Disney Film Travel Posters Hint at Future Park Attractions

Travel posters of places home to Disney movies' animated characters. What's not to love? As you'll see, there are some similarities to the original Disneyland attraction posters that everyone loves. At top is Atlantis, from Atlantis: The Lost Empire. The cool blues and greens and purples call out to me. Part of me wishes this was for an attraction based on the film. Real concept art for an attraction at Disneyland exists, and the new version of the Submarine Voyage was teased. You can see it all here. A guy can dream, right?

Ah, the islands! The next two here are for Moana and Peter Pan. Both very good movies, and the latter one is one of my all time Disney favorites. Makes for a great Fantasyland attraction or one at Tokyo Disneysea's new Fantasy Springs area. Will a Moana flume ride make it to the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland? Maybe one day. Those Imagineers are always up to something.

Zootopia's staying power has surprised me. Even though the first was a lot of fun, it was really the second movie that made me appreciate the franchise even more. Will I go to Shanghai Disneyland to see the park's land? Probably not, but it seems Disney California Adventure could get its own version if the rumors are true that this is what new Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro wants. Goodbye Pandora West.

It could work in California Adventure- 

the park where theme goes out the window.

Big Hero 6 gives us San Fransokyo. While I think the film is great, the land doesn't seem as well done. There's no real attraction. I mean, as fun as it may be, a meet and greet with Baymax is just not enough. But again, this is Disney California Adventure where the bar gets lower and lower each time an addition is added. 

This is not a precursor to Villain's Land! But it very well could be as the underworld of Hades would make a compelling but very dark backdrop to all those bad guys. 

This next one could be a real life location in Italy! We've been to the Cinque Terra, the inspiration. And it is lovely by any definition. Luca is a clever film that enchants with its atmosphere. Its main characters Luca and Alberto are best friends, much like the Bible's David and Jonathan. You can read into their relationship however you want. I prefer what's really there in the film over what's not. 

Disney Adventure World in Paris is getting the world's first Lion King themed land. The old studios park needs something like this. Frozen is beautiful but the main attraction is not an "E Ticket" by any definition. The new park layout looks beautiful, however. 

Hopefully, this is part of a new and ongoing poster series!

Opening Day at Disney's Greatest Theme Park

Could there be a more beautiful, more impressive, more incredibly designed theme park ever built by the Walt Disney Company and those ultra-talented Imagineers? Probably not. (I know, you expected me to say EPCOT Center.) This grand opening attraction poster gives just a glimpse of the wonders found within. From the monstrously huge, fire belching volcano of Mount Prometheus to the huge temple which holds Indiana Jones, the lovely Tokyo Disneysea continues to grow and amaze. The attractions of Fantasy Springs can't come soon enough! Then I can begin to plan a visit once things settle down. Now with a Tangled boat ride opening, I just can't wait much longer or keep putting off a trip. To see the lantern festival in person- wow, just wow!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company and Oriental Land Company.)

New Fantasy Springs Ad for Tokyo Disneysea Expansion

Just take a look at this! It's been appearing in multiple places all over Tokyo- a brand new ad for the Fantasy Springs expansion at the  already beautiful Tokyo Disneysea. Areas devoted to Peter Pan, the Frozen gang, and Rapunzel and friends will make for a very popular addition. 

Looking at the art, you can see the hotel in the background as well as Rapunzel's Forest, Peter Pan's Never Land, and Frozen Kingdom.

Will you even be able to get in? I don't know as it seems to be a tough thing to do unless you pay mega-yen to stay at the brand new Fantasy Springs Hotel or have some insider connection. If you want more news on the expansion from a great guy who lives in Japan, go no further than the You Tube channel of 8-Bit Theme Park Japan. They broke the news on this ad, and they will be a surefire source of all the latest information.

(Art copyright Walt Disney Company and Oriental Land Company.)

Is This Any Way to Build a New Expansion, Tokyo Disneysea?

Is this a misfire? Tokyo Disneysea is widely recognized as one of the most ambitious, beautifully themed Disney Parks in the world. With the smoldering volcanic eruptions of Mount Prometheus as its centerpiece, it's difficult if not impossible to be in awe of what the Imagineers created. But this expansion named Fantasy Springs seems a bit controversial. 

How dare Tokyo Disneysea inject an entire themed land into this park, stuffing it with world class state of the art attractions focused on Peter Pan, Frozen, and Tangled? It could be a jarring contrast to the quite beautiful Mediterranean Harbor, the inspiring Mysterious Island, the exotic Lost River Delta or the somewhat historic American Waterfront. On the other hand, there doesn't seem to be too much difference between this cleverly hidden addition and Mermaid Lagoon or Arabian Coast.

A new take on the classic Peter Pan's Flight? Yes, please!

