Space Mountainless Tomorrowland

Much like what happened at the grand opening of Disneyland, when Florida's Magic Kingdom arrived, this Tomorrowland was also a bit incomplete. The iconic white Space Mountain wasn't on the horizon and the WEDWAY Peoplemover was not making its grand tour around the land of the future.

That's not to say there wasn't fun to be found! Guests could still blast off on Flight to the Moon, view the Circle-Vision 360 film, or take the much beloved (and now defunct) If You Had Wings (...had wings, had wings, had wings). Of course, getting behind the wheel of a race car was possible to the delight of kids of all ages. 

Thanks to the Imagineers, new adventures in the world of the future were on the way. Soon enough, Space Mountain grew into the must-do attraction everyone had to experience. Now, the ride is harsh and jerky, but back then, it was smooth as could be. The screams came from flying in the darkness instead of from the pain inflicted on the body of the riders because of the attraction in its current state.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Courtesy Vintage Disneyland Tickets.)

World of Tron Comes to Disneyland

Making it's way to Disneyland in... wait for it.

Well, here's a great piece of concept art from 2013 transforming the long disjointed and confused Tomorrowland at Walt's Disneyland into The World of Tron. You can see the old Peoplemover / Rocket Rods track, the Carousel of Progress / Innoventions building sitting squarely on the grid. Cool, huh? (Even if its not from Imagineering. See below).

Could the Imagineers seriously consider revamping the Land of the Future when Star Wars Land opens in early 2019? Probably. Could the suits? I certainly hope so! Under Iger, they are usually the first ones to jump on the incorporation of film properties into the parks. For better or worse, the founding protocol of thematic structure of Walt's park has already been broken by bringing in Darth Vader and friends. And let's face it- since the piece by piece destruction of Tomorrowland 1967, the area's added some great attractions but at the cost of losing a very cohesive version of the future.

Since the announcement of the Tron Light Cycles Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland - and especially since its opening- Disney park fans have been clamoring for it to happen Stateside. (Check out this earlier post with lots more concept art.)

Put it in California, Florida, somewhere. Even though this concept art is for Anaheim, my bet is there's even plans or concept art out there to bring it to Florida. There's been speculation that the upcoming reroute / closing of the Grand Prix Raceway at the Magic Kingdom would be the place Tron goes- and in time for the 50th anniversary of the park. Aside from a splashing new Marc Davis inspired Western River Expedition, I can't imagine a better addition.

February 7 Update:  I received a note from the artist, Chris Chien.
Here it is:  

"Hi Mark -

My name is Chris. I'm the artist of that painting. I'm so sorry to burst your bubble, but Disney isn't planning on doing that. I created that illustration while I was a student at Kazone Art Academy. It was done purely for educational and fan art purposes only. :)
Here is some of my process. 

http://chris-chien.blogspot.com/search?q=tron

I'm really glad you liked it though! :) I would love the opportunity to work at WDI one day.
Back in 2013, I was working at Disneyland as a Cast member. When I would be waling home from Tomorrowland on those cold damp nights, I would wonder what it would look like if Tomorrowland looked "cooler" like a modern video game. (Many of my art teachers worked at Blizzard and designed games like StarCraft and WarCraft).

In fact, the illustration is mostly a derivative of an Eric Heschong Painting, except I changed the setting from day into night, and added a "Tron" Aesthetic to it. I had no idea they were building Disneyland Shanghai at the time. I just did this purely as an academic exercise. :)
http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tomorrowland1.jpg"

I'd hire him if I ran Imagineering, wouldn't you?

(Art copyright Chris Chien.)

More Rare Space Mountain Art

Another look at rare Space Mountain art by Imagineer Clem Hall. This time a nighttime view. A much more streamlined approach versus John Hench's iconic one. Nonetheless, with the Skyway behind it and the Grand Prix Raceway next door, any version of the park's premier thrill attraction is a great thing. Too bad Shanghai Disneyland's Tron Lightcycles isn't nearby as well.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Where Florida's Magic Kingdom Surpasses California's Disneyland

Florida's Magic Kingdom does beat California's Disneyland in three  specific attractions- all found in Tomorrowland and depicted in this piece of Imagineering concept art. 

1- The originally named WEDway Peoplemover leads the way in differentiating itself from all other Lands of the Future. At Walt Disney World, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority is one of my must-do attractions. An all time favorite, the breezy ride around the land provides a great view and a chance to relax as it dashes inside popular destinations. Riding silently along was always a great way to people watch. Unfortunately, the attraction is now just an abandoned, empty track in Anaheim. The gap it leaves means Tomorrowland is no longer a "World on the Move", instead a hodge podge mess of attractions without a unifying element. Further, no other versions exist in any Disney castle park anywhere.

2- Space Mountain is one huge building and wisely placed beyond the railroad that circles the Magic Kingdom. The dual tracks inside are only part of the appeal: It is also one of the many pieces of eye candy seen as you approach the park from the Seven Seas Lagoon or while riding the Monorail. Extra bonus- it looks phenomenal at night when viewed from the terrace of the California Grill over at the Contemporary Resort. The "blessing of size" plays to its strengths in this case.

3- The ability to actually race against other drivers on the Grand Prix Raceway puts Florida ahead of California. Isn't that part of the fun of being in a race car? Besides, driving the California Freeways is no longer something anyone in the state seems to enjoy. 

One extra:

4- The long gone Skyway. Man, I miss this attraction. I absolutely loved gliding over the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lagoon when in Florida, and through the Matterhorn when in Walt's original kingdom. Whether it was Disney's legal eagles or the budgeteers that succeeded in getting these closed down, either way, it was a clear mistake.  

Even though Florida now contains a few toon attractions in their Tomorrowland, I find it a much more compelling and enjoyable part of the park than what can be found out West. Score one for the younger sibling.

Could there be more areas Florida's park is superior? Stay tuned...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)