Fixing Disneyland: My End of Year Wish List

The end is near. 2015 that is, and it's been a banner year for our favorite theme park, Disneyland. The 60th Anniversary brought us a new parade, new fireworks, and all kinds of additions from enhancements to Peter Pan's Flight to new Emporium windows. MiceAge / MiceChat has the best year round up I've read, but that's not what this post is about.

The old gal looks pretty good after all this time, but she still needs some help. "How to Fix Disneyland?" A good question with some darned good answers from this writer. Are you ready? Here's my land by land tour of additions and enhancements while the big construction starts.

Main Street U.S.A.: Since the Disneyland Railroad will be closed for quite awhile, place the most beautiful of the trains at the station, using the entire area as a meet and greet for Mickey himself. The rest of the land seems to be in the most complete state possible, so let's move on.

If Moana hits it big, tiki culture can have a greater presence in the park.

Adventureland: Let's begin by dumping all the plastic figures found in Tarzan's Treehouse. Build a new queue on the lowest level and incorporate a character meet and greet inside the kitchen. Guests can check out a face character Tarzan from above while they tour the loft home. Women get a little beefcake, and the crowds in the narrow passageway between two lands thin out just a bit.

Add a new scene for the world famous Jungle Cruise. Keep the folks queuing up. It's a Disneyland classic that does not get the respect it deserves.

For foodies, it's time for something new and crowd pleasing. The Magic Kingdom in Florida gets the Skipper's Canteen. Good for them. It's long overdue- Time to return the much loved Tahitian Terrace to Adventureland. Bringing instant night time rhythm to a fairly dark and exotic piece of the park, it ties in greatly with the Enchanted Tiki Room. In one bold step, it rids the land of the thematically ugly monstrosity of the Middle East desert next to a lush Polynesian paradise. Retro vibe, vintage Disneyland, and more  table service dining. Appeases long time fans and brings in new ones.

Tune up the opening day effects now missing from Indiana Jones Adventure. The culminate effect of so much lost is not quite the Disco Yeti of Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest, but it is a strong statement of lack of care poured out on the park's last "E Ticket" attraction. Last up for Adventureland: Bring in some musical entertainment. The second story balconies can hold a small band, and it would liven up the area.

A scaled back River is coming.

Frontierland: January begins the end of the Rivers of America as we know it. In preparation for the misplaced Star Wars Land, the river is being circumcised so to speak to accommodate a brand new land being carved out of the backwoods, and once you do it, it cannot be reversed. (Yeah, I'm in a feisty mood, aren't I?) The Disneyland Railroad is being rerouted as well. Watercraft plying the course will come to a halt for at least a year as all the work is done. (A special note: Wouldn't it be nice if the Imagineers were planning the train track to route through a re-worked slice of Rainbow Caverns and even past an outdoor geyser or two?)

The question will be how to bring life into Frontierland beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Let's begin by an encore performance of the original show for the Golden Horseshoe and offer a sit down restaurant experience in the evening, compete with a western style menu. Bring back the can can and the comedian with a fast-paced production that honors the past by its highlights while bringing in some new talent. 

Outside, add in some street characters. At opening, Disneyland featured a pair of gunslingers, sheriff and outlaw. The show climaxed with the pair duking it out on the second level of the Horseshoe. It was a crowd pleaser and a great photo opportunity for guests young and old. Imagineering could even use some "misfires" to create some special effects that go off during the show, making it a living Shootin' Gallery of sorts.

With the current acreage, there's really not any room for a bigger  attraction, but a small museum type exhibit could be put into the arcade area. It's the small touches that make and keep Disneyland charming. 

Walt had a good head for what pleased Disneyland guests.

New Orleans Square: A bit of sacrilege here. Close Pirates of the Caribbean now a few days midweek to install some additions and enhancements for its 50th Anniversary in 2017. You know that both the money hungry suits and the creatively inspired Imagineers are thinking about doing something to honor its achievement  It is the premier granddaddy attraction of the park, and its' time to bring it back to top form all the while surprising guests with something new to celebrate. Just make sure its some unused concepts by Marc Davis and not something from the movies.

Remember that old unused courtyard that's got that awful teal and purple scheme? Turn it into a character meet and greet with Tiana and friends. 

Critter Country: Even though some amount of construction will be needed to connect the land to the new Star Wars Land, the rest of the land should stay relatively open to guests. There's more than just Pooh here, so make the most of it. Fill the place with forest characters as well as the Country Bears. A little hillbilly music would be good, too.

