Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday's

© Disney

Hello Friends!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays! 

As the holiday season is upon us, we wish the best for all of you to have a great and safe holiday season!

Thank you for keeping up on the reading with us, though the updates weren't as much this time around.  We hope you are enjoying 'Soarin' and 'Grizzly River Run' simulations this year!  Both unique in their own category of ride theme and attraction.

© Disney

Until Then, 

Reighard

Soarin at Disney World Closing in January 2016!

© Disney 

Hello Friends!

I bring you this post an interesting breaking (previously long time rumored) news of our beloved Walt Disney World ride attraction.

© Disney

If you can recall or those who visit during the celebration of 'Happiest Celebration on Earth' promotion.  During this special event, Walt Disney World brought a special attraction that was from the Disney's California Adventure Park  called 'Soarin' over California (which opened in February 8, 2001).

© Disney | image by © gogobot.com

Opening in May 5, 2005, Walt Disney World got a similar attraction as well and called it "Soarin'".  The current ride takes guests high above on a special glider that visited  several scenes in California, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley, and Disneyland Park.  And if you looked closely and fast enough to see a 'hidden mickey' in part of the film too!

© Disney | Image project of 'current' attraction film.

From several years ago, rumors were circulating about a 'possible' updated movie and new enhancements to the aged attraction.  Plans did went dim when other projects got green-lit as the parks were trying to bring more guests to its parks due to the competition of Universal Orlando's Harry Potter theme land attraction.

© Disney | Image projection of 'current' attraction film.

Disney Fan site named "Disney and more", wrote back in July 2013 about a possible 'updated screens to HD 4K to 8K at both attractions to Disney California Adventure and Walt Disney World.'  Also in the post mentioned about 'possible' places where the new film could be showing.  Read more about the article here! Click here.

© Disney 

As of Monday  October 19, 2015 , Disney FINALLY approved the long-waited, long rumored updated/expanded attraction to its beloved attraction...Soarin' .  Soarin' at Walt Disney World will be closing on January 4, 2016. (Source: DisneyParks.com)

© Disney | Image projection of 'current' attraction film.

The upgrades will include a 3^rd theater to be built and upgrades to existing theaters.  This new added theater will help out on cutting down the line wait. New projection systems and a new film will added. The new film is called "Soarin Around The World."

Soarin’ Around the World is set to open in 2016. Although no exact date has been given, Erin Glover of Disney Parks Blog has confirmed that the makeover of the popular ride will take place both at Walt Disney World in Florida and at Disneyland Resort in California. The updated version will feature new digital screens and projection systems. It will use the same technology as the planned Soaring Over the Horizon ride at Shanghai Disney Resort.

With Soarin’ Around the World, guests will fly over both natural and man-made attractions such as The Great Wall of China and the plains of Africa. There is no word on how long the new film will be. The updated ride will totally replace the current film, guests will not be able to choose the California version. There has been no announcement on what music will accompany the new film. (Source: Disneydinning.com)

What are your thoughts about this?  You can play our 'current' version of Soarin over at Themagical.nl ! ;)  Click here to play! 

Soarin is HERE!

Hey Friends!

Themagical team is happy to announce 'Soarin' simulation is now HERE!

3 1/2 years in the making with Josh Stauffer who tirelessly work hard on this new format 'FIRST OF IT'S KIND' experience online with HTLM5 coding.

Enjoy it now here!

http://www.themagical.nl/simulations/soarin

Merry Christmas!

Soarin Beta 2 Update

© Disney | © Themagical.nl  (*Image above 'Beta 2' Update)

Hey Everybody!

It's been a long time since I've posted anything here.  It's been very busy weeks for me where I couldn't even get on the PC.

:: Soarin Beta 2 ::

As you can see above image we've entered the 'Beta 2' phase in our development stages.  Our beta testers got the latest update on this new simulation build.

There's been a few things updated in this version too! 

Here's a list of what's new in Beta 2:

-Help manual added

-Rating/score added

-Various statistical displays added

-New and updated sound effects

-Notification messages and sound

-Tweaked peep flow to fill up the attraction quicker when starting the sim

-Various bug fixes

Here's what left:

-Mobile UI

Doesn't seem much as for the user interface (UI for short), but overall the game performance has been tweaked just a bit.

We are hoping the testing for this new phase will keep us closer to the general public release!

Don't forget to use #SoarinSim to see the latest updates and conversations on our social feeds on Facebook and Twitter!

