The Wild West Lives

It's true! The Wild West lives again! You can find it in the Disney Parks in China (Hong Kong Disneyland), Disneyland Paris in France (the absolute best version), and in the two American parks. But it could be a dying breed based on what was built at the newest Magic Kingdom in Shanghai- which would be a shame.

Walt Disney's love for American history, the love of story, and a good dose of business savvy necessitated that his new park had to have an area focusing on this time in America's expansion westward.

Today, guests only know Frontierland as the home of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the shortened (but more beautiful) Rivers of America and its iconic watercraft. Yet, long before Pirates Lair took over Tom Sawyer Island, one of the most beloved pieces the groundbreaking theme park had was its immersive take on the Wild West. The area was so large and it expanded so quickly that at one point in time, Frontierland covered almost 1/3 of the entire park's land mass. Can you imagine that? (I love BTMRR as much as anyone, but I wish they would have also retained the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland!)

Imagineer Sam McKim is most likely the artist who created this piece of concept art. He was a film star, making several Westerns and had a real love for the American frontier. The detail in this piece is a testament of his knowledge behind the artistry. (As always, click on the images for a huge version!)

Back in 1955, America was justifiably proud of its heritage. (Sure, we have our problems, but what country doesn't have its evil seasons?) Western themed films drew big business at the movie box office and were just as successful on the small screen. Contrast that to The Lone Ranger- a missed opportunity that if done well could have opened a whole new chapter for expansion of this land once again. But I digress... One of Disney's biggest hits was the five part series about Davy Crockett, making a star out of Fess Parker. The series aired from the end of 1954 until the end of 1955. When Fess himself helped open Disneyland, kids of all ages couldn't wait to explore the Old West for themselves.

Entering through the fort, guests were drawn to the adventures awaiting them. With the Mark Twain Riverboat on the river, the railroad trains chugging by, and the wild antics on stage at the Golden Horseshoe, the West was the place to be. The pack mules and soon the mine train took riders beyond the safety of the town, and eventually, guests go walk farther afield to the Indian Village. The Rivers of America became busier as well. Soon, canoes, keel boats, and the Sailing Ship Columbia plied the waters along with rafts that dropped guests off at Tom Sawyer Island. 

Over time, outer space explorations became more exciting to the public, and with Imagineering creating new major attractions, more and more of the original acreage dedicated to the West began to be used. New Orleans Square was the most successful and Bear Country the least- until Splash Mountain came along as part of the renamed Critter Country. The West continues to evolve with even more land being taken over by the Star Wars themed expansion. Perhaps one day, the interests of the public will come full circle, changing the face of the park once again. 

---------

A special thanks to Mint Crocodile over at the Magic Eye blog. Mint had the wisdom to photograph these extremely rare pieces of concept art shown in the Disney Gallery during the park's 60th Anniversary celebration. It is from his photographs that I was able to bring out the images you have seen.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Design Detail: Shanghai Disneyland's Treasure Cove

It is the great attention to detail, the little things, is what differentiates Disney Parks from their competitors. (Although I'd say Universal Creative is doing a lot very, very well these days. Particularly just about everything associated with Harry Potter.) You can find these design details all over any Disney park if you keep your eyes open. 

When it came to Imagineering Shanghai Disneyland, this kind of thoughtfulness emerged among the other choices mandated by the government (such as having the biggest castle, little to do with outside "competing" cultures, etc.).

Treasure Cove, the pirate themed area with the landmark Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, contains a hidden detail that many pass by on their way to the mega-hit attraction.

Walt Disney's 1929 Silly Symphony, The Skeleton Dance, is honored by the image displayed at the top of this post. The original film slice is shown above.  Mint Crocodile, of the Magic Eye site captured this little detail as he was exploring the Chinese park. Quite a find, I'd say! 

(Photograph copyright Mint Crocodile. Film image copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Shanghai Disneyland Pirates' Attractions Poster

Easily the best designed attraction at Shanghai Disneyland- the next and newest version of the classic Pirates of the Caribbean. This one entitled Battle for the Sunken Treasure. Jack Sparrow may be the star of the show, but in reality, his story is the excuse for a new slew of stunning Imagineering special effects. 

