Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

[HokieRaven5]

RUMOR: Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. Space Mountain Gift Shop To Be Renamed “Tomorrowland Launch Depot”

Confirmed:

Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. Renamed Tomorrowland Launch Depot, Signage Installed

 

[HokieRaven5]

Marquee signage uncovered at Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios

 

[BrianL]

The pizza gets progressively worse the further south and west you go from the tri state area. We try and avoid it when traveling unless it's a known chain, where it may be meh, but at least you know what you're going to get. The best was when we were in a pizza/grinder (GRINDER!) restaurant out in Arizona, and they helpfully had a condiment caddy with five, count them, five different flavors of hot sauce for you to put on your pizza or Italian GRINDER.

I think you're right too - excepting Chicago, though Chicago pizza is really a different thing altogether. I am in the South, and we have a few pretty decent pizza places, but a lot of it isn't too great. As you move West though it gets pretty rough. By the time you're in California you've got this nonsense:

 

[BrianL]

Confirmed:

Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. Renamed Tomorrowland Launch Depot, Signage Installed

View attachment 746162

Well, I don't love the name, but the decor is nice. I like the clock and the mural beneath it.

 

[HokieRaven5]

FIRST LOOK – TRON Lightcycle / Run Merchandise Digitizes into Magic Kingdom Park
Greetings, Programs! As someone who discussed merchandise on Disney Parks Blog for nearly a decade, imagine my delight when I was asked to write about new products created for TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise. This thrilling new attraction officially opens at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on April 4, 2023. I’ve collected TRON products for many “cycles” (or “years” in the world of TRON), and following my overview with the Global Product Development team, I quickly realized I’m going to need a bigger house.

Users who venture into the Grid will find three merchandise collections, related to the attraction experience, the film “TRON: Legacy” or the nostalgia around this digital world first introduced in 1982 with the release of the original “TRON.”

“There are generations of guests now visiting Walt Disney World who grew up playing the TRON video games and imagining their bicycles were Lightcycles,” explained Taryn Johnson, Senior Manager for Brand Merchandising with Global Product Creation. “These collections have a dash of 1980s nostalgia mixed with incredibly fun items that continue the thrills of this new Tomorrowland attraction at home.”

One of my favorite collections is “Back to the Arcade,” which captures a slice of the early 1980s arcade scene complete with nods to Flynn’s Arcade from the original film. Elements from video game cabinets were turned into backpacks and illuminated wall signs. The tumbler even includes vintage Lightcycles that race around a domed top.

Lightcycles are fast two-wheeled vehicles on the Grid, akin to motorcycles in the “real” world. This was the jumping-off point for the “Thrill of the Race” collection which contains racing-inspired apparel for adults and kids.



The team even created a light-up replica of Sam Flynn’s helmet as seen in “TRON: Legacy” using the original costume piece as reference. This helmet is the perfect finishing touch to my own “TRON: Legacy” costume. A separate decorative helmet bag is an excellent carrying case for this or any other racing helmet.

For those that want to continue racing Lightcycles after visiting the Grid, check out the TRON Lightcycle Handlebars. This interactive toy contains lights and sound effects from TRON and can turn into an interactive game for up to four players.

Life on the Grid is replicated with a third merchandise collection inspired by the clean design language of this digital world. Adults will find light-up jackets and other accessories like a backpack that holds a new interactive Identity Disc that doubles as an audio speaker (now I can listen to the incredible “TRON: Legacy” soundtrack everywhere I go!).

One of the most impressive parts of this collection is the TRON Identity Program, an all-new retail experience. It offers guests a customizable “Program” action figure and identity chip that can be used to “re-program” other merchandise such as the interactive Identity Discs and Remote Control Lightcycles.

Reservations for this interactive experience can be made beginning March 21 by visiting disneyworld.disney.go.com/shops/magic-kingdom/tron-identity-program/.

When TRON Lightcycle / Run opens on April 4, guests will find these products and more in a specially designed pop-up shop area directly across from the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor entrance in Tomorrowland.

For those with a reservation for the TRON Identity Program, please visit Tomorrowland Launch Depot for the experience. It’s the merchandise shop located between the entrances to TRON Lightcycle / Run and Space Mountain.

Guests will also be able to use Merchandise Mobile Checkout via the My Disney Experience app when purchasing items at select locations. I love this feature as it’s easy to use and saves time as you scan items as you shop and pay from your phone.

I can’t wait to get photos in TRON Plaza under the beautiful canopy at Magic Kingdom Park sporting many of these items. It’s like a dream come true for a lifelong TRON fan like me. I hope you will join me on the Grid starting April 4!

End of line.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Well, I don't love the name, but the decor is nice. I like the clock and the mural beneath it.

