The Original Walt Disney Studios Animation Courtyard

Gotta give the Imagineers and the Budgeteers props when its due! The new Walt Disney Studios Courtyard looks absolutely fantastic! As you can see, there's brand new life in this area that was once a fast and cheap Star Wars Launch Bay experience. The nighttime photo here by the great folks at WDWMagic shows just how magical a little effort can be!

It sure looked different back when we were there in 1989...

In the opening days, the then named Disney-MGM Studios were designed to be part theme park, part actual production facilities. There was a bit of both, making for an odd mix that has made it difficult for expansion and planning in later years. Honestly, there was not a lot to do, but what was there was charming. Never intended to be more than a partial day experience, when the suits decided it needed to be a full fledged theme park, planners had to think creatively and truly out of the small sized box they placed it in. There's a reason the park feels a bit thrown together. It was! 

Wanting to one up their neighbor in California -and soon to be competitor in Florida, Universal Studios- the centerpiece attraction for the production half of the park would be a studio tram tour past sound stages, wardrobe warehouses, and outdoor sets. It was an odd combination of sites, but at the beginning, it seemed to be enough.

The star of all the backstage studios facilities was the Animation section. This is the heart of The Walt Disney Company, and the park did its best to honor their legacy. 

Beyond the gateway into the area celebrating animation.

A fairly bland entrance to such an important aspect of Disney film making!

The entrance gate would also be the way to get to The Art of Disney Animation. This attraction would be the first time Disney animators would be on display working on real upcoming theatrical releases.

"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way!"

The idea of showcasing animators and animation was not new. In fact, this attraction was a greatly expanded concept from the much smaller "The Art of Animation" exhibit housed in Disneyland's Tomorrowland during the first half of the 1960's. The real highlight for fans of the art was watching the animators. I couldn't get enough- and the nearby store was the perfect spot to allow me to come home with some animation related treasures. 

Inside the complex was also a very clever film, "Back to Neverland" with Robin Williams and Walter Cronkite,  to be found here. (Years later, when the Company was doing things cheaply, the film was also presented in the Animation attraction at California Adventure. It was later removed when Turtle Talk with Crush took over the space.)

Back then in 1989, it didn't seem that Disney had saturated the parks with present day celebrities, so to do so here seemed a much better fit for the new park than Epcot putting in Ellen's Energy Adventure or Gary Sinese in Mission: Space.  (I hated that move to add celebrities where they don't belong. And still do! Much respect to Gary Sinese, however, for his pet project- look here.) The animation, the characters, the celebrities all belonged at Disney-MGM. You'd expect this at a park called "The Studios". Their absence would create an obvious void. The attractions gave a nod to the true stars of old as well as promoting the latest stars and starlets. 

It was this attention to honoring the past as well that made the park a place for families of all ages to appreciate. A very wise choice, and it made for good marketing. Changing the area to Launch Bay years later was a lazy move, and the public burned out on it quickly. Once Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge showed up, the area was finished. 

But here we are once more. Animation is honored again! It's about time for attractions like this that build on the past instead of tearing it down. (Looking at you Josh D'Amaro and the destruction of Rivers of America!)

Back to the Future Again: Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland 1994 Edition

The year was 1994, and the mission seemed impossible: a full re-Imagineering of the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland. Could the Imagineers bring a fresh perspective to Florida's crowning jewel of a theme park? The challenge was on- but it always was a challenge creating a land of the future.

Early guidebook page of Tomorrowland-
after the opening of a couple more attractions. 

Upon the Magic Kingdom's opening in 1971, the park's original Tomorrowland had a pretty, crisp, clean white palette. But it was lacking in a significant attraction roster. The Skyway, Raceway, Flight to the Moon and Circle-Vision 360 film was about all there was.

An original attraction poster.

Within the year after opening, the beloved If You Had Wings and the equally loved (and still missed in Disneyland) Wedway Peoplemover brought a new excitement to the land of the future. The contemporary feeling was clear- and still white, but the future was not.

