Design Detail: Tokyo Disneysea's Sindbad's Storybook Voyage

In the world of Imagineering, Tokyo Disneysea is certainly a standout when it comes to design detail. Everything from the landscapes to the pathways and structures oozes thoughtful creativity in order to provide guests with the most immersive experience.

Sometimes the design details are not in the smallest, least noticed aspects of the park. They may be in the things unnoticed or unrealized, those items we take for granted.
 

Attraction posters just because.

Look at the photo above from the very enjoyable "8 Bit Theme Park" site. Look closely. This particular design detail is large, very large. In fact, It's Mount Prometheus. The centerpiece volcano of the park is perfectly placed between the two colorful domes found in the Arabian Coast section. I guess I should say the placement of the domes is carefully designed to offer an incredible view of Mount Prometheus smack in the center. 

Attraction posters once more. 

The land itself seems very overlooked, although that could change with the opening of Fantasy Springs because guests will have to travel through it in order to get into the newest section of the park. If they can even get in. Those in charge of Disney's second park in Japan have made it very difficult to do so. They are moving to a caste system of guests. It's a very sad business move and quite elitist.

Sinbad's Seven Voyages or Sindbad's Storybook Voyage- which do you prefer? The original and darker seven voyages had vibes of Pirates of the Caribbean in its approach. The new version is more playful and kid friendly. Both beautiful and engaging in its own way.

As we leave the Arabian Coast, I give you this beautiful photograph from Tokyo Cheapo. Enjoy it in a very large size.

Colorful Sindbad Poster

Here's the Sindbad's Seven Voyages attraction poster in living color.  From what I can tell, the design and color scheme provides little clue to the depth and beauty of the is original Tokyo DisneySea attraction. It's one that seems to be on everyone's "Favorites" list when they return from the Land of the Rising Sun. 

The other thing folks say is that Alan Menken's composition, Compass of Your Heart, is the best and catchiest attraction theme song since It's A Small World. Can it be?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Herb Ryman's Art for TokyoSea's Sindbad

Something a bit special to kick off the beginning of the week! How about something from the Japanese parks? 

Imagineer Herb Ryman has long been one of my very favorite artists. His artwork for theme park attractions stands equal to some of the more "serious" art seen on gallery walls. Here's a seldom seen slice of concept art for the beautiful and mysterious Sindbad's Seven Voyages over in the Arabian Coast. (Yes, the "D" is correct in the name.)

Oriental Land Company felt the original Tokyo DisneySea attraction was too dark, making it not quite the draw they wanted it to be for guests of all ages. It went under the knife. Sindbad lost his beard and gained an adorable tiger companion. Villains became less menacing or altogether cute, and a brand new song was commissioned to ground the attraction. Compass of Your Heart, a new theme song by Alan Menken is one catchy tune- and the attraction is still as good if a bit sugary instead of suspenseful and mysterious. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)