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.)

日本に新たな王国がやってくる

はるかに新しい何かが日本にやってくる。ファンタジースプリングスがこれからも成し得ないほど大きく、より良く、もっと印象的な何かが。信じがたいかもしれませんが、本当のことです。「神は世を愛されたので、独り子(イエス)をお与えになった。それは、神を信じる者はだれでも滅びず、永遠のいのちを得るためである。神が御子を世に遣わして世を非難したからではなく、神を通して世が救われるからです。(ヨハネの聖書)

そこで彼らは、盲目で口のきけな悪霊に抑圧されている人(イエス)をイエスのところに連れて来て、イエスが彼を癒したので、その人は話し、見ました。民はみな驚いて言った、「これはダビデの子でしょうか。」しかし、パリサイ人たちはそれを聞いて、「この人は悪霊の長であるベルゼブブによってのみ、悪霊を追い出すことができるでしょう」と言いました。イエスは自分の考えを知って、彼らに言った、「すべての分裂した王国は、その前に荒れ果て、分裂した町や家は、その前に立つことはありません。そして、サタンがサタンを追い出すなら、サタンは自分自身に対して分裂するでしょう。では、彼の王国はどうなるでしょうか?もし私がベルゼブブによって悪霊を追い出すなら、あなたの息子たちは誰によって悪霊を追い出すでしょうか。ですから、彼らはあなたの裁判官になります。しかし、もし私が悪霊を追い出したのが神の御霊によってであるならば、神の国はあなたがたの上に来たのです。(聖書のマタイ)

その時、私は新しい天と新しい地を見た。最初の天と最初の地は消え去り、海はもうなかったからである。そして、聖なる都、新しいエルサレムが神から天から来て、手入れの行き届いた結婚式のように夫のために準備されているのを見ました。そして、玉座から「見よ、神の住まいは人とともにある」という大きな声が聞こえました。神は彼らと共に住み、彼らは神の民となり、神ご自身が彼らの神として彼らとともにおられるでしょう。神は彼らの目からすべての涙を拭い去り、もはや死、嘆き、泣き、痛みはないでしょう。(黙示録)

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!

 

Celebrate the U.S.A. at 250 Years at Walt Disney World

Today is American Independence Day. As we celebrate our 250th year , it is time to give thanks to the Lord who has blessed us as we have sought to honor Him. We've had it so good for so long. Yet, I do not think we honor Him as much anymore given the current broken state of distrust, corruption, and division in our politics and how we handle ourselves in the global community.

Yet, I think it's time to focus on our blessings once again. For our sakes as well as for the benefit of those around us. Thankfulness is a good thing!

As an independent tour guide, I travel all over the world. Believe me, there is no nation on the globe where its citizens are as free as we are in the United States of America! We're not perfect- not even close, but we can complain all we want about laws, our government, and our politicians. That's one of the greatest things about our country. We have a voice and we can use it freely. Others cannot do that. We have the wisdom of the founding fathers to thank for this, and we have the sacrifice of our military veterans to thank for keeping those liberties. 

Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! 

Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!

Psalm 144:15

Let's tie it all back to Disney, since this is a Disney theme park fan site. Imagineering great artist Herb Ryman created this gorgeous painting for the American Adventure.  Way back in 1979, EPCOT Center was finding its focus, and the Disney executives needed art such as this one to inspire corporations the world over to pour their funds in the new project. They also needed this kind of concept art to inspire travelers to send their hard earned cash to come to Walt Disney World when this second park made its debut. The park's Future World would draw them in as any world's fair might, but it would be World Showcase that would celebrate the cultures of other nations including the U.S.A.

Patriotism was not a new thing at Disney parks. It began with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland, but the Imagineers really expanded on the idea when it came to Florida's Magic Kingdom. 

Here's a beautiful piece of concept art for the Magic Kingdom's brand new Liberty Square at Walt Disney World. I could almost do an entire blog piece on when reality is better than Imagineering art on this land alone! It is stunning in its beauty and design detail, making it my favorite land of all those in this eastern kingdom. Does the land hold my favorite attractions? No, not at all. But as the sum of all its parts, it's the closest Florida has to the elegance of Disneyland's New Orleans Square.

When plans for the Magic Kingdom finally came to the surface, the Imagineers included this tribute to the patriots of the past, those hard working, God-fearing men and women who sought freedom for all.  

With all the gorgeous details everywhere you look, it is a place of quiet dignity and peace. The stunningly sober Hall of Presidents reminds guests of the great sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. 

So, today, July 4th, let us thank God Almighty for shedding His Grace on us for 250 years!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

When Reality is Better Than Imagineering Art: Magic Kingdom's Pirates of the Caribbean

To hardcore Disney theme park fans, Walt Disney World's Pirates of the Caribbean has long been considered the lower class version of the iconic Disneyland attraction, but that does not mean it is without its own charms or great design detail! Here above is the original ending scene, courtesy CardCow.com. Those poor soldiers protecting the treasure are overtaken by the rowdiest group of pirates ever to assemble in a Disney park.

