Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic Coming to The Magic Kingdom's Carousel of Progress

During Destination D23, Imagineer Chris Beaty announced that Walt in robotic form would be coming to the Magic Kingdom's Carousel of Progress. Instead of Walt being in his office as he is on Main Street in Disneyland's "Walt Disney- A Magic Life", here it seems as if he is in the Imagineering offices. This piece of concept art shows Walt on stage as the opening act for the beloved show. When this will happen is anyone's guess. But it seems that if you are a fan of the attraction in Tomorrowland, the show will be staying around awhile. What good news!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Walt Disney - A Magical Life: The Real Story and Some Rare Photos from the New York Public Library

With the opening day of Disneyland's "Walt Disney - A Magical Life" behind us, I thought this piece would add a fun bit of research opportunities for those of you that enjoy such a thing. The new show may play in rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the Main Street Opera House but the stories the Imagineers could tell can't be contained to short a short time frame.  Let me share with you a unique and rare series of photos. 

A few years ago, a very large number of photographs have been made public domain from the New York Public Library, including these related to Walt Disney. Some are great, others not so much, but they all focus on an aspect of the man, his work, and the company he left behind.

At the top of this article, there's a cigarette ad for Mitchell's Cigarettes. Walt Disney advertising cigarettes. How ironic to uncover this more than 50 years after his passing. It is certainly of historic value. But you can bet the suits at the company are making sure this is one photograph you don't get to see very easily.

Disneyland's iconic Golden Horseshoe. A most appropriate image to have on file if any of Walt'd beloved park and an opening day fan favorite attraction.

Walt Disney World has not been left behind either. Here's the Hall of Presidents, an opening day attraction in Walt Disney World. It was one of the must-see presentations in the park when attractions such as the Mickey Mouse (Musical) Revue were also still around.

EPCOT Center's Spaceship Earth. Futuristic elegance defined.

Two great vintage postcards from guests. The second one is worth reading. Click on all these for the largest size, by the way.

The man as I prefer to remember him. Thank you, Walt, and thank you New York Public Library for sharing these!

Here's Audio-Animatronic Walt, above, and an unskinned AA figure below. 

Now for the real story behind that Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic...

Disneyland fans had long heard about a rumored Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic that would be placed into the Main Street Opera House by the Imagineers. This would be for the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Studios aka Disney100. Was there any truth to this? I can tell you first hand, the answer is "Yes!"

The story definitely carried weight, and Jack Kendall from DSNY Newscast referenced my story in a May 2024 YouTube video.  

Even back then there was talk about a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic show! Imagineer Eddie Sotto shared the details of it in an interview with Didier Ghez way back on January 20, 2009. I was sent a series of audio discs by Didier detailing this extensive interview. Eddie discusses a variety of topics including unrealized plans for Disneyland Paris and Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure, and yes, the idea for a robotic version of Walt that he personally worked on. 

I tried to upload an edited MP3 of that portion of the interview, but I had no luck. Instead, here is the transcription:

"As embarrassing and weird as it may seem, I worked on a show that had an Audio-Animatronic Walt Disney in it. And it was in the Opera House, and the way we were going to do it, I think, would have been respectful and done in a real tear-jerker, you know, made for the Disney fan kind of way, and it was the Walt Disney story. But the idea of the Walt Disney story, the way we would do this, we would have a scrim or a translucent background we could project on. We'd have several of these, so when we projected on them the guests could almost get the impression of seeing in 3-D. 

And to tell you about it, you'd see a short brief film of Disney's history and then coming up to what's going to come to Disney's future. And in all this stuff I remember somehow - you know I worked on this for Tokyo Disneyland too - it'd say "And your host, like in the television show, Walt Disney" and up would come the desk from his office and he'd be sitting on the corner of his desk kind of in silhouette, and you would see Walt Disney kind of in silhouette, and just softly lit, and he would talk about and gesture and we'd project Tinker Bell flying around him and all these amazing things going on. 

