TRON Lightcycle Power Run Lights Up the Night

It is perhaps the shortest E Ticket attraction ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. At just about one minute long, TRON Lightcycle Power Run is over just after it begins. But boy, oh boy, doesn't it make for an incredible piece of eye candy! 

The Tomorrowland thrill ride looks best in Shanghai Disneyland than it doesn't in Florida. In China, there's no Space Mountain next door to compete for visual effect, and the multi-level land creates stunning photo opportunities. 

For the most beautiful on line tour of Shanghai Disneyland, go to this video from Document Disney right here. 

 

More Epic Universe Concept Art

A few articles ago, I looked at the design detail for Universal's new restaurant at Epic Universe, the Atlantic. Well, today, here's a look at the concept art. It's pretty nice! Now, is it just my imagination or is Universal Creative upping their game in the concept art arena as well? I think so! As a lover of concept art, this makes me very, very happy. Charm is harder to convey in a photograph, but in concept art, colors of the water and sky can create something very enchanting- and this does. 

(Art work copyright Universal Creative.)

Something Old from the Disney Gallery

Something new here, you say? Well, very old actually. It's The Mickey Mouse Club Theater by Imagineer Bruce Bushman. Seems the man did many renderings for park attractions that never were built, but this one was. 

Above is a very simple pencil concept for the theater in Fantasyland, Walt Disney's park, Anaheim, California. My photograph isn't the greatest, but I'm glad I snapped it years ago. I haven't seen the piece since, so I guess that now makes it a rarity. Love those Disney Gallery presentations!

Bob Chapek Was Right About This One Thing

For my money, it's Michael Eisner over Robert Iger, and it's Josh D'Amaro over Bob Iger, and D'Amaro definitely over Bob Chapek- with Walt Disney above all of them. But that doesn't mean that the short lived former Disney CEO everyone loves to hate got everything wrong. He didn't. In fact, I'd venture to say he got one thing very, very right.

When the mandate came down that Marvel absolutely had to go into Disney California Adventure, Chapek put the screws on. Whatever it was, it had to go in fast, under budget, and still be excellent. He had determined that the artists inside theme park attraction development took way too long to get it together and were next to reckless when it came to budget restraints. 

Imagineering's Joe Rohde was tasked with pulling off the transition of Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout. Fans groused about the change, but it was coming like it or not. The result: Fans loved it! And to make things even better for the sharp pencil boys, the revised ride came in on time and under budget.

So here is where Chapek was right- Imagineering can in fact pull it off when it must. Perhaps, just perhaps, theme park fans won't have to see attractions based on beloved films come decades after their release. Maybe Imagineering can play the fast, under budget, and high quality game when they must. Maybe. I mean, a decade later, Guardians of the Galaxy remains the second most popular attraction in that park, right next to Radiator Springs Racers. Was Chapek right? In this case, yes, yes he was.

Lazy Afternoon at Disneyland

It's time for a true confession on the Insights and Sounds blog. When it comes to Disneyland, the sweet little Main Street U.S.A. does not get the same amount of love here as does the incredible New Orleans Square. Not that anyone would blame me! But this doesn't mean the land is without charm and design detail. Now showing in the Opera house is Walt Disney- A Magical Life in rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. It's a one two punch with Audio-Animatronics of the main men that you have to see for yourself. Don't just rush from one E Ticket attraction to another when you're here. Time time to see both shows if you can, avoid the crowds and enjoy some air conditioning with the memorable shows. You'll be glad you experienced a taste of old school Imagineering at its finest.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Pretty Rare Enchanted Tiki Room Art

Love it or hate it, there's no denying the very important place that Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room plays in theme park history. I fall firmly in the "love it" category. I've always had a soft spot for things Polynesian. Great food, tropical landscapes, a warm ocean, wonderful music. What's not to love? This piece of Imagineering concept art shows the area in Adventureland in the park's early days, before the later changes brought by crowds and even later by the Indiana Jones Adventure. The old wonderful Tahitian Terrace restaurant wraps around the corner, quickly becoming a park favorite. 

This site has one of the largest collections of concept art and Disney attraction posters. Search and Enjoy!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Inspiration for Tokyo Disneyland's Space Mountain Earthrise?

So, here is a piece of concept art for Tokyo Disneyland's brand new build, Space Mountain Earthrise. Looks very cool, doesn't it? I like it a lot, but it got me to thinking. Haven't I seen this somewhere before? I started digging into my massive library of Disney Imagineering concept art- and I think I've found it.

