Perhaps the Rarest Photo of the Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion

Welcome Foolish Mortals to perhaps the rarest photograph of Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion. Taken around 1971, this is a rare promotional sheet from the Imagineering files. Giving the viewer the perfect look at the attraction from the now long lost Tom Sawyer Island. Plying the Rivers of America, these beautiful canoes and a trip into the wilderness was an opening day attraction not to be missed. Liberty Square was a perfect setting for the old abandoned mansion. Guests couldn't stay away once they discovered the 999 Happy Haunts in residence. The Imagineering masterpiece has drawn in unsuspecting visitors for over 50 years now... much longer number of years than those Cars at Piston Peak will ever reach.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

If You Can't Go to Tom Sawyer Island, Go Here Instead

The closure of Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom got you down? Does the removal of the Rivers of America bring a tear to your eye and make you wish for the days when Walt Disney ran Imagineering? Don't worry! We have you covered! There's a great place within reach that will remind you of the golden days of theme park design at its best.

Just head down the street from Walt Disney World and take a turn into Universal Orlando Resort. Head into Islands of Adventure. Walk past Hogsmeade and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and even go beyond Velocicoaster. Travel into Jurassic Park and stop. Take a deep breathe. Look around until you find Camp Jurassic. 

This place has all the charm and design detail you'd see on the soon to be demolished Disney island, just with a bit more thrill. Beautifully designed amber studded caves remind you this is not Huck Finn's playground. Is there something dangerous lurking around the bend?

Maybe there are flying dinosaurs overhead. Oh, no! It looks like the creature has a few victims that are being taken high above the island. I guess you could go up there for quite a ride and an incredible view.

But if you're inside those caves and hear a monstrous beast roaming them, hurry up! Get out of those caves, and take shelter up above! At least you'll get a better view of what is on the prowl. And you'll get to see how much there is to explore. 

This overlooked gem in a park stacked with thrills brings a different and immersive vibe on the world of prehistoric creatures. So, if you're missing Tom Sawyer Island and soon, the rest of Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom, this is the place to go! Yes, Universal now owns dinosaurs in the theme park world. But at least they do it well!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

How I Learned to Love the Magic Kingdom Without Rivers of America

Maybe there's a brighter side to this shocking D23 announcement and the subsequent admission that the beautiful Rivers of America is going away.  Regardless, it's time to say goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island, the watercraft, and potentially more (like Liberty Square in the long term) as Disney Imagineers craft an expansion at the Magic Kingdom. Cars takes over changing Frontierland, and with it, another piece of Florida park history disappears. Will it be great and great looking? Probably. But what really happened to the "blessing of size"? 

Can you imagine the uproar had they shown this piece of concept art at D23? Obviously, this was the plan. Show the simple art first, lower the boom later. And answer to no one live.

There could be an upside to all this. Maybe. Just maybe.

Perhaps there's some advance planning going on. Not moving Cars to the back of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad means they can expand Villains Land, which is sure to be a big hit. A huge one, actually. Could be a piece of the river can be accessed via a bridge from Liberty Square into the new area and lots of waterfalls off the rocks to make it feel refreshing a la the old Cascade Peak at Disneyland. This would help ease the pain of losing a soothing view and a relaxing walk while around the river and seeing the former Tom Sawyer Island or the watercraft. A theme park is more than just rides. It is atmosphere too.

About 50 percent of our trips to Walt Disney World in the last many years, we did ride the riverboat and/or went to Tom Sawyer Island. Often both. Great experiences that brought some stress relief from the constant crowds and waiting in line in the Florida sun. I will treasure these times! I'm glad I did so.  

On the plus side- I'm trying desperately hard to find one- it will make the Magic Kingdom even more distinct from other castle parks. Like each one, it has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. 

