The Walt Disney Story Florida Style

The Walt Disney Story in Florida's Magic Kingdom was always a must-do attraction. There was something very fitting about it all. Although the man himself was long gone by the time the attraction opened, putting the Walt into Walt Disney World seemed at once honoring and genteel. Certainly, the multimedia attraction was a precursor to Hollywood Studios' great One Man's Dream. But there was more. Among all the awards on display and memorabilia, there was also a small side show exhibit on Disney's great unbuilt Western River Expedition. I believe the Audio-Animatronic owl was named Hoot. He shared a bit about what was coming to Frontierland in the near future, one that never materialized. Oh, how I miss the days that the Walt Disney Company was proud of our country!

Alice in Wonderland's Golden Afternoon at the Magic Kingdom

Back then as now, there were a very talented group of women in Imagineering! The very gifted Nila Clayton painted this beautiful concept art for the Alice in Wonderland scene in the Magic Kingdom's opening day original attraction, the Mickey Mouse Revue. What would this assortment of garden flora sing? All in the Golden Afternoon of course! 

As with all attractions, concept art forms the foundation of what's to come. It's here that the Imagineers begin to formulate a feel for the ride or show and how to communicate what they are working to accomplish. Details are worked out, and artwork becomes sets, props, and Audio-Animatronic characters. Just imagine holding up your art and seeing it come to life! 

The end results of years of work is an attraction that engages guests and uplifts them with an experience unique to Disney. In this case, Nila Clayton's beautiful painting became a charming and beloved segment in the Fantasyland favorite. It's a shame that the show went to Japan! Mickey's Philharmagic is great fun, but there's certainly room for both the old and new in the Magic Kingdom. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

From the Mickey Mouse Revue to Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway

The brand new Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is just the kind of attraction that Disney's Hollywood Studios needs, but before we talk about it, let's clarify one thing: It is not the first attraction to predominately feature Mickey Mouse. 

From the D23 archives. 

The US version of the attraction poster.

From the Disney Gazette.

That honor goes to the Magic Kingdom's original Mickey Mouse Revue which made its debut at park opening in 1971. Sometimes referred to as the Mickey Mouse Musical Revue perhaps due to the confusion based on the name which appeared on the attraction poster. 

The 86 Audio-Animatronic characters in this theater attraction took park guests into the world of Disney film music long before the equally charming 3D film PhilharMagic came into being. In this original "E Ticket", Maestro Mickey had center stage as he led the orchestra through a beautiful and rather reverent look at classic Disney music. (This is also the first placement of the Three Caballero figures now found in Epcot's Gran Fiesta Tour.) Florida was the first home to the Revue attraction, but it was later moved to Tokyo Disneyland. 

OK- onto the brand new attraction... 

In our snarky, tired, and cynical world full of deadly viruses, war, and strained social media focused relationships, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway offers a silly respite from it all. With a refreshingly innocent old school approach to Disney attractions, I can see it being the kind of achievement that Walt Disney himself would be proud of! It's a family friendly, fun and wacky journey, full of detail that makes repeats rides a necessity. 

Under the Sea?

If only Ariel's Adventure was this fun!

With new technologies and classic design sensibilities, Imagineer Kevin Rafferty, Charita Carter, and their team have created something special here- truly worth being duplicated at other parks! It especially fits at Disneyland where Mickey Mouse made his park debut back in 1955. Mickey's Towntown is a fine fit for this instant classic!

I won't get into the should it / should it not have replaced the Great Movie Ride. I think we all know the answer to that. But as a brand new attraction, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is the perfect addition to the attraction starved Studios park.

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Update: Here's the best video out there. From my friends at WDWMagic:

The attraction's theme song, "Nothing Can Stop Us Now" is even available in I-tunes.

(Art and photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Main Street Cinema, Country Bear Jamboree, and the Heart of a Disney Park

Even though Disneyland is removing merchandise from its classic Main Street Cinema, probably much to the dismay of Bob Chapek and others like him who seem to think the parks are mostly showcases for sales of Disney Intellectual Property related items, there are even those fans who believe it wasn't such a bad idea.

Case in point: Robert Niles, from Theme Park Insider-

"Okay, I'm gonna deliver some tough love here. Main Street Cinema is a wasted space in Disneyland. It's not that this is a bad concept — far from that, an old-time movie theater show the films that gave birth to the Walt Disney Company is a perfect, even necessary, component of Main Street USA. But in its current form, Main Street Cinema simply is not attracting enough attention to merit the use of that very valuable corporate real estate."

Generally, I tend to appreciate and agree with Robert on many things, but this is not one of those, even if I do believe him to be a true fan and an all around good guy.

