Celebrate the U.S.A. at 250 Years at Walt Disney World

Today is American Independence Day. As we celebrate our 250th year , it is time to give thanks to the Lord who has blessed us as we have sought to honor Him. We've had it so good for so long. Yet, I do not think we honor Him as much anymore given the current broken state of distrust, corruption, and division in our politics and how we handle ourselves in the global community.

Yet, I think it's time to focus on our blessings once again. For our sakes as well as for the benefit of those around us. Thankfulness is a good thing!

As an independent tour guide, I travel all over the world. Believe me, there is no nation on the globe where its citizens are as free as we are in the United States of America! We're not perfect- not even close, but we can complain all we want about laws, our government, and our politicians. That's one of the greatest things about our country. We have a voice and we can use it freely. Others cannot do that. We have the wisdom of the founding fathers to thank for this, and we have the sacrifice of our military veterans to thank for keeping those liberties. 

Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! 

Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!

Psalm 144:15

Let's tie it all back to Disney, since this is a Disney theme park fan site. Imagineering great artist Herb Ryman created this gorgeous painting for the American Adventure.  Way back in 1979, EPCOT Center was finding its focus, and the Disney executives needed art such as this one to inspire corporations the world over to pour their funds in the new project. They also needed this kind of concept art to inspire travelers to send their hard earned cash to come to Walt Disney World when this second park made its debut. The park's Future World would draw them in as any world's fair might, but it would be World Showcase that would celebrate the cultures of other nations including the U.S.A.

Patriotism was not a new thing at Disney parks. It began with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland, but the Imagineers really expanded on the idea when it came to Florida's Magic Kingdom. 

Here's a beautiful piece of concept art for the Magic Kingdom's brand new Liberty Square at Walt Disney World. I could almost do an entire blog piece on when reality is better than Imagineering art on this land alone! It is stunning in its beauty and design detail, making it my favorite land of all those in this eastern kingdom. Does the land hold my favorite attractions? No, not at all. But as the sum of all its parts, it's the closest Florida has to the elegance of Disneyland's New Orleans Square.

When plans for the Magic Kingdom finally came to the surface, the Imagineers included this tribute to the patriots of the past, those hard working, God-fearing men and women who sought freedom for all.  

With all the gorgeous details everywhere you look, it is a place of quiet dignity and peace. The stunningly sober Hall of Presidents reminds guests of the great sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. 

So, today, July 4th, let us thank God Almighty for shedding His Grace on us for 250 years!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!" So reads Psalm 33:12 in the Bible. As you watch the Hall of Presidents, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln or the American Adventure at the Disney parks, listen with an open mind and heart. You'll hear the story of how God was so involved in the creation of our nation. Do we still believe that? I do. 

No, we're not perfect- but you cannot take away our heritage. Many try, but it's evil to remove what God has done and his role in our story. I'll be very curious to see what stories historian Ken Burns uncovers with the new documentary on PBS, The American Revolution.

Personally, as we celebrate 4th of July, our Independence Day, we should stop and ask ourselves if we are truly living a free and vicarious life.  God's Word shows us the truth once again: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17) How we gain this real freedom is through turning our lives over to Jesus, holding nothing back- holding absolutely nothing back- and letting him transform us into what He intends for us to be. It may be painful at times, but pleasing God begins to be the priority of those He calls his children. His Spirit is always present when we submit to God and His ways. Every day is a new opportunity and a choice. What will you choose?

Imagineering Celebrates the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave

For Independence Day, it only seems fitting to look at some Disney attractions that celebrate being from the United States of America. Walt Disney was proud to be a citizen of our great country, and the parks built on U.S. soil present attractions befitting a look at our history and our future. 

When it comes to celebrating the American spirit, the crown jewel in Walt Disney World is Epcot's American Adventure. But its roots are truly in the first park in Florida and before that in California.

Liberty Square is an achievement in taking guests to another place and time. During my first visit in 1975, I was taken aback by the "sense of place" which created the warmth and charm in this area. Little details were to be found just about everywhere I glanced. With great attractions in a spectacular setting, period appropriate merchandise, and a strong sense of patriotism in all that is good in a Young America, this land is a winner. 

Over the years, much of both has changed, but the Hall of Presidents continues to stir me. The Liberty Tree Tavern and the Columbia Harbour House are among my first choices when I want to dine in the Kingdom. Last, but certainly not least, I find the chill factor of the gothic flavored Haunted Mansion to be superior than the California one due to the choice of design and location. Loving our heritage, Liberty Square is the one area of the park that I wish were expanded with new attractions, streets to explore, and discoveries to be found.

