Perhaps the Rarest Photo of the Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion

Welcome Foolish Mortals to perhaps the rarest photograph of Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion. Taken around 1971, this is a rare promotional sheet from the Imagineering files. Giving the viewer the perfect look at the attraction from the now long lost Tom Sawyer Island. Plying the Rivers of America, these beautiful canoes and a trip into the wilderness was an opening day attraction not to be missed. Liberty Square was a perfect setting for the old abandoned mansion. Guests couldn't stay away once they discovered the 999 Happy Haunts in residence. The Imagineering masterpiece has drawn in unsuspecting visitors for over 50 years now... much longer number of years than those Cars at Piston Peak will ever reach.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

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'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.)

"Ascending by Degrees"- A Return to Greatness at Walt Disney World?

It was Disney fan extraordinaire Kevin Yee that coined the phrase "declining by degrees" to describe the persistent and continual lessening of the original standards found at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. You know, those impeccably high values for show and guest experience, and yes, value, that Walt Disney himself set forth. Perhaps it's only fair now to perhaps consider that Disney may be "ascending by degrees" at least when it comes to one aspect of change in Florida. (Let's forget the debacle of removing the Rivers of America just for one moment.)

The original concept art by Imagineer Herb Ryman for Cinderella Castle (top) was a masterclass example of elegance, restraint, and just plain good taste. The infamous "castle cake" overlay was just the beginning of a few cheap and ugly variations of the look, culminating in the horrendous rose gold layover deemed appropriate to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. 

Thankfully that look is on its way out! The piece that debuted at this year's Destination D23 (above) shows a coming return to what it should be, a nod to the greatest Imagineering minds, those old school geniuses that brought excellence to all they did. 

It seems much like the area enhancements to Spaceship Earth at Epcot, the most successful design choices are the ones that return to the original feel when the parks were first thought out. Maybe, just maybe, a return to excellence, a full "ascending by degrees" will begin in Florida and then spread to the West Coast and "Walt's park". Here's hoping! 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

If You Can't Go to Tom Sawyer Island, Go Here Instead

The closure of Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom got you down? Does the removal of the Rivers of America bring a tear to your eye and make you wish for the days when Walt Disney ran Imagineering? Don't worry! We have you covered! There's a great place within reach that will remind you of the golden days of theme park design at its best.

Just head down the street from Walt Disney World and take a turn into Universal Orlando Resort. Head into Islands of Adventure. Walk past Hogsmeade and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and even go beyond Velocicoaster. Travel into Jurassic Park and stop. Take a deep breathe. Look around until you find Camp Jurassic. 

This place has all the charm and design detail you'd see on the soon to be demolished Disney island, just with a bit more thrill. Beautifully designed amber studded caves remind you this is not Huck Finn's playground. Is there something dangerous lurking around the bend?

Maybe there are flying dinosaurs overhead. Oh, no! It looks like the creature has a few victims that are being taken high above the island. I guess you could go up there for quite a ride and an incredible view.

But if you're inside those caves and hear a monstrous beast roaming them, hurry up! Get out of those caves, and take shelter up above! At least you'll get a better view of what is on the prowl. And you'll get to see how much there is to explore. 

This overlooked gem in a park stacked with thrills brings a different and immersive vibe on the world of prehistoric creatures. So, if you're missing Tom Sawyer Island and soon, the rest of Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom, this is the place to go! Yes, Universal now owns dinosaurs in the theme park world. But at least they do it well!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

How I Learned to Love the Magic Kingdom Without Rivers of America

Maybe there's a brighter side to this shocking D23 announcement and the subsequent admission that the beautiful Rivers of America is going away.  Regardless, it's time to say goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island, the watercraft, and potentially more (like Liberty Square in the long term) as Disney Imagineers craft an expansion at the Magic Kingdom. Cars takes over changing Frontierland, and with it, another piece of Florida park history disappears. Will it be great and great looking? Probably. But what really happened to the "blessing of size"? 

Can you imagine the uproar had they shown this piece of concept art at D23? Obviously, this was the plan. Show the simple art first, lower the boom later. And answer to no one live.

There could be an upside to all this. Maybe. Just maybe.

