Animation Central is the place where truly
magical things happen. Disney directors, producers and artists create the classic films
that we treasure, and they give visitors a sneak peek at their work in progress.
Its also the place where Disney features props, sets and costumes from past movies. An
exhibit featuring paraphernalia and pre-production glimpses of the Glenn Close, live
action remake of "101 Dalmatians" is housed next door to a tour of the making of
the new Bruce Willis action flick "Armageddon."
Attractions: Visitors get a true behind-the-scenes look at the making of
Disney's cartoon classics. One of the best attractions in Central Florida got a little
better in May. The Magic of Disney Animation tour, one of the premier exhibitions at
Disney-MGM studios, opened new digs in May, 1998. Disney animators moved into the new
four-story, 200,000 square-foot building in April; and visitors started their trek through
on Memorial Day.
With the new building came a new-and-improved studio tour. The tour features an overview
of Disney's history in animation, the actual studios where Disney artists work upcoming
animated features like "Tarzan," and it gives guests a chance to interact with
Disney's finest talents. "Mulan," which was released June 19, 1998, was the
first Disney animated feature where 90 percent of the principal work was done in Orlando.
Disney-MGM guests have been privy to behind-the-scenes work on Mulan for more than a year.
Visitors have also gotten first-hand peek at the upcoming Disney films "Tarzan,"
"Dinosaurs," "A Bug's Life" and "Fantasia 2000."
Your animation journey begins with a film in which Robin Williams and Walter Cronkite
follow through the process of animation - from story to finished product. Each tour then
gets a chance to talk with Disney animators and ask questions person-to-person. And if
that weren't enough, guests are then guided through the actual studios where artists are
working on "Tarzan," Disney's 37th full-length animated film which is due out
next year and the first Disney animated film to be made entirely in Central Florida.
Completing your animation extravaganza is a film montage of some of the most memorable
scenes from Disney's classics.
Among the spotty entertainment featured on Dalmatian Avenue is Disney's latest
"Backstage Pass Tour." Visitors coil around sound stages to see pre- and
post-production magic behind the new live action version of "101 Dalmatians,"
starring Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil. This completely engrossing tour combines video
clips from the film, with live demonstrations of the animatronic puppies and a close-up
look at props, costumes and sets from the movie.
Viewers also get up close and personal look at the new Bruce Willis/Ben Affleck movie
"Armageddon," which was partially filmed at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape
Canaveral. The "Armageddon" show takes the place of the "George of the
Jungle" exhibit in the Lights! Camera! Action! Theater and follows mostly the same
format. Guests stream through three video presentations of behind-the-scenes footage
including interviews with producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Michael Bay and most of the
cast.
And "The Voyage of the Little Mermaid" packs all the singing, dancing, swimming
and merriment of the Disney heroine's story into an 18-minute show. Fast Fact: Leanza
Cornett, former Miss America and "Entertainment Tonight" correspondent, played
Ariel before rising to fame in Hollywood.
Amenities: The Animation Gallery features books, lithographs, autographed
animation cells and other cool memorabilia for sale.
Analysis: Animation Central showcases the best MGM has to offer. The
Magic of Disney Animation is as good as it gets. Being that close to the process of
Disney's animated films makes you feel like your witnessing part of history in the making.
You do feel kind of guilty, however,
hovering over Disney artisans as they work; but as the tour guide will tell you, the
studio was built for that very purpose. How the artists can work in those kinds of
conditions is beyond me. Ask them, and they will just smile and say "You get used to
it."
Don't try to see or hear everything in one trip. Possibly the only down side of the tour
is the fact that there is so much to take in, one viewing doesn't cut it. The guides talk
very fast and the close proximity of guests makes for lots of noise, especially if there
are a lot of kids in your party. The tour lasts 45 minutes so parents should gauge their
kids' tolerance level.
The Backstage Pass tour is also fascinating. Not only do you get to see all the props,
sets, storyboards, sketches, costumes and animatronics from the live action version of
"101 Dalmatians," you also get to see actual working productions, including the
HBO series "From the Earth to the Moon." Tom Hanks and Sally Field have been
caught milling about by eagle-eyed viewers.
"The Voyage of the Little Mermaid" is good for kids, but adults who have seen
the video umpteen times might find it a little much. "Armageddon" also leaves
something to be desired. The neat part is the view you get of the actual live production
and recording studios, but the movie footage and interviews, amount to not much more than
you can get at home on the Disney Channel.
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