A New Idea Beyond Electric Autopia Cars- And It's a Perfect Fit for Disneyland's Tomorrowland

"Don't bury the lead!" This is the old newspaperman's wisdom that has lasted for centuries whether the content was put on paper or in digital form. News has broken that Disneyland, the one, original, Walt's park, will not only be keeping the Autopia in Tomorrowland, but it will be converted to electric vehicles. I think this is an excellent move for multiple reasons, but I will miss the smell of the fuel. It brings back so many great memories of when I'd visit the park as a kid! 

Can I say I hope they use the cars from Hong Kong Disneyland? And could they certainly make the track and surrounding areas look as inviting as that Chinese park? I hope so. 

This all led me to think there is a perfect addition to Tomorrowland that I've heard no one else mention yet. So, here it is:

Move Aquatopia from Tokyo Disneysea to the old Motor Boat Cruise lagoon next to Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage! It'd bring fresh energy to a land that was once " a World on the Move" and fill in a very dead space in the park. Not every addition needs to be an "E Ticket" to fit or to be successful- or even beloved. Just look at the Fantasyland Dark Rides at Disneyland! 

A move such as this would be unexpected, appreciated, and filled with charm. Go ahead, Imagineering. Pitch my idea! D23 is just around the corner!

Pimping Out Dreamfinder and Figment

OF COURSE THEY WOULD! But we park fans knew that already. The suits of the Walt Disney Company merchandizing are once again dragging out Figment and Dreamfinder to bring in some quick cash. EPCOT Center's great Journey Into Imagination was an "E Ticket" classic from opening day. Imagineering Legend (yes, someone who is really deserving of the title!) Tony Baxter created the classic characters and led the team in crafting a modern day must-see attraction. Now, new CEO Josh D'Amaro, it's time to show your true fan colors and get a great new version of the attraction green lit. Make this a D23 to remember!

Disney Mansions and Manors- Frightfully Funny or Just Frightful?

The Haunted Mansion. Phantom Manor. Mystic Manor.  Each one certainly comes with its own plusses and minuses, but in their own ways, Imagineering has created a masterpiece that results in each being a true "E Ticket" adventure. Should a young child take a chance and explore what lies within?

One main consideration is the use of humor. When inserted into an attraction, it can take the edge off what could be a solely frightening experience. The levels of this vary greatly in each, making some a "safe" experience for younger kids, while for others, it may be much too dark, much too frightening. Let's focus on the humor levels as the main storytelling device.

At the Disneyland original, elements of lightheartedness come into play during the ride's third act, but not one single moment before. You find nothing humorous of the sort while waiting in line in New Orleans Square. We're talking serious business... particularly after dark. 

At Walt Disney World, a dash of humor begins in the queue, where cartoonish looking busts greet those waiting to enter the house on the hill in Liberty Square. That said, there's something about that eerie tombstone of Madam Leota that just delivers the shivers. 

In Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris, there's really no humor at all until the graveyard in the outside gardens upon exiting the home. It's a very dark, quite sinister presentation while riding your Doom Buggy, giving a gruesome twist to the story that binds together all the elements of Frontierland as tightly as the noose in the opening scene. Parents should take serious caution before allowing their young children to ride. Snarling skeletal dogs and the Phantom himself keep the edge. The manor in serious disrepair has not taken its inspiration from the movie Psycho without reason. Beware.

On the flip side, Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor is full of fun and mischief from the very beginning! The colorful exterior gives guests a cue. Who cannot love Albert the adorable little monkey who puts the upheaval into motion? From any angle, the attraction is a winner that is repeatable visit after visit- and I've only seen the videos. Families of all ages should not miss this!

Will there be another incarnation of the Mansion / Manor at the soon to come Disneyland Abu Dhabi? Your guess is as good as mine.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Is This the New Ride System for the Avengers E Ticket?

Long rumored, hinted at, finally announced, and not built. At least not yet. With a property as precious as Marvel, the Disney Imagineers- and more importantly, the suits that run the show- had better do a great job with the Avengers Campus E Ticket attraction for California Adventure and Hong Kong Disneyland. (Will it come to Avengers Campus at Walt Disney Studios Paris? Probably not but you never know.)

However... I have a feeling that the BATMAN: Knight Flight attraction at Warner Brothers Adu Dhabi might have beaten Disney to the punch. The ride system is used to full effect in this cutting edge attraction. Incorporated with full sets and a thrilling storyline, I believe this to be the ride system or a variant that we'll soon find in the Disney Parks. 

