Slow Monthly Updates....#TMNewSim Teaser

Hello Friends!

OK....it's been so oddly quite since my last post at the beginning of the new year.  

:: RECAP from January to Now...(April 2017) ::

January: Martijn and the team have been really busy with their personal lives where 'free time' in their schedule had made it difficult to make any new progress on simulation development.  

February: Martijn made some new development to the new 'upcoming' #HTML5 simulation but its not beta testing ready.   Progress has been made from the conceptual design phase to code programming. #TMNewSim

March: Martijn made a new version for back-end testing for the new #HTML5 simulation to version 1.0 . Previously it was only coding of the simulation foundation mechanics. #TMNewSim

April: Social media updated 'teaser' of the upcoming 'HTML5' #TMNewSim simulation for Themagical.  As you can see below image, many of our fans and community members have comments of what could be the next 'new' simulation for Themagical. 

© Disney |  © Themagical.nl 

We 'thank you' to all our fans and community for playing our simulations!  It is all cause of you who make us keep the 'magic' and 'passion' to keep developing new simulations so you can relive the magic and memories.

Welcome Spring Time!

© Disney | © Disney's Frozen Olaf

Hey Friends,

Hope your winter was fun and safe.  I don't know about you but I know I love the summer time (spring time is also nice).

Smelling the fresh crisp air during the spring time is nice as the temperatures starts to warm up and as well the local amusement parks open for the spring time. 

This is also another time for cleaning up all of the winter belongings and switching up for spring time attire.  Most people during this time are preparing for outdoors cleaning and getting ready for planting flowers.

I get giddy when I listen to the 'Summer Time' song that is sung by Olaf the snowman in the movie 'Disney's Frozen'.  I don't know why I smile and imagine along with Olaf the wonderful things to enjoy during the spring (summer) time.

How's the weather in your area?  For those in other countries, how's the weather your area?

::New Simulation Development: Why it takes so long to make/beta test?::

When the 'Themagical' team start thinking of the next 'future' simulation (of course after a long rest from development), they enter the first phase that all Disney Imagineers do: Blue Sky.  

'Blue Sky' is a term that Disney Imagineers use for their first of many meetings to discuss of new coming projects.  The 'sky' is the limit in these talks and any ideas are brought to the table on how to bring things to life and how it would be implanted in the attraction(s)/park(s).

After this phase is completed, then they move on to development research.  This is where all the details and storyline is development.  A theme is development and all research pertaining to this theme is heavily focused. 

Due to any free time the team have, this is where things are getting researched, email conversations/Facebook Chats IM expressed, audio clips searching, etc...  

As the trends of today's technology is going, we are also trying to follow the same path (sorta) to reach out to our online community.  This could also mean slower development since we are trying new ways to development a simulation.

Less and less support on Adobe Flash Player is not good for us but as well how web browsers are being development.  So HTML5 and other ways of us 'telling you the story' is the path we may have to do, but don't worry we may use Adobe Flash Player if the support is still there. 

::Just Getting Started::

Soarin and Grizzly River Run is just a taste for this year simulations releases,  we are 'just getting started'....

HTML5 is opening up new venues of reaching our mobile users/tablet platforms, with Soarin under our belt we are trying to expand our portfolio of new experiences for you to enjoy!

We are 'just getting started'!

Stay Tuned #TMNewSim ! ;)

Grizzly River Run Simulation is now here!

 © Disney   Photo: Grizzly River Run Attraction


Making a "BIG SPLASH" today, 'Grizzly River Run' simulation has now arrived!

:: 1 year today :: 

Grizzly River Run has been in the making for 1 year today.  This development has been in the works while Soarin was being developed at the same time.

Martijn felt that a new simulation should be in the works since Soarin simulation was having 'fly delays' on the coding and very limited free time that Josh had.

So the team felt something should be in the works so not only one simulation was released but TWO!

:: Grizzly River Run Simulation ::

 © Disney |  © Themagical.nl

This simulation is the 'FIRST' of its kind for Themagical as a water attraction.  Water attractions has been a interesting topic with the team since there's a few great rides at the Disney Parks.

