Perry the Platy-Bus

This article is about the bus. You may be looking for the song.

Perry the Platy-Bus

Perry the Platy-Bus was a promotional vehicle embodying a converted classic version Airstream trailer shaped and named after Perry the Platypus. Deployed in two consecutive years, its unique usage in hosting nationwide landmark journeys served to honor the debut of the television movie Across the 2nd Dimension in 2011 and as an advertisement for the breathtaking two-parter occasion in 2012.

Fabrication

Auxiliary stand

A chromatic silver trailer stationed at the garage inside the planning studio worked as the basis for the platypus model, sporting a nearly 27 feet (8.23 m) long and 4,000 lbs (1,814.37 kg) heavy build capable of reaching speeds of about 65 mph (104.6 km/h). Subsequent to an enveloping process with teal cardboard, it was hoisted to the open zone in a plan to arrange the tailored cutous on broad daylight. Sticker figures defining the hands, feet, tail, and irises were soon attached along with the eyes and beak extending lumps, thus finalizing the outer blueprint.

Internal features comprised various demonstrations of games inspired by the motion picture in both console and online forms, a digital Perry-oke singalong jukebox, and a simulated dimension converter where visitors would insert their pictures with a virtual reality program to view themselves in the parallel world. A similar augmented imagery experience implemented by Grand Visual stamped the latter jaunt with multiple screen interactions linked to the dressed personages, functioning as a test run to the eventual Phineas and Ferb and You attraction.

Besides the mobile wagon, a collaborative truck used for giveaways sponsored by Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Radio Disney was present on the stage to assist in towing the main carriage. Surrounding ornamentations included several large Perry the Inaction Figure stools, a miniature replica of the Doofenshmirtz Evil Inc. blimp, and a faithful recreation of the Flynn-Fletcher house backyard setting. There were additionally two supporting duckbill structures; a short one to haul the bus over between sites and a longer unit behaving as a decoration.

2011 Tour: New York to California

Baker, Povenmire, Marsh, and Stoner at the unveiling ceremony

The original tour began on July 11, 2011 outside of the ABC Good Morning America studios in New York's Times Square plaza, starring appearances by the Phineas, Ferb, and Agent P costumed characters along with co-creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh and cast members Alyson Stoner (Isabella) and Dee Bradley Baker (Perry). Following a lively performance by a local school choir of "Everything's Better with Perry", the Platy-Bus was officially unveiled to the general public in what signaled the monumental inauguration of the domestic expedition.

From there, the cross-country tour proceeded en route towards San Diego's yearly Comic-Con for the show's seasonal panel, then traveled to the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood for the film's worldwide premiere, and ultimately arrived at the bi-annual D23 Convention in Anaheim, California. Locations visited in-between include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio; the Chadwick Arboretum in Columbus, Ohio; the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana; the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis, Missouri; the Cadillac Ranch in Texas; the Grand Canyon in Arizona; the Living Spaces in Monrovia, California; and the Santa Monica Place in California.

A website correspondence founded by curators Curious Media operated as an online journal during the road voyage, pinpointing the destinations in real time through a virtual map of the United States. Daily briefings about the current whereabouts of the monotreme bus became routinely dished out on the homepage, documenting the excursion's entertaining spots next to a small picture album of registered moments. While amidst the pathways, regular cursory updates were provided in the Platy-blogger section, which focused fundamentally in recording exotic highlights of the webbed trail.

Below is a reproduction of the trip logs sorted out in posting order. Entries are sourced to internal data.

Stops

• July 11 - The Platy-bus is on the move! The amphibious automobile is making its big debut in New York City. Phineas and Ferb join Perry the Platy-bus in Times Square for the launch of our cross-country tour. At nearly 30 feet long, Perry is sure to make a big splash in the Big Apple. But like any other secret agent-mobile, the Platy-bus won't be in New York for long...check back for updates as we make our way across America. Spread the word and we hope to see you on the road!
• July 12 - It's official: Cleveland Rocks! After a day-long journey through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we arrived in Ohio around midday. Despite the 100+ degree heat, Perry fans were out in full force. Our first stop was at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland. Here's hoping the Ferbtones will be inducted soon. After meeting some new friends and posing for photos, the Platy-bus is back on the move. Check back soon for pictures at our next pit stop.
• July 13 - Perry the Platy-bus meet Annabelle the gigantic praying mantis! We hit the road early this morning and made our first stop outside the Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum. At over 18 feet tall and 20 feet long, Annabelle the praying mantis has spent the last two years guarding the arboretum from pesky insects.
• July 14 - After crossing the Indiana border, we made a dash for the Indy 500 Speedway. Despite the tempting offer to rev our ice cream truck engine around the track, the Platy-bus opted to continue on the journey towards California.
• July 15 - The Midwest got a big surprise today when amidst the amber waves of grain, a giant teal Platy-bus rolled through Missouri. We're just about halfway through our journey across America and the Platy-buzz is building. After a quick drive by at the famous St. Louis Arch, we made a pit stop to see another equally famous landmark - the World's Largest Fork. Haven't heard of it? Located in Springfield, Missouri, the fork stands 35 feet tall and digs into a leafy pile of plants. Bon appetit!
• July 18 - Swinging by the Cadillac Ranch as we pass through Texas.
• July 18 - After a quick swing by Cadillac Ranch in Texas, Perry the Platy-bus hit the mother of all landmarks -- The Grand Canyon. At nearly 6,000 feet deep and 277 miles long, you'd have to line up over 54,000 Platy-buses end to end to span the length of the canyon. For our final leg of the journey to California, we'll be rolling through historic Route 66. Will Perry the Platy-bus make it to Comic-Con? Will Dr. Doofenshmirtz try and stop us?? Will there be any way to make a bathroom break in the next 50 miles??? Check back here to find out!
• July 19 - The Platy-bus has traversed the purple mountains majesty, crossed the fruited plains and has finally reached our destination: San Diego, California. While the Platy-bus is thrilled to have arrived in the Golden State, the journey across America has been the reward. Thanks to all of our new friends who took pictures and supported us all along the way. Major Monogram -- Mission Accomplished!
• July 19 - Our cross-country trip may be over, but the Platy-bus is still on the road. Our giant teal-mobile will be hitting events throughout California. Whether you are in San Francisco or Santa Monica, Perry the Platy-bus could be headed in your direction. Plus, we'll be making a special appearance at the Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim from August 19-21. See you in the Golden State!

