At Universal Studios Hollywood, the park apparently has abandoned its conversion of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey into a 3D attraction, switching the screen elements of the ride to 2D projection, as they are shown in the Orlando original. Ever since the attraction first soft-opened in California last winter, it has been shown in 3D, as the other installation of Forbidden Journey, in Japan, is presented. However, some fans complained of queasiness on the ride (which, frankly, is going to happen on a robocoaster-type attraction such as this), and others — including yours truly &38212; didn't feel that the 3D effect "popped" or added anything to the presentation. Universal has confirmed the change via Twitter, but not offered an official explanation for the switch. By not running the show in 3D, Universal saves the expense of cleaning and replacing the ride's 3D glasses. A 2D presentation might require less projection power than the 3D show, too, as 3D imagery often needs to be projected brighter in order to compensate for the darkening effect of viewing through the glasses. So there's saving in changing to 2D and not much downside in this case. So far, I've seen dozens of messages on social media supporting the change and no one complaining about the loss of the 3D.
In Florida, Walt Disney World is switching up the operations at the ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The traditionally poorly-rated quick service dining facility is switching to a "fast casual" style of service at dinner, similar to what diners now find at Be Our Guest in The Magic Kingdom at lunch. You'll still order at the counter, but you'll be given a pager to carry to your choice of table, where a server will deliver your meal when it is ready. Disney's upgrading the menu, too, adding entrees such as Chimichurri-topped Sirloin Steak ($17.49), Lemon Pepper Salmon ($14.99), and swapping the Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($11.29) at lunch for a Southwest Burger ($14.49), topped with pepper Jack cheese, guacamole, bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheddar jalapeno poppers. There's a barbecue Chicken and Ribs Combo Platter for $17.19 available at both lunch and dinner, too.
At at Walt Disney World, Epcot is promoting the upcoming premiere of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story by changing the park's Spaceship Earth into the Death Star. It's happening after the park close on Monday. Dec. 5 for a special promotional event, but Disney will live-stream the transformation on its blog at 10:25 pm ET.
There's absolutely no truth to the rumor that Disney will then auction the opportunity to pick the Spaceship Earth/Death Star's first target. Remember, the Empire did nothing wrong.
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The visual difference in brightness on the screen comes from the silver screen that is necessary for 3D presentations, not 2D, and which is not as bright as a traditional white screen. If any film suffers in a 3D capable theater it is a 2D presentation, not 3D.
If you experience a presentation that is not bright enough then the culprit is usually two things. One the operator may be using a less expensive lamp that outputs less light or two the lamp is old and in need of replacement.
I agree 3D can be annoying for movies, especially when the movie doesn't benefit from the 3D imagery.
The Death Star should target the corporate cesspool in Glendale, CA aka Disney corporate. Disney is being destroyed by marketing and finance MBAs with more education than common sense. Fire Iger. Fire Chapek. Replace them with a CEO who understands hospitality and customer service.
Said it was a passing fad then, saying VR is a passing fad now.
It's good that they're upgrading the food at Disney, but they really need to improve the hamburgers and pizza. The hamburgers may be getting better, but the pizzas are still abysmal. If you want a reputation for good food, you have to start with the basics. Hamburgers and pizza are the staples of theme park food, keep them affordable and, if you have to, consider them like loss leaders just to keep a good relationship with your customers. That's what Costco does in their food court, and they don't seem to be doing too badly.
As for movies, I enjoyed Dr. Strange and Jurassic World in 3D, but I seldom shell out the extra $$ for 3D.
The annoying thing about the 3D of the Hollywood version was the glasses banging off the over-the-shoulder restraints as you made your journey. I didn't find the 3D caused any nausia (to be honest the blurry visuals and jerky movement of the quiditch bit in Florida made me a little queezy) but I don't think the ride will lose anything for not having it.
So for me, with or without 3D, the Hollywood version is a 10/10 ride, with the Florida version a 9.5 really because it's a little older and so a little less polished than the newer version.
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