New features have been added to this simulation and graphical interface as well.

  © Disney |  © Themagical.nl

We are excited to announce that 'Grizzly River Run Simulation' is now ready to make a "BIG SPLASH" online!

Join in the fun! Play it now at http://www.themagical.nl/ 

:: New project plans and more::

"After the Grizzly River Run Simulation, I will try to find some spare time to start a new project, but with my busy family life, I'm never sure if there is enough time to create another challenging simulation. And beside that, Flash is getting less and less support, so HTML5 will be probably my next  standard. This has the advantage (lie for example the Soarin Simulation), that it will run on virtually all platforms, like PC, Mac and Linux, as long as you have a modern internet browser, like Firefox or Chrome." - Martijn Leseman (founder/webmaster of Themagical)

:: #TMNewSim ::

As we wrap up on this simulation, we are in the works for our "NEXT BIG SIMULATION".  Stay Tuned and watch the hashtag in our social media outlets on Facebook and Twitter.

The beta testing group is closed for now but we'll be opening up a bit later this summer.  More details on how to join coming soon!

Look for #TMNewSim !! 

Until then,

Reighard

March: Spring Forward

Hi friends!

March, the month where you can wear green and celebrate St. Patricks Day Holiday (here in the United States).

Not only that but the time where all the NBA basketball teams play against each other in a tournament brackets to see who will win in the end. 

::Grizzly River Run Update::

As the small group of people finishes up their testing, we are very close to a possible launch.

This simulation makes it 'the first water' attraction game for Themagical.  Making a 'BIG' splash online real soon! We are excited to be adding this to our simulation portfolio.

So your asking "What's next?" 

::#TMNewSim::

After Grizzly River Run launches spring 2015, what's next?  We are already in our next 'blue sky' sessions with the team to see what we want to add to Themagical.

Look at our social media outlets of upcoming previews, #TMNewSim on our Facebook group page/official fan page and Twitter accounts.

Stay Tuned!!

Reighard

Just Getting Started...2015

Hey Friends,

As we enter the month of 'February' today we want to discuss what we have planned in 2015.

:: Grizzly River Run Simulation: Beta Testing CLOSED::

As you already may know that our 'FIRST 'water' simulation ride' will be releasing sometime later in 2015 launch date.

We have made a small selection to test this simulation while at the time we were testing Soarin.

Many have asked to join and we are happy that you are excited to test new things at Themagical.  At this time we are closing the beta testing for now and later opening it up again.

::Just Getting Started::

Soarin and Grizzly River Run is just a taste for this year simulations releases,  we are 'just getting started'....

HTML5 is opening up new venues of reaching our mobile users/tablet platforms, with Soarin under our belt we are trying to expand our portfolio of new experiences for you to enjoy!

Here's to 2015, we are 'just getting started'! 

Stay Tuned #TMNewSim ! ;)

Join our conversation, use the hashtag #TMNewSim

Soarin News, Mystery Sim, Help Needed....OH MY!

© Themagical  |  © Disney

Hey There Friends! 

Hope you are doing well since its been another quiet news on my end.  But in this posting we have a few things to cover, so without further ado....

=====

::Soarin News::

Recently over at our 'Facebook Group Page' for Themagical, one of our community member asked about 'Any Updates'?

Josh has been working behind the scenes development for quite some time since our last talked on Facebook chat.

Here's what he had to say about the progress of the Soarin Simulation:

"I've been making lots of progress on Soarin' recently, but don't have any interesting milestones to report on yet. I'm just as excited to get this finished as you all are to play it!"

Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/64923941991/  (Themagical's Facebook Group Page)

=====

::Mystery Simulation::

The new simulation is slated for Q4 (4th quarter: October, November, December), as we are getting closer to release Soarin Simulation. 

Our beta testers will be getting hands-on once we feel its 'beta-ready' quality to be tested.  We feel this is a nice move from the 'stand-by mode' on Test Track Simulation due to the trip of our webmaster visited with his family this year. 

