Michael Jackson returns to Disneyland in ‘Captain EO’
"Captain EO" is moonwalking back to Disneyland.
by Jodi Jill
The official announcement of Captain EO returning
to Disneyland was big news on all the new wires, the associated press
and even on CNN on December 18. The beloved singer, whose
passing earlier this year, had many fans who really appreciated the
Captain EO attraction begging for its return. The audience in years
past enjoyed the approach and loved the 17 minute story on the screen.
After it was replaced by 'Honey I Shrunk the Audience' people tended to
yawn as they walked by the theater on the way to Space Mountain.
The theme park
announced plans to bring back the 3-D sci-fi film starring
Michael Jackson next February, over 23 years after the attraction
debuted in Anaheim, Calif. The 17-minute film starred the late King of
Pop as a singing-and-dancing intergalactic commander. It was directed
by Francis Ford Coppola and executive produced by George Lucas.
In
the film, Jackson leads a goofy alien and robot crew as they battle a
wicked queen played by Anjelica Huston. "Captain EO" originally opened
in Disneyland's Tommorrowland in 1986 and ran for more than a decade.
Identical versions later opened at other Disney theme parks. They were
all closed by 1998.
How many Michael Jackson fans should Disney fans expect starting in 2010? Millions.
Advice is traditional Disneyland fans should get to the park in January and enjoy
the peace and quiet while they can. Within 24 hours after the news of captain EO comes back, emails have
been pouring in from all over the world to asking about
hotels, shuttle services, and one note even wanted to know if there
were Michael Jackson gift stores close by (no there isn't - just in
case you are wondering.)
What is important to mention is Captain EO and the limited engagement
with Disneyland will be big. Very big. And it is going to bring a boom
to the economy in Anaheim and bring in solid attendance numbers for the
Disneyland Resort. However while we enjoy the company of others it will
cut into the more traditional off time locals enjoy at the park before
the summer craze starts. You know, the days with no lines and Cast
Members who are standing around talking to anyone so they stay busy.
So come on Michael Jackson fans. Bring your families, your friends and
have a wonderful time at the 'Happiest Place on Earth.' This is a great
opportunity to honor a classic Disneyland show!
Source: AP, examiner.com