If Cars goes in, the Speedway is rather redundant. Since tomorrow is becoming harder to create for, perhaps the top suits will surprise us and bring in some incredible attractions for a larger Fantasyland. Lord knows, New Fantasyland 1.0 feels disjoined. Disneyland's is much, much better even though it is smaller. The Florida expansion was far less successful than it could have been and not the "Potter Swatter" Imagineering and the suits were hoping for. Cute, yes. Must see, no. It needed a real E Ticket and did not get it. Maybe next time.

All that said, I do not trust this leadership team. Sorry, but it's true.

The negatives in both pulling the Speedway and the Rivers of America are huge, though, and the potential even worse.

The Haunted Mansion will make a great entrance point for Villains, but the Hall of Presidents could be the next thing to be turned into something entirely different. (The Memento Mori gift shop was the first step in the move away from Liberty Square being focused on the founding years of our nation. But read the article for an interesting backstory that's real.) Why is the Hall of Presidents next to go? Guests can't help but "comment" during the roll call. So, let's turn the entire kingdom into a land of cartoon characters. "I know- let's add Muppets! They were there during that part of the century." This will happen, mark my words.

What will they do next? They are erasing the American history part of the Magic Kingdom because they can and it gets rid of the persistent problem it brings in this day and age. Few theme park visitors seem interested in American history, but it seems everyone just wants to argue about the state of our country instead. When all is said and done, if it is really going to happen, just turn the entrance to Liberty Square into a Sleepy Hollow creepy looking version, change some theming and give it all a new name. Be done with it quickly and move on.

When the Speedway goes, there could be room for another DVC store, another lounge, and maybe even some attractions if they can find it in their hearts. 

I say take your photographs of Liberty Square and the Speedway now while they are still around.

What will happen at Disneyland? May the suits at Disney have the wisdom to keep Rivers of America in Walt's park!

The Magic Kingdom Gives the Disneyland Historical Preservation Society a Run for It's Money

We fans may bemoan the lack of attention to the parks under the reign of Robert Iger, but the upside is parks like Disneyland Paris, and to a large degree the Magic Kingdom, have retained a sense of their original vision. Nowadays, the island along with Country Bear Jamboree, Peoplemover, Swiss Family Treehouse, and Carousel of Progress stand as beloved remnants of a simpler, more innocent time in Imagineering. The Disneyland Historical Preservation Society has some competition!

From my huge files of concept art comes this incredible piece of work: Fort Sam Clemens on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. As Disneyland's fort and the island as a whole becomes less and less true to the original, the opposite holds true in Florida. You can still "fire" the rifles and engage in some authentic role playing. There's no Pirates of the Caribbean overlay, and no thinking Jack Sparrow is just around the bend. The only noticeable change has been in 1996 when the name of the fort changed to Fort Langhorne. 

Who would have thought the park that is celebrating 50 years would still have such prominent nods to the past? And I'm so glad it does! 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Mike Fink Keelboats Journey from California to Florida to France

Leave it to Walt Disney to create an attraction for his beloved California kingdom that was based on a hard living, hard drinking, man who plied the Mississippi River back in the days when America was moving west.

Yes sir, the Mike Fink Keelboats came to Disneyland on Christmas Day opening year. These were an instant hit because a park staple for over 40 years. The boats were free floating and provided a scenic view of a changing Frontierland close to the water without having to paddle a canoe. With Tom Sawyer Island on one side and the riverbank on the other, there's was always plenty to keep an eye out for. Over the years, New Orleans Square and the Haunted Mansion were added and then the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland gave way to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I bet there's some great construction photos out there!

Over in Florida's Magic Kingdom, the keelboats were an opening day attraction but survived a decade less. At EuroDisney aka Disneyland Paris, they were known as River Rogue Keelboats but only lasted a mere eight years. In all cases, but seems rowdy guests couldn't control themselves, and this led to the removal of the attraction. Regardless, they were fun while they lasted and brought a bit of real life history to the parks.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Pirate's Lair Attraction Poster

Disneyland attraction posters continue to make great souvenirs as well as advertisements! Here's one that you won't see in any other Magic Kingdom: Pirates Lair at Tom Sawyer Island. Love it or not, in 2007, pirates invaded the island full force, partially to capture the love of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series starring Johnny Depp. The island was due for some help with many of its elements being closed or having lack of maintenance. 

