Ever wonder what it looks like when Walt Disney Imagineering mocks up new technology and effects they’re working on? Today Disney has offered us a sneak peek at a few exciting new elements to be added to their Disney Dream cruise ship, still under construction in Germany.
Here’s the video:
This is the kind of behind-the-scenes, making-of-the-magic view that I’d love to see more of. Disney fans often hear of Walt Disney Imagineering designing experiences at their facilities, but rarely get a glimpse into what that actually means. Clearly, for this particular “undersea” experience, it means lots of plywood, some folding chairs and tables, and a whole lot of video screens. Obviously the final experience aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship will feature much more extravagant decorations surrounding these linked screens, but it’s fun to see the rough steps that lead up to the polished result.
These virtual portholes are a fantastic idea. We’ve heard about them before, but to see Imagineering’s tests of what it will really look like to see the house from Up float by or Peach stuck up against the “window” is fantastic. In fact, it’s so much fun that it makes me want to stay in one of these cabins on the ship rather than one with an actual window! Though I suppose it’s only a matter of time before WDI superimposes these images over the real portholes as well (a la the aquariums in the final scenes of The Seas with Nemo and Friends ride at Epcot).
Interactive “enhanced” artwork certainly adds new life to old images. It’s a great way to add interest to images that may not have attracted the attention of all aboard the ship.
Source: Disney Parks Blog