When the gold standard of attractions made its debut at Disneyland in 1967, there was nothing like it- and there still isn't to this day! 

Never, ever had anyone in the entertainment industry created a theme park attraction that was almost 15 minutes of one stunning seaworthy discovery after another. Unbelievably, when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, it was not on the opening day attraction roster at Walt Disney World! 

As us Disney geeks know, the expansion plan for the Magic Kingdom included a full scaled Wild West styled version of the pirate adventure, Western River Expedition. The Marc Davis imagineered area Thunder Mesa included many other attractions built into one magnificent and very expensive structure.  

There were no plans for this until Magic Kingdom guests demanded it.

It'd be easy to blame it on the energy crisis or the wait and see attitude of Disney accountants, but Western River Expedition and all the attractions at Thunder Mesa were not to be. Park guests won out with their numerous complaints. Executive Card Walker made the decision to toss out Davis' unbuilt masterpiece in favor of a sure bet where most of the hard design work had already been accomplished.

Construction in full swing.

See this concept art in full size! Just click on it.

When it came time to add the Pirates attraction for Florida's Magic Kingdom, Imagineer Marc Davis wanted to add elements that would bring the rowdy story to light in different ways than the one found in Disneyland's New Orleans Square. In Florida, the fan favorite would find its home in an expansion of Adventureland known as Caribbean Plaza. The pirate story would begin as guests entered an old Spanish fort El Castillo (later renamed Castillo del Morro). Good beginning!

Starting in the queue, there would be hints of what was to come, like the dueling pirate skeletons at the dust covered chessboard locked in an eternal stalemate. The biggest change overall would be the brand new conclusion. I've always loved the original ending in Florida. There the Spanish soldiers protecting the fortress are tied up while the pirates grab all that glittering treasure. The concept art was good, but the final execution was just brilliant!

Nothing they could do about it!

Over the years, the attraction lost its steady stream of visitors, but it didn't take long to regain them. Once the films based on the attraction became very popular, both the Disneyland original and the Florida version added Johnny Depp aka Captain Jack Sparrow to the mix. Purists scoffed, but fans of the Black Pearl series and Mr. Depp loved it. Crowds returned to the Florida attraction, filling the queue once again.

Photo by Mike Thomas at Magic and Memories. 

Changes are constantly in play with the attraction. Additions have included other characters from the film and even a hint of deadly mermaid activity in the caverns. Those have been installed and subsequently removed. 

In 2027, Pirates of the Caribbean celebrates its 60th Anniversary at Disneyland. I wouldn't be surprised if the Imagineers are planning for some new surprises to celebrate and honor this landmark attraction. 

(Unless denoted, art and photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

New Carousel of Progress Attraction Poster Highlights Changes Coming

Is there's a great big beautiful tomorrow coming? Let's hope so! Disney has just announced a major upgrade coming to Tomorrowland's classic Carousel of Progress. The attraction poster is a nod to the past, but the storyline has shifted significantly. According to the press release, once an Audio-Animatronic version of Walt Disney opens the show, the show scenes are as follows:

Act 1 — The 1960s Set in the summer of 1969, the family gathers around the television to watch the Apollo moon landing.

Act 2 — The 1980s It's Halloween night, 1985. For the first time in the attraction's history, Sarah takes center stage, showing off new appliances and gadgets. John is on the porch handing out candy, while Uncle Orville returns — this time in the bathroom complaining about the lack of privacy.

Act 3 — New Year's Eve, 1999 The family rings in the new millennium as the internet begins connecting the world. Grandpa falls asleep before midnight, while Grandma quietly switches the TV to wrestling.

Act 4 — The Future The finale moves to a distant future home, featuring a helpful robot and space travel. Imagineers drew on original concept sketches by Disney Legend John Hench to shape this new scene.

The concept art for the final Act seems nice if not a bit bland. That said, it is nice to see some love given to the show that originated at the 1964 World's Fair before making its way to Disneyland and eventually the Magic Kingdom. 

Even nicer is seeing the suits honoring the World's park history! What a switch from the money grab move of tearing down the iconic Rivers of America!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Perhaps the Rarest Photo of the Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion

Welcome Foolish Mortals to perhaps the rarest photograph of Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion. Taken around 1971, this is a rare promotional sheet from the Imagineering files. Giving the viewer the perfect look at the attraction from the now long lost Tom Sawyer Island. Plying the Rivers of America, these beautiful canoes and a trip into the wilderness was an opening day attraction not to be missed. Liberty Square was a perfect setting for the old abandoned mansion. Guests couldn't stay away once they discovered the 999 Happy Haunts in residence. The Imagineering masterpiece has drawn in unsuspecting visitors for over 50 years now... much longer number of years than those Cars at Piston Peak will ever reach.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney's Country Bears and Pixar's Cars Take Over Colorado

Count this Colorado man very surprised to see Disney characters in Audio-Animatronic form outside of one of the theme parks. And not just a Country Bear Musical Jamboree bear but a "Car" as well! They both had as much motion and expression in their eyes as any of the characters in the parks. Surprising? Absolutely! Where was this whole thing? We were in Scheels Sporting Goods store in Colorado Springs, Colorado- and this was their shooting gallery. Just goes to show Disney inspiration is everywhere!

