"Ascending by Degrees"- A Return to Greatness at Walt Disney World?

It was Disney fan extraordinaire Kevin Yee that coined the phrase "declining by degrees" to describe the persistent and continual lessening of the original standards found at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. You know, those impeccably high values for show and guest experience, and yes, value, that Walt Disney himself set forth. Perhaps it's only fair now to perhaps consider that Disney may be "ascending by degrees" at least when it comes to one aspect of change in Florida. (Let's forget the debacle of removing the Rivers of America just for one moment.)

The original concept art by Imagineer Herb Ryman for Cinderella Castle (top) was a masterclass example of elegance, restraint, and just plain good taste. The infamous "castle cake" overlay was just the beginning of a few cheap and ugly variations of the look, culminating in the horrendous rose gold layover deemed appropriate to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. 

Thankfully that look is on its way out! The piece that debuted at this year's Destination D23 (above) shows a coming return to what it should be, a nod to the greatest Imagineering minds, those old school geniuses that brought excellence to all they did. 

It seems much like the area enhancements to Spaceship Earth at Epcot, the most successful design choices are the ones that return to the original feel when the parks were first thought out. Maybe, just maybe, a return to excellence, a full "ascending by degrees" will begin in Florida and then spread to the West Coast and "Walt's park". Here's hoping! 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney's Most Disjointed Fantasyland Has Beautiful Concept Art

Even when the Disney suits make a mistake, the concept art from Imagineering can be quite beautiful. Such is the case with this piece from Imagineer Tom Gilleon and his work for the rather uninspiring Fantasyland for Shanghai Disneyland. Make no mistake, the castle is the largest one ever in a Disney park- after all, this is Mainland China's Disney park. Everything there is big- including these grand, beautiful depictions.

The mix of attractions inhabit a bizarre land that includes Tim Burton's strange version of an Alice in Wonderland maze alongside a very weird Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, the charming Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and other oddities. But then again, Dumbo Flying Elephants and the requisite Carousel reside in front of the castle here, another misstep. 

Regardless, Mr. Gilleon has created two works of art in the grandest of  Disney Imagineering traditions. Given the source material, that is worth something.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland's Imperfect Motor Boat Cruise

Straddling the line between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, the Motor Boat Cruise at Disneyland was an interesting choice for an attraction. It certainly was not a must-do attraction, but it was situated around three very popular ones: the Autopia, the Submarine Voyage, and the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Arguably three must dos for any kid in the 10 year old range. Then the Monorail cruised above it all. The small water craft definitely had a second class rating, and it was not full of thrills, but that was part of its charm. Walt's park had and has plenty of smaller scale attractions that add to the whole of the park's experiences. Unlike modern day thinking from the suits, Walt and his Imagineers understood these smaller but still high quality attractions rounded out the lines and improved the overall guest experience. I love many of the new modern day marvels in the parks, but I miss the sweet and innocent days of the original Magic Kingdom.

The concept art shown is a product of its day. And what I have is not the best quality. But it is a piece that captures a moment in time. 

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland's First Coaster- The Matterhorn Bobsleds I Never Knew

When Imagineer Herb Ryman created a piece of concept art, it was instantly identifiable. Obviously, most of his work was for Disneyland and EPCOT Center. I've seen a lot, but I have never seen this one. It is gorgeous! Filled with vibrant blues and rich greens, his work here is among his most beautiful pieces. This captures all the raw energy and excitement of the world's first tubular steel roller coaster. It could only happen at Disneyland. 

Was the attraction's home in Fantasyland or Tomorrowland? It started out in the guidebooks as being listed in the land of the future, but it moved to the happiest land of all in the early 1970's. 

Walt Disney was ahead of his time, even back in 1959 when this beloved ride first opened to the public, he knew it would be a huge hit with guests. And it was! A mere 65 years later, the Matterhorn Bobsleds satisfies riders with a longing to hit its icy slopes, bringing laughter, smiles, and ...very sore necks and backs. I totally skipped it during my last few visits to the park.

I say tear it down.

