I haven't forgotten about my Disneyland Resort trip report! It's just that I ran across something as I was looking for a different piece by Tony Baxter. Again Tony, where's your book?
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
Showing posts with label splash mountain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label splash mountain. Show all posts
July 26, 2026
Sunday Morning Surprise: Splash Mountain Pre-Opening Art
June 22, 2026
Days of Disney Past: Videopolis at Disneyland
This super high technology dance club was the most quick and easy addition of the new projects. It brought the crowds into a little used space in Fantasyland, but it was only the first move in a succession of big time hit attractions. Captain Eo starring Michael Jackson would open in 1986 and the first ever attraction based on Star Wars, the incredible Star Tours, would open in 1987. The next big splash was the fan favorite Splash Mountain. With almost one new attraction a year for the first four years, it seemed as if the gifts from the suits and the Imagineers would never slow down. But it did. The next big attraction was the Indiana Jones Adventure (and I was there opening weekend).
Will Disneyland see another season of heavy investment under Josh D'Amaro? Here's hoping!
November 20, 2025
Attraction Poster for Disneyland's Tiana's Bayou Adventure
For Disney theme park historians, the attraction will stay somewhat controversial due to it replacing Imagineer Tony Baxter masterpiece Splash Mountain. I have not been able to ride it yet at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland. When it comes to the Magic Kingdom, I'm very curious how it will fit into Frontierland's soon and coming Piston Peak and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
November 4, 2025
The Rarest of All Disney Attraction Posters
Do you remember the relatively short lived Mickey's Starland? It was the cheaper knock off version of Disneyland's incredible Mickey's Toontown (which shockingly opened years later in 1993.). The land started its existence as Mickey's Birthdayland in 1988 before becoming Starland in 1990. Well, guests would board at the Main Street station and off they'd go to Mickey's Starland. This clever attraction poster was designed to take advantage of the construction as well as remind guests the popular railroad was still open for business.
When Splash Mountain finally opened October 2 of 1992, the Walt Disney World Railroad resumed its normal clockwise route. As for Starland, during the 1995 Christmas season, it became Mickey's Toyland then reopened as Mickey’s Toontown Fair. The land lasted until 2011 when it made way for the park's expansion of Fantasyland.
As you might have guessed, this image directly above these words is NOT the fully original poster. It is a little too perfect and also a bit sanitized, removing some of the scrollwork even if it filled in the background to a solid color. But you get the idea. The original right above it had to be AI enhanced to bring it back to life. This image with the blog marker is above and the first AI version below it. The original is from the great now defunct Disney Park Attractions blog. The very top piece of art at the beginning of this article is a combination of AI and some photoshop to fill in bits of reflection from the photograph of the poster.
But, with just more than a little persistence and the right AI program, you can get what you want IF you are patient enough. The image above is proof.
As always, the art is copyright The Walt Disney Company.
August 23, 2025
When Is Your Imagineering Book Coming Out, Tony Baxter?
Look- Bob Gurr and Rolly Crump have done it. Marty Sklar and Bob Weis jumped in. Randy Bright wrote one of the best long ago. Even the legendary John Hench dove in with an amazing one. Of course, others have written about the greats in Imagineering. All said, it's time for Tony to spill. Don't you think?
May 30, 2025
Imagineer Eddie Sotto Reveals Disneyland Paris' Splash Mountain
Look at these images that show the proposed plan for the French park. There it is, plain as day: Zip A Dee River Run aka Splash Mountain. Rights next to the Cowboy Cookout restaurant in the real frontier of Frontierland, just below the thematic crossover into Adventureland.
Want to see Imagineering's concept art for it? I happen to have it here.
