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.)

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.)

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. 

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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.)

When Reality is Better Than Imagineering Art: Disneyland's Revamped Rivers of America

As all the excitement continues around Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and its only opening day attraction, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, I thought it was time to take a look at the transformation of the Rivers of America. 

Disneyland fans were highly concerned when it was announced that  the Rivers of America was going under the knife in order to make room for Star Wars. The project was already hotly debated due to its location in "Walt's park" versus the catch all that has become Disney California Adventure. Concerns were valid. The end result was, quite fortunately, one of the most lovingly executed projects of Disneyland's recent years.

My photography skills do not do the transformation justice! As I rode both the Mark Twain Steamboat and then the Disneyland Railroad, I was impressed with what I found. It was even impressive from Tom Sawyer Island and even from the walking path that meanders around the river from Frontierland to New Orleans Square to Critter Country. From every angle, this project is a winner.

Boarding the Mark Twain Riverboat brings some of the best views possible. What used to be a long stretch of nothing much to see just around the river bend has become an area of interest. Newly discovered waterfalls crash just behind the elevated railroad track, and the long present Indian village seems to have come alive. You know that Galaxy's Edge is just beyond the additions, and yet it all flows together so seamlessly making that fact easy to forget. 

Naturally, with about 1/3 of the river shortened than it was at park opening in 1955, I expected the water journey to feel shortchanged. It was not a lesser experience in any way. The craft certainly moved not quite as fast as before, and the overall journey felt just right.

What has yet to be seen is how the voyage feels in the evening when the Galaxy outpost is lit up. How will a ride on the rails feel as it passes by the otherworldly glow? Should the Mark Twain ever make evening cruises again, will this ruin the mood?

I'm not a fan of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge going into Disneyland. That and Marvel should have been the basis of a 3rd park in Anaheim. But it's done. At least the transformation of the Rivers of America was lovingly accomplished- in my mind adding and not subtracting from a beautiful part of the Land.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Photographs by Mark Taft.)

Rare Dixieland at Disneyland Poster

Don't you just love the look of this poster! Disneyland hosted some amazing events, particularly in its first decade, and the jazz flavored  Dixieland at Disneyland was one of the best. Take a look at the musical acts they brought in. The list includes the one and only Louis Armstrong! Imagine enjoying his artistry while being in the park and watching the Mark Twain Riverboat cruising around the Rivers of America. Prior to Fantasmic!, you could cruise late night under the stars... feeling a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Old Frontierland Map

Ever since my recent visit to Disneyland, I've been on quite the kick of how wonderful Frontierland is! (Yes, I'm still working on that trip report. Almost done- it's worth the wait.) 

The revised Rivers of America made me take a fresh look. But it also made me think about the past when the Wild West really lived up to its Disneyland opening day experience. So, take a look at this souvenir book map from my 1957 Disneyland guide. 

This early Frontierland looks like Davy Crockett's world come to life. What a great place to explore! I couldn't have been the only one as I bet young future Imagineers and cartoonists were inspired by the old The Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland and its Rainbow Caverns. Think about the design of Carsland's Radiator Springs Racers. (If you've ridden it, you know what I'm referring to. If not, I won't spoil it.)

Exploring caves, the authentic Indian village, the fort on Tom Sawyer Island or the whole western landscape by mule or train made for quite a day of adventures! I loved paddling a canoe or taking a cruise on the river. (Still do!)

I'll quote myself from an earlier post here: "There was something very hands on about the place, be it shooting rifles, searching for the perfect coonskin hat, or hanging on to the ropes while crossing those pesky barrel and suspension bridges of Tom Sawyer Island. Nowadays, hands on tends to mean "hands on the controller" as Toy Story Midway Mania and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin take prominence at the Disney parks. Sure, those rides are fun, and the parks need this kind of variety, but the simple pleasures of simpler times also have their place. Yet, these kind of smaller attractions are no longer built. With their absence, we are also missing a part of homespun Americana and the opportunity to embrace our own imagination."

Other parks beyond the castle ones should think about what these old school attractions could bring. Tokyo Disney Sea has its fortress explorations, and it is well beloved. Animal Kingdom's Pandora would have been a perfect place for an island to explore. Maybe the next expansion to the area will do just that. Here's hoping!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Friday Morning at Disneyland, 1955

It's 1955, and Walt Disney's new playground, Disneyland, has just opened in Anaheim, California. What a groundbreaking park it is!