And then rebuild it in the exact same location with modern technology and the same track route. It's a classic that we love, but we shouldn't be in pain in after we take a ride. Show it the love it deserves. Show the guests some respect. Do it now, and watch the lines increase once again. Please.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The SHAG Piece That Started It All

While visiting Disneyland during its 50th anniversary year in 2009, I fell in love with a piece by artist Josh Agle aka Shag. I bit the bullet, and although money was a little tight, I purchased this very fun, retro, vintage, just plain COOL little map. I sat on the benches on Main Street U.S.A., and I watched merchandise fly off the shelves. 

Sitting there watching it all got me to thinking of all the terrific pieces of Disney art, attraction posters, concept art that I had. I wanted to share it all and my love for music, family, friends, travel, and of course, my love for God who makes all things possible. There was this "one little spark of inspiration", and the blog was born!

(Art copyright Josh Agle.)

Elsa's Frozen Ice Palace Shines at Night!

For the first time in forever, Elsa's ice palace is lit up!Thanks to this photo by HKDL Fantasy, we can see it in all its nighttime glory. As part of the new World of Frozen opening in Hong Kong Disneyland, this will be the mountain that sets the smallest but perhaps the most charming park in China apart from Shanghai Disneyland. Bigger is not always better! Yet, compared to the measly attraction in Epcot, this land will also draw guests in with Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs, its own version of Frozen Ever After, and a slew of shops and restaurants set around a sparkling Norwegian lake. Is it enough on its own to make you book a trip there? No. But throw in Mystic Manor, the Disney kingdoms largest Adventureland, and the beautiful city of Hong Kong itself and you might have enough reason to go!

Build Your Own Ultimate Disney Castle Park Game

After the latest earnings call and no news of investment into the U.S. parks, I think we could all do better with the theme parks. Wanna try? Based on the classic Disneyland hub and spoke model as Walt Disney and the original Imagineers planned it, you are the lead designer in this new theme park game. Disney theme park fans will especially love the capability of building their own dream castle park. Now, you get a chance to do just that. 

The goal of the game and the rules are pretty simple: 

The Goal of the Game:  

Create the most balanced Disney castle park. You want epic attractions of all types, great shows, and very inviting places to dine and shop. Your park should appeal to fans of all ages.

Choose your perfect entrance land, a whimsical Fantasyland, a bold and futuristic Tomorrowland, a rustic Frontierland, and a very exotic Adventureland of your own. You can focus on any castle park to make your selections- the Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland or Shanghai Disneyland. Don't worry about the area that surrounds the park. Just focus on designing it.

The Rules of the Game:

1- When you choose a land from a particular resort, you must retain every aspect of the land and cannot swap out individual elements, nor can you add to them. However, if an attraction, show, shop, or restaurant is found in two different lands that you have selected, you may eliminate one of them.

2- As the lead Imagineer, you may also pick one additional land to add to your park, making a total of six themed lands. What choice would you make? Mickeys' Toontown? Liberty Square? Mystic Manor? New Orleans Square? Toy Story Land? Maybe Tokyo's Critter Country with the only remaining Splash Mountain.  Perhaps you'd pick one of two lands unique to Shanghai Disneyland: Treasure Cove or Adventure Isle. 

3- Bonus Decision #1- Choose whichever castle you want as the icon. You are not limited to choosing the castle which is connected to your choice of Fantasyland. But you are limited to keeping the attractions, shops, and restaurants that are part of your castle of choice.

4- Bonus Decision #2- Choose any attraction from any park you'd like, and place it within an existing land. Fill the that attraction gap. Not enough thrills rides? Need more theater based attractions or rides for children? Now is your chance to round out the roster.

Explain your choices and convince other players your design deserves to win. Ready, Set, Go!

Here are my choices for the Ultimate Disney Castle Park:

Main Street U.S.A.-  Disneyland Paris

The opening scene of any park must set he stage for what lies ahead.

 

Yes, this too is Disneyland Paris!

This one was much, much harder than I thought it would be! If I didn't choose Disneyland, could I exclude Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, one of Walt Disney's personal favorites? If I chose Tokyo Disneyland and its covered main thoroughfare, I'd have to forego the Railroad- and certainly that is a standard must-have aspect of any castle park. But what about the Crystal Palace? It's one of my favorite pieces of architecture. Could I choose Shanghai Disneyland's Mickey Avenue in lieu of something celebrating America? That answer was "Absolutely not!" 

Ultimately, I decided upon Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland Paris.