You'd think this would be my favorite reveal of Mr. Sotto's. But check out this amazing story (with concept art) by the man as he reveals a plan for New Orleans Square at Disneyland. an unbuilt project that still has a remnant of what was planned in Walt's park today.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
June 5, 2024
The Pros and Cons of Tiana's Bayou Adventure
The attention to detail and bringing in the flavor of New Orleans is evident. This seems like the part the Imagineers worked hardest on, but they missed or forgot about the most important ingredient of any great attraction: The story. It's just not compelling. It's one note played out over 9 minutes. There's no drama, no tension, no sizzle. Princess and the Frog was a very good movie. Here, it seems they tossed out what made it so and instead replaced it with something bland and rather forgettable. Even Tiana herself can't rise above it. Thankfully, the physical ride is built on the backbone of Splash. The story just doesn't excite. There's really no adventure here in spite of the name.
Many of the Audio-Animatronics in Tiana's Bayou Adventure are excellent. Truly top notch. The way Tiana and Louis move is on par with those found in other recent Imagineering accomplishments. They are remarkable in fluidity and believability. Very well done. They are just not given much to do other than talk to those passing by on a log.
On the other hand, the lesser known (newer) characters seem flat and lifeless. The animal band- which is a key part of the story- feels like it's right out of Chuck E. Cheese. The eyes are key here, and this is a fail. How can you fall in love with the characters if they don't feel real? Eye movement conveys personality. I can't imagine much animal band plush or merchandise being sold.
The setting of the story is fantastic. It is truly beautiful. The darkened landscapes with Spanish moss hanging from the trees makes you forget this was once another place and story. Seemingly endless fireflies buzz about creating a quite moody, unexpectedly romantic environment. I'm mixed on the exterior. Perhaps placed by New Orleans Square at Disneyland it will feel like a better fit than it does in the Magic Kingdom.
Mama Odie is just not a likable character, and to make matters worse, she's a stereotype. Why is she central to this attraction? Her annoying and overplayed (overacted?) cackle reminds me way too much of the old hag in Snow White. Yet, Imagineering elevates her to multiple appearances as if she is the star of the show. She's not- and she shouldn't be- but at least she is actually doing something.
This is more than I can say about our lead character. Doesn't Tiana have something to do besides finding a band? I wish she also worked in the kitchen next to her employees cooking some delicious dishes for the party. Perhaps she's become like too many modern bosses who doesn't work themselves but only stand on the sidelines giving orders. Tiana looks great and sings as sweetly as ever, but she needs to be more than a narrator.
The music shines. Each segment hits the right notes, pun intended. The grand finale, Secret Spice, just works. It's an unexpected ear worm but a totally different and appropriate song for this new ride. Zip A Dee Doo Dah is iconic, so the replacement had to be as good if not better. Secret Spice isn't quite as good, but it is different. Think Kool & the Gang's well loved Celebration done New Orleans Jazz style. Former Maroon5 player PJ Morton had a tough act to follow. But his tune works well. Riders are just not in the finale scene long enough to get the full impact of his creation. This is too bad as the Mardi Gras party is the highlight of the whole thing.
Will Tiana's new adventure satisfy those who loved Tony Baxter's iconic attraction? No. And Tony was wise to back out. Taken on its own, Tiana's Bayou Adventure is fun if imperfect. Years from now, will it be remembered as a classic in the same league as Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion. Absolutely not.
(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
February 27, 2024
Tiana and the Salt Mine Adventure
As a hard working company owner of Tiana's Foods, she's traded in her princess frocks for something totally different- and she's chopped off those once beautiful flowing locks into a more manageable do. I'm sure little girls around the world will be queuing for hours to be able to buy the newest addition to Tiana's wardrobe!
(Sarcastic) Kudos to whoever turned the beloved Disney Princess Tiana into Businesswoman Tiana. So magical!
June 28, 2023
Wait A Minute! The Magic Kingdom's Frontierland is Now Set in 1927?
What happened to the 1800's? It's fine if Splash Mountain is no more- or is it- but please do not destroy what is the themed land dedicated to the pioneering spirit of the Old West back in the days of the brave men and women who made their way across the land. Is this a precursor to the filling in of the Rivers of America and the closing of the Riverboat? Lord, help us if it is. Princess and the Frog has some pretty great elements, but it does not take place of one of the Magic Kingdom's opening day lands.
