Disney's Unbuilt Mystery House

This piece of concept art isn't another variation of the exterior for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion nor is it an alternative for Paris' equally thrilling Phantom Manor. It's something totally unique. A brand new attraction, and it's one I'd never even heard of! 

FoxxFur over at the excellent Passport to Dreams Old & New provides all the details on this unbuilt attraction designed by Imagineer Marc Davis for a slice of land at Walt Disney World's Fort Wilderness. Named Adventure House, it seems like a fun and inviting way to spend some time. Check out the great article and all the art here. Just one more piece of investigation from an incredible blog...

(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.)

Jungle Cruise Rarities

Had to take a bit of a break this morning. Well, I looked at my own blog and realized the last piece was a bit grim from a graphic standpoint. So, while I was investigating previous articles on the great Passport to Dreams Old and New site, I stumbled across this beautiful, and to my eyes unseen, piece of concept art from Imagineer Marc Davis. 

We all know his work:  Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland, and this, from the Jungle Cruise. Magic Kingdom style. I'd never seen this and am admittedly becoming a bit of a Disney pessimist. Who says wonderful surprises are not in store?

(Art copyright the Walt Disney Company.)

The Best Contemporary Piece Ever Written About Disneyland

Sometimes a blog is so good, so thoughtful, so passionate about it subject, that readers tend to take its existence for granted. Such is my love affair with Passport to Dreams Old and New. My post today is to highlight an incredibly astute piece of what sets the Disneyland Resort and the park itself above all others. With nothing left to say, it's to be found here. 

Passport to Haunted Mansion Secrets

This morning I ran across an absolutely stunning piece of work detailing the correlation between Walt Disney Imagineering's Haunted Mansion and contemporary films of the 20th century. Includes this piece by Marc Davis. Brilliant. You've got to go to this post on Passport to Dreams Old and New right now. Great work!

(Art copyright Walt Disney Company.)

Another Passports Travelogue

When I am in the mood for a thought provoking look at what makes Walt Disney World tick, Passport to Dreams Old and New happens to be towards the top of my list for some insightful examination of Imagineering design work. This month's post seems just as in depth and right on as the rest of what you'll find there. Wanna good read? Go here.

(Photo copyright the Passports blog.)

Passport to Dreams Gone By

The great blog Passport to Dreams Old & New just posted a great update. Long known for deep insight and thought provoking posts on particularly the Florida kingdom, the latest is a running list on occupants of the Disney Village from 1975 on. Pretty cool- check it out!