Is This Art for A New Magic Kingdom in India?

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

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

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

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Concept Art for a New Magic Kingdom in Asia

Is Bob Chapek planning for a new Magic Kingdom? Very well possible, as the man is not known for leaving any money making venture unturned. Certainly a major new theme park is the crowing achievement for any Disney CEO. So, what exactly is this piece of concept art? It is a piece for a new Asia Magic Kingdom. The artist is a Sklar, but it's not Marty Sklar. It's Andy Sklar. He was once part of an association of designers called Coroflot. 

Here's another piece of Andy's concept art- a proposal for Epcot for the Coral Reef Lounge. Obviously, the Living Seas has been invaded by Nemo and Friends at this point in time, soon to be surrounded by Moana as well. 

Will there be another Magic Kingdom is Asia? Certainly, but it's not the only location being looked at, I can guarantee you. No doubt China's population can make it worthwhile. Former CEO Robert Iger has already mentioned there are plans for other parks there. Again, you can bet Bob Chapek will want another kingdom as a feather in his cap.

Years back, I was the first to uncover some rare concept art for a proposed Dubai Disneyland. That was June 2014, and other sites took notice even as I took down the concept art as asked. They say sometimes lightning strikes twice! And I suppose it did.

The art above may be older, but you can rest assured yet one more Magic Kingdom is coming sooner than later to compete for guests. 

Tokyo Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland will be followed by __________________.  Where? My guess is India!

What is yours?

(Art copyright Andy Sklar.)

A Magic Kingdom for India

A new Magic Kingdom in India? Oh, you can bet it's coming as Disney ramps up their operations in the country! With the announcement of K. Madhavan's being named president of Disney India and Star India, those who have been around the Disney block for years know this is the first step in making a Magic Kingdom in India a reality. (Check the history of Shanghai Disneyland. See the pattern?)

There has been a recurring rumor that Disney Imagineers were actively designing an India pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot. But this would be even better. Being one of the world's oldest civilizations and one of the most populated places on earth, India is prime for a Disney invasion and park to follow. 

Wouldn't you want to see a smaller version of this

grace the World Showcase lagoon? I would!

With regards to Epcot, it would have brought in some new mystique and definitely food options on the largely Eurocentric park now IP filled park. A fresh World Showcase expansion is not a new idea. At the WDWMagic boards have been talking about it for years. Keep watching their boards. They have a great track record as industry insiders post there as well as passionate fans.

Taj Mahal Westcot version. Oh what could have been!

Years back, the idea of an Indian theme park is was the not too unexpected hidden news within MiceChat's update by MiceAge founder Al Lutz. You can find the article here (Al Lutz India park rumor)- look toward the very end of it. Although the bulk of the article chronicles the would of  /should of aspects of the troubled Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and all the cutting Bob Chapek did to what was originally intended, a Disneyland in India was the real news behind things.

With the popularity of Bollywood films and the increase of Indian characters in television programming  Disney Imagineering has long wanted to include the mysterious world of India into the parks. Westcot in California- may it Rest In Peace- included the nation in its extensive plans. (Read more about it here- and see the concept art.) Stay posted for future developments. The next D23 could give us an update on a Mumbai or Dehli Disneyland, but it is probably too soon for that.

(Top photo copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

मुंबई डिजनीलैंड खुश करेगा

क्या आप मुंबई डिजनीलैंड की ताज़ा ख़बरें पसंद करेंगे?  ऐसी और भी रोमांचक खबरें हैं जिनमें आपको अवश्य पढ़ना चाहिए!  अद्भुत जगहें और उन सभी के लिए आवाज़ जो इसे बनाने वाले के निमंत्रण पर इस खूबसूरत जगह पर जाते हैं।

 क्योंकि परमेश्‍वर ने दुनिया से इतना प्यार किया कि उसने अपना एक और इकलौता बेटा दे दिया, जो कोई भी उस पर विश्वास करता है वह नाश नहीं होगा बल्कि अनन्त जीवन पाएगा।  क्योंकि परमेश्वर ने दुनिया की निंदा करने के लिए अपने बेटे को दुनिया में नहीं भेजा, बल्कि उसके द्वारा दुनिया को बचाने के लिए।

