Imagineer Dorothea Redmond's Beautiful Concept Art for Cinderella Castle

While we fans await the return of Cinderella Castle to its initial and carefully planned color scheme, we can take a glance at this genuinely lovely piece of concept art by Imagineer Dorothea Redmond. She may be best known for her atmospheric pieces for New Orleans Square at Disneyland, but the woman could pull off anything! The delicate water colored hues she uses for the courtyard of the Florida park's icon is design at its best. There's no need to scream look at me; the design detail speaks for itself. In a new Disney world where subtlety may be a truly lost art, the old school Imagineers understood the value of guests slowly discovering the rich atmospheres they created. This added to the charm of the castle parks and all others that followed.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Design Detail: New Orleans Square

The beautiful New Orleans Square at Disneyland is the very best example of Imagineering art in Walt's original kingdom. The newer Galaxy's Edge may contain the most impressive E Ticket attraction ever, but the area is still developing and not worthy of the crown. Every single detail in New Orleans Square was designed to reinforce a story of elegance and exploration. The place feels alive. It's charming, layered, and seems lived in. 

This piece of concept art of the French Market area is by a Disney artist unknown to me. From the style, it's neither Herb Ryman or Dorothea Redmond, the two Imagineers that most influenced the look of this land, both on the outside and on the inside of the shops and restaurants. Everywhere you look, the design detail is lovingly crafted, and it shows. From the railings to the signage to the subtle changes in texture and color, nothing is left to chance, and it all works together seamlessly. When you toss in the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, it's tough to name another land that is so enjoyed after almost 60 years. Just incredible really. New Orleans Square remains the ultimate Disney land in any park anywhere.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Two Rare Adventureland Goodies

Since I ran out of time to put together my "The New Orleans Square You've Never Seen" article, I thought I would put out there a couple of pieces of rare concept art for Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. 

At top is Imagineering's Colin Campbell and a beautiful piece showing the outdoor preshow area to the Tropical Serenade at the Sunshine Pavilion. In Florida, there's no garden with the gods before entering the Enchanted Tiki Room, but there is a cute little show while guests wait for the main attraction. In this piece, I'm struck by how dressed up everyone is! What a nice change of pace compared to today, right?

Do you love eating at Skipper's Canteen? (I haven't gotten in yet. It's on my must-do next trip.) The Jungle Cruise inspired restaurant looks to have a great menu and an intriguing atmosphere. 

But actually, I have gotten into Skipper's Canteen, just under the name of the Adventureland Veranda- which goes back to opening in 1971. Same location, different interior, much less expensive but some similarities. Dorothea Redmond captured the charm of early Disney World perfectly here. The Veranda also had some space now used by the Magic Kingdom's more difficult to see Club 33. It was nice to sit and eat lunch and overlook the rest of the park while the Plaza Swan Boats sailed by. Ah, simple pleasures of years gone by...

Many Disney Parks fans like to play "Which Resort is the best?" I'd rather just enjoy the differences for what they are. They're both so different and each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. But one thing is certain: Disney Imagineers are some of the best in the business! Even if Universal Creative is killing it lately, I want to believe Imagineering can still create world class attractions when given the proper encouragement, direction, and budget. Where's Walt when you need him?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Christmas at the Carousel of Progress

Do you follow the official Disney Parks Blog? I do visit but not as often as I used to do. All too often, its become absolutely frustrating! Sometimes, it just pushes the latest item for sale just as an online outlet mall, sometimes something from the Food Network, and all too rarely do they give us something meaty about the actual attractions at their world famous parks. 

A few years ago, however, the writers on the blog did something that surprised me. They surprised us with a gift. And here it is- they displayed a piece of rare concept art from Imagineer Dorothea Redmond. A beautiful rendering for Walt Disney World's iconic and recently abused Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom. It's as if they are a fan of their product instead of just promoting it. Can you imagine that? It's something that should happen more often.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Art for Carousel of Progress at Christmas

Do you read the Disney Parks Blog? I do every day, but sometimes it feels like an online store. Maybe even like reading articles from the Food Network. 

There seems to be a growing obsession with Disney food and merchandise, making me think that the suits would rather grow revenue by focusing on those kind of offerings year round.

I know they haven't forgotten new attractions, though. Or even old ones. Here's a piece of concept art for an old but classic attraction! From Imagineer Dorothea Redmond, a great slice of art for Walt Disney World's iconic Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom. Every once in awhile someone in charge of the blog must be a fan of their amazing parks instead of just being the one put in charge of promoting them.  

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Carousel of Progress Christmas Concept

You have to wonder about the Disney Parks Blog at times. It feels like an online outlet mall, sometimes something from the Food Network, and all too rarely do they give us something meaty about the actual attractions at their world famous parks. 

Today, however, they surprised me with a piece of concept art from Imagineer Dorothea Redmond- and one for Walt Disney World's classic Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom. It's almost as if someone in charge of the design of the blog is actually of fan of their product instead of just being put in charge of promoting it. Imagine that!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)