2016). But then you remembered that Clay Kaytis —
who's this hugely talented former Walt Disney Animation Studios animator — is
riding herd on "Angry Birds" with Fergal Reilly. And you'd think
"Well, if Clay's working on 'Angry Birds,' I'm sure this animated feature
will turn out fine."

Photo by Jim Hill

Mind you, there were reminders at this year's Licensing Expo
of great animated features that we're never going to get to see now. I still
can't believe — especially after that brilliant proof-of-concept footage
popped up online last year — that Sony execs decided not to go forward
with production of Genndy Tartakovsky's
"Popeye" movie. But that's the
cruel thing about the entertainment business, folks. It will sometime break
your heart.

Photo by Jim Hill

And make no mistake about this. The Licensing Expo is all
about business. That point was clearly driven home at this year's show when —
as you walked through the doors of the Mandalay
Bay Convention Center
— the first thing that you saw was the Hasbros Booth. Which was this gleaming,
sleek two story-tall affair full of people who were negotiating deals &
signing contracts for all of the would-be summer blockbusters that have already
announced release dates for 2019 & beyond.

Photo by Jim Hill

"But what about The Walt Disney Company?," you
ask. "Weren't they represented on the show floor at this year's Licensing
Expo?" Not really, not. I mean, sure. There were a few companies there hyping
Disney-related products. Take — for example — the Disney Wikkeez people.

Photo by Jim Hill

I'm assuming that some Disney Consumer Products exec is
hoping that Wikkeez will eventually become the new Tsum Tsum. But to be blunt,
these little hard plastic figures don't seem to have the same huggable charm
that those stackable plush do. But I've been wrong before. So let's see what
happens with Disney Wikkeez once they start showing up on the shelves of the
Company's North American retail partners.

Photo by Jim Hill

And speaking of Disney's retail partners … They were
meeting with Mouse House executives behind closed doors one floor down from the
official show floor for this year's Licensing Expo.

Photo by Jim Hill

And the theme for this year's invitation-only Disney shindig? "Timeless
Stories" involving the Disney, Pixar, Marvel & Lucasfilm brands that
would then appeal to "tomorrow's consumer."

Photo by Jim Hill

And just to sort of hammer home the idea that Disney is no
longer the Company which cornered the market when it comes to little girls
(i.e., its Disney Princess and Disney Fairies franchises), check out this
wall-sized Star Wars-related image that DCP put up just outside of one of its
many private meeting rooms. "See?," this carefully crafted photo
screams. "It isn't just little boys who want to wield the Force. Little
girls also want to grow up and be Lords of the Sith."

Photo by Jim Hill

One final, kind-of-ironic note: According to this banner,
Paramount Pictures will be releasing a movie called "Amusement Park"
to theaters sometime in 2017.

Photo by Jim Hill

Well, given all the "Blackfish" -related issues
that have been dogged SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment over the past two years, I'm
just hoping that they'll still be in the amusement park business come 2017.

Your thoughts?

General

It takes more than three circles to craft a Classic version of Mickey Mouse

Published

8 years ago

June 9, 2015

Jim Hill

You know what Mickey Mouse looks like, right? Little guy,
big ears?

Truth be told, Disney's corporate symbol has a lot of
different looks. If Mickey's interacting with Guests at Disneyland
Park (especially this summer, when
the Happiest Place on Earth
is celebrating its 60th anniversary), he looks & dresses like this.

Or when he's appearing in one of those Emmy Award-winning shorts that Disney
Television Animation has produced (EX: "Bronco Busted," which debuts
on the Disney Channel tonight at 8 p.m. ET / PT), Mickey is drawn in a such a
way that he looks hip, cool, edgy & retro all at the same time.

Looking ahead to 2017 now, when Disney Junior rolls out "Mickey and the
Roadster Racers," this brand-new animated series will feature a sportier version
of Disney's corporate symbol. One that Mouse House managers hope will persuade
preschool boys to more fully embrace this now 86 year-old character.

That's what most people don't realize about the Mouse. The
Walt Disney Company deliberately tailors Mickey's look, even his style of
movement, depending on what sort of project / production he's appearing in.

Take — for example — Disney
California Adventure
Park's "World of Color:
Celebrate!" Because Disney's main mouse would be co-hosting this new
nighttime lagoon show with ace emcee Neil Patrick Harris, Eric Goldberg really had
to step up Mickey's game. Which is why this master Disney animator created
several minutes of all-new Mouse animation which then showed that Mickey was
just as skilled a showman as Neil was.

Better yet, let's take a look at what the folks at Avalanche Studios just went
through as they attempted to create a Classic version of Mickey & Minnie.
One that would then allow this popular pair to become part of Disney Infinity
3.0.