Imagine an elegant look at America at the turn of the 20th Century with a touch of French elegance. Dine at Walt's for a signature meal set in rooms filled with Imagineering art. Take an excursion about the railroad but glance up at the stunning stained glass windows that frame a part of the train station. Each represents a different land. Main Street Motors is just one of the beautifully designed buildings that take the art of Imagineering to the next level. The ceilings of the most visited shops match the appeal of famous Parisian department with domes of leaded glass. Stop to get a haircut at Dapper Dan's. Stroll the gracious arcades on each side of Main Street with each one telling a unique story about America. 

Adventureland- the original Disneyland

What means a land of adventure in your park? Think it through and choose wisely.

In contrast to the previous land, overall, this decision was a much easier one to make. I'm very partial to the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House at the Magic Kingdom, but the inclusion of the very out-of theme Magic Carpets of Aladdin meant I'd pass on picking that one. Tokyo Disneyland's included a mini New Orleans Square and its Pirates of the Caribbean, but that seemed like an easy cheat.  Although a fresh concept, I passed on Adventure Isle in Shanghai as in my mind, a Soarin' attraction doesn't seem to fit a castle park. Hong Kong Disneyland held promise as the biggest Adventureland with much room for expansion even though it's currently under built.

Epic, classic, and a must-have aspect of my Adventureland.

As much as I love Adventure Isle at Disneyland Paris- I mean a full-sized Skull Rock, a Captain Hook Pirate Ship and a junglely take on Tom Sawyer Island!- without a version of the Jungle Cruise, it just could not be a contender.  I decided against the Parisian area as an off the shelf Indiana Jones coaster can't come close to competing with a wild, off road jeep excursion. So, Disneyland won the competition.

Yes, it is the smallest and there's no room for expansion, but inch for inch, it is difficult to beat the original Adventureland in Anaheim, California. Tree House? Check. Jungle Cruise? Yes. Enchanted Tiki Room and The Tropical Hideaway for a taste of the islands? Perfect!

Angry deities abound in two attractions here. 

The Indiana Jones Adventure seals the deal! Its small temple fits the scale of Disneyland and masks the mega-adventure within. A nice surprise. 

Stuffed with attractions that span generations, this Adventureland's filled with almost 70 years of growing trees, shrubs, and flowers, making it a hidden gem in the middle of suburbia.  All proving once again, that size doesn't matter. It's what you do with it.

Frontierland- Disneyland Paris

The Wild West. Is it cartoon and Intellectual Property filled or is it based on American history- or a combination of both? The choice is all yours.

From difficult choices to the easiest one, there's no Disney castle park on earth with a more compelling and better designed Frontierland than the one found at Disneyland Paris.  Here's Thunder Mesa -a nice tribute to Imagineer Marc Davis- in all its glory. All that's missing is Western River Expedition.

With a full grown fort at the entrance, the whole land is worthy of exploration. Going up to the arcades, you're blessed with the view like the one shown above in my photo. The steamboat rounds the bend as the trains of Big Thunder Mountain Railway circle the island. Going under the river is an unexpected, thrilling, and totally unique way to begin the journey! But trust me, you'll want to ride time and again.

Disney's official photo capturing a summer day at the Manor.

My photo from a dreary winter afternoon.

Particularly after dark, the old and dilapidated Wild West version of the statesides' Haunted Mansion scares up some nightmares. The storyline of the entire land is tied together in a way that will give you the chills long before you enter Phantom Manor. Be sure to investigate the graveyard and notice one bit of naughty humor that only the Parisian parc could get away with.

As the railroad cars pass the perimeter of the park, riders get a great view of the geysers that dot this wilderness settlement during the gold rush. Imagineer Tony Baxter and his team lavished detail everywhere you look in this land and all the lands which make up the Disney location in France.

The official Disney photo shows Thunder Mesa in its haunted splendor.

The Lucky Nugget Saloon serves up piping hot fare, but it does miss a great opportunity to bring in the full blown cancan show- which originated in France- that was once a mainstay of California's park. Ooh la la! The shooting gallery gives young gunslingers a chance to practice while a great BBQ barn around the bend gives those traveling the frontier a chance to refresh and regroup. There's lots of open land on the frontier for growth and expansion.  

