The Charm of the Magic Kingdom's Rivers of America

When it came to color design and creating a mood, there were a few standout Imagineers of the first generation. You'd have to add artist Herb Ryman to the top side of the list! This concept art captures the simple beauty and charm of a Frontierland now long gone. The Rivers of America delivers a serene landscape of dreams as several folks sit by on land watching the world go by. The originally named Admiral Joe Fowler riverboat sails on.

This being a theme park means contrasting buildings exist. At Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the beautiful Cinderella Castle in her glorious original color scheme is seen in the distance and the lower level buildings of Liberty Square peacefully co-exist with everything else. 

The vibe was definitely chill. While Piston Peak and the world of Cars will bring a different energy, I'll be curious if the charm factor will still exist. What do you think?

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Piston Peak's Older, More Rustic Cousin: Disneyland's Rainbow Ridge

Piston Peak is sure to remain the Magic Kingdom's most hotly debated addition. Replacing Rivers of America- an opening day feature of the original castle park and one that held Walt Disney's beloved riverboat-  was an announcement that brought a hush and even some boos to D23. Deservedly so. 

Bringing the modern day Cars franchise into Frontierland. It wasn't blasphemy, but it was close. This was far worse than replacing Splash Mountain with Tiana's Bayou Adventure. 

Above is a vintage Rainbow Ridge Postcard from Disneyland's golden days when the man himself was still around to provide real vision for the park he loved. As the gateway to something fantastic, this area not only contained the Mine Train Thru Natures Wonderland, it also held the Conestoga Wagons and the Pack Mule train. 

It was truly a land of discovery filled with rustic scenes, animals native to the American West, and the show stopping Rainbow Caverns as grand finale to the mine train ride. This was the Americana version of the Jungle Cruise as designed by Imagineer Marc Davis. The whole thing was even more special as right across the river was Tom Sawyer Island, a special placed designed for open exploration and a chance to use the imagination God gave us.

Proving great ideas never go to waste, modern Imagineering borrowed from the Mine Train finale to add a taste of vintage Disneyland to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I'm grateful for that, and I look forward to the change. But it does makes me long for a simpler day when Disney suits realized the parks were about much more than promotion for the company's Intellectual Property.

Disney's Unbuilt Western River Expedition Comes to Life!

Just imagine that the Disney suits had ignored the outcry of "Where is Pirates of the Caribbean?" when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. What would have happened if they would have trusted their instincts and stuck to their plans? Imagineer Marc Davis'  Thunder Mesa in Frontierland and its star attraction, Western River Expedition, would have been the signature Walt Disney World experience for decades. 

Through the magic of AI technology, we can imagine what could have been. Much like the results of taking the concept art for Tony Baxter's unbuilt Discovery Bay for Disneyland (look here), the results are quite striking!

The original plans from Mr. Davis included the Western themed version of Pirates, a Big Thunder Mountain Railroad coaster, and so much more. Think hiking trails, a log flume ride that would pre-date Splash Mountain by two decades, and tons of design detail that would make Florida's Frontierland the greatest themed land of its time.

Best of all? Following through with these plans would have given the castle park an identity all its own and probably saved the Rivers of America. Gone would be the upcoming Piston Peak and the Cars invasion where it doesn't belong. Sure, Villains Land would eventually come. The concept is too rich to ignore. 

The benefits would have continued: Tiana would have received her own custom designed attraction with a much better story line in a brand new mini-land, Tom Sawyer Island would still be the much needed escape from the crowds, and the thematic consistency of this whole side of the park would not be ruined. But what do I know?

I say, look at these what could have been images again, and then tell me Pirates of the Caribbean was a worthy replacement.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland's Unbuilt Discovery Bay Comes to Life!

Did you know you don't have to go all the way to Disneyland Paris to see portions of Tony Baxter's unbuilt Discovery Bay? Of course, this master Imagineer slid some of the land into the French park, but as you can see, it also exists somewhere else. Above is a photograph and below is the concept art.