यह बाइबिल में पाया गया है, जॉन की पुस्तक, अध्याय तीन।

One Out of Eight

Will you be next? Hatred is a universal condition, and what people do to each other because of it is often extreme and with lasting consequences. No one is immune from the effects. Hard core persecution for spiritual beliefs is very common in the world we live in.  Yesterday morning, Open Doors, a Christian relief organization released its World Watch List for 2020, the 50 Countries Where It's Most Dangerous to Follow Jesus. Yes, China, home of Shanghai Disneyland, is on it at #23. So is the home of the (most likely) next Magic Kingdom, India, at #10.

The list is formed from data researched in two main areas: Violence and Pressure (National Life, Community Life, Family Life, Church Life, and Private Life.) Violence includes murder, rape, imprisonment etc. 

That statistics show an overall increase of 6% from 2019. Here's the current "Top 50":

Jesus himself warned his believers about coming persecution for those who follow after him. The Bible's book of Matthew gives this in detail that even mother and father would turn their children over the be killed and visa versa.

According to this year's report, 260 Million people suffered severe persecution because of their faith- 1 out of 8 believers in Jesus- with almost 3,000 killed, 3,700 wrongfully jailed, and almost 10,000 churches and buildings destroyed. 

Maybe you're not a Christian, and you don't care. But you should. This famous writing by Martin Niemöller - written during the middle of the 1940s- should make you think twice:

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

(Data copyright Open Doors.)

A Brand New Magic Kingdom is Coming to India

A new Magic Kingdom in India? Yes, that really is the not totally unexpected hidden news within MiceChat's update by MiceAge founder Al Lutz. You can find the article here (Al Lutz India park rumor)- look toward the very end of it. The bulk of the article chronicles the would of  /should of aspects of the troubled Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and all the cutting Bob Chapek did to what was originally intended- including that impressive looking animal transport- to save some big bucks. This was certainly a foolish decision after seeing dismal crowds and mostly tepid fan reaction all summer at Disneyland. (I had a lot to say about it three posts below.)

For years, there was a recurring rumor that Disney Imagineers were actively designing an India pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot. India is one of the world's oldest civilizations and one of the most populated places on earth. It also has the potential for a huge client base for Disney. Alain Littaye at Disney and More had this story to share way back in 2014 about Disney's attempts to break in to television and film there (as well as Consumer Products) and the hope of a new Magic Kingdom. 

Wouldn't you want to see a smaller version of this

grace the World Showcase lagoon? I would!

With regards to Epcot, it would bring in some new perspective on the overwhelmingly Eurocentric park. This whole World Showcase  expansion is not a new idea. At the WDWMagic boards have been talking about it for years as an expansion in addition to what's supposed to be added, the long delayed Brazil pavilion.  Watch those WDWMagic boards. It's a great inside source from real industry insiders with great track record. 

Taj Mahal Westcot version.

Disney Imagineering has long wanted to include the mysterious world of India into the parks. Even the aborted but much desired Westcot in California included the nation in its extensive plans. (Read more about it here- and see the concept art.) Looks like something better is coming soon. Stay posted. 2019's D23 could reveal more than we expected! If it doesn't, well, rest assured India is on the Disney executive's lines of sight!

(Top photo copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney, India, and Epcot

Big rumor going around today about Disney Imagineers placing an India pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot. Of course, it's been a consideration! Not only does it have one of the world's oldest civilizations, it would bring in some new perspective on the largely Eurocentric park.

Those beloved insiders at the WDWMagic boards have been talking about it for sometime as an expansion in addition to what's coming next (Brazil). As usual, they are first to break the news. 

Who wouldn't want to see a smaller version of this

grace the World Showcase lagoon?

Alain Littaye at Disney and More had this story to share way back in 2014 about Disney's attempts to break in to television and film there (as well as Consumer Products) and the hope of a new Magic Kingdom. You can read his detailed article here.

To stay updated, watch those Magic boards. It's a great inside source from folks with an al out perfect track record. Can't ask for much more than that!

