Kona Magic Sands Condos are a popular accommodation option for those visiting the Kona coast of Hawaii. These condos offer a magical experience with their prime location right on the water's edge. Situated in a picturesque setting, the Kona Magic Sands Condos boast stunning ocean views and provide guests with direct access to a beautiful sandy beach. The condos are fully furnished and provide all the comforts of home. With spacious living areas, well-equipped kitchens, and private lanais, guests can relax and enjoy their stay in style. The condos come in various sizes, making them suitable for couples, families, or larger groups.
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Every episode will begin with Zebedee appearing at the roundabout and giving a brief summary to the viewers of what will happen before the episode starts. Every episode will begin with Zebedee appearing at the roundabout and giving a brief summary to the viewers of what will happen before the episode starts.
The condos come in various sizes, making them suitable for couples, families, or larger groups. The Kona Magic Sands Condos are known for their excellent amenities. Guests have access to a freshwater swimming pool and a hot tub, perfect for soaking up the Hawaiian sun and unwinding after a long day of exploring.
It’s time for bed again: French team bring back The Magic Roundabout
O nce upon a time, a girl called Florence with a penchant for big boots played with her weird friends: a dog called Dougal, a dopey rabbit called Dylan and an unusually speedy snail called Brian in a magic garden dominated by a brightly coloured merry-go-round.
The names might not mean anything to people born less than 40-odd years ago, but to those of a certain age they are instantly recognisable as characters from The Magic Roundabout, a French children’s TV show that achieved cult status in Britain in the 1960s and 1970s.
For more than a decade, Florence and friends charmed young and old alike with simple stories told with a witty adult sub-text every evening. Then the programme vanished into television history quicker than the talking, teleporting jack-in-the-box Zebedee could say “time for bed”.
Le Manège Enchanté (The Magic Roundabout) created by Serge Danot. Photograph: Photo 12/Alamy
A 2005 film based on the TV series, failed to revive its fortunes despite being voiced by a cast of A-list stars including Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, Tom Baker, Joanna Lumley, Bill Nighy and Ian McKellen. It was described as “dumbed down” and a tragic bypassing of the cheeky 60s original and plans for a sequel were quickly binned.
Now, Florence and friends are set to enchant a new generation of pre-school youngsters with a series of 52 11-minute programmes produced by Mediawan’s Method Animation, the company behind The Little Prince and Robin Hood.
Producer Camille Oesch said there was huge global interest in reviving the programme, and that while the new series, expected to air in 2024, was aimed at a young audience of three– to five-year-olds, she hoped it would “recreate the magic of the Magic Roundabout”.
“We want to respect the characters, personalities and spirit of the original. It’s not a question of going back into the past, but of reviving this iconic work with the techniques of the present,” Oesch said.
“In England, The Magic Roundabout was not just an iconic programme of the 1960s it was a cultural reference in animation, but the context today isn’t the same as in the 1960s so we have to find a path between the two.
“The response to the news has been enormous. Many channels are interested.”
The Magic Roundabout started life as Le Manège Enchanté, created by Frenchman Serge Danot, a former decorator whose previous claim to fame was that he had helped paint the Eiffel Tower. His pink, red, blue and orange merry-go-round was set in a magic garden where the colour green, which he hated, was bizarrely absent.
From left: Mr Rusty, Zebedee, Florence and Dougal. Photograph: Photo 12/Alamy
In 2004, Danot’s widow Martine, now in her early 70s, recalled how Dougal (Pollux in the French version) was an unexpected star. “He was originally a minor character in the programme,” Danot told the Guardian back then.
“At first he didn’t say anything, he just made a strange noise. But after the first few programmes viewers began writing asking to see more of the dog, so he became the main character,” she said.
“Serge gave him a heavy English accent, which French people found enormously amusing. He went, ‘Bow- wow-wow’ [French dogs go, ‘Ouah, ouah’].” Dylan, meanwhile, was called Flappy and had a heavy Spanish accent, while Brian the snail was Ambroise and Ermintrude the cow, Azalée.
France’s state broadcaster originally commissioned 13 programmes, the first of which was broadcast in black and white in October 1964. It was an instant hit, and a further 50 episodes were ordered. In the end Danot made about 700 and The Magic Roundabout went global; it was translated into 30 languages and broadcast in more than 60 countries, including Iran and Japan.