It wouldn't be like Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, where he's being sole focus of the show, he's kind of hosting you a little bit, throughout the history of Disney and America and all the things that we were doing. So I remember working on that. Never happened. But you know, the idea was that you wouldn't lean on it as the sole element of the show. It was like American Adventure at Epcot you see these characters that come and go and they're part of a bigger picture."

There's A Great Big Beautiful Yesterday

Sing along with me, "There's a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day..." Those simply wonderful lines from long time Disney songwriters Robert and Richard Sherman convey the optimism and hope of the 1960's Disneyland. Walt Disney knew what he was doing to get these brothers involved in creating memorable tunes for his stellar attractions! 

The Carousel of Progress was one such incredible fan favorite. Found in the brand New Tomorrowland of 1967, the attraction's cast grew the Audio-Animatronic family at Walt's park.  With the Peoplemover and the great Adventures Thru Inner Space, this land of the future just had to be experienced. For those who came shortly before, Pirates of the Caribbean had just debuted and the Haunted Mansion would come in 1969. 

It was a season when the park's expanded because of the love of the art and not the love of the dollar. But the dollars came in quantities unexpected, because Walt respected his guests and treated them well. What today's Disney leadership could learn by looking backwards!

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Walt Disney Story Florida Style

The Walt Disney Story in Florida's Magic Kingdom was always a must-do attraction. There was something very fitting about it all. Although the man himself was long gone by the time the attraction opened, putting the Walt into Walt Disney World seemed at once honoring and genteel. Certainly, the multimedia attraction was a precursor to Hollywood Studios' great One Man's Dream. But there was more. Among all the awards on display and memorabilia, there was also a small side show exhibit on Disney's great unbuilt Western River Expedition. I believe the Audio-Animatronic owl was named Hoot. He shared a bit about what was coming to Frontierland in the near future, one that never materialized. Oh, how I miss the days that the Walt Disney Company was proud of our country!

The New Country Bear Musical Jamboree Is a Hit!

Thanks to the great DSNY Newscast, we have our very first look at the newly reimagined Country Bear Musical Jamboree at the Magic Kingdom in Florida. As the second newly recently revamped attraction in Frontierland, is it a home run? Tiana's Bayou Adventure should be this much fun.  Yes, a grand slam. No spoilers here, but I'll admit I was skeptical when Imagineering told us this classic Marc Davis Audio-Animatronic show would now include Disney tunes. Wisely, this team built on the legacy of the past without tearing it apart and losing its iconic friendly feel. There's a party in Frontierland- and it gonna be a whole lot easier to see than the log flume attraction down the path.

(Photograph from the DSNY Newscast.)

Saturday Night at the Disneyland Hotel

What it lacks in size, it makes up for in sheer panache. The Disneyland Hotel may not be the biggest or the most prestigious resort ever found at a Disney themed resort, but it has a style than none can match: It's the only one that celebrates the history of what came before it. 

To put a replica of the old Disneyland sign at the pool and then use a monorail themed prop as a slide is genius. In the hotel lobby, guests find a giant tea cup just waiting to be taken for a spin as a photograph. Not to be outdone, down the path, Trader Sams bar is filled with all things tiki with more than a nod to the first attraction to feature Audio-Animatronics- Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. 

The entrance to Downtown Disney is at the edge of the property, and just beyond are the two theme parks, including what may be the most beloved one in all the world. Walt's park. The one that started it all. And that is something no other park can lay claim to!

(And Happy Birthday to the real photographer in our family!)

The Pros and Cons of Tiana's Bayou Adventure

There's a lot to like about Tiana's Bayou Adventure! But it is not all good news! There are some things that just aren't well done or missing the mark of a great attraction. Especially when compared to Splash Mountain. Instead of breaking it down into segments, I'm going to comment on both sides at the same time.

The attention to detail and bringing in the flavor of New Orleans is evident. This seems like the part the Imagineers worked hardest on, but they missed or forgot about the most important ingredient of any great attraction: The story. It's just not compelling. It's one note played out over 9 minutes. There's no drama, no tension, no sizzle. Princess and the Frog was a very good movie. Here, it seems they tossed out what made it so and instead replaced it with something bland and rather forgettable. Even Tiana herself can't rise above it. Thankfully, the physical ride is built on the backbone of Splash. The story just doesn't excite. There's really no adventure here in spite of the name.