Will I enjoy the ride? Of course- it's built on the carcass of one of Imagineering's best achievements. I'll love the visuals, the music, and the thrills. Does that mean this transgression of design detail doesn't bother me? Absolutely not.
Come on, Charita Carter and Carmen Smith- You can do better than this.
May 31, 2023
Goodbye to Disneyland's Splash Mountain- Grab a Poster
Some would argue that Splash is one of the very best, if not the best, attractions spearheaded by Imagineer Tony Baxter. That'd be quite an argument as you could make up a whole theme park of his projects- and it's be filled with much loved attractions like Journey Into Imagination, the Indiana Jones Adventure, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and even all of Disneyland Paris!
Here's not one but two attraction posters for Splash Mountain. Get them before they disappear. As you'll see below, the final version is enhanced and a bit different from the one at the top.
Goodbye Splash Mountain- Thanks for all the memories!
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
May 10, 2023
Disneyland's Design Detail in New Orleans Square Gives Way to An Effective Crowd Exodus
The simple, elegant, and befitting entrance to arguably the park's most beloved attraction, was replaced with this complex but effective bridge that spanned the lands but ruined the aesthetic. With Fastpass and all that followed, no longer would New Orleans Square or the rest of Disneyland be a place to linger. Now, they could cherry pick attractions. And the practice continues to this day as masses of guests could more quickly and safely rush off to the Haunted Mansion or Splash Mountain at the expense of enjoying the layered design details that make Disney parks not just another amusement park.
It really is a loss for simpler times and richer touring.
(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
April 17, 2023
Unbelieveble- Our Last Trip to Disneyland
An era has ended, and so a new one begins. But it is difficult to leave the past behind even if we will always carry it in our hearts. With our entire family together, we ventured off to Walt's park as a way to honor my mother in law who loved taking us there as often as she could. She's the last parent in Orange County, and my wife's siblings are all spread out, so who knows when we'll be back.
Funny, but I just can't believe it- I'm writing about our last trip to Disneyland.
Disneyland meant something to our family from its earliest days. It wasn't about intellectual property. It was about being transported to another place and time together, having fun, relaxing, and hanging out enjoying the beautiful California weather.
I remember the opening weekends of everything from the Haunted Mansion to Star Tours and the Indiana Jones Adventure. Yes, the crowds were epic, but so were the experiences. It could only happen at Disneyland.
Our visits weren't about rushing from ride to ride. It was about exploration and discovery, taking the time to notice the details and love put into each area. The way things are not with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, you just can't do that anymore.
Now, there's no real reason to go back. Unless we specifically decide to plan a trip. Maybe DisneylandForward will bring something must-do, but based on the last visit to California Adventure, there's nothing coming of interest.
Disneyland itself seems complete and relegated to updates of smaller attractions, aside from Splash Mountain's conversion to Tiana's Bayou Adventure. But we can see that at Walt Disney World.
I'll end with a few family photos as a way to sign off on this article.
Her last ride on Splash Mountain- her favorite ride ever!
Off to a real galaxy far, far away.
The cousins explore Galaxy's Edge.
Child swap on Rose of the Resistance.
First rides on the world famous Jungle Cruise!
(Notice the retro Kodak t-shirt.)
YO HO!
At the entrance to Frontierland.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a Taft family favorite!
(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)
April 1, 2023
Disney World's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, Western River Expedition and Tiana's Bayou Adventure Puzzle
Yes, that title is a mouthful!
There's exactly one single scene in Walt Disney World's great Big Thunder Mountain Railroad that I wish had made its way over to Disneyland, and the concept art above shows it. Certainly Florida's Magic Kingdom had the blessing of size that Walt's Anaheim park did not. This alone may be the reason for the exclusion. Perhaps the Imagineers on Tony Baxter's team just wanted to offer something new instead of a straight clone. (Wouldn't that thinking be welcomed today by us hard core theme park fans?)
