LP Lotion: Disneyland's Captain EO Tribute Opening Day
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Wednesday morning, February 23, Disneyland ended months of internet speculation when they officially opened the restored Captain EO as Captain EO Tribute. A crowd of fans, some queuing up from midnight the night before, filled the first showing after the regular 10am park opening. As the lights dimmed, a voice shouted, “Thank you Disney for bringing it back!”

During the screening, audience reaction ranged from rapt silence to cheers for favored moments. Applause and cheers greeted the opening chord of the soundtrack, Michael Jackson’s first appearance as Captain EO, the camera’s reveal of the sinister Supreme Leader, the defeat of the Supreme Leader’s whip warriors, and the light bursts that marked EO’s victory. The greatest reaction was reserved for the moment Michael Jackson’s EO promised that the gift he was presenting was not just to see, but hear.

Those who well remember the original Captain EO found much that was familiar. The film itself is exactly as presented from September 18, 1986 through April 6, 1997. A new 70mm film print and acoustical enhancements to the Magic Eye Theater are presented to best advantage. All of the theater’s lighting effects have been replicated. Not all of the astonishing in-theater effects have made the transition, however. Missing is the memorable starfield that filled the auditorium during the film’s opening moments, as well as the cloud of smoke that rolled over the audience as EO’s ship made its crash landing.

Added since 1997 is the hydraulic floor, an enhancement installed for the previous attraction, Honey I Shrunk the Audience. The effect is used to advantage during the sequence in which EO’s ship approaches the planet’s surface, and as 3D spears menace Captain EO.

On hand for opening day were some of the personnel who helped create Captain EO. Rick Rothschild was not only on the original creative team, he was the In-theater Effects Director for the restoration. Performer Debbie Lee Carrington shared her experiences as a performer for Idey, one of Captain EO’s colorful crew. Dancer Renee Colette recalled working with Michael Jackson and the choreographers on EO’s memorable routines.

Tuesday morning the wait time reached 60 minutes shortly after the attraction opened. It will be presented multiple times daily in Tomorrowland.

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