One beautiful piece of  art for the Magic Kingdom. 

The mid-1970's opening of Space Mountain drove crowds to that side of the park. The land of the future was no flush with guests, and for the most part, the landscape stayed the same for the next decade or so. The iconic attraction had such an impact, that it was duplicated in various forms all over the world. (You can read about the historic impact here.)

Back to 1994, and the challenge made to the Imagineers. After much back and forth, it was decided that aliens would be invading the Florida Tomorrowland- and the future would never look as colorful! 

A new poster for a dazzling new land!

The beautiful but old standard Circle-Vision film would be replaced by The Timekeeper, starring Robin Williams as a robot with a mission. But it was the replacement for Mission to Mars that would become the most controversial: Alien Encounter. 

So not Disney but oh, so fun!

Scary and almost terrifying, guests would be trapped into an experiment gone bad. So unlike anything else in the Kingdom, it was loved and reviled at the same time. (Check out even more about Alien Encounter here.)

Above image from the amazing Vintage Disneyland Tickets

The land seemed to be a hit! My family and I couldn't wait for our next trip. We loved the new attractions, especially the encounter. At night, the place was even more beautiful with neon showing off all the new features. Great props, signs, and those cool palm trees set off the land as if it were in a galaxy far, far away. 

My photo of the attraction poster.

Flash forward to today. As expected, time has caught up with the  Magic Kingdom's land of the future. Alien Encounter and its child friendly replacement Stitch's Great Escape are gone. Timekeeper is now the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. Tron is coming and not too soon- even if its placement is less than perfect. 

The Imagineers are once again bringing change to the land. Can they pull it off once more? We will see.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Photograph of Timekeeper poster copyright Mark Taft)

Aladdin Leaves Many Wishes Unfulfilled

Perhaps a bit late to it all, but nonetheless, I rather hesitantly saw Disney's live action remake of the animated classic Aladdin on Father's Day. You see- full disclosure here- I wanted to dislike the film. The movie of an orphan boy who marries a princess seemed so perfectly done the first time, there wasn't much hope for the revision to be a success. In short, it wasn't and it was.

With two very likable leads, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott, and in an unexpected surprise, a near perfectly cast villain, Marwan Kenzari, it all seemed a very promising affair. Then, unfortunately, Will Smith as Genie shows up and ruins it all.

But it is not entirely his fault. No one actor could do justice to the iconic character played by the lovable Robin Williams. Without the inevitable comparison, Will does his best Hitch impersonation but without a depth of character because the script feels disjointed, rushed, and rather expected. We just don't believe the friendship between Genie and Aladdin that was so central to the success of the original. 

Naomi Scott's beautiful voice is wasted on a mediocre, stereotyped, "Speechless", the kind of song full of faux angst all too common in our politically charged world. Yes, Jasmine needed her song. But this was not the one. She deserved better. Authenticity always rings true, and thankfully, Naomi brought this to her role. Her nuanced performance sails past this musical detour, making Jasmine a woman of character. (This seems to be true of Naomi as well. Do a little research on her humanitarian projects. I'm looking forward to seeing more of her in other films.)

Better character development is evident with the evil sorcerer Jafar. Winningly played by Kenzari, viewers quickly forget the thought of any other actor playing the role. His demise is not, however, the big payoff you'd expect, making the live action version far less scary for the little ones than the animated classic.

Unlike the original, Jasmine's father the Sultan is happily not a cartoon buffoon. Navid Negahban brings a grace and dignity to the role. This warm and wise father is willing to learn and to grow and to bless his daughter and her unexpected desires. A true test of a real man. Certainly not a bad lesson for any father to remember on Father's Day.

The sets are beautiful and rich, the costumes detailed and flashy, but the spectacle and modern dance music arrangements and moves take away from the story. "A Whole New World" suffers the most. What once was a beautiful and still thrilling song becomes just another plot device. 