Perhaps it is the attraction line up that is causing a problem. How could they choose to bypass a clone of Epcot's Frozen Ever After for a one-of-a-kind "E Ticket" that will probably never be duplicated in Asia, the U.S., or in the Walt Disney Studios Paris expansion? Or maybe its the idea that the oft proposed ride system for Peter Pan is the same one used for Shanghai Disneyland's breakout hit, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. 

Moving beyond just the Snuggly Duckling.

I'm certainly one of the fans that is frustrated that the first attraction themed to Tangled is to be found in Asia and not at Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Can themed restrooms at the Magic Kingdom be all they can do for this terrific film? I can't be the only one that wishes to see that lantern scene fully realized.

Is this any way to build an expansion? Yes, it is! I'd trade it for any version of Toy Story Land or Pixar Pier or even Avengers Campus any day! Wouldn't you?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland's "Peter Pan Flight to Neverland"?

Thought I'd end the month of July with a bang...Everyone in the Disney World seems to love Peter Pan's Flight! The iconic dark ride opened at Disneyland in 1955 when the park made its debut. Is it even possible the originally planned name was "Peter Pan Flight to Neverland"? Yes, and here's proof. 

This piece of rare concept art by Imagineer Bill Martin has the name of the attraction front and center. Had the attraction been built in the last decade, the longer name might have stayed as this group of artists and suits seem to have a fondness for long, drawn out, attraction names. 

Want to read a very detailed look at the history of this great ride? Check out all the concept art and history and photos of it's creation- and placement in the parks- in these two blog posts. Different art in each! Number 1 and Number 2.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Frozen Port Before Tokyo DisneySea's Fantasy Springs

While Tokyo DisneySea's expansion, named Fantasy Springs, has been delayed by a year, unlike many projects for Disneyland and Walt Disney World, it is not cancelled or delayed to the deadly Coronavirus. The area set aside for it has an interesting history, and the piece of concept art above reveals the original intent of the land: a frozen concept named Glacier Bay. 

As anyone who has been to the resort will tell you, everything designed for the second park at the Tokyo Disney Resort is representative of the very best work Imagineering.  The Stateside parks are just now beginning to see the same type of excellence as evidenced by Cars Land at California Adventure, Pandora at Animal Kingdom, and both Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge locations. There's much to be said for competition! If you don't think Universal's explosive growth due to adding the excellent Harry Potter attractions isn't part of the reason for renewed investment, you are mistaken. Thank you, Harry!

A snowy port that looks more than a bit like Port Discovery. 

When Tokyo DisneySea was first imagined, a frozen port of sorts made the short list of lands. The icy terrain even appeared on an early map of the park. (The top image. Click on it for a very large size.) For various reasons, it never made the final cut. The exact concept was also under consideration for Hong Kong Disneyland, which as we know would certainly have benefitted from something unique early on. It could have even changed initial perceptions of the park.

Interesting.

Nothing gets discarded when it comes to unbuilt Imagineering concepts. This Asian icy wonderland was once planned to be home to a variety of winter activities that could be enjoyed year round: jet skiing, an ice rink, and an indoor thrilling roller coaster. Let's be honest, here. In this new Disney world where intellectual properties and more importantly, potential for massive merchandizing, drives the company, a port without a connection would rarely be built. Even in Tokyo, they exist but are a rarity.

These three concepts above were created by Favilli Studios, one of the relatively new players in the theme park business...and the main creator of plans for the infamous Dubai Disneyland. Of course, to date, that park has not been built. I imagine it never will be. The planned mega resort for theme park lovers has had poor attendance and low if any profits since opening. (I broke the news on this proposed Middle East Magic Kingdom back in 2014. My detailed  look at it begins here.) 

Frozen instead of icy.

Removing the Glacier Bay concept but bringing an icy slant to Tokyo's expansion is our lovable snowman Olaf and his creator Elsa. With two strongly marketable characters- one for girls and one for boys- it's a bankable plan for the accounting books. 

For fans of Imagineering's most innovative work, Fantasy Springs will be a win. The new port will have several major E Ticket attractions based on Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan, all using innovative new ride systems, plenty of unique shopping, and a now requisite must-do restaurant experience a la Be Our Guest at Florida's New Fantasyland. 

Classic characters and beloved stories. That is the new direction for all of the Disney Parks- even if in some cases- like Epcot and Animal Kingdom- it's a big mistake. That said, leave it to Oriental Land Company and the Tokyo Disney Resort to get the best Imagineering work. With or without Disney characters.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company and Favilli Studios.)

Plussing Peter Pan's Flight in Tokyo

Always give credit where credit is due. You've got to hand it to those folks at the Oriental Land Company who are constantly looking at how to "plus" the Tokyo Disney Resort. With the upcoming expansion ready to go in March, it surprised me to discover that the Imagineers had offered up this piece of concept art to refresh their Fantasyland classic, Peter Pan's Flight.  