Fantasyland: Unlike the younger parks, there's no dining options in Sleeping Beauty Castle. Make the most of it. Put some work in behind the scenes, and use the old Skyway building as an entrance to a beautiful and remote fondue restaurant that overlooks the graceful gardens of the Storybookland Canal Boats. Instant win as it reuses a very important piece of the park's history and provides a tranquil setting for a meal far from the crowds. There's enough dedicated old timers that would enjoy the opportunity. Throw in a clock shop or even a cooking store to please the retail crowd, and it's a clear win-win for everyone.

Is it just me or is Disney missing a prime opportunity to use the old Motor Boat Cruise area for a temporary Frozen mini land? Bring over everything from California Adventure and place it under the shadows of the mighty Matterhorn. Sure, Arendelle is not in Switzerland, but it works much better here than in any other place. 

It's only temporary anyway. 

Mickey's Toontown: Until this is replaced by Frozen, let's fill the place with characters that are not tied to a single location. Fix that Jolly Trolley. Add a mini hedge maze. Give guests a gag-filled Toontown quick service location so that the nearby Fantasyland eateries are not entirely swamped at lunch. 

... but it's a sleeper at Disneyland.

Tomorrowland: Let's be honest, Season of the Force is a mixed bag. And that is being very gracious. Re-Imagine the carousel theater museum, and make the experience what it was advertised to be. 

Outside those walls, let's bring some real energy to the futuristic area, starting with an astronaut with a working jet pack- or even the Rocketeer- if you have to tie in a Disney film. Place the Rocket Jets/Astro Orbitor/whatever its become back to the top of the launchpad. Bring in Wall-E to greet guests, perhaps even Baymax, this family's favorite robot by a long shot.

Tomorrowland is Disneyland's embarrassment compared to what it was in decades past. It is time for a full remodel, but I'm not sure anyone can really figure out what to do with it. Maybe Star Tours will move with the new land, and the entire entrance can be reworked. It's certainly the toughest problem to tackle. Disney has proven they can do fantasy well but can no longer take us to a real, science based future. Just look at Future World at Epcot.

There you have it. My ideas for fixing Disneyland. What are yours?

(Images copyright The Walt Disney Company/Lucas Films.)

Happy 90th Dick Van Dyke!

Happy 90th Birthday Dick Van Dyke! YOU should have been the Disney star ambassador for the 60th celebration of Disneyland. As a beloved performer, your star has never shone brighter! 

Mary Poppins would not have been the smash without you. I'm sure Julie Andrew herself agrees- along with your millions of fans.

Vintage Frontierland

Long before Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, long before Pirates Lair took over Tom Sawyer Island, one of the most iconic and beloved pieces of Walt Disney's groundbreaking theme park, Disneyland, was its immersive take on the Wild West. The area was so large and it expanded so quickly that at one point in time, Frontierland covered almost 1/3 of the entire park's land mass. 

Imagineer Sam McKim is most likely the artist who created this piece of concept art. He was a film star, making several Westerns and had a real love for the American frontier. The detail in this piece is a testament of his knowledge behind the artistry. (As always, click on the images for a huge version!)

In 1955, America was justifiably proud of its heritage. Western themed films drew big business at the movie box office and were just as successful on the small screen. One of Disney's biggest hits was the five part series about Davy Crockett, making a star out of Fess Parker. The series aired from the end of 1954 until the end of 1955. When Fess himself helped open Disneyland, kids of all ages couldn't wait to explore the Old West for themselves.

Entering through the fort, guests were drawn to the adventures awaiting them. With the Mark Twain Riverboat on the river, the railroad trains chugging by, and the wild antics on stage at the Golden Horseshoe, the West was the place to be. The pack mules and soon the mine train took riders beyond the safety of the town, and eventually, guests go walk farther afield to the Indian Village. The Rivers of America became busier as well. Soon, canoes, keel boats, and the Sailing Ship Columbia plied the waters along with rafts that dropped guests off at Tom Sawyer Island. 

Over time, outer space explorations became more exciting to the public, and with Imagineering creating new major attractions, more and more of the original acreage dedicated to the West began to be used. New Orleans Square was the most successful and Bear Country the least- until Splash Mountain came along as part of the renamed Critter Country. The West continues to evolve with even more land being taken over by the Star Wars themed expansion. Perhaps one day, the interests of the public will come full circle, changing the face of the park once again. 