=====

::Help Needed::

First of all, we want to 'thank you' for your continual support at Themagical website/blog.  It sounds dumb to mention it over and over again but its necessary how much we really appreciate our fans & community members. 

We really can't do this without your help and we are greatly appreciate you by spreading the word about our simulation creations through word of mouth, website blogs, social media, etc....

Things aren't cheap and keeping a website running online is expensive. By you clicking on the graphical ad-placement on our website & blog, is helping us keep the site running, paying hosting, and as well investing into better software in order to bring a more enjoyable online experience.

By your help, we are keeping the magic alive and hopefully making better simulations from the outcome.  I'd say that's a nice deal, right?

=====

::Closing Thoughts::

As summer rolls around the corner, we want you to be safe and have a great summer vacation.  We are hoping to release more news about Soarin and revealing the opportunity to help us out to beta test it. 

Keep up on the latest updates here!

Until Then,


Reighard

Twitter Update: New Simulation ??!

Hello Friends!

I've got great news for you!  I guess I got the 'green light' from Martijn (Founder/Webmaster/Simulation Creation) that I can announce on our blog.

=====

  Twitter Update Stats: (Twitter.com/Themagical) 
* As of 03.11.2013 EDT (GMT -5 hours)

- "Busy weeks, but managed to work on a new project, already implemented some basic animations. Release still Q4 (hopefully)"

=====

 ::Confused??::

Now many of you are asking yourself "Wait a second....!? I thought you were already working on another simulation?? What happened to Test Track simulation, wasn't that next on the list?" etc....

Ok, ...Ok.  Let me explain.  Martijn and the team look over the many suggestions you've have asked us in the past and still currently via email, facebook and twitter.

We have placed those into consideration and made an "OFFICIAL" list that we want to do right after the launch of an simulation.  With that in mind, we pick the best simulation that we think the community and people of the internet would enjoy playing (also for hours on end! LOL!)

Let's tackle some questions you've could be asking or about to email us.

Q 1) I thought you were already working on another simulation???

A 1) Yes, we are currently working on one already which is Soarin.

Q 2) What happened to Test Track simulation, wasn't that next on the list?

A 2) Yes it was. But due to the high demand of the 'Steel Force Simulation' progress, we had to focus on all our energy on completing this simulation for our partnership site 'dorneyonline.com' .  From this, we didn't make any progress on development since it was ONLY in "Blue Sky Phase". 

Q 3) What does this "Blue Sky Phase"?? You keep on telling us this for a long time.

A 3) 'Blue Sky Phase' or the word 'Blue Sky' is a term that the Disney Imagineers go through every single time when they start on a new project(s). During this phase, the sky is the limit. There's no such thing as bad ideas, by which these ideas help on how to bring the story to life through the blend of creativity and technical know-how.

Q 4) Have the 'beta testers' got a sneak peak at this new simulation?

A 4) At this time of writing this could change. I haven't gotten word from Martijn to disclosed this to our 'e-lite beta testing group' as of yet. So the best answer is 'no' for the time being.

Q 5) Does this mean that 'Test Track' won't be the next one after Soarin?

A 5) As I mentioned before in a previous post, Test Track will be stand-by mode until Martijn comes back from his vacation this summer to Walt Disney World.  He will be riding the new updated version of the ride to fully experience it and as well feel what direction should the simulation be by version 1.0 or 2.0 .  You can read our posting about the 'stand-by delay' of Test Track here. 

Q 6) I notice Q4 release (hopefully) for new simulation. What does "Q4" means?

Q 6) Q4 represent an industry standard when it comes to business model's projections, special announcements, product releases, etc... 

There's 4 quarters that the business industries follow: Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4.  Each quarter represents several months of the whole calendar year as follows:

Q1 (First Quarter):  January, February and March
Q2 (Second Quarter): April, May and June
Q3 (Third Quarter):  July, August and September
Q4 (Fourth Quarter): October, November and December

More information on how these quarters are represented, click here!