Many of the Audio-Animatronics in Tiana's Bayou Adventure are excellent. Truly top notch. The way Tiana and Louis move is on par with those found in other recent Imagineering accomplishments. They are remarkable in fluidity and believability. Very well done. They are just not given much to do other than talk to those passing by on a log.

On the other hand, the lesser known (newer) characters seem flat and lifeless. The animal band- which is a key part of the story- feels like it's right out of Chuck E. Cheese. The eyes are key here, and this is a fail. How can you fall in love with the characters if they don't feel real? Eye movement conveys personality. I can't imagine much animal band plush or merchandise being sold.

The setting of the story is fantastic. It is truly beautiful. The darkened landscapes with Spanish moss hanging from the trees makes you forget this was once another place and story.  Seemingly endless fireflies buzz about creating a quite moody, unexpectedly romantic environment. I'm mixed on the exterior. Perhaps placed by New Orleans Square at Disneyland it will feel like a better fit than it does in the Magic Kingdom. 

Mama Odie is just not a likable character, and to make matters worse, she's a stereotype. Why is she central to this attraction? Her annoying and overplayed (overacted?) cackle reminds me way too much of the old hag in Snow White. Yet, Imagineering elevates her to multiple appearances as if she is the star of the show. She's not- and she shouldn't be- but at least she is actually doing something.

This is more than I can say about our lead character. Doesn't Tiana have something to do besides finding a band? I wish she also worked in the kitchen next to her employees cooking some delicious dishes for the party. Perhaps she's become like too many modern bosses who doesn't work themselves but only stand on the sidelines giving orders. Tiana looks great and sings as sweetly as ever, but she needs to be more than a narrator.

The music shines. Each segment hits the right notes, pun intended. The grand finale, Secret Spice, just works. It's an unexpected ear worm but a totally different and appropriate song for this new ride. Zip A Dee Doo Dah is iconic, so the replacement had to be as good if not better. Secret Spice isn't quite as good, but it is different. Think Kool & the Gang's well loved Celebration done New Orleans Jazz style. Former Maroon5 player PJ Morton had a tough act to follow. But his tune works well. Riders are just not in the finale scene long enough to get the full impact of his creation. This is too bad as the Mardi Gras party is the highlight of the whole thing.

Will Tiana's new adventure satisfy those who loved Tony Baxter's iconic attraction? No. And Tony was wise to back out. Taken on its own, Tiana's Bayou Adventure is fun if imperfect. Years from now, will it be remembered as a classic in the same league as Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion. Absolutely not.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Goodbye Test Track 2.0, Hello Test Track 3.0!

Epcot's Test Track is transforming again! Get ready for bits and pieces of the classic Future World attraction World of Motion to be gracefully Imagineered into version 3.0! Am I excited? You bet! Test Track 1.0 was brilliant, but 2.0 not so much. 

This first piece of concept art had already been revealed, giving just a glimpse of what is coming. But wait! There's more.

Here's the new art for the entrance (Top piece.) Do you love the clean lines and classic look? I do too. Like much of the ongoing transformation of Epcot, the best ideas seem to come from what was there before. Take a look at what World of Motion looked like when EPCOT Center opened:

It's Fun to Be Free, the theme song of World of Motion, would be the icing on the cake if it were to return to the ride. Even the queue. 

We won't see this one.

Did you know there's a tribute to World of Motion

in It's A Small World in Disneyland Paris?

I bet there's one thing we won't see. Original scenes full of Audio-Animatronics. But even a few would be nice. 

Why didn't the Epcot of latter years keep our interest? We are the reason Epcot had to change. Check out my detailed theory here.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Zootopia Land Forces a Rethinking of Shanghai Disneyland- and the Once Proposed Addition to Disney's Animal Kingdom

As a movie, Zootopia was a fun and better than average coming of age detective story, but nothing I saw more than once or found myself raving about. As a fully developed theme park land, however, it may be an entirely different story. 