This piece of concept art by Imagineer Herb Ryman captures it all perfectly. As designed by Walt Disney himself, his original park celebrated and honored our great country. When it came time to build the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, the Imagineers had more freedom and space to create something that would further tell the stories behind our country's rich history.  Liberty Square's Concord Bridge, shown above, is the gateway to life as it was centuries ago. 

It's unfortunate that in the rush to visit the 999 Happy Haunts of the Haunted Mansion, guests bypass The Hall of Presidents. It's a show rich in history, showcasing our freedoms and the costs to have have them. The Audio-Animatronic show deserves respect for being an incredible tribute to what makes America strong instead of childish booing if guests least favorite Commander in Chief is announced. 

 

From the earliest days of Disneyland in Anaheim and Walt's Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln to the Magic Kingdom's still beautiful The Hall of Presidents, onto Epcot's breathtaking The American Adventure, these attractions by the Imagineering greats remind of us our past, look to the future, and tell a story of how clearly we are blessed by God with our freedom. Are we perfect? No. We are made up of imperfect people that need to be saved from ourselves by Jesus Christ and His free gift of eternal; salvation for all who would give their lives over to Him. After traveling all over the world, I can heartily say, there is not a better place to live. Millions worldwide see us for who we are. We should take a deeper look and be grateful. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!" so says Psalm 33:12.

 

Happy Independence Day, America! The United States remains the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, and people are still streaming in to be part of it.  Even with a pretty messed up political scene right now, we are still the most free nation on earth. May God's grace rest upon us, and may we once again turn to Him as in days of old!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Attraction Posters: The Liberty Square Collection

I'll admit, this is a bit of incentive, but Imagineer Eric Chan's great new poster of the Haunted Mansion for this year's Epcot Festival of the Arts, made me rethink my timing of this post on Liberty Square's Attraction Posters. 

The most beautiful land at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is the one that celebrates America: Liberty Square. Unabashed patriotism is something you don't find these days. Back in 1971, however, it was still ok to be proud of America- warts and all. 

Most appropriately, the land's attraction posters are grand works of art.

Yet, there are very few: An elegant looking The Hall of Presidents and the eerie and spook filled The Haunted Mansion have both made the cut. There should be more though, right? Each land in the Magic Kingdom is filled with attractions that deserve their own artistic advertisement. The attraction posters for the Magic Kingdom's Main Street U.S.A. can be found here, Adventureland's are here, and those for Tomorrowland are here.

It's a totally different case in other parks, particularly at Disneyland and California Adventure (look here) and then in Tokyo with Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea. All of these have terrific posters! Just browse around this site to find them. Even the EPCOT collection here is quite amazing. So are the ones on the blog for Universal Orlando Resort actually. Enjoy!

The Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln We Could Have Had

Disneyland's iconic Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln almost captures the full brilliance of our nation's beloved president. While the Disney Imagineers worked with a large team to bring this together, the recorded speech chosen represents some of Mr. Lincoln's wisdom. This is only a small portion of his incredible insight into human nature. 

By necessity Lincoln's became somewhat marginalized in Walt Disney World at the Magic Kingdom in Florida due to the sheer number of Commanders in Chief on stage in Liberty Square's Hall of Presidents, but his words below are as important today as they were when first written in March of 1863 for this proclamation. Perhaps even more so:

One of many attraction posters for this show.

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By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.

And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.

And, insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th. day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer. And I do hereby request all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.

All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty seventh.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

William H. Seward, Secretary of State.

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If you want to see all the versions of the attraction posters for his epic presentation, go here.

God Bless America! Land That I Love!

Look at this gorgeous piece of concept art for Liberty Square's unique Concord Bridge. Disneyland has New Orleans Square, perhaps the best of all castle park lands, but I am almost equally impressed by Magic Kingdom's Liberty Square. Its holds the Haunted Mansion and the Hall of Presidents. Imagineering has often done its best work in patriotic themed attractions, respecting our vibrant and varied- but not perfect- history and culture. That said, after traveling to the ends of the earth and its nations almost 25 times, there's no country on the planet as free and as grounded as the US of A. So, God Bless America and shed your grace on thee. We certainly need a refocus!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

THIS is What I Wanted from Disney+

Here's the big announcement directly from the Disney Parks Blog:

Go ‘Behind the Attraction’ in a New Original Series Coming to Disney+ on July 16

A new series is coming to Disney+ on July 16 that gives an exclusive peek ‘behind the curtain’ of the most beloved attractions and destinations at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world, from Jungle Cruise to “it’s a small world” to the Haunted Mansion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 

“Behind the Attraction” is a 10-part series narrated by Paget Brewster that  delves into Disney Parks’ rich, amazing history using archival and never-before-seen footage and photographs to unveil how the attractions came to be and how they’ve been refined over the years as new ideas surface and technology evolves.