::Closing Thoughts::

Still got questions for us?  Email us at: sdt@themagical.nl

I'll answer the best of my ability that I can (with permission of course by Martijn) on your questions you may have.  If I feel your question is much needed to be shared to our community readers, I'll post it up on my next posting.

We feel that there may be some disappointment among you.  Please understand this was based on Martijn on the direction he feels about Test Track at the park, so he can experience the ride for himself.

We'll leak more details, so STAY TUNED!

Until Then,


Reighard

Behind the Scenes: Soarin

Hey Everybody!

As you may already previously announced that our Staff Member "Josh" has been working very hard on this new experience for Themagical.nl ! We are very quite impress of the progress of the simulation has been since the day of 'Blue Sky' talks to the first day of actually creating it to LIFE!

Since its been 'hush hush' on the down-low on how it looks or even how its going to perform, but as to our readers/community members will be getting an EXCLUSIVE sneak peak of this newest installment of simulation experience.

We're just as excited and anxious for the final release to the general public that will be debuting on Themagical's main website !

Let's get more details on this new installment of simulation for Themagical!

--Behind the Scenes: Soarin--





HTML 5 : Whole New Level of Interactivity! As the web progress to develop and grows into new realms of having audiences viewing their website, web developers has been on the cutting edge technology of bringing new levels of interactivity on the world wide web. HTLM5 is going to be and will be the new 'Flash' platform to bring website interactivity to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL to the website experience.

Flash was and still is the industry standard to develop websites and as well interactive online games. With Themagical, Flash is the main program that is used to build these games that you see on the website with of course running on pixie dust 'magic' to make it come to life. ;)

Just as Disney Imagineers create new projects, they are on the edge of using the newest technology to bring their 'story telling' to life. We are no different. We are as well trying new things with new media outlets that helps us reach out to our audiences than ever before in the past. HTML5 will help us get to that point and as well in the future to move on from using Flash for future upcoming simulations!

HTML5 Coding Sampling: In the section below, this is the hard coding of what's currently using on the new 'Soarin' simulation that will be later debuting on Themagical.nl main website!

--HTML5 Coding--




(*Click on the image to see in lager view.)
----------

- No Flash needed: This is a interesting move for us to test to see how the simulation development process differs from creating under the Adobe Flash Program as well keeping the same quality and feel of Themagical experience.

Since Flash isn't going to be the foundation of this simulation, the foundation will be the coding that creates websites. This new form of website coding will help us achieve the interactivity that you are used to with our current simulations and as well our *mobile/ gaming platforms users will be able to try too. (*Note: Simulation may differ from the PC experience when using mobile/gaming platforms browsers.)

- Reliable Performance: For *mobile users will be happy to know that when playing the game, you'll see if any battery drainage or no affects of battery drain. This is great on long play for couple of hours. Not only mobile users but PC experience will notice that smoother rendering and performance while playing in their browser verses using a Flash Player. (*Note: Simulation may be not available on all smartphone devices and may see some issues to access the webpage on unsupported devices.)

Not only mobile users will notice that even less CPU usage will be needed to run the game. Meaning, your computer won't need to run faster just to have a better gaming experience. HTML5 harness the graphics card on your computer to help run faster, smoother, and even have a more at easy simulation experience while playing the game.

This will help on low-end (older pc's) that aren't fast due to hardware/graphic card low specs will be able to run this simulation without a lagging performance on their machines.

Well, trusting this helps you for a bit on curiously wondering about the 'FIRST' simulation not using Flash. We'll be adding more as the progression continues!

Until next time!

Reighard

Announcing "Soarin" Simulation

Hey everybody!

We have exciting news to share with you! Our new team member Josh Stauffer (webmaster/founder of Dorneyonline.com) have been working hard behind the scenes on a new simulation experience that will be joining our Simulation pallet!



This new experience will not be needing Flash to play. Thanks to the new coding of HTML5 web development allows for no help from Flash but still keeping the animation/interactivity still intact!

What's New?