Big, bulky, and in many ways impressive but at the same time very awkward looking, Shanghai Disneyland is the equivalent of your distant cousin pumped up on steroids. Everything about it is massive, loud, and in your face. Even the perennially sweet Fantasyland loses its charm there. For better or worse, it is one of a kind.

 

Nick and Judy in Audio-animatronic form. Pretty cute!

Back to the newest land to open soon in China. The only ride to be found is Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, a trackless dark ride with terrific sets and a handful of Audio-Animatronics. Although the POV videos on line reveal too much time in front of screens, the attraction as a whole seems fast paced, very creative, and quite immersive. 

How does it compare to other trackless rides before it? Hard to say exactly as I haven't ridden it. But it looks to be in good company with those that came before: Tokyo Disneyland's iconic Pooh's Hunny Hunt and brand new Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast; the clever Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland; the charming Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway and the budget busting Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland. There's also Ratatouille : L'Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy at Walt Disney Studios Paris- something I totally forgot about until reminded by "B" below in the comments. Thanks, B!

 

The park map reveals a fully realized land.

Would a new trackless ride based on a movie I've seen once make me go to China's second Disney theme park? No, but the land its in does make me reconsider the appeal of the park. There's so much design detail to be found throughout the land that it feels full of energy. That's something sorely missing from the ambitious but lifeless Galaxy's Edge. Congratulations to the Imagineering team who created this land.

Detail is everywhere!

With TRON Lightcycle Run now at the Magic Kingdom, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure is all that's left to make me want to travel there. Well, that's not 100% true as I'd like to see China, but there are many more places I want to go, and I don't have time or money at this point in my life to see them all. There are enough differences that make this park unique that maybe bundled together I'd consider it. Adventure Isle's ropes course does appeal to me.

Striking!

Now, the bigger question: Would I want to see this Zootopia land come to Disney's Animal Kingdom? Maybe. It would have to be hidden far enough back in the park as not to interfere with the very natural and yet international feel of what's gone before it. Especially at night. There's a vibe at Animal Kingdom that would be destroyed if it was prominently placed in view of everything else. 

The skyline.

Perhaps if Zootopia was first built in place of the original very cheap looking Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama and not as a replacement for Dinoland U.S.A., there would be a more favorable fan response to it. That said, the land is so well done in China that maybe you could convince me to replace Rafiki's Planet Watch with this. The movie's characters are already coming to the Tree of Life's theater show to replace It's Tough to Be a Bug. 

Will more characters invade the beautiful and elegantly understated Animal Kingdom? You know it's inevitable. So, I think we'd better be prepared.

(Photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Another Look at Marc Davis' Imagineering Art for Pirates of the Caribbean

When The Walt Disney Company currently seems to be holding still or actually moving backwards when it comes to the theme parks- at least in the States- it's nice to have concept art from the old school Imagineering masters to look at. Marc Davis was such a master! Here's one of his pieces of concept art for an enduring fan favorite. 

Pirates of the Caribbean stands the test of time decade after decade as one of the finest pieces of theme park art ever brought to life! There's a reason: Incredible setting in New Orleans Square, full sized sets, thrills, dozens of Audio-Animatronic characters, atmosphere galore, mystery and the incredible theme song Yo Ho (A Pirates Life for Me) which ties it all together. There's no convoluted back story, no forced Intellectual Property integration. It's just pure adventure and fun upon the high seas. Once again, Disneyland was at the forefront of what defined a theme park.  

Once again, Walt Disney was right. Give guests more than they expect and treat them with respect, and you'll win fans that return again and again.

Rare World of Motion Art

Ah, the EPCOT Center of old! When the Imagineers were forward thinkers and given more reign to create fresh and innovative ideas instead of just expensive promotional attractions for the animation and live action movie divisions most successful films. 

It's fun to be free! Here's a nice, fairly rare, little piece of concept art for EPCOT Center's wonderful and humorous World of Motion attraction. The rest of the pavilion could be explored only after the "E Ticket" ride. But what a ride it was! Filled with state of the art Audio-Animatronics and a clever narration by radio and television's beloved Gary Owens, and a very catchy theme song, it must a must see hit. 