"I won't lie to you. We were under a lot of pressure to
get the look of this particular version of Mickey — he's called Red Pants
Mickey around here — just right," said Jeff Bunker, the VP of Art
Development at Avalanche Studios, during a recent phone interview. "When
we brought Sorcerer Mickey into Disney Infinity 1.0 back in January of 2014,
that one was relatively easy because … Well, everyone knows what Mickey Mouse
looked like when he appeared in 'Fantasia.' "

"But this time around, we were being asked to design
THE Mickey & Minnie," Bunker continued. "And given that these Classic
Disney characters have been around in various different forms for the better
part of the last century … Well, which look was the right look?"

Which is why Jeff and his team at Avalanche Studios began watching hours &
hours of Mickey Mouse shorts. As they tried to get a handle on which look would
work best for these characters in Disney Infinity 3.0.

"And we went all the way back to the very start of Mickey's career. We began
with 'Steamboat Willie' and then watched all of those black & white Mickey shorts
that Walt made back in the late 1920s & early 1930s. From there, we
transitioned to his Technicolor shorts. Which is when Mickey went from being
this pie-eyed, really feisty character to more of a well-behaved leading
man," Bunker recalled. "We then finished out our Mouse marathon by
watching all of those new Mickey shorts that Paul Rudish & his team have
been creating for Disney Television Animation. Those cartoons really recapture
a lot of the spirit and wild slapstick fun that Mickey's early, black &
white shorts had."

But given that the specific assignment that Avalanche Studios had been handed
was to create the most appealing looking, likeable version of Mickey Mouse
possible … In the end, Jeff and his team wound up borrowing bits & pieces
from a lot of different versions of the world's most famous mouse. So that
Classic Mickey would then look & move in a way that best fit the sort of
gameplay which people would soon be able to experience with Disney Infinity
3.0.

"That — in a lot of ways — was actually the toughest
part of the Classic Mickey design project. You have to remember that one of the
key creative conceits of Disney Infinity
is that all the characters which appear in this game are toys," Bunker
stated. "Okay. So they're beautifully detailed, highly stylized toy
versions of beloved Disney, Pixar, Marvel & Lucasfilm characters. But
they're still supposed to be toys. So our Classic versions of Mickey &
Minnie have the same sort of thickness & sturdiness to them that toys have.
So that they'll then be able to fit right in with all of the rest of the
characters that Avalanche Studios had previously designed for Disney Infinity."

And then there was the matter of coming up with just the
right pose for Classic Mickey & Minnie. Which — to hear Jeff tell the
story — involved input from a lot of Disney upper management.

"Everyone within the Company seemed to have an opinion
about how Mickey & Minnie should be posed. More to the point, if you Google
Mickey, you then discover that there are literally thousands of poses out there
for these two. Though — truth be told — a lot of those kind of play off the
way Mickey poses when he's being Disney's corporate symbol," Bunker said.
"But what I was most concerned about was that Mickey's pose had to work
with Minnie's pose. Because we were bringing the Classic versions of these
characters up into Disney Infinity 3.0 at the exact same time. And we wanted to
make sure — especially for those fans who like to put their Disney Infinity
figures on display — that Mickey's pose would then complement Minnie.

Which is why Jeff & the crew at Avalanche Studios
decided — when it came to Classic Mickey & Minnie's pose — that they
should go all the way back to the beginning. Which is why these two Disney icons
are sculpted in such a way that it almost seems as though you're witnessing the
very first time Mickey set eyes on Minnie.

"And what was really great about that was — as soon as
we began showing people within the Company this pose — everyone at Disney
quickly got on board with the idea. I mean, the Classic Mickey that we sculpted
for Disney Infinity 3.0 is clearly a very playful, spunky character. But at the
same time, he's obviously got eyes for Minnie," Bunker concluded. "So
in the end, we were able to come up with Classic versions of these characters
that will work well within the creative confines of Disney Infinity 3.0 but at
the same time please those Disney fans who just collect these figures because
they like the way the Disney Infinity characters look."

So now that this particular design project is over, does
Jeff regret that Mouse House upper management was so hands-on when it came to
making sure that the Classic versions of Mickey & Minnie were specifically
tailored to fit the look & style of gameplay found in Disney Infinity 3.0?

"To be blunt, we go through this every time we add a new character to the
game. The folks at Lucasfilm were just as hands-on when we were designing the
versions of Darth Vader and Yoda that will also soon be appearing in Disney
Infinity 3.0," Bunker laughed. "So in the end, if the character's
creators AND the fans are happy, then I'm happy."

This article was originally posted on the Huffington Post's Entertainment page on Tuesday, June 9, 2015