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.

The Country Bear Jamboree Shattered My Dreams

To think I have Dave Snyder from Walt Disney Imagineering to blame for this! The year was 1975. My dad was doing a project for work (as a computer programmer) and ended up meeting him. Truly, a very nice man to agree to meet up a young fan of Disneyland and theme park design. He is quoted in Leslie Iwerk's excellent book The Imagineering Story as well as being interviewed in the Disney+ series of the same name.

He agreed to meet, taking us backstage of the Country Bear Jamboree at Disneyland, actually below stage. Henry was huge! All those Audio-Animatronics were! Since we were there during park hours and the show was actually playing, watching how complex the work was mechanically, I was just so impressed. Of course, over lunch in the employee cafe, we talked about what it took to be an Imagineer. 

When I got home, into the library I went to investigate it further, and I realized the incredible artists who worked there were the very best in the industry. World class as a matter of fact.

My artwork was pitiful in comparison. I had no other skills to market (or so I thought at that point in time) nor did I realize there were jobs like show writers, engineers, or hundreds of other jobs that were represented by Disney in that division. So, that was that. 

But thanks to my Dad for arranging something so special. And to Mr. Snyder for investing his time to bless and encourage a young teenager.

I eventually ended up in the travel business as my first real career... But as you can tell from reading the blog, Imagineering is still my dream job and my first career love!

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Main Street Cinema, Country Bear Jamboree, and the Heart of a Disney Park

Even though Disneyland is removing merchandise from its classic Main Street Cinema, probably much to the dismay of Bob Chapek and others like him who seem to think the parks are mostly showcases for sales of Disney Intellectual Property related items, there are even those fans who believe it wasn't such a bad idea.

Case in point: Robert Niles, from Theme Park Insider-

"Okay, I'm gonna deliver some tough love here. Main Street Cinema is a wasted space in Disneyland. It's not that this is a bad concept — far from that, an old-time movie theater show the films that gave birth to the Walt Disney Company is a perfect, even necessary, component of Main Street USA. But in its current form, Main Street Cinema simply is not attracting enough attention to merit the use of that very valuable corporate real estate."

Generally, I tend to appreciate and agree with Robert on many things, but this is not one of those, even if I do believe him to be a true fan and an all around good guy.

My question for him and others is, "What should Disney place there?" Main Street Cinema is one of the cornerstones of true placemaking in the park; one of the original attractions that felt true to theme and place, helping to immerse guests into Walt's park. It was one of many items that made Disneyland different than regional carnivals and pier attractions. One of the many little touches that bring charm and authenticity. I say leave it as it is, and let guests enjoy it if only for nostalgia's sake. (Or air conditioning.)

The same holds true in Florida's Walt Disney World resort and her Magic Kingdom. Those who are thinking of replacing Country Bear Jamboree and even Enchanted Tiki Room are missing the point. If I'm not mistaken, those two Audio-Animatronics shows are back to back as well as not taking up too much space. Perhaps between the two, there would be enough room for a decent sized dark ride. But is is worth it? No.

Beyond destroying some opening day attractions, a move like this only subtracts from the variety of entertainment choices for guests. Once upon a time in that Magic Kingdom, every land but Main Street had an animatronic show (Mickey Mouse Musical Revue in Fantasyland, the silly but fun Sonny Eclipse show in Tomorrowland, and the two mentioned above). These types of shows are still perfect for little ones, older folks and others for whom these bring back lots of memories, and any guest who prefers a gentler even corny form of entertainment. 

These shows and smaller attractions bring a charm and warmth to the increasingly over commercialized Disney Parks  forming a backbone, a sense of place, and in many aspects, the heart and soul of those beloved spaces. 

They are worth preserving as is.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Marc Davis Compilation of Attraction Art in One Serving

Marc Davis. For just about any Disney park fan, his name conjure up images of classic, iconic, humor filled "E Ticket" attractions. Disneyland was his Imagineering playground. In this one singular image, the viewer can see drawings which represent his artistry as reflected in the parks: Pirates of the Caribbean, Country Bear Jamboree, The Haunted Mansion, the Jungle Cruise. And the list goes on and on- including his most famous unbuilt attraction not represented here: Western River Expedition. 

It's interesting to me that the "star" of this piece of art is The Snow Queen, the idea for an animated film (and attraction) that turned into Frozen. The man was an undisputed genius. Imagineering needs more like him.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Country Bears Introduce the Critter Country 500

Every once in awhile, someone suggests ripping out the Country Bear Jamboree from the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. I hate that idea! It's a Florida Kingdom original, and it's one of the few musical Audio-Animatronic shows left. (Will they ever go back in style?) The other American version of the show got pulled out for Winnie the Pooh, leaving just a version of this humorous attraction in Tokyo Disneyland. 

