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.)

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.

Bet You've Never Seen These Pieces of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Concept Art!

Disneyland's Haunted Mansion- a stellar attraction in New Orleans Square that has been bringing guests into the world of spirits since 1969. There's nothing like it! Imagineer Marc Davis created an enormous amount of concept art, and I bet you've never seen these two pieces. 

With their honor at stake, the two men above agree to a duel, and they're condemned to take action over and over again for all eternity. The Ballroom scene in the attraction may be the highlight of the whole experience, and it takes dozens of rides past it to see many of the details both large and small. 

 

Is this haunted room actually stretching? I thought I'd throw in this bonus piece of the original four posters just for fun.

Due to the investment of a very, very gifted team of first generation Imagineers- everyone from Claude Coats to Ken Anderson, X. Atencio, Harper Goff, Leota Toombs, Holly Crump, and perhaps many more unsung heroes, the long empty manor at the end of New Orleans Square continues to draw guests even after almost six decades. Incredible!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney's Unbuilt Western River Expedition Comes to Life!

Just imagine that the Disney suits had ignored the outcry of "Where is Pirates of the Caribbean?" when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. What would have happened if they would have trusted their instincts and stuck to their plans? Imagineer Marc Davis'  Thunder Mesa in Frontierland and its star attraction, Western River Expedition, would have been the signature Walt Disney World experience for decades. 

Through the magic of AI technology, we can imagine what could have been. Much like the results of taking the concept art for Tony Baxter's unbuilt Discovery Bay for Disneyland (look here), the results are quite striking!

The original plans from Mr. Davis included the Western themed version of Pirates, a Big Thunder Mountain Railroad coaster, and so much more. Think hiking trails, a log flume ride that would pre-date Splash Mountain by two decades, and tons of design detail that would make Florida's Frontierland the greatest themed land of its time.

Best of all? Following through with these plans would have given the castle park an identity all its own and probably saved the Rivers of America. Gone would be the upcoming Piston Peak and the Cars invasion where it doesn't belong. Sure, Villains Land would eventually come. The concept is too rich to ignore. 

The benefits would have continued: Tiana would have received her own custom designed attraction with a much better story line in a brand new mini-land, Tom Sawyer Island would still be the much needed escape from the crowds, and the thematic consistency of this whole side of the park would not be ruined. But what do I know?

I say, look at these what could have been images again, and then tell me Pirates of the Caribbean was a worthy replacement.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Promotional Poster

It's not every day that the Florida Magic Kingdom adds a brand new attraction. When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad made its debut at the Walt Disney World resort, well, it was truly the beginning of visitors falling in love with the "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!" 

Imagineer Tony Baxter and team made the best of a bad situation. When the suits dismantled the plans for Imagineer Marc Davis' Thunder Mesa- including his plans for the great musical boat ride, the Western River Expedition in favor of a revised version of Disneyland's beloved Pirates of the Caribbean- Tony tried to save as much as he could. Convincing management that the thrill attraction was worth pursuing as a sort of "Phase One", the roller coaster ride was given the approval. What a wise decision! Fans loved it from opening day. It became a staple of every castle park built. Aside from China's Shanghai Disneyland, of course, which wouldn't dare place anything so American in its Disney park. 

This promotional attraction poster for Florida's original was just the ticket to announce this now iconic experience. 

The New Country Bear Musical Jamboree Is a Hit!

Thanks to the great DSNY Newscast, we have our very first look at the newly reimagined Country Bear Musical Jamboree at the Magic Kingdom in Florida. As the second newly recently revamped attraction in Frontierland, is it a home run? Tiana's Bayou Adventure should be this much fun.  Yes, a grand slam. No spoilers here, but I'll admit I was skeptical when Imagineering told us this classic Marc Davis Audio-Animatronic show would now include Disney tunes. Wisely, this team built on the legacy of the past without tearing it apart and losing its iconic friendly feel. There's a party in Frontierland- and it gonna be a whole lot easier to see than the log flume attraction down the path.

(Photograph from the DSNY Newscast.)

Another Look at Marc Davis' Imagineering Art for Pirates of the Caribbean

When The Walt Disney Company currently seems to be holding still or actually moving backwards when it comes to the theme parks- at least in the States- it's nice to have concept art from the old school Imagineering masters to look at. Marc Davis was such a master! Here's one of his pieces of concept art for an enduring fan favorite. 