Perhaps there's some advance planning going on. Not moving Cars to the back of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad means they can expand Villains Land, which is sure to be a big hit. A huge one, actually. Could be a piece of the river can be accessed via a bridge from Liberty Square into the new area and lots of waterfalls off the rocks to make it feel refreshing a la the old Cascade Peak at Disneyland. This would help ease the pain of losing a soothing view and a relaxing walk while around the river and seeing the former Tom Sawyer Island or the watercraft. A theme park is more than just rides. It is atmosphere too.

About 50 percent of our trips to Walt Disney World in the last many years, we did ride the riverboat and/or went to Tom Sawyer Island. Often both. Great experiences that brought some stress relief from the constant crowds and waiting in line in the Florida sun. I will treasure these times! I'm glad I did so.  

On the plus side- I'm trying desperately hard to find one- it will make the Magic Kingdom even more distinct from other castle parks. Like each one, it has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. 

If Cars goes in, the Speedway is rather redundant. Since tomorrow is becoming harder to create for, perhaps the top suits will surprise us and bring in some incredible attractions for a larger Fantasyland. Lord knows, New Fantasyland 1.0 feels disjoined. Disneyland's is much, much better even though it is smaller. The Florida expansion was far less successful than it could have been and not the "Potter Swatter" Imagineering and the suits were hoping for. Cute, yes. Must see, no. It needed a real E Ticket and did not get it. Maybe next time.

All that said, I do not trust this leadership team. Sorry, but it's true.

The negatives in both pulling the Speedway and the Rivers of America are huge, though, and the potential even worse.

The Haunted Mansion will make a great entrance point for Villains, but the Hall of Presidents could be the next thing to be turned into something entirely different. (The Memento Mori gift shop was the first step in the move away from Liberty Square being focused on the founding years of our nation. But read the article for an interesting backstory that's real.) Why is the Hall of Presidents next to go? Guests can't help but "comment" during the roll call. So, let's turn the entire kingdom into a land of cartoon characters. "I know- let's add Muppets! They were there during that part of the century." This will happen, mark my words.

What will they do next? They are erasing the American history part of the Magic Kingdom because they can and it gets rid of the persistent problem it brings in this day and age. Few theme park visitors seem interested in American history, but it seems everyone just wants to argue about the state of our country instead. When all is said and done, if it is really going to happen, just turn the entrance to Liberty Square into a Sleepy Hollow creepy looking version, change some theming and give it all a new name. Be done with it quickly and move on.

When the Speedway goes, there could be room for another DVC store, another lounge, and maybe even some attractions if they can find it in their hearts. 

I say take your photographs of Liberty Square and the Speedway now while they are still around.

What will happen at Disneyland? May the suits at Disney have the wisdom to keep Rivers of America in Walt's park!

All Aboard the Mark Twain Steamboat! Got your Ticket?

Yes, the ticket says "Steamboat Mark Twain", not the more familiar Mark Twain Riverboat we are all accustomed to. When this beautiful ship premiered on the Rivers of America, special tickets were sold. They are beautiful!

Frontierland and Disneyland as a whole was a celebration of the ideals of America. In this land, it was a look at life in the Wild West. Sure, it was a fairly sanitized version. But it had to be. No one wants to go to a theme park that celebrates difficulties. Perhaps that's one reason why Disney's America had limited appeal. But I digress.

For many years an evening cruise about the Mark Twain was the perfect was to end a day at the park. It became even more magical when New Orleans Square opened up. (I'd always hoped New Orleans Square would be built at another park where the docks for the steamboat would be on the river in that land- with a mint julep bar next door!) 

Most nights you could hear the Dixieland music from the ship as you sailed by. The cruise was long enough to be immersed in a different world as she sailed into the darkness. Imagine being blessed by being selected to be aboard when the late great Louis Armstrong and his band played on her decks! That's the kind of magic that can't be duplicated by an Imagineer!

(Image from Vintage Disneyland Tickets.)

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 Photo of Disney World's Haunted Mansion

A rare look at Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion circa 1971. This is a promotional sheet from Imagineering giving the viewer the perfect look at the iconic Magic Kingdom attraction as well as the canoes plying the Rivers of America. The beautiful and unique Liberty Square has never been duplicated in any other castle park, creating a lovely backdrop for the old abandoned mansion. The beauty inside the mansion, however, is more of the otherworld variety. It's a beauty that's drawn in unsuspecting visitors for over 45 years now.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Looking back on Disneyland over the decades, 
Old Frontierland

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.)

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.)

