Epcot's Unbuilt Russia Pavilion Would Have Been Astounding

If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, those incredible first and second generation Disney Imagineers must really love Moscow! Their faithful but fanciful version of Russia's Red Square was once planned for EPCOT Center's cultural heart, World Showcase. 

There's much culture to celebrate!

While travel to the Russian Federation is not uncommon today, it is still considered an exotic destination even if much more available to tourists than ever before. Imagine in the early 90s, a new Russia pavilion at Epcot would have been adored from its opening days. The Imagineers plan for representing the country would have been as ambitious- if not more so- than what they accomplished with The American Adventure! Imagine a pavilion with two rides, a theater presentation that would have rivaled its American host, a museum, a restaurant or two, and a slew of shops, and plenty of entertainment. 

Thanks to a newly released video, Russia Pavilion EPCOT World Showcase Presentation (1992), by a group known as CowMissing, I now have a new and large selection of image captures to go with a few previous pieces of Imagineering concept art. 

The fireworks would have been in front,

but artistic license always wins out in concept art.

Placed between Germany and the area once set aside for Equitorial Africa, the new pavilion and its iconic architecture of St. Basil's cathedral would make a stunning addition to the other landmarks around the lovely and large World Showcase lagoon. 

The only fully walled World Showcase

pavilion- mostly.

Wisely, the Disney suits and the Imagineers chose to focus on the art, history, and culture of the country rather than on its politics. And what a beautifully rich culture it is!

The pavilion's centerpiece attraction, a theater presentation entitled Russia- The Bells of Change, would combine Audio-Animatronics, beautiful sets, live actors, and film to create a stunning and memorable presentation.

Imaginers hard at work!

Love the model!

As in the age of strange advertising gimmicks, let me say, "But wait! There's more!" In addition to the theater show, there would also be a dark ride through the beloved old tale of Ivan and the Magic Pike. The story tells of a boy who finds a magic pike that grants wishes. I loved the old EPCOT Center that focused on the real culture of the nations in World Showcase. I wish they go back that direction. 

Even if guests did neither of the attractions, just walking the showcase would be a very rich experience in the largest international pavilion in the park. Take a look at these pieces of art.

Shopping and dining is a large part of World Showcase, and Russia would have been no exception! Although I find the country's cuisine rather bland, it would be a nice option to have and round out the offerings.

Although the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 put an end to their plans, given the current state of world affairs and the political climate, I say it' will never happen. But once upon a time a long time ago, the Disney Company's very serious about the project! After reading about and see what was planned, you will certainly agree that it would have been a great addition. And let's be honest, Epcot certainly needs a new international pavilion to add some new excitement to the park.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure in English!

Ever wondered what the Imagineers full story was behind Shanghai Disneyland's groundbreaking Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure? What tale were they trying to tell? How many times would Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow appear in the ride and why? Just check out this video below for the first ever English voice ride through courtesy Ben Laurence:

After the ride through, listen to Ben tell us exactly how it was created. Great job I say!

(Top photo by TripSavvy.com)

A Return to Disneyland After Three Years

The last time we visited Disneyland, it was after the memorial service for my mother in law. That was three years ago. And this time, we went with our youngest daughter and her family, tagging onto their summer vacation. We came earlier and left later, so that enabled some additional time at favorite spots in Southern California. What I found at the Disneyland Resort surprised me! I haven't decided how I'll share my trip report- in days, by each park and themed area, or by one mega saga- but I can guarantee you, if you've read the Insights and Sounds blog at all, you might be surprised by what I write. Stay tuned.

(Photo copyright Mark Taft.)

Seldom Seen Disneyland Star Tours Art

Star Tours was a groundbreaking flight simulator attraction! When it opened at Disneyland, I was there for the grand celebration. The queue lasted seemingly forever but worth the wait. Disney Imagineering was on a roll under Michael Eisner. The concept art isn't much to look at, but then again, the bare bones of a 1955 Tomorrowland does not make for a compelling facade. No matter. The older ride is every bit as fun as Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run or Rise of the Resistance. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

An Easy Fix: A Revolutionary Idea for Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion

We Disney theme park fans leave it to the Imagineers to build us some good old fashioned fun and some revolutionary attractions. Over at the great WDWMagic Boards, a discussion is brewing about the future of Liberty Square, the Hall of Presidents, and even the beloved Haunted Mansion. Some are saying that the mansion doesn't belong other than what the exterior looks like. I say, it's a very easy thing to fix: Just add a handful of Audio-Animatronic figures of Revolutionary War ghosts into the graveyard in the Mansion. An easy prompt from ChatGPT, and its created. Problem fixed!