Until Then!

Reighard

Themagical News: Soarin Updates, Forums are back, and more!

Hey Friends!

I hope you are all enjoying your summer vacation / break! I know many of you are enjoying the summer time by playing outside games, going to the beaches, going to amusement parks (my favorite time of the summer) and eating great outdoor grill food (YUM!) !

:: Recap: Blog Update ::

Yes, I know many of you are wondering "what's going on the blog, I haven't seen anything new to read. Is everything OK?"

No need to worry friends, I'm still here.  It's been really busy with my job in my personal life and as well doing other personal matters that has been taking my free time away from the internet.

With that in mind, I have been overseeing the progress beta testing from the testers over month or so since the 'beta-ready' of Soarin.  By which has been keeping me a bit busy responding to the emails and reporting them to Josh who help create the simulation.

:: Forums are BACK! ::

That's right, since the closure in 2011 the Themagical staff thought really hard about this decision of returning the forum feature.

From a user of the forum had caused disruption on the site, made us remove it due to the person didn't cooperate of using the feature on our website. 

Now, rules of the forums will be FULL Force and monitored by the staff and waiting for approval of your posting.  If we feel your posting isn't up to the standards of the rules of the forum, your post will not be posted and result warning will follow if not corrected.

You can read all our rules by clicking here or click on the the tab that reads 'forum rules'. 

:: Soarin Updates ::

Things are coming along nicely as for reports from our testers.  Josh has been working very hard on the bugs and has already made the new changes from their reports.

If all goes well, we make see it coming closer for a general release!  Be sure to follow their progress on our social media accounts on Twitter & Facebook via hashtag: #SoarinSim

Also you can read up on their discussions over at our forum page section! Click here to read more about it!

:: Closing Thoughts ::

Seems like I just made a post no that long ago and now I have to sign off for this posting.

Thank you to all our readers and community for reading up on what's new and happening over at Themagical.

We will be revealing something real soon but we won't reveal too much about it quite it!  This is something in the works for awhile. So Stay Tuned!

Until Then,

Reighard

Officially Summer, Happy 4th Of July, Soarin Update

Hey There Friends!

It's been awhile since there's been new postings, thank you for your patience for waiting for new content.

::Happy 4th of July::

For those outside the country readers, Independence Day (July 4th) honors the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It's a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a reason to fly the American flag.

Not only that but its the History where here in America we bare the freedom of independence as the founder fathers of our great nation wrote down so that all of those living in past, present and future can enjoy this.

::Summer is HERE!::

So since schools are now out of sessions and most of you guys and gals are now enjoying your summer break before going back to school in August/September months.

I'm just as excited and anxious to start the summer time to enjoy the beaches, camping, amusement parks, plus so much more! What are you excited about the summer time? Do you like the summer or prefer another season?

::Beta Testing: Soarin Update:: 

As you may already know that Soarin our newest upcoming simulation is under testing with our beta testers.  We've been getting our bug reports from the testers and happy to hear they are enjoying their experience.

Though, they ran into some issues along the way but that's why we are having them testing it to make sure it will be ready for all to play!

Now, those who been emailing at sdt@themagical.nl previously signed up along time ago didn't get the email about the testing launch.

Those who signed up either gave an email address that doesn't work, the email went into the spam folder, or didn't fulfill the mandatory requirement of being active on our website/social media sites.

I'm currently adding those who didn't get their email from me due to the things I've mentioned above.  Please make sure if you did sign up and didn't get the email from sdt@themagical.nl , re-send an email it again to the address stating you didn't get it. 

To follow on their experience, they will be using the hashtag #SoarinSim in social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc...  

You can take a sneak peek at the page here:
 http://www.themagical.nl/simulations/soarin 

::Closing Thoughts::

Hope you have a safe summer! Be safe and be sure to wear a lot SPF (Sun Protection Factor) while in the hot summer sun.

Until Then,

Reighard

Beta Testers...Soarin is ready for testing!

(*Click the image above to see it larger.)

Today on June 26, 2014 Themagical team is happy to announced to the beta testers that Soarin Simulation is now ready for testing!

We've gotten the 'all-clear' from Josh for beta testing as the staff made sure it was beta testing quality.

From this stage, the beta testers will be testing on their devices to make sure Soarin simulation works smoothly as it would be running on a computer.

Also it they will be required to send their feedback on the simulation experience and any bug issues or glitches that they may run into.