This fresh yet comic book retro styled attraction poster- courtesy a great photograph by  Mint Crocodile over at Magic Eye blog- provides an intriguing hint of things to come.

Here's an extra large version from Alain Littaye at Disney and More.

Speaking of intriguing hints, I won't be as coy. Tomorrow on the Insights blog, I'll post another piece of concept art for the new park's Adventure Isle. Yes, there's quite a bit out there it you take the time to find it. This one is another treasure...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Shanghai Disneyland at Its Best

Say the words "Shanghai Disneyland", and I'm sure you'll get a thousand different responses, everything from a head nod up and down to a puzzled look. Business analysts watch closely, Disney's competitors more so, and certainly governments are keeping a close eye on everything. 

While Disney park fans drool over Tron Lightcycles and the new version of Pirates of the Caribbean, bloggers such as the always excellent Mint Crocodile from Magic Eye give viewers a close up and personal look at a park many will never visit.

So far, my opinion on the park has been mixed. I love Disney's  "Castle parks", and on that alone, a visit might be on my list. When you add Tron Lightcycles to the mix, well, the urge to go gets even stronger. On the negative end, the castle seems to do little for me. Chunky, clunky, and a bit showy for its own sake, I'm just not impressed. However, these photos from Mint do take my breath away a bit. Why?

Mickey Avenue looks its very best as taken in photo one, and a zoomed in version of the same photo presents the castle in a much better light. I wonder how many more shots like this will change my opinion of the place.

I'm certainly looking forward to additional posts on Magic Eye about the trip to Shanghai. If you've missed part one, start here.

(Photographs copyright Mint Crocodile.)

Minty Fresh Holiday at Tokyo Disneyland

Want a fresher than fresh look at the Tokyo Disney Resort? Then head on over to the always wonderful Magic Eye blog hosted by Mint Crocodile. He's just traveled the Asia parks and has some incredible photos to share. I've always appreciated his insights and his photos of the Disneyland Resort- and now it just gets even better. Thanks, Mint!

(Photo copyright Mint Crocodile.)

Art from Frontierland's Past

Disneyland's Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante is one beautiful eatery with its lanterns, lush bougainvillea and tile work. Honestly, it's one of my favorite meal time getaways when the park is busy. I can sit on the patio and watch Frontierland's guests on their way to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Golden Horseshoe.

In the long ago, the restaurant was called Casa de Fritos. I bet you can guess who sponsored the place. 

The buildings of Casa de Fritos backed up right next to the town of Rainbow Ridge, part of the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland, the charming predecessor to Big Thunder. When the land also had the Pack Mules, the place was full of energy. It was the same on the Rivers of America. The Mike Fink Keel Boats and the Canoes shared the space with the Sailing Ship Columbia and the majestic Mark Twain.

These pieces of concept art were part of a display at Main Street's Disney Gallery. Photographs came to me courtesy Mint Crocodile and his terrific Magic Eye blog. I'm so appreciative of his weekly updates. You should check it out.

(Art copyright the Walt Disney Company.)

Vintage Frontierland

Long before Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, long before Pirates Lair took over Tom Sawyer Island, one of the most iconic and beloved pieces of Walt Disney's groundbreaking theme park, Disneyland, was its immersive take on the Wild West. The area was so large and it expanded so quickly that at one point in time, Frontierland covered almost 1/3 of the entire park's land mass. 

Imagineer Sam McKim is most likely the artist who created this piece of concept art. He was a film star, making several Westerns and had a real love for the American frontier. The detail in this piece is a testament of his knowledge behind the artistry. (As always, click on the images for a huge version!)

In 1955, America was justifiably proud of its heritage. Western themed films drew big business at the movie box office and were just as successful on the small screen. One of Disney's biggest hits was the five part series about Davy Crockett, making a star out of Fess Parker. The series aired from the end of 1954 until the end of 1955. When Fess himself helped open Disneyland, kids of all ages couldn't wait to explore the Old West for themselves.