At Tokyo Disneyland, things are always under improvement in addition to being meticulously maintained. The Florida parks in particular should be so fortunate. 

Thanks to Randy Savage at the WDWMagic Boards, we have this piece. Like me, he peruses the websites of Imagineering individuals to find what's been considered at all the parks. Thanks for this one, Randy. 

On the left half, in addition to a new facade for this classic, it looks like the Tea Cups have moved next door ...and indoors. Did you notice the ship flying out the window at the Darling home? Pretty cool little touch! Will this art see the light of day? Maybe. Never say never when it comes to Tokyo.

Just as for so many others, Peter Pan's Flight is a favorite attraction, so much so that I've spent hours writing on it for the blog. The original Disney Dark Ride Series: Peter Pan Flight article is here, and the newer revised edition can be found here. Additionally, there's even more rare concept art and information to be found here.

Tokyo's Expansion Plans and Mermaid Lagoon Art

Without seemingly any argument from any theme park fan, the Tokyo Disney Resort continues to be the location providing the most excellent Disney experience to be found. (It should be in the U.S. parks, but that is for another post.) From attractions, to upkeep and maintenance, to dining and shopping in both the resorts and the parks, it just can't be beat! 

The concept art used to design the park is no less top-notch! Here, Tokyo Disneysea Imagineer Phillip Freer gives us a beautiful depiction of the park's Mermaid Lagoon at night. The area may not be home to a groundbreaking "E Ticket" attraction, but the inside of the main structure is filled with multiples flat rides and a beautiful show, functioning (for now) as the Fantasyland of the park- that is, until the new Fantasy Springs port opens around 2022. 

Mira Costa quality and prices to match!

Tokyo Disneyland will have Beauty and the Beast opening on May 15 of next year, and the second park will see attractions and areas based on Peter Pan, Tangled, and Frozen coming afterwards. All this- and a new Mira Costa level resort- seems to guarantee Tokyo Disney Resort will maintain its crown for another decade or so... at least.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tokyo Disneysea Fantasy Springs Peter Pan Ride System Revealed

Looking for real old school Imagineering innovation? It's always best to look East- Tokyo Disney Resort especially! Here are the freshly revealed plans for the new Peter Pan attraction that will debut at Tokyo Disneysea's brand new Fantasy Springs. Looks like quite the boat ride! Could it be borrowing elements from Shanghai Disneyland's amazing Pirates of the Caribbean attraction? Sure looks like it! Some folks seem to believe this is an older concept that has now been discarded. Could it be?

Thanks to Emil who revealed this piece on his twitter account. 

A Trio of Tokyo Disneyland Posters

Since opening of the park in 1955, Disneyland attraction posters have been an instant hit with guests. In fact, they are some of the most coveted pieces of artwork found in the park. 

It was soon expected that every addition to the park would have its own matching poster. The tradition continued when the company opened the Walt Disney World resort in 1971 and its beloved Magic Kingdom. 

Overseas parks would soon have their own matching set of posters, and here are three of them from Tokyo Disneyland: Star Tours, Snow White's Adventures and the Castle Carrousel. 

The first two closely mimic those found in the U.S. parks, while the carrousel poster is a unique beauty. There are many more to be found! The elegant world class Tokyo Disneysea offers their own as well.

With brand new attractions coming based on Tangled, Peter Pan, Frozen, and of course, Beauty and the Beast, you can be sure that equally impressive attraction posters will be created. At least this author is looking forward to them!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Dastardly Game

Some Christmas gifts are fun and others are just plainVillainous. If you're looking for a mesmerizing and challenging evening, this may be just the board game you want to bring to your next gathering if it includes fans of Disney animated films. 

What would Ursula, Maleficent or the Queen of Hearts do to defeat Jafar, Prince John, or Captain Hook? Just about anything and everything! But they first have to defeat the heroes in their own world. It's a strategy game like no other. And it has really sweet graphics to boot. 

Thanks to my youngest son for the gift- and for getting us addicted.

Oriental Land Company Makes Me Cancel My Plans Once Again

The Oriental Land Company has once again put an end to my plans to finally visit Tokyo Disney Resort. I'd been carefully, mentally, patiently, looking at an opportunity to go when the Beauty and the Beast mini-land made its debut at Tokyo Disneyland. Now, the announcement of their new addition to Tokyo DisneySea will make me delay my plans for even a few more years. Why? 

Can't wait to experience the lantern scene myself.

I just love Tangled. It's my second favorite animated film after Beast. There's certainly no more beautiful animation art in any Disney film than the lantern scene. The attraction itself should be amazing. And finally Rapunzel's tower leads to a real ride and not just to a couple of restrooms!

C'mon everybody...