Brought to you by the same people who brought you BoardWalk Ice Cream

 

[BrianL]

FIRST LOOK – TRON Lightcycle / Run Merchandise Digitizes into Magic Kingdom Park
Greetings, Programs! As someone who discussed merchandise on Disney Parks Blog for nearly a decade, imagine my delight when I was asked to write about new products created for TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise. This thrilling new attraction officially opens at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on April 4, 2023. I’ve collected TRON products for many “cycles” (or “years” in the world of TRON), and following my overview with the Global Product Development team, I quickly realized I’m going to need a bigger house.

Users who venture into the Grid will find three merchandise collections, related to the attraction experience, the film “TRON: Legacy” or the nostalgia around this digital world first introduced in 1982 with the release of the original “TRON.”

“There are generations of guests now visiting Walt Disney World who grew up playing the TRON video games and imagining their bicycles were Lightcycles,” explained Taryn Johnson, Senior Manager for Brand Merchandising with Global Product Creation. “These collections have a dash of 1980s nostalgia mixed with incredibly fun items that continue the thrills of this new Tomorrowland attraction at home.”

One of my favorite collections is “Back to the Arcade,” which captures a slice of the early 1980s arcade scene complete with nods to Flynn’s Arcade from the original film. Elements from video game cabinets were turned into backpacks and illuminated wall signs. The tumbler even includes vintage Lightcycles that race around a domed top.

Lightcycles are fast two-wheeled vehicles on the Grid, akin to motorcycles in the “real” world. This was the jumping-off point for the “Thrill of the Race” collection which contains racing-inspired apparel for adults and kids.


The team even created a light-up replica of Sam Flynn’s helmet as seen in “TRON: Legacy” using the original costume piece as reference. This helmet is the perfect finishing touch to my own “TRON: Legacy” costume. A separate decorative helmet bag is an excellent carrying case for this or any other racing helmet.

For those that want to continue racing Lightcycles after visiting the Grid, check out the TRON Lightcycle Handlebars. This interactive toy contains lights and sound effects from TRON and can turn into an interactive game for up to four players.

Life on the Grid is replicated with a third merchandise collection inspired by the clean design language of this digital world. Adults will find light-up jackets and other accessories like a backpack that holds a new interactive Identity Disc that doubles as an audio speaker (now I can listen to the incredible “TRON: Legacy” soundtrack everywhere I go!).

One of the most impressive parts of this collection is the TRON Identity Program, an all-new retail experience. It offers guests a customizable “Program” action figure and identity chip that can be used to “re-program” other merchandise such as the interactive Identity Discs and Remote Control Lightcycles.

Reservations for this interactive experience can be made beginning March 21 by visiting disneyworld.disney.go.com/shops/magic-kingdom/tron-identity-program/.

When TRON Lightcycle / Run opens on April 4, guests will find these products and more in a specially designed pop-up shop area directly across from the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor entrance in Tomorrowland.

For those with a reservation for the TRON Identity Program, please visit Tomorrowland Launch Depot for the experience. It’s the merchandise shop located between the entrances to TRON Lightcycle / Run and Space Mountain.

Guests will also be able to use Merchandise Mobile Checkout via the My Disney Experience app when purchasing items at select locations. I love this feature as it’s easy to use and saves time as you scan items as you shop and pay from your phone.

I can’t wait to get photos in TRON Plaza under the beautiful canopy at Magic Kingdom Park sporting many of these items. It’s like a dream come true for a lifelong TRON fan like me. I hope you will join me on the Grid starting April 4!

End of line.

Uh oh. I don't know why I hadn't though about it, but TRON MERCH! Ahhhhh....my wallet is NOT going to like this.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Uh oh. I don't know why I hadn't though about it, but TRON MERCH! Ahhhhh....my wallet is NOT going to like this.

Do I need an identity disc, no. Am I going to get one, absolutely!!

 

[BrianL]

Do I need an identity disc, no. Am I going to get one, absolutely!!

What even is it? It sounds cool, like I'd get one over a lightsaber or droid, but what all does it do or do I even care? I want to wear it on my back!

EDIT: Wait, does that jacket have a spot to put the disc on yoru back? Oh my...!

 

[HokieRaven5]

What even is it? It sounds cool, like I'd get one over a lightsaber or droid, but what all does it do or do I even care? I want to wear it on my back!

It doubles as a speaker and they’re claiming it’s interactive. At the very least get to walk around with an identity disc that will play the Tron:Legacy Soundtrack!!

I presume we’ll see more about it after the Media Event.

 

[jpeterson]

Well, I don't love the name, but the decor is nice. I like the clock and the mural beneath it.