Even my last visit to the World, I couldn't help but walk by Big Thunder itself and wonder what it would have been like if Western River Expedition and the whole of the Thunder Mesa mega-complex had been built. (See here for the details.) The upcoming Tiana's Bayou Adventure aka Splash Mountain probably would not have been built- but I think it would have been a more than fair swap to get something that unique in Florida. There wouldn't have been an East Coast version of Pirates of the Caribbean, though. Regardless of how it is a much lesser version of the original, it is pure old school Disney. Not having it - and no slam on Tiana's cooking skills- but that would be something harder to digest.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
January 23, 2023
Disneyland's Atlantis Expedition: The Submarine Voyage Tomorrowland Deserved
Imagine a version of Tokyo Disneysea's Mount Prometheus coming to Disneyland. If you do some research and dig deep into Imagineering history with all those never built attractions, you'll discover an epic Tomorrowland mega- "E Ticket" that almost came to be: The Atlantis Expedition. With a large chunk of land from the Autopia as well as the old Motor Boat Cruise area, what would be built in its place was worth the change.
Tomorrowland was certainly overdue for a great and groundbreaking new attraction. It was also due for a major update in both theme and execution. Becoming stale, it no longer represented the idea of what could lie ahead. Discoveryland in Disneyland Paris took the futuristic theme and turned it on its side, choosing to create a land that looked at different aspects of what the future could be. Concepts from Jules Verne and H.G. Wells and others formed its core. With ideas from both the parks in Tokyo and in Paris, a plan began.
Concept art by the Imagineers boldly announced a coming attraction of significance, and rumors went wild. It was almost announced to the public until an innocent little fish got in the way. Finding Nemo gave the suits a reason to insist on cross-promotion and more character invasion in lands that were never meant to be their home.
Thanks to an unknown photographer.
Since there had to be a tie in to an Intellectual Property, I'm sure Tony and other Imagineers asked the suits to consider the film was Atlantis: The Lost Empire. This 2001 animated movie wasn't a hit, but it was a pretty good film, and it would have made for an epic adventure. The Disney of old didn't stop at how big a success a film was if it made the right addition to the park. I don't blame Tony Baxter for this change in plans. The man always did the best he could to ensure the flavor and legacy of Walt's Disneyland while adjusting to the requirements of the management du jour flavor of the month. In a move all too similar to what happened with Tarzan's Tree House, he had to roll with the suits demands because he just wanted to save Disneyland's iconic, much loved Submarine Voyage.
When this tarp was plastered on the Submarine Voyage tent, the Imagineers used it as a leveraging strategy to get the project a green light. As we now know, it wasn't to be.
Close up shot.
The potential plan for this enhanced attraction meant guests would ride in the subs to a secret dark and dangerous destination. They'd be forced to disembark because something went horribly wrong, boarding an escape vehicle for the rest of an adventure. Proving no good ideas go to waste, this sounds more than a bit like the story arc for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Guests would walk across two separate bridges into the heart of the caldera- and into a secret side building just hidden from view from the "mainland", making the Atlantis Expedition a one of a kind adventure. Indoors and outdoors and two ride systems with some part of the attraction being a walk through, all contained in a remote feeling piece of land. It could be easily marketed, proving irresistible to guests of all ages.
And a cool poster on top of it all!
Years ago, this insightful bit of information from the WDWMagic Boards came in to me. Much more information on this incredible plan and a copy of the proposed attraction poster:
"The poster was drawn by Josh Shipley and was suppose to be on the construction walls. Park management didn't like the idea and never put it up.
At the time, park management wanted to close the subs in order to send funding to Innoventions. They had no plans to put a new ride in. They just wanted to mothball the thing to save money. Unknown to park management, WDI came in and setup camp with the Atlantis Expedition sign. Park management saw the sign later that day and forced them to remove it. Later that day a flag with a trident on a blue background showed up. WDI left a few weeks later.