Pirates of the Caribbean stands the test of time decade after decade as one of the finest pieces of theme park art ever brought to life! There's a reason: Incredible setting in New Orleans Square, full sized sets, thrills, dozens of Audio-Animatronic characters, atmosphere galore, mystery and the incredible theme song Yo Ho (A Pirates Life for Me) which ties it all together. There's no convoluted back story, no forced Intellectual Property integration. It's just pure adventure and fun upon the high seas. Once again, Disneyland was at the forefront of what defined a theme park.  

Once again, Walt Disney was right. Give guests more than they expect and treat them with respect, and you'll win fans that return again and again.

New Look at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad- the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness

After two posts in a row about Universal Orlando Resort, I wanted to make sure my Disney Bloggers membership card wasn't pulled from me, so I have a pretty great piece of concept art for today's post. Look at this very cool rendering! What you're seeing is a rare Big Thunder Mountain Railroad illustration. Check it out in its largest form for all the details- broken track, canyon gorges, and water features. 

When Imagineer Marc Davis' original plan for Thunder Mesa with its Western River Expedition, a cowboy and Indian version of Pirates of the Caribbean were cancelled, the runaway mine train attraction as part of the larger complex was saved. Young Imagineering protégé Tony Baxter jumped on the chance to elaborate on the original design. The end result? An instant classic built in multiple parks and our family's very favorite mountain attraction. 

The "Wildest ride through the Wilderness" is very good at Disneyland, even better at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, and just plain fantastic at Disneyland Paris where the riders begin their adventure aboard by going under the river. In fact, Frontierland in France is the best of them all with an expansive, thematically consistent area rich in detail, story, and top notch execution. You've got to see it to believe it.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Anyplace you ride it, you'll find one great attraction in the old school, Disney Imagineering tradition. And what a great thing that is!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland's New Orleans Square As You've Never Seen It

New Orleans Square as you've never seen it. This is a bird's eye view Imagineering style, but if you're like me, you get the sense that this piece of concept art for Disneyland is only a slice of something bigger and better. I had this filed away, and while searching for something very different, I discovered this unceremoniously misfiled. Pirates of the Caribbean's original one level entrance if off to the left, and the Haunted Mansion is farther afield on the right. Even with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Indiana Jones Adventure, and Splash Mountain in the park, these two iconic attractions in New Orleans Square remain the epitome of the art this is Imagineering- and the land they reside in is every bit as stunning with its alleyways to get lost in, mix of dining options, and scores of shops and entertainment all set in layer upon layer of design detail. Newer Stateside lands try to be this good, but they only come close and never do truly measure up.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Rare World of Motion Art

Ah, the EPCOT Center of old! When the Imagineers were forward thinkers and given more reign to create fresh and innovative ideas instead of just expensive promotional attractions for the animation and live action movie divisions most successful films. 

It's fun to be free! Here's a nice, fairly rare, little piece of concept art for EPCOT Center's wonderful and humorous World of Motion attraction. The rest of the pavilion could be explored only after the "E Ticket" ride. But what a ride it was! Filled with state of the art Audio-Animatronics and a clever narration by radio and television's beloved Gary Owens, and a very catchy theme song, it must a must see hit. 

Much akin to Pirates of the Caribbean in the Magic Kingdom, the ride through the history and future of transportation had so much going on that you had to ride several times to catch as much of it as possible. But it seemed like every trip, I would discover something new. There was even a whole scene "lifted" from Imagineer Marc Davis' unbuilt Western River Expedition- a pretty little nifty tribute to the mega complex of attractions that was given the axe when management panicked and brought in pirates instead. (See this.)

Test Track would come along and replace World of Motion, but that was certainly unnecessary. Remember that "blessing of size"? Yeah, me too. Should have had both. Such as shame the Disney suits had such disdain for their old school classics at the time. When they removed this, Horizons, the original Journey into Imagination, and the Universe of Energy, the tore out the heart and soul of the park. It's now just become a showcase for the Company's latest Intellectual Property- but without much intellect. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

What Does Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Have in Common with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind?