Much akin to Pirates of the Caribbean in the Magic Kingdom, the ride through the history and future of transportation had so much going on that you had to ride several times to catch as much of it as possible. But it seemed like every trip, I would discover something new. There was even a whole scene "lifted" from Imagineer Marc Davis' unbuilt Western River Expedition- a pretty little nifty tribute to the mega complex of attractions that was given the axe when management panicked and brought in pirates instead. (See this.)

Test Track would come along and replace World of Motion, but that was certainly unnecessary. Remember that "blessing of size"? Yeah, me too. Should have had both. Such as shame the Disney suits had such disdain for their old school classics at the time. When they removed this, Horizons, the original Journey into Imagination, and the Universe of Energy, the tore out the heart and soul of the park. It's now just become a showcase for the Company's latest Intellectual Property- but without much intellect. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room: Here, There, But Not Everywhere

Did you know that United Airlines and Dole were not the originally proposed sponsors of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland? The beloved attraction that stands at the entrance of Adventureland (and deep within it at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World) was sure to be an out of the box hit. 

 

Walt Disney World's Tropical Serenade at park opening in 1971.

From Gorillas Don't Blog.
 

The use of Audio-Animatronics was in its infancy stage and first debuted with this epic stage show in the round in 1963- right on the middle of America's love affair with all things Hawaiian and Tiki. Walt and his Imagineers knew this new E Ticket attraction would be a smash, and they first pitched sponsorship to none other than RCA. The concept art above is one of the first ones created. 

 

Alien invasion in Tokyo Disneyland.
 

The show was imported to Tokyo Disneyland and is now interrupted by Stitch, but it was never added to any other castle park aside from the two in the US.

 

Colonel Hathi's Outpost in Disneyland Paris.

There is a tribute of sorts in Disneyland Paris' Adventureland in Colonel Hathi’s Pizza Outpost, where feathered cousins perch above diners.  

 

Disney is slowly doing away with its Audio-Animatronic musical shows. (See this post.) It's an unfortunate move when especially in Florida they have all the land the could ever need. In fact, I'd say The Enchanted Tiki Room is "appreciated" in Florida and Japan but only truly beloved in California. Should the suits desire Moana to have a castle park presence, this would be the place she'd move in. Until then, let's all sing like the birdies sing.

(Art and photos copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

  

Say Goodbye for Good to This Once Planned Epcot Project

World politics being what they are, it's safe to assume we can now say a permanent goodbye to Disney Imagineering's plans for an epic Russia pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot. Really, truly, unique addition to that part of the park- with a slew of attractions beyond the expected film type tour of the country. Retired Imagineer Joe Rohde was part of the project team. That should tell us something about the dedication to authenticity and excellence.

Beautiful or what?

Obviously, the plan was to move beyond the Communist regime and the Putin era by going into its history. With a nation rich in culture, art, music, and instantly recognizable architecture, Imagineers planned to offer guests the opportunity to experience it all in a stay rich manner that only Disney could. Go to Red Square as the beginning of your journey. Then enjoy a variety of attractions taking guests into the land and experience the history through the lens of literature and music, puppetry and more. 

Prior to this war with Ukraine, in the earlier days of Epcot, what kept this from becoming a brick and mortar expansion to World Showcase? Lack of a long term plan for the park that gave way to the invasion of Intellectual Property and the desire for long term mega-profits for the highest levels of the Disney executives. (Should I say that? I don't mean to sound so negative, but when you look at the recent bonuses and pay levels, what else can you conclude?)

Grand but intimate, rich with detail!

Imagine if you will, a Russian version of The American Adventure- a full blown theater presentation using all the tricks of the Imagineers with a cast of Audio-Animatronic characters. Heart wrenchingly beautiful musical pieces would accentuate the story making for a very memorable experience.  

More was planned, including a fun-filled journey on a sleigh through beloved Russian fairy tales, making it the perfect chance for Disney to use that trackless technology in the correct way. Of course, there would be more than plenty of opportunities to spend our heard earned cash. Dine on authentic cuisine, shop for unique souvenirs, experience some great entertainment, and then interact with cast members from the homeland. Oh, what could have been! I have lots more concept art, but that will be for another day.