Of course, once Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge was a go, the suits gave the Disney Imagineers a project with a twist. Make room at all costs. This meant cutting the island by a third. However, the end result was better than I ever expected it to be. (See this post in the series- When Reality is Better Than Imagineering Art.)

Whether or not the Frontierland island stays as it now is, fitting better in New Orleans Square or not, the attraction poster is a keeper! 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company- from a MouseInfo photograph.)

The Wild West Lives

It's true! The Wild West lives again! You can find it in the Disney Parks in China (Hong Kong Disneyland), Disneyland Paris in France (the absolute best version), and in the two American parks. But it could be a dying breed based on what was built at the newest Magic Kingdom in Shanghai- which would be a shame.

Walt Disney's love for American history, the love of story, and a good dose of business savvy necessitated that his new park had to have an area focusing on this time in America's expansion westward.

Today, guests only know Frontierland as the home of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the shortened (but more beautiful) Rivers of America and its iconic watercraft. Yet, long before Pirates Lair took over Tom Sawyer Island, one of the most beloved pieces the groundbreaking theme park had was its immersive take on the Wild West. The area was so large and it expanded so quickly that at one point in time, Frontierland covered almost 1/3 of the entire park's land mass. Can you imagine that? (I love BTMRR as much as anyone, but I wish they would have also retained the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland!)

Imagineer Sam McKim is most likely the artist who created this piece of concept art. He was a film star, making several Westerns and had a real love for the American frontier. The detail in this piece is a testament of his knowledge behind the artistry. (As always, click on the images for a huge version!)

Back in 1955, America was justifiably proud of its heritage. (Sure, we have our problems, but what country doesn't have its evil seasons?) Western themed films drew big business at the movie box office and were just as successful on the small screen. Contrast that to The Lone Ranger- a missed opportunity that if done well could have opened a whole new chapter for expansion of this land once again. But I digress... One of Disney's biggest hits was the five part series about Davy Crockett, making a star out of Fess Parker. The series aired from the end of 1954 until the end of 1955. When Fess himself helped open Disneyland, kids of all ages couldn't wait to explore the Old West for themselves.

Entering through the fort, guests were drawn to the adventures awaiting them. With the Mark Twain Riverboat on the river, the railroad trains chugging by, and the wild antics on stage at the Golden Horseshoe, the West was the place to be. The pack mules and soon the mine train took riders beyond the safety of the town, and eventually, guests go walk farther afield to the Indian Village. The Rivers of America became busier as well. Soon, canoes, keel boats, and the Sailing Ship Columbia plied the waters along with rafts that dropped guests off at Tom Sawyer Island. 

Over time, outer space explorations became more exciting to the public, and with Imagineering creating new major attractions, more and more of the original acreage dedicated to the West began to be used. New Orleans Square was the most successful and Bear Country the least- until Splash Mountain came along as part of the renamed Critter Country. The West continues to evolve with even more land being taken over by the Star Wars themed expansion. Perhaps one day, the interests of the public will come full circle, changing the face of the park once again. 

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A special thanks to Mint Crocodile over at the Magic Eye blog. Mint had the wisdom to photograph these extremely rare pieces of concept art shown in the Disney Gallery during the park's 60th Anniversary celebration. It is from his photographs that I was able to bring out the images you have seen.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Old Frontierland Map

Ever since my recent visit to Disneyland, I've been on quite the kick of how wonderful Frontierland is! (Yes, I'm still working on that trip report. Almost done- it's worth the wait.) 

The revised Rivers of America made me take a fresh look. But it also made me think about the past when the Wild West really lived up to its Disneyland opening day experience. So, take a look at this souvenir book map from my 1957 Disneyland guide. 

