We spent a very enjoyable day in the Magic Kingdom learning. We of course enjoyed as many attractions as possible and had many laughs along the way. But as often as not we were stopped to observe, take some pictures and figure out just which technique or materials the Imagineers used to create the magic we witnessed at every turn. Often, we stopped and looked where most guests rushed by in their hurry to line up to enjoy the next attraction. Rock work is especially hard to simulate well and the Disney folks are among the best. We took the time to learn every time we saw some. Tomorrow it’s time to spend our first day on the floor of the IAAPA EXPO. We’ll have fun and learn lots there too!
Enjoying parks through the eyes of a designer
Years ago when we first started in the theme park business Janis & I visited a new theme park attraction to enjoy a first ride. I did not mind the wait in the long queue even a little bit for I was busy looking at every detail with the eyes of a builder and designer. I was also taking lots of pictures of everything I saw. I wanted to record it for future reference and inspiration. This was back in the day of film rather than digital photography. We were in line about fifteen minutes and still far from the ride when the person behind us tapped me on my shoulder. She asked me how I could possibly take five or six ROLLS of pictures of the concrete walkway, the fences, and various details both near and far and not a single picture of my lovely wife. She was curious why I was so interested in those mundane details. We laughingly explained that we were in the business of designing and building theme parks and looked with very different eyes than a typical guest. Today we were enjoying the park once again and as we did the rides I was busy looking at details. Even though we’ve visited this place so many times over the last decades I saw plenty of new things I had never seen previously. You can bet I was busy grabbing pictures for future reference. I include two exciting shots of railings just for fun.
Ready for the show!
The setup for the 2018 IAAPA EXPO was quick and easy as per our plan. The trade show organizers had our display placed in our booth when I arrived this morning. The show pallet needed a quick nudge from a passing forklift to be perfectly positioned. That only took a few seconds. I then swung out the two side panels, rolled out the carpets and plugged in the lights and TVs. As quick as that we were ready to show. We come down a few days early - just in case things go awry… but the booth arrived in perfect shape. That means we have a couple of days to go play (I MEAN DO RESEARCH :) ) in our favourite theme parks!
