It's Official, Captain EO is Coming In July

[UKMark]

Just posted on the Disney Blog http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/04/captain-eo-returning-to-walt-disney-world-resort/

Yes, you read right…the classic 3-D film experience “Captain EO” is coming back to Walt Disney World Resort this summer just months after it reopened to rave reviews at Disneyland park. The 17-minute musical space-fantasy adventure film is now scheduled to begin at Epcot on July 2.

I remember enjoying “Captain EO” during its original run at Epcot from 1986 -1994. But for some of you, it’ll be a new experience. The film features Michael Jackson as “Captain EO” and a crew of Disney-created space characters. During their journey, the group uses the power of dance, light and music to turn a colorless planet into a world of color and happiness.

And there’s more. “Captain EO” will be returning to other Disney Parks locations. It’s scheduled to open at Tokyo Disneyland on June 30 and Disneyland Paris on June 12. We’ll have more details on the film’s return to Walt Disney World in upcoming weeks but we wanted Disney Parks Blog readers to be among the first to know. Please check back for updates.

 

[Donaldswife]

Anyone have any ideas on how long it will be there? I would love to take my daughter to see it when we are there in October. My Grandma took me to see when I was about her age, and DH and I just back last week from DL and saw it. I cried remembering going with my Grandma. She has lung cancer and has not been doing well the last month or so. Seeing it is really special to me.

 

[jheigl]

Just in time for our honeymoon! This is awesome!

 

[CanadianGuy]

Darg-nabit.. I'll miss it by just 23 days..

Ah well.. what better excuse for another trip. LOL.

 

[Malela9]

Oh yeah! Saw it at Disneyland and it was better than ever! My family is gonna kill me when I make them see it at WDW!!!!

 

[CaptainEO]

YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! As you can tell, "Captain EO" has ALWAYS been a favorite of mine! I can't wait to see it when I'm there in October!!! WE ARE HERE TO CHANGE THE WORLD!!!

 

[dwaters]

So what becomes of "Honey I Shrunk The Audience"?

I'm so glad to see Captain Eo posting in a Captain Eo thread.

 

[jg121285]

NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Why couldn't they release it May. I would have loved to have seen this and I know DGF would too.

 

[CandyMandy]

It's noteworthy that prior to Jackson dying, one didn't see any big hue and cry going on here or elsewhere for a return of what is in essence a dated rock video that Disney pulled in April 1997, because attendance at the attraction had dropped to to the point where the theatre it ran in was sometimes almost empty.

But as pop history has proven, the sure-fire way to revive a faded celebrity career (particularly if the diminishing star is young)...is to die.

The masses always have a sudden re-invigorated interest after that. The Doors wouldn't have cult status if Jim Morrison was still alive. Nor would Nirvana if Kurt Cobain was still around. Or Jimi Hendrix, etc., etc.

By the way, here is what Charles Solomon, writing in the Los Angles Times, said about the film in when it opened in May 1986:

"For all its wondrous imagery, “Captain EO” is nothing more than the most elaborate rock video in history, like a hollow chocolate Easter bunny, it’s a glorious surface over a void. No one expects an amusement-park diversion to be “Gone With the Wind,” but given that list of credits and the film’s lavish budget (rumored to be between $16 million-$20 million, although Disney refuses to release any figures), audiences have a right to expect more than empty flash."

 

[jheigl]

It's noteworthy that prior to Jackson dying, one didn't see any big hue and cry going on here or elsewhere for a return of what is in essence a dated rock video that Disney pulled in April 1997, because attendance at the attraction had dropped to to the point where the theatre it ran in was sometimes almost empty.

But as pop history has proven, the sure-fire way to revive a faded celebrity career (particularly if the diminishing star is young)...is to die.

The masses always have a sudden re-invigorated interest after that. The Doors wouldn't have cult status if Jim Morrison was still alive. Nor would Nirvana if Kurt Cobain was still around. Or Jimi Hendrix, etc., etc.

By the way, here is what Charles Solomon, writing in the Los Angles Times, said about the film in when it opened in May 1986:

"For all its wondrous imagery, “Captain EO” is nothing more than the most elaborate rock video in history, like a hollow chocolate Easter bunny, it’s a glorious surface over a void. No one expects an amusement-park diversion to be “Gone With the Wind,” but given that list of credits and the film’s lavish budget (rumored to be between $16 million-$20 million, although Disney refuses to release any figures), audiences have a right to expect more than empty flash."

I agree with you, but I have wanted Captain EO to return for years....way before MJ's untimely death. There is always a big group of supporters for each and every ride/ attraction that has been at any theme park. For instance, there are people still upset that Back to the Future at Universal Orlando was closed and they are still signing petitions, building websites, etc for it's return....and Michael J Fox isn't dead yet. Like I said, I agree with your point, however, I don't think that is totally accurate for this case. Yes, with MJ's passing, the Disney company seemed to want to capitalize on that by bringing back Captain EO. If he was still alive, there is no doubt in my mind that they would not have even thought about bringing it back. However, you made it sound that the only reason there is interest from people in general is because of his death, and I don't think that's the case.

 

[a361c]

How long will it be there? I am assuming it will be at its original home. So will honey I shrunk the audiance be gone for good after the captain eo run? It would be a good excuse to revamp a show

 

[cubswinnow]

Dang.. I'll be there in June.

 

[mom3sonstt]

I have been trying to find whether EO is a limited run. If so, are they bringing back Honey I Shrunk the Audience, or is this just a filler while they create something new for that space? Honey has been showing its age for awhile too - I enjoy going to see it - especially bringing new people to "enjoy" the effects, but skip it more often than not anymore. Will probably only feel the need to see EO once when it returns also.

 

[daber]

So with the pending remake of JII, will Figment meet EO instead of Dr. Nigel Channing?

 

[Figment632]

Just the dated FW needs a film even older than HISTA!