 

The Charm of the Magic Kingdom's Rivers of America

When it came to color design and creating a mood, there were a few standout Imagineers of the first generation. You'd have to add artist Herb Ryman to the top side of the list! This concept art captures the simple beauty and charm of a Frontierland now long gone. The Rivers of America delivers a serene landscape of dreams as several folks sit by on land watching the world go by. The originally named Admiral Joe Fowler riverboat sails on.

This being a theme park means contrasting buildings exist. At Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the beautiful Cinderella Castle in her glorious original color scheme is seen in the distance and the lower level buildings of Liberty Square peacefully co-exist with everything else. 

The vibe was definitely chill. While Piston Peak and the world of Cars will bring a different energy, I'll be curious if the charm factor will still exist. What do you think?

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Indy's Temple Takes Shape

Thanks to Bioreconstruct, we can see that Countdown to Extinction aka DINOSAUR at Disney's Animal Kingdom is quickly becoming the temple entrance to the new Indiana Jones Adventure. This will be the next in a series of temples in Walt Disney World. First, there are those in the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom. Next we have the pyramid and interior temples at the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. Now, this. We can debate whether or not Encanto and Indy fit, but the look and feel of Tropical Americas aligns perfectly with the park. Is it just my vivid imagination or is Disney's Animal Kingdom becoming the new World Showcase one step at a time?
 

The Very First Walt Disney World Resort Map

Ever heard of Blackbeard's Island? Yes sir, it is there to be found on the very first report map of Walt Disney World back in 1971. There's a few other unique features as well depicted by the artwork: the original and great 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Submarine Voyage attraction in Fantasyland and the Gulf Car Care Center. You could even surf on the Seven Seas Lagoon back in the day. The whole thing just fills the senses with its retro / vintage goodness!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
 

A Villains Land for All! One for Families and Those Wanting a Darker Side

Josh D'Amaro and the Imagineers at Disney have their work cut out for them when it comes to designing a Villains themed land that will please everyone. Is it even possible? Some will want it darker to match the tone and emotional thrill factor of Epic Universe and their Dark Universe. Can you really blame them for wanting it? No. I mean, come on now, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment has to be one of the best rides of the genre ever created. Those in pursuit of a family friendly approach won't go for this! They couldn't even handle the excellently funny and a bit scary Alien Encounter two decades or so ago. Some folks would prefer a more humorous vision for the land. Maybe, in small doses, I could go for this. How about a blend? I'd like to see something along these lines:
 

The family friendly portion is in the front of the land. This makes it approachable for kids of all ages. The environment has to look a bit different than what's in Fantasyland, however. The rides for smaller kids focuses on attractions with less scary villains, while rides like the big rollercoaster use much darker ones. In the village, use the Queen of Hearts, Captain Hook, and even Cruella De Vil. This will be the spot for a few character meet and greets- one along the lines of Enchanted Tales with Belle, a couple of classic "C Ticket" level dark rides, a spinner hidden within a show building, a theater show, friendly themed shops, (a candy store themed to Pinocchio's Pleasure Island would work well here) and a couple of quick service spots that would appeal to the family. Just one more thing: add a 'middle ground" roller coaster somewhere between the intensity of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Big Thunder Mountain Railway.

What about those guests to the land wanting more "bite"? Let's take a shot of creating a foreboding place with the scarier, darker, more thrill focused portion in the back. Make it accessible through three hidden entrances as you walk into the village. Think of how Universal handled Diagon Alley and the entrance to Knockturn Alley, but with multiple entry points.   Use other, creepier villains for an incredibly themed boat ride using Shanghai Disneyland's famous Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure technology. Maybe the water villains like Ursula and her friends. Let the boats approach two different paths, but take the one that is darker and more suspenseful than the one that looks more bright and cheery.

Save Malificient, Chernabog, Dr. Facillier, Jafar, and Hades for the big, big, thrills that call out to teenagers and thrill seekers. A giant, very well themed coaster with a much higher height requirement- and cleverly disguised if not almost totally hidden track. Leave some showing as a tease, but make it themed. It doesn't have to be taller than Cinderella Castle to be thrilling. Play up the suspense factor. Have riders go totally underground first. Send the sounds of screams outside to the open areas, much like what the bakeries in the parks do with their "smellitizers"- or whatever they are called. Does a giant dragon on top (like in the concept art) need to be there? Or would the designers just be imitating what's been done with their competitors down the street?