How did it get pulled from California? Well, "The Happiest Place on Earth" had a big problem as its traffic patterns indicated that the once popular show seemed to have run its course. The country music fan base was just not as strong as in the South. Time for change had come for Imagineer Marc Davis' musical comedy.  

The Country Bears were to begin life here.

But the show- which began as an idea for Disney's Mineral King Ski Resort- had its fans. Fans in Imagineering, actually.

Many ideas were tossed about as they tried to come up with something fresh for those Hillbilly Bruins. A small flume type attraction was considered as well as a silly road race, shown above. (You can see more concept art for the race here.)

The great sounding "Critter Country 500", a fun road race for all ages was one of the ones with the best chance of making the cut. But it wasn't to be.  Even this rending by Christopher Merritt couldn't convince the suits. Pooh won out, taking his place at Disneyland.

(Oh yeah. Come back tomorrow for my trip report on Disney World After a Decade- Day Three at Epcot... then, the Magic Kingdom.)

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Country Bear Jamboree Opens Today!

Country Bear Jamboree is now finally open at Disneyland! At least that's what this great little advertisement says. 

Appearing in the Los Angeles Times in 1972, this nice little full color piece was there to entice visitors to come back to Bear Country and experience the Imagineers latest musical show. The revue's been there since opening day in 1971 at Walt Disney World, but West Coast Disney fans had to wait another half a year for Walt's park to transform the Indian Village into the back woods home to these critters.

Remember, Audio-Animatronics were still fairly new, just recently making its full impact in the mid-60s with Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room.  The pizza chain Chuck E Cheese had not arrived yet either, making these kid-friendly musical shows quite popular. 

Imagineering genius Marc Davis was a master at bringing humor into the parks. Serious attractions like the original Jungle River Cruise needed his humorous lift. So did the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland, the Pirates of the Caribbean, and of course, the Haunted Mansion.  All this not counting his influence in other parts of the park. 

With the Bears, he was starting from scratch and given full reign to play. The music was pretty good too! The show pleased crowds for many a year. Eventually, the attraction closed to bring in another little bear, but the singing crew almost made an appearance in a brand new thrill attraction, The Critter Country 500. (Go here for more details.)

Rumor's been around for awhile that the Jamboree in Florida's Magic Kingdom- the original and only one left on US soil- is due for an update. I think it can be done as long as they don't replace Teddi Barra with Miley Cyrus and her wrecking ball!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland Time Machine: Music to My Ears

America the Beautiful. Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland. Adventure Thru Inner Space, America Sings, and more. Much more. What a way to visit vintage Disneyland in your mind! It's one thing to daydream about a visit to the park, but it's another thing entirely if you're adequately prepared. 

And I am. Listening now to the excellent Musical History of Disneyland, the perfect 50th anniversary gift for Disney park fans. Starting with Walt Disney's dedication, the collection takes you through each land of the park, bringing atmospheric music, deluxe attraction soundtracks, and evening and holiday performances and parades. It's a time machine journey that never gets old.

Silly Old Bears at the Jamboree

Zeke, Zeb, Ted, Fred, and Tennessee. The Five Bear Rugs- usually with Gomer on the piano, and little baby bear Oscar along for the ride. The centerpiece act of the one and only original Country Bear Jamboree, a Florida Magic Kingdom opening day attraction.

When I was in high school, my father worked with a man who had "inside" connections at Disneyland. This guy ended up arranging a brief behind the scenes tour for us. I was thrilled that we were able to go behind stage at the wonderful Marc Davis designed Country Bear Jamboree! It had just opened a couple of years ago, replacing the Indian Village. 

Bear Country and the Jamboree 

coming soon to Disneyland.

A Marc Davis classic replacing the Indian Village.

We went in through some back entrance and headed toward the rear of the stage. Unexpectedly, I looked up and saw the backside of Henry, the master of ceremonies. He was huge! I could hear the show going, and I could even see through a very, very small opening, a slice of the theater. 

After hanging out for awhile, we headed out of the park. I never will forget this once in a lifetime opportunity! For a long time Disneyland fan, it was quite a gift from my Dad to set this all up. Another in a long list of great and personal Disney thrills.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Ladies and Rogues: Pieces of Art for Pirates of the Caribbean

There's much to love about the work of Imagineer Marc Davis. The man contributed to so many classic Disneyland and Walt Disney World attractions! The Jungle Cruise, Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland, America Sings, Country Bear Jamboree, and of course everyone's favorite, the Pirates of the Caribbean. 