Ok, ok. It's AI generated. But look at what could be! Below, is an even better image to let you grieve even more about what the Walt Disney Company passed on decades ago. Imagineering can build wonders - even from original ideas- when given the chance. 

AI "reality"above, and the original Disneyland concept art below.

Doesn't it make you with the Island at the Top of the World film was a huge hit instead of a bomb? This incredible land would have nestled itself so well between Fantasyland and Frontierland with its San Francisco Barbary Coast theme! If you want to read about why this concept never made it off the boards and the jealousy that runs within the halls of Imagineering, take a look at this post.

All Aboard the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland!

Perhaps I'm nostalgic, but the early years of Disneyland were filled with anticipation. Walt Disney and his Imagineers were always up to something new, and the park felt fresh. Maybe guests were still in awe. It's seems like today we take "Walt's park" for granted. In 1960, the park began to promote the newest attractions. 

This insert / handout was for the terrific but now long gone Mine Train Thru Natures Wonderland. Think of it as the American West version of the Jungle Cruise, and you've got a good idea of what this brand new Frontierland attraction was all about. Lots of wild animals doing their thing among great wilderness landscapes and a funny old school narration to accompany the journey. The highlight was definitely at the end. The gorgeous Rainbow Caverns showcased waterfalls of all colors among deep, rich caves, stalagmites and stalagtites. All set to an otherworldly musical score. 

It was retro, vintage Disney Imagineering at its best! Speaking of vintage, this piece if from the great Vintage Disneyland Goodies blog.

(Art  copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

 

Goodbye Rivers of America and a Large Piece of Magic Kingdom History

This is the view I will miss the most with the demolition of Rivers of America at the Magic Kingdom. It's the one I first saw in 1974 on my first visit to the original Walt Disney World park. The stately Haunted Mansion up on a hill in Liberty Square and Aunt Polly's over at Tom Sawyer Island. 

Back then, there was no Big Thunder Mountain or Splash Mountain on the other side, just wilderness to explore while riding the Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat, Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, the rafts, or the Mike Fink Keel Boats. It was a beautiful simpler time. Imagineering had created a wonderful, totally atmospheric piece of Americana. But nothing lasts forever.  

The Disney Parks blog reported these changes last year in August to a shocked crowd at D23:

"The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, with the help of Tow Mater via video call, announced that a new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars” will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a race car from the big city,” Josh told the crowd."

The crowd was silent, then some booed, and then it was on to the next announcement. 

Today is the last day to experience a very important piece of Magic Kingdom history. What a sad, sad day it is.

(Photographer unknown.)

Imagineer Eddie Sotto Reveals Disneyland Paris' Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain at Disneyland Paris? It's been rumored for years. Of course, now that Disney leadership has flipped the attraction into the seemingly less reliable Tiana's Bayou Adventure, it is probably never going to happen. But former Imagineer Eddie Sotto reveals the truth.
 

Look at these images that show the proposed plan for the French park. There it is, plain as day: Zip A Dee River Run aka Splash Mountain. Rights next to the Cowboy Cookout restaurant in the real frontier of Frontierland, just below the thematic crossover into Adventureland.

Want to see Imagineering's concept art for it? I happen to have it here.

You'd think this would be my favorite reveal of Mr. Sotto's. But check out this amazing story (with concept art) by the man as he reveals a plan for New Orleans Square at Disneyland. an unbuilt project that still has a remnant of what was planned in Walt's park today.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Promotional Poster

It's not every day that the Florida Magic Kingdom adds a brand new attraction. When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad made its debut at the Walt Disney World resort, well, it was truly the beginning of visitors falling in love with the "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!" 

Imagineer Tony Baxter and team made the best of a bad situation. When the suits dismantled the plans for Imagineer Marc Davis' Thunder Mesa- including his plans for the great musical boat ride, the Western River Expedition in favor of a revised version of Disneyland's beloved Pirates of the Caribbean- Tony tried to save as much as he could. Convincing management that the thrill attraction was worth pursuing as a sort of "Phase One", the roller coaster ride was given the approval. What a wise decision! Fans loved it from opening day. It became a staple of every castle park built. Aside from China's Shanghai Disneyland, of course, which wouldn't dare place anything so American in its Disney park. 