Fantasyland- Tokyo Disneyland 

Some people would say this is the very heart of any castle park. Just thinking through the list of classic Disney animated films and their matching attractions gives you plenty of options. 

Welcome to Beast's Castle! Official Disney photo.

Back to a difficult choice. The charm of Walt's park would bring a European style village and a great assortment of dark rides to the park including the lovely Storybookland Canal Boats and Casey Jr.'s Circus Train. Choosing Magic Kingdom would add Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Ariel's Undersea Adventure, and the Be Our Guest and Cinderella's Royal Table Restaurants. Voyage to the Crystal Grotto may be at Shanghai, but it is as overrated an attraction as the land is misdesigned. Fantasyland in Paris has its Alice in Wonderland maze and combines many attractions, also adding the Toad Hall restaurant.

Pooh's Hunny Hunt from Disney Photoblography.

A closer inspection really meant one clear winner: Tokyo Disneyland. Not only is the beloved Pooh's Hunny Hunt to be found here, you've also got the brand new Enchanted Tale with Beauty and the Beast. Just imagine a second full sized castle set in the forest by the film's iconic village. The ride's full of the film's music, charm, and suspense- as well as dozens of Audio-Animatronic characters. 

In Tokyo, you can in Wonderland! The Official Disney photo.

The Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall is a fan favorite right next to It's A Small World. The original attraction facade is found here in a new array of pastel colors and Mary Blair styling. 

Around the castle courtyard lie the classic dark rides: Snow White's Adventures, Peter Pan's Flight and the original Pinocchio's Daring Journey and even Philharmagic. The land's setting may be old school pre-1983 Disneyland, but it is 100% maintained and upgraded. Certainly, more updates are due here next, but as it stands now, the attraction line up cannot be beat!

Tomorrowland- Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

Science fiction or science fantasy. What does your land dedicated to tomorrow look like? This make be the most difficult land of all in which to choose.

From themeparktourist.com

The Land of the Future. Every park has its weakest cohesion of theme found here as the future keeps becoming the past, leaving each park with a mix of old and new as well as some Intellectual Property thrown in. Which park has the Tomorrowland that I'd add to finish off my park? 

The original has its strengths- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, the only real water submarine ride in existence, and wait for it... Oh yeah, let's forget it. Disneyland's land of the future is a wreck. The once great Matterhorn Bobsleds are just painful, and it seems the entrance is in a perpetual state of confusion. In Tokyo, Monsters Inc. Ride and Go Seek! is a unique entry in the land of the future line up. But it's neither futuristic or educational. Over in China, Hong Kong Disneyland is either cutesy or infused with Marvel. No thank you. Farther east in Shanghai Disneyland, this area looks incredible, but it is very short on attractions. The Jules Verne theming of the land in Paris is too specific a look for my choice, although I absolutely love it as part of the whole.

These two photos of mine represent aspects I love and put up with 

in the world of the future.

What about over in Walt Disney World? As with so many others, it's a curious mix, old, new, and filled with toons. But somehow it works.

Space Mountain is a must for my park, and I'm riveted by the chance to ride a Light Cycle in the world of Tron. The land of the future here also holds one of my very favorite attractions, one I look forward to riding multiple times every visit: The WEDWAY Peoplemover.  Sure, the toon invasion is here as well, but it is balanced out by a bit of retro Disney history with the Carousel of Progress. All said, this is not my favorite land, but it is the one that works for me to flesh out this park.

Castle Icon- Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant,  Disneyland Paris

The classic castle park icon. So many choices! What will push your decision over the top?

Gorgeous by day. Both photos here and below are mine.

Park purists hold to Disney's original and smallest castle as being the best. It's charming and sentimental for obvious reasons- who cannot be moved by the famous photo of Walt walking through it- but it does not represent the magnificent accomplishments of what a Disney park entails. The walk thru is nice, though.

The Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland share a castle architecture, but with different paint color schemes. Tokyo's got its own walk thru and Florida has Cinderella's Royal Table, a terrific place for a special meal. With its darker bottom tones, it's Tokyo for the win between the two. The pink paint job in Florida is just a disaster. 

Hong Kong's new remodel is 100% better than what they had, but there's really nothing inside it. In contrast, they threw everything into Shanghai's castle, but the end result is boxy, clunky, and just too much. Sometimes bigger is not better.

