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.)