New Disneyland Paris Le Pays des Contes de Fées Attraction Poster

Say what you want about Disneyland Paris, but you can't deny that place has style! The new attraction poster for Le Pays des Contes de Fées (a French version of Disneyland's Story Book land Canal Boats) is a beautiful piece of Imagineering art. The attraction now features scenes from Frozen, Up, and Winnie the Pooh. Those of you who have not been to the most beautiful of Disney castle parks may not know this attraction comes with an added bonus: Casey Jr. Circus Train is a real live roller coaster. Family friendly? Absolutely- and much more charming than the Florida kingdom's Goofy kids' coaster.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Cynical Look at New Plans for Epcot

MORE UPDATES: Plans for the new Epcot continue to leak out. I'm naturally very curious as this is my favorite Florida park, but so far, I'm not impressed or surprised. There are aspects I like. (More on that after the announcements on Sunday morning.) Somethings - like a ton of concept art- are left for that time when all the details finally are made official.  

This weekend at D23, the Walt Disney Company will finally reveal its long range plans for Epcot, the second Disney park in Florida and the one that was once the most ambitious. Long ago. Consider me very cynical but also somewhat relieved that they have finally chosen a direction for this long neglected world. But as you will see, this has been coming for years.

With the Leave A Legacy stones moving to a more appropriate place, the new park entrance will be lush, green, and flower filled- including Disney character topiaries to gently remind guests this is not your father's EPCOT Center. Consider it foreshadowing of what guests to the new EPCOT will find inside. 

Anna, Elsa, and Olaf were only the beginning.

On the positive side, I'll admit, the new entrance should be beautiful. It is a warm welcome to a park that introduces guests to a new direction: Magic Kingdom 2.0 is coming faster than us purists would like... but anyone paying attention to the last few years could easily see this coming. 

A new entrance. A new beginning.

A much deeper look at the concept art revealed thus far shows the Imagineers were tasked with creating an Epcot that referenced the past while tossing aside its original mission. Oh yes, we certainly are "On the Brink of New Age - October 1, 2019" as the new EPCOT poster tells us.

The current leadership under Robert Iger has been grooming us to accept and even love these changes for years as one character after another slowly slipped into both parts of the park. 

Future World would no longer be a place of the latest discoveries in science, agriculture, transportation and communication. Now, intellectual properties from the Company's film library would invade those previously almost sacred spaces once dedicated to a fine blend of education and entertainment that one Disney can do. It also does not look like this part of the park will keep its original name. Too difficult to keep up with the future.

World Showcase will no longer celebrate national cultures. Instead, it will now celebrate Disney animation's beloved characters placed in settings that look like where they could have lived. Thankfully, Imagineers set the standard with giving guests recreations of locales around the globe. They have always been romanticized views of the nations, making them a perfect backdrop of the character invasion.

The way things look today, I'll be able to stop going to Disney movies altogether and just visit the World every few years. The attractions here and at the Magic Kingdom and the Studios will give me the full story lines of those films. Money saved. 

EPCOT Center is not gone, however. We'll get references to the first incarnation of it - including all the amazing extinct attractions- in the form of nifty posters and pavilion emblems which are easily turned into pins, coffee mugs, and shirts. It's so easier to sell merchandise that way! I will ask this question: Is it wise to remind guests of what the park used to be about and what was lost in this new direction?

Reminders of the past to sell merchandise
to those who remember the real Epcot Center.

I'm not surprised. Are you? How many times can they give us Figment and Dreamfinder and iconic emblems placed on just about anything that will sell?  

With these premises in mind, let's take a (cynical) look at what's to come:

• Spaceship Earth Revamp- This one scares me. What will they do to this iconic centerpiece of the park, one of the last original EPCOT Center attractions? At least its not the once proposed Time Racers roller coaster!

• Disney's Play Pavilion- The Kid Zone for those who have to have their characters in order to have fun. A chance for executives to push the latest film. Think of it as a constantly refreshed commercial come to life.

• Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy coaster- Can you hear the suits in the planning of this one? "Hey Space Mountain is iconic. Let's give them a ride just as exciting but without the exterior architectural elegance. We'll hide the coaster in a huge box behind the original and beautiful Universe of Energy building and hope they forget we've thrown this thing together quickly because its one of few Marvel properties we can use east of the Mississippi." 

One character leads us to another.

• The Journey of Water- Moana takes us on a tour of a children's water maze as you travel towards The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Is it just me or does this piece of concept art remind you of the old Polynesian Village Resort lobby? If built as displayed, it will be a beautiful and relaxing but forgettable experience. How long will the new water features stay turned on?

