Mouse Gear, the main shopping location at Epcot, opened in 1999 as a replacement for the former (and smaller) Centorium. The story behind Mouse Gear is that the Disney characters have come together to create and operate this incredible, fanciful machine, capable of turning Disney magic into tangible memories for their Guests to take home with them.
The shop is filled with fun details, from the enormous gloved hand and magic wand, bringing the room to life as it rotates:
To the tiniest components of the fixtures:
All around, iconic imagery of the classic Disney characters combines with an Epcot-appropriate technology angle. Of course, gears and gauges are decidedly "old school" technology, but it all seems to work with the nostalgic nature of the characters.
One detail that's often overlooked by visitors to Mouse Gear is the apparent goings-on in the second story offices of the shop. In one set of windows, Donald Duck is barely able to control his temper as Webigail Vanderquack and his nephews turn the office into a playground. Just around the corner, though, Scrooge McDuck and Daisy are hard at work alongside Mouse Gear inventor Gyro Gearloose. It's a rare park appearance for characters like Webby and Gyro, and if you hang around long enough, you might get to do more than just see them. Periodically, you can actually hear what's happening upstairs. Next time you're in Mouse Gear, stand around and listen. For the less-than-patient, below is a complete transcript of everything that goes on...
HUEY: Quackaroonie! Look at this one fly!
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DEWEY: Epcot Mouse Gear. Dewey speaking. What can I do-ey for you-ey? (chuckles)
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LOUIE: Look at this, fellas! These drawers are full of stuff we can use to make things for Mouse Gear!
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WEBBY: Look at all the pretty cutouts I'm making. Maybe they'll like these at Mouse Gear, too!
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DONALD: Hey, you kids! We've got work to do around here. Wha... Hey! What's the big idea?! (goes ballistic)
SCROOGE: Daisy, were there any calls for me?
DAISY: Yes, Mr. Scrooge. Mickey called from Quality Control to say that everything is looking swell.
SCROOGE: That's great news!
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GYRO: Once I get the kinks out of my Electro-Levitational Numerometer, we'll increase productivity here by 243%! (a power surge is heard) Whoops!
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SCROOGE: Daisy, take a letter. My dear associates, things here at Mouse Gear are running like a dream! (a loud crash is heard) Oh, dear....
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