The competition is still for tourist dollars- and Disney can't afford to try to recover from either the lack of opening day enthusiasm for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge or Spider-Man Web Slingers attractions. Can they do it or will they blunder it big time?

You decide for yourself if they've already been beaten. Look at the video below and determine the thrill factor for yourself... including whether or not you'll journey to the Arabian Peninsula to ride it for yourself.

(Video by Denis S.)

Rare Indiana Jones Adventure Concept Art

I can almost bet you have not seen this piece of concept art before! I most certainly had not, but what a find! The Indiana Jones Adventure must be considered as one of the crowning achievements of Disney Imagineering. Adding this major "E Ticket" to Walt Disney's first theme park, shouted loud and clear that Disneyland would not play second fiddle to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Imagineer Tony Baxter and his team worked tirelessly to bring the famed explorer and his travels to life. And, boy, did they succeed!

This Imagineering concept art is pretty rare I'd guess- and I have many pieces in my collection, including a limited edition opening day piece that I purchased the Saturday of the Adventureland attraction's grand opening. Back when the wait was close to four hours, I rode it once- and immediately got back in line for another go round. My reward? A whole different excursion though the temple. Wow!

This piece is by one-time Imagineer Christopher Bradley. It's got an almost photo real quality to it, and it captures all the mystery and intrigue of an unforgettable attraction.

Can't wait for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny? Me, neither! 

If you love the movies as I do, and equally love those incredible theme park attractions that bear Indy's name, check out this article for more concept art and stories from Indy based attractions. There's also many, many pieces I've shown on the blog that you'll have to search for. Treasure awaits!

Hopefully, the 5th Indiana Jones film will be a hit and spawn more attractions- including that Indy themed mini-land at Disneyland Paris!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

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.)

  

Which Version of the Mary Poppins Attraction Would You Rather See Built?

Which Mary Poppins attraction would you rather have? The one shown above in this concept art by master Imagineer Tony Baxter for the original Disneyland or the one below designed for World Showcase at Epcot? Let's look at each as the decision may not be as clear cut as it seems. Or could there be yet another answer? 

The one for Disneyland looks to be a "D Ticket" or even an "E Ticket" based on its innovative ride technology and substantial sets. 

A charming attraction poster for the Epcot attraction.

The Epcot version, as indicated by Walt Disney World insiders, is said to be a "C Ticket" carousel or spinner of sorts with projection mapping put to new use. Each would have numerous pieces of music to bring it all to life, be it from the original film or Mary Poppins Returns.

In the video above, Tony explains how this Disneyland attraction would come to life. Quite fascinating. There are even parts of it that remind me of Tony's other classic attraction, Journey into Imagination.

In a perfect World, we'd have both! What do you think? I say that would be practically perfect in every way.

(Art and video copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Rare Great Movie Ride Art

The Great Movie Ride was everything a classic Disney attraction should be! Everything but updated, that is. May it rest in peace. But here's a rare piece of Imagineering concept art for this original Disney Hollywood Studios / Disney-MGM Studios attraction. The clever Imagineers looked to have a bit of fun portraying the bank robbery scene. 

Every visit I rode it, I absolutely loved taking on newcomers. When the tour guide leaves the ride vehicle only to be replaced by the bad guy, I just loved the faces of the guests. They seemed to be shocked that Disney would incorporate something so fresh, cast member reliant, and absolutely unexpected into a big, high tech, E Ticket attraction. In 1989 at park opening, this twist certainly surprised me as well! Of course, the surprise return of the driver later on was just as fun. Those were the best days of the Studios! The future looked bright.

Ever curious about the history of the park? Take a look at my mega article celebrating its 25 years. Grab your coffee - or your whiskey, cowboy- and plan to sit for a spell. It's full of vintage photos I took in 1989, loads of concept art, and a whole story of the park's history. Enjoy!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Trio of Coming Attractions

The year was 1959, and it was a very exciting time to be going to Disneyland! Under Walt Disney's leadership - where the guest was thought of in the highest terms possible - the park kept expanding and expanding. By treating the customers well, the park not only grew, but the Company turned great profit.

Three new iconic attractions were to debut that year, attractions that would make that half of the park shine: The Disneyland Monorail system, the Motor Boat Cruise, and the very popular Submarine Voyage. And the best was yet to come.