This early Frontierland looks like Davy Crockett's world come to life. What a great place to explore! I couldn't have been the only one as I bet young future Imagineers and cartoonists were inspired by the old The Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland and its Rainbow Caverns. Think about the design of Carsland's Radiator Springs Racers. (If you've ridden it, you know what I'm referring to. If not, I won't spoil it.)

Exploring caves, the authentic Indian village, the fort on Tom Sawyer Island or the whole western landscape by mule or train made for quite a day of adventures! I loved paddling a canoe or taking a cruise on the river. (Still do!)

I'll quote myself from an earlier post here: "There was something very hands on about the place, be it shooting rifles, searching for the perfect coonskin hat, or hanging on to the ropes while crossing those pesky barrel and suspension bridges of Tom Sawyer Island. Nowadays, hands on tends to mean "hands on the controller" as Toy Story Midway Mania and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin take prominence at the Disney parks. Sure, those rides are fun, and the parks need this kind of variety, but the simple pleasures of simpler times also have their place. Yet, these kind of smaller attractions are no longer built. With their absence, we are also missing a part of homespun Americana and the opportunity to embrace our own imagination."

Other parks beyond the castle ones should think about what these old school attractions could bring. Tokyo Disney Sea has its fortress explorations, and it is well beloved. Animal Kingdom's Pandora would have been a perfect place for an island to explore. Maybe the next expansion to the area will do just that. Here's hoping!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Columbia Sails Again!

Heading for the water again! Actually instead of the Hawaiian Islands as recent posts, this time we're headed for landlocked Disneyland and the Rivers of America. 

With the river soon to reopen for all watercraft in July, it seemed only appropriate to showcase these two rather rare pieces of Imagineering concept art. 

The top piece is by famed Imagineer Sam McKim. Known for his artwork that brought the park's Frontierland to center stage, this really lovely rendering of the majestic Sailing Ship Columbia captures the excitement and energy of the famous American vessel, giving guests a taste of what it was like to sail aboard her 200+ years ago.

The next piece is by Herb Ryman, one of my favorite artists at Imagineering. His work can be found for many of the parks, and some of his best pieces depict EPCOT Center. This piece, though simple in comparison to those, still successfully conveys what Walt Disney and his team hoped to build for the new park in Anaheim.

Once aboard the Columbia and the Mark Twain Steamboat, Disneyland guests not only enjoy a bit of a break on the river as it rounds Tom Sawyer Island, but they also get a slice of our history as well. Celebrating America and her hard earned values of faith, freedom, and family is something I've always loved about the original Disney park- and it's something the current leaders are moving farther from in the Stateside parks the longer Walt has been gone. Such a shame!

(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.)

When Reality is Better Than Imagineering Art: Disneyland Paris' Adventure Isle

Just beyond Peter Pan's Flight at Disneyland Paris is one of the best pieces of Imagineering art come to life: the original Adventure Isle. Not to be confused with the new land at Shanghai Disneyland, this new attraction, a hybrid of the classic Tom Sawyer Island, Swiss Family Robinson Tree House and of course, Neverland itself, is even more stunning than the above rendering. The same could be said for much of the French parc, actually. 

Not having the option for a helicopter to soar over the island and get a photograph, we'll have to do with a couple of awesome photos from DisneyPhotoblogery.com. 

Beautiful day or night, isn't it? It's the perfect playground for kids and adults. In fact, I think we spent over an hour there last trip, and we didn't even go to the very lofty heights of the Tree House. The underground caves, swinging bridge, and the incredible sights all around us consumed our time, but it also let our inner child get lost in the middle of a world just minutes from the big city. This place is Disney at its very best. 

From the always great Disney and More site.

Of course, the view to the left was an Indiana Jones adventure into the Temple du Peril.  The ruins lost in a thick jungle waiting to be discovered in a land that seemed so far away.