Be it at Disneyland, Florida's Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, or Disneyland Paris, the iconic buttes call to guests, daring them to climb aboard the trains headed for adventure.  Big Thunder Mountain is an Imagineering masterpiece of old, in the style of the original masters of the craft such as Tony Baxter and Marc Davis before him. This Railroad certainly may be the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness, but the graphic above is also used to tell Disney Vacation Club Members the status of their special invites for the opening of Epcot's new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. These private parties are not just money makers. They are also another move towards exclusivity and class divisions in the Disney theme parks. The Company may scream for inclusivity, but the other hand collecting all the cash knows it is just a marketing gimmick.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

World of Motion Meets Western River Expedition

Concept art is something I can never seem to get enough of! EPCOT Center had some of the very best due to the enormous talent of people like Imagineer Herb Ryman. This Future World pavilion might look a bit unfamiliar to you as it wasn't built like this, but instead, it was given a different exterior. Look closely though, and you'll recognize it to be World of Motion presented by General Motors. 

Scenes from World of Motion in postcard form.

The centerpiece attraction was a ride through adventure filled with good humor a la Marc Davis style and scores of Audio-Animatronics. In a very sly and subtle move, there's one very big tribute to Marc Davis in the attraction. The Old West scene of a stagecoach being held up is taken directly from pieces of a journey planned for the never built Magic Kingdom attraction, the Pirates of the Caribbean inspired Western River Expedition. (The best series of articles on this unbuilt Thunder Mesa mega attraction filled area is found on Passport to Dreams Old & New. Here's the link to Part One.)

Don't get me wrong- Test Rack is pretty fun, although I am a fan of the original version instead of the Tron rip-off we now have. (The test crash dummy scene was a perfect blend of concept, theme, and execution.) But the suits and Imagineers should have been able to leave the original E Ticket while building a second one.

Anyone ready to sing World of Motion's classic theme, "It's Fun to Be Free"? Wish I could see this attraction again!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Hidden in the Jungle Cruise Archives

The genius of Imagineer Marc Davis is undisputed! His humor unique and his artwork instantly recognizable. Walt Disney knew he was just the guy to bring some long missing humor into Disneyland's opening day attraction, the Adventureland headliner, the Jungle Cruise. Such a success was the infusion of gags, that when the attraction was designed for Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the humor was built into the attraction for day one. In this piece of concept art hidden deep in the archives, Marc makes the most of some secret between the indigenous guide and his guest to the continent. What could they be talking about? Even the elephant seems to be getting the point. This piece begs for a witty caption!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland's Splash Mountain Promotional Poster

Fan favorite Splash Mountain made a great big, well, splash when it debuted at Disneyland in 1989! Some would argue it is one of the best attractions spearheaded by Imagineer Tony Baxter. That'd be quite an argument as you could make up a whole theme park of his projects- and it's be filled with much loved attractions like Journey Into Imagination, the Indiana Jones Adventure, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and even all of Disneyland Paris!

As you'll see below, the final version is enhanced and a bit different.

Here are all the other Critter Country attraction posters.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

 

First Splash Mountain, Now the Jungle Cruise

Of course, Disney's Jungle Cruise adventure was created with a 1950's American viewpoint. Disneyland is, after all, an American theme park created during that decade. Each country creates its attractions- be it theme park or museum - based on its individual world view. That said, it was time for some updates to the beloved original attraction- and it does stand to be more respectful of native peoples. Hopefully not at the cost of humor, however. Self-importance does not make for a fun attraction.

My main concern centers on the fact that recent revisionings of classic attractions, as well as those not so classic such as California Screamin', have brought less charm, less cohesiveness, and less of just about everything good to the affected attractions. The Jungle Cruise is just too well done and too iconic to screw up. Imagineer Marc Davis added just the right touch of humor to this Walt Disney masterpiece. And he left just enough premise to get the attraction going without guests having know the story top to bottom, beginning to end, as they ride. 

I like the idea of adding a skipper as an Audio-Animatronic but will the new story and vignettes be more like a new self referential version of California's Tropical Hideaway or Florida's Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen? I hope not. Whatever you do, Disney, don't fall into the trap like you did with Pirates of the Caribbean- just make it good this time!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Wisdom from a Frog

Disney concept art speaks volumes about the care and quality of the work that goes into designing new attractions for the parks. These images for the smallest of Jungle Cruise animals is no exception. Did you know frogs can teach us a lot? As you'll see in the image below, along with a quote from the scriptures...