 

Happy Birthday to the Photographer

It's quite the feat to get 19 people in one photo! But our photographer did this and a few other special tricks to make this come together. Was it worth it? I think it was. It's a moment in time never to be captured again.
 

Epcot's Unbuilt and Unknown Switzerland Pavilion

Is this the work of Imagineer Herb Ryman? This piece of concept art for the unbuilt, unrealized Switzerland pavilion at Epcot looks the part, but something is missing. It feels too plain, too generic, too blah. So, who crafted this piece? Probably AI as I'm looking closer and seeing duplicate people with red shirts and blue pants or shorts.

Could the second Disney park in Florida use something like this? Yes- a thrill ride actually themed to the park it is in. World Showcase would be all the better! And then Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind could have appeared in Disney's Hollywood Studios where it really belonged. 
 

Scenes From A Fire

I thank God for people like my son in law who goes out to fight fires! In Colorado, this season is particularly bad because of the lack of snow in the Winter and rain in the Spring.

What may look minor from afar is actually huge up close! He's out there now. Pray for his safety and the safety of the entire team under his command. 

Celebrate the U.S.A. at 250 Years at Walt Disney World

Today is American Independence Day. As we celebrate our 250th year , it is time to give thanks to the Lord who has blessed us as we have sought to honor Him. We've had it so good for so long. Yet, I do not think we honor Him as much anymore given the current broken state of distrust, corruption, and division in our politics and how we handle ourselves in the global community.

Yet, I think it's time to focus on our blessings once again. For our sakes as well as for the benefit of those around us. Thankfulness is a good thing!

As an independent tour guide, I travel all over the world. Believe me, there is no nation on the globe where its citizens are as free as we are in the United States of America! We're not perfect- not even close, but we can complain all we want about laws, our government, and our politicians. That's one of the greatest things about our country. We have a voice and we can use it freely. Others cannot do that. We have the wisdom of the founding fathers to thank for this, and we have the sacrifice of our military veterans to thank for keeping those liberties. 

Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! 

Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!

Psalm 144:15

Let's tie it all back to Disney, since this is a Disney theme park fan site. Imagineering great artist Herb Ryman created this gorgeous painting for the American Adventure.  Way back in 1979, EPCOT Center was finding its focus, and the Disney executives needed art such as this one to inspire corporations the world over to pour their funds in the new project. They also needed this kind of concept art to inspire travelers to send their hard earned cash to come to Walt Disney World when this second park made its debut. The park's Future World would draw them in as any world's fair might, but it would be World Showcase that would celebrate the cultures of other nations including the U.S.A.

Patriotism was not a new thing at Disney parks. It began with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland, but the Imagineers really expanded on the idea when it came to Florida's Magic Kingdom. 

Here's a beautiful piece of concept art for the Magic Kingdom's brand new Liberty Square at Walt Disney World. I could almost do an entire blog piece on when reality is better than Imagineering art on this land alone! It is stunning in its beauty and design detail, making it my favorite land of all those in this eastern kingdom. Does the land hold my favorite attractions? No, not at all. But as the sum of all its parts, it's the closest Florida has to the elegance of Disneyland's New Orleans Square.

When plans for the Magic Kingdom finally came to the surface, the Imagineers included this tribute to the patriots of the past, those hard working, God-fearing men and women who sought freedom for all.  

With all the gorgeous details everywhere you look, it is a place of quiet dignity and peace. The stunningly sober Hall of Presidents reminds guests of the great sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. 

So, today, July 4th, let us thank God Almighty for shedding His Grace on us for 250 years!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Universal Kids Resort: Universal Creative Builds Its Own Disney California Adventure 1.0

What in the world is going on? How is it the brand new Universal Kids Resort theme park make Disney California Adventure 1.0 look like an Imagineering masterpiece? Universal Creative has hit home runs with Harry Potter attractions and just above every aspect of Epic Universe. As this photograph from the Attractions 360 vlog shows, the place is a wasteland of concrete and static figures. Bright colors alone do not a theme park make! Even if it's seven "themed" lands with about 30 rides or so- probably mostly off the shelf carnival ones- had potential, they certainly tossed it by the wayside in favor of an even wider cheap and edgy version of Anaheim's second Disney park at opening. Can they / will they correct course and end up with something high quality? It certainly does not look like it. You can be sure I will not be recommending this park to my sister who lives nearby.
 

Coffee Shop Wisdom #2

I just can't imagine gaining your life philosophy from some product's marketing campaigns or the latest fad of the month. Instead, think through with gusto what you believe. That said, I do pay attention to what is around me, and I am influenced by the world I live in. Yet, I'm also influenced by the spiritual world I live in- the one I cannot see but I know exists. Here's a truth found in a local coffee shop that I know without a doubt is built on truth. A notable and quotable from St. Augustine.