Photo by The Enchanted Manor. 

But the view directly to the right? A perfectly in theme setting for my favorite all time attraction Pirates of the Caribbean. It just doesn't get any better! Kudos to the entire team who created Adventure Isle and all of Disneyland Paris. Lovely, magical, almost perfect.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Rivers of America After Star Wars Land

The work has begun, and the Walt Disney Company has just now released what looks to be a beautiful way to make those changes to the Disneyland Railroad and the Rivers of America visually appealing- even if the routes and the river are being shortened forever. (Click on it for close up look in a much larger size. ) Ton Sawyer Island Rafts can still be seen and all. Wouldn't you like to see the right and north side of that piece of art? I'm sure we will in time.

This concept art sparkles, as does most art for new Disneyland projects. The Imagineers are true artists. Let's see how this all plays out. Either way, Star Wars Land here we come...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Vintage Frontierland

Long before Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, long before Pirates Lair took over Tom Sawyer Island, one of the most iconic and beloved pieces of Walt Disney's groundbreaking theme park, Disneyland, was its immersive take on the Wild West. The area was so large and it expanded so quickly that at one point in time, Frontierland covered almost 1/3 of the entire park's land mass. 

Imagineer Sam McKim is most likely the artist who created this piece of concept art. He was a film star, making several Westerns and had a real love for the American frontier. The detail in this piece is a testament of his knowledge behind the artistry. (As always, click on the images for a huge version!)

In 1955, America was justifiably proud of its heritage. Western themed films drew big business at the movie box office and were just as successful on the small screen. One of Disney's biggest hits was the five part series about Davy Crockett, making a star out of Fess Parker. The series aired from the end of 1954 until the end of 1955. When Fess himself helped open Disneyland, kids of all ages couldn't wait to explore the Old West for themselves.

Entering through the fort, guests were drawn to the adventures awaiting them. With the Mark Twain Riverboat on the river, the railroad trains chugging by, and the wild antics on stage at the Golden Horseshoe, the West was the place to be. The pack mules and soon the mine train took riders beyond the safety of the town, and eventually, guests go walk farther afield to the Indian Village. The Rivers of America became busier as well. Soon, canoes, keel boats, and the Sailing Ship Columbia plied the waters along with rafts that dropped guests off at Tom Sawyer Island. 

Over time, outer space explorations became more exciting to the public, and with Imagineering creating new major attractions, more and more of the original acreage dedicated to the West began to be used. New Orleans Square was the most successful and Bear Country the least- until Splash Mountain came along as part of the renamed Critter Country. The West continues to evolve with even more land being taken over by the Star Wars themed expansion. Perhaps one day, the interests of the public will come full circle, changing the face of the park once again. 

---------

A special thanks to Mint Crocodile over at the Magic Eye blog. Mint had the wisdom to photograph these extremely rare pieces of concept art shown in the Disney Gallery during the park's 60th Anniversary celebration. It is from his photographs that I was able to bring out the images you have seen.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Design Detail: Riverboat Excursions

It's the little things that matter. Any theme park lover recognizes that fact even if the suits sometimes forget it.

At Disneyland, the granddaddy of theme parks, Frontierland is chock full of detail goodness! There's a lot of river craft on the water, and none is more elegant than the Mark Twain Riverboat. This poster has old time charm and loving detail as it advertises a leisurely cruise on the Rivers of America. 

With the Sailing Ship Columbia also there, these vessels and the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes exploring the wilderness, these's no excuse for not traveling the backwoods of the park.  Tom Sawyer Island and its adventures beckon, but if you wait until sunset, there's nothing prettier than sailing the Mark Twain past a gas lit New Orleans Square on a summer night. Very rare because nowadays Fantasmic! needs to be dark- but oh what a treat it is!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Before Tom Sawyer Island Went PC

If memory serves me correctly, that settler's cabin on Tom Sawyer Island used to really burn. Of course it did! I've seen it myself for years. 

