You know, I gotta tell you that I find it very amusing to hear people getting so excited about the idea that “Turtle Talk with Crush” is coming to DCA …
Photo by Jeff Lange
More importantly, that a clone of this “Living Seas” attraction (Which has been allowing Epcot guests to have real-time conversations with the 150-year-old sea turtle from “Finding Nemo” since November of last year) …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… will finally put that theme park’s “Magic of Disney Animation” exhibit on the map for most DCA visitors.
Of course, any serious animation fan will already tell you that the “Magic of Disney Animation” attraction has been on their map since California Adventure first opened to the public in February of 2001. Both for its cathedral-like lobby areas (Where huge images from classic Disney animated films wash over you) as well its smaller exhibit areas, like the “Art of Animation.”
Photo by Nancy Stadler
Here you’ll find display cases full of concept art and maquettes. Which will help give you a better understanding of how some of your favorite characters from Disney animated films — like the Genie from 1992’s “Aladdin” initially came into being …
Photo by Nancy Stadler
Or — more importantly — how characters who initially seem to be absolutely essential to a project (like Redfeather, the talking turkey that was originally supposed to be Pocahontas’ friend & confidant) …
Photo by Nancy Stadler
… could go through months of development, with elaborate color modeling and even test animation being done …
Photo by Nancy Stadler
… Only to have that character cut out of “Pocahontas” entirely, as the film’s directors, Eric Goldberg & Mike Gabriel, opted to go in an entirely different direction with the picture (I.E. No talking animals).
Of course, in some cases, if you allow a supporting character in a Disney animated film to start talking, they never shut up. I mean, look what happened with Rutt & Tuke in 2003’s “Brother Bear.”
Photo by Jeff Lange
These two Canadian Moose were initially supposed to have just a brief supporting role in this Aaron Blaise / Robert Walker picture. But once Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas (AKA Doug & Bob McKenzie of “SCTV” fame) agreed to provide the vocals for these two, Rutt & Tuke’s role gradually got larger and larger.
Eventually, these two became “Brother Bear” ‘s break-out characters. Which won Rutt & Tuke a special role in Disneyland’s 50th anniversary “Happiest Homecoming on Earth” celebration …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… not to mention their very own direct-to-video sequel to “Brother Bear.” Which is expected to show up on store shelves sometime in late 2006.
So I guess what I’m saying is — while I’m happy that DCA is getting its very own version of “Turtle Talk with Crush” — it kind of bothers me to hear people saying things like “Now the ‘Magic of Disney Animation’ exhibit will finally be worth visiting.”
You see, those of us who were already in the know, knew that there was lots of great stuff to see in this Hollywood Pictures Backlot attraction. You just had to know where to look …