Third Park at Disneyland Resort?

No, it is not WESTCOT, but some people think Disney is planning a third theme park for the Anaheim property. It would be quite the coup if it could be pulled off, but I'm thinking this could be a hoax or at least a ploy to gain new concessions. California Adventure needs so much help as it is. Disneyland is, however, running out of space once Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railroad is built. (Will Tomorrowland ever be brought into the future?) 

The article by the Orange County Register does give it credibility. The plans are real. The project is part a DisneyForward, a new plan for mixed use development over the next few decades. But the city was the victim of bait and switch years back when the elegant Westcot was swapped for a cut-rate Six Flags meets Universal Studios (of olden days) park ie California Adventure. Fool me once...

The Imagineers can dream can't they? But will the suits can stop it in a flash. We shall see. No dates are given, but the additions include loved properties like Frozen and attractions from all over the world that Disney park fans have been longing for.

Check out more about WESTCOT here and here.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

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.)

Disney Odds and Ends - D23 Edition and More

There's surprisingly a lot going on in the Disney news world these days, but not too much of it rattles fans stateside- that is until D23 comes along today. 

Just for a little fun, I thought I'd spit out my predictions in great anticipation of D23's announcements for the theme parks.

(By the way, why this photo above for D23? Just a reminder that the best plans of men who work for the mouse get changed all the time.) 

Darth Vader and friends coming to a new and expanded location.

Mouse on the Web: Sadly, Al Lutz has gone missing, and his once powerful MiceChat / MiceAge has almost morphed into just another fan site- almost. They've brought some gusto back to the game with their latest update, however! As sure as the Second Coming of Christ, you can bet Disney suits will be doing something huge and significant with their stellar Star Wars property- at least at my beloved Disneyland for now. (It does leave Tomorrowland a thematic mess, however.) It would be nice to feel assured of the same quality coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios/Adventure, but given the recent track record, I have my doubts. Prove me wrong, Disney! And please finish the work before 2021.

Spiderman and more coming to California Adventure.

Marvel, however, makes perfect sense on the West Coast (perhaps not in theme at California Adventure), since the suits are under contract to forbid anything with the Super Heroes in Florida. Imagine a really compelling new Spider-Man attraction, one so good that it just might discourage folks from going to Islands of Adventure in Florida- that is, if that pesky Harry Potter went away. Anyway, expect Marvel at California Adventure in a big way. Even though it is out of theme in my mind, I help it is excellently done. Well, at least this leaves the space for the Third Park free for a brand new concept.

Close by on the web, Mouse Info remains a fun place to visit with & WDWMagic being the place to go for the inside scoop on Walt Disney World. Alain Littaye still rocks on Disney and More, and my little boutique blog Insights and Sounds continues on doing its own thing. I know these guys will all be bringing us great stuff in the days ahead. Can't wait and Thank you!

Animal Kingdom: Yes, the big news out in the lushest Disney park ever built is Avatar land / World of Pandora. That fun website Da Mouse was the first one to really hit the nail on the head and identify it as a "quiet transformation" on the scale that the parks in Florida have not seen that often. Moving of the Lion King show, creating an expanded Harambe in a couple of areas, changes to the Tree of Life and to Discovery Island. Lots of construction- and perhaps even a few things we know nothing about. Of course Rivers of Light is scheduled to open sometime next year. I go back and forth on Pandora. Sure, it will look cool- but will it have something unique that really is a compelling attraction or two? Doubtful. I'm kind of over simulators, Soarin' aside. But the Disney suits have lots of prove after their big push for the project coming off their loss of Harry Potter to Universal. All said, Animal Kingdom has some of the best potential to be a powerhouse of a theme park since Tokyo Disney Sea. We'll see.

China, China, and more China!

Disney's (Disastrous) Hollywood Studios: With Star Wars certain and Pixar expansion a necessity, this park will be the one to watch in the year ahead. Closures abound in preparation for the future. Magic Kingdom has had its big splash in New Fantasyland, and Epcot is being ignored for now. The big budget almost guarantees a relaunch a la Disney California Adventure, but unless the suits allow the Imagineers to do it up big time, the park will become one where folks talk about "what could have been". Not a good thing- unless you're Universal Orlando. Many see Robert Iger as a man who cares most about stock value versus great product. When will he finally see real quality and real investment bring great results? Toy Story Playland? Been there, done that. It's time for something new instead of another rehash from overseas.

