Second Life Disney Adventures
I discovered "Second Life while I was creating my senior capstone project at the Pacific Lutheran University. I had heard about it before - only vaguely. I think I even created an account many years ago but didn't know how it all worked. For my capstone project, I created the framework for a virtual online experience for students at PLU; it would be a virtual online world, where students could talk, make friends, and learn about all the campus happenings. You know, virtual bulletin boards, virtual models of hot campus spots... the kind of place where you create an avatar and wander around the virtual world.
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Anyway, I was incredibly inspired by Second Life in regard to my project, because it looked so realistic. It took some time to get used to navigating in Second Life but it just takes experience. There is something so special about Second Life. For me, it's ideal. I'm not interested in video games or virtual worlds with a game. I just want to explore... I want to wander and set my own miscellaneous course through these virtual destinations.
You can travel anywhere in Second Life, that is, to virtual "destinations" created by different users. Museums. Galleries. Theaters. Restaurants. Shopping centers. Oh, yeah - and a few Disney tribute parks. In "Magicland Park", for example, I can ride attractions like It's a Small World, Casey Junior Circus Train, and even the Peoplemover. In "Sarah's Magic Kingdom," I can soar over Neverland in Peter Pan's Flight, and meet all the ghosts in The Haunted Mansion. In "WEDCOT Center", I can ride on Spaceship Earth, Journey through Imagination with Figment, and explore the World Showcase.
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From my computer screen, I have the opportunity to log into Second Life and teleport to any of these locations. I direct my avatar where to go (and yes, my avatar wears Minnie Mouse ears and a pin lanyard).​ Through the lens of my character, I can go on virtual attractions, watch virtual parades, and simply wander through places that remind me of the Disney parks. Below, I've posted screenshots from each of the Disney tribute destinations I've found in Second Life - I hope you enjoy.
Magicland Park
Once you teleport to Magicland Park, you arrive at the front of the park - Main Street U.S.A. There's that familiar sight again; you can even hear the Main Street music playing. You'll see all the familiar places including the Emporium, City Hall, and the Main Street Cinema.
Screenshot taken: 04/08/2020
Here we are on Main Street. You can walk, run or take the horse-drawn trolley ride. Or, you can take the train at the train station (just like the park!). The Sleeping Beauty Castle is in the distance.
Screenshot taken: 04/11/2020
Here's a familiar sight: The Sleeping Beauty Castle. This is a gorgeous virtual castle and entry into Fantasyland.
Screenshot taken: 03/16/2020
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First photo: It's a Small World - do you see the doll parade at the clock? This isn't just for show - this is an actual virtual attraction your character can experience. It's so realistic to the attraction, especially with the music playing in the background.
Second photo: I couldn't believe my eyes when I experienced this virtual attraction for the first time, because it felt so realistic. There are a few different choices for how to set your camera in Second Life; you can watch the attraction from the perspective that you are on the ride (see photo above), or watch from the rearview of your avatar, the front of your avatar, or from the side.
Screenshots taken: 03/17/2020
In Adventureland, you will find The Enchanted Tiki Room - another virtual attraction! Once again, I feel that this is a very realistic experience. You have to wait outside for a few minutes while the attraction loads, and then there is the pre-show in the queue area. Finally, you take your seat inside. Oh, yeah - Dole Whip fans? You can get a free (virtual) pineapple Dole Whip at the virtual Tiki Juice Bar.
Screenshot taken: 04/03/2020
In Tomorrowland, you will find an assortment of virtual attractions including Autopia, The Peoplemover, Space Mountain, The Carousel of Progress, and Star Tours. In the screenshot above, you'll see my character seated and onboard the flight with R-3X as the pilot. With all of these virtual attractions, here's the good news: you don't even have to wait in a line to ride! Not even a fast pass is required.
Screenshot taken: 03/17/2020
There are plenty of virtual shops, attractions, and sights to see in Magicland Park. There are also virtual parades along Main Street U.S.A. Above is a screenshot from the Magical Easter Celebration parade. In this photo, you will see Mary Poppins and Bert in the parade, walking around the Mayflower pole. At certain times of the day, there is a virtual circus-themed parade that you can also watch.
Screenshot taken: 04/11/2020
Sarah's Magic Kingdom
I was amazed to find another virtual destination called "Sarah's Magic Kingdom - Disney Museum". Here, you'll find a virtual representation of the Cinderella Castle. The inside offers a gallery of photos from the progression of this virtual place. In the rest of the park, you can experience multiple attractions - and there's even a Wishes fireworks show after the hourly Main Street Electrical Parade!