Now unfortunately, a did not log a date for this piece, but I do have a name. It's by Christopher Smith at Walt Disney Imagineering. His concept art looks pretty traditional and what we are used to seeing- that is until you look closer. There's some curving at the top and by the attraction entrance that mimics the more wavy architectural look of this new creation rising on the shores of Tokyo Bay. Even the entrance area walkway seems more organic and natural. Is it just me or do you see it too?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Original Park Map for EuroDisney / Disneyland Paris. There Was Much More Planned Than What Was Built!

Here is one of the original park maps showing what Imagineering had planned for EuroDisney aka EuroDisneyland aka Disneyland Paris. For a park that has remained relatively stagnant for decades- which may be a good thing given Disney's lousy track record with newer projects that seemed half-baked- the original park's plans were rich with ideas and variety. Just look at what was fleshed out besides what was originally built! You might be amazed. I won't give any secrets away, but you can enlarge this map to see it for yourself.

Walt Disney Studios Paris was an instant bust and a drain on the resort's finances. It took years and lots of cash to re-emerge as Disney Adventure World. Maybe, just maybe, some of these ideas for the world's most beautiful castle park will come to fruition now.

This is one of many park maps on the site. I know there's many others for Paris' park too. Enjoy!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Is This the New Hidden Gem of Disney's Hollywood Studios?

Olaf Draws! He really does. And this whole new section of Disney's Hollywood Studios feels fresh and organic, a very natural fit for a theme park once based on the creation of the movies. In a solid return to form, Disney Imagineers have created a very special place indeed. What's not to love about an entire theme park area dedicated to Disney Animation? Toss in creative Easter eggs, a little kids playground themed to Alice in Wonderland, and more, and guests can spend an hour or more exploring. 

As an old school Imagineering fan, this smaller project gives me hope that the Carousel of Progress reimagining can be a success in doing something new while still honoring the past. Could a new era in Disney theme parks be on the horizon? Let's hope so!

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Design Detail: Between Cars Land and Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure

Let's be honest: Disney California Adventure 1.0 and even some parts of 2.0 was not / are not known for excellence when it comes to design detail. Yet, things may be on a turnaround as Imagineering regains respect and more freedom under new CEO Josh D'Amaro. Case in point may be the walkway between Cars Land and Avengers Campus. 

I believe this photo was be taken by "mickEblu" on the WDWMagic discussion boards. It shows some simple design elements that turn a water fountain and bottle filling station into an object that perfectly fits where it is placed. The weathered blues and the gasoline tank looking dispensers fit right in, especially next to the metal sign for Stanley's Oasis. Could this be the start of a new era of excellence after so many "almost but not quite right:" projects? Here's hoping!

Walt Disney's Project Before Walt Disney World: St. Louis' Riverfront Square

With the great success of Disneyland, it wouldn't take long for the forward thinking Walt Disney to consider other projects and even other locations for more family entertainment. Around the time Walt was considering land in Florida for Disney World- later to have added the "Walt" by brother Roy- he was also looking elsewhere. What you're looking at above is concept art for Riverfront Square in St. Louis and a brand new Circlevision show. 

The Lewis and Clark Adventure.

Being Walt, the park would have some focus on American history. A great water expedition would take its cues from Louis and Clark,  giving guests a taste of what it would be like to explore the frontier. Back in the mid-1960s, this type of water ride would have been unheard of. When plans for this smaller park were scrapped, the idea was revised for the unbuilt Disney's America and later used for both Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom. An even more detailed adventure would be found as one of the centerpiece attractions at Disney California Adventure as Grizzly River Run. It puts the Florida ride to shame. 

The full concept.

The park itself was much larger than you might think. Some sources tell that the first versions of New Orleans Square along with its own Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion were first planned for this location. Audio-Animatronics were brand new, and Disney planned to make the most of this the opportunity to wow the public.

The proposed Mississippi River setting was a natural fit. Given the more unpredictable weather patterns, much of the smaller attractions, shops, and dining, would have been all indoors in one giant building. 

The main entrance.

For a variety of reasons, Walt called off the project. In one sense, I'm glad he did because we did get a whole resort in Florida instead. But I will say that Riverfront Square could have been the first of many regional theme parks. That would be something I'd gladly welcome!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Great Graphic for Disneyland's New New New Tomorrowland

For West Coast Disney park fans, the D23 announcement of a brand new fresh Tomorrowland update was the highlight of what was announced for Walt's park. Imagineering has its work cut out for it if they are going to create something even remotely as good as the classic 1967 version. There's been much speculation about what will come to this new take on the future at Disneyland, but everyone seems to be wishing for a revamped Peoplemover. Me, included! 