Once we receive their feedback and bug reports, we'll run through more additional tests to make sure all bugs are taken care of.  The more people testing, helps us to find more bugs to make a bug free simulation experience on all platforms.

To follow on their experience, they will be using the hashtag #SoarinSim in social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc...  

Finally, we feel once all the testing is concluded and confirm it has met all simulation quality standards we'll release Soarin to the general public.

We are excited for this and we can't wait to release Soarin for all to enjoy real soon!

Until Then,

Reighard

Beta Testers....GET READY TO SOAR!

© Disney  |    © Themagical.nl

Hey There Friends!

As today marks 3 1/2 years in current development of the 'upcoming simulation' for Themagical.nl

It's been a long progress of building and coding this simulation from the 'blue sky phase > research, concept design, development internal testing ...' .

We are still at 'internal testing' due to the previous status from our simulation developer Josh Stauffer who's been very busy working on this project. 

Quick recap to Josh's post in May 20, 2014: 

  "Just sent Randy Reighard and Martijn Leseman an updated version of Soarin' to check out. If all goes well, I smell some beta testing around the corner." - Josh Stauffer May 20, 2014 via Themagical's Facebook Group Page.

As we prepare for the upcoming simulation, we've made the page 'LIVE' so you can get ready to play once we announce the launch. 

Just to remind you that we've haven't released a 'beta version' for our 'beta testers' quite yet.  We have to enter that phase before we feel its ready for the public.

Here's our "Soarin Flight Status Chart" (updated):

(*Click the image above to see it larger.)

We appreciate your support and patience as we are eager to release this new simulation.  Make sure you keep your eyes peeled at our social feeds, this blog, and Facebook pages / Group Page for the latest updates!

You can take a sneak peek at the page here: http://www.themagical.nl/simulations/soarin 

Until Then, 

Reighard 

Magical Wishes Contest Over, Soarin Update Chart

Hey Friends!

As you've already now know that the 'Magical Wishes' promotion has concluded. Thank you to those who's entered into the contest.

Those who've entered the contest will be getting an email from me on who won the contest and their prize they wanted to win. Congratulations to those who've won! 

:: Soarin Update: Flight Information Status ::

This 'flight information chart' shows the latest updates on the upcoming simulation for Themagical 

As our theme is flying and soarin on glider planes, I thought it would appropriate on creating a 'flight status chart' as you see in airports.  It's only conceptual design ONLY and will not be reflected in the final version of Soarin. 

© Disney   © Themagical

( ** Click on image to view larger. )

Happy 'Post' Thanksgiving!

Hey Friends,

For those readers from America, hope you all had a safe 'Happy Thanksgiving' holiday.  

News has been very slow due to development and as well personal lives activities.  We are thankful for your support and cooperation as being concern of what's happening over at Themagical.

We are still taking 'Beta Testing' for testing the upcoming simulation "Soarin".  You can sign up by sending and email at: sdt@themagical.nl 

Be sure to read up on all rules and requirements over at:  http://randydorney.blogspot.com/p/beta-testing-qa.html

Behalf of Themagical Staff wishes you all a safe and healthy holiday and Merry Christmas! For those who don't celebrate Christmas, happy holidays!

Until Then,

Reighard

Fall Back...November 3, 2013

Hey Friends,

Yes, its the time of year again (for those who follow 'daylight savings time' in the United States) where we turn back our clocks back 1 hour behind.

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Daylight Saving Time (United States) 2013 began at 2:00 AM on

Sunday, March 10

and ends at 2:00 AM on

Sunday, November 3

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For those who forget what to do when these times happen, remember:

'Spring Forward - Fall Back'.

:: Soarin News: Starting up 'Beta Testers Group' ::

As you've last recall, we've announced the 'LIVE' page over at Themagical for our upcoming simulation 'Soarin'. 

If you haven't, here's the direct link to it: 

http://www.themagical.nl/simulations/soarin 

Right now, we are taking requests for being part of our 'beta testers group'.  We've made a post about the new requirements that you must follow in order to participate the testing.

We do this periodically so others who haven't got a chance to test the latest simulation project can get there chance. 

If you are new to the group or want to read up on the requirements, be sure to click on the link here: http://randydorney.blogspot.com/p/beta-testing-qa.html

Any questions on the 'beta testing', be sure to email me at: sdt@themagical.nl

::

Hope you have (or had) a great and safe Halloween!  

