Jessica Rabbit Swings Again!

Once again, Jessica Rabbit is causing an uproar among Disney fans. First, it was her debut in 1988 with the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit? I mean, do women really look like that? (The answer is "Yes" if you watch reality television and see the work of Hollywood's worst plastic surgeons or get a look at Megan Fox.) Then, it was her more than lifelike size image rocking Walt Disney World's adult playground Pleasure Island- leg swinging and all. Must admit, it was striking! (Photo by yours truly. See more photos of Pleasure Island in its heyday here.)

Now in 2021, in the years of re-envisioning everything, her presence in Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin in Disneyland signifies yet another  new politically correct story line: Jessica as private detective. We all know Roger is bumbling and in need of help, but did they really need to change the story of the ride? Are those mandating the change that insecure they can't visit Walt's castle park and just have fun? I guess so. They need to watch the film and see just how self-sufficient and savvy a beautiful cartoon woman can be. Or meet the real women in my world.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

"Oh, Roger (Rabbit)!" Cartoon Spin Concept Art

Concept art for Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland is not very common. Concept art for the key attraction, Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin is almost impossible to find! But here you go. These pieces by Imagineer Marcelo Vignali from 1994 capture essence of the movie in stunning eye-popping fashion. 

The beloved film actually makes a pretty hare-raising attraction! Walt's original park has the best roster of classic dark rides, and addition of this one was just a perfect execution of fun, thrill, and story. I have to say that the upcoming opening of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is a welcome addition for two reasons: First, it's a great ride, and secondly, this new E Ticket will make sure that Toontown stays open at Disneyland for decades to come. The attraction and the land is a win-win for Disney and for park fans. Exactly the type of expansion that belongs in the most loved theme park ever!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney Springs and Pleasure Island

Highly successful, Disney's Springs is continuing to lead the transformation of the entire area around it. Change is constant. Bongo's Cuban restaurant is one of the last pieces of what was The West Side. Back in the day, it was Pleasure Island and the Disney Village. Both were both smartly done and hit two very different audiences.

No, it wasn't just the theme parks that were given the Imagineers touch. Bringing some nightlife to Walt Disney World was also one of their tasks. Just think about the amazing, excellent Adventurer's Club! That's got their hand all over it. (Boy, I miss it!)

Do you want to see more Pleasure Island in its heyday? Go to this post for some great vintage photos taken right after the grand opening- including my favorite, a larger than life, leg swinging Jessica Rabbit. 

Look for more Pleasure Island posts on the blog. You'll be surprised what you find around here...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Friday Night Special: At Pleasure Island

Here's my first offering for something new on the blog. A Friday Night Special. This time it's a piece of concept art for the great adult entertainment area. It's beautiful when enlarged.

The Imagineers did an incredible job bringing some nightlife to Walt Disney World. Now, the Comedy Warehouse only shows up at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Christmas, and the excellent Adventurer's Club is a relic from the past. Boy, it was something back then! 

Want more Pleasure Island? Go to this post for some great vintage photos taken right after the grand opening- including a large, leg swinging Jessica Rabbit. 

Times change, and we all have new places for some fun. Just remember to keep it in check- we don't want to end up like those bad boys in Pinocchio! 

Do search for more Pleasure Island posts on the blog. You'll be surprised what you find around here...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)