This image, a small piece of Imagineering concept art for Disneyland, comes from a Preview of Coming Attractions circa 1963- years before Pirates of the Caribbean and decades before these pirates would invade the island. 

Is the remodel well done? Yes, for what it is. Did they destroy yet another piece of Frontierland by taking down even more vegetation for a pirates inspired show? Yes- and it makes the waterfront piece of property less mysterious and more civilized. Honestly, I liked it better more rustic and inviting. There are so few true Frontierland experiences left in the park. So long Mike Fink Keelboats as well. Thank God the suits haven't touched the Sailing Ship Columbia and the Mark Twain Steamboat.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Overlooked Attractions at the Magic Kingdom

After having so much fun telling you about my favorite Overlooked Attractions at Disneyland, I thought I would move on and share my favorite ways to enjoy the smaller attractions and special experiences in the  Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. 

By most accounts, the incredible men and women of Imagineering were tasked with designing a different Magic Kingdom than Disneyland, a park for a different audience and for a different purpose. Remember, Walt Disney had his thoughts focused on an EPCOT that truly was an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The theme park was to be the weenie to draw folks to it.

Perhaps its this explanation that answers the question as to why there are fewer smaller, charming attractions at the park versus its older sibling. They are not fully forgotten, just fewer in number and different in nature. Let's look at a few:

1- Tom Sawyer Island. No pirates here, just old fashioned fun with Tom, Huck Finn, and Becky Thatcher. It's one of the last remaining old school attractions. The only mistake? Removing Aunt Polly's patio- a great place to get a drink and watch the World go by. Or take a long leisurely look at the creepy Haunted Mansion perched high up on that bluff across the river.

2- Liberty Square. This Walt Disney World original still charms me. Even without riding its two landmark attractions, Mansion and Hall of Presidents, the place seems to cry out for exploration. There are sleepy little corners for sitting and watching the world go by. Small discoveries like the Liberty Tree and its thirteen lanterns help ground the Disney fantasy into a bit of history. 

3- Pinocchio Village Haus. Granted, navigating Fantasyland in the afternoon hours when its not a necessity may be crazy. Yet there's something sweet about taking an upstairs table, sipping a Coke, and watching the boats cruise into It's a Small World. 

4- Walt Disney World Railroad / PeopleMover. Either of these transportation systems provides a welcome relief from the crowds that by nature follow the "E Ticket" attractions. In the Florida heat, a journey on both provide a nice breeze as well as sights not available to those walking the park. This includes a view of the Contemporary Resort outside the Magic Kingdom- reminding guests we are at Walt Disney World, after all.

5- Swiss Family Treehouse. What is there to be said that hasn't already been said? While Disneyland transformed its version into Tarzan's Treehouse, cooler and wiser heads prevailed in its younger sibling. (It does happen!) Jungle sights, jungle sounds, and the iconic Swisskapolka. It doesn't get much better than walking high above it all, listening, dreaming, remembering.

6- The Crystal Palace. Just the sight of this restaurant, and I'm taken back to another time and place. A leisurely meal here is now expensive, but to sit back in the corner and view the building's details reminds me of the care and artwork that went into designing Disney's second kingdom. The glass elements of the atrium domes are gorgeous. Obviously well designed and well loved.

7- Monorails / Ferry Boats. Arriving at the park via one of these systems is a delight! The monorails cruise high above it all, and a trip through the lobby of the Contemporary Resort never fails to impress. On the other hand, a waterborne journey across the Seven Seas Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom is an attraction in its own right. The mild waves, the boaters enjoying the water, and the ground level view of each resort with the castle up ahead builds anticipation for a great day at Florida's number one park. Which do I prefer? It's a toss up! And something no other Disney resort has!

As you can tell, beyond the headlining attractions, much of my enjoyment of the Magic Kingdom is sightseeing in the truest sense. That's part of the secret of enjoying the whole World- slow down, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the number one attraction in the world.