- No Flash needed: This is a interesting move for us to test to see how the simulation development process differs from creating under the Adobe Flash Program as well keeping the same quality and feel of Themagical experience.

- HTML5 coding: Since Flash isn't going to be the foundation of this simulation, the foundation will be the coding that creates websites. This new form of website coding will help us achieve the interactivity that you are used to with our current simulations and as well our *mobile/ gaming platforms users will be able to try too. (*Note: Simulation may differ from the PC experience when using mobile/gaming platforms browsers.)

- Browser Recommendation: Firefox 5 , Safari 5 : Currently, the simulation is running better in the coding rendering performance in Firefox 5 and Safari 5. For Windows Vista/7, IE 9 isn't optimized quite yet for the simulation but it does render HTML5 seamlessly. Windows XP users IE8 will not work/render properly, it may cause PC lock ups/computer hangs.

- Reliable Performance: For *mobile users will be happy to know that when playing the game, you'll see if any battery drainage or no affects of battery drain. This is great on long play for couple of hours. Not only mobile users but PC experience will notice that smoother rendering and performance while playing in their browser verses using a Flash Player. (*Note: Simulation may be not available on all smartphone devices and may see some issues to access the webpage on unsupported devices.)




(*Click to see in Large view)

More details of this beta testing/public release as the months ahead.

Thanks for reading!

Reighard

Millionaire Play It: Trivia Version 2

Hello everybody!

We have some exciting news for you! We feel the need to update our simulation that has very low viewer playing: "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Play It".

As you may know that this attraction was based off the TV hit series "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Play It" where you the audience members could play trivia questions in order to get into the hot seat. Everybody playing along with the contestant can play to get an high score and at the end of the game or if a contestant gets a question wrong the next person with the highest score in the last round wins to get to the hot seat if time permits.



© Disney


Now, as popular DEMAND by you the community and viewers have asked us over that past few years after the release of MPI (Millionaire Play It for short) to have some of interactive that you can play in the hot seat by answering questions.

Well your wish came true! Now you can answer questions based on the old format that was played in the attraction as well "upcoming" features will make this game simulation very interactive. More details later this summer/fall!

You will be having the opportunity to have this before the beta testers have their first testing experience of this game.

::General Availability:: (beta version: 041411/001.v2_triv)

Beta Testers: Released as of 4/15/11! *See your email if you are a beta tester!
General Public: Email sdt@themagical.nl for file access! *

*This isn't the full version, only beta. It doesn't have all features quite yet and still bugs persist in the game currently. Please bare in mind that there's more things to be worked on into the Millionaire Play It simulation to make the version 1.0.8 to version 2.

Once we get your confirm answer, we'll be sending you a special link to beta test the new simulation for Themagical.

We are very excited about this and as well happy that a side colleague helping me out to make this game. Themagical team will be tweaking it to make it fit in our simulation that we have currently on the website.

Be sure to read out "Beta Testing Q & A" on our blog before testing out this new beta simulation: http://randydorney.blogspot.com/p/beta-testing-qa.html

Have a magical day!



Reighard
Co-Administrator of Themagical / Simulation Development Team
Email: sdt@themagical.nl

July 1 Special Guest/Announcement on Live Show!

Hey everybody!

As you are counting down the hours, minutes and seconds gets closer to the big day for announcing the next simulation for Themagical, we have a special treat.

My pal Chris Currie (Also known as chris_ace2) from http://www.lasttimewithchris.tv/ website/podcasting show will be our special guest and as well the master of ceramonies of delievering the announcement we've all been waiting to hear.

We have a nice show line up and Chris is from Australia will be joining us early morning on his side and waking up to do this show for us! We couldn't be more excited as him being our special guest for our show (trust me, I'm ready updated with the audio and recording feature fixed).

You can also watch Chris live on his Live show as well at: www.theshowz.net/chris

Be sure to watch the Live show at 10pm EDT Thursday Night (into friday morning)!

You can join us at: www.tinyurl.com/reighard (Themagical's live video/chatroom page) or http://ustre.am/fmrw

SEE YOU REAL SOON!





Reighard