This more serious themed area needs a spookier dark ride as well. Start with a version of the Haunted Mansion. After walking in, it's' time to get on the Omnimover. Then begin with one of a series of two or three different rooms acting as the first show scene. Each room can use a very different set of villains. Each room can be in a different setting as well. Make one set of dialogue funny, another frightening, and another with an entirely different tone- maybe arguing about how to best eliminate the good guys. All before they discover us and decide they have to eliminate us as well. As the cars go past, then let the riders experience different routes from there on out. (Can you imagine what the Haunted Mansion would have been like with trackless vehicles traveling to different rooms. Every journey could be different. And think of the Lightning Lane passes you'd sell!) Want more? 

Add in a highly desirable sit down dining experience that plays up the chill factor (use a style like the West Wing room of Be Our Guest as a way to pull it off) and a great bar or two. Quick service better play a role here, too. Think Gideon's Bakery for inspiration. Go BIG on this! Multiple attractions for the little kid friendly area and the scarier one. Invest now and wow everyone.

This year's D23 should be interesting! I'm not even an Imagineer, and I can come up with some great ideas. What are yours? 

(Art copyright Mark Taft.)

Four Perfect Slow Travel Days in Walt Disney World- with a Universal Orlando Resort Stop Along the Way

Slow Travel. A brand new trend for the overburdened, stressed out, and frankly tired traveler. It's about time! Can I get an "AMEN!" Is it even possible to go to the theme park capital of the world- Orlando- and have a great time using the slow method? What about all that trip planning for Walt Disney World? Or that list of must-see brand new attractions at Universal Orlando Resort's stunning new Epic Universe? Can I still experience Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry using the slow travel method? I'd say "Yes!" to all the above- and here's how to do it.

1- Set Realistic Expectations- No, you're NOT going to be able to do everything you want on a trip of this duration and with Slow Travel being the emphasis. Once you have that firmly established in mind, it's time to proceed to step number 2.

2- Choose Your Two Must-Do Experiences- Limit your theme park priorities to just two individual experiences and then plan around them. Is it Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry or it is Harry Potter attractions in all three worlds? Perhaps you absolutely must experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or you have to have a day at the beach. Choose carefully. Is eating or drinking at Epcot's newer Space 220 a must? What about the Beak & Barrel bar in the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland? The truth is, the leisurely way of visiting the parks where you could just go in and decide on the spot which restaurant or attraction you wanted to experience are over. (I miss that!) Unless you are willing to go having no preferences in mind. 

3- Determine What Will Your Downtime Will Look Like- A priority with slow travel is, well, slowing down and relaxing. Taking things at an easy pace. For me, time by the pool or even better, a day at the beach, works wonders in getting me to relax. A long lunch, touring the resorts, riding the waterways or just sleeping in are some options which will help you really enjoy your time when you tour this way.

Now it's time to begin planning by laying out your days before making reservations. 

Try the following if you need help sorting it all out:

1- Choose One of the Following: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom.

2- Choose One of the Following: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe

Option: Select SeaWorld or Busch Gardens as an alternative choice.

3- Select Two of the Following: Disney Springs, City Walk, Resort Touring, Recreation Day, Pool Day, Beach Day

What comes next? Placing your selections in a day by day schedule that will be most relaxing and enjoyable for your personal preferences,  When it comes to a theme park day, in order to make it the most enjoyable and relaxing, do a little preplanning from home and choose Lightning Lane for your theme park day at Disney. Now, is not the time to skip it and waste hours and energy when you're trying to relax. The same goes for if you are visiting Universal Orlando Resort. Take advantage of their Express Pass option. Bite the bullet. Pay for it up front. You'll be very glad you did when your park day happens.

If you have any Must-Do restaurants on your list, plan ahead to reserve them as soon as you can. Even if you cannot get your preferred time, take what you can get and use it as a starting point.

Other tips: 

Choose a resort closest to your preferred theme parks. 

If waiting for resort transportation is inconvenient, book an Uber or a similar transport. 

Should you want to avoid getting reservations for meals, choose now to be satisfied with walk up food booths or stands if you can't get into what seems good to you when you are there in person.

Consider the resort restaurants as choices for the most relaxing meals. Combine this with a walk around the resort for exploration and relaxation.

Do your souvenir shopping at the resorts or shopping districts but not at the parks. The parks offer very little if anything that cannot be purchased somewhere else. 

Did you do something that really brought you joy and a peaceful attitude? Consider repeating it later in the trip or choose something similar. 

 

Now that you've considered your options, here's my plan for the (hopefully) perfect slow travel getaway:

My Must-Do Experiences and Downtime Plan: A day at Epcot, my favorite Disney park in Florida. Time at the Beach. A day at Epic Universe. Relaxed time at Disney Springs. Explore the resort hotels.

My Schedule: 

Travel Day -Arrive in the early evening. Head off to Disney Springs or our hotel restaurant of choice.

