Christmas in July-Disney Train comes to Fargo

Disney’s Christmas Carol Train Tour came to Fargo this week.  The train features four custom-designed vintage rail cars full of behind-the-scenes attractions, demonstrations, and activities.  It was lots of fun for all of the family.  It is an introduction to Disney’s Christmas Carol movie that comes out this November. 

 

 

This is an inflatable movie theatre that runs 10 minute 3D previews of the movie.  It is definitely a movie we want to see.

 

 

Jim Carrey plays several characters in the film.  We were introduced to the “capture technology” technique they used to make the movie.  Sensors were attached to Jim Carrey’s face and body and the data collected was used to create the images seen in the movie.  Scrooge and Jim Carrey become one.  The 3D imaging body you see here is actually only half of a body, the rest is a reflection in the mirror…the same mirror in which you can see Braxton.

 

         

 

My favorite part of the exhibit were the authentic artifacts on loan from the Charles Dickens Museum in London.  Dickens is one of my favorite authors and has been since high school when I first read

“A Tale of Two Cities”.  There were hand written excerpts from his novels, first edition books and his quill pen.

 

     

 

     

 

We also saw architectural models, character portraits and costumes and maquettes.  Maquettes are small scale clay models and there were small full body models and life size facial models like the ones shown here.

 

     

 

                                

 

We have been having unusually cold weather this week.  It was cool, cloudy and windy with a wind chill in the 50s.  If you look closely in the green area at the top of the brick you can see tiny snowflakes.  Disney blew snowflakes all around the trains to give the area more of a Christmas feel.  Although it was colder here than most stops along the train’s journey, I think the “ooh, ahh” factor they were going for was a bit lost on Fargo.  I am sure the kids in California will think that snow is really cool.

 

 

We were even treated to entertainment by carolers.  It was strange to hear Christmas songs in July but they were wonderful and it didn’t take long to get into the mood.

 

 

Perhaps it is a bit too early but our family always has to be different, to set the tone and be the example!  So the boys are here to be the first to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

 

 

If the train makes a stop anywhere near you make the time to check it out.  We are always looking for something new or unique to do and we had a lot of fun.

 

By the way…this is dedicated to my favorite buddy John….TOOT TOOT