Plus I can't wait to see what they do with Peter Pan and a whole new Neverland. It's a very charming yet thrilling piece of property at Disneyland Paris, but my bet is this next generation version takes it even further. 

Yo Ho!

An early rumor even suggests Shanghai Disneyland's Pirates technology could be used here. No matter. This expansion will further cement Tokyo's place as the primary leader in the Disney world.

I bet this attraction is a genuine E Ticket!

Frozen land should proves itself interesting on a grander scale than what the Imagineers were allowed to do when they brought the film into Epcot's Norway pavilion. (More on that next post on our trip.)

The choice of where to stay will now be more difficult.

I'll still writing the next chapter post about our Disney World trip. yet, even my wife had to ask this morning upon hearing the expansion news, "Why does Tokyo seem to do things so much better?" Wise woman.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

When Reality is Better Than Imagineering Art: Disneyland Paris' Adventure Isle

Just beyond Peter Pan's Flight at Disneyland Paris is one of the best pieces of Imagineering art come to life: the original Adventure Isle. Not to be confused with the new land at Shanghai Disneyland, this new attraction, a hybrid of the classic Tom Sawyer Island, Swiss Family Robinson Tree House and of course, Neverland itself, is even more stunning than the above rendering. The same could be said for much of the French parc, actually. 

Not having the option for a helicopter to soar over the island and get a photograph, we'll have to do with a couple of awesome photos from DisneyPhotoblogery.com. 

Beautiful day or night, isn't it? It's the perfect playground for kids and adults. In fact, I think we spent over an hour there last trip, and we didn't even go to the very lofty heights of the Tree House. The underground caves, swinging bridge, and the incredible sights all around us consumed our time, but it also let our inner child get lost in the middle of a world just minutes from the big city. This place is Disney at its very best. 

From the always great Disney and More site.

Of course, the view to the left was an Indiana Jones adventure into the Temple du Peril.  The ruins lost in a thick jungle waiting to be discovered in a land that seemed so far away.

Photo by The Enchanted Manor. 

But the view directly to the right? A perfectly in theme setting for my favorite all time attraction Pirates of the Caribbean. It just doesn't get any better! Kudos to the entire team who created Adventure Isle and all of Disneyland Paris. Lovely, magical, almost perfect.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Favorite Disney Film Musical Moments

With the Oscar awards snubbing "Saving Mr. Banks", probably due to that nasty diatribe by Meryl Streep, but with all the love and a nomination given to Frozen, I thought it would be appropriate to take a quick look at some favorite musical moments in Disney animated films. The winners are (and in no particular order): 

• "Jolly Holiday" Mary Poppins:

Not only is this the standout number in a groundbreaking film, this is the first scene where I understood what Bert saw in Mary. Who didn't want to jump into a chalk drawing and right into a fantasy world as beautiful?

• "A Girl Worth Fighting For" Mulan:

As a husband, I love the take on Mulan's version of what makes a woman worthy of attention. I have to laugh- and do- at what the other soldiers' found desirable. I agree almost 100%, too, on all opinions expressed! In a great piece of filmmaking, the way this scene leads into the next is just powerful. Mulan is a highly underrated film. The story is terrific, the scenery incredible, and the characters very likable.

• "Kiss the Girl" The Little Mermaid:

Sure, it would be a favorite pick from the film if I'd choose Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's enticing Under the Sea. Yet, I find this number has much more charm and leaves a lasting impression. Perhaps as Ursula says, a girl who holds her tongue gets her man. And, as a Dad, you just have to love a movie where the Father sacrifice's it all to save his daughter.

• "Be Our Guest" Beauty and the Beast:

The follow up to the incredible success of Mermaid is my favorite animated film. I so relate to the Beast, as does main animator Glen Keane. (See his views on Beast here.) Although Beast is nowhere to be found in this clip, Be Our Guest always makes me think of our visits to Paris. My love for this city grows each visit, and I have plenty of photos on the blog to prove it.

• "You Can Fly" Peter Pan:

Let me be honest, this song is now so strongly identified with Disneyland, that much like When You Wish Upon A Star, it's difficult for me to think of them in the context of the great classic films from which they come. Peter Pan remains a favorite, with its colors and whimsy.

• "I See the Light" Tangled:

To all of you who adore Frozen, and I am one of you, I submit Tangled as a much better film with a stronger set of songs. Love the story arcs and twists found in the newer film, but the coming of age of Flynn Rider makes this as much a guy film as a princess one. The centerpiece, the "falling in love" song is "I See The Light". In this man's not always so humble opinion, it is the best piece of animation every created by the Company. Note to the Imagineers and the budgeteers: should you ever get the guts and the money to build a dark ride attraction on this film, I will show up immediately to see this scene presented. That alone would make your New Fantasyland worth the visit. You've built the village restrooms, now its time to really get creative and build an attraction!