Maybe I ought to take a look at Epcot next...

(Art copyright Walt Disney Company.)

Frontierland- When the West Was Simply Wild

Love these old souvenir books! This great little map is from my 1957 Disneyland guide. Doesn't this Frontierland look like Davy Crockett's (or wannabe Davy Crockett's) dream? It sure was mine! My mind races back to others times and places just looking at it, and my imagination starts to work in full color. I know I wasn't alone in this bit of play. The old The Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland and its Rainbow Caverns certainly had its impact on John Lasseter and the design of Carsland's Radiator Springs Racers.

One aspect I really enjoyed about the younger years of the park is that Disney allowed you to create your own adventures. Sure, stories were told- and often times they were of a company film- but especially in Frontierland, we were encouraged to exercise our own imagination a bit. There we could explore caves, an old fort, the Indian village, or even an entire western landscape by mule or train. Paddling a canoe or taking a cruise on an old steam wheeler took us places where we didn't know what lay ahead. Great fun!

There was something very hands on about the place, be it shooting rifles, searching for the perfect coonskin hat, or hanging on to the ropes while crossing those pesky barrel and suspension bridges of Tom Sawyer Island. Nowadays, hands on tends to mean "hands on the controller" as Toy Story Midway Mania and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin take prominence at the Disney parks. Sure, those rides are fun, and the parks need this kind of variety, but the simple pleasures of simpler times also have their place. Yet, these kind of smaller attractions are no longer built. With their absence, we are also missing a part of homespun Americana and the opportunity to embrace our own imagination.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland Attraction Posters: The Frontierland Collection

Disneyland's Frontierland has seen so many changes, it is almost impossible to keep track!As one of the original lands in the original kingdom, Frontierland had so much of Walt in it. This was a good thing as Walt Disney was a man who loved the United States of America, appreciated its history, and had respect for the ideals on which it was founded. This deep sense of patriotism permeated the area.

The earliest incarnation may have been politically incorrect in its reference to America's native population, but the presentation of frontier life for both the natives and those who explored beyond the citified country was handled with sincerity, dignity, and honesty.Unlike Golden Dreams, the film presentation found in the all too trendy California Adventure park almost 50 years later, Walt saw no need for making a statement, instead he choose to simply honor those who had gone before him.

First and foremost, Walt was a showman, and he never forgot the main purpose of Disneyland was to entertain and delight his guests- and Frontierland was stuffed with attractions! From the mighty Mark Twain Riverboat to the smaller Mike Fink Keelboats, river travel was highly encouraged. After journeying through the stockade at the entrance, the beautiful Golden Horseshoe Revue reigned as the ultimate expression of frontier frolic. In short, there was something for everyone.

Stagecoach excursions led guests through a carefully planned American West. Frontierland was intentionally designed with both wide open spaces and carefully designed nooks and crannies to explore.

Once Tom Sawyer Island opened the following year, kids of all ages had a totally different way to play. Caves, grottoes, Fort Wilderness, and suspended and floating barrel bridges were among the offerings awaiting kids anxious to burn off some energy in a very unstructured way.

Love it or not, in 2007, pirates invaded the island full force, partially to capture the love of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series starring Johnny Depp. The island was due for some help with many of its elements being closed or having lack of maintenance- but fans did end up with this great poster.

Come a few years later, the area would receive its largest expansion at the debut of the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland. It was an instant fan favorite. Although the flora and fauna couldn't have been more different, and creatures on display from another continent, this attraction was the American Frontier version of Adventureland's Jungle River Cruise.

The rickety old train ventured through the barren deserts and its paint pots and spouting geysers. When in the lush valleys, the passengers were treated to bears and beavers and other wide life. The carefully planned excursion provided close up views of native animals in realistic and awkward, sometimes funny, situations. Much of the same humor of Imagineer Marc Davis is found here. It was a fine example of the genius of Walt Disney and his Imagineering crew to vary the experiences along the way. 