There is also the story about how Marty Sklar threaten to lay across Harbor Blvd if the subs were to be shut down without a replacement. He should have done it."
Later more news appeared. (It pays to read those Boards!) More insights by "phruby": http://www.parkscope.net/2017/02/the-atlantis-expedition-atlantean.html.
In his first decade, former CEO Michael Eisner would have had the guts to do this. I can't imagine Robert Iger would, and we know Bob Chapek certainly would not. For that matter, I do not trust the current management to do a great job with any envisioned Tomorrowland for Walt's park. Leave it until someone with some heart and guts takes the reigns- if that ever happens.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
December 2, 2022
Is There a Change in Plans for Tiana's Bayou Adventure?
Could this new piece of concept art for Tiana's Bayou Adventure signal the end of Imagineering's ridiculous food co-op idea as the story line conclusion for this attraction that was once known as the beloved Splash Mountain? According to Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, Creative Development - Product/Content & Inclusive Strategies, who shared this piece on the Disney Parks Blog, guests will join old familiatr friends from Disney's Princess and the Frog film as they "prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans". I say the simpler, the better. I want Magic Kingdom and Disneyland guests to enjoy the music and its characters and love the attraction instead of encountering a story that feels forced, unnatural, and out of character with the rest of the parks' stellar line-ups. What about you?
(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
October 11, 2022
D23 Revealed: Tiana's Bayou Adventure Recycling Project
Yes, I'm a big fan of Splash Mountain. It's iconic, it's Imagineering genius Tony Baxter's, and it is just a good amount of fun. But I'm also open to Tiana's Bayou Adventure. The problem is, I'm just not all that trusting when it comes to current Imagineering projects where Disney gives fans an overlay of something new on top of something old and beloved. Usually, the new is just not better. Don't believe me? Look at this article where I compare and contrast new vs. old and Disney's recent projects. Disney's new math just doesn't add up.
Look at the photograph above. It's Belle in full on Audio-Animatronic form as she appears in Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast at Tokyo Disneyland. She's a beautifully articulated figure found in an amazingly detailed Fantasyland attraction. Look pause here but look at the concept art of Tiana at the beginning of this article. Anything strike you as interesting? It should. Disney Imagineering is recycling and not in a good way. My hunch is this is only the beginning of Bargain Basement Imagineering.
Even the new model of the attraction was underwhelming at best. Throw in a few trees from Pirates of the Caribbean's bayou scene and all it good.
No doubt Imagineering's Charita Carter is a kind, very talented, and well meaning woman, but she is not the executive determining the budgets and the scope and scale of this project.
Whether its in Disneyland's New Orleans Square or in the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland under Disney CEO Bob Chapek, are you sure Tiana's Bayou Adventure will be all it should be ? I'm not. He's given us way too much reason to be uncertain he has what's best for the fans and Imagineering's legacy in mind. I'd love to be proven wrong, but all this leaves me with one question:
Where's the Oriental Land Company when you need them?
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
July 7, 2022
Tales of Disney Theme Park Ships, Those Lost, and Those Never Built
Having just spent a week away on the water, I started thinking about the love affair between the Disney Imagineers and attractions that best take advantage of man made rivers, lakes, and streams. The numerous waterways at Disney theme parks have always provided a nice respite from the heat and whether they are the routes of simple transportation or used to showcase numerous attractions, they remain some of my favorite attractions.
Our family loves being on the water any way we can. If it's traveling across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom to one of the resorts or leaving a resort to dock at Disney Springs, you can be sure there will be smiles on our faces as we travel. Honestly, waterways are something in rather short supply at Disneyland and especially the newer California Adventure, but they are in joyful abundance at the numerous bodies of H2O and how to travel on them in Walt Disney World.
These attractions make for some stunning pieces of concept art by the Imagineers! Here are just a few pieces with a nautical focus. All are watercraft of various styles, but each piece is in a size you'll certainly want to click on, enlarge, and save.
Up at the top: Above is a look at a long abandoned theme park idea, Disney's America.