No one like Marc could do magic when it came to pulling off clever gags with humans and animals- and the first two pieces of art show exactly what I'm talking about. The top piece contains two lovely ladies that did not make the cut when it was time to build the attraction. The art below shows a monkey and his human friend enjoying a pint- another that never found a home in New Orleans Square.

Just last month I rode the attraction and realized there was still an enormous amount of open space where previously unused concepts could come to life. My hope is that one day, Anaheim visitors will find sword fighting as guests can do while riding the excellent reworking of the attraction at Disneyland Paris. It's something a guest doesn't even realize is missing until its seen for the first time. Quite the feat the Imagineers pulled off.

Just when I think I've run out of Marc's pieces for Pirates, I find something else in my files. Perhaps one day, I'll unearth more...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Western River Expedition: Thrills Before Splash Mountain

Long before Splash Mountain made its debut, there were plans in the works for a flume ride for Walt Disney World on the books long before the park's opening in 1971. If the above images look familiar, the reader certainly recognizes this as some concept art for the infamous and unbuilt Frontierland attraction  Western River Expedition.

Imagineer Marc Davis, the brains behind such Disney classics as Pirates of the Caribbean, America Sings, and the Country Bear Jamboree, conceived this massive mountain, Thunder Mesa, to actually host a series of attractions within its confines. The only adventure to make it past the drawing boards would be totally reimagined by Tony Baxter: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. (A central scene the Expedition could be found in EPCOT Center's World of Motion attraction.)

When the project for the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World  was scrapped due to its also massive budget and public demand for a Florida version of Pirates, the project was cancelled. Later, it was shaved down to just the runaway mine train adventure. Left behind was the Old West sing a long cruise Western River Expedition, the planned hiking trails, the Indian Village at the top of it all, and some report, even a resurrected pack mules journey. 

It was within the Expedition that the final surprise would take place, a rush down the mountain waterfall as an escape from a raging forest fire. (Look closely at the image on the right.)  Pirates had a couple of nice but mild drops. This would be big and steep with more than twice the thrill; a thematic boat ride, broadway style country musical, and thrill ride all rolled into one. Certainly epic and certainly enough of a landmark attraction to persuade a Disneyland fan travel to Florida from the West. 

With all the attractions built at parks outside the States, it may never come to pass as Frontierlands seem out of style and cowboy and Indians may be politically incorrect. There's one small chance, however. Disneyland Paris has a large enough plot of land set aside by the Cowboy Cookout, and the French park has never worried about bowing to political correctness. Here's hoping!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland's Secluded Hideaway

Call it the Golden Bear Lodge, the Hungry Bear Restaurant, or something entirely different if you want, but this backwoods dining hall out in Critter Country is one of Disneyland's most beautiful and secluded treats. This lovely piece of concept art covers it pretty well.

Even if I don't actually eat there, I always take a few moments out of my day to go to the farthest table and sit. Enjoying the Mark Twain rounding the bend, an occassional canoe gliding by, and the abundance of wildlife, its always a surprise that this tranquil spot is right in the middle of Orange County, California.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland Attraction Posters: The Critter Country Collection

With the smallest of Disney lands, comes one of the fewest number of attraction posters. The story of Critter Country aka Bear Country aka the Indian Village truly speaks to one of the constants of Disneyland's evolution: the park will always be changing, influenced by both the history of the Walt Disney Company and the future of it.

The grand opening of Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom in 1971 had a significant impact on Disneyland in California. Following several years of very impressive attractions and explosive growth in guest numbers, the focus shifted to Florida. With New Orleans Square, the Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion and the New Tomorrowland, the risk-taking Imagineers amassed an incredible string of stunning successes. The public was quick to respond with increased attendance and increased spending in shops and eateries. It was now time to focus on Florida where the company was opening an entire resort and not just an individual theme park.

Certainly, Florida's Magic Kingdom used Disneyland's primary attraction roster and general layout as its blueprint with several attractions being slightly tweaked due to placement in a new land compared to the west coast park (The Haunted Mansion) or adjusted for Central Florida's less hospitable weather (It's A Small World). There were a few new attractions for the Magic Kingdom, and one of these quickly made its way to California: the Country Bear Jamboree.

The show itself began life as an entertainment concept for Disney's proposed Mineral King development, but when those plans fell apart, the very corny but clever Audio-Animatronic theater show was placed into the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. It's blend of country music and hillbilly bears made it an instant hit.