Beautiful, yes!

Shanghai Disneyland: Speaking of Iger, the plans for Mainland China's Disney park look great. Many unique aspects and that Tron coaster than should have come to the States. My bet is there's a few more pieces of concept art and some great models. Should be fun to hear what the Imagineers have to say abut it all. Expect nothing political, though.

The one that got away!

Frontierland Expansion for Florida: This one will be on hold for a couple of years. I'm sure something will happen in the Magic Kingdom for its 50th, (not that they need a new draw for THIS park), but the plans will stay wrapped up. Unless a miracle happens, long time park fans can kiss any version of Western River Expedition goodbye. It's too bad- this could be a great way to honor Walt Disney World's story- and Imagineer Marc Davis- and build that dedicated fan base similar to that of Disneyland. Instead, I fully expect a toon-based attraction.

Do you want this in your park or the truncated version below?

What won't we see at D23? Anything Frozen for Tokyo Disneyland or even the slightest peek at plans for their new Fantasyland expansion. The suits will never reveal so clearly why the Asia parks are the ones to get most all the great stuff while the States can sometimes get knockoffs and second rate versions of what's built overseas. 

Fast, quick and easy.

Would you want your U.S. fans to compare what's coming to Epcot vs. what the Imagineers are doing with their biggest hit in Tokyo? I didn't think so.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Bi-Polar Disney

Disney happenings have taken an oddly confusing path this last week or so. I mean, who would have guessed that the beautiful Animal Kingdom would have gotten new Tree of Life roots when they were busy demolishing parts of the garden and making room for more guests in the central viewing area. 

If you take a look at the hub at the Magic Kingdom, the new plaza area will look nice, I'm sure- but in the meantime its a tangle of construction walls. There's some new trees being planted along with less than hidden speakers on poles. Then there's a few new fountains being placed and increased pathways while other fountains are inoperable or other water features -large and small- are dismantled. Totally a mixed bag. Much like the Sunglass Hut installation in Adventureland and the new dining location being built in the once wonderful and filled with potential Adventureland Verandah.

Further signs of Disney's bi-polar attitude are found at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Cooler, wiser heads finally prevail with the long overdue removal of the Sorcerer's Hat, while points of sanity are instantly lost by closing the Studio Tram Tour without an announcement or replacement. Are they planning to eventually shutter the park when guests realize much of it is already close and begin to stay away or plan their day at Universal instead? If I were even planning a trip to Walt Disney World now, this park would be off my list as it currently stands. 

And what about Epcot? The very fact nothing seems to be going on aside from Frozen and a new theater for Soarin' speaks volumes. 

Unfortunately, things feel just as much in disarray at Disneyland and California Adventure over on the West Coast. Disneyland's 60th is underwhelming at this point in time, and it relies on a nostalgia fueled approach. Construction scrims around the castle point that out clearly. Enhancements to dark rides in Fantasyland are nice, but certainly the suits and Imagineers could come up with something better. Perhaps an "E" Ticket in a park needing additional capacity and a large dose of something fresh.

At California Adventure, Condor Flats becomes Grizzly Peak Airfield, a nice move that neither adds nor subtracts. Luigi's removal equals a Luigi's addition. Sure, Marvel's on its way to some unused space back behind Tower of Terror, but even that move leaves me somewhat cold. Should be placed in a third park along with Star Wars Land. The incredible Cars Land is beautifully in theme (and fully friendly to men and boys. Could that be why its such a hit?), but the female focused Frozen offerings, while nice, take place in an area that's clearly ignored,  and with all the "charm" of DCA 1.0.

Not surprisingly, the only region of the world which feels singularly focused is in Asia. Shanghai Disneyland is shaping up to be quite the park, one full of unique adventures. Hong Kong Disneyland has its own new adventures planned, and the fan boy's dream of Tokyo Disney Resort certainly won't be left in the dust as those executives plan an expansion to rival anything else that's been built there since the addition of their second gate.

Are we Disney park fans a bit surprised by this manic range of action? We shouldn't be, but then we too are often victims of the same mentality, at the whim of Disney marketing, bloggers, and the like. A dig into recent history will reveal once again that Disney is first and foremost a business- one that currently fleeces its devoutly loyal guests for the benefit of the shareholders. 