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A special thanks to Mint Crocodile over at the Magic Eye blog. Mint had the wisdom to photograph these extremely rare pieces of concept art shown in the Disney Gallery during the park's 60th Anniversary celebration. It is from his photographs that I was able to bring out the images you have seen.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Happy 60th Birthday Disneyland!

Long before Walt Disney World was even a thought. When Magic Kingdoms in Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai never even entered the minds of the suits behind the Walt Disney Company, back when it was run by folks with a heart to please and delight guests above just turning a profit, the one and only original Disneyland debuted this day in 1955.

The rending above by artist and Imagineer Herb Ryman was made at the request of Walt Disney himself. The park turned out even better than the art representing it. 

Showing off his labor of love.

The place was loved by Walt much like an inventor was attached to its creation, like God to Man, like it should be husband to wife: adored, celebrated, and nurtured. Each of the original lands at opening day have changed and matured with much grace.

Walt takes a walk during construction.

Main Street U.S.A. still charms; Fantasyland still takes you to your childhood stories, Tomorrowland (sometimes) makes you dream of the future. Far off realms are still waiting to be explored in Adventureland, and Frontierland still embraces its unique American heritage. 

Thank you Walt, for taking this step of faith- and making the world a delightful one for children of all ages!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

First Ever Visit to Disneyland: Trip Report

As I mentioned a few days ago, my daughter took her husband to Disneyland for the first time. It fell during the 60th anniversary celebration, so I was curious to find out what he thought, knowing it would be crazy crowded.

It was a morning to night affair, where they covered just about every attraction that could- minus the ones that they would ride with their children. The focus would then be on those with height limitations- the "Mountains" etc.

My son-in-law is not a man of many words, therefore, this is presented in a positive / negative winners / losers response. Get ready for some surprises.

Winner:  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Runner Ups: Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones Adventure, Splash Mountain.

Loser: Star Tours (and he's a HUGE Star Wars fan) 

The evening fireworks show and parade were well liked, but the crowds made it a less than great experience. 

The evening before the visit to the park, dinner was had at Ralph Brennan's. Verdict- good but very noisy and too expensive for the money. 

Now the Million Dollar Question- Would he go back, and would he bring the kids? Answer: Absolutely. Enough said.

(Photograph copyright Allison.)

Peter Pan's Flight: History, Rare Concept Art, and More

Just in time to celebrate Disneyand's 60th Anniversary on July 17th, Peter Pan's Flight, the park's most beloved dark ride, re-opens after a top to bottom overhaul by Imagineering. If you were thrilled with what they accomplished in he recent overhaul of Alice in Wonderland, the results should be spellbinding. As those guests on the West Coast prepare to be delighted by the changes when it debuts today,  let's look backwards at the ride's creation. (Annual passport holders got a glimpse yesterday- video at the end of this article.) There's rare concept art and more below...

Few Disney park fans would argue that perhaps the most beloved dark ride attraction in Disney park history is Peter Pan Flight. When it debuted with the opening of Disneyland in 1955, it was an instant smash. After all, who could resist flying in a pirate ship over the evening skies of London and Neverland? For millions of kids and the adults who read the bedtime stories, the dream to fly was about to become a reality.

English author J.M. Barrie's novel of the boy who wouldn't grow up debuted in 1911. Readers were immediately enthralled with Peter Pan's journeys. The cast of characters were just as interesting: the Lost Boys, the villainous Captain Hook, and the manipulative but good hearted fairy, Tinker Bell. Toss in some mermaids, a few Indians, and an amphibian with a gastric problem to create more adventures than a boy could envision. Dreams of flying over a darkened but starlit London past the Big Ben's clock and onto the island of Neverland were birthed in the hearts and minds of children everywhere. Adults, too!

Off to Neverland!

Naturally, as Walt and his film makers looked at classic literature as the main source of animated film inspiration, the book and Peter Pan's adventures were a natural choice for exploration. The colorful characters and lush environments screamed for the Disney animators to tell their stories. When it was finally released to theaters in 1953, the movie drew universal praise for its enchanting theme, instantly singable songs, beautifully colorful textures and backgrounds, and of course, its endearing characters.

The idea for a family friendly park had been brewing in Walt's mind for more than a few years when he finally decided to take a chance and build Disneyland. He risked everything to do so. 

Imagineer Bill Martin's concept art.

Check out the proposed name!