Back in the day when a few years between new attractions was unheard of, the Disney suits decided to clone this Florida gem back to the California park, adding one additional theater to handle the expected crowds. The Indian Village closed, and the bears moved in, bringing a north woods feel to this quiet corner of the park. Along with Teddi Berra's Swinging Arcade, the seemingly Mile Long Bar, and the Golden Bear (now Hungry Bear) Restaurant, the new show created a brand new land that drew in guests- for a season. Interestingly, it was the first time that guests could be in the park and walk beyond the boundaries created by the tracks of the Disneyland Railroad.

When Michael Eisner took over the reins at the Walt Disney Company, he was wise enough to see the parks needed an injection of attractions that would compete with the thrills found at other amusement parks in the area. The fading popularity of the old Tomorrowland show, America Sings, provided the perfect opportunity to further expand Bear Country.

Imagineer Tony Baxter and his team executed an idea for a log flume based attraction themed to Song of the South, an old Disney film filled with charm and controversy. With its deep storytelling, catchy music, repurposed animated characters, and a thrilling flume drop, Splash Mountain was destined to be another hit. The poster above celebrated its grand opening on July 17, 1989. The attraction continues to draw some of the longest lines at Disneyland regardless of the season.

Country Bear Jamboree was quickly losing an audience as guests from the west coast grew bored with the show's hillbilly flavor. The Imagineers tried to reuse the bears by creating a new thriiling attraction of a different flavor (go here), but the budget minded management- the same leadership involved with the creation of the disaster of California Adventure 1.0- vetoed the plan in favor of bringing another Florida attraction to California.

It was a silly old bear that created more change for this little corner of Disneyland. Winnie the Pooh remains a popular, beloved character in children's literature and in film. The Walt Disney Company opened a dark ride attraction in Florida which replaced Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in the Magic Kingdom.

Four years later in 2003, another version of Pooh's attraction appeared in Disneyland, replacing the Country Bear Jamboree, which had run its course of popularity. Had the suits and the Imagineers planned better, Country Bear Jamboree could have stayed open if reduced to one theater, and Winnie the Pooh could have still been designed using the available space more creatively. This would have resulted in two attractions for children and families who chose not to ride or couldn't meet Splash Mountain's height restrictions. Bear Country became Critter Country to better reflect the home of its newest inhabitants. The new attraction's poster, however, did not appear until many years later, when Disneyland management continued to build a fan base for this less than wonderful dark ride.

Editor's note, July 2014: Above the 25th anniversary poster of Splash Mountain!

As you can see, changing tastes affect the popularity of the park's attractions, and this in turn changes what ends up in the parks. What will come next to this area of Disneyland? Who knows, but my bet is the Imagineers still have some new tricks up their sleeves.

Next stop on our grand circle attraction poster tour- the Old and Wild West!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney Park Countdown- #4 The Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Tough, tough choices as I approach the Top Four on the list! As I said earlier, these top choices are as far removed from the ones below it, as far as could be. So, on with the countdown. At Number 4- Walt Disney World's original and beautiful Florida park- The Magic Kingdom.

There is a magic that is Walt Disney World, a magic that existed at its opening almost 40 years ago, a magic that still exists today. It's not a kingdom without its deserved criticisms, but Florida's first Disney park shines above it all.

As a Californian where the smaller, more charming, and original Disneyland was my "home" park, it would be easy to think that I have little attachment to the Magic Kingdom. You'd be wrong! From my trips there as a young teen, to visits with my children, to my last visit in 2009, I still get a rush journeying by ferry over the Seven Seas Lagoon and walking under Main Street's elaborate train station. That first view of the castle still wows me.

The grand scale and scope of the place sets the Magic Kingdom apart from the one graced by Walt's steps as do its many unique attractions. Just going down that list is pretty impressive for a park often dismissed as a lesser clone of Disneyland: The Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, Swiss Family Treehouse, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Carousel of Progress, and my favorite 3D film, Mickey's Philharmagic.

In my earlier visits, If You Had Wings ("...had wings, had wings, had wings...") was a must see, the Plaza Swan Boats circled the plaza, the Mickey Mouse Revue played to packed houses, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride ran double courses around London and the countryside, and the stunning Nautilus submarines cruised the Fantasyland waters on its 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea journey with Captain Nemo. In later years, the truly edgy Alien Encounter and the entertaining Timekeeper were the centerpiece of a stunning Tomorrowland remodel. Granted today's line up also includes missteps with attractions from the awful Stitch's Great Escape to the out of place Monsters Inc: Laugh Floor!
Liberty Square remains one of the most beautiful and delicately imagined Disney lands in any park. This tribute to Americana and those who gained our initial freedom is at once patriotic, inspiring, and unique. Walking through the area and taking in its sights brings me a thousand miles away from Central Florida. The entire experience of Liberty Square is much more effective than the singular building and attraction of the American Adventure at Epcot.