Agreed. The name is pretty blah. Looks nice though.

 

[BrianL]

Agreed. The name is pretty blah. Looks nice though.

I mean, it could have remained "Light & Power" - not like that would be out of place. I guess "Launch" goes a little more with Space Mountain, though it is the exit, not the entrance. It's not a big deal, but it just seems like they thought about it for about five minutes.

 

[1lilspark]

As if the wine & dine half/challenge themes weren’t already red flags for potential IT disasters let’s add Tron immersive merch experience reservations opening that day

 

[HokieRaven5]

Just to share from Disney’s Site on the Identity Program that opens reservations on March 21​

TRON Identity Program​

Select Your Program​

Prepare to enter the Grid through a Grid Digitization Portal located in Tomorrowland Launch Depot. Once inside, you will be able to create an action figure, or Program, that looks and sounds just like you.
As a User, you will go through the customization process. Image Capture will scan your facial features. Then, you’ll select your helmet and body configuration. Will your Program be an Enforcer or a Combatant? A Scout or a Heavy Sentry? The choice is yours. Also, don’t forget to select a team color. Finally, you’ll visit Command Input, where you will record 6 lines of dialogue in your own voice.
Please allow 20 minutes to make your selections. Once all of your choices have been made, your Program will be ready for retrieval within 60 minutes. Be aware that purchase of your Program is required.
Important Details

• Payment will be due upon arrival at the location
• One action figure per User per experience
• Packaging included
• Additional customizable items can be purchased at Tomorrowland Launch Depot
• Recommended age is 5 years and older
• The experience area is limited to the User and one Guest—at least one person in the party must be age 14 or older
• Guest of the User may not customize their figure when accompanying the builder
• Customizable action figures are nonrefundable and are not eligible for Annual Passholder (or other) discounts
• This experience is separate from TRON Lightcycle / Run. The purchase of a TRON Identity Program does not include admission or priority access to the TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction.

 

[BrianL]

Just to share from Disney’s Site on the Identity Program that opens reservations on March 21​

TRON Identity Program​

Select Your Program​

Prepare to enter the Grid through a Grid Digitization Portal located in Tomorrowland Launch Depot. Once inside, you will be able to create an action figure, or Program, that looks and sounds just like you.
As a User, you will go through the customization process. Image Capture will scan your facial features. Then, you’ll select your helmet and body configuration. Will your Program be an Enforcer or a Combatant? A Scout or a Heavy Sentry? The choice is yours. Also, don’t forget to select a team color. Finally, you’ll visit Command Input, where you will record 6 lines of dialogue in your own voice.
Please allow 20 minutes to make your selections. Once all of your choices have been made, your Program will be ready for retrieval within 60 minutes. Be aware that purchase of your Program is required.
Important Details

• Payment will be due upon arrival at the location
• One action figure per User per experience
• Packaging included
• Additional customizable items can be purchased at Tomorrowland Launch Depot
• Recommended age is 5 years and older
• The experience area is limited to the User and one Guest—at least one person in the party must be age 14 or older
• Guest of the User may not customize their figure when accompanying the builder
• Customizable action figures are nonrefundable and are not eligible for Annual Passholder (or other) discounts
• This experience is separate from TRON Lightcycle / Run. The purchase of a TRON Identity Program does not include admission or priority access to the TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction.

Okay, I want to see the figures, but this is interesting for sure. I want to know more about the Discs and their interactivity.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Okay, I want to see the figures, but this is interesting for sure.

Click on it, you can see the figures except for the faces (which I'm thinking is the part you actually create)

 

[BrianL]

Click on it, you can see the figures except for the faces (which I'm thinking is the part you actually create)

Thanks for the tip!

And, dang....they look kinda good too! What scale are they? If they are standard 1:12 (6 Inch) then, maaaaan. I guess pricing will be key.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Thanks for the tip!

And, dang....they look kinda good too! What scale are they? If they are standard 1:12 (6 Inch) then, maaaaan. I guess pricing will be key.

GMA had a brief showing of the process this morning, it’s around the 1:30 mark:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1635625236010876929

 

[Douglas Dubh]

As you move West though it gets pretty rough.

Oh nonsense. There’s plenty of good pizza on the west coast. After we moved to Oregon, we’d always stop at Me n Ed’s when we were driving to and from Disneyland. And Pietro’s in the Portland area was good, as was Cibelli’s in Central Oregon.

 

[BrianL]

GMA had a brief showing of the process this morning, it’s around the 1:30 mark:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1635625236010876929

So, the faces are digital. That's...interesting. It's a little hard to see. I'm not sure if I like it, but I do like that they come in a little arcade cabinet!