Such is this "Disney life". It's time to fight for more and to focus on something different.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Cars Land Expansion?

Anyone with common sense can see that Disney hit pay dirt with the Cars franchise. The movies are successful, the toys are best sellers, and the inclusion of Cars Land saved Disney California Adventure. Radiator Springs Racers continues to be the Disney standard for their U.S. parks. (Notice I did not say all theme parks? That probably now goes to Universal Studios incredible Diagon Alley and the Escape from Gringotts attraction.)

Since Planes: Fire and Rescue is on the way to movies theaters near you. It seems to be its own profitable franchise with a look that mirrors the environments from Cars, (Can "Boats" be on its way), an easy expansion with some additional rides should be on the burner (pun intended) for the suits in Burbank and the Disney Imagineers. Toss in a new version of the Disney Hollywood Studios eatery Sci-Fi Dine In, with that all new E-Ticket anchor, and you've got all the makings of turning Cars Land into its own must-see land for years to come. 

A move like this continues giving the second Anaheim gate is own identity and saves the Marvel universe for Gate Number Three. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Captain America Rocks the Screen

The last time I looked forward to a movie as much as this, an "event film", it was The Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp. (Well, yeah, we all know how that turned out.) After seeing Captain America: The Winter Soldier, I left the theater thinking the series may just replace the Indiana Jones series as one of my favorites. Maybe.

This jury may be out until the next in the series, but Chris Evans' take on the Marvel hero strikes all the right notes. What is it that makes the character so compelling?

Innocence and optimism. Perseverance. A strong belief in right and wrong. Justice. Self-sacrifice for the sake of others. A belief that good things- in this case, freedom- are worth fighting for. Democracy. And last but not least, humility. In the first film Steve Rogers was picked for the experiment for reasons fairly rare in the world of the movies. It wasn't because of his physical abilities. He was chosen because of his good character, passion to do the right thing, and caring for others above himself. True superhero qualities.

The film sets our Captain in the perfect storm of intrigue. There's no spoilers here, but I will say the twists keep you guessing while the action keeps your pulse racing. In the midst of it all, Evans grounds the film with his good humor, unwavering integrity, and determination. 

As much as I thought Scarlett Johansson was miscast as Black Widow, I will admit she is growing on me. There's some subtlety and complexity to her story here, a refreshing change. 

One of the most pleasant surprises in the film is actor Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka Falcon. Sure, it adds the buddy film angle to the story, but his partnership with our hero fits perfectly. Here's hoping his role becomes a recurring one.

We all know Disney suits are watching the Marvel series closely. It's a hot franchise for teens, men, and young boys. Should the Imagineers decide to build an elaborate Marvel based third Disney park in California, I'd be happy. If it's as good as the movie I saw last night, I'll be first in line.

Marvel Theme Park in California's Future

Marvel Theme Park, Marvel attractions, Marvel character shows? Marvel resorts? Bring it on!

Disney chief Robert Iger has confirmed that plans are moving right along to bring Marvel themed attractions to California. But I'll bet bigger and say he is bringing a third theme park to the Disneyland Resort.  The Imagineers are hard at work creating new attractions that thrill with characters America and the world have embraced for generations. The spectacular success of The Avengers is paving the way.

Due to restrictions, you won't see a Disney / Marvel park in Orlando. Universal's Islands of Adventure retains the rights to the characters for the East Coast parks. Spidey is see, for now.

Ups and downs? Westcot will not be built. Ups? The West Coast will finally rally for first place with Walt Disney World when looked at from a parks only mindset. With a stale Animal Kingdom, an out of focus Disney Hollywood Studios, California will easily compete on a park to park basis with Florida.

Until the New Fantasyland opens at the Magic Kingdom, there's only a handful of Disney park lovers that would rate it above Walt's Original Kingdom. Epcot is pretty special but now its focus is on selling meals and entertainment not amazing attractions.

The revitalized California Adventure is moving beyond a "best of all the other parks" perspective to finally becoming something incredible on its own. When the third park does open, Marvel attractions will provide the thrills originally intended for the second gate but with great theming as well.

California's theme park standing just moved up and by quite a margin!
(Art copyright Marvel and The Walt Disney Company.)