The patriotic but controversial theme park in Virginia was derailed by the locals only
to have the land later replaced by strip malls and very commonplace
buildings found everywhere in suburbia. Short-sightedness at best. (Imagine the uproar now!) The
sole redeeming factor of the project's cancellation seems to be the
elegant pieces of concept art. As you can see, this never built park looks to
represent a more gritty and honest look at our history, one with
troubles examined and solutions considered, but it's still a country
very worthy of celebration. Wouldn't it have been great to watch a
fireworks show with a replica Statue of Liberty in the background? What
lost opportunities.
Next- This is an absolutely beautiful piece of concept art celebrating the riverboat at the Magic Kingdom's beautiful but often overlooked Liberty Square. Just look at this detail! The Hall of Presidents
sits in the distance as does Cinderella Castle. Did you notice the trio of
folks on the riverbank just watching the vessel go by? It's these kind
of details that make the Disney concept art of old so appealing, subtle and beautiful. Isn't
this much better than many newer pieces where people are photoshopped
in? So much better.
Not all of Disney's seaworthy vessels are outdoors. Yes, it's Splash Mountain (soon to be Tiana's Bayou Adventure) shown here. In one of the largest set pieces ever built, the amazing adventure down the longest and steepest flume ride ever built culminates with a stunning view of the party going on aboard the Zip A Dee Doo Dah Lady. It will be interesting to see what changes when Tiana and company from The Princess and The Frog move in. Will the vast number of Audio-Animatronics remain? That is something we're all wondering about.
Not far away at either Stateside castle park, is the much beloved Pirates of the Caribbean and its life size vessel, the Wicked Wench, home to all those lovable, lawless, and now politically correct revelers. The ship's been recently comandeered by Barbossa as he searches for Jack Sparrow, but it is still very impressive!
This is just the beginning of your seaworthy adventure. Back on the Rivers of America, there's the canoes, the Tom Sawyer Island Rafts and more. More than just an Honorable mention goes to the opening day attraction, the Jungle Cruise boats.
On the West Coast, you can add the Columbia Sailing Ship, and of course all of the submarines still thankfully found there. Those lovely vessels found only at "Walt's park" are also found on the canals of Storybookland. But we say R.I.P. to the park's Motor Boat Cruise in Fantasyland which used to take guests up close and personal as they could view guests on the Nautilus fleet.
In Florida, sadly, we've lost the Plaza Swan Boats, the Mike Fink Keelboats, and those fantastic, oh so elegantly beautiful Nautilus submarines that used to travel the sparkling waters of the 20K Leagues Under the Sea Lagoon.
In the secondary theme parks at Walt Disney World, there's no water based attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Such a missed opportunity! There's only the Na'vi River Journey or Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom. The long lost Discovery River Boats were short lived and ill-designed. In Epcot, your choices to cruise are only slightly better with only Frozen Ever After, the Gran Fiesta Tour, and Living With the Land. At least there are still the Friendship Launches to get from the communities of Future World to World Showcase.
We can only dream of the unbuilt Rhine River Cruise in Epcot's Germany and a planned but never finished boat ride along the Thames in the U.K. We'll never see the Western River Expedition in the Magic Kingdom... and probably a host of other unbuilt waterborne attractions.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
June 13, 2022
Attraction Equations: Disney's New Math Doesn't Add Up
What's an Imagineer to do when the suits at the Walt Disney Company issue a mandate for a popular attraction to receive a layover using one of the company's seemingly endless, hot, new Intellectual Properties? Be it Marvel the latest Pixar movie, or just a savvy move to be more politically sensitive, those Imagineers have to take on the project to stay employed. They try to do the best they can do even if it is usually with a limited budget and a lot of pressure. A lot of pressure.
The suits see the end result of these projects as fresh visibility and marketing potential at a lower investment than designing a whole new attraction with the sum potentially equaling much greater income from the turnstile clicks and sale of plush toys, apparel, trinkets, and gadgets.