This park, Walt's park, had to be unlike anything ever seen before, and that meant the attractions contained within needed to be creatively satisfying as well as crowd pleasing. With a handpicked crew, Walt and the team went to work. Each land would be unique, and Fantasyland would draw guests into the stories the animators told so well in their films.

Coming our way in 1955.

During its initial creation and design stage, Walt Disney insisted that his Fantasyland section of the new park would give his guests the unprecedented ability of experiencing the fun and excitement of his animated films by becoming part of them. Remember, this was years before Universal Studios got into the act. Again as usual, Walt Disney was ahead of his time. Way ahead of his time.

The folks that brought in carnivals and fairs told Walt he was out of his mind to build a park the way he wanted to, but Walt persisted to do as he felt he should. Giving guests an incredible experience at a reasonable cost was at the front of his mind. With this perspective and dedication to excellence, his Imagineering team (as they would later be called) created a gem, setting the bar for all theme parks to follow- and up until recently has been the acknowledged leader in the themed guest experience.

Testing the ride vehicle.

Check out the great Disney Avenue site. 
Blogmaster Keith Mahne uncovered this photo.

With Disneyland, not only was the concept unique, the choice and execution of the attractions would be as well. Although those same carnival operators of the day pressed Walt's team to include the ordinary Ferris Wheels and iron carnival rides, Walt insisted on the new and innovative. Instead, this team created adventures that could not be duplicated elsewhere. If you wanted to have this experience, Disneyland would be the place you had to go.  This trend would continue for decades before a change of direction and lack of vision at the end of the 20th century when the Disney suits began lowering the bar of execution and expectation, becoming more like its competitors than being differentiated from them.

Another view of the flight path, courtesy Disney and More.

Dark rides were a staple of amusement piers from Coney Island on the East Coast to various locations dotting much of California. Some were scary, some held promises of love or at least affection, but all of them held a certain mystique to paying customers as they could only guess at the wonders within the building they saw. This medium fit the Disney team perfectly, and they took the experience to a form of art using black light, special effects, and sophisticated animated props. Disney art directors would fashion the rides just as they could a film, directly the riders eyes to carefully chosen scenes. Add in great lighting, terrific and memorable music, the experiences found in the park would be memorable, creating a desire within guests to ride again and again.

With the layout of the park determined Fantasyland's courtyard would hold these smaller but still innovative and compelling adventures. Since the film was one of the most recent Disney hits, Peter Pan was prime for exploitation. Live theater and film had been telling the story for years, a dark ride would be a whole new way to share it. Beyond the marketing potential of living the adventure of Peter and his friends, the possibilities of how to tell the story were endless. A flight over London and Neverland were obvious contenders for the scenes, and Peter Pan Flight, as the attraction was initially named, was quickly decided upon as a necessary choice for opening day. Walt and the designers must have known they had a winning combination of story and ride vehicle on their hands.

The original plan for the exterior of the attraction.

How to set the stage for this great people pleasing adventure? The simple but effective exterior of the attraction, as shown above, fully met the strict budgetary requirements of the new venture while still presenting a fanciful, enticing entrance. The rounded tent entrance seen above would give way to a flat fronted entrance, but the primary concept remained. Even though budgets changed the exterior design what Walt originally wished to present, the tournament tents, banners, and other decorations created war still an atmosphere that could not found elsewhere. The style of Fantasyland wasn't what was fully envisioned, but the more extravagant surroundings would have to wait for later, finally appearing in 1983.

So beloved, it became the centerpiece of the Company's 1952 Christmas card.

The actual attraction, however, was as successful as they thought it would be. Filled with lavish and sometimes expensive little details that others might deem unnecessary, it was a rich experience from opening day  The queue area may have been decorated with a painted mural along the side of the building but even that was done with great care. Loving creation of the attraction- including a unique ride system whose cars were ornate pirate ships suspended from a track in the building's ceiling - rightfully enchanted guests.

Wisely, it's two rows of seats in Paris!

In many ways, this Peter Pan attraction and the more elaborate Jungle River Cruise would define Walt's park by showing what could be accomplished by the artisans and engineers when the goal was to tell a great story through pleasing, entertaining, and delighting its guests. This relentless dedication to excellence by Walt's experienced team of filmmakers brought great rewards and extremely long lines for both smaller rides as well as lengthy iconic attractions. Upon the park's opening, these Peter Pan Flight and the Jungle River Cruise became instant icons along with the it's physical centerpiece, Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Rare alternate entrance and exterior.