Frontierland: Disneyland in Anaheim Meets Disneyland in Paris

Here's just a snazzy little piece of Imagineering concept art for Disneyland's Frontierland. There's much to like about it, although I must admit that having the Indian encampment outside the fort's gates feels very politically incorrect these days.

As far as I can tell by looking backwards, this buildout never happened once the park was opened. Instead, the tepees made their way over to the far side of the park out in a secluded area of wilderness far from Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, and other heroes of the American West. In a sense, the park was all the better for it. The new remote area was a perfect place to showcase the customs and art of the peoples who occupied the land long before settlers from the East Coast.

However, at Disneyland Paris, where being politically correct is not an issue, this same piece of concept art looks similar to what was actually built for Disneyland Paris decades later. The tepees and their occupants are out in front, next to the fort, and the references to American folk heroes are not nearly as pronounced. But there is much detail to be found everywhere you look.

A walking journey up inside the stockades of the fort provides some great information as well as some truly spectacular views of Frontierland. This is one of the areas in which Disneyland Paris outshines the other Magic Kingdoms, even Walt's original park. The vistas are so expansive and yet so focused on only the land in which you are presently inhabiting. It's so easy to imagine yourself really being there "back in the day". Well done! (It's a trademark of the entire park. Read my detailed article here.)

In place of the Old West focused on cowboys and Indians, the town of Thunder Mesa is present with its folklore tied to a search for gold (Big Thunder Mountain Railroad) and a rich mining family torn apart by greed and suspicion (Phantom Manor). With the beautifully majestic Molly Brown cruising the river, Paris' Frontierland has an energy and a presence that the other kingdoms can only dream to possess. Kudos to Tony Baxter, Jeff Burke, and the team of Imagineers for pulling this off.

Back in the States, Disneyland's ode to the Wild West is in need of some love and care. The original saloon show at The Golden Horseshoe needs to return, pirates need to be given the boot at Tom Sawyer's Island, and the Mike Fink Keelboats should return to the river.

There's even room for expansion, and I hope a newer version of the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland can take its place next to whatever Disney Imagineers have planned for the area. Let's face it, it will never be rebuilt. Most likely, we will see a tie-in to the soon coming Lone Ranger movie starring Johnny Depp. An even longer shot would be to build Imagineer Marc Davis' unrealized Western River Expedition. We can dream, can't we? In California, where the Pirates of the Caribbean plays to full audiences even after 45 years, Western River Expedition would be appreciated perhaps as much as the beloved New Orleans Square staple.

For one more additional improvement to return Frontierland to its glory days, I would go so far as to say Fantasmic needs to disappear as well. In fact, save Fantasmic's return for the Third Park. With the nighttime show removed, the evenings on that side of the park could once again feel as remote, romantic, and mysterious as they were years ago. It would make those delightful nighttime cruises on the Mark Twain all the more possible.

Needless to say, if I had the money to transform Disneyland, it would certainly go to Frontierland (and of course, Tomorrowland as well). And let me say one more thing: please do not add Splash Mountain to Disneyland Paris' Frontierland. We do not need more characters invading this gorgeous park!

(Artwork copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Questions I'd Really Like Al Lutz to Answer

I know that I'm just one of thousands that look forward to the updates from Al Lutz on MiceAge. Today's unexpected report delighted me in some respects (Starbucks! But I would prefer Caribou Coffee) but also left me with many more questions than were answered.

The report centered on the changes to California Adventure and Ariel's Undersea Adventure (Oh, no! Not the hair!), covered the Matterhorn, and revealed plans for a Disneyland Fun Map at the hotel. Cool, huh? Can't wait to see the map. There was also the expected Mad T Party discussion, Cars Land news, and some hope for the Esplanade.

But here is what I really want to know- Will we finally see animatronics on Grizzly River Rapids? Are the shops in Paradise Pier getting a full makeover to look like the facades of the Games? Will the beautiful and charming Seasons of the Vine ever return to California Adventure? And how about a new in theme queue for California Screamin'?

Of course, I have an equal amount of inquiries about Walt's Original Magic Kingdom- Will we ever see snow effects again on the Matterhorn Bobsleds? What are the front runners for a new E Ticket for Disneyland? Will it be Tron's Light Cycles, something Lone Ranger themed, or an entirely new unheard concept? When will construction commence on the recently announced transformation of the Plaza Gardens?

And here's the biggest question of all- when will we see that long rumored third theme park?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)