Day One- Epic Universe. Why is this the first full day of our trip? Since I have been to the other Disney and Universal parks, this will be the one I am most likely to try and see everything. The pace will be more hectic and even frantic. We will still be in "busy mode" from the previous work days, so this is a good place to continue that before we truly wind down and take it slow. 

Day Two- Time to head to Disney after checking out. This is a tour the themed resorts and a Disney Springs kind of day. A nice change of pace from cramming in a very full day at Epic Universe. Not a full breakfast but a coffee at our hotel beginning,  so we can save our first meal for lunch. We'll finish it all off with some evening pool time.

Day Three-The Beach. Let's really relax now and take in a bit of what made Florida famous long before The Mouse ever showed up. Both the beaches of Tampa and Cocoa Beach are a fairly easy drive. There's nothing like the sound of the sea, toes in the sand, and a fresh seafood lunch to bring on the mellow vibe. No agenda, no time restraints other than returning to the hotel at a decent time.

Day Four- Epcot. I saved this for last because the memories of our time here last long after the vacation is over. For us, nothing says "Walt Disney World" like a great day at this once innovative theme park. We will bypass festival food booths for a sit-down lunch inside at one of our favorite World Showcase locations. After a day of exploring at a casual pace, we will end our time with the nighttime show and a walk around the beautifully lit countries surrounding World Showcase Lagoon. 

Travel Day- Back to our home turf. There's always a bit of negotiating to by done when choosing our return flight. Do we opt for a later flight and spend some time doing one last item on our list? (You can guess where I land on this compared to my wife.) Or do we head home and get some downtime before reality rushes back in?

Or do we come back home and begin planning the next trip?

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Imagineer Dorothea Redmond's Beautiful Concept Art for Cinderella Castle

While we fans await the return of Cinderella Castle to its initial and carefully planned color scheme, we can take a glance at this genuinely lovely piece of concept art by Imagineer Dorothea Redmond. She may be best known for her atmospheric pieces for New Orleans Square at Disneyland, but the woman could pull off anything! The delicate water colored hues she uses for the courtyard of the Florida park's icon is design at its best. There's no need to scream look at me; the design detail speaks for itself. In a new Disney world where subtlety may be a truly lost art, the old school Imagineers understood the value of guests slowly discovering the rich atmospheres they created. This added to the charm of the castle parks and all others that followed.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Piston Peak's Older, More Rustic Cousin: Disneyland's Rainbow Ridge

Piston Peak is sure to remain the Magic Kingdom's most hotly debated addition. Replacing Rivers of America- an opening day feature of the original castle park and one that held Walt Disney's beloved riverboat-  was an announcement that brought a hush and even some boos to D23. Deservedly so. 

Bringing the modern day Cars franchise into Frontierland. It wasn't blasphemy, but it was close. This was far worse than replacing Splash Mountain with Tiana's Bayou Adventure. 

Above is a vintage Rainbow Ridge Postcard from Disneyland's golden days when the man himself was still around to provide real vision for the park he loved. As the gateway to something fantastic, this area not only contained the Mine Train Thru Natures Wonderland, it also held the Conestoga Wagons and the Pack Mule train. 

It was truly a land of discovery filled with rustic scenes, animals native to the American West, and the show stopping Rainbow Caverns as grand finale to the mine train ride. This was the Americana version of the Jungle Cruise as designed by Imagineer Marc Davis. The whole thing was even more special as right across the river was Tom Sawyer Island, a special placed designed for open exploration and a chance to use the imagination God gave us.

Proving great ideas never go to waste, modern Imagineering borrowed from the Mine Train finale to add a taste of vintage Disneyland to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I'm grateful for that, and I look forward to the change. But it does makes me long for a simpler day when Disney suits realized the parks were about much more than promotion for the company's Intellectual Property.

Announcing Walt Disney World: Three Retro/VintageTravel Posters

Ah, the earliest beginnings of Walt Disney World! The thrill of anticipation! That first visit. Going from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom! Should we take the monorail or the ferry boat? Watching the horizon along the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon and daydreaming of staying at the Polynesian Village Resort. 

It was just as enchanting entering the Magic Kingdom, wasn't it? Seeing Cinderella Castle at the end of Main Street U.S.A. for the first time. Exploring a whole new world with Florida exclusives like the playful Country Bear Jamboree, the nostalgic and sentimental Mickey Mouse Revue, and the inspiring Hall of Presidents- in its brand new land, Liberty Square. 

It was a BIG deal for Disney to come to Florida! We forget sometimes, just how big this was. Imagine a whole new world built from scratch in the swamplands where there was once nothing at all. Real magic was created through hard work, dedication, and ultimately, imagination.

Let's take a look at these retro / vintage Disney World and Florida travel posters used to promote this new place of wonder and fun!  

The Delta Airlines poster at top is one that has found its place in my office. It's just iconic, isn't it? Love the original colors of the castle, and I'm thrilled they are returning. 