Just imagine not one but two "E Tickets" coming on line in one park in one year. You'd never see that happening today. What an incredible time to be a Disney park fan!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland Paris Tricks- See It All in One Day

You get to travel to the world famous city of Paris. Although time is relatively short, you've convinced your spouse to give you one day at Disneyland Paris to indulge your Disney side. How can you see and do it all in one day? Let me show you what to hit, what to miss, and how to do it.

After three visits in three different seasons, I noticed a few trends that should help make a visit to this most gorgeous of all "Castle Parks" a delight. Be it Summer, Fall or Winter, the plan is strikingly the similar and should bring the same result. Let's begin.

1- Go Early with Pre-purchased Tickets.
This cardinal rule of theme park visits holds true in Europe as well.  You'll be tempted to stop and admire the gorgeous gardens right in front of the Disneyland Hotel (and the park entrance) - along with everyone else. Don't take photographs now. Resist and head directly to the turnstiles. Make your way down to the end of Main Street U.S.A. and wait for that rope drop.

2- Go straight to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
The layout of the park is different than the Stateside ones in this regard. Frontierland is found in the same place as Adventureland in the States. Turn directly to your left from the hub, walk through the Fort and turn right. Follow the crowd the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. If there's no line for a Fast Pass, get one for later- and then get in line for the most popular attraction in the park. Trust me, you'll want to do it again. Beginning your journey by traveling under the river to the mountain is a unique thrill all its own.

3- Proceed to the Fantasyland dark rides of your choice.
Other than the language differences, these attractions are newer versions of the beloved classics but mostly the same. In the case of Peter Pan's Flight, there is a larger seating capacity. Snow White is told in German and Pinocchio in Italian, so unless you're from Florida or just have to see these attractions for yourself, these are generally ok to skip. If you're okay with bypassing the dark rides, spend the time elsewhere. Save the castle for the busy part of the day (approximately 1-5pm), but make sure to explore its depths and heights, see the dragon in the dungeon, and discover the secret passageway through Merlin's Shoppe. 

Actually, there are many attractions which are good choices for the busier part of the day. In addition to the castle, there's Aventure Isle, a combination Swiss Family Treehouse and Neverland version of Tom Sawyer's Island; the Frontierland fort can be explored; Aladdin has his own walk-through attraction; the Nautilus submarine can be toured; and of course, the two interesting arcades which line the backs of both sides of Main Street- the Liberty and Discovery arcades.

4- Indulge in a nice meal.
This is Paris, after all. Even if it is not a coveted seat at Walt's or Aventureland's Blue Lagoon, do take the time to find a restaurant with nice atmosphere. Favorite and cheaper locations include the Hyperion Cafe in Discoveryland and for fish and chips, Toad Hall in Fantasyland. Stop, eat, and people watch. It's a nice rest and will keep you going for the remainder of the day.

5- Keep an eye on Space Mountain.
If you think you've seen it in the States, be prepared for something new. As with most "E Ticket" attractions, they are completely reimagined by the old school top-of-the-line Imagineers. The exterior of the mountain literally shines and watching the cannon shoot off riders into the interior of the mountain never gets boring. The lines will be long all day, but since this is not necessarily a family coaster, the queue length can vary drastically. Whatever you do, make sure you ride this one.

6- Notice the details. They're everywhere.
The park itself is the ultimate "E Ticket". 

7- Do not park hop.
Even with the inclusion of the new Ratatouille ride, the Walt Disney Studios park is just not worth your time. The park was created by a different design team with a different goal, and it shows. Especially with only one day, stay in the beautiful Disneyland Paris. Tower of Terror is the California version and 85% of the park looks like the original Hollywood Backlot section of California Adventure 1.0- in other words, very ugly. 

8- Watch the Nighttime show.

9- Stay until the park closes.

10- Lodge at Val d'Europe.

Is this the Face of Disneyland's New High End Restaurant?

There is some speculation- and for good reason- that New Orleans Square's Royal Court is becoming an inclusive, alcohol serving, elegant restaurant. There's been a good bit of construction, and with the recent changes to the physical layout and the guest policy for members of Club 33, some folks are thinking the reason for construction is due to the conversion of this bit of Disneyland history. 

