Remembering Jim Henson

September 24th, 2009 would have been Jim Henson’s 73rd birthday. His name is almost as recognizable as Walt Disney and his contribution to the world of film and even, in an indirect manner, to our Orlando theme parks has continued on since his tragic death on May 16th, 1990. He was only 53 years old when a strange case of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, a bacterial infection, took over his body and caused his organs to fail. On that day the entire creative world and the millions of fans Jim Henson gained through his work with the Muppets and Sesame Street mourned the tragic loss of this creative genius.

There was a lot Jim Henson did that the general public might not realize. He’s usually immediately grouped with the Muppets and rightfully so. Who doesn’t love Oscar the Grouch or Kermit the Frog? But Jim Henson’s genius expanded throughout a number of movies and even to a galaxy far, far away. Henson designed Muppets which lead to movies like Muppets Take Manhattan, the show Fraggle Rock and the popular animated series Muppet Babies.

Henson was also responsible for creating one of the most beloved sci-fi puppets of all time: Yoda from the Star Wars series. Henson helped George Lucas’ team create Yoda and help with the puppeteering of the little green Jedi Master before he went CGI in the additional three prequels to the films. It was Jim Henson who suggested Frank Oz be Yoda’s puppeteer and voice. Thanks to Henson. Lucas selected Oz to voice one of the most memorable film characters of all time.

Singing was yet another thing Henson dabbled in. Though he wasn’t out playing rock concerts, the song “The Rainbow Connection,” which he performed using his Kermit the Frog voice, was #25 on the Billboard Top 100 and still considered a favorite children’s song today. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop continues on and his company is now run by his children, who loved going on set with their dad and learning the ropes of puppeteering when they were young and Henson still lead the way. His legacy lives on through the Muppets, Sesame Street, Star Wars and movies like The Dark Crystal and The Labyrinth. If you want your dose of Muppet madness, head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to checkout Muppetvision 3D.

The Force is With Star Tours: Star Tours 2 Coming in 2011

The D23 Expo in Anaheim was a huge success. It marked the first time a convention of this magnitude was ever put on for the Disney community and fans were not disappointed. From movie previews to news about park expansions and everything in between, Disney’s top execs came out to Anaheim to speak to thousands of fans just dying to find out what’s next from the House of Mouse. Well one of the more memorable presentations came courtesy of a galaxy far, far away.

Jay Rasulo, the Chairman of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, took to the stage to make a very special announcement to a crowd of loyal Star Wars fans. Rasulo began his presentation by shocking crowds saying that starting in October of 2010, Star Tours will be closing at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World here in Orlando. But the shocked crowd had no time to react as a legion of Stormtroopers arrived on stage to the sound of “The Imperial March.” Rasulo feigned confusion as “Darth Vader” appeared on the giant screen behind him. Rasulo announced Star Tours 2 would re-open in 2014 which Vader did not approve of. Fans laughed as Rasulo was pressured by the costumed impersonator to open the ride a bit earlier.

After the theatrics the crowd found out they will not have to wait until 2014, but instead 2011. This sent the crowd into another frenzy as Rasulo announced guests will be treated to a sneak peek at special footage of the upcoming Star Tours 2 ride. Audience members were all given 3D glasses as they entered the room and they finally got to find out why. Along with brand new technology for the motion simulator, all of the ride footage will now be in 3D. The interior of the ride is supposed to get a revamp as well but details on that are very hush hush--we will give you the scoop as soon as we find out. As for the footage, fans can expect to race through Tatooine in their own podracer like the scene featured in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. Other popular Star Wars planets and scenes are expected to be featured in the new ride upgrade as well, but details have just started to emerge. Who knows what’s in store for Star Tours 2? But we know 2011 is going to be a great year for Star Wars fans in the Disney theme parks.