My question for him and others is, "What should Disney place there?" Main Street Cinema is one of the cornerstones of true placemaking in the park; one of the original attractions that felt true to theme and place, helping to immerse guests into Walt's park. It was one of many items that made Disneyland different than regional carnivals and pier attractions. One of the many little touches that bring charm and authenticity. I say leave it as it is, and let guests enjoy it if only for nostalgia's sake. (Or air conditioning.)

The same holds true in Florida's Walt Disney World resort and her Magic Kingdom. Those who are thinking of replacing Country Bear Jamboree and even Enchanted Tiki Room are missing the point. If I'm not mistaken, those two Audio-Animatronics shows are back to back as well as not taking up too much space. Perhaps between the two, there would be enough room for a decent sized dark ride. But is is worth it? No.

Beyond destroying some opening day attractions, a move like this only subtracts from the variety of entertainment choices for guests. Once upon a time in that Magic Kingdom, every land but Main Street had an animatronic show (Mickey Mouse Musical Revue in Fantasyland, the silly but fun Sonny Eclipse show in Tomorrowland, and the two mentioned above). These types of shows are still perfect for little ones, older folks and others for whom these bring back lots of memories, and any guest who prefers a gentler even corny form of entertainment. 

These shows and smaller attractions bring a charm and warmth to the increasingly over commercialized Disney Parks  forming a backbone, a sense of place, and in many aspects, the heart and soul of those beloved spaces. 

They are worth preserving as is.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Before the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland...

Yes, the sparkling waters of the Fantasyland lagoon hosted the iconic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Right across from it was the beloved Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Clearly, worlds apart, but still a draw. The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World continues to change and grow, but what a wonder to explore upon opening! 

It wasn't until 1975 that I first got to see the place for myself, but I loved discovering all the changes that made Walt's second kingdom unique. Some, like the Crystal Palace and the Country Bear Jamboree, are still there today. Others, like the two rides mentioned above- along with If You Had Wings and The Mickey Mouse Musical Revue- have been long gone. Now only a memory in theme park history books and old photographs from long ago.

Much to the delight of many fans, the brand new Tron Light Cycles Power Run is coming from Shanghai Disneyland.  It will forever change the vista of Tomorrowland  as it's built next to Space Mountain. Smaller projects come and go. That land is slowly reverting to its 1971 look and leaving the 90's Sci-Fi future feel behind it. Stitch is thankfully disappearing and something new this ways comes. Glad to see it gone, but I do miss the creepy humor of the defunct Alien Encounter. I guess change is always a constant.

(Photograph found on Imagineer Tom Morris' twitter account.)

Magic Kingdom's Mickey Mouse Musical Revue Poster

One day, I'll get around to compiling all the Walt Disney World attraction posters into one article just like I did for Disneyland. In the meantime, here's a high quality scan of one for the long lost Mickey Mouse Musical Revue. 

When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the park featured a variety of Audio-Animatronic theater presentations- everything from a role call of Presidents to silly bears to this wonderful and charming musical show featuring many Disney characters in robotic form. 

Eventually, the suits shipped the show to Tokyo Disneyland never to be seen on U.S. soil again until the Three Caballeros did finally make their comeback concert appearance at Epcot in the Mexico pavilion's Gran Fiesta Tour.

Friday, I'll post something rarely seen for all us EPCOT lovers. No, I won't tell you now. Trust me, it will be worth it!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Friday in the Magic Kingdom, 1971

Friday in the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida. 1971. Just get a look at this opening day map. It's a pretty cool one. Even without Space Mountain in Tomorrowland and the classic If You Had Wings nearby, guests couldn't wait to get down to the Sunshine State to see what was Walt Disney's final foray into the fantasy world. 

At the end of magnificently grand Main Street, a brand new Liberty Square called out. And what a beautiful place it was! The Hall of Presidents was a must-see stop, but it was the imposing Haunted Mansion at the edge of town that caught everyone's eye. The gothic structure was especially eerie at night. 

The premier version of the Country Bear Jamboree in Frontierland entertained us all, but this side of the frontier was a little empty for the time being. 

On the opposite side of the park, the beautiful Plaza Swan Boats would soon circle the park (and the Swiss Family Treehouse which sat on its very own island).  Tomorrowland was light on attractions, but a huge expansion was a year or so from making its presence known. In the meantime, the entrance to the area was elegant and futuristic without being instantly dated.

Fantasyland had its own surprises. Walking through the grand castle, the Mickey Mouse Musical Revue played to packed houses. A double tracked Mr. Toad's Wild Ride offered guest two different excursions with Toad and friends, and right across the way,  the elegant Nautilus submarines cruised a sparkling lagoon for a voyage 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. 

New attractions were on the drawing boards as well- The incredible and never built Western River Expedition and its replacement, Pirates of the Caribbean. The latter was quickly shoehorned into Adventureland after too many guests wondered why the pirates weren't also found in the Florida park. 