This promotional attraction poster for Florida's original was just the ticket to announce this now iconic experience. 

Santa's Reindeer Round-Up at Disneyland

Pluto plays a reindeer and the musical sounds of a Country Christmas fill the air. Yes, Christmas does beat Halloween at the Disneyland Resort, particularly in Walt's park. There's just something intangible but heartwarming about it all. The thrills of Halloween give way to the charm of the most delightful time of year. Hearts are softened and people are nicer, friendships more precious, and family time more treasured. Even times of worship in local churches ask on a fresh significance as believers celebrate the Savior of the World, Jesus of Nazareth.

Santa's Reindeer Round-Up was a fun little show that highlighted Disneyland as only the Imagineers could reimagine it for the season. The show didn't last long- and the photos from 2008- but the memories remain.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

The Plan to Save the Muppets at Walt Disney World

With Monsters announced for Disney's Hollywood Studios, fans of Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3D are sweating pretty heavily. But there is a plan to save Muppets from the Monsters invasion. What will Josh D'Amaro approve? Will the plan to save the Muppets work?

After the bloodbath that is the removal of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island for a Cars themed Frontierland, nothing is sacred. But we could put up a good fight if someone in the head offices and even Imagineering are paying attention- and fans like Frozen's Josh Gad have their voices heard. 

Here's how to save the Muppets in a few easy steps:

1- Create a new 3D show. Keep it fresh, keep it true to the original vision of what Jim Henson had in mind. Make it fun again.

From plans for Discovery Bay.

2- Add a kid-friendly hot air balloon ride for kinetic energy, bringing movement above the rooftops to increase interest in exploring the land.  Move guests above the rooftops, and let them enjoy the view.

3-  Build a Muppets dark ride. It doesn't have to be an expensive version like the Great Muppet Movie Ride. Make it closer to Superstar Limo and take Kermit and Piggy on a ride through Hollywood but without the hip and edgy approach. Let's be honest- hip and edgy is not Disney's strong suit. (More here. Tons of concept art.) 

4- Create a must-do dining experience by adding the Muppet Labs. Let guests eat among wacky inventions and props. Unique food teams are a big pull these days. Bring in the mobile labs. Please just make sure the food is good.

5- A mini- Muppets parade would bring in guests. Folks young and old love watching a cavalcade of characters.

6- Add some meet and greets. Draw those people in further.

7- Toss in a spinner of some type for atmosphere using characters other than Piggy and Kermit.

All these changes could make it into the Hollywood Studios version of Fantasyland but in a more intimate scale- and save the Muppet crew exactly where they are currently located.

If I can come up with something so simple that could work, why can't Disney? Simple reason- They do not want to.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

How I Learned to Love the Magic Kingdom Without Rivers of America

Maybe there's a brighter side to this shocking D23 announcement and the subsequent admission that the beautiful Rivers of America is going away.  Regardless, it's time to say goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island, the watercraft, and potentially more (like Liberty Square in the long term) as Disney Imagineers craft an expansion at the Magic Kingdom. Cars takes over changing Frontierland, and with it, another piece of Florida park history disappears. Will it be great and great looking? Probably. But what really happened to the "blessing of size"? 

Can you imagine the uproar had they shown this piece of concept art at D23? Obviously, this was the plan. Show the simple art first, lower the boom later. And answer to no one live.

There could be an upside to all this. Maybe. Just maybe.

Perhaps there's some advance planning going on. Not moving Cars to the back of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad means they can expand Villains Land, which is sure to be a big hit. A huge one, actually. Could be a piece of the river can be accessed via a bridge from Liberty Square into the new area and lots of waterfalls off the rocks to make it feel refreshing a la the old Cascade Peak at Disneyland. This would help ease the pain of losing a soothing view and a relaxing walk while around the river and seeing the former Tom Sawyer Island or the watercraft. A theme park is more than just rides. It is atmosphere too.