(Top photo copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A Journey Worth Discovering

Romance, food, travel. This film has everything going for it, including subtle, heartfelt performances by the four lead actors. Love it the fist time we saw it, and it's even better in subsequent viewings. It's a Hundred Foot Journey worth taking.

Helen Mirren, the new Meryl Streep, is utterly convincing as stuffy French restaurant owner Madame Mallory. Her one Michelin starred restaurant is the only game in town, destroying the competition. That is, until the Kadam family enters the village- along with equally feisty Papa (Om Puri) and opens a restaurant right across the street. 

In an expected plot turn, young chef Hassan discovers that the lovely and single lady helping his family in distress is none other than the competition's sous chef Marguerite.  Love enraptures, success brings separation, and love eventually succeeds. Yes, you understand all this even before the opening lines of dialogue, but the actors are so pleasant to watch, you don't mind it a bit. Manish Dayal is perfectly cast, as is his love Charlotte Le Bon. 

Surprisingly, the star of the film is not the food. The exotic locales are smartly played to draw you in and make you forget it's really a foodie film. (And make you run to IMDB to discover exactly where in France this charming village is located.) Much like Tortilla Soup, it's a story driven, character rich film, and it is worth spending a very pleasant afternoon to watch it. 

If you can find it, that is.

Hundred-Foot Journey to Pleasure

Romance, food, travel. This film has everything going for it, including subtle, heartfelt performances by the four lead actors. 

Helen Mirren, the new Meryl Streep, is utterly convincing as stuffy French restaurant owner Madame Mallory. Her one Michelin starred restaurant is the only game in town, destroying the competition. That is, until the Kadam family enters the village- along with equally feisty Papa (Om Puri) and opens a restaurant right across the street. 

In an expected plot turn, young chef Hassan discovers that the lovely and single lady helping his family in distress is none other than the competition's sous chef Marguerite.  Love enraptures, success brings separation, and love eventually succeeds. Yes, you understand all this even before the opening lines of dialogue, but the actors are so pleasant to watch, you don't mind it a bit. Manish Dayal is perfectly cast, as is his love Charlotte Le Bon. 

Surprisingly, the star of the film is not the food. The exotic locales are smartly played to draw you in and make you forget it's really a foodie film. (And make you run to IMDB to discover exactly where in France this charming village is located.) Much like Tortilla Soup, it's a story driven, character rich film, and it is worth spending a very pleasant afternoon to watch it.

Westcot's Asia

It's a well known fact that Disney Imagineers design and then abandon some of the great concepts for attractions and entire theme parks. It's also known that the Disney suits are infamous "budgeteers", cutting the life and quality from some attractions that do survive. Often the upper echelon of the Company will pull the plug entirely on an exciting project and replace what was a great idea with an inferior product.

Here's a piece of art for the discarded Westcot project, once imagined for California as it's second gate. Where Florida's EPCOT Center had separate pavilions for each country of World Showcase, next to Disneyland, entire continents would be represented in a more hodge-podge form. In this Asia section, landmarks representing Japan, China, and India would sit alongside other pieces of Asian architecture. 

For a variety of reasons, the suits pulled the plug and gave us the very undernourished California Adventure in its place. Granted, the park circa 2014 is almost an entirely new experience, and it has become worthy of the Disney name.

Westcot is not the only aborted project or project that has been slashed in scale, scope, and content. Check out this blog for what could have been for the Indiana Jones Adventure, the original plans for Hong Kong Disneyland, and unbuilt attractions such as Florida's famous Western River Expedition. 

If there's any merit from learning from the past, the Chinese have done it with Shanghai Disneyland. You can bet this park will look and feel pretty spectacular. They do not want another park with the poor reputation of what was found in Hong Kong at opening!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Serving in India

Serving others is a pretty common trait in our family, and it's done in a variety of ways. Here's a photo of my nephew in a remote part of India. He's there helping build a water treatment plant so the people will have clean water. I couldn't be prouder of him. But then, he's always been led to travel to other places, doing what is best to help others. A true humanitarian and a great guy.