Entering through the fort, guests were drawn to the adventures awaiting them. With the Mark Twain Riverboat on the river, the railroad trains chugging by, and the wild antics on stage at the Golden Horseshoe, the West was the place to be. The pack mules and soon the mine train took riders beyond the safety of the town, and eventually, guests go walk farther afield to the Indian Village. The Rivers of America became busier as well. Soon, canoes, keel boats, and the Sailing Ship Columbia plied the waters along with rafts that dropped guests off at Tom Sawyer Island. 

Over time, outer space explorations became more exciting to the public, and with Imagineering creating new major attractions, more and more of the original acreage dedicated to the West began to be used. New Orleans Square was the most successful and Bear Country the least- until Splash Mountain came along as part of the renamed Critter Country. The West continues to evolve with even more land being taken over by the Star Wars themed expansion. Perhaps one day, the interests of the public will come full circle, changing the face of the park once again. 

---------

A special thanks to Mint Crocodile over at the Magic Eye blog. Mint had the wisdom to photograph these extremely rare pieces of concept art shown in the Disney Gallery during the park's 60th Anniversary celebration. It is from his photographs that I was able to bring out the images you have seen.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Grizzly Peak Airfield Opens

I'll cut to the chase: The new Grizzly Peak Airfield looks terrific! California Adventure's original Condor Flats has been rethemed into a beautiful expansion of land that now connects Soarin' Over California to the rest of the wilderness. With Grizzly River Rapids nearby, the whole transformation of the area just settles so well.

The photos are not mine- and are labeled unknown- but go right to this link at MiceAge for a few pictures.

If you're looking for a "Minty Fresh" update, head over to Magic Eye. As always, Mint Crocodile's photo essay is one of the best on the web! Enjoy!

Grizzly Peak Airfield Nearing Completion

At the opening of California Adventure in 2001, there was much to complain about but also bits to like. I fell into both sides of the debate. However, Condor Flats was one of the areas in the park that I really enjoyed. And who couldn't love the amazing Soarin' Over California? It brought this man to tears by the end of it. 

With the transformation of the park into something really worthy of the Disney name, Condor Flats was on the chopping block to be remade into the Grizzly Peak Airfield, effectively increasing the size of the are once known as The Golden State.

Thanks to local fan and photographer Mint Crocodile at the terrific Magic Eye website, we get a glimpse of the almost completed project. Take a look here. It's nearing completion and will be a great addition to an increasingly beautiful second park.

(Photograph copyright Mint Crocodile.)

The Deconstruction of Condor Flats and Robert Iger's Big Bucks

You gotta hand it to both MouseInfo and Magic Eye! When you need the sites to come through with some great photos, they certainly do. 

Just as with our New Year's resolutions to improve ourselves, be it with health or spiritual resolutions, Disney is jumping in to transform California Adventure's Condor Flats into the Grizzly Peak Airfield.

The exterior transformation of Taste Pilot's Grille and the dismantling of the old mist spewing engine next to Soarin' Over California tell me that Imagineering is doing a serious revamp of the area- much more than new paint and a few new pines trees.

All the work should look fantastic when completed. This does bring up a serious question: Why does the Disneyland Resort seem to do so much better than Walt Disney World when it comes to "plussing" the parks and all around general maintenance? Even California's Frozen offerings are off the charts compared to the abysmal "attractions" offered at Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

Could it be the suits at the Walt Disney Company think they can fleece the buying public? I guess somebody has to pay for Robert Iger's $46 million dollar salary for 2014! 

(Photographs courtesy MouseInfo and Magic Eye.)

Sneak Peak: DCA's Condor Flats Becomes Grizzly Peak Airfield

It seems as if one of the "gifts" to celebrate the 60th birthday of Disneyland includes even more cosmetic work on its much younger sister, California Adventure. 

The addition of Cars Land, the revamping of Paradise Pier and the full on cosmetic surgery of the Sun Plaza into Buena Vista Street has made Anaheim's second park finally worthy of the Disney name. She certainly was an unattractive child, but as she's entering her teen years, she's shaping up quite nicely! And there's more to come.