Breathtaking at night.

Bonus photo from arjwdwgirl.

Sleeping Beauty Castle in Paris best captures the magic and charm. The ground floor very expensive restaurant is not in its favor, but the ability to walk the upper regions past beautiful stained glass and tapestries among stone pillars that look like trees is a treat. The lovely balcony overlooks Fantasyland and the castle courtyard. Of course, the dungeon's giant dragon is an attraction on its own. The whole area is beautifully executed and magical in the best sense of the word. A nifty little bonus is the secret passageway into the dungeon found in Merlin's shop. 

Bonus Land- New Orleans Square,  Disneyland

Every Disney park expands throughout the course of its history. In your park, there's a special land from opening day. What will it be?

By any measure, Disneyland's elegant New Orleans Square is an artistic triumph and a fan favorite. Certainly, it is one of my most beloved themed lands in any park. Removing the seediness of the real life city from the Imagineer's recreation, and what is left is the area's history, flavor, and charm. In abundance.

The winding streets and courtyards allow guest to wander and almost forget they are in the middle of a very busy city or even a theme park. Live music is to be found as well as some of the best places to dine. Cafe Orleans holds less expensive fare, and the waterside dining at the iconic Blue Bayou is unmatched in atmosphere. Mint Julep and a beignet anyone?

The mother lode of Imagineering genius is here.

There's nothing new that can be said by me about the original Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. For a decade, the French version was my favorite, but after several rides recently on the California original, I've come home. The more leisurely pace and timing gives the attraction time to breathe and immerses guests in an adventure unlike no other. 

(In this park challenge, there's a duplicate attraction to deal with, so I  have to remove two of three Haunted Mansions. In order to keep the story flowing, I'm going to keep Phantom Manor in Frontierland, and forgo both the New Orleans Square mansion and the Fantasyland one in Tokyo. Each of these two lands are so strong, they can hold its own without it.)

I probably have more photos of this attraction than any other.

And more blog posts- for good reason!

More recent changes to the pirate attraction are a mixed bag at best, but at its core, Pirates of the Caribbean remains Disney Imagineering's finest achievement. All new hires into Imagineering should be required to take a course and learn what makes this one so uniquely Disney and the company's crowning achievement.

Bonus Attraction- Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Pick an attraction to fill in any gaps in your attraction line-up.  It's harder than you might think to pick just one and leave others behind.

Let's be honest- Splash Mountain would be the most obvious choice here. Perhaps even Star Tours or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. But each of these would require big changes to the park that night even feel out of theme. Ariel fits in pretty easily, and certainly the fortune changing 1989 animated film deserves its place in Fantasyland. It's not a great attraction, but for the most part, it works. Replacement location would be where Tokyo Disney's Haunted Mansion resides. 

The Final Land Breakdown and the Attraction Line-Up

There's two lands from Walt's original park: Adventureland and New Orleans Square. There's one land from the Magic Kingdom in Florida: Tomorrowland. Fantasyland comes from Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris brings its amazing castle, Main Street U.S.A. and Frontierland. The Chinese parks had no entries. (In my mind, this points to problems with each park. In Shanghai, there's a few very good original attractions but a weak supporting cast. The opposite holds true in Hong Kong: the park is beautiful and filled with great second tier attractions but few true headliners.) 

Here's my very poor mock up of the new park.

In this game, my entry reveals what I think is a pretty impressive line up for beloved attractions from various eras. 

Traditional "E Tickets" include Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones Adventure, the Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain, TRON Lightcycle Run, It's a Small World, Pooh's Hunny Hunt, Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast.  (10 total)

Traditional "D Tickets" include the Disneyland Railroad, Enchanted Tiki Room, Molly Brown Steamboat, Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, PhilharMagic, Carousel of Progress. (7 total)

Supporting attractions: Three traditional dark rides (Snow White, Peter Pan, Pinocchio), La Tanier du Dragon walk thru, La Galerie du Chateau walk thru, the Tea Cups, Dumbo, Carousel, Swiss Family Tree House, Frontierland Playground, Rustler Roundup Shootin' Gallery, Frontier Arcade walk thru, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Speedway, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, Astro Orbiter, Horse Drawn Streetcars and other vehicles, Main Street Discovery and Liberty Arcade exhibits. (19 total)

Theater Show locations: Fantasyland Forest Theater, Frontierland Theater, Tomorrowland Stage. (3 total)

Dining Locations of Note: Walt's, Silver Spur Steakhouse, Blue Bayou, Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall, Tropical Hideaway.