Whatever happens, there's no doubt its a pretty little area! Imagineer Herb Ryman painted this gorgeous piece back in the 1960's to provide a glimpse into the world of the Paris of the South. As a piece of art, it's quite lovely on its own. As a piece of Disney history, it's charm perfectly conveys the equal charms of the grandest addition to Walt's park since its opening. New Orleans Square continues to be the benchmark for elegantly detailed Imagineering work at Disneyland. (Of course, now at California Adventure, I'd venture to say its Cars Land. The beautiful Buena Vista Street is pretty but it's unfortunately too small and without an E Ticket attraction to dignify it beyond being a well done ode to Los Angeles at Walt's arrival.)

Thanks to Vintage Disneyland Tickets for this piece!

The magnificent care taken in designing New Orleans Square was evident as the Imagineers included not one but two courtyards. The more famous one, Court of Angels (with a sign calling it Court des Anges), pictured above on the cover of Vacationland, is now closed off to guests and serves as the waiting area for patrons of Club 33. Pity. It was one of the premier places in the park for a quick look, a walk inside, and a photographer's paradise.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Best Contemporary Piece Ever Written About Disneyland

Sometimes a blog is so good, so thoughtful, so passionate about it subject, that readers tend to take its existence for granted. Such is my love affair with Passport to Dreams Old and New. My post today is to highlight an incredibly astute piece of what sets the Disneyland Resort and the park itself above all others. With nothing left to say, it's to be found here. 

Plussing the Disneyland Resort Now in Vogue

Seems to me there are some pretty great things happening at the Disneyland Resort these days!

Over at Walt Disney's original kingdom, Disneyland, the beautiful and thrilling Matterhorn Bobsleds are rushing towards its June reopening. No word on whether or not the icy caverns will be enhanced or if the ascent to the top will return the blizzard effects, but one thing is certain- people will soon be queuing up to experience the thrill of the mountain once again. It's a fan favorite, and the hard work of the Imagineering's Tony Baxter will perhaps bring this old masterpiece up to par with Walt Disney World's Expedition Everest over at the long neglected Animal Kingdom.

Other proposed changes are coming, and we are all waiting for the announcement of that new "E Ticket" attraction to ward off Harry Potter and his Forbidden Journey when it hits Universal Studios. The sentimental me says it is really for Disneyland's 60th birthday, but the realist businessman knows we would only be in for another parade and fireworks show if it weren't for the beloved wizard coming into town.

Of course, next door at Disney California Adventure, it is now in vogue to keep "plussing" the park as it prepares for its grand second coming on June 15th. Once the ugly stepsister or red headed step child, (I can say that, as my youngest son is a ginger!), California Adventure will soon be the place to be with Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land and the brand new Buena Vista Street. Finally, be it going back to old standards or something as mercenary as needing to make a buck- or both- John Lasseter and even Robert Iger are spearheading the effort to make the park shine from top to bottom. Matt Ouimet was loved for this reason. Can Iger change his reputation from one that is only concerned with making the parks tech savvy?

Along with the recent repainting of some of its buildings and changing out some of the pun filled windows, Hollywood Land's ugly elephants have disappeared. At last. Oh, the excess glamour thing is just not befitting a Disney theme park! It was a misstep from the beginning. As bad as Superstar Limo! Speaking of that disaster, Monsters Inc. is most likely just getting an exterior painting, and I am ok with that for now. Let's just hope all this is the beginning of redoing one of the ugliest parts of California Adventure 1.0. A new facade for the theater and finishing off the backsides of the backlot would do so much to wipe away bad memories of the past.

Condor Flats is getting a re-sparkling as well. Here's to hoping for a new paint scheme and a more forest like appearance now that Carsland brings the desert to the park. Trees are always a good thing. Perhaps new signage for Soarin' Over California, Taste Pilots, and the entry marque? It'd be a beautiful start! Now, about that mine train we've all seen in the concept art and that panning for gold attraction...

Paradise Pier is still a mixed bag, but I must give props to the team that transformed the Orange County Fair reject into something that finally has a bit of charm. Leave it to a Little Mermaid to set things into motion. Ariel's Undersea Adventure is a family friendly hit, and for what it is, its pretty good. No, not Haunted Mansion scale, scope, or quality, but it is far more charming than that mess of an attraction once housed on the same spot.

Suddenly, caring for the parks and enhancing the theme is the new hot thing to do, and fans will be the benefactor of the result. Could a smashing success of a relaunch spark a Phase Two or even the active planning of the Third Theme Park? Those would be the biggest plusses of all!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Indiana Jones and the Last Adventure

Thank you to "The E Ticket" magazine for many great years and wonderful articles! Go here for some goodbye photos...