Coming your way soon. Photo from MiceAge.

MiceAge is reporting that DCA's Condor Flats will be melted into the Grizzly Peak area. Newly renamed Grizzly Peak Airfield. This will involve a transformation from the dry desert landscape into the lush greenery of the California forests. The news is nothing new if you've kept your eyes open- and if you have a copy of Jason Surrell's The Disney Mountains: Imagineering at It's Peak. Inside is this piece of concept art that shows it all.  

The newest park map shows Condor Flats closed.

Click on this for a larger image.

From the always excellent Magic Eye website.

Instead of cactus greeting guests coming off Carthay Circle, the pine trees will welcome guests to a mountain top airstrip. Soarin' Over California now sports a fresh mountain look, and everything around it will fit seamlessly into the atmosphere as Grizzly Peak looms in the near distance. Given the work is mostly new landscaping and much paint, the finished product should be done by the Summer season, hopefully at the beginning of it. 

Another slice of DCA 1.0 disappears.

In the old days, as much as I loved the look of the desert airstrip, it was truly an abrupt change to round the bend and find the Grand Californian Resort, then the geysers of the rapids adventure. But that was DCA 1.0, when transitions mattered little, hip and edgy was the order of the day, and the suits felt as if the guests were too dumb to notice the company had delivered an inferior product but charged full fees for it. It certainly was cheap. (Take a look at my multi-part series Bargain Basement Imagineering. This approach created some of the shallowest, themeless attractions ever to be seen at a Disney park.)

With the success of DCA 2.0, a new day has dawned. Here's hoping that Phase Two of the renovation begins as Condor Flats goes away. And what else was in that book, anyway?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Why I'm Choosing California Adventure Instead of Disneyland This Christmas

Was this even necessary?

There's exactly one day that I can spend this year at the Disneyland Resort. One, and I had better choose wisely. So, I'm choosing California Adventure. The "whys" behind that choice may come as a surprise.

1- Freshness. The timing of my travels and the rebirth of California Adventure means I haven't seen it during the Christmas season. That alone is a big draw. What music do they play? What special treats are available? What's the entertainment like? The decor? As much as I hate to admit it, Disneyland is feeling old these days.

Christmas cuteness!

2- Less Overlays at California Adventure. Honestly, I'm tired of Haunted Mansion Holiday. Very tired of it. I absolutely love Small World Holiday, and it is right in tune with the season.  Jingle Cruise just doesn't ring true with me. What's next? Santa's sleighs taking over Space Mountain? I've been to Disneyland many times during the Christmas season, and there are few places as charming during the holidays, but the truth is, sometimes less is more. Until the day comes that "Jingle Shells" moves over to Ariel's Undersea Adventure, I'll be thrilled to ride that Omnimover ride over and over.

3- Crowds. Yep, they will be there, that's a given. However, nothing can be worse than the "Small World Crush" of crowds after the parade. It should be illegal from a safety standpoint. If there was ever a fire, some people would not be able to leave safely. 

4- Buena Vista Street. Disney Imagineers wisely poured on the charm here, and I have yet to really explore it at a leisurely pace. The way it used to be at Walt's park decades ago. Can't wait!

5- Cars Land. This will be a major calling card for me for many years. The Cadillac Range is stunning, and everything they've done to the area is a work of Imagineering art in the old school highest degree. Toss in the mix of unique merchandise here and the pending loss of Luigi's Flying Tires (which I have yet to ride), and this a must do destination.

(Photos copyright the excellent Magic Eye website.)

Magic Eye II

Since yesterday's post was such a lovely shot, I thought I'd feature another by Mint Crocodile from the Magic Eye Disneyland Resort photo site. 

At its opening in 2001, even the most die hard fans had to admit much was missing from California Adventure. While the hub -ish Sun Plaza had it charms, the brand new old fashioned Carthay Circle Theater is the resident star of the new Buena Vista Street. I have yet to be inside it, but I hear the restaurant and bar are quite good- and the views from the upper patio even better.