Until Then,

Reighard

October is here, Soarin Updates, Happy Halloween!

© Disney

Hello everybody!

We hope you are having a great month of October this season! Ahhh *inhales the fresh crisp Autumn air* the fall season is already in full force as summer is now completely gone from our memories. But most of you have been or having been enjoying fall festive treats like pumpkin pie, apple pie, apple cider, pumpkin roll danish, etc...

As you may know by now that our local and amusement parks are in the process of closing the 2013 season. But that shouldn't make you wait for the summer when you can still get ready for the next season by following up with them through their newsletters, youtube channels, twitter, blogs, etc....

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:: Soarin Updates ::

Here's the latest updates on 'Themagical's Upcoming First Of It's Kind HTML 5 Simulation: 

  "It's been a while since the last update on Soarin', so here is the latest. It's been slow progress due to lack of time over the summer and some challenging puzzles in the code. The toughest parts have now been solved though, and I'm very near firing up the complete new peep engine that I've been working on for months. I'll be sure to update when that happens!" - Josh Stauffer September 30, 2013 via Themagical's Facebook Group Page.



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:: Halloween 'Trick Or Treat' Tips & Safety Reminders ::

Here's some helpful tips that you should keep in mind when you do trick or treating:

Children should always go out trick or treating accompanied by a responsible adult. If you have a group of kids going, the parents should choose two or three of them to go along and keep an eye on things.

Some towns set a curfew for trick or treating which makes it easier for townsfolk to know who's coming to their door. Make sure and stick to the curfew times and stick to subdivisions and areas with a lot of homes so your kids can get in as much trick or treating as possible in a few hours time.

Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set a time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out by themselves. Make sure that they have a cell phone. 

Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields if they are out alone. Make sure they know to stay in populated areas and not to go off the beaten track. Let them know to stay in well lighted areas with lots of people around. Explain to them why it can be dangerous for kids not to do this. If they are going out alone, they are old enough to know what can happen to them in a bad situation and how to stop it from happening.
Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you. This way you can check for any problem candy and get the pick of the best stuff!

Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.

Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to Trick or Treat without an adult.

*Tips source from: http://www.halloween-safety.com/halloween_safety_treats.html

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Well, we hope you have a safe "Halloween" trick or treating. Please be safe and careful where you go trick or treating this season.

Even if you don't observe the holiday season, its good to keep in mind to be safe and careful who you get candy from and as well make sure an adult double checks your candy to see if some candy or deserts are in question. Always a good rule of thumb. ;)


Until Then,

Reighard

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....

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::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)

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::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. 

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::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?

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::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

Behind The Scenes: Soarin' Visitor Engine

Hey There Friends!

After a long delay of news and canceled contest (until things on my end are fine), I had a nice talk with Josh about the progress of Soarin Simulation.

From our talks, we've discussed the progress of the development of the game. So below I'm going to do a small Q/A interview from our talks.

ENJOY! :)

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Soarin Simulation: Visitor Engine 2.0 (milestone)

Josh 

Reighard

(*This was taken from our Facebook chat session.)

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Any news on Soarin progress?

Been working on it a lot lately. Debugging the math that calculates the paths, going pretty well

OOoooh! Nice, that's great news to hear! Excellent!

Once thats done, i debug the the part of the visitor engine that finds routes among the paths. Of course once the visitor engine is done, the sim will be very near done.

From that part of the visitor engine, what would be the next thing to make it a beta/final release? jw

Well first of all, there are two halves two the visitor engine, and I'm finishing up the first half now. the second half is partly done but not tested yet after the whole visitor engine is done, there will be very little left just fixing bugs and adding the ride failures.

Oooooohhh...that's awesome about the progress about the first visitor engine!

I'm very excited about this visitor engine if it works the way I have planned.

What's the visitor engine you have planned that makes you excited?

The visitor engine I'm working on now is "smart". The old one I had was complex to setup paths, control, and move peeps. The new one has pretty complicated math behind the scenes, but calculates and links the paths automatically. A peep specifies a goal end point, and the engine can automatically figure out which paths to take to get to that point. It is extremely flexible! I should add, this engine is designed to be flexible for much more beyond just the Soarin' simulation. My goal is 'Rollercoaster Tycoon' flexible, but 'smarter' as in peeps being able to find their way around better.

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I hope you all enjoyed this update about the progress of the latest simulation coming soon to Themagical.nl 

Until then,

Reighard