So, there you have it! Have I won the Build Your Own Ultimate Disney Castle Park game? What does your entry look like? 

Maybe one day, I'll piece together my dream castle park with no restrictions...

(All photographs unless noted by Mark Taft.)

Walt Disney on the It's A Small World Construction Site

Walt Disney was certainly a visionary, but he was also very hands-on! When it came to building the Disneyland version of It's a Small World,  he relied on two of his most distinctive Imagineers to bring it all together: Mary Blair and Rolly Crump. Mary was chiefly responsible for the style and color palette of the interior, while Rolly contributed to the attractions iconic exterior. 

Walt directed the ship- and the park was better for it- but he also knew what it took to "sell" his projects. Not only did he get Pepsi to invest in the attractions creation when it came to the New York World's Fair, he got the rights to bring it home to Anaheim's Fantasyland, and his team brought in yet another sponsor there. Smart guy! In the photo above, he's shown with sponsor Bank of America's head honcho as the attraction's exterior was being completed. 

Walt was savvy! He wanted to best for his guests, and he creatively found ways to enhance the park. The focus on excellence resulted in happy investors in the company. It's certainly a strategy that paid off. Something that future CEO's did at times understand and sometimes not at all. Where would you rank the three most recent: Michael Eisner, Robert Iger, and Bob Chapek? I'd say it was most definitely a mixed bag. Truth is, there is still no one like Walt!

The Most Beautiful Disney Castle of All

You can add all the bunting, rose gold, and other embellishments to the castles at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, but you still cannot surpass the sheer beauty of Disneyland's Paris' stunning Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant. However beautiful they may be, photographs do not do justice to this fanciful and enchanting landmark. 

Imagineering's Tom Morris perfectly balanced French history and Disney storytelling to create a masterpiece attraction that checks all the boxes. It's a real attraction worthy of at least an hour of exploration. Gorgeous stained glass, rich tapestries, and a fire breathing dragon in the dungeon. What more could a guest want? How about being surrounding by the best castle park of all!

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Joy and Happiness, Frozen or Not, at Hong Kong Disneyland

Fans of Hong Kong Disneyland eagerly await the opening of its brand new Frozen themed expansion in Fantasyland. The new land will be home to a new version of Epcot's Frozen Ever After as well as the Magic Kingdom's popular Seven Dwarfs Mine Train redone as Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs. Until they open, there's always some old standbys to keep visitors happy. Particularly its on-of-a-kind stellar attraction, Mystic Manor. However, there's more. The older iconic Disney attractions are classics for a reason.

 

 

As these photos clearly show, It's A Small World has so much charm that it is also a must-see attraction in the little park that could. The Imagineers took care to include landmarks that are specific to Hong Kong, a savvy tip of the hat to the locals as well as looking at the overall set design from a very appropriate Asian point of view.

 

 

Beginning with new colors on the exterior, they also used a different palette of colors once inside the building to bring joy and happiness to their audience. Many of the sets here are highlighted by darker, more dramatic backgrounds, giving the entire attraction a distinct feel compared to those in Tokyo, Paris, or in the States. Golds and rose tones create a brand new look for the classic finale scene that was first used for the beloved show at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

 

It's a Small World might be mocked by many, being the target of disdain for the more jaded person, but it's a wonderfully delightful and heart-warming attraction for the rest of us. Truly, one of my all time favorites in any of the Disney parks I visit!

 

(Photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Cynical Look at Disneyland

Are you a cynic when it comes to Disneyland? Do you love sarcasm? If so, let's take a look at the park Walt built. Do the guns in the Shooting Gallery make you shake a bit and fill your mind with snarky one liners? Will riding the carousel lead you to a strong of profanities or is the ride about galloping off to Heaven? Real life comes into play as well in this new Inner Disneyland. Does death give you the creeps? No worries. Have you visited the real New Orleans and been a bit shaken by the smells? You won't have that problem in Walt's version. Are you less likely to visit the original Magic Kingdom because it feels fake and soulless? Well, if so, this post is just for you! 