 

The generic "Orlando" poster from National Airlines (may it rest in peace) gets their castle from Disneyland, not the Florida one. Perhaps it is unofficial and therefore, they had to do it this way. While this one is nice as well, it's definitely third place among this trio.

The winner is clearly this one! Eastern Air Lines, being the official airline of the resort focused on the entire Vacation Kingdom. The sunset red poster did not feature its sponsored attraction, If You Had Wings, because it wouldn't open until a couple of years later. Mickey gets trips billing but so do some birds from the Tropical Serenade (aka Enchanted Tiki Room), the Haunted Mansion, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and the Contemporary Resort. 

October 1971 brought a whole new world into existence. The future plans of the suits and Imagineers made sure the future looked bright. And it was, wasn't it? 

(Art copyright the Walt Disney Company and National,Delta, and Eastern airlines.)

Days of Disney Past: If You Had Wings

How well would Eastern Air Lines and the Walt Disney's Imagineers work together to create an attraction that is still talked about 50 years after its creation? Pretty darned well, I'd say! In fact, this sweet little free attraction (in the days of A thru E Tickets) in the Magic Kingdom  influenced many other beloved rides in Walt Disney World. 

Opening about 8 months after the initial Florida park, If You Had Wings took guests on an around the world tour... of places that were on Eastern Air Lines' routes, of course! Playing off that company's slogan, The Wings of Man, the ride was a highly enjoyable new era dark ride. Using props, clever lighting, rear projected film and an incredibly catchy theme song- sing it with me now, this was one you'd have to ride multiple times to discover everything that was going on.

From the sponsoring company's standpoint, the goal was to make guest book trips on the airline. There was even a travel desk at the end of the attraction's exit so guests could do just that. How's that for high end shopping synergy? Disney wanted an attraction that brought in the numbers. Conveying the sense of discovery and adventure was key. The ports of call were mostly the Caribbean, Mexico, and a very compelling but brief look at New Orleans. (Who didn't love that shadow projection of the musicians?) The ending was a precursor to the speed tunnel room, but this time used to imagine guests taking off to exotic locations.

Seriously, this was one attraction I was very excited to show my wife when we went to Florida for her first visit to the World. She didn't enjoy it quite as much as me, that would be impossible, but it did whet her appetite a bit for traveling the globe.

On our second visit to Walt Disney World, the opening of EPCOT Center was the centerpiece of our trip. I was thrilled to get the If You Had Wings vibe while riding the beautiful and mysterious El Rio Del Tiempo (R.I.P.) in the Mexico showcase. I was quite sad to read the Imagineers had planned a much longer boat ride but that budgets were slashed. When you added the fact that the showcase was mostly indoor and you could have queso fundido at the San Angel Inn Restaurante, this World Showcase pavilion was one of my instant favorites. (My Dine or Ditch review of the eatery can be found here. Great photos too.)

But back to If You Had Wings. Unfortunately, the attraction would only last a little less than two decades. Replacements were If You Could Fly, Delta Dreamflight, and Take Flight, each offering charming variations on the theme with or without a corporate sponsorship. Eventually, the entire space was gutted for the still very popular  Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. It wasn't a bad move, but it did bring Disney / Pixar  characters into the land of the future.

Pretty Rare Piece of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Concept Art

I love all the new Disney coasters like Epcot's great Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind,  Disney Hollywood Studios sweet little Slinky Dog Dash, and Disney Animal Kingdom's  much older Expedition: Everest, but I always go back to the castle parks' classic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as the one I can't resist! The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness has staying power! My favorite one is at Disneyland Paris, with its lets go under the river beginning, but the U.S. parks have pretty great versions as well.

Imagineer Ed French created this piece of concept art back in 1980. He expertly captured the sun washed rock work of the main peak in the background and the ride's train in a whole new way then seen in most other renderings. 

There's something else unique about Ed French. He's very involved in an organization trying to better the world. Check out Ethnos360!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Battle of the Castles: Ranking All The Disney Park Castles

Ever since Walt Disney opened his beloved Disneyland in 1955, no other structure has come to better represent a theme park than a castle. The Anaheim location changed the history of themed entertainment for good. Since that opening year, five other castle styled Disney parks have opened all over the world. Next up was Florida's Magic Kingdom in 1971, the first of four major parks in Walt Disney World. 

The first overseas park Tokyo Disneyland, opened its gates in 1983 in the beautiful country of Japan. A decade later on a different continent, EuroDisney aka Disneyland Paris made its debut in Europe in 1992. Two more Asian parks were next: Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005 and Mainland China's park in Shanghai opened in 2016. It will celebrate its ten year anniversary on June 16th. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will join the line-up in approximately 2030, the first Disney park in the Middle Eastern part of the world. Will it have its own castle? No one knows except the Imagineers working on the project. My guess is definitely yes. It's the icon of every park in the Disneyland mold. 