They did, however, save the best for last, as the ending was an absolutely spectacular journey through the mysterious Rainbow Caverns. Waterfalls of all colors spilled around stalactites and stalagmites- everything punctuated with sounds from an ethereal choir. Magical! (Note: Find the Disneyland 50th Anniversary CD collection for the full narration. Retro fun for everyone!)

Also found in the Wild West were the requisite Shootin' Gallery, the originally named Indian War Canoes, and since 1958, the Sailing Ship Columbia brought yet another way to cruise the Rivers of America. This river was full of activity- a wilderness world on the move!

As I mentioned earlier, Frontierland was always changing. Even the gorgeous Nature's Wonderland gave way to Tony Baxter's thrill ride disguised as a scenic tour, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. (The hard to find poster is above.)

Make no mistake, this attraction is a strikingly beautiful piece of work. It's full of the detail and fun found in groundbreaking attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. It's just unfortunate that there is now no way for guests to tour the beautiful landscapes without the coaster thrills.

More change was soon to come. On the farthest side of Frontierland at the distant bend in the river, the Indian Village celebrated Native American culture and life. Unfortunately, this was also on the cutting block, eventually giving way to the new Bear Country. The Country Bear Jamboree debuted in 1972. It was a fun musical show, but an important piece of Americana and the heart and soul of Disneyland was lost in the transition. As beloved as this show is (in Florida and Tokyo) /was (at Disneyland), the change signaled a move away from historic based attractions to ones which seemed to showcase the latest of technologies and characters just for the sake of being able to do so. Certainly, the Imagineers could have found a way to leave the teepees and tribal dance performances somewhere in a land which celebrates the American frontier!

Since the opening of Big Thunder Mountain, the changes have been few and small- aside from the Pirates Lair addition to Tom Sawyer Island. Overall, I found it to be quite well done and a strangely fitting combination of both Frontierland and New Orleans Square, on whose land the dock actually sits. On the entertainment front, Slue Foot Sue turned over the lease of the Golden Horseshoe to Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. They are good- but something about can can girls and the Old West seems more fitting.

In 1992, Disneyland premiered one it's most loved evening shows: Fantasmic! Since it takes place on the Rivers of America and uses parts of Tom Sawyer Island, it seemed most appropriate to display the attraction poster here.

Change could still be on the way. Walt Disney Pictures has announced their intent to create a film series on the Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp as Tonto. This could be an excellent opportunity to revamp and retune the unbuilt Walt Disney World attraction, Western River Expedition. It would be a terrific way to bridge the movie and interest a new generation about life in the Wild West. Frontierland could have new life and atmosphere, something it has lacked in its current incarnation. As beloved as Pirates of the Caribbean is for local audiences, I can only image they would wholeheartedly embrace another attraction of this caliber. But could the somewhat stingy accountants at the Walt Disney Company stomach the investment?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney Days from Far Away

When it comes to concept art, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom really has very few pieces compared to the other "epic" parks like Disneyland, Epcot, Tokyo Disney Sea, or Disney's Animal Kingdom. Even the reworking of Disney's California Adventure has much more to choose from. In one way, this makes much sense, as in Florida the emphasis was much more on the "world" than the park itself. That's not to say, it cannot be found!

Florida's Tom Sawyer Island is represented here in simplistic glory. Seriously. There's no Big Thunder Mountain Railroad yet, no oddly placed Splash Mountain, no other obstacles to distract from the quiet far away atmosphere of a land long forgotten.

With the paddlewheeler sailing by and a raft heading off to the island, this little gem of an illustration represents the early days of the Magic Kingdom and even of Disneyland itself: the emphasis was on Americana, our history, our future, and our childhood fantasies. Days when guests were encouraged to dream and play out being explorers, astronauts, cowboys and Indians- long before the current times of being force fed the latest popular films. We were free to create our own adventures, making the parks a very personal experience that is hard to find today.
(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)