Hear the unique story behind each Castle at the Parks and learn how Disney Imagineers designed and built them and discover the intricacies of the transportation systems at each park, and how the iconic Disneyland Hotel came to be.

Including rare interviews with Walt Disney, each episode also features exclusive interviews with Disney Legends and dozens of past and present Imagineers, including Bob Weis, Jeanette Lomboy, Kim Irvine, Scott Trowbridge, Tom Fitzgerald, Scot Drake, Carmen Smith, Joe Rohde, and others who divulge insider secrets of the parks and how iconic Disney attractions were brought to life.

Disneyland Paris' Lucky Nugget

The spiritual successor to Disneyland's iconic Golden Horseshoe is not surprisingly found in Walt Disney World's at the Magic Kingdom straddling Frontierland and Liberty Square, where earliest guidebooks list it in the same land as The Hall of Presidents and The Haunted Mansion. In Japan, Tokyo Disneyland's Diamond Horseshoe fits perfectly in the frontier's renamed Westernland. But there's a French cousin as well! Take a look at this concept art for Disneyland Paris' Lucky Nugget Saloon. 

The real food star restaurant of the area, however, belongs to the Silver Spur Steakhouse. It's quite expensive, and walking in the door alone seems to cost a fistful of dollars (Euros). But oh the smell of that sizzling meat! Heavenly! And the place is hard to book as well. At least it was once upon a time.

Back in better days on any of the three continents, the Revue was worth the wait! Can-can Girls, a great piano player, and a funny man made an afternoon away from the rides worth the time. Now, it's just a beautiful building of a by-gone era. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Why Disney Needs to Keep the Hall of Presidents Open

With respectful disagreement to both Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider and Josh Young of Theme Park University, the tragic and disappointing events of yesterday in Washington D.C. are exactly the reasons why the Hall of Presidents attraction at Walt Disney World needs to remain open. 

Our nation, our Republic, has been preserved. Democracy works. President Elect Joe Biden was not my choice, but I respect the results.  

As for what happened yesterday, it was deplorable. These were fringe activists and do not represent the Republican Party just as Antifa and left-wing extremists do not represent the Democratic Party. They should be punished to the full extent of the law.

The Hall of Presidents and the American Adventure stand as testimonies of the perseverance of  American people and the triumph of democracy in the face of conflict of all types. Their removal would be "cancel culture" and exactly opposite of what needs to be done. 

Let the show change back to Abraham Lincoln speaking after the role call. Removing all but one president would also remove Barack Obama from the attraction. Black American youth need to be reminded it is possible for those of any race to rightfully earn the top spot in American government. 

We cannot reward extremists by destroying something that so well represents who we are. 

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Disney Emails Survey on Hall of Presidents and Mickey's Philharmagic

I wasn't fast enough to think of getting all the screenshots, but I just received a survey from Disney asking my opinions about the Hall of Presidents and Mickey's Philharmagic. As you can see, they are carefully crafted to draw out responses they already want. Most of the descriptions are negatively slanted for Presidents. Get ready for change- again!

Tale of Three Ships

The waterways at Disney theme parks have always provided a nice respite from the heat. But they also provide some terrific renderings! Here's a nice albeit miniature collection of Disney Imagineering concept art with a nautical focus. Each piece is in a size you'll certainly want to enlarge and save. 

Up at the top: This is an absolutely beautiful piece of concept art celebrating the riverboat at the Magic Kingdom's unique Liberty Square. Look at this detail! The Hall of Presidents sits in the distance as does Cinderella Castle. I love the trio of folks on the riverbank just watching the vessel go by. It's these kind of details that make Disney art so appealing. Much better than some of there newer pieces where people are photoshopped in!

Next up is a look at a long abandoned Disney theme park idea, Disney's America. The patriotic themed park in Virginia was derailed by the locals only to have the land later replaced by strip malls and very commonplace buildings found anywhere in suburbia. The only redeeming factor of the cancellation seems to be the remaining pieces of art. As you can see, this park looks to represent a perhaps more gritty look at our history, but it's not one without celebration. Wouldn't it have been great to watch a fireworks show with a replica Statue of Liberty in the background? What lost opportunities. 