Looking through the lens of the accountant's very popular Bargain Basement Imagineering mindset, why create new and fresh when you can fall back on the incredible artistic expertise of those who came before you? (Or the suits force their design teams to go in the opposite direction and create a park so cheap it take billions of dollars to correct the mistake. California Adventure and the Walt Disney Studios Paris prove that the public is smarter than Disney gives them credit for. It's always better to do it right the first time. Look at DCA's Bargain Basement Imagineering in detail here.)
Even the Oriental Land Company is not immune to the temptation!
But the new math doesn't always add up! Sometimes, what came before it was greater and better designed than the newer end result. From Disneyland to Epcot, California Adventure to Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland to Tokyo Disneysea, no park is immune to the temptation to engage the question of the equation.
Does a layover strengthen or lessen the image and the brand of the Company compared to what came before it? Or, from a guest and theme park fan perspective, which attraction version is better?
Let's take a look at some Disney Math. We'll travel around the globe in no particular order. We'll start with an easy one...
Enchanted Tiki Room > Under New Management
One of the Magic Kingdom's earliest "improvements". The new version was crass instead of classy, charming, and elegant. Aladdin's Iago is not a lovable character. Pretty straightforward. In this case, the old is clearly better than the newer.
Swiss Family Tree House > Tarzan's Treehouse> Encanto?
Imagineer John Hench's art for Disneyland's tree was stunning and mysterious. The reality was an all time old school favorite. Tony Baxter saved the tree from Disneyland's one time President Paul Pressler's shop, but it just wasn't as charming. How will the new rumored Encanto makeover be received? Will it matter?
Submarine Voyage > Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Almost the same story as above it seems. What did Pressler have against Disneyland?
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout = Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
I hate to admit this one. I love the original and best version at Disney's Hollywood Studios but... the Audio-Animatronic Rocket sets the bar pretty high, making up for the characters on a screen. The flavor of each is so different: one is irreverent, one spooky and mysterious. In each of the California versions, the building is equally unappealing. I call it a tie.
Journey into Imagination > Journey into Imagination with Figment > Journey into Your Imagination
Along with Peter Pan's Flight, the original is one of the most beloved adventures ever created. Many of the attractions in this competition might be worth arguing about, but if you don't agree here, I may have to consider your sanity. What's the hold up on a new version? Apparently, no, they cannot imagine, too.
Pirates of the Caribbean > with Captain Jack Sparrow > Redd's Auction
For what it is, the addition of Captain Jack was as good as it could get. Redd, on the other hand, was an embarrassment. Chalk one up to pirates that pay for what they plunder. Ridiculous.
Countdown to Extinction > Dinosaur
The new generic name should say it all. Now with broken effects and underwhelming lighting. Can anyone say Disco Yeti?
Goofy's Sky School > Mulholland Madness
Theming goes a long way but not too much in this reimagined wild mouse carnival coaster from California Adventure's opening day. A definite placeholder in either version. Unfortunately, in any form, it is a new low for Disney Imagineering.
California Screamin' > Incredicoaster
Take one great unthemed coaster and force-feed an overlay of one of Pixar's best movies. Go all the way or leave it alone, but do not insult us with babies on a stick and call it themed.
The Living Seas > The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Say goodbye to "edutainment" and hello to the cutest clownfish ever. The replacement for a great attraction should have been a separate dark ride within the pavilion and not its replacement.
Disney California Adventure 2.0 > DCA 3.0 > DCA 1.0
Version two was a theme park worthy of the Disney name. Yes, there was still room for improvement, but the Imagineers were given freedom to create something pretty special. Somewhere along the line, the suits moved backwards. Will the park bounce back? Avengers Campus is a neutral at best, so it's hard to say.
Monsters Inc > Superstar Limo
When you get off a Disney attraction and can't really help but wonder what the Imagineers were thinking, you know it's a mistake. Superstar Limo is the poster child for a park everyone rightfully made fun of. Eisner's folly. But not his worst misstep.
