Narnia in MGM

[Punkin's Mom]

I've heard about a Narnia attraction at MGM, but I don't know what it's like or where it is. Is it good for little ones (4yo and 2yo)? Will we care if we haven't seen the movie? Basically - is it worth our time since we're only at the park 1/2 day?

 

[makinorlando]

I have not been there yet, but it probably it sounds like it is something that you could miss if you or your children are not into the movie.

For fans of C.S. Lewis' timeless adventure The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Disney-MGM Studios has transformed a soundstage into the frozen world of Narnia which takes guests behind-the-scenes of the movie-making magic in the film based on the book. Guests will enter the frozen world of Narnia through a giant wardrobe.

In addition to props and set pieces, guests will see elaborate creatures, costumes, and armor used in making the film.

The walk-through experience is located in Soundstage 4 on Mickey Avenue. .

 

[Punkin's Mom]

Thanks! It doesn't sound like something my 2 year old would like very much!

 

[Daxx]

OK, we saw it a bunch of times and loved it. Here's what happens:

You go through the queue and end up in front of the Wardrobe (which is huuuge). You spend a tiny bit of time waiting for everyone to get inside. The CM does a little spiel about Chronicles of Narnia being written by CS Lewis and brought to life by Disney/Walden Productions (or whatever they're called). The doors of the Wardrobe open and you walk in to find yourself in a forest full of snow laden trees, the lamppost and Mr. Tumnus's house. It is just like you're right in Narnia (and walking through the Wardrobe makes it seem even more so!). Then, there's Liam Neeson doing a voice over about the basic premise of the story ... then the spotlight hits the White Witch, who walks across a walkway at the top of Mr. Tumnus's house. She lip-synchs the small speech the White Witch gives about "If it's war Aslan wants, war he shall have ...". The actress looks just like Tilda Swinton in the movie -- same costume, hair, etc. Then, she goes off "stage" and the front screen (which shows the area to the White Witch's castle) turns into clips from the movie w/Liam Neeson doing more voice-over. After the movie clips, the spring tree comes alive and you are ushered into an area which holds the White Witch's costume, Lucy's dress, the White Witch's carriage and wand, the frozen people props from the movie and a couple of other things. You can spend as much time there as you want to.

I am a huge Narnia fan and so is DS9. Come to think of it, Daxx got pretty into it, too. We loved it and thought it was neat to be in part of the set!!!!

Anyway, I think most people (even those who haven't seen the movie) would enjoy it. There's nothing scary about it and even if you don't know a thing about Narnia, you'll get a sample of it.

One guy in front of us said "This was just one big commercial!" when it was done. While he might be right, we all thought it was fun to be in the set and to see bits of the movie as well as the costumes and props.

ETA -- they really don't show you any "movie making" techniques or go into details on how they came up w/things. It's a less-than-15 minute thing ... so if you're waiting between fast passes, this is something to consider. When we were there in Jan., we never had to wait more than 3 minutes in the queue to get in.

 

[Selket]

Does anyone know how long that will be at MGM?

 

[jimmiej]

Look here for pics and info:

http://allearsnet.com/tp/mgm/narnia.htm

Sounds to me like something most kids would enjoy.

 

[Feralpeg]

Does anyone know how long that will be at MGM?

I was told it was scheduled to be there for three months. They did say that it might stay longer if it proved to be popular.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

If you haven't read the books or seen the movie, skip it. We are all Narnia fans and could not wait to see the exhibit. Sadly, the kids were more excited about having their photo taken outside than in the actualy exhibit. It just wasn't that great. The wardrobe you walk through looks NOTHING like the one described in the book or the one in the movie. Inside, the space is pretty small; and you get packed in with a bunch of other guests. You basically just stand and watch a clip from the movie...just a big teaser to get you to go see it. After that, there are a few (and let me emphasize FEW here) displays of items from the movie. For real enthusiasts, this is a disappointment. If you have a few minutes free, it doesn't take long to visit and judge for yourself.

 

[Debbie Jean]

If you haven't read the books or seen the movie, skip it. We are all Narnia fans and could not wait to see the exhibit. Sadly, the kids were more excited about having their photo taken outside than in the actualy exhibit. It just wasn't that great. The wardrobe you walk through looks NOTHING like the one described in the book or the one in the movie. Inside, the space is pretty small; and you get packed in with a bunch of other guests. You basically just stand and watch a clip from the movie...just a big teaser to get you to go see it. After that, there are a few (and let me emphasize FEW here) displays of items from the movie. For real enthusiasts, this is a disappointment. If you have a few minutes free, it doesn't take long to visit and judge for yourself.

We are huge fans, but, yes, I have to agree with you. DD (19) and I, found it a bit of a let down. Long film clip and very small exhibit. Aside from the drama of the witch appearing... which lasts about a minute... it's kind of a big putz.

I wouldn't waste my time with the little ones unless they are really insistant.

 

[#1DizGal]

I didn't see the movie, but checked out the exhibit. The only thing I found neat was every so often it would snow outside in front of the Narnia poster/prop. Lots of people getting their pics taken there.

 

[bellelinus]

My girls and I went through this twice when we were at WDW the week after Christmas. We had seen the movie and had read all of the Narnia books, so we enjoyed seeing the actual set pieces and costumes from the movie. However, if you are not a Narnia fan, I can't imagine that it's worth taking the time to go through. I think it will come down in the next month or so and eventually they will replace it with a similar set up for the new Pirates movie.