Not all Disney seaworthy vessels are outdoors. Yes, it's Splash Mountain shown here. In one of the largest set pieces ever built, the amazing adventure down the longest and steepest flume ride ever built culminates with a stunning view of the party going on aboard the Zip A Dee Doo Dah Lady. (If I can remember the name correctly.) 

This is just the beginning of your seaworthy adventure. Back on the Rivers of America, there's the canoes, the Tom Sawyer Island Rafts and more. You can add the Columbia Sailing Ship, the Wicked Wench, and of course all of the submarines found in the Stateside Disney parks. (Not to mention the Jungle Cruise boats or those found on the canals of Storybookland.) Of course, once outside North America, there's even more vessels to be found. Am I missing any?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Liberty Square Keeps Florida's Kingdom Unique

As a Disney theme park fan, one of the delights of visiting the different parks is seeing the unique attractions and lands each has to offer. It is one of the main reasons I am so against the quick cookie-cutter additions of attractions placed in several parks at once. It may be economically a smart move (or is it?), but in the long run, doing so only detracts from the overall experience. Even the same themed attraction can take on a new and fresh perspective and presentation, making it a must-see adventure for the fan to explore several different parks. The perfect example would be in the quintessential park attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, uniquely different in the original vs. the excellent Parisian version and also in the new crowd pleaser in Shanghai Disneyland.  The same could be said for the Haunted Mansion / Phantom Manor / Mystic Manor trio of attractions.

Abandoned Disney's America.

For this reason alone, I remain thrilled that the Magic Kingdom's Liberty Square has yet to be duplicated anywhere else. Certainly if built as planned, the Disney's America project would have made Florida's land look like the standard cliff notes version, but for now, this elegant area remains an exclusive to Florida.  

The outstanding Hall of Presidents and the spirit filled Haunted Mansion are the headliners here, but a cruise on the riverboat is another must do. Looking around the land, two smaller items are worth notice. One, a copy of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell itself, and also, the Liberty Tree- a massive specimen that holds 13 lanterns representing the original states in the Union. These bits of history and historic reference strengthen the theme, making the area more compelling. (In an odd move earlier this year, Disney made a mistake adding the 20th century Muppets show to the land, but a guest can visit the area off times and not experience the break in theme.) 

Liberty Square is so much more than the sum of its attractions, however. The land is filled with shops once offering unique items completely in theme. Sadly, that is no longer. Even though the buildings are now filled with generic Disney merchandise, they remain wonderful pieces of architecture. There's still a couple of great places to eat, however, the Columbia Harbour House (one of the few places in the Magic Kingdom offering seafood) and the Liberty Tree Tavern.

The concept art (top) is not an often seen piece of Imagineering art. We usually find the more common finished product depicted instead. If you look closely, you'll find the Liberty Tree is there. What you'll also see but was never built is directly to the left of the Hall of Presidents: the beginning of a series of streets and even courtyards a la Disneyland's incredible New Orleans Square. Would it not have been great fun to explore colonial America by getting lost in a network of shops and cafes? New Orleans Square is certainly one of the greatest pieces of design at Disneyland, effectively mimicking real world New Orleans as well as places like Montmartre in Paris and numerous bazaars found in the Middle East and Asia. 

One day, the Imagineers may choose to expand the area around the Rivers of America, opening up a pathway beyond the Haunted Mansion to ease guest traffic flow or to provide access to new lands and attractions. If so, I hope they include a bit more Liberty Square into the mix. It's a land that keeps the Magic Kingdom unique and celebrates a country like no other.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The First Walt Disney World Map

Here it is for your viewing pleasure: the very first map I ever saw of Walt Disney World. Looking at this illustration of the soon to open Magic Kingdom was all it took for me to convince my folks to take a trip to Central Florida. It still has its charms with its very distinctive 1960's design aesthetic. 

Just look at 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea up at the top with its huge lagoon and mysterious caverns! Liberty Square and the Hall of Presidents. A brand new castle and the Country Bear Jamboree. So much to see, not counting the futuristic Contemporary Resort and the tropical Polynesian Village.f

Passport to Dreams Old and New is one heck of a site. One that provided this map. In fact, there's a whole article about the first ten year's of Magic Kingdom maps, and it can be found here.  But there's more on this site worth your time: in depth articles, rare photographs, and investigative reporting. One of the best out there is you love Walt Disney World history.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Rare Disney Images from the New York Public Library

A very large series of photographs have been made public domain from the New York Public Library. Thousands up on thousands, including these related to Walt Disney.