Regarding the remaining lands, only Tomorrowland and Main Street U.S.A. are very effective, but even those suffer from the character infusion in the land of the future and the shopping experience the "turn of the century" has turned into. Frontierland feels remote but pressed back into a corner. It needs something new. Adventureland was once beautiful. The overall atmosphere and mystique has been destroyed, with Caribbean Plaza needing to see the return of its unique blend of entertainment, shopping, and eateries. For now, Fantasyland pales compared to its other cousins. (Hong Kong Disneyland's version is its equal from what I can see.) Honestly, each Disney park has its imperfections. The Magic Kingdom is no exception, although its size and scale makes them more obvious.

Dining in the Magic Kingdom offers much variety. The handsome Liberty Tree Tavern, the nautical Columbia Harbour House, and the beautiful Crystal Palace leap to mind as primary examples here. Certainly, dining inside Cinderella Castle is still great fun for little ones. Who can resist Main Street's Confectionary or a Mickey Mouse Ice Cream bar? That said, it is time to get the Diamond Horseshoe back to its high-kicking dancehall routines.

Shopping used to be pretty good here, especially when the Magic Kingdom was the sole park. In this aspect, Liberty Square was once the New Orleans Square of Florida- there was a perfumerie, antiques store, a shop that focused on American history, and a bigger emphasis on authentic goods and reproductions fitting the theme. These days, it is the same old story: the requisite Christmas shop, etc.

However, it is still the attractions that most define a park. When it comes to the Disney staples- adventures that almost require them being built for the opening of each additional Kingdom- it is a mixed bag of results. The newly improved Haunted Mansion has now moved past its California cousin, this Splash Mountain remains the best when in full working order, and Space Mountain's rockets offer an experience as different from that in California as it is from the one in Paris. Tomorrowland may have a couple of "dog" attractions at its entrance, but its architecture glows day or night! The energy of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority only adds to the excitement.

On the other side of the comparison equation, although I love the ending of Florida's It's A Small World, the exterior diminishes the wow factor to some degree. Pirates of the Caribbean, with the gorgeous fortress marking the queue still gives guests an abbreviated ride. Adventureland needs another makeover after the Aladdin themed addition, and the whole of Fantasyland is a disappointment when it comes to vast expanses of concrete replacing the lush gardens and green spaces of other parks. As I said, its a mixed bag. Yet even these inferior versions of Disney Imagineering staples outweigh the attractions found at California Adventure, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

What comes next to draw guests in? The Fantasyland Forest addition has its promising elements. The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure is at the top, but character meet and greets do not a Wizarding World of Harry Potter make. Ramblings of new experiences for Frontierland are starting to make the rounds, but rest assured, Disney suits will make sure the park remains stagnant for a few more decades before making another large investment into the park.

Five down, three to go. There's one park remaining from California, Florida and France. Which will be at the top? Stay posted.
(Photos copyright Mark Taft.)

Audio-Animatronic Musicals Dead at Disney Parks

At one point in the not too distant past, Disney developed several musical variety attractions. The trend began in 1963 with the opening of "Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room" and continued on with various shows opening in many theme parks around the world. This was a good fit for the time as American television was dominated by comedy, music, and variety shows.

The spectacular success of "Tiki" meant there would be more to come. Eventually, there was a duplicate of the show in Florida dubbed "Tropical Serenade", as well as two others at the opening of the Magic Kingdom park, "The Mickey Mouse Revue" and "Country Bear Jamboree". In turn, the West Coast gained its own bear hoedown as well as another show - a tribute to America and its music, just in time for the country's bicentennial with "America Sings". With all these shows, theme park fans across the country had several chances to sit down and relax while they were entertained in air-conditioned comfort. A big bonus especially in the humid and hot Sunshine State.

The Magic Kingdoms were not the only Disney parks to receive these types of musical revues. The 1982 opening of the groundbreaking EPCOT Center, brought us Kitchen Kabaret, a strange little show about nutrition hosted by fruits and vegetables. For all of Disney's talk about the park heralding the next century, this cabaret was very retro, exactly the type of attraction that earned Disney parks the teen reputation of being "the place old people went." Or even just a place for little kids. (Think about the pizza hall Chuck E. Cheese!) It was an extremely long 12 years before this show was retired, but unfortunately it was replaced by an even worse presentation, Food Rocks.

Tokyo Disneyland's opening saw the first overseas presentations of the Magic Kingdom's shows, aside from "America Sings" which, thankfully had no place in Japan, and the Land pavilion's musical theater- which shouldn't have happened anywhere. Wiser heads prevailed for the planning of Disneyland Paris. None of these shows were featured, and the planned Beauty and the Beast musical theater presentation was axed in favor of other attractions. I must admit, since this is my favorite Disney animated movie, ( Do I really need to qualify this by saying "hand drawn"?), I was very much looking forward to this show.