Fixing Disneyland: My End of Year Wish List

The end is near. 2015 that is, and it's been a banner year for our favorite theme park, Disneyland. The 60th Anniversary brought us a new parade, new fireworks, and all kinds of additions from enhancements to Peter Pan's Flight to new Emporium windows. MiceAge / MiceChat has the best year round up I've read, but that's not what this post is about.

The old gal looks pretty good after all this time, but she still needs some help. "How to Fix Disneyland?" A good question with some darned good answers from this writer. Are you ready? Here's my land by land tour of additions and enhancements while the big construction starts.

Main Street U.S.A.: Since the Disneyland Railroad will be closed for quite awhile, place the most beautiful of the trains at the station, using the entire area as a meet and greet for Mickey himself. The rest of the land seems to be in the most complete state possible, so let's move on.

If Moana hits it big, tiki culture can have a greater presence in the park.

Adventureland: Let's begin by dumping all the plastic figures found in Tarzan's Treehouse. Build a new queue on the lowest level and incorporate a character meet and greet inside the kitchen. Guests can check out a face character Tarzan from above while they tour the loft home. Women get a little beefcake, and the crowds in the narrow passageway between two lands thin out just a bit.

Add a new scene for the world famous Jungle Cruise. Keep the folks queuing up. It's a Disneyland classic that does not get the respect it deserves.

For foodies, it's time for something new and crowd pleasing. The Magic Kingdom in Florida gets the Skipper's Canteen. Good for them. It's long overdue- Time to return the much loved Tahitian Terrace to Adventureland. Bringing instant night time rhythm to a fairly dark and exotic piece of the park, it ties in greatly with the Enchanted Tiki Room. In one bold step, it rids the land of the thematically ugly monstrosity of the Middle East desert next to a lush Polynesian paradise. Retro vibe, vintage Disneyland, and more  table service dining. Appeases long time fans and brings in new ones.

Tune up the opening day effects now missing from Indiana Jones Adventure. The culminate effect of so much lost is not quite the Disco Yeti of Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest, but it is a strong statement of lack of care poured out on the park's last "E Ticket" attraction. Last up for Adventureland: Bring in some musical entertainment. The second story balconies can hold a small band, and it would liven up the area.

A scaled back River is coming.

Frontierland: January begins the end of the Rivers of America as we know it. In preparation for the misplaced Star Wars Land, the river is being circumcised so to speak to accommodate a brand new land being carved out of the backwoods, and once you do it, it cannot be reversed. (Yeah, I'm in a feisty mood, aren't I?) The Disneyland Railroad is being rerouted as well. Watercraft plying the course will come to a halt for at least a year as all the work is done. (A special note: Wouldn't it be nice if the Imagineers were planning the train track to route through a re-worked slice of Rainbow Caverns and even past an outdoor geyser or two?)

The question will be how to bring life into Frontierland beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Let's begin by an encore performance of the original show for the Golden Horseshoe and offer a sit down restaurant experience in the evening, compete with a western style menu. Bring back the can can and the comedian with a fast-paced production that honors the past by its highlights while bringing in some new talent. 

Outside, add in some street characters. At opening, Disneyland featured a pair of gunslingers, sheriff and outlaw. The show climaxed with the pair duking it out on the second level of the Horseshoe. It was a crowd pleaser and a great photo opportunity for guests young and old. Imagineering could even use some "misfires" to create some special effects that go off during the show, making it a living Shootin' Gallery of sorts.

With the current acreage, there's really not any room for a bigger  attraction, but a small museum type exhibit could be put into the arcade area. It's the small touches that make and keep Disneyland charming. 

Walt had a good head for what pleased Disneyland guests.

New Orleans Square: A bit of sacrilege here. Close Pirates of the Caribbean now a few days midweek to install some additions and enhancements for its 50th Anniversary in 2017. You know that both the money hungry suits and the creatively inspired Imagineers are thinking about doing something to honor its achievement  It is the premier granddaddy attraction of the park, and its' time to bring it back to top form all the while surprising guests with something new to celebrate. Just make sure its some unused concepts by Marc Davis and not something from the movies.

Remember that old unused courtyard that's got that awful teal and purple scheme? Turn it into a character meet and greet with Tiana and friends. 