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:20-21.)

Resting peacefully in a pot of water

slowly coming to a boil.

What can we learn from this?

The image at the top is from master Imagineer Marc Davis for the Jungle Cruise, the newest controversial Disney theme park attraction.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Get These Splash Mountain Images Before They Disappear Too!

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah! Say it loud! So now the music from Splash Mountain is disappearing? Where will the "cancel culture" mindset at Disney strike next? Here are a few attraction posters of Disney's beloved Splash Mountain.  Aside from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland has largely remained stagnant of new and great attractions since the Indiana Jones Adventure. This has only strengthened the public's ongoing love affair with the nine minute plus long water flume masterpiece. And the fact it is just darn fun- and without a racist moment in sight!

It was brand new CEO Michael Eisner that realized the parks needed fresh attractions to appeal to the growing teen market- and fast. They had to offer new rides that provided thrills found at other competing amusement parks. 

One for each park!

Imagineer Tony Baxter and his team created the idea for a log flume attraction themed to Song of the South, an old Disney film filled with charm and controversy, but they avoided the link to the past and focused on a new storyline. The faded popularity of the old Tomorrowland show, America Sings, provided the perfect reason to reuse Imagineer Marc Davis' characters and place them in a brand new setting. What a smart move it turned out to be for Eisner to green light the project!

With its charming story, extremely catchy music, repurposed (and therefore cheap) animated characters, this thrilling flume drop, Splash Mountain was a major hit with fans since its first day of operation. The poster above celebrated its grand opening on July 17, 1989. To this day, the attraction continues to draw some of the longest lines at Disneyland for good reason.

Here's the 25th anniversary poster of Splash Mountain!

The Magic Kingdom in Florida and the Disneyland original will be swapped out for a Princess and the Frog makeover. It's not a bad idea- but I ask you- why can't people realize supposed "racist" overtones in the attraction are just not there? Even the origin stories come from African folklore. It's a charming and classic Disney attraction. I'm sure Tiana's adventure will be great too. But sometimes, too much is just too much.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney Daydreaming

This summer like no other, I would love to be sailing the high seas with those Pirates of the Caribbean. But where? Shanghai, Paris, Tokyo, Florida? No, in California. 

There's just something so quintessentially Disney about taking the adventure at Disneyland in Walt's original kingdom. An afternoon stroll in New Orleans Square with a stop for a mint julep and some jazz. Dinner at Blue Bayou, and then setting sail for the beloved Audio-Animatronic attraction. A Marc Davis classic- an Imagineering masterpiece. Afterwards, a moonlight cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat. Well, can't do that due to Fantasmic!, but it's a daydream, right?

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Flooded Haunted Mansion

With COVID-19 affecting everything, it's just a matter of time before some maintenance lapses would occur at Disneyland or at the Walt Disney World resort. But why or why would Disney executives even be slightly ok with flooding at everyone's favorite, The Haunted Mansion? Well, the answer is when it was considered as a valid concept for the attraction early on in development!

Look at this image capture! You can see that, yes, an expansive boat ride version of the iconic attraction was once considered by the Imagineers! With the incredible success (and high capacity) of the nearby Pirates of the Caribbean, the suits really did consider a spirit filled attraction which culminated in a ride through a manor house filled with water from the bayou. Whether it was expense or the desire for a different ride vehicle or both, we know what eventually won out. But the story is just fascinating! And it's told by the folks at Park Ride History in the excellent video below. Enjoy!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Song of the South: From Troubled Movie to Iconic Attraction

From somewhere deep in my files: a piece of concept art for Song of the South, the Disney animated / live action movie that was the source of inspiration for the deeply enjoyable Splash Mountain. 

Back when Tomorrowland's America Sings at Disneyland was sadly set to be demolished, Imagineer Tony Baxter thought about what to do with the great characters by Marc Davis that were turned into Audio-Animatronics. The combination story and flume ride approved by Michael Eisner and Frank Wells was so popular another version was created for Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. All goes to show even a troubled movie can turn into a great the park attraction!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)