New Imagination poster.

Photo by Disney Tourist Blog.

• Revamped Journey Into Imagination- Insiders seem to think this could be announced. Kiss those glass pyramids goodbye but see them restore Figment to his playful personality in exchange? The art says the building is staying but Figment returns. Where is Dreamfinder? We will soon find out. 

• Awesome Planet- This film replaces the two previous ones found in The Land. Will it be any good or just a time-filler much like the Pixar Film Festival? Regardless, it can and will be marketed as new. Good enough.

• New wide open spaces-Half of Communicore is gone. The Festival Centers, food booths, gardens, and more shopping take over. Even more dining options are coming. Honestly, I'll say this is a good call. They have not known what to do with this space for the last two decades. The structures will be new and fresh, and the area will feel environmentally rich due to the landscapes. The views will be wide open, and the plus side is we will finally get rid of the most recent awful paint color. 

That round building in the center of both these pieces

was to be the original American Adventure. 

From RETROWDW.

• Bridging Future World and World Showcase- Upscale dining in a building that will be compared to the original plans for the American Showcase. (See above.) Marketing won't miss their chance to point that out. Guests get a prime view of World Showcase from an elevated grass and tree topped new dining patio... with options for the obvious dining packages during the post Illuminations character driven nighttime show. Interesting choice of location but the intent is not surprising.

A new kid's play area.

This "Communicore" aims directly for kids-

with an easy to change out flex space.

What about World Showcase? In order to convince long time fans that Epcot is still about its core mission, they'll finally announce that Brazil pavilion- but without an attraction because its cheaper. Brazil World Showcase style will be just another place or two to eat, shop, and experience local entertainment. As I've said many times before, I do not pay the entrance fees to just enter the park so that I can pay even more to eat there. Give me real attractions, not just more shops and dining options. Give us more than the long rumored Mary Poppins carousel. 

Oh Canada! Isn't it time for a real attraction and not just another remake of the original film? And what about China? The country is rich in lore and legend, and there's even Disney IP to boot. No need to remove one thing to add something else. There is more than enough acreage. 

Does it seem as if every corner of the park will be refurbished and enhanced? It certainly does, but with what paintbrush will they change things? It should be with the heart of the original Imagineers and not those who are ordered to shove Disney related brands into the parks at any cost. 

Please, surprise us and give us more. Give us a reason to believe you suits and Imagineers still understand what this park truly stood for!

Our world is tough, and Disney knows it. So instead of opening doors to advancement for the benefit of all, they are creating doors to character filled experiences which take our mind off our troubles. And a big profit awaits if they pull this off well. California Adventure 2.0 brought in new guests with money to burn. So will the newly re-Imagined EPCOT.

(The top image is a plan from Imagineerlandblogspot.com. Other images copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A Critical Look at Disney's New Plans for Epcot

Plans for a revised Epcot are rapidly moving along. It seems as if someone finally has a real vision for the once grand park or that the suits at the Walt Disney Company are ready to admit they are not willing to invest in the work necessary to continue on with its original vision to inspire as well as entertain. Just in case you've forgotten what that was, here's the words:

To all who come to this Place of Joy, Hope and Friendship

WELCOME

Epcot is inspired by Walt Disney’s creative vision. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all. 

May EPCOT Center entertain, inform and inspire and, above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.

E. Cardon Walker

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Walt Disney Productions

October 24, 1982

Beginning with a brand new tree and flower filled, fully redesigned entrance, the Imagineers are finally removing the Legacy stones to a more appropriate place. This will make for more pleasant views as well as a much more welcoming environment. 

Old is new again.

When I saw the concept art for the new entrance as well as an additional piece of concept art for the transformation of Future World's Wonders of Life into a "play" pavilion, I wasn't entirely sure what to think.  But I'm clear on it now.

This design works both sides. 

Upon further reflection after really looking at the concept art and thinking about the current for us of the Walt Disney Company, I'm encouraged but not at all surprised by the design choices. 

There's a combination of character infusions in the form of topiary art and several nods to the original EPCOT Center. The acrylic fountain looks similar to the one that was there when the park premiered. The twelve flags along the entryway use the classic park logo. This approach was well thought out- and very, very strategic! 

The "money men" that run the Company are letting us know it's not our parents' park. By giving the entry Disney animated characters in topiary form, they are hinting at a new vision and direction, all the while pandering to original park lovers. By adding design elements we remember, they're increasing our emotional attachment to the place, and our willingness to open our wallets. 