Screenshot taken: 04/09/2020
I could hardly believe it. A virtual Haunted Mansion? It seemed too good to be true. Here, my avatar got to enter into the stretching room for the pre-show ride, and then sit in a doom buggy for a virtual experience that resembles the true attraction. Here, you'll see the ballroom scene.
Screenshot taken: 03/27/2020
I was crossing my fingers that I would find a virtual Peter Pan's Flight... and I did! It's such a beautiful representation of the attraction. Here's the Darling's nursery scene at the beginning of the attraction.
Screenshot taken: 03/24/2020
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The first virtual attraction I experienced in SMK was Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. It was vibrant, unpredictable, and by all means "wild!"
Screenshot taken: 03/23/2020
Ahh, yes - Pirates of the Caribbean. Wow - just wow! The amount of detail is stunning. The talking skull at the beginning of the attraction. The log flume drop. The virtual pirates and animals. I can't wait to go on this one again.
Screenshot taken: 03/23/2020
During my first time exploring this destination, I got a pop-up notification saying that the Main Street Electrical Parade would be starting in a few minutes. This is a live virtual parade to represent the MSEP, and it's presented at the top of each hour. It's advised that users set their Second Life world to "midnight" so that the virtual sky gets dark enough so the parade will simply pop with all its vibrant colors. You can even listen to the parade soundtrack, and each float syncs with it. Bravo!
Screenshot taken: 04/08/2020
WEDCOT Center Park
A virtual tribute to EPCOT at Walt Disney World. The last time I went to WDW was in 2014 for my high school graduation. It's been a while, and I've missed this place. Luckily, WEDCOT allows Disney fans to explore this highly realistic virtual destination. Yep, there's also a virtual monorail!
Screenshot taken: 04/08/2020
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In WEDCOT, you can even ride on "Journey to Imagination with Figment." In this screenshot, we are on our way to Figment's open house.
Screenshot taken: 03/21/2020
Here is another attraction you can find in EPCOT - Spaceship Earth, a journey through time.
Screenshot taken: 03/28/2020
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Here's a screenshot featuring part of the Mexico Pavilion in The World Showcase. You can even enter into this pyramid and ride Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros!
Screenshot taken: 03/21/2020
Here's a screenshot of the Morocco Pavilion in The World Showcase, featuring stunning architecture and patterns.
Screenshot taken: 03/21/2020
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Oh, I just love this screenshot. So uplifting, literally. These are the hot air balloons inside of the Land pavilion, inside of the dining area. There is even the virtual "Sunshine Seasons" quick-service restaurant!
Screenshot taken: 03/21/2020
Enchanted Adventures
I recently found out about the destination called "Enchanted Adventures." In this screenshot, you can see a virtual view of Main Street as well as the Enchanted Storybook Castle.
Screenshot taken: 04/13/2020
You'll be able to wander through the virtual shops - which actually sell virtual merchandise (I haven't personally done it, I believe you need to actually provide an actual payment for your virtual items). Here is a fun screenshot of merchandise from the "Grand Emporium" on Main Street, featuring Mickey and Minnie snowglobes, mugs, and plush toys.
Screenshot taken: 04/13/2020
I was so delighted to find one of the areas in Enchanted Adventures dedicated to Alice in Wonderland. Here's a screenshot at the virtual Alice's Cyrious Labrinyth attraction, which is a hedge maze which ends up at the Queen of Hearts Castle.
Screenshot taken: 04/09/2020
Here, we see the Mad Hatter and March Hare at the mad tea party in the virtual Alice in Wonderland caterpillar ride.
Screenshot taken: 04/09/2020
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The Main Street train station. Love the Easter egg wreaths on the lampposts.
Screenshot taken: 04/09/2020
Cinderella's Castle and Disneyland Toy Shop
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This destination is charming; it features a virtual Cinderella castle, Main Street, and a few other attractions. Inside of the castle, you will find different displays of Disney characters set-up to take virtual photos.
Screenshot taken: 04/15/2020
One of the coolest features in this destination is the "Cinderella's Castle Main Street Parade." It's performed multiple times a day, perhaps even hourly. The parade is much longer than I expected - you sure get to see a lot of floats with the Disney princesses!
Screenshot taken: 03/24/2020
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Here is another scene in the parade, featuring Aladdin and Princess Jasmine.
Screenshot taken: 04/15/2020
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Princess Belle in the parade. Each time one of the princesses pass by, there is a pop-up in your chat box with a "message" from the character, greeting you.
Screenshot taken: 04/15/2020
I just love this tribute to Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse in front of the castle... it's so sweet.
Screenshot taken: 03/24/2020