pianojohn Posted May 15, 2008 Posted May 15, 2008 Since Erik Johnson already did an extensive report on the ride with great pics, I will focus on the actual event today at the park! Of course, there will be more pics! Checked in at 9am in front of the main gate then waited until about 9:30am to be walked back to the ride. They let us ride it once (and it was awesome again!) and then walked us into the throngs of people waiting for the ceremony to begin at 10:30am. There was a sea of blue Marge hair (see pics below). There was a huge scaffolding set up for video media, but I managed to snag a spot about half way up to get some pictures. There was a big band set up to the left of the ride and a Krusty look alike in a tux ready to conduct. An MC came out to welcome the crowd and introduced the president and CEO of Universal Orlando resort, Bill Davis. He came out, also in a blue Marge wig, and welcomed some other dignitaries in the audience: Mark Woodbury from Universal Creative, Mike West, executive producer, Tom Williams from Universal, Mayor Buddy Dyer of Orlando, Derrick Harvey the #1 pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Joey Fatone of *NSYNC. Whoo!! A bunch of kid came out, also in blue Marge hair, and then Bill Davis came forward to cut the ribbon. Yellow streamers filled the air, fireworks exploded, and the Simpsons themselves came out of the ride to welcome everyone. We then moved inside to Lombard's and the 2nd floor for interviews with Mike West. They took us in groups of six, so we all got to ask him a few questions. I taped the whole interview, but here are the highlights: Q: How did the development of the ride take place and what were some of the challenges? A: Going into this, you have a worldwide icon, phenomenon that you know going right into it has to be funny, story driven, about the characters, so that was our challenge. Every word in the film was written by Gracie films writers. Matt Groenig, Al Brooks were all intimately involved in the project. So the expectation was a challenge, but I think in the short time we have been opened that we have exceeded it. Q: Where did the idea come from? A: We had been talking about the Simpsons for awhile and it was trying to find the right venue. We like how the whole experience is immersive with the Simpsons in line with you on the monitors, in the pre-show, and then riding with you in the cars. Q: Are there any plans to translate it into Japanese for the park in Osaka? (that was my question!!) A: I honestly don't know. I have not heard of anything yet. Q: Why did you decide on 3D animation for the actual ride portion? Was it easier than traditional hand drawn? A: Actually, it was much more difficult. By the time we got to the dome, we wanted to make it an immersive experience. During the pre-show, it was 2D to make it feel like the family (the Simpsons) were waiting with you. Once you got on the ride, we wanted a more immersive experience. The Gracie people wanted the attraction to have an identity all its own different from what you would see on the television show. Something I did not know! The original Back to the Future was an IMAX film experience whereas the Simpsons is video. They are running 8GB's per second. There are only 4 video servers in the world that handle this: 2 at Universal Orlando and 2 at Universal Hollywood! They also use 4 SONY projectors. It is an all digital system. The domes are also all metal instead of your typical film screen. You have to make sure the gain is correct and do lighting tests. The image is also about 50 feet away at the farthest point. I then asked him if they ever thought of doing the film in 3D, but it is difficult to make it so the guests don't become sick. The problem usually occurs when guests do not wear the glasses correctly which makes you nauseous. We asked him about his future plans, but he said in his future is a long deserved vacation! He also mentioned that Matt Groenig rode it the other day in Hollywood and loved it. Enjoy the pics!! And my credentials The back cover My press pack cover Mike West The view from Lombard's Oh..some other little show was filming there earlier in the day! And the Simpsons arrive Let the confetti begin! Cutting the ribbon Bill Davis The MC (the gold line is a reflection of the sun off the podium lamp!) Krusty and his big band Joey Fatone The band The press scaffolding. I went about half way up. And the fun continues... Hmm....makes me want a blueberry squishy. Uh oh...this can't be good. Trying to act my age Check in here simpsonsopening.wmv
Hand 0f Time Posted May 15, 2008 Posted May 15, 2008 Woo! It finally opens! Great pictures. It looked like a load of fun. Man, I want a wig like that. :O
robbalvey Posted May 16, 2008 Posted May 16, 2008 I've just added the video clip that John sent me. It's always fun to see the festivities! --Robb
ETapley0687 Posted May 16, 2008 Posted May 16, 2008 I'm glad its finally open now! The videos of the show that are on the net look really good so I'll definitely be lookin forward to my next visit! Nice pics!
coasterguy4 Posted May 16, 2008 Posted May 16, 2008 Looks cool! Nice report! coaster "Can't wait for Saturday in Hollywood" guy4
knottslover77 Posted May 16, 2008 Posted May 16, 2008 Looks great, I can't wait to ride it this summer! --Jay
Leaping La Ronde Boobis Posted May 16, 2008 Posted May 16, 2008 Nice report, the ride looks like it does BTTF justice. I'm a little suprised though that neither Matt Groening or any of the cast members made an appearance, I guess they're waiting to show up for the opening of the more local, Holywood version.
King_K. Posted May 16, 2008 Posted May 16, 2008 The MC is actually Kenny Bobbel, great member of UC and the Entertainment Department. Most of you would know him from his more memorable role though. Jack the Clown at HHN. He's the one that does the original for the commercials and since HHN X.
Erik Johnson Posted May 16, 2008 Posted May 16, 2008 That was really sweet. It looks like Universal went all out with this event. The band was a really neat touch.
dandaman Posted May 17, 2008 Posted May 17, 2008 In really small print, it says, "Your likeliness may be captured..." Isn't that supposed to say "likeness", or am I totally off? Anyway, great footage, John.
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