Let's be honest, the suits have been using the same methods for years in order to sell merchandise. How many times do we see the beloved Figment and Dreamfinder and iconic emblems placed on pencils, mugs, sweatshirts and more just to move product? All the time.

Say goodbye to the Communicore hub as we know it.

And what exactly is that big brown box?

There is one major not so subtle change to Spaceship Earth: The entrance for the attraction. This is now moved to the backside giving guests entering from the front of the park a much nicer view than just seeing a lengthy queue front and center. Aesthetics and sightlines are seeming to matter in this reimagining of the opening scene.

Looking even closer, once inside the park, we see that Innoventions / Communicore no longer exists as we knew it. This is a very good thing! 

It's not a popular thing to say among EPCOT Center purists, but I am really looking to open vistas of other Future World structures from the park's main thoroughfare. This park is massive, but it's difficult to realize all that is in Future World. 

Now that the content of the old buildings reflects a constant failure to bring fresh ideas to light, a new approach to the space was needed. With the Western side building disappearing and a reinvention of the Eastern side, these changes will create a more welcoming environment. This makes it more appealing for guests to explore areas of the park they may not initially seem interested in. Better crowd dispersal and more exploration could be the end result. Of course, a stronger attraction line up would help too! They'd better get working on refreshing the curb appeal of these buildings, however! There's not a moment to waste.

Goodbye Festival Center / Wonders of Life! Hello Kid's play area.

Until this year's D23 or another announcement, the only other official hint of what's to come reflects changes to the Wonders of Life building. This is the continuation of Epcot's transition to Magic Kingdom 2.0, which began long before Frozen took over Norway's Maelstrom boat ride. International Culture is now replaced with Disney Culture i.e. Disney Intellectual Property in this park.

Given the Wonders of Life building is right next door to the new Guardians of the Galaxy coaster (which is sure to have a height requirement), I'm sure the suits thought "We'd better give smaller guests who can't ride something else to do, so let's put it there." 

You can almost 100% bet the decision to add a "play" pavilion in this form got approval in this manner- the same basic approach used to justify Marvel in the parks:

Statisticians - “Epcot needs an attendance boost.”

Public opinion poll - “ It needs to be more "Disney.”

Suits- “Well then, let's get more animated characters into the park. What properties are not big enough for their own major attraction?”

Researchers - “Wreck It Ralph, Up, Zootopia, Inside Out and a bunch of others.”

Suits to Imagineers- “Great! Get them into old Wonders spot. Throw in some character meet and greets. Make it all look good, but be sure to build it as cheaply as possible so we can constantly add the hottest movie characters and sell even more merchandise.”

Characters, characters, characters.

As far as I'm concerned, this new plan is not a wise or optimal approach. Yet, it will do exactly as they planned, bringing more kids into Future World. The plus side is this decision frees up other locations from turning into similar venues.

The official plans will keep developing, and there is certainly more to come. Ratatouille and Guardians are only the beginning of the new Epcot. 

The original vision of the park is disappearing for good. Partially this comes from the failure of Humanism which was the core inspiration for the park. Humanism results in hopelessness, loss of optimism. We see it in our society as people get more and more desperate and angry, needing entertainment to bring them any  brightness. Disney quickly comes to the rescue with reminders of a happier world- even if it is a character induced dream.

(Even fans get into the act re-Imagineering the park. The top image is a plan from the folks at Imagineerlandblogspot.com. Top Art copyright Imagineerland. Other images copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Definitive Ranking of Pixar Movies

Warmly, but with absolutely no apologies to Kelly Lawler at USA Today who posted a totally different list with the same title, here's my ranking of the greatest (and least) of Pixar films. With an agreement that we can all lovingly disagree, your list will probably vary:

You're cute but your story is too heavy handed.

15. Wall-E
A preachy, mostly charmingless tale of two robots with only eyes for each other. The human race be damned. I'll take my Starbucks and my computer when I choose, thank you very much.

Oh no, there's some, ugh bugs, to work out of the story.

14. A Bug's Life
Even for an attraction that has to use film as its main medium to tell a story, I find this Animal Kingdom attraction based on this movie pretty terrific. But then, it's only 6 minutes at best. This film is boring, boring, boring. Had it not followed up Toy Story, it would have flopped.

I am woman. Hear me roar.

13. Brave
Beautiful scenery. Good main character but undeveloped secondary ones. Convoluted tale of feminism. Merida does win points for being a strong female in spite of some bad choices to accomplish her independence and make her point.

In my beautiful balloon.