Although initially quite fun, these musical shows were starting to wear thin with each repeat viewing. Attendance began to drop. Marc Davis' charming American characters found a new home in Splash Mountain, and the Mouse's Revue in Florida took up new digs at Tokyo's opening. A poorly planned and executed replacement for Serenade opened in Florida as a desperate attempt to keep an audience. At the Happiest Place on Earth, the Bears vacated their California home and made way for an English cub, with Food Rocks retiring for Epcot's version of the only California Adventure classic, Soarin'. In the middle of this transition time, the Imagineers wisely dropped plans for an alien cabaret to replace the poorly aging Carousel Theater in California. The era of theater shows starring animatronics had passed.

Being a music lover meant these shows had a longer life span for me than maybe necessary. Some shows weathered better than others. Having a soft spot for Hawaii and looking back fondly on our many vacations there, I was thrilled when the original Tiki Room was beautifully restored. I wished Disney had saved one theater for the Bears, but that was more for nostalgia value than anything else. (A rumored remake with famous country singers would have held some interest for another few years, however.)

Just recently, I listened to the full recordings of the Disneyland shows from the 50th Anniversary set. Sad to say, but I found myself thinking these shows needed to be replaced. The Jamboree was charming for its time. America Sings, as much as I appreciate the talent of Mr. Davis and his sense of humor, has aged the worst of the lot. Even my beloved Tiki Room survives as a pleasant distraction due to my love for the islands.

Attractions aging poorly is not solely the domain of animatronic musical theater. Disney faces the same kind of challenges with its reliance on 3D film-based attractions and also with stage productions using live actors. Due to its large base of international versus local visitors, the Florida parks can last longer with aging shows and films, but not so in California, as evidenced by the feeble crowds for "Muppets" and "It's Tough to Be a Bug". Viewing the latest plans for California Adventure, we see the Imagineers themselves understanding the struggle they face. New adventures either involve interactivity or those that physically move us from place to place, all the while telling a great story.

The biggest lesson here for Disney is to understand their audience is constantly looking for something not found elsewhere. Disney cannot continue to rely on yesterday's methods and whatever is easiest (or cheapest) to do. In fact, while these types of musical shows are quickly disappearing stateside, you won't find audio-animatronic musicals at Hong Kong Disneyland or at the still coming Shanghai Disneyland either. Developing new technologies are a vital part to keeping things fresh and to bringing return visitors. Disney cannot allow their competition the luxury of beating them at their own game by passing on cutting edge ride or show systems offered by outside firms.

While in the parks, guests desire something new and different. Particularly in California where it is so easy to travel between parks, a variety in types of attractions and experiences contribute to keeping visitors around through mealtime and into the evening hours.

Balancing these truths and budgets are all part of the new rules for today's theme park game. As shown by the public's lukewarm reaction to the poorly executed but quickly improving California Adventure, rewriting the rules doesn't always work. The lessons learned at this park prove it is better to do it right the first time or pay the price. This time, they won't get increased attendance for a song.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland's Road Race to Nowhere

"The Happiest Place on Earth" had a bit of a glaring problem. At least it was obvious to the suits watching the park and its traffic patterns. Marc Davis' sweet but amusing Country Bear Jamboree seemed to have run its course with park visitors. Numbers continued to decline.

The attraction occupied a big and beautiful wooded piece of real estate at Disneyland, just around the bend from the Haunted Mansion. It wasn't front and center as in the case of the attraction's location at Walt Disney World's Frontierland, but it was still a substantial chunk of the very small original kingdom. What to do?

Henry in his new role!

The Imagineers with a soft spot for the attraction began coming up with some new concepts to save the Hillbilly bruins. Among the considerations were a small flume type attraction and a silly roadrace. 

And the winner is... no one.

Ultimately, even the terrific "Critter Country 500" with its rending by Christopher Merritt, couldn't save the bears from a quick and out of place swap out with another little cub. With the show leaving Disneyland, it was the beginning of guests losing musical Audio-Animatronic shows. (See the article here.)

The singing bears were now only to be found in Tokyo Disneyland and at Florida's Magic Kingdom. Oh, Pooh!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Birds and Bears: The Death of Disney Audio-Animatronic Musicals

At one point in the not too distant past, Disney developed several musical variety attractions. The trend began in 1963 with the opening of "Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room" and continued on with various shows opening in many theme parks around the world. This was a good fit for the time as American television was dominated by comedy, music, and variety shows.