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The BBC was initally unimpressed, rejecting the programme twice as charming but too “weird”, before agreeing to buy it in 1965. In the end, its success in the UK was credited to narrator Eric Thompson, the father of actor Emma Thompson, who was presenting BBC2’s Play School at the time. Thompson deemed the original French stories simplistic and dull. Instead of translating them, he turned down the French sound and made up the narrative as he went along.
While it was a huge hit with children, Thompson’s double entendres also appealed to adults. At its height, The Magic Roundabout, shown in the five-minute slot before the early evening news on BBC1, was attracting about 8 million viewers. To young fans, the hippy, guitar-strumming rabbit Dylan was just dopey – while it was evident to parents that he had clearly been smoking something. And what was in those sugar cubes that sent Dougal spinning in circles? Every episode ended with Zebedee (Ze Baddie, another Thompson invention) declaring: “Time for bed”.
Eric Thompson with characters from The Magic Roundabout. Photograph: David Newell Smith/The Observer
Danot was less happy with Dougal’s English name – he was convinced Thompson was having a sly dig at the French president Charles de Gaulle.
Jérôme Brizé, founder of Magic, co-producers of the new series, who manages the rights to the Magic Roundabout on behalf of Martine Danot, admits Thompson’s approach gave the British version a certain adult appeal, but doubts the celebrated actor and script writer would get away with doing the same these days.
“Eric Thompson would turn the sound down and make up his own story. I don’t think he even knew what the original was about; I guess he was sent the scripts in French but I don’t think they were translated,” Brizé said.
“He certainly took some liberties but this was part of his genius and contributed to it becoming such an iconic programme in the UK. I think the UK was the only place where the programme was addressed to adults as well as children.”
Brizé added: “We hope to recreate the spirit and English humour in it, but we will be taking it back to its original roots as a series for children.”
Oesch agreed this was a challenge. “We will be trying hard to find a balance between the French and English contexts,” she said.
Jérôme Brizé, founder of Magic, co-producers of the new series, who manages the rights to the Magic Roundabout on behalf of Martine Danot, admits Thompson’s approach gave the British version a certain adult appeal, but doubts the celebrated actor and script writer would get away with doing the same these days.
Barbecue grills are also available for those who want to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the breathtaking ocean views. The location of the Kona Magic Sands Condos is unbeatable. Guests are just steps away from a range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, surfing, and fishing. Additionally, the condos are conveniently located near popular attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants, allowing guests to easily explore the best the Kona coast has to offer. The friendly and helpful staff at the Kona Magic Sands Condos are always ready to assist guests and provide recommendations for local attractions and activities. Whether guests are seeking relaxation or adventure, the condos offer something for everyone. In conclusion, the Kona Magic Sands Condos provide a magical and unforgettable experience for those visiting the Kona coast. With their prime location, comfortable accommodations, and excellent amenities, guests are guaranteed a memorable stay. Whether enjoying the ocean views from the lanai, lounging by the pool, or exploring the nearby attractions, guests will truly feel the magic of Kona at these condos..
Reviews for "Experience the Best of Kona at Kona Magic Sands Condos"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with my stay at Kona Magic Sands condos. The unit I rented was run down and in desperate need of renovation. The furniture was old and uncomfortable, and the kitchen appliances were outdated and barely functional. The worst part was the lack of cleanliness. The bathroom was dirty and the floors were sticky. I wouldn't recommend these condos to anyone looking for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Kona.
2. John - 1 star - My experience at Kona Magic Sands condos was terrible. The noise level was unbearable, with construction work and loud parties happening all night long. The walls were thin and you could hear everything from neighboring units. The amenities also left a lot to be desired. The pool was small and overcrowded, and the gym had outdated and broken equipment. Overall, it was a disappointing and uncomfortable stay.
3. Lisa - 2 stars - I had high expectations for Kona Magic Sands condos but unfortunately, they fell short. The WiFi was practically non-existent and the television had limited channels. The unit itself was small and cramped, with outdated furniture and a musty smell. The lack of proper ventilation made it feel stuffy and uncomfortable. I was really disappointed with the overall quality and would not recommend staying here.