Relatively new vlogger The Imaginemover speculates as well- and his work includes this piece of art that makes a pretty cool desktop photo!

The Original Remains the Ultimate: Space Mountain - De la Terre a la Lune

On our first visit to Disneyland Paris known then as EuroDisney, this was the attraction I was most excited about! Space Mountain - De la Terre a la Lune. Our entire family was not disappointed- except our youngest son who was about 2 inches too short to ride. That's now become a family joke, but soon he will have a chance to ride it for himself!

This fan favorite is returning to Paris! The D23 announcement was one of my favorites, to be sure. I cannot wait to ride it again!

DO NOT MISS THIS! The Jules Verne model beats all others! Yes, Stateside, in Asia, all of them!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Hello D23! Disney, You Just Made Me Want to Book a Trip!

Here's a look at the temple sections being added to the exterior of the soon to come Indiana Jones Adventure at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Look at all this design detail! I mean, c'mon- if this doesn't convince you that Imagineering will put its best foot forward on this revamp of the great Dinosaur attraction, nothing will. Can't wait for a brand new Indiana Jones! 

(Photo from Drew Smith, found at WDWMagic.)

Imagineering's Joe Warren Paints Expedition Everest

Not exactly Imagineering concept art per se, but this painting by Joe Warren is still quite eye catching. Expedition Everest remains the peak of popularity among thrill seekers at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The artist captures its tranquil side with a moody early morning reflection. I don't know about you, but this makes me what to hop aboard for the wildest ride in Asia's wilderness!

Imagineer Harper Goff's EPCOT Dream Realized

The EPCOT that never was- and the Epcot that could have been. Fully realized in the image posted toward the end of this article. Why am I holding off showing it up front and making you only glance at Harper Goff's rendering right now? Because you've got to understand it and why it was created to fully appreciate what you'll see. Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

All we've got is the Epcot we have, but it wasn't always like this. There was once a great vision for Disney's second park in Florida. Leave it to those original Imagineers to come up with the best ideas... and here is one of the ones that's still great even if it din't make the cut.

So much detail to be seen here in this concept art.  Imagineer Harper Goff created this beautiful rendering of an EPCOT we will never see. If you click on this huge piece of concept art and look at it closely, you'll find the Netherlands and other unbuilt and interesting design choices. 

The B&W version.

This is somewhat of a water based Epcot, if you'd like. It's even more of an urban style showcase than what was eventually built, focusing on classic, romantic architecture as the centerpiece of each pavilion. There's lots of side streets and nooks and crannies to explore. Certainly, the park would have a bustling but intimate feel with its contrasts of open plazas and smaller courtyards and walkways to explore. 

It is very Eurocentric- I can only see China and perhaps Japan in the upper right hand side of the park, perhaps that is Morocco slightly south of those. What I don't see is a U.S.A. pavilion. Do you? Aside from the Mexican temple, I do not see anything for South America or Africa- nor can I find Canada. Maybe you can. Front and center in the middle of the large lake, the classic architecture you'd come to expect looks seamlessly blended into more modern structures. (You'll get a better idea of what I mean when you see my piece showcasing the never built Netherlands area.)

In my mind, I'd add something really needed: an "underground" Metro system including stops at strategically placed locations around the back end of World Showcase. Think of Disneyland's and the Magic Kingdom's railroad system and how effective it is. How compelling would it be in suspending disbelief to enter a station in Paris at the back of a pavilion by walking down the stairs or a ramp, getting on the train and then coming back up at a similar station in London? Or German? Or a host of other locations? You could even have the train appear above ground at certain points for atmosphere and realism. Four stations should cover the around that circles the World Showcase Lagoon. (It would actually circle back around itself so the tracks could remain behind in backstage areas.) For guest convenience, the Metro would minimize walking great distances plus provide something fun to do.

Now, back to the park's water features. In the rendering, instead of just World Showcase Lagoon, you find a main lake plus a smaller one that hosts a Romanesque amphitheater for an evening show. There's canals as well- and if you look closely, an early version of what looks like a World Cruise attraction where there looks to be show scenes built under the bridges. (If it sounds like what was planned for California's Westcot, it does to me as well! Look at that article including Tony Baxter's ideas here.)

The man was clearly inspired and quite successful at what he did, but I do not see much room for expansion aside from what could be easily removed structures on the West and East sides of the park. Perhaps this is why the design that was finally built was chosen. (I really do have to finish that "If I Built Epcot" article. I have one great idea that no one seems to have used yet...)

A simple monorail station seems to sit at the entrance of his park with a large square plaza beyond the entrance gates. Inspired by or vaguely reminiscent of what is now found at the end of the Future World path to the lagoon. 