As a hard core theme park fan, it's only natural to rate and rank similar attractions and experiences in various similarly styled parks. And that is what I am going to do right now. 

We'll explore each castles' strengths and weaknesses, taking note of what makes them unique and notable. Will my ratings match yours? 

Special Mention: Beast's Castle, Tokyo Disneyland

An official photograph from the Oriental Land Company, owners of the Tokyo Disney Resort.

Contents: One sole attraction, The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast.

Strengths: Never before has this classic story based on Disney's animated film been so wonderfully told. Riding giant tea cups, guests journey into the castle and relive its memorable musical highlights. All within a full size, full scale building. Incredible!

Weaknesses: This is perhaps the most difficult attraction to experience in all of the Disney parks. Guests queue for hours and special purchase to ride passes sell out within minutes. 

#6,  Tokyo Disneyland

This gorgeous photograph by friend Len Yokoyama captures the beauty of Japan's Cinderella Castle at night. 

Contents: This lovely palace was once the home of perhaps the most frightening of all Disney attractions- Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour. The walk through attraction ended with a chilling encounter with the Horned King from The Black Cauldron. Villains are no longer in vogue in Tokyo, so it's now been replaced by the princess friendly Cinderella's Fairytale Hall. There are no shops or restaurants inside the castle itself.

Strengths: Cinderella Castle in Tokyo is the centerpiece of the best Magic Kingdom styled park in the world. The attractions are in top notch shape and the line up represents the best of Disney world wide as well as some attractions unique to the resort. The only remaining  Splash Mountain is here as is the incredible Pooh's Hunny Hunt.  

Weaknesses: Although it is smaller than its big sister in Florida, the main structure and design of the castle is a carbon copy. The shades of brown do provide some differentiation, but for a park as incredible as this one, it deserves its own unique representation. 

#5,  Shanghai Disneyland

Thanks to the now defunct Westcoaster, we have this eye opening shot of Shanghai's massive Enchanted Storybook Castle. 

Contents: Everything you want in a castle is here. The Royal Banquet Hall is a sit down restaurant that hosts the Disney characters. There's a small shop and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where kids can be glammed up as their favorite princess for a price. 

Strengths: The interior of this castle- the largest of all in the Disney kingdoms- is quite remarkable. Large beautiful windows flood the interior with sunlight, and there is plenty of space to stretch out and explore. Enchanted Storybook Castle boasts not one but two attractions.  The“Once Upon a Time” experience is a walk through attraction exploring the story of Snow White. The other is a boat ride that goes around the castle gardens and into the structure itself, Voyage to the Crystal Grotto. 

Weaknesses: While certainly a landmark in the park, it's massive size causes it to lose in the charm department. Additionally, the boat ride should be a true E Ticket, but instead the journey is through simple gardens with props of statues instead of Audio-Animatronics and has a rather lackluster ending, downgrading its ranking. Making matters worse, this huge castle promises something wonderful on the other side but instead leads into a Fantasyland that is the least cohesive and ambitious the company has ever built. There's not even the classic It's A Small World to be found here. It's a strange mix of attractions. The atrocious appearance of the Alice in Wonderland maze, Tim Burton style, sits nearby traditional European cottages. 

#4,  Disneyland 

My photo above captures Sleeping Beauty Castle in its wintery garb. 

Contents: This castle has no restaurant but it does hold one walk through attraction focusing on the story of Sleeping Beauty, the animated film that was in production when Disneyland was being built. It's beautifully done and lovingly crafted using old school movie techniques with layers upon layers of charm. There is the Castle Candy Shop which used to be home to my father in law's favorite treat, chocolate licorice. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is in one of its wings, ready to transform kids into castle royalty all for a hefty price. 

Strengths: Walt Disney actually walked on this drawbridge and through the castle. There's something so special in this that it almost feels as if his presence is there. As the first one, it holds a tender place in my heart as the one where it all began. The countless times I've walked through at night while "When You Wish Upon A Star" played makes it a sentimental favorite. Walking through the castle leads guests into the most charming of all Fantasylands, a European inspired courtyard and into gardens and attractions based on fairy tales and a mini Alice in Wonderland area. 

Weaknesses: It's small. The tiniest castle of them all, and it feels like it. 

#3, Hong Kong Disneyland

A lovely photograph with no one in sight!

Contents: Originally, this castle was built on the cheap, a straight up replica of what was found in California. The suits said it was to honor the past, but fans could tell it was just a ploy to cut costs. Wiser heads eventually realized the park needed to be rebranded with a new icon. In place of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the new Castle of Magical Dreams was built on the skeleton of the previous structure. 

Strengths: The mountainous backdrop to the castle gives Hong Kong Disneyland's icon the most gorgeous setting ever imaginable. The color scheme is beautifully designed and the Imagineers created something beautiful from what they had to work with. 