Critter Country: Even though some amount of construction will be needed to connect the land to the new Star Wars Land, the rest of the land should stay relatively open to guests. There's more than just Pooh here, so make the most of it. Fill the place with forest characters as well as the Country Bears. A little hillbilly music would be good, too.

Fantasyland: Unlike the younger parks, there's no dining options in Sleeping Beauty Castle. Make the most of it. Put some work in behind the scenes, and use the old Skyway building as an entrance to a beautiful and remote fondue restaurant that overlooks the graceful gardens of the Storybookland Canal Boats. Instant win as it reuses a very important piece of the park's history and provides a tranquil setting for a meal far from the crowds. There's enough dedicated old timers that would enjoy the opportunity. Throw in a clock shop or even a cooking store to please the retail crowd, and it's a clear win-win for everyone.

Is it just me or is Disney missing a prime opportunity to use the old Motor Boat Cruise area for a temporary Frozen mini land? Bring over everything from California Adventure and place it under the shadows of the mighty Matterhorn. Sure, Arendelle is not in Switzerland, but it works much better here than in any other place. 

It's only temporary anyway. 

Mickey's Toontown: Until this is replaced by Frozen, let's fill the place with characters that are not tied to a single location. Fix that Jolly Trolley. Add a mini hedge maze. Give guests a gag-filled Toontown quick service location so that the nearby Fantasyland eateries are not entirely swamped at lunch. 

... but it's a sleeper at Disneyland.

Tomorrowland: Let's be honest, Season of the Force is a mixed bag. And that is being very gracious. Re-Imagine the carousel theater museum, and make the experience what it was advertised to be. 

Outside those walls, let's bring some real energy to the futuristic area, starting with an astronaut with a working jet pack- or even the Rocketeer- if you have to tie in a Disney film. Place the Rocket Jets/Astro Orbitor/whatever its become back to the top of the launchpad. Bring in Wall-E to greet guests, perhaps even Baymax, this family's favorite robot by a long shot.

Tomorrowland is Disneyland's embarrassment compared to what it was in decades past. It is time for a full remodel, but I'm not sure anyone can really figure out what to do with it. Maybe Star Tours will move with the new land, and the entire entrance can be reworked. It's certainly the toughest problem to tackle. Disney has proven they can do fantasy well but can no longer take us to a real, science based future. Just look at Future World at Epcot.

There you have it. My ideas for fixing Disneyland. What are yours?

(Images copyright The Walt Disney Company/Lucas Films.)

Disney by the Decade

Playing around and discovered a nice little find: The Orange County Register offers up two interactive maps. One is Disneyland at opening in 1955. (Above)

The next is present day Disneyland 2015 before the changes begin in January 2016 to the Rivers of America, Frontierland and Critter Country. 

As you'll see, the park has changed quite a bit, and there's much more to come in the next decade. If you want to play around with the maps and discover more, go here. It's a lot of fun.

Have some great suggestions for fixing Disneyland? Check out my article above. It contains my suggestions and asks for yours.

(Art copyright The Orange County Register.)

Magic of the Summer Nights

Want a summer evening cruise around the Rivers of America on the Mark Twain Riverboat? You can still do it, but it has to be at Tokyo Disneyland or in Florida's Magic Kingdom. So, according to this attraction poster, Japanese fans head towards Westernland.  There's no rush now that the plan to turn the area in Cars Land seems to have fallen out of favor.

In California, the terrific show Fantasmic! takes over the summer evenings, making such a cruise impossible.  But I remember decades back when it was easy to grab at Mint Julep from New Orleans Square and take a quiet, serenely beautiful journey into the nighttime waters. The faint jazz melodies played on board. The Haunted Mansion was gloomily lit, and a few lanterns of Bear Country shown in the wilderness.  In the middle of crowded Southern California, there were fewer things to do that could be as simply magical. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Before New Orleans Square

During the opening and early years of Disneyland, the park's Frontierland was a pretty enticing land, full of spots to explore- a stark contrast to the small slice of American history we now find. 

Of course, a favorite of Walt Disney himself and many guests was the elegant Mark Twain. As the riverboat sailed around the Rivers of America, the sights and sounds were decades away from what was currently Anaheim in the 1950s. Walt and his Imagineering team had accomplished something truly out of the ordinary.

The Swift Plantation House (shown above) served up food and some great waterfront views- but perhaps its greatest claim to fame was as it eventual placeholder for the elegant New Orleans Square, coming to the parks in a future decade!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)