Sad, isn't it? Due to the invasion and the Russian government's plan to recreate the Soviet Union by force, this expansion for World Showcase will be relegated to coffee table books of what was planned but not built at Walt Disney World. It's good to remember that the people of any nation do not equal the government leaders. So, pray for peace- and pray for repentance. A complete turnaround of the situation would be wonderful, wouldn't it?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow: Carousel of Progress Comes Home

Walt Disney and the New York World's Fair. What a combination! The success of the four Disney shows impacted the future of the Company in big ways. It's success paved the way for Walt Disney World, proving that regardless of the naysayers, East Coast audiences were not immune to the charms of Disney attractions. 

The World's Fair was also a boon to Disneyland as Walt and company had procured agreement with attraction sponsors that these experiences would find their way back to California once the fair was over. 

Imagineer Colin Campbell's beautiful concept art for this theater in the round Audio-Animatronic show represents the grand finale: a modern family living with all the latest technologies created by General Electric. (I've included this art in the biggest form possible- just click on it.) The attraction was so popular that it became the centerpiece of a brand new Tomorrowland. The beloved 1967 version that remains the best ever created for California. Along with the Peoplemover and Adventure Thru Inner Space, Disneyland's home of the future became a fresh and inspiring look at what life could be- something far beyond the disjointed, character-filled mess it is today.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

World of Motion Meets Western River Expedition

Concept art is something I can never seem to get enough of! EPCOT Center had some of the very best due to the enormous talent of people like Imagineer Herb Ryman. This Future World pavilion might look a bit unfamiliar to you as it wasn't built like this, but instead, it was given a different exterior. Look closely though, and you'll recognize it to be World of Motion presented by General Motors. 

Scenes from World of Motion in postcard form.

The centerpiece attraction was a ride through adventure filled with good humor a la Marc Davis style and scores of Audio-Animatronics. In a very sly and subtle move, there's one very big tribute to Marc Davis in the attraction. The Old West scene of a stagecoach being held up is taken directly from pieces of a journey planned for the never built Magic Kingdom attraction, the Pirates of the Caribbean inspired Western River Expedition. (The best series of articles on this unbuilt Thunder Mesa mega attraction filled area is found on Passport to Dreams Old & New. Here's the link to Part One.)

Don't get me wrong- Test Rack is pretty fun, although I am a fan of the original version instead of the Tron rip-off we now have. (The test crash dummy scene was a perfect blend of concept, theme, and execution.) But the suits and Imagineers should have been able to leave the original E Ticket while building a second one.

Anyone ready to sing World of Motion's classic theme, "It's Fun to Be Free"? Wish I could see this attraction again!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Full Color Disneyland Map of 1963

The year is 1963, and Walt Disney's pet project Disneyland is on the cusp of some pretty spectacular attractions. The Enchanted Tiki Room had just debuted to stunning reviews. How could it not? It was an Audio-Animatronic stage show full of tiki culture, charm, and terrific music. Adventureland would never be the same.

Main Street U.S.A. would soon be home to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, a brand New Tomorrowland was on the park's horizon, and in between the park's first new land New Orleans Square would arrive with   the attraction that would once again raise the bar for all theme parks: Pirates of the Caribbean. 

This map is worth blowing up and checking out what Walt's park looked like in the early years. So much is gone, but so much remains almost 60 years later. The last two decades of the Disneyland's additions have been a mixed bag, but I certainly wish there would be someone at the helm of the company who had one single once of Walt's creativity- and his desire to give park guests the best experience possible for the high prices charged to get into the park. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland Attraction Posters: A Little Tiki Culture for a Sunday Morning

Disneyland, tiki culture, and Imagineering. What a great combination for something very creative! Here's Paul Hartley's attraction poster to advertise Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, the groundbreaking Audio-Animatronic filled musical show. With its introduction in the early 1960s, Disneyland and every Disney theme park after would never be the same. This show goes through changes in Tokyo and perhaps one day will be fully replaced in Walt Disney World, but may it live on in its slightly abbreviated form in Walt's park. It's a classic! (By the way, the Insights blog has the most extensive attraction poster collection on the web!)