Platy-blogger

• July 7 - The Platy-bus is on the move and could be headed to a city near you! Keep an eye out and check back here for updates as we roll across the U.S.
• July 8 - Just packing some last minute snacks for the ride...beef jerky anyone?
• July 10 - Major Monogram is locking the coordinates for our tour. First stop: Times Square, New York City.
• July 11 - I know what we're gonna do today...launch the Platy-bus tour!
• July 11 - Big Apple, meet the Big Teal-Mobile.
• July 11 - Come join the "Everything's Better with Perry" Dance-a-Long in Times Square.
• July 11 - There are Squirrels in My Pants...and in Central Park, as it turns out.
• July 12 - The Platy-bus is heading west. Click on the New York City marker above to see some photos from our New York City adventures.
• July 12 - Pit stop in Punxsutawney, PA. Even a Platy-bus has to fuel up.
• July 12 - Crossing the border out of Pennsylvania. Oh, hi Ohio!
• July 12 - Just got the latest dispatch from Major Mongram. Next stop: Cleveland!
• July 13 - They had to upgrade the engine on our ice cream truck to haul the Platy-bus across the country.
• July 13 - Just passed Perry Street in Ohio. No sign of a platypus anywhere....
• July 13 - En route to Indianapolis. Wonder if the Indy Speedway has ever raced a Platy-bus?
• July 14 - Fun Fact: A platypus eats shrimp and crayfish. A Platy-bus eats diesel fuel.
• July 14 - We hit a giant fork in the road...literally.
• July 15 - Click the St. Louis marker above to see what sites the Platy-bus visited.
• July 15 - Cruising through Oklahoma where the corn is as high as a Platy-bus thigh.
• July 15 - Coordinates locked: Headed for the Lone Star state.
• July 18 - Fun Fact: The maximum cruising speed of the Platy-bus is the same as the maximum speed limit.
• July 18 - Cranking the A/C as we head through New Mexico and Arizona. High temps today 108 degrees F (42.2 °C).
• July 18 - Slight detour to the Grand Canyon. Even a Platy-bus needs to see the sights....
• July 18 - Our final destination is just a few hundred miles away. California, here we come!
• July 19 - Loading up on sunscreen for the west coast rays.
• July 19 - About to hit the 12th state on our journey.
• July 19 - Does a Platy-bus qualify for the HOV lanes on the freeway?
• July 19 - Loading up on sunscreen for the west coast rays.
• July 19 - The Platy-bus has arrived in California. Hope to see you soon!

2012 Tour: Where's Perry?

Video screen added in 2012

The 2012 tour, mostly held in the Midwest, was tied into the two-part summer cliffhanger "Where's Perry?", beginning on July 25, 2012 at the Washington County Fair in West Bend, Wisconsin, one day before the episode premiered. It ended following the conclusion's debut on August 27 at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, Minnesota. In between, the tour visited the Coast Guard Festival outside Detroit, Chicago's Navy Pier, where Dan, Swampy, Alyson, and Vincent Martella (Phineas' voice actor) "found" the Agent P walkabout character somewhere between the Tri-State Area and Africa, as well as visits to the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis and the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Illinois. The trailer was overhauled to create an interactive augmented reality experience on Perry's whereabouts with Phineas and Ferb characters via a giant video screen.

Background Information

• Conceptualization of the Platy-Bus was accomplished by series prop designer Chuck Puntuvatana, going from a rough outline sketch covering its side visions and roof compartment to colored graphics detailing an angular idea for the final product.
• For the initial promo devoted to the event, a computer animation illustrating the spy vehicle in action across undulated highways and tight tunnels was produced to help entice the network viewers into arduously following the roadside spectacle throughout its week run.
• Rounding off the cruise's identity, a theme song composed in the cartoon workshop turned into the instated anthem of the traffic adventure. It could be heard in the television advert and as a background music for the electronic address.
• Musical accompaniment dedicated to the flick's opening number was orchestrated by the New Jersey Repertory Theatre crew, who donned orange Phineas shirts and purple Ferb uniforms as a suitable visual identity for the jamming scene. This act marked the official rollout of the tune to the popular eye.
• A video recapitulation of the Platy-Bus outings is shown on The Perry Files DVD as a bonus feature, carrying short commentaries by launch party participants Dan Povenmire, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, Alyson Stoner, Dee Bradley Baker, and frequent Radio Disney collaborator Jake Whetter. Factoids concerning the exterior and interior packages of the tailored automobile were related in the manner of clip montages.
• The bus wound up being retrofitted under the moniker Doc Mobile for a Doc McStuffins promotional campaign realized in an identical drive format during summer 2013, ahead of the preschool show's touted second season premiere.