Not only was Mr. Disney a premier showman, he was also a savvy marketeer, and he worked hard to make sure every American knew of his beloved park. Walt and his brother Roy enticed television's ABC network into a creative and financial partnership that truly benefited both parties. Bringing Walt Disney to television was a coup for the struggling network, and the weekly network exposure of the plans for the park guaranteed much anticipation for its opening. The marketing plan was wildly successful- perhaps too successful- resulting in hoards of guests with money to spend. Anticipation was high, and so were expectations due to the buildup given Walt's magic kingdom.

Thankfully, Walt, Roy, and the Company delivered on their promise and their advertising. Disneyland actually made available one unforgettable experience after another, becoming the new gold standard for the American family vacation. Word quickly spread.

With television consistently whetting the appetites of millions of viewers, fantasies became realities- and the company was soon flush with cash to create even more amazing experiences. This meant even more ambitious and innovative attractions than what the Disney team was first designed.

Turning this into reality for Disneyland guests.

As with any new venture that was unprecedented, initial budgets were underestimated and therefore strained for the park, with Fantasyland and Tomorrowland suffering the most changes compared to what was originally desired. Still, no one could resist Peter Pan's Flight. Where else in the world could guests fly over London without being on a real airplane or cruise down exotic jungle rivers? Yet, this dream and others would become real for those visiting Anaheim and later, Florida, Tokyo and Paris.

A new and greatly detailed queue in Florida. But what about the inside?

Yes, Peter Pan Flight was so iconic, it had to be duplicated in Florida's Walt Disney World and its Magic Kingdom. Sure, other dark rides unique to Florida's park were considered, (Mary Poppins and Sleeping Beauty among them), but nothing past or present has held its own with the undisputed champion. In 2015, the Florida version received an enhanced queue, but the interior remains sorely in need of an update.

The original size of the art. Enlarged below to show detail.

Back on the West Coast, Fantasyland, and the newly named Peter Pan's Flight, remained the same for almost 30 years, until Tony Baxter led a group of Imagineers on a total revamp of the land. Now with the cash they desired, the carnival/circus tent/medieval fair look of the heart of Disneyland soon gave way to a fanciful take on the villages and atmosphere of Western Europe.

Typical Walt Disney:
Personally involved in the park that bears his name!

These changes also brought the dark ride's namesake characters into the attraction for the very first time. Originally, guests were supposed to be the main characters, but few understood the concept and many were left wondering why they never saw Peter Pan in an attraction that carried his name. This problem was corrected with the extensive remodel, much to the appreciation of frustrated parents trying to explain the initial idea to their bewildered children.

Paris' Peter Pan. A bit gritty as I blew it up so you could see the details.

On the other side through the arcade? Skull Rock!

Disneylands to come, in Tokyo then Paris, were designed with the crowd pleasing Peter Pan's Flight as a centerpiece to each respective Fantasyland. Only in Paris were the Imagineers smart enough to increase the rider capacity. However, even with larger pirate ships sailing into the night sky, guests continued to make the queue time one of the longest in the park. In fact, the lines to hop aboard are just as full in Japan and Paris as they are in Anaheim and Orlando!

Unrealized Tokyo Disneyland Peter Pan mini-land.

Courtesy photograph by Disney Geek.

Oddly, at Hong Kong Disneyland, Peter Pan's Flight never made the initial roster of opening day attractions. Quite strange, considering Hong Kong's history of being under British rule and given their knowledge of the culture. The only Brit represented there in China would be A. A. Milne's cuddly bear, Winnie the Pooh. He could be found as the star of his own dark ride next door to the 3D film, Mickey's Philharmagic. Whether Peter makes it to Shanghai Disneyland is yet to be revealed.

Perfectly maintained dark ride in - where else?- Tokyo.

In a perfectly designed kingdom, Peter Pan's Flight would be a full scale "E" Ticket attraction with a lengthy ride time. Yet, the shorter flight seems to require repeated trips to soak it all in. And guests continue to line up over and over again with each new generation. It's a rite of passage every bit as strong as a first flight with Dumbo or the first ride on Space Mountain.

Editor's note July 10: Here's a recently released piece of art showing the attraction as it will appear at Shanghai Disneyland. Seen on the far left... and a look at the pirate ships below.

Off to Neverland! Now departing from Mainland China!

