[Park Hopper]

I checked out Mickey's Philharmagic during the Passholder preview this weekend, and while I didn't think it was fabulous, I did enjoy it. I'm sure children will love it, and adults, too. The preview audience that I was in applauded after the show.

As most probably already know, it's a 3-D film attraction that stars Donald as he takes you on a misguided magical journey to many of Disney's most famous musical moments thanks to Mickey's sorcerer's hat.

Disney is billing the movie technology as "an entirely new 3-D experience" and even coined a word for it: DisneyVision. Although I think many of the special effects are pretty neat, a lot of it was reminiscent of 3-D effects we've seen plenty of times before in attractions like Muppet Vision 3-D and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. Watching Mickey's PhilharMagic even evoked some memories for me of WDW's early 3-D attempts in the long-departed Captain Eo with Michael Jackson.

Sitting in the theater, I also couldn't help thinking about the Mickey Mouse Revue that was once housed in the same building. The theater hasn't changed all that much, and in fact still has a red curtain similar to the one that was there for MMR.

There are some excellent compressed air effects when champagne corks pop in the film and the audience gets a little sprinkling of water a couple of times when Donald mops up a bit and when he visits Aerial.

At least for me, though, I think Mickey's PhilharMagic may be a victim of hype. Disney keeps promising bigger, better, more exciting, never seen before, on and on. We buy into it, and when the goods don't live up to what we're expecting, we're a little disappointed.

I really don't mean for this to be a negative review, and I'm certain most people will think Mickey's PhilharMagic is cute beyond belief. I enjoyed it, too, but I was just a little disappointed.

[LRTJS]

Thanks for your honest opinion Park Hopper. Sometimes it is hard for Disney to top what they have already done. It sounds like something little ones will love. Is there anything to scare them like there is in most of the other 3D movies? As I have said before, I just can't stand for their to be anything at one of the parks that I haven't been to so I will be there in less than 2 weeks!!! I am sure I will enjoy it.

[dab]

Thanks for taking the time to give us your opinion. How fun to be among the first to view it!! I'm looking forward to seeing it in Nov. One question for you... Is Aladdin & Jasmine in it? My DD is a die hard Jasmine fan and when she saw the ad for Philharmagic and it pictured Jasmine she was really excited.

[goofygal1975]

Thanks for the preview! We wanted to make it this weekend, too, but we didn't get a chance. My ds is also worried about this. Can you tell me, what type of affect does this have? The under the chair and back of the chair affects really bother him. If there is anything like that, I can't even think of taking him in there!!:nervous

[Park Hopper]

Originally posted by LRTJS
Thanks for your honest opinion Park Hopper. It sounds like something little ones will love. Is there anything to scare them like there is in most of the other 3D movies?

Originally posted by goofygal1975
My ds is also worried about this. Can you tell me, what type of affect does this have? The under the chair and back of the chair affects really bother him. If there is anything like that, I can't even think of taking him in there!!

No, LRTJS, there's absolutely nothing scary at all. There aren't any 3-D snakes that come rushing toward you or anything like that.

Goofygal1975, your DS will be fine. There aren't any scary chair effects. No vibrating seats, no hot breath on your neck, nothing like that. Other than the typical 3-D stuff, the only physical effects are little bursts of air that hit you in the face to simulate champagne corks popping and a couple of sprinklings of what feels like water that help immerse you (pardon the pun) in the on-screen action.

The voices of some of the cartoon characters bounce around the auditorium, and at the end of the show Donald "flies" off the screen for an ungainly landing in the back of the theater. Nothing but wholesome fun that all children will love.

[LRTJS]

Thanks ParkHopper. Here is another article with some pictures from a person who was there:

http://www.wdwig.com/mk_phil.htm

[Park Hopper]

Originally posted by dab
Thanks for taking the time to give us your opinion. How fun to be among the first to view it!! I'm looking forward to seeing it in Nov. One question for you... Is Aladdin & Jasmine in it? My DD is a die hard Jasmine fan and when she saw the ad for Philharmagic and it pictured Jasmine she was really excited.

Yup, dab, tell your DD that Aladdin and Jasmine are both in the show.

[goofygal1975]

Thanks Parkhopper for the added info!! I read this to my ds and he felt better about going!!!:) I feel much better now myself, knowing there is nothing crazy going to happen during the show, so i don't have to worry about him, and I can enjoy it too!!:whistle: :)

[Dana]

Thanks for the preview. I too, appreciate your honest opinion. Of course, I can't wait to see it for myself because it's new and something in MK I haven't done. (except for Haunted Mansion as some of you may know from other posts) I saw some pictures and numerious reviews on The DIS and wdwig and they were mixed. I guess we will all have to judge for ourselves. Thanks again for the inside scoop. :D

[inluvwithdisney]

I am so glad to hear your review!!! We tried to sneak a peek this past Saturday and they would not let us because we were not annual passholders!!! You were probably there Parkhopper when we were!!!:) :)

[Park Hopper]

Originally posted by inluvwithdisney
I am so glad to hear your review!!! We tried to sneak a peek this past Saturday and they would not let us because we were not annual passholders!!! You were probably there Parkhopper when we were!!!:) :)

Yes, we were there at the same time. I trust you enjoyed the weather during your trip -- not a drop of rain.