There's a trade-off here: Classic Disney storytelling (and eventually DVD sales) is sacrificed to gain short term popularity and ticket sales. This film seems geared toward Bollywood but should also play well in the Islamic Middle East since both Jasmine and Aladdin have lost their skin baring outfits in favor of much more modest attire. 

What can I say about the film's title character? Aladdin can be caricature if not handled with utmost care. Somehow in spite of the film's many flaws, Mena Massoud pulls off the delicate balance of con artist and fine young man. His charm and dazzling smile may initially woo the girl and win an audience, but it is the growth and sincerity reflected in his eyes that makes us root for him.  And for the movie itself. At least there's one wish granted.

When the film stopped, I expected a "Genie moment" at the end of the credits. It was not to be. It seemed there was nothing left to say, no stories to tell, not even a clever goodbye. This version of Aladdin should be the one to make Disney rethink its cash grab with the live action remakes. In fact, I haven't decided which is worse, the multiple sequels of the animated classics ("Little Mermaid 24") under Michael Eisner or this current trend under the leadership of Robert Iger. They each may win some gold but at the loss of respect and potential. Aladdin learned this lesson. I wish the Walt Disney Company would as well.

(Photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Aladdin Poster Released

Disney just released the first poster for the live action Aladdin. It's a great graphic and an interesting choice. Can Will Smith really add anything to the role of Genie, brilliantly played in the animated version by Robin Williams? Time will tell. 

Imagineering Tribute to Robin Williams

The late great Robin Williams. What a talented individual! Here he is as Timekeeper, the title character for the Disney attraction. This really is a beautiful tribute, a lovely Imagineering piece of art by the wonderful Tim Delaney. 

Robin as Timekeeper in poster form.

All this in preparation for the charming Magic Kingdom attraction at Walt Disney World and another version in Disneyland Paris. It certainly took the 360 Circle-Vision film (and time travel) to a new height in presentation.

The Audio-Animatronics version.

There's a soulfulness, a kindness, and a sweet gentleness so perfectly captured in this portrait / concept art. Robin's been gone four years now. I just can't believe it. Thank you, Tim, for your work.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tomorrowland Attraction Poster: Metropolis Science Centre

When it comes to photography, I'll admit it: I'm no Tom Bricker over at the Disney Tourist Blog, but every once in awhile, even a blind pig can find an ear of corn- or something like that.

Here's a shot I took in 1999. Made even more special now with the passing of Robin Williams. 

Timekeeper, a Circle-Vision 360 presentation adapted for a new audience, was a great centerpiece project of Walt Disney World's New Tomorrowland. Gone was the old "let's take an earnest look at the future". In it's place was a world where aliens and humans alike co-existed in harmony with robots and technology. (That is, until the frightfully wonderful  Alien Encounter revealed the truth.)

This poster for the Metropolis Science Centre was too cool a piece of art for me to pass by. I do wish it was available for sale- and that Robin Williams was still around to sign it.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

R.I.P. Robin Williams

I'm in shock. Actor Robin Williams just passed away this morning. Known for many wonderful roles- and in my mind, he's the only Genie fit for Aladdin- you could tell he was a kind hearted soul.

That's all I will say for now.

Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens Returns to the Screen

Did Matthew Crawley's death on Downton Abbey happen all too soon? Are you now a fan of actor Dan Stevens? Wondering where he's gone? Wonder no longer.

American fans of the popular family fantasy movie Night at the Museum will uncover Dan playing Sir Lancelot for the third installment in the series, Secret of the Tomb. Of course, Ben Stiller will return as will Robin Williams and Owen Wilson.

After a seriously minded television show and a well done but depressing turn in Summer in February, everyone's favorite British export takes a stab at a lighthearted comedy. Coming in December 2014 in the States and in January 2015 overseas.