Also planned: a well deserved The Walt Disney Story, celebrating the accomplishments of the man that began it all. I saw it all in its early years, the beginning of many, many visits to come.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The First Walt Disney World Map

Here it is for your viewing pleasure: the very first map I ever saw of Walt Disney World. Looking at this illustration of the soon to open Magic Kingdom was all it took for me to convince my folks to take a trip to Central Florida. It still has its charms with its very distinctive 1960's design aesthetic. 

Just look at 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea up at the top with its huge lagoon and mysterious caverns! Liberty Square and the Hall of Presidents. A brand new castle and the Country Bear Jamboree. So much to see, not counting the futuristic Contemporary Resort and the tropical Polynesian Village.f

Passport to Dreams Old and New is one heck of a site. One that provided this map. In fact, there's a whole article about the first ten year's of Magic Kingdom maps, and it can be found here.  But there's more on this site worth your time: in depth articles, rare photographs, and investigative reporting. One of the best out there is you love Walt Disney World history.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A Frozen Epcot and the Three Caballeros

The talk around the Disney World regarding the pending transformation of Norway's Maelstrom attraction to one celebrating the movie Frozen has me thinking a lot about what EPCOT Center used to be. It's now been so long since the whole premise of the park has changed that a new generation of Disney parks fans may not really know what was intended- or what they have lost- by never personally experiencing the park which opened in 1982.

The cartooning of Epcot has been slow and steady. Perhaps it came from desperation, trying to be more things to more people while attendance dropped. Or maybe those in charge lost faith in the excellence (and marketing strength) of their original product. Regardless, bringing in the characters seemed to be a way to save the day. Be it adding Nemo to the Living Seas or Simba to The Land, the increase has been deliberate and sly. Mostly under the radar to not upset older fans (and those with the disposable income) who were accustomed to the elegance of Disney's version of a World's Fair. Even Martin Short's invasion of the Canada Showcase could be argued as a cartooning of sorts. Ellen DeGeneres being added to Universe of Energy is another example of a move away from the park's original  integrity and intent.

The ultimate bastardization of World Showcase came much earlier than those changes to Future World. When the Mexico Showcase dismissed the lovely El Rio del Tiempo and accepted the newer Gran Fiesta Tour with the Three Caballeros, the dumbing down of the pavilion and the cheapening of the rich Mexican culture began. Gone were the riveting Aztec dancers. In its place, Donald Duck and friends became the centerpiece. The transformation was done so quickly and so cheaply that the Disney Suits couldn't even pony up the cash to reward riders with a finale that brought Audio-Animatronics of the three stars. I guess digging them out of storage or making new casts from their use in the Mickey Mouse Musical Revue was out of the question! 

The new mandate of synergy must have felt ugly to any remaining Imagineers who remember the heart and soul put into there work during the park's creation. Imagine their hard work in examining history and the tales and lore of other cultures. Imagine the thrill to educate guests in an entirely new way, to place their stamp on arguably Disney's most nuanced theme park. The loss must have been deeply felt and very disappointing. Oddly, in an effort to keep the park fresh and interesting, the powers that be have transformed Epcot from something timeless to almost instantly dated as time goes on. Well, at least now you never forget you are in a Disney park. Of course, its also more difficult to imagine you are now in another time and place.

For younger guests now visiting the park, Epcot is still a place of discovery, but it is now an odd mix of thrill rides, Disney animation stars (to mixed results), and an opportunity to drink around the World. How different it was, yes, "back in the day"- but oh, how much more rewarding and rich!

(Afterthought: Frozen really belongs in the Magic Kingdom- and in the New Fantasyland, giving guests a real E Ticket reason to go there. Imagine the famous trackless system in Tokyo put to great use! And the potential of a fantastic Christmas overlay to the ride!)


(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Happy 40th Walt Disney World

Happy 40th Anniversary Walt Disney World!

On this day many years ago, East Coast fans of Walt Disney finally had their own playground much closer than the original kingdom, Disneyland in California.

So many happy memories from my first visit in 1975 to my last visit in 2009-

• Dining at the California Grille and watching the fireworks explode over the Magic Kingdom


• Watching my then preschool aged kids at Fort Wilderness eating up their ice cream treats


• Those special dinners with my wife- all over the property


• Spending time with my beloved grandmother walking around the Magic Kingdom


• Loving every inch of Liberty Square


• Watching the Electrical Water Pageant from the Polynesian Village

... and so much more. While I point out its flaws and share about what I see in the future, Walt Disney World will always hold a special place in my heart. So many great memories with my family from generations before and hopefully with ones to come. Thank you, Walt Disney Company, and especially Roy Disney, for making Walt's and many other peoples dreams come true.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)