The spectacular success of "Tiki" meant there would be more to come. Eventually, there was a duplicate of the show in Florida dubbed "Tropical Serenade", as well as two others at the opening of the Magic Kingdom park, "The Mickey Mouse Revue" and "Country Bear Jamboree". In turn, the West Coast gained its own bear hoedown as well as another show - a tribute to America and its music, just in time for the country's bicentennial with "America Sings". With all these shows, theme park fans across the country had several chances to sit down and relax while they were entertained in air-conditioned comfort. A big bonus especially in the humid and hot Sunshine State.

The Magic Kingdoms were not the only Disney parks to receive these types of musical revues. The 1982 opening of the groundbreaking EPCOT Center, brought us Kitchen Kabaret, a strange little show about nutrition hosted by fruits and vegetables. For all of Disney's talk about the park heralding the next century, this cabaret was very retro, exactly the type of attraction that earned Disney parks the teen reputation of being "the place old people went." Or even just a place for little kids. (Think about the pizza hall Chuck E. Cheese!) It was an extremely long 12 years before this show was retired, but unfortunately it was replaced by an even worse presentation, Food Rocks.

Tokyo Disneyland's opening saw the first overseas presentations of the Magic Kingdom's shows, aside from "America Sings" which, thankfully had no place in Japan, and the Land pavilion's musical theater- which shouldn't have happened anywhere. Wiser heads prevailed for the planning of Disneyland Paris. None of these shows were featured, and the planned Beauty and the Beast musical theater presentation was axed in favor of other attractions. I must admit, since this is my favorite Disney animated movie, ( Do I really need to qualify this by saying "hand drawn"?), I was very much looking forward to this show.

Although initially quite fun, these musical shows were starting to wear thin with each repeat viewing. Attendance began to drop. Marc Davis' charming American characters found a new home in Splash Mountain, and the Mouse's Revue in Florida took up new digs at Tokyo's opening. 

A poorly planned and executed replacement for Serenade opened in Florida as a desperate attempt to keep an audience. At the Happiest Place on Earth, the Bears vacated their California home and made way for an English cub, with Food Rocks retiring for Epcot's version of the only California Adventure classic, Soarin'. In the middle of this transition time, the Imagineers wisely dropped plans for an alien cabaret to replace the poorly aging Carousel Theater in California. The era of theater shows starring animatronics had passed.

Being a music lover meant these shows had a longer life span for me than maybe necessary. Some shows weathered better than others. Having a soft spot for Hawaii and looking back fondly on our many vacations there, I was thrilled when the original Tiki Room was beautifully restored. I wished Disney had saved one theater for the Bears, but that was more for nostalgia value than anything else. (A rumored remake with famous country singers would have held some interest for another few years, however.)

Just recently, I listened to the full recordings of the Disneyland shows from the 50th Anniversary set. Sad to say, but I found myself thinking these shows needed to be replaced. The Jamboree was charming for its time. America Sings, as much as I appreciate the talent of Mr. Davis and his sense of humor, has aged the worst of the lot. Even my beloved Tiki Room survives as a pleasant distraction due to my love for the islands.

Attractions aging poorly is not solely the domain of animatronic musical theater. Disney faces the same kind of challenges with its reliance on 3D film-based attractions and also with stage productions using live actors. Due to its large base of international versus local visitors, the Florida parks can last longer with aging shows and films, but not so in California, as evidenced by the feeble crowds for "Muppets" and "It's Tough to Be a Bug". Viewing the latest plans for California Adventure, we see the Imagineers themselves understanding the struggle they face. New adventures either involve interactivity or those that physically move us from place to place, all the while telling a great story.

The biggest lesson here for Disney is to understand their audience is constantly looking for something not found elsewhere. Disney cannot continue to rely on yesterday's methods and whatever is easiest (or cheapest) to do. Developing new technologies are a vital part to keeping things fresh and to bringing return visitors. Disney cannot allow their competition the luxury of beating them at their own game by passing on cutting edge ride or show systems offered by outside firms.

While in the parks, guests desire something new and different. Particularly in California where it is so easy to travel between parks, a variety in types of attractions and experiences contribute to keeping visitors around through mealtime and into the evening hours.

Balancing these truths and budgets are all part of the new rules for today's theme park game. As shown by the public's lukewarm reaction to the poorly executed but quickly improving California Adventure, rewriting the rules doesn't always work. The lessons learned at this park prove it is better to do it right the first time or pay the price. This time, they won't get increased attendance for a song.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Songs for Simpler Times

At one point in the not too distant past, Disney developed several musical variety attractions. The trend began in 1963 with the opening of "Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room" and continued on with various shows opening in many theme parks around the world. This was a good fit for the time as American television was dominated by comedy, music, and variety shows.