Haunted Mansion = Haunted Mansion Holiday- The Nightmare Before Christmas
Personally, I prefer the Marc Davis/Rolly Crump/Yale Gracey original version over the Tim Burton inspired makeover. Yet, it's hard to deny that the holiday version is wonderfully inspired and executed with wit and elegance. When a holiday layover feels like a brand new and excellent attraction, it's a win for park guests.
Space Mountain> Hyperspace Mountain > Ghost Galaxy
Version one of the Tomorrowland classic is beloved for a reason and duplicated the world over. It's especially difficult to appreciate Disneyland Paris' Hyperspace Mountain/Mission Two in light of the fact the Jules Verne inspired journey in Discoveryland was one of my favorite attractions ever.
Jungle Cruise > Jingle Cruise
Floating Christmas presents does not equate to excellence or worthiness of a holiday makeover. Next.
Tom Sawyer Island = Pirates Lair
Pirates Lair. Hmmm. Intriguing idea and very well done, but after visiting the Magic Kingdom's version of the island, I prefer the original Disneyland attraction back when the fort and everything else was maintained and opened. The Imagineers did some excellent work on the revision, however.
El Rio del Tiempo > Gran Fiesta Tour
There was no turning back it seemed after the conversion to a Donald Duck focused attraction. World Showcase and all of EPCOT Center lost its soul when the characters invaded. There had to be a better solution.
Frozen = Maelstrom
So, I'll follow that with a contradiction. Frozen Ever After has grown on me. What's not to love about Olaf? On the other hand, I hate projected face animatronics- and I'm sure Tokyo Disneysea's Frozen attraction will far outshine what's been done Stateside for Disney's biggest moneymaker in decades. Maelstrom was an original. And who doesn't love trolls?
Universe of Energy > Ellen's Energy Adventure
Let's pander to the lowest common denominator and lose the quasi scientific angle. What is this, an attraction from Disney's Hollywood Studios? I like Ellen, but not in this.
Test Track 1.0 > 2.0
True to Epcot Center edutainment, if something had to replace World of Motion, this was a good fit as any. The "test dummy" crash scene was a piece of perfect Imagineering meets educational aspect. It's fun and fully in theme. A must do every trip. Tron Track is just not as good.
Flik's Flyers > Inside Out: Emotional Whirlwind
New rule of thumb: The longer the name, the more recently it was created. The surrounding area of Flik's Fun Fair was sweet and charming. Not so at Pixar Pier. Someone once suggested this ride should have been named "Mood Swings". Perfectly describes DCA 2.0 to what the park is becoming under current leadership.
Soarin' > Soaring Over the World
The California original was created by those who loved the Golden State. The newer version seems to clearly be one created by management. Less heart, less charm, and an awkwardly bent Eiffel Tower. That had to be painful.
Buzz Lightyear> Ant-Man and Wasp Nano Battle!
Let's force a Marvel property anywhere we can. How about Hong Kong where we're free to do anything. Who doesn't like Paul Rudd? But something else could have been created with one of the more humorous Marvel superheroes.
Snow White's Enchanted Wish > Snow White's Adventures
It was time for Walt's first major animated hit to have a ride with cutting edge special effects. It was once dark and brooding. Now, there's light at the end of the tunnel- and it's not the train from Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. A success with minor quibbles.
Stormrider> Nemo and Friends Searider Tokyo Disneysea
The character infusion hits the world's most luxuriously themed and respected theme park. Was it even necessary?
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In the long term, these lesser products cheapen the Disney brand and relegate the often brilliant Imagineers to the lowest level of themed entertainment.
The next big assessment will be whether or not Disneyland and the Imagineers can pull off a very culturally sensitive remake of a beloved attraction. Yes, I think Tiana definitely deserves her own brand new ride. But the question remains for now: Will The Princess and the Frog makeover of Splash Mountain be a home run or an also ran?
One last and final equation for now:
Anything > Walt Disney Studios Paris 1.0
(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
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