Just look at the beautiful blue sky pierced with a sweep of clouds! The spectacular show from God has no competition- even from the pretty terrific California Adventure hit World of Color.

(Photograph copyright Mint Crocodile.)

Magic Eye I

Magic Eye by Mint Crocodile is one of my favorite Disney photography sites. There's a real love for Disneyland evident in the approach to the photos and the comments describing them. 

Here, the beautiful as ever Mark Twain Riverboat sails around the Rivers of America. It's a meticulously maintained attraction, on handled with loving care. Continuing to please guests for almost 60 years, its a beloved moving landmark. I long for the day when Fantasmic! moves elsewhere, so that it will once again be possible to take a long midnight cruise in the summertime. That is one pleasure that can still be found in Florida's Magic Kingdom- at least for now until the suits find a way to close down a low capacity attraction.

(Photograph by Mint Crocodile.)

Magic Eye for Tiki Room 50th Celebration

One of the sites I check every Friday is Mint Crocodile's wonderful Magic Eye blog. As a relocated Californian in Colorado, I do not get to the parks often, so I rely on Mint for a great blog to keep me visually informed on what goes on at Disneyland. 

This week, Mint seemed a bit late, but was it worth it! Here is his incredible photos of The Disney Gallery and the tribute to Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. As you can see from the John Hench concept art above, it's pretty beautiful. Get over there now if you're a lover of all things tiki room!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Dark Skies Over Disneyland

Yep, this is a real photo! Mint Crocodile over at the great Magic Eye site caught this during a bad weather day visit to Disneyland. There's something really cool about this photo. Brings so much atmosphere! Thanks, Mint!

Ugly Duckling of DCA Becoming a Swan

Thanks to Mint Crocodile over at Magic Eye, we've got one of the first looks at the Carthay Circle Theater with the fountain in front of it. Looks like Walt Disney Imagineering was 100% determined about turning the stunningly short changed California Adventure into a park known for its beauty and charm. 

At this rate, Buena Vista Street is set to be the New Orleans Square of the second park at the Disneyland Resort. The detail is rich, the remodel tremendous even from viewing photos, and I am convinced the overall impact will bring serious money into the accounts of the Walt Disney Company as visitors are finally convinced to give the once ugly duckling another look. They will be rewarded for taking the risk!

With a mostly re-Imagined Paradise Pier, Cars Land with its thrilling Radiator Springs Racers, and a wonderful "first act" in Buena Vista Street, finally Disney California Adventure is in the first stage of giving Disneyland a run for its money as a full day park. Job well done!

(Photograph from Mint Crocodile.)

Racing to the Finish

Two months and counting to the opening day of the brand new Disney California Adventure! Can you picture it? I sure can!

Thanks to the likes of Mint Crocodile and many others, I anxiously await every new photo update. But it won't be long until we are walking down Buena Vista Street, riding the Red Car Trolleys, and eating in its restaurants, shopping in its stores.

As beautiful as it will be, it's Cars Land I am most excited about. Was Cars or Cars 2 my Pixar favorite films? Far from it. But I will not be able to resist Radiator Springs Racers! Along with Soarin' Over California, this gem of an attraction will be a must-ride every time I visit the resort.

And soon, I will be! If you are reading this, a visit to the revamped, re-Imagineered park, is probably on your to do list as well!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Minty Fresh

Just a quick shout out of thanks to Mint Crocodile and the Magic Eye blog! I look forward to his Thursday updates so much. This shot of the new paint job on the Grizzly River Run rapids lift tells me much about the new look for the park. Add in Buena Vista Street and a classy old school looking Cars Land, and it should be magic. Adios hip and edgy! Hello retro cool!

(Photograph copyright Mint Crocodile.)

My Thursday Night Addiction

Just a quick word of thanks to Mint Crocodile and the Magic Eye blog for his weekly photo updates. Being in Colorado, I sure look forward to seeing what I can't see in person. Is it just me or does Cars Land look to be one of the smashes at the Disneyland Resort?

(Photo copyright Mint Crocodile.)