Take a stroll down Main Street U.S.A., and enjoy the sights and sounds from fifty years back. A quaint and charming slice of hometown America now disappeared due to the hustle and bustle of the postwar baby boom. Better yet, hop aboard one of those horse drawn carriages to get to the end of the street. But don't forget to stop by the Main Street Cinema and watch those Mickey Mouse cartoons!

Imagine going on a real Jungle River Cruise into the wilds of Asia, Africa, and other exotic locations. A bit closer to home but back in time, you can venture into Frontierland and relive the days of the Wild West. Be on the lookout for Davy Crockett and other heroes of the frontier. Mosey up to the Golden Horseshoe saloon for their outstanding stage show complete with cancan dancers. If you hang around Disneyland when it gets dark, there's nothing like an event cruise around the Rivers of America aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat. (Note: Still nothing like it- but now next to impossible since Fantasmic! came about.)

On the other side of the park is the world of Tomorrow. Going aboard Space Station X-1 will give you a view of earth from outer space as will the Rocket to the Moon. On land, things can be just as treacherous if you decide to drive an Autopia car. Watch out for young inexperienced drivers!

Last but not least, there's Fantasyland. It might seem like an excuse for Walt to push his older and upcoming animated film projects, but the place is filled with things you can't do anywhere else. Where else can you fly with Peter Pan off to Neverland, go on a scary adventure with Snow White, or ride into Hell itself with Mr. Toad? 

Yes, ma'am, yes, sir, Disneyland is a full day's worth of fun- all for one dollar and rides cost about 30 cents each. What a bargain!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.) 

60 Years of Dreams

Wanted to close out the year on a higher note than tomorrow's post. I just love the look of this Disneyland 60th Anniversary artwork. There's an innocence and joy found in this retro / vintage style. Who knows what next year holds? But thankfully, we know Who does!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tale of Three Ships

The waterways at Disney theme parks have always provided a nice respite from the heat. But they also provide some terrific renderings! Here's a nice albeit miniature collection of Disney Imagineering concept art with a nautical focus. Each piece is in a size you'll certainly want to enlarge and save. 

Up at the top: This is an absolutely beautiful piece of concept art celebrating the riverboat at the Magic Kingdom's unique Liberty Square. Look at this detail! The Hall of Presidents sits in the distance as does Cinderella Castle. I love the trio of folks on the riverbank just watching the vessel go by. It's these kind of details that make Disney art so appealing. Much better than some of there newer pieces where people are photoshopped in!

Next up is a look at a long abandoned Disney theme park idea, Disney's America. The patriotic themed park in Virginia was derailed by the locals only to have the land later replaced by strip malls and very commonplace buildings found anywhere in suburbia. The only redeeming factor of the cancellation seems to be the remaining pieces of art. As you can see, this park looks to represent a perhaps more gritty look at our history, but it's not one without celebration. Wouldn't it have been great to watch a fireworks show with a replica Statue of Liberty in the background? What lost opportunities. 

Not all Disney seaworthy vessels are outdoors. Yes, it's Splash Mountain shown here. In one of the largest set pieces ever built, the amazing adventure down the longest and steepest flume ride ever built culminates with a stunning view of the party going on aboard the Zip A Dee Doo Dah Lady. (If I can remember the name correctly.) 

This is just the beginning of your seaworthy adventure. Back on the Rivers of America, there's the canoes, the Tom Sawyer Island Rafts and more. You can add the Columbia Sailing Ship, the Wicked Wench, and of course all of the submarines found in the Stateside Disney parks. (Not to mention the Jungle Cruise boats or those found on the canals of Storybookland.) Of course, once outside North America, there's even more vessels to be found. Am I missing any?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Looking back on Disneyland over the decades, 
Old Frontierland

A Slice of Disneyland

Bit of a Sunday Special- a nice piece of rarely seen concept art for Walt's original magic kingdom, Disneyland. With the Disneyland railroad and the Mark Twain back in operation, it just seemed like a good time to look back at this vintage / retro rendering of the park  from Imagineering. It's larger than it looks, so make sure you click on it to see it in the biggest size possible.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

New Disneyland Map with Star Wars:Galaxy's Edge

Here's something we've all been waiting for the Disney Imagineers to give us: a new park map of Disneyland with Star Wars:Galaxy's Edge included. Well, they haven't done that yet, but here's the next best thing: a fan made made that's pretty darn good. All designed from AbleToArt. If you want to watch it being drawn- and I did- give it a watch here.