OK, here it is! The fully realized AI created version based on the concept art and sketches of the man. It's beautiful!

Would Harper's EPCOT work? Most likely it would. I'm sure there's a fascinating story to be told as to why this version of the park was bypassed in favor of what was built. Could it be the suits had plans for massive expansions and many more countries to be represented? History- and Disney's own documents and concept art seem to give us an affirmative answer.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Sunday Morning Surprise: Splash Mountain Pre-Opening Art

Here's a nice piece of concept art that was released prior to the opening of Disneyland's iconic Splash Mountain. Its style is almost logo like, nothing like the beautiful pieces you can find to depict the attraction. To be 100% honest, I'm not sure how it was used. Perhaps for early park guide maps like the ones that were printed for decades before Disney went to simple fold out maps. 

I haven't forgotten about my Disneyland Resort trip report! It's just that I ran across something as I was looking for a different piece by Tony Baxter. Again Tony, where's your book?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Epcot's Unbuilt Russia Pavilion Would Have Been Astounding

If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, those incredible first and second generation Disney Imagineers must really love Moscow! Their faithful but fanciful version of Russia's Red Square was once planned for EPCOT Center's cultural heart, World Showcase. 

There's much culture to celebrate!

While travel to the Russian Federation is not uncommon today, it is still considered an exotic destination even if much more available to tourists than ever before. Imagine in the early 90s, a new Russia pavilion at Epcot would have been adored from its opening days. The Imagineers plan for representing the country would have been as ambitious- if not more so- than what they accomplished with The American Adventure! Imagine a pavilion with two rides, a theater presentation that would have rivaled its American host, a museum, a restaurant or two, and a slew of shops, and plenty of entertainment. 

Thanks to a newly released video, Russia Pavilion EPCOT World Showcase Presentation (1992), by a group known as CowMissing, I now have a new and large selection of image captures to go with a few previous pieces of Imagineering concept art. 

The fireworks would have been in front,

but artistic license always wins out in concept art.

Placed between Germany and the area once set aside for Equitorial Africa, the new pavilion and its iconic architecture of St. Basil's cathedral would make a stunning addition to the other landmarks around the lovely and large World Showcase lagoon. 

The only fully walled World Showcase

pavilion- mostly.

Wisely, the Disney suits and the Imagineers chose to focus on the art, history, and culture of the country rather than on its politics. And what a beautifully rich culture it is!

The pavilion's centerpiece attraction, a theater presentation entitled Russia- The Bells of Change, would combine Audio-Animatronics, beautiful sets, live actors, and film to create a stunning and memorable presentation.

Imaginers hard at work!

Love the model!

As in the age of strange advertising gimmicks, let me say, "But wait! There's more!" In addition to the theater show, there would also be a dark ride through the beloved old tale of Ivan and the Magic Pike. The story tells of a boy who finds a magic pike that grants wishes. I loved the old EPCOT Center that focused on the real culture of the nations in World Showcase. I wish they go back that direction. 

Even if guests did neither of the attractions, just walking the showcase would be a very rich experience in the largest international pavilion in the park. Take a look at these pieces of art.

Shopping and dining is a large part of World Showcase, and Russia would have been no exception! Although I find the country's cuisine rather bland, it would be a nice option to have and round out the offerings.

Although the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 put an end to their plans, given the current state of world affairs and the political climate, I say it' will never happen. But once upon a time a long time ago, the Disney Company's very serious about the project! After reading about and see what was planned, you will certainly agree that it would have been a great addition. And let's be honest, Epcot certainly needs a new international pavilion to add some new excitement to the park.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure in English!

Ever wondered what the Imagineers full story was behind Shanghai Disneyland's groundbreaking Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure? What tale were they trying to tell? How many times would Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow appear in the ride and why? Just check out this video below for the first ever English voice ride through courtesy Ben Laurence:

After the ride through, listen to Ben tell us exactly how it was created. Great job I say!

(Top photo by TripSavvy.com)

An Easy Fix: A Revolutionary Idea for Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion

We Disney theme park fans leave it to the Imagineers to build us some good old fashioned fun and some revolutionary attractions. Over at the great WDWMagic Boards, a discussion is brewing about the future of Liberty Square, the Hall of Presidents, and even the beloved Haunted Mansion. Some are saying that the mansion doesn't belong other than what the exterior looks like. I say, it's a very easy thing to fix: Just add a handful of Audio-Animatronic figures of Revolutionary War ghosts into the graveyard in the Mansion. An easy prompt from ChatGPT, and its created. Problem fixed!