Walt enjoying the fruits of his team's hard work.

Proving once again that a great story and near flawless execution are much more important than sheer mass, big thrills and excessive budgets, Peter Pan's Flight has held its own with Imagineering's "E" ticket attractions- for 60 years...and counting.

And now, a video of the new attraction!
Courtesy Mouse Info

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

First Visit Ever To Disneyland!

Tomorrow my son-in-law ventures into Disneyland for his first visit ever to a Disney park. And what a year to go! Stay tuned for a unique trip report...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney's Downward Spiral

There are many reasons that I have found it difficult at best to add articles to the blog lately. Why? The photograph above may tell the story best of all. "Disney Hand Sanitizers"- How low can the Walt Disney Company go in fleecing its fans but all the while continue to downgrade the East Coast theme park experience?

Shuttered attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios have made it a half day park at a full fare rate. (That is an article in itself that I almost published two weeks ago.) Epcot continues to fall apart, but restaurants (again) continue to increase. Yes, Animal Kingdom is improving, thanks to the success of Harry Potter at Universal. But the yeti is still dancing and Dinosaur is missing most of its more powerful effects. Depending on how you view it, the Magic Kingdom is now a mixed bag. Granted, there's New Fantasyland, filled with things that should be so much better than they are- unless of course it is a restaurant or shop. But it is without a doubt beautiful to look at! Balance that out with many broken effects and animatronics on Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, and It's a Small World. All Magic Kingdom must-sees!

To be fair, some of that same downward spiral is also happening on the West Coast. There, Disneyland is celebrating its 60th Anniversary but without a single new attraction added to its roster. That's an unfortunate choice that reveals the suits are only interested in milking their cash cows instead of offering up something new, something that entices, something that is worth the overpriced entrance fees. 

The best way to combat this spiral is to only spend your money where you are getting real value. It's why I haven't been to the World since 2009, why Disneyland Paris still dazzles me enough to visit, and why Cars Land and Radiator Springs made me pony up the cash to go to California Adventure again- twice. But Disney Hand Sanitizers and the like bring me back to earth on the company's true motives: Cash at any cost for the least amount of investment possible. Shades of Shanghai Disneyland, Mr. Iger?

Before I am so quick to dismiss the company and its money hungry  leaders, I have a confession to make. I'm probably on my own downward spiral of sorts- and maybe you are as well. For me, the evidence looks like this- I'm getting sucked into the television more and more these day. It's harder to get my butt off the couch (or off the web) to go to the gym. I'm tired, I'm frustrated, and I'm likely to not do anything about it. Spiritually, I'm not in the best of places, although I am trusting God will once again see me through this bout of quasi-self-induced sloth and depression as I press into that relationship through reading the scriptures and prayer. Surprisingly, every Sunday I am tempted to sleep in, I go to church anyway, and end up refreshed and encouraged. Obedience to God and what is said in His Word really pays off. 

Perhaps it's just a sign that I need some time off. I really haven't had a vacation since December. Much too long. So, I think I'll do that. But I won't go to Disney World. Not until they wow me once again. So I guess that means new articles will focus on the past of a once forward thinking company.

Disneyland's Only A Theme Park

Recently, I was helping my daughter and son-in-law plan their first trip to Disneyland. They are traveling during the 60th Anniversary and in, potentially, the busiest time of the year, Christmas aside. 

We discussed possible trip plans, the best ways for first time visitors to see the most they can. Indy first or Space Mountain? How to do Star Tours without much of a wait. When to ride Splash Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. What if they don't want to arrive at opening or stay late at night? Fast Pass, single rider lines, the special Paint the Night parade, fireworks, best and worst restaurant options, etc. On and on.

And it hit me again: Disneyland is just a theme park- nothing more but nothing less than a slice of Americana now long gone, designed in a world where patriotism and pride in country was still important. In the big scope of things, compared to starving children, ongoing executions of Christians in the Middle East and Africa, tales of continued corporate greed and graft, and even more important things like what happens after life on this earth, it's only a theme park. It's an enjoyable diversion, a hobby, a sidebar to life, not life itself. It's good for me to have my views checked again and again, keeping things in perspective.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Original Disneyland Submarine Voyage Concept Art

Just a quick Friday post as we head into the weekend...

This piece of concept art for Disneyland's Submarine Voyage is found as part of a preview of coming attractions page at the back of a late 1950's souvenir guide. Although it's a bit faded, a little photoshop work brings the colors closer to its original shades.