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Rare 1967 Disneyland Painted Map

Here's a fresh and bright and charming 1967 map of Disneyland. It seemingly wasn't used much if at all as there are no labels or text, but it is full of vintage goodness. Used shortly after the opening of Pirates of the Caribbean that same year, the graphic design of the icons sparkle with life. 

It was during a season when Audio-Animatronics were new and exciting. Take a look at the prominence of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln right at the hub, the Enchanted Tiki Room makes its splash on the map, and the beautiful clock tower of It's A Small World stands proudly behind the castle. Beyond those highlights, the beloved and iconic New Tomorrowland shows off the Peoplemover while older school attractions still have a place. From the Swiss Family Treehouse to the Matterhorn Bobsleds and the Jungle Cruise, Disney knew their market and that variety is the spice of life.

For all its many changes over the decades, "Walt's park" certainly remains just as astonishing as ever!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Selling Splash Mountain to McDonalds

From the Disney pitchbook, or as I call it,  "How to Sell A Corporate Sponsorship of Splash Mountain to McDonalds". The beautiful little piece of concept art for Disneyland's version of the wettest ride in the wilderness was used by the business side of the house to get the hamburger behemoth to open up their wallets and sponsor the sure to be popular log ride. 

The musical Audio-Animatronic Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah classic has it all! A long and at times relaxing thrill ride for most of the family, classic characters, a sweet storyline, and one very memorable piece of Americana- a beloved Disney song from the controversial movie Song of the South. 

Imagineer Tony Baxter and his team created one of the most loved attractions ever and one with the longest lines at any Disney park. Taking figures from the closed America Sings attraction designed by Marc Davis, the end result remains a fan favorite for almost 40 years!

What will the newer Imagineers do to this classic as they transform it into a tribute to Princess and the Frog? The heroine Tiana is a charming and determined young woman in midst of a compelling story. But troubles come to the surface quickly when talking about the changes in detail. The villain will certainly ramp up the freight factor. The animal characters are in an entirely different artistic style than their predecessors. The film's music is classic New Orleans but without one instantly iconic song on the wide scale appeal level of Zip. 

Will this be another Frozen Ever After or a forced entry changeout a la Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout? Let's hope not. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Get These Splash Mountain Images Before They Disappear Too!

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah! Say it loud! So now the music from Splash Mountain is disappearing? Where will the "cancel culture" mindset at Disney strike next? Here are a few attraction posters of Disney's beloved Splash Mountain.  Aside from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland has largely remained stagnant of new and great attractions since the Indiana Jones Adventure. This has only strengthened the public's ongoing love affair with the nine minute plus long water flume masterpiece. And the fact it is just darn fun- and without a racist moment in sight!

It was brand new CEO Michael Eisner that realized the parks needed fresh attractions to appeal to the growing teen market- and fast. They had to offer new rides that provided thrills found at other competing amusement parks. 

One for each park!

Imagineer Tony Baxter and his team created the idea for a log flume attraction themed to Song of the South, an old Disney film filled with charm and controversy, but they avoided the link to the past and focused on a new storyline. The faded popularity of the old Tomorrowland show, America Sings, provided the perfect reason to reuse Imagineer Marc Davis' characters and place them in a brand new setting. What a smart move it turned out to be for Eisner to green light the project!

With its charming story, extremely catchy music, repurposed (and therefore cheap) animated characters, this thrilling flume drop, Splash Mountain was a major hit with fans since its first day of operation. The poster above celebrated its grand opening on July 17, 1989. To this day, the attraction continues to draw some of the longest lines at Disneyland for good reason.

Here's the 25th anniversary poster of Splash Mountain!

The Magic Kingdom in Florida and the Disneyland original will be swapped out for a Princess and the Frog makeover. It's not a bad idea- but I ask you- why can't people realize supposed "racist" overtones in the attraction are just not there? Even the origin stories come from African folklore. It's a charming and classic Disney attraction. I'm sure Tiana's adventure will be great too. But sometimes, too much is just too much.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)