Back in 1978, New West magazine published this map with an in-depth and rather snarky accompanying article discussing the psychology used in building and adding to Disneyland. The focus is on creating an environment of assurance and comfort, be it a visit to 999 Happy Haunts of the Haunted Mansion or setting sail with a motley crew for an adventure with the Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Decades later, the map seems surprisingly vintage and retro. But the desire to escape the real world appeals to millions upon millions of Disney fans all over the world. Cynics be damned! The park Walt built and those those that followed remain havens of fantasy and adventure and yes, escape, for guests all of the world. 

There's no dealing with reality here- except for long lines, overpriced food and beverages, and a pricing and experience based structure that reinforces the social structures so evident. Hmm... So, who is the sarcastic cynic now? Yes, yours truly.

(Art copyright New West magazine.)

Design Detail: Disneyland's Omnibus Attraction Posters

For lovers of attraction posters, the ads that used to be displayed on the Disneyland omnibus are almost as equally appealing to collect. Here's a cool looking one for Storybook Land Canal Boats in Fantasyland. Or just Storybook Land. 

From Dizavenue.com

                                                                               

These eye catching pieces traveled up and down good old Main Street U.S.A. providing a bit of charm and promotion of what could be found in lands beyond the hub. Quaint, charming, and unique. 

It's these little touches of detail that make Disneyland that great place it is- a place where the feel of Walt Disney can be found at every turn. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Hand of Walt Disney Created a Park the World Loves

It may be rougher than rough these days, but for my eldest son, few attractions say "Disneyland" more than the Matterhorn Bobsleds. This mock up of a proposed attraction poster is really quite nice! It's not in the cool blues and icy whites of what was finally chosen, but the Imagineer captured the pure joy of what it meant to ride the world's first steel tubed roller coaster. 

Even back then, Walt Disney preferred to be on the cutting edge of technology to tell the stories he wanted to tell. Under Walt's leadership, what he wanted was often completed. This is what gives his original Magic Kingdom such a different feel. You can almost sense him walking down Main Street U.S.A., sailing on the Jungle River Cruise, the Storybookland Canal Boats, or aboard the Mark Twain Steamboat. 

The man did it out of love- not corporate greed- and the world loved him and the park that was created. If only that would be the case today. I wish someone beyond fans and the handful of now mostly retired Imagineers had such a passion for the love of the art. If only.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Comnpany.)

Another Look at Disneyland's Unbuilt Discovery Bay

Every few years or so, it seems as if unseen concept art surfaces for Disneyland's unbuilt and abandoned concept Discovery Bay. Today, I present one more. Imagineer Tony Baxter (don't you wish he'd write a book?!?) worked with some of the company's best and brightest to get it just right. Here, this concept art by Harper Goff gives us a great picture of what the future should have held.

 In the area now occupied by Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, this ambitious project would have hosted a variety of attractions, shops and great restaurants that would have bridged the theme between Fantasyland and Frontierland. A San Francisco of the Golden Age (think some steam punk here) would house a major E Ticket attraction based on the film Island at the Top of the World while another drew guests in featuring a little dragon friend of a blustering and lovable professor type character. Does this sound like Figment and Dreamfinder? Yes, it does- and find out more about the project here. 

I won't spill all the beans, but beyond this one article, there's many others on the blog that will help you fill in the picture. It's definitely worth your time! But be forewarned- it may make you wish that Discovery Bay was built instead! 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

It's A Small World Attraction Poster for the 1964 New York World's Fair

The title above says it all. Here is a very pretty attraction poster for the classic It's a Small World from the 1964 New York World's Fair. Artist Joseph Marsh created this tribute poster featuring Imagineer Rolly Crump's great Tower of the Four Winds standing atop of very retro looking building with the Pepsi Cola logo above it all. Just love these type of posters! And I can't wait for Disney's volume two coming this Fall.

Is This Art for A New Magic Kingdom in India?