I do enjoy what was done to save the subs from extinction- meaning that Finding Nemo overlay spearheaded by Imagineer Tony Baxter- but I'll be quick to confess that the original voyage through liquid space aboard the Nautilus was much more mysterious and engaging. Do any of you out there remember it? Hopefully, there will be more art on display at the Innoventions building soon...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Hat Box Ghost Reappears- Worth the Wait?

An infamous character once invaded the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. At its opening in 1969 but only lasting for a few weeks,  the Hat Box Ghost returns to the park in time for the 60th Anniversary celebration. The piece of concept art shows what was intended and eventually reappeared. Opening today, guests to New Orleans Square have lined up to see him. Time to see it yourself.

Now, the video, courtesy Inside the Magic:

Is it just me or is this "much ado about nothing"? Don't misunderstand me here. It's the smaller details like this that sets Walt's original kingdom apart from Florida's Magic Kingdom. But it also seems that we fans of Imagineering are suckers for almost anything. Could it be that our rabid excitement over the little thing has kept Disneyland from adding a big budget "E Ticket" since Indiana Jones Adventure back 20 years ago?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland 60th Anniversary Poster

Just something for my records: Disneyland's 60th Anniversary poster. Very cool!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

New Art for Grizzly Peak Airfield

It's finally here! Concept art for Grizzly Peak Airfield. Disney Imagineering has just released some concept art giving us a preview of changes to come.

Taste Pilot's becomes Smokejumper's Grill, with a new improved menu that is sure to please guests and will most likely retain a few favorites from opening day.

Opening March 20, just a week and a half away, the interior will have shades of the former tenant but will also offer some new touches more in theme with the forest environment.

It's the revamping of Soarin' Over California that has me the most excited however. When it reopens in time for the kickoff of the 60th Anniversary celebration, there will be refreshed visuals and special effects. This classic attraction gets a new exterior and soon enough, a new film as well. Soarin' Over the World / Horizon has to first open at Shanghai Disneyland, but it will make its way to California Adventure. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

It's a Small World Through Rose Colored Glasses

Over at Yesterland, the great site led by Werner Weiss, I've really enjoyed his posts which compare photos of the park over the decades. This one post discussing Fantasyland was of particular interest. Werner had several shots showing the favorite attraction designed primarily by Imagineer Mary Blair, the classic It's a Small World.  

Upon more thought, I realized I had taken a photo of a "missing link" in the progression. It was in 1994 when the suits decided it was time to refresh the exterior by adding some color- making it more like the exteriors at Tokyo Disneyland and later Disneyland Paris. I was struck by the transition from what I knew and snapped a shot. So glad I did!

Truth be known, I love both the original white and gold and the rose colored scheme. In fact, I just love the attraction period! I love it in California. I love it in Florida, and I love it in Paris as well.

Walt Disney himself tended to see the world in through rose colored lenses- and I always loved that about him. He was unabashedly sentimental and patriotic. Although a successful business man who had seen the harder and seedier side of life, there was a child like innocence that was part of him as well. Maybe that's the piece of Disney and Disney parks that brings a warmth to my heart. It goes right along with Jesus' words reminding us that we must be like little children to enter the kingdom of God. 

With all the refurbishments going on at Disneyland for the 60th Anniversary celebration and the recent small fire at It's a Small World, it only seemed right to present this photo. It is a Disney treasure regardless of how you present it.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Nighttime Look for Disneyland's Castle at 60th

With faith, trust, and pixie dust, (OK and some help from Photoshop), here's a nighttime look at Disneyland's castle all decked out in its 60th Anniversary look. It seems a bit more dramatic and celebratory, doesn't it?

The image for California Adventure's Carthay Circle Theater looks even more spectacular as evening progresses. Just amazing what a few clicks of the mouse can do!

(Original Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

No Surprises for Disneyland's 60th

A new castle with diamond stud strings and a fresh paint job.

From a different angle.

 Brand new fireworks show.

Paint the Night parade from Hong Kong Disneyland.

California Adventure's Carthay Circle even gets in on the act. (OK, that was new to me.)

When you add this to the dark ride enhancements coming to Fantasyland, and a few nostalgia fueled items, what do you get? Not much, but the park's will look nice. Tonight's Disneyland 60th announcement is no big deal...we've heard it all- for now. I'm sure during the season, more announcements will be made, but for now, nothing spectacular.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)