The spectacular success of "Tiki" meant there would be more to come. Eventually, there was a duplicate of the show in Florida dubbed "Tropical Serenade", as well as two others at the opening of the Magic Kingdom park, "The Mickey Mouse Revue" and "Country Bear Jamboree". In turn, the West Coast gained its own bear hoedown as well as another show - a tribute to America and its music, just in time for the country's bicentennial with "America Sings". With all these shows, theme park fans across the country had several chances to sit down and relax while they were entertained in air-conditioned comfort. A big bonus especially in the humid and hot Sunshine State.

The Magic Kingdoms were not the only Disney parks to receive these types of musical revues. The 1982 grand opening of the groundbreaking EPCOT Center, brought us Kitchen Kabaret, a strange little show about nutrition hosted by fruits and vegetables. For all of Disney's talk about the park heralding the next century, this cabaret was very retro, exactly the type of attraction that earned Disney parks the teen reputation of being "the place old people went." Or even just a place for little kids. (Think about the pizza hall Chuck E. Cheese!) It was an extremely long 12 years before this show was retired, but unfortunately it was replaced by an even worse presentation, Food Rocks.

Tokyo Disneyland's opening saw the first overseas presentations of the Magic Kingdom's shows, aside from "America Sings" which, thankfully had no place in Japan, and the Land pavillion's musical theater- which shouldn't have happened anywhere. Wiser heads prevailed for the planning of Disneyland Paris. None of these shows were featured, and the originally planned Beauty and the Beast musical theater presentation was axed in favor of other attractions. I must admit, since this is my favorite Disney animated movie, ( Do I really need to qualify this by saying "hand drawn"?), I was very much looking forward to this show.

Although initially quite fun, these musical shows were starting to wear thin with each repeat veiwing. Attendance began to drop. Marc Davis' charming American characters finally found a new home in Splash Mountain, and the Mouse's Revue in Florida took up new digs at Tokyo's opening. A poorly planned and executed replacement for Serenade opened in Florida as a desperate attempt to keep an audience. At the Happiest Place on Earth, the Bears vacated their California home and made way for an English cub, with Food Rocks retiring for Epcot's version of the only California Adventure classic, Soarin'. In the middle of this transition time, the Imagineers wisely dropped plans for an alien cabaret to replace the poorly aging Carousel Theater in California. The era of theater shows starring animatronics had passed.

Being a music lover meant these shows had a longer life span for me than maybe necessary. Some shows weathered better than others. Having a soft spot for Hawaii and looking back fondly on our many vacations there, I was thrilled when the original Tiki Room was beautifully restored. I wished Disney had saved one theater for the Bears, but that was more for nostalgia value than anything else. (A rumored remake with famous country singers would have held some interest for another few years, however.)

Just recently, I listened to the full recordings of the Disneyland shows from the 50th Anniversary set. Sad to say, but I found myself thinking these shows needed to be replaced. The Jamboree was charming for its time. America Sings, as much as I appreciate the talent of Mr. Davis and his sense of humor, has aged the worst of the lot. Even my beloved Tiki Room survives as a pleasant distraction due to my love for the islands.

Attractions aging poorly is not solely the domain of animatronic musical theater. Disney faces the same kind of challenges with its reliance on 3D film-based attractions and especially in Florida, also with stage productions using live actors. Due to its large base of international versus local visitors, the Florida parks can last longer with aging shows and films, but not so in California, as evidenced by the feeble crowds for the tired "Muppets" and "It's Tough to Be a Bug". Viewing the latest plans for California Adventure, we see the Imagineers themselves understanding the struggle they face. New adventures either involve interactivity or those that physically move us from place to place, all the while telling a great story.

The biggest lesson here for Disney is to understand their audience is constantly looking for something not found elsewhere. Disney cannot continue to rely on yesterday's methods and whatever is easiest (or cheapest) to do. Developing new technologies are a vital part to keeping things fresh and to bringing return visitors. Disney cannot allow their competition the luxury of beating them at their own game by passing on cutting edge ride or show systems offered by outside firms.

While in the parks, guests desire- and pay for- something new and different. Particularly in California where it is so easy to travel between parks, a variety in types of attractions and experiences contribute to keeping visitors around through mealtime and into the evening hours.

Balancing these truths and budgets are all part of the new rules for today's theme park game. As shown by the public's lukewarm reaction to the poorly executed California Adventure, rewriting the rules doesn't always work. The lessons learned at this park prove it is better to do it right the first time or pay the price. This time, they won't get increased attendance for a song.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)