Just Around the Riverbend

Disneyland's Rivers of America and the reimagining of the farthest part of the riverbend is in the midst of its renaissance. This great photo from the always terrific Disney Geek, gives a great up close look of the almost finished product.

Right behind that forest and rock formation is the new Star Wars Land under construction. Looks like the Imagineers have done a pretty good job of maintaining the integrity of the river even if they had to shoehorn Star Wars here instead of in the third Anaheim Disney park where it belonged. 

Here's a slice of the concept art. Looks pretty good with the Mark Twain Steamboat rounding the bend of Tom Sawyer Island. And I've heard there's a hat tip to the original Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland for those riding the Disneyland Railroad. 

All in all, count me impressed so far. Very different than how they've incorporated Guardians of the Galaxy into Hollywoodland and Buena Vista Street at California Adventure!

(Photograph copyright Disney Geek. Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Original Disneyland Autopia

There's something so retro, so vintage, just so cool about the old Disneyland attractions and the thought behind it all. (It's one of the reasons I love the Daveland site.) Honestly, these days I'm really tired of the flash, the hype, the corporate greed of the Walt Disney Company. From Iger on down.

Anyway, Tomorrowland and Autopia concept art. The Imagineers of old knew how to do it! Not a bad combination, I'd say. Take a look at this piece. 

It's in vogue to get rid of old school attractions (looking at you, Tokyo Disneyland), but the delights of simpler times are not to be forgotten. Millions of kids of all ages love attractions like the Autopia, or perhaps a leisurely cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat, or just circling the entire park aboard the Disneyland Railroad. It's these timeless, smaller attractions that give each park some charm, some warmth, and a connection to generations past. They round out a roster of thrills, thrills, and more thrills. (Or should I say characters, characters, characters?)

Sure, I get Disneyland is not a museum. But neither is it a corporate  billboard made of steel and concrete. Enough said.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

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.)

Rivers of America After Star Wars Land

The work has begun, and the Walt Disney Company has just now released what looks to be a beautiful way to make those changes to the Disneyland Railroad and the Rivers of America visually appealing- even if the routes and the river are being shortened forever. (Click on it for close up look in a much larger size. ) Ton Sawyer Island Rafts can still be seen and all. Wouldn't you like to see the right and north side of that piece of art? I'm sure we will in time.

This concept art sparkles, as does most art for new Disneyland projects. The Imagineers are true artists. Let's see how this all plays out. Either way, Star Wars Land here we come...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Goodbye to Disneyland's Rivers of America

The team at MiceAge / Mice Chat crew of Dateline Disneyland led by Andy Castro has posted an absolutely right on assessment of what exactly will be lost when Disney reroutes the flow of the Rivers of America to make way for Star Wars Land. It's a deeply moving, insightful, and eloquent look at why this move may be profitable short term but why it's also full of holes, destroying intangibles so important in defining Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. Trading profit now for bigger losses long term. Take a look and think about it all again. Includes a historic look backward at the river tour. Find it here.

(Photograph copyright Dateline Disneyland.)

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.)

Beauty and Elegance at Disneyland

There's a beauty and elegance to this photo of Disneyland's classic  Mark Twain Riverboat that I just love. The same can be said for the incredible site Tours Departing Daily. Not only is their Disney  photography wonderful, as writers, Matthew and Michaela Hansen share simple stories with such a tone of gratefulness for life that I find it all infectious. 

Do yourself a favor and click on the link above or to your left on my blog and check our their work. You'll be taken to a place that's more than just beautiful. As you read, you'll be welcomed into a world of inner beauty and peace as well.

(Photos copyright Tours Departing Daily.)

Design Detail: Riverboat Excursions

It's the little things that matter. Any theme park lover recognizes that fact even if the suits sometimes forget it.

At Disneyland, the granddaddy of theme parks, Frontierland is chock full of detail goodness! There's a lot of river craft on the water, and none is more elegant than the Mark Twain Riverboat. This poster has old time charm and loving detail as it advertises a leisurely cruise on the Rivers of America. 

With the Sailing Ship Columbia also there, these vessels and the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes exploring the wilderness, these's no excuse for not traveling the backwoods of the park.  Tom Sawyer Island and its adventures beckon, but if you wait until sunset, there's nothing prettier than sailing the Mark Twain past a gas lit New Orleans Square on a summer night. Very rare because nowadays Fantasmic! needs to be dark- but oh what a treat it is!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)