First up, above, looks to be a cigarette ad for Mitchell's Cigarettes. Certainly fully of irony 50 years after his passing, but definitely of historic value.

Disneyland's iconic Golden Horseshoe. A most appropriate image to have on file if any of Walt'd beloved park and an opening day fan favorite attraction.

Walt Disney World has not been left behind either. Here's the Hall of Presidents, an opening day attraction in Walt Disney World. It was one of the must-see presentations in the park when attractions such as the Mickey Mouse (Musical) Revue were also still around.

EPCOT Center's Spaceship Earth. Futuristic elegance defined.

Two great vintage postcards from guests. The second one is worth reading. Click on all these for the largest size, by the way.

The man as I prefer to remember him. Thank you, Walt, and thank you New York Public Library for sharing these!

The First Attraction Poster for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

Direct from the New York World's Fair to Disneyland. The stunning attraction for the State of Illinois came to the Opera House on Main Street U.S.A. 

This attraction poster is a rare one, that's for sure. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln continues to be a crowd favorite. Long before thrills became more and more common, guests that were enamored  with Disneyland's warm sense of patriotism really appreciated Walt's desire to honor one of the greatest American presidents. 

When land became more available in the form of Walt Disney World, the Lincoln show was expanded to include all in the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square. The show itself changed over the years and more men spoke but none so passionately, eloquently, and full of sincerity as the God-fearing Honest Abe. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Herb Ryman's Liberty Square or Was It Liberty Street Disneyland?

 Yesterday, I shared a piece of concept art for Liberty Square in Florida's Magic Kingdom, a few thoughts on the attractions, shops, and dining options to be found. In 1975, it was the land I instantly wanted more of. Little did I know back then that the inspiration for the place came from ideas Walt Disney himself had for a similarly themed avenue at Disneyland in California. Or was it to be a full-fledged land in the Anaheim park? Keep reading...

Here's a piece of concept art I had never seen before... and I do not remember where this came from, so please forgive me for not giving credit where it is due. I'll take a guess that the Imagineer responsible for this art is none other than the legendary Herb Ryman (whose rather unseen work appears paragraphs below). The layout of the proposed addition is quite different than what was finally built years later in an entirely new theme park. I'm sure the attention to detail would be found, but keeping the design linear by necessity would create an entirely different experience. Contrast this piece seen above to the classic art of the Florida entrance below:

Of course, color aside, this piece creates an area a bit more expansive and inviting. Note George Washington never made an appearance at the bridge entrance, and sadly, the boats that once traveled under the bridges (Plaza Swan Boats), no longer do. The missing slice of kinetic energy creates an odd stillness to the area- something that a Magic Kingdom park should never have. In contrast, Imagineer Tony Baxter and team understood the impact and importance of movement in drawing crowds. At Disneyland Paris, most every land comes equipped with its own "weenie" to draw guests in.

Back to Herb Ryman. This piece above is labeled "Liberty Square Waterfront" and is dated 1964, the year Walt starting gobbling up land in the swamps of Florida. Could it be that artwork design on an East Coast kingdom really was in full swing by then? Or was Walt going to use a parcel of Disneyland shoreline to add a taste of Colonial America to his beloved park? 

It would have been a kick to find another elegantly executed, historically based, land at the bend from Frontierland. Certainly the Sailing Ship Columbia could have had its dock moved and then the Mark Twain could have found itself properly placed in New Orleans Square. Lest you think that to be a logistical nightmare, let me say- both ships are rarely run concurrently.

Perhaps both Liberty Square and New Orleans Square point to the reason I find Epcot's World Showcase so appealing. The detailed environments and attractions found within encourage exploration and the discovery of culture and history. It's something lost on many guests to the Magic Kingdom styled parks today as they rush from attraction to character meet and greets and back.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Pursuit of Liberty (Square, That Is!)

Just as Disneyland's New Orleans Square stands as its crown jewel, it is Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom that is set apart as an achievement in taking guests to another place and time. During my first visit in 1975, I was taken aback by the "sense of place" which created the warmth and charm in this area. Little details were to be found just about everywhere I glanced. With great attractions in a spectacular setting, period appropriate merchandise, and a strong sense of patriotism in all that is good in a Young America, this land is a winner. 

