California Archives - Page 24 of 58 - Uncle Walt's Insider
The Walt Disney Concert Hall, Plan B. Photo by Tuxyso [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons.

Disney Concert Hall was to be plain, square, until dog ate blueprints

Should architect Frank Gehry still get credit for the design, or his dog Bosco? LOS ANGELES, CA -- The Walt Disney Concert Hall has a look all of its own, and architect Frank Gehry has been hailed for its unique look. But did he actually create the design? Musicians, architects, and the general public hailed the look of the Hall when it opened in 2003, sure. But newly discovered documents indicated that the original design was for a plain, square, stone building. Intentionally boring How ...
June 22, 2019 by Marty in California
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Jar Jar Binks, alone at his meet-and-greet. Video still from ThemeParkReview via YouTube

No lines for Jar Jar Binks meet-and-greet

Most characters draw crowds of fans in an instant. Not this one. DISNEYLAND, CA -- Disneyland's new area, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, is a runaway hit, now that they've added churro light sabers. And guests absolutely love meeting their favorite characters from the hit movie series. And they're apparently shunning their least favorite. No love "We've got fans flocking around Chewbacca," says Disney (the company) spokesperson Jun Disney (no relation). "If he stops walking around, a queue to meet and take photos with him forms ...
June 18, 2019 by Marty in California
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The newly renamed VOLT-cano Bay at Universal Orlando. Photo by Paolo Guereta [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr.

Universal Orlando tests shock therapy, wiping guests’ memory of Disney

The Volcano Bay shocks were not an accident. ORLANDO, FL -- Guests visiting Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay were recently subjected to low-level electric shocks while visiting the various pools, water slides, and spas. Park officials first pointed their fingers to cost-cutting and not following code during construction of the park. But thanks to some real investigative reporting, Team UWI is bringing you the truth behind this shocking news. [Ed.: Heh, "shocking."] Universal is shocking its guests on purpose. First, the back story When Universal Orlando ...
June 15, 2019 by Walt in California, Florida
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The Millenium Falcon before the accident. Photo by CrispyCream27 [CC BY-SA 4.0] via Wikipedia Commons.

Teen pilot crashes Millenium Falcon; Smuggler’s Run ride closed

The Falcon is grounded for 3-4 weeks for extensive repairs. DISNEYLAND, CA -- It took less than ten days. That's how long the new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Spa area has been open at Disneyland, with the Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run ride as its centerpiece. But now that attraction -- the only ride in Galaxy's Edge until Rise of the Resistance opens later this year -- is closed for repairs. Smuggler's Run puts guests into the cockpit of the Millenium Falcon, allowing them to ...
June 11, 2019 by Marty in California
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True Tales: from the files of Stupid Guest Tricks.

True Tales of Stupid Guests: Episode 10

"True Tales: from the files of Stupid Guest Tricks" is an ongoing series, where we share believable stories of park guests' unbelievable stupidity. FROM STUPID GUEST TRICKS -- StupidGuestTricks.com is a website founded to provide Disney Cast Members and other theme park employees a place to vent about some of the idiots they've dealt with. Most Cast Members will tell you that 99% of the guests they deal with are wonderful, but there's always that 1% that lead to aggravation -- and ...
June 10, 2019 by Marty in California, Florida, Spotlight
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