Is this the proof that a new Disney theme park in India is on its way? The way things are going with The Walt Disney Company under the leadership of Bob Chapek, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he decided to make his mark on the Disney legacy by building a new park in Asia. Certainly the population of the country could support it. With more than 1.3 billion people and a growing middle class, it's an untapped source of revenue. Yet, the current leader of the country deals with a major humans rights violation, one which he actually helps perpetuate: India has become a hotbed of Christian persecution where there are growing reports of violence and murder at the hands of Hindu extremists. Looking at the World Watch List which studies the top 50 places it is most dangerous to be a believer in Jesus, India has quickly moved up the ranks to Number 10 in recent years. But I guess these issues haven't stopped Disney before- Shanghai Disneyland was pursued and built after all.

But I digress: Is this a Magic Kingdom that locals would embrace?  Just look at this more recent piece of concept art by Greg Pro. Imagine a Peoplemover station inside the iconic castle! The Imagineers have always thought outside the box. ("Why does it have to be a box?") If the Imagineers can turn Main Street U.S.A. into Mickey Avenue in China, they can certainly come up with lands and themes that remove any flavor of the American way of life. In fact, would a Pandora themed World of Avatar be a perfect fit? The spiritual similarities are striking and certainly the hot moist climate would create a striking landscape.

Will Chapek and company move ahead with a project like this? I wouldn't put it past him- if he survives long enough.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride 2.0

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is a Disneyland classic and a much beloved and missed attraction at Walt Disney World. But did you know there was once plans for a Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Tokyo Disneysea? Yes, it was once on the drawing boards- but in a fresh way, different than what riders would expect. As I looked at Miceage's Yesterland article written by the always terrific Werner Weiss, I remembered that I had in my files a great piece of concept art for this attraction.

Before you get too excited about another unbuilt ride and get very disappointed, TDS' proposed Manhattan Motor Mania was actually more a tribute to sorts to the beloved Disneyland attraction in Fantasyland. (May the Magic Kingdom's double tracked, two separate adventure version Rest In Peace.) The artwork for Tokyo Disneysea's proposed tribute ride is the black and white piece of concept art at the top.

Toad in a new way... for a totally different park- The Magic Kingdom.

The plan was to have it sit in the American Waterfront in a subsection that looked like a bit of Little Italy. The basic plot line was the same but swapping out London and its countryside for New York City at the turn of the century. 

Like some good things, ideas are passed on. But Eric Scales did a great job working up a brand new version of Toad's adventure just in case Disney opens their eyes and hearts for a new journey. Take a look at his plans for an attraction at the Magic Kingdom or look here.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Ooh La La! Happy 30th Birthday to Disneyland Paris!

Happy 30th Birthday to the most beautiful Magic Kingdom of all! Disneyland Paris may be the crown jewel of the castle parks. It may not have the largest number of attractions- that honor would go to Walt's park- but it is incredible!

Under the leadership of Imagineering's Tony Baxter, the playground created would best capture the heart, soul, and beauty of what Walt strove for. (Love him or think him overrated, the Tony Baxter debate rages on. See Part One and Two.) 

Innovation, creativity, and giving guests the best experience possible in an atmosphere that is incomparable. It truly is the theme park as art. After three trips in three different seasons of the year, I cannot wait to return!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Design Detail: Tokyo Disneyland's Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast

With rare exceptions, Tokyo Disney Resort's two theme park provide some of the most detailed theming to be found in Disney's parks. With the original Beauty and the Beast film being so loved, it was not surprising that the Imagineers would be hired by the Oriental Land Company to create the ultimate attraction for the property. In contrast to the poorly executed forced perspective mini-castle in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland received a full blown Beast's castle when it cam estimes to expand their Fantasyland. And it is an "E Ticket" attraction with real Audio-Animatronic characters, not just a high priced restaurant. (Is Be Our Guest worth the price? Check out our Dine or Ditch review here and decide for yourself.)

This sign is a small detail that exudes charm and elegance. Are you curious? Do you want to see more? Here is how Disney does Beauty and the Beast in Japan. 

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company)

It's a Blue Small World

I'm a sucker for good photographs, and this one of It's a Small World in Disneyland is just a great one! The original entrance clock and facade in Fantasyland is so iconic that the Imagineers decided it was high time to recreate it inside Walt Disney World's version. Their Fantasyland is very different, so you won't see it on the outside. You'll find it once in the queue. I wish I'd taken this, but in reality it comes from the great Westcoaster site. 

It's clearly a blue small world, but did you know there once was a real rose colored one? Look at this photo I did take. 

(Above photo copyright Westcoaster.)