News Round Up

[Eoghann]

They didn't actually have a working robot for the shooting of the movie. I think they had some guy pushing a ball around, seriously However, they had the real, life-size one that debuted at Celebration in May. So, I am pretty sure the robot came first, and then the toy company. Or maybe it was the chicken and then egg

The version in the movie is essentially a remote controlled puppet with some CGI enhancements.

The company releasing the $150 toy are called Sphero and they did receive investment from Disney's Accelerator program and mentorship from Iger ( http://www.cnbc.com/2014/10/15/disney-ceo-bob-igers-big-bet-on-start-ups.html ). This could theoretically create a conflict of interest but there are ways in large companies to handle such situations in an above board manner.

Both mentorships and accelerator programs are quite common in the tech industry. I would expect the documentation for any negotiations resulting in issuing the license to a company they invested in to be very thorough because Disney will not wish to be sued or investigated. They were very public in their relationship.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Spher-o sold its entire product line online within minutes and in stores within hours...

So the reality is they made the maximum amount of money according to plan.

I'm not sure anything really matters at this point beyond that?

 

[j2thomason]

Ok, I'm jumping ship until the Star Wars discussion dies down. It's not really news or rumor.....just discussion. Sorry guys!

 

[jlundeen]

Ok, I'm jumping ship until the Star Wars discussion dies down. It's not really news or rumor.....just discussion. Sorry guys!

I'm with you, Julia - reminds me of the hype, rumors and opinions about Frozen...gets old with all the rehashing.

 

[rteetz]

The stage at DHS will be coming down between 9/7-9/10

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/09/temporary-stage-removal-at-disneys.html

 

[rteetz]

New test at ESPN WWoS

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/09/new-test-at-espn-wide-world-of-sports.html

 

[rteetz]

Kongstruction update

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/09/reign-of-kong-update-new-details-on.html

 

[lockedoutlogic]

To each their own...

The release of a new Star Wars...including merchandise...is the biggest news for TWDC this year... And it's not debatable.

What else is going on? Food and wine festival? Same as always.
Halloween and Christmas parties? Same
Dessert parties? Same.

Nothing qualifying as news. Just have a major credit card ready.

Disney springs will yield more actual news as the the year turns...as will animal kingdom. Sit tight. Perhaps the "urgency" to do something at MGM will get a well placed kick in the rear?

We'll see

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The stage at DHS will be coming down between 9/7-9/10

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/09/temporary-stage-removal-at-disneys.html

Now that's "good news"

 

[soniam]

The version in the movie is essentially a remote controlled puppet with some CGI enhancements.

The company releasing the $150 toy are called Sphero and they did receive investment from Disney's Accelerator program and mentorship from Iger ( http://www.cnbc.com/2014/10/15/disney-ceo-bob-igers-big-bet-on-start-ups.html ). This could theoretically create a conflict of interest but there are ways in large companies to handle such situations in an above board manner.

Both mentorships and accelerator programs are quite common in the tech industry. I would expect the documentation for any negotiations resulting in issuing the license to a company they invested in to be very thorough because Disney will not wish to be sued or investigated. They were very public in their relationship.

I was joking. I understand how the tech industry works. I have been in it for over 20 years. I am an electrical engineer. I have also known about Sphero since March or April.

 

[Eoghann]

I was joking. I understand how the tech industry works. I have been in it for over 20 years. I am an electrical engineer. I have also known about Sphero since March or April.

Okay... but you were not the only one in the discussion and people seemed confused on some of the specifics.

 

[turkey1031]

The stage at DHS will be coming down between 9/7-9/10

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/09/temporary-stage-removal-at-disneys.html

Please let it stay down until at least 10/25

 

[rteetz]

Please let it stay down until at least 10/25

It should be down for the rest of this year.

 

[rteetz]

Forgot to mention earlier. With the stage at DHS coming down that only means the crane at MK will go up.

(It is I've seen pictures of it already sitting behind the castle waiting to get started)

 

[rteetz]

Maddie and Tae are going to be performing at Epcot on Monday

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...ic-duo-maddie-and-tae-to-perform-at-epcot.htm

 

[SureAsLiz]

Forgot to mention earlier. With the stage at DHS coming down that only means the crane at MK will go up.

(It is I've seen pictures of it already sitting behind the castle waiting to get started)

Where do these pictures show it at? It's possible I'm just highly unobservant, but there wasn't a crane anywhere near the castle yesterday (at least not withing photo range)

 

[rteetz]

Where do these pictures show it at? It's possible I'm just highly unobservant, but there wasn't a crane anywhere near the castle yesterday (at least not withing photo range)

Courtesy of flyerjab on wdwmagic

 

[skier_pete]

Where do these pictures show it at? It's possible I'm just highly unobservant, but there wasn't a crane anywhere near the castle yesterday (at least not withing photo range)

I saw it behind the castle today. (It is on the right side when looking from the front, where the wishing well is.)

 

[SureAsLiz]

View attachment 122143

Courtesy of flyerjab on wdwmagic

I saw it behind the castle today. (It is on the right side when looking from the front, where the wishing well is.)

Thanks. That definitely wasn't there yesterday. I'm glad I didn't just miss it somehow.

 

[skier_pete]

Looks like the second pool at the Polynesian is taking shape. Literally. They seem to have the form in the ground for the pool and hot tub. This resort needs it. Love our stay here, but the main pool is too small and way too crowded.