Weaknesses: There's not much inside, only a small character meet and greet area and a shop. Additionally, this park's Fantasyland is very weak in its attraction list even if the other land's (Mystic Point and World of Frozen) are quite unique and ambitious. What is there is charming and detailed, created to perfectly fit in with the park's lush landscapes.

#2, Magic Kingdom

My photo from a less recent visit before they painted it a putrid pink.

Contents: There's no attraction to be found here, so the headliner is Cinderella's Royal Table, a character dining experience that offers rather good food for this theme park and wonderful views of the nightly fireworks show from its leaded glass windows. Of course, here is the original Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. 

Strengths: Imagineer Dorothea Redmond created the beautiful mosaic murals that tell Cinderella's story. A beautiful fountain rests in the courtyard. Perhaps its greatest plus is the fact the castle can be seen from the Seven Seas Lagoon as park visitors are making their way to the Magic Kingdom. 

Weaknesses: The once shaded and beautiful area in front of the castle has been replaced by astroturf with many of the trees removed. Also removed is the moat waterway that used to host the Plaza Swan Boats attractions. This relaxing journey offered kinetic energy as these graceful craft took riders on the canal past the entrances of each land and in and around the Swiss Family Tree House in Adventureland. 

#1, Disneyland Paris

Even a dreary gray day in Paris can't diminish my photograph of the greatest Disney castle of them all.

Contents: Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty Castle) is not the largest but it easily packs the most rewarding of experiences, including two ways to tour it. There are two shops for trinkets to purchase and one sit down restaurant in its inner courtyard but not inside the castle itself.

Strengths: The design its unique, never to be duplicated. Based on the look of the movie it's drawn from, the hillside it sits on feels like France's  incredible Mont Saint Michel. The interior of it is no less spectacular. A tour upstairs takes guests past hand made tapestries and stained glass windows designed using Old World artisan techniques. The viewing gallery into the courtyard provides an outlook unavailable in any other park. Perhaps the self-guided tour under the castle is the most incredible. A full sized fire breathing dragon is found in the caverns below at La Tanière du Dragon makes this a one of a kind attraction not found anywhere else. Bringing even more magic, the Disney Imagineers designed a secret entrance to the lair beyond the visible ones exterior signs point to. Where is it found? Look inside the Merlin l'Enchanteur shop for a hidden pathway from a nondescript door just  inside. 

Weaknesses: The castle is in France, and the competition with other real French castles means that many people will never see it!

There you have it! The Disney park castles ranked bottom to top. Each are incredible in their own way and worth a visit.  How would you have ranked them?

Do Not Go to Disney World in 2026!

As you plan out your year, don't let Disney's hype machine trick you into thinking that 2026 is the year to go to Walt Disney World. It is not. Stop and think about it before you leap and spend all that money. The Magic Kingdom may be the most attended theme park in the U.S.A., but an enjoyable day there will be impacted by the huge expansion going on. Frontierland has become a world of walls since they demolished the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island to create a new area based on the Cars franchise. Piston Peak may end of being beautiful, but for now, it's a mess. The whole left side of the park is one huge crowd trying to navigate to Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Once Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens, it's only going to get worse. If you're a first time visitor to Walt Disney World, this will not make your visit memorable for the right reasons... nor will an iconic castle surrounded by scaffolding while it is being painted back to its original 1971 perfect color scheme.

There's more to Disney World than the Magic Kingdom you might say.  And you're right about that. Yet of the other three, two of the other parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom, both have major construction going on. Each of these parks have a minimal amount of existing attractions but there's walls o'plenty as well. A whole new Monsters Inc. land is replacing the Muppets at the Studios- and the Muppets are in fact replacing Aerosmith at Rock 'n' Rollercoaster. If stage shows are your thing, a day at the Studios could be satisfying. But if not, that's a lot of pressure to put on the rest of the ten whole attractions (or less) at the former Disney-MGM Studios. It's just not worth your money.

Over at Disney's Animal Kingdom, construction walls on the way to Expedition: Everest showcase just how little there is to do in this park. DINOSAUR will soon depart for good with a ride based on Encanto and a new Indiana Jones Adventure one the way. They open in 2027 at the earliest. Animal Kingdom is a gorgeous park, but it's better to wait when it all comes together.  The park's replacement for It's Tough to Be a Bug, Zootopia: Better Zoogether is not something worth visiting for. It's the same old 3D show in the Tree of Life Theater with a quickly thrown together story that feels cheap and self-serving. 

That leaves Epcot. If you're in the mood for a food festival, go early in the year. Otherwise, skip it as well and wait until 2027. Aside from a Soarin' film about America that will certainly stay around longer than they say, nothing new is coming in 2026, so hold out.

If you must go on vacation, head somewhere else in the States or travel to a different part of the world. The real world has so much to offer. You'll not be disappointed in visiting other cultures and interacting with the people, trying new foods, and seeing important historical sites. Disney can wait. Trust me, you'll be happy you did.