Car Land Before Cars Land

The original Car Land at Disney's California Adventure. The gifted Imagineers were struggling to find concepts to make the park popular.   Look at this piece of concept art. This was never built, but it does look like a lot of fun. That is, of course, until you realize that in a park lacking lots of expansion space, the executed concept would be little more than the Autopia with more lavish settings.

Of course, large projects were proposed and eventually approved, but before all that, budgets weren't healthy, and Bargain Basement Imagineering was the order of the day. Looking at this piece of eye candy, differently now?

God bless John Lasseter, the Pixar genius for putting his career on the line and getting the suits to approve - and upgrade- to Cars Land and its super "E Ticket", Radiator Springs Racers. As the star centerpiece of a newly enhanced park, Disney had one chance to get it right and win back an audience. Mission accomplished, and Racers is still the new must-do on the Anaheim property. It will remain that way until Star Wars Land makes its debut in Walt's park in 2019. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Wall of Resistance

Resistance. It can be a formidable foe. Be it Captain America standing against Hydra or something as simple as writer's block. We all hit it some time. Certainly, I am feeling that these days. Many times, I have real inspiration for a post, a series, or even just a piece of Disney concept art or a photograph I want to share. Right now, be it the expected Christmas busyness or a pretty packed work schedule, things have been light on the blog front. 

I hope to back over the weekend- if I ever get caught up. In the meantime, try to train your mind to rest, enjoy the season, and allow the love of the Little King Jesus to bring you hope and peace and true unity with God the Father. That's why He came in the first place.

Listen to the Land and Keep Frozen Out of It

"Just make believe..."

Any long time fan of the original EPCOT Center will be able to finish the song without even thinking twice. 

I loved the song "Listen to the Land", the Future World pavilion and all it contained. The revolving Land Grille Room was a favorite place for breakfast- a tradition for every trip to Epcot, back when guests didn't have to rush to Soarin' or choose to get a Fast Pass for Test Track over on the other side. 

Please don't misunderstand. Soarin' is a favorite (especially in California Adventure, where it fits perfectly). Test Track is also much loved. (Although I sorely miss World of Motion. It was always "Fun to Be Free"!) There was just something simpler and truly more special about a trip to the World back then. Epcot was a world of exploration and wonder not animated films.

Kitchen Kabaret was cute and informative in the midst of one bad premise. Animatronic Food? It's as bad an idea as fruits and vegetables teaching Bible Stories and bound to be just an unsuccessful.  ;)

Symbiosis was geeky cool, but the centerpiece was Listen to the Land. It still is- and it remains a strong reminder of what Epcot used to be, it's mission and it's purpose.

I wish the Disney suits would still listen to the land.  Frozen does not belong in Norway at World Showcase. The Three Caballeros have no business ruining El Rio del Tiempo. Nor does Martin Short belong in a film about Canada. The lovely once elegant World Showcase countries need to promote their culture not their reference to Disney animated films. In spite of how well the Imagineers can bring us to Arendelle, it is incongruent with the theme and purpose of the park to take us there. It may be a lovely ride with Elsa, Anna, Kristof and of course, Olaf, but the journey belongs at Disney's Hollywood Studios or at the Magic Kingdom.

Ellen Degeneres doesn't fit in Universe of Energy, but I can give her a pass. I can even somewhat forgive the inclusion of Nemo and friends in the Living Seas.  They can be used to entertain and educated if done well; if they do not dominate the pavilion or its purpose. 

Yet it's a whole different story when it comes to cultures of our world. This isn't It's a Small World. Nor should Epcot's World Showcase become that attraction on a larger scale. The nations have unique and interesting histories and mythologies all their own. Disney animated characters are not needed to tell their stories, nor are stars of television and film.

It's a cheap and easy route to go this direction, but it is a wrong move. C'mon Disney suits. Just Listen to the Land. Be Brave and reverse your direction. It's not too late. Don't worry, though. I'll ride the Maelstrom replacement. I may even love it. And, yes, I'll eventually quick arguing for the integrity of the greatest theme park and  Let It Go.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland: Toontown Out, Star Wars Land In

Goodbye Toontown at Disneyland. Hello Star Wars Land. Really. We expected it at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but Star Wars land right next to It's a Small World? Perhaps a recreation of Endor could easily back up to the pine trees of Frontierland pretty easily. Regardless, the news is just shocking.

The news is too hot to not spread the word. The very reliable industry insider WDW74, known commonly as Spirit, dropped the news bomb last night over at the WDWMagic Boards. Right here.  It may just be the biggest real piece of Star Wars news in the last few months.

And I quote: "First, I am no tease, except with fanbois, so I've played enough: the current WDI plan for Star Wars at DLR involves a complete removal of ... Toontown. Don't know what this means for future DL pyro shows, but that is a huge chunk of land that is considered very 'underutilized'."

Why not in Tomorrowland where Star Tours already exists? No one knows but the suits and the Imagineers. Wonder if Marvel plans have anything to do with it. 

I love Roger Rabbit and his Car Toon Spin. Yes, all of Mickey's Toontown could be better utilized with more attractions besides bounce houses and lightly themed roller coasters. So, I do not understand the choice.  But I will say this: Spirit's sources are usually spot on, 100% accurate- and we've all seen Disney make the oddest of choices. I'm mean, a California themed park in California?

Big Risks at the Mouse House

What's going on in Central Florida with all the changes to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World? What impact has Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey had on the plans at the Mouse House? Why is Walt Disney World's 40th Anniversary so important at this time? Come back tomorrow for an in depth look.

Listen to the Land

Prior to the opening of EPCOT Center in 1982, the Walt Disney Company published a wonderful promotional piece highlighting the new park and the sponsors involved. Mixed into this rare and wonderful souvenir is this small but seldom seen piece of art for the Land's signature attraction.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)