12. Up

The powerful but depressing opening scenes give way to a tale of two odd friends. There is so much potential but it's wasted as the story becomes a fantasy filled with speaking dogs and an entirely unnecessary villain. Kudos for using an old man as a lead character.

 I see dead batteries.

11. Cars 2

Loses some points for a less than original script, but the cars are lovable, making it a great daddy and son Saturday matinee movie. Not sure if chapter three is even necessary. Out of gas?

That was it?!?

10. Inside Out

There was much potential for this to be a truly great film. But as I said a few posts earlier, the film just isn't much fun. So much for the second wave of Pixar greatness... at least for now.

Who needs a dog when you have Bullseye?

9.  Toy Story 2

Terrific storyline and characters we all know and love. Jessie's sour attitude is quite annoying, but Bullseye saves the day. Ride on cowboys!

Frat brothers.

8.  Monsters University

What's not to love here? Collage age Mike and Sully are just as much fun as their older selves. If there ever was a buddy movie with plots twists and turns we didn't expect, this is it. Not quite as good as the original but every bit as creative.

Buddy movie of a different kind.

7.  Cars

Is is Doc Hollywood in car form? Sure, but that storyline has been told for decades. Owen Wilson is terrific as the lead ego propelled racer who learns the lessons of true friendship. A winning film for those who don't care about being politcally correct. Bonus points for being the film that produced one of the best "lands" from Disney Imagineering since New Orleans Square at Disneyland. 

You've got a franchise in me.

6.  Toy Story

The first and perhaps the best loved. Buzz Lightyear is a revelation.   Optimistic and lighthearted with a good dose of nostalgia tossed in. The heartstrings don't get fully pulled until two sequels later, but boy, what a tug!

Ah, Paris!

5.  Ratatouille

One of my personal favorites. The story is unexpected, the main characters strong, and the atmosphere and musical score totally mesmerizing. If you've been to Paris, you understand. 

Could strong fathers be a key to Pixar's success?

4.  Finding Nemo

A strong loving father and a special needs son that both find their way home. You have to have a heart of stone to not like this film. Populated with an oceanful of great characters.

Who says you have to be young to be cool?

3.  The Incredibles

A Pixar film for adults that have survived (and thrived through) a midlife crisis. Discovering yourself and your partner amidst marriage drama, changing bodies, and the sometimes joyless responsibilities of being a parent. Sophisticated stuff for an animated film made enjoyable by a great plot line and dazzling environments. The perfect Pixar film for a series. Can't wait for the second one!

Is it just me or should this be a Disney roller coaster attraction?

2.  Monsters Inc.

Billy Crystal in the part he was designed for! Turning an old story on its head, Monsters Inc. creates a charming world all its own. One we are sad to leave when the time comes. 

It's ok- we've all grown up, Andy.

1.  Toy Story 3

By the time this film came out, the characters were beloved world over. The climax of the film is as gripping as anything Disney has ever done. It's at that moment we viewers realized these characters had a well earned place in our lives. The art of storytelling at its Pixar best.

(Art copyright Disney/Pixar.)

Inside Out = Upside Down

Pixar Disney's Inside Out is one clever movie. The overall concept is rather unique, (although director Pete Docter must be familiar with Epcot's Cranium Command), the execution is very creative, and the film itself is filled with heartwarming moments. Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, and Bill Hader do a terrific job with what they are given. 

The problem with the film is, it just isn't much fun. The serious nature of the storyline brings memories of the depressing and eventually off the rails story of Up, but thankfully without the preachiness of Wall-e.  

What could have been a great movie ends up being serviceable. It's definitely not one worth waiting in line for to buy tickets. Save a viewing for a rental night.

(Art copyright Pixar / Disney.)

Up, Up, and Away

Up, up and away! Not to Disneyland, though. It looks like a trip to the west coast won't happen this year. But I am so spoiled really!
I've been blessed to do much traveling all over the world- and in fact I depart today for a great adventure with my wife. I'll be sharing the details and some photos upon our return. In the meantime, stay posted here at the Insights blog. There's a whole bunch of new articles coming your way while I'm away.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

What Goes "Up"

Two unlikely heroes and their friendship form the basis of the newest Pixar tale, Up. Although it is rightly billed as a film for the entire family, this feel good saga also explores the topics of death, loss, and the devastating effects of divorce on children. There are parts both buoyant and poignant, so if you have elementary aged children, the filmmakers have provided plenty of opportunity for family discussion.

Pixar is the new Disney, at least as film production is concerned. The characters are compelling, story is king, and the end result is stellar. Go see this movie with those you love. It's worth the tears and the price of admission.
(Art copyright Disney/Pixar.)