About 50 percent of our trips to Walt Disney World in the last many years, we did ride the riverboat and/or went to Tom Sawyer Island. Often both. Great experiences that brought some stress relief from the constant crowds and waiting in line in the Florida sun. I will treasure these times! I'm glad I did so.  

On the plus side- I'm trying desperately hard to find one- it will make the Magic Kingdom even more distinct from other castle parks. Like each one, it has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. 

If Cars goes in, the Speedway is rather redundant. Since tomorrow is becoming harder to create for, perhaps the top suits will surprise us and bring in some incredible attractions for a larger Fantasyland. Lord knows, New Fantasyland 1.0 feels disjoined. Disneyland's is much, much better even though it is smaller. The Florida expansion was far less successful than it could have been and not the "Potter Swatter" Imagineering and the suits were hoping for. Cute, yes. Must see, no. It needed a real E Ticket and did not get it. Maybe next time.

All that said, I do not trust this leadership team. Sorry, but it's true.

The negatives in both pulling the Speedway and the Rivers of America are huge, though, and the potential even worse.

The Haunted Mansion will make a great entrance point for Villains, but the Hall of Presidents could be the next thing to be turned into something entirely different. (The Memento Mori gift shop was the first step in the move away from Liberty Square being focused on the founding years of our nation. But read the article for an interesting backstory that's real.) Why is the Hall of Presidents next to go? Guests can't help but "comment" during the roll call. So, let's turn the entire kingdom into a land of cartoon characters. "I know- let's add Muppets! They were there during that part of the century." This will happen, mark my words.

What will they do next? They are erasing the American history part of the Magic Kingdom because they can and it gets rid of the persistent problem it brings in this day and age. Few theme park visitors seem interested in American history, but it seems everyone just wants to argue about the state of our country instead. When all is said and done, if it is really going to happen, just turn the entrance to Liberty Square into a Sleepy Hollow creepy looking version, change some theming and give it all a new name. Be done with it quickly and move on.

When the Speedway goes, there could be room for another DVC store, another lounge, and maybe even some attractions if they can find it in their hearts. 

I say take your photographs of Liberty Square and the Speedway now while they are still around.

What will happen at Disneyland? May the suits at Disney have the wisdom to keep Rivers of America in Walt's park!

Here's The Ride System for Magic Kingdom's New Cars Attraction- It is Not Like Radiator Springs Racers!

This is not a Radiator Springs Racers vehicle! Per Josh D'Amaro at Disney during the D23 convention, this crazy Cars themed addition to Florida's Magic Kingdom is something entirely different. Now, here is what the ride vehicle is: It is an off road all terrain vehicle, but it is in fact a theme park ride car. Who is the manufacturer? None other than Dynamic Attractions. Take a look: 

 

Now, I'm not the one that found this. It's my friends at WDWMagic that uncovered it all on the discussion boards, but I had to share it. (If the link doesn't work, go here.)

No, I'm not thrilled that Frontierland is continuing to devolve from a celebration of America's history, but I'm trying to make the best of it. Imagineering can still do incredible work if given the right budget. That's said, Tiana's Bayou Adventure should have been much better. So what do I know?

This isn't my favorite announcement at D23...

(Concept art The Walt Disney Company.)

The New Country Bear Musical Jamboree Is a Hit!

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

(Photograph from the DSNY Newscast.)

Tiana's Bayou Adventure Attraction Poster Revealed

While I give the Imagineering team points for matching the style of the new attraction poster to the colors of the salt dame and buildings at its base, I really miss the old style detail of the ones done in the past. The one for Tiana's Bayou Adventure doesn't have the sharp, simple, but highly stylized look of the Disneyland posters. But it also doesn't have the lush detail of the newer Jungle Cruise ones either. This one is too cartoonish and rather forgettable. The first attraction based on Princess and the Frog deserves better. I hope the ride is better than the poster!

(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.)

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.)