Over the years, much of both has changed, but the Hall of Presidents continues to stir me. The Liberty Tree Tavern and the Columbia Harbour House are among my first choices when I want to dine in the Kingdom. Lastly, but certainly not least, I find the creep factor of the Haunted Mansion to be superior than the California mansion due to the choice of design and it's location high above it all. Loving our heritage, Liberty Square is the one area of the park that I wish were expanded with new attractions, streets to explore, and discoveries to be found.

Could there have been a Liberty Square in Disneyland? Come back tomorrow to see some evidence...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Overlooked Attractions at the Magic Kingdom

After having so much fun telling you about my favorite Overlooked Attractions at Disneyland, I thought I would move on and share my favorite ways to enjoy the smaller attractions and special experiences in the  Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. 

By most accounts, the incredible men and women of Imagineering were tasked with designing a different Magic Kingdom than Disneyland, a park for a different audience and for a different purpose. Remember, Walt Disney had his thoughts focused on an EPCOT that truly was an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The theme park was to be the weenie to draw folks to it.

Perhaps its this explanation that answers the question as to why there are fewer smaller, charming attractions at the park versus its older sibling. They are not fully forgotten, just fewer in number and different in nature. Let's look at a few:

1- Tom Sawyer Island. No pirates here, just old fashioned fun with Tom, Huck Finn, and Becky Thatcher. It's one of the last remaining old school attractions. The only mistake? Removing Aunt Polly's patio- a great place to get a drink and watch the World go by. Or take a long leisurely look at the creepy Haunted Mansion perched high up on that bluff across the river.

2- Liberty Square. This Walt Disney World original still charms me. Even without riding its two landmark attractions, Mansion and Hall of Presidents, the place seems to cry out for exploration. There are sleepy little corners for sitting and watching the world go by. Small discoveries like the Liberty Tree and its thirteen lanterns help ground the Disney fantasy into a bit of history. 

3- Pinocchio Village Haus. Granted, navigating Fantasyland in the afternoon hours when its not a necessity may be crazy. Yet there's something sweet about taking an upstairs table, sipping a Coke, and watching the boats cruise into It's a Small World. 

4- Walt Disney World Railroad / PeopleMover. Either of these transportation systems provides a welcome relief from the crowds that by nature follow the "E Ticket" attractions. In the Florida heat, a journey on both provide a nice breeze as well as sights not available to those walking the park. This includes a view of the Contemporary Resort outside the Magic Kingdom- reminding guests we are at Walt Disney World, after all.

5- Swiss Family Treehouse. What is there to be said that hasn't already been said? While Disneyland transformed its version into Tarzan's Treehouse, cooler and wiser heads prevailed in its younger sibling. (It does happen!) Jungle sights, jungle sounds, and the iconic Swisskapolka. It doesn't get much better than walking high above it all, listening, dreaming, remembering.

6- The Crystal Palace. Just the sight of this restaurant, and I'm taken back to another time and place. A leisurely meal here is now expensive, but to sit back in the corner and view the building's details reminds me of the care and artwork that went into designing Disney's second kingdom. The glass elements of the atrium domes are gorgeous. Obviously well designed and well loved.

7- Monorails / Ferry Boats. Arriving at the park via one of these systems is a delight! The monorails cruise high above it all, and a trip through the lobby of the Contemporary Resort never fails to impress. On the other hand, a waterborne journey across the Seven Seas Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom is an attraction in its own right. The mild waves, the boaters enjoying the water, and the ground level view of each resort with the castle up ahead builds anticipation for a great day at Florida's number one park. Which do I prefer? It's a toss up! And something no other Disney resort has!

As you can tell, beyond the headlining attractions, much of my enjoyment of the Magic Kingdom is sightseeing in the truest sense. That's part of the secret of enjoying the whole World- slow down, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the number one attraction in the world.

Maybe I ought to take a look at Epcot next...

(Art copyright Walt Disney Company.)

Honoring Our Patriots

In honor of our great country on this 4th of July, here's a beautiful piece of concept art for Liberty Square at Walt Disney World.  

When plans for the Magic Kingdom finally came to the surface, the Imagineers included this tribute to the patriots of the past, those hard working, God-fearing men and women who sought freedom for all. I was thrilled for Liberty Square to come about, and it remains one of the lands I most enjoy at the Florida park. 

With all the gorgeous details everywhere you look, it is a place of quiet dignity and peace. The Haunted Mansion may provide a different kind of thrill, but the stunningly sober Hall of Presidents reminds guests of the great sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. I only wish this sacrificial attitude would continue on in the hearts of our politicians and not just in the hearts of those serving our country in the military!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)