August 9, 2008

Today's update ventures through Wizarding World of Harry Potter construction, takes a look at the My Family's Got Guts tapings, Rockit construction, and also takes a look at the Olympic party in CityWalk.

To start off, I'll give a quick review of the taping of Guts that I sat in on, as photography was not permitted, I'll go off my thoughts and what I saw. When I first heard that Nickelodeon was bringing back the 90's show, my initial reaction was grim. GUTS was one of my favorite shows to watch as a little one on Nickelodeon, and I was afraid that a re-hash of the show, to air on Nick at Nite nonetheless, would be less than stellar - I feared that my childhood would be broken by an updated show that was nothing like the original. Fortunately enough I was wrong. While original hosts Mike O'Malley and Moira Quirk are absent, their replacements were definitely type-cast. The main host, from what I was told, actually met up with O'Malley before the taping to get an idea of how the host should act. Moira's replacement could just as well be her daughter, as she looks identical and has the exact same accent she did. The Aggro Crag makes a triumphant return, updated and as mean as it ever was - the glitter, the fog, the sound effects, it's all there - and just like in the original shows, whenever a contestant reaches a goal and slams the buzzer the signature scream of "GUTS!" echoes. As for the theme song - "D-D-D-D-Do you have it?!" - it's back. The same vocals, the same tune, only it has been updated a bit to include some more bass and some more beat. All in all, I am pleased with what Nickelodeon has done to this classic show - I'll definitely be watching it every night it airs starting September 15th. And not to fuel the rumor mill or anything, but I've been told that if GUTS is successful, we might be seeing some modernized episodes of Legends of the Hidden Temple in the future.

Photos after the break, and support our sponsors while you're at it!

What's this? A decree from the Ministry of Magic?! Let's take a look.   Looks as though something new pops up each week - these signs definitely get an A+ in my book. They are even complete with the Ministry of Magic logo.   If you're too lazy to click - "As Referred to in Decree No. 157 of 1924, formerly known to the Ministerial Management of Magical Mayhem Act No. 792/B & subject to Approval by the Very Important Members of Section M.I. Trx," and then of course a fancy little Warner Brothers copyright. Let the trademarks begin!   The sign has also appeared at the pathway to Jurassic Park. Speakers have also been added to the area playing the entrance music to the Lost Continent.     These signs have also shown up on the construction walls.   And one final Ministry of Magic sign at the former Lost Continent entrance from Jurassic Park. There are a total of four Ministry signs.     And if you haven't gotten the news - Enchanted Oak is dead. But hey, the restrooms are still there! Wizards have to go too, I guess.     Even more depressing from the back.   This photo was taken the day after the demolition.   They're already hacking away at the very last sign of the tavern. May ye rest in peace.   Moving back towards Lost Cont--er, the Wizarding World, you can see that the pathways are being widened.   Rockwork and trees that once existed here have been completely demolished, leaving the bridge that was once surrounded by foliage completely exposed.