You sold me on a park wanting to be built in a single sentence
Well, just scroll down and see if your wishes came true.
Thank you very much. I've always wondered why you can't meet Prince Adam at either Disneyland California or Disney World.
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Where we last left off, we had just taken to the skies with Dumbo. But now, we stand on the outskirts of a forest. Who knows what lies inside? Clearly, we have a lot to cover...so, let's begin our journey.
Tall trees of European origin provide shade from the sun, yet a sturdy hideaway for those wishing to evade the law or the eyes of any given wicked witch. At all times, a mysterious fog rolls across the dirt trail, providing a quaint but exciting sense of mystery amid the fairy tale setting. Trickling streams and miniature waterfalls roll along the side of the road, while the occasional cottage protrudes from among the tree trunks and treetops. Fortunately, what we first come upon is not scary or foreboding in the least. No, it is here that we come upon a friendlier view; perhaps the friendliest place in all of Fantasyland. Welcome, one and all to the
100 Acre Wood
Sheltered within the mighty forest, hidden from the Storybook Village sightlines (the only way to view it from that point is from a balcony at the Beast's Castle) is the humble home of Winnie the Pooh and all his friends. Throughout the 100 Acre Wood, you'll find the various homes of the characters, all to full scale. In fact, the model in the picture above should give you a good idea as to the layout of these houses. Of course, Mr. Sanders is right in the center of the Wood, with the Honey Tree close beside it. There are various sight gags and jokes hidden throughout the area. For example, if you knock on the door at Mr. Sanders, you hear Pooh inside saying no one is in because he is eating honey at the moment. An animatronic Owl interacts with guests, sleeping in his rocking chair outside his house until someone rings a doorbell, waking him up, and he regales them with stories of his wacky relatives. As you can tell, this Owl animatronic would be similar to the Mr. Potato Head animatronic at Toy Story Mania.
At the far back of the land is a large, open storybook, which only makes sense because the 100 Acre Wood is a storybook-set world. A cut is made inside one of the pages, and we can actually step foot inside the book and set off on a voyage through The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is innovative and unexpected in its own right, mostly due in part to its unique ride system. Hopping aboard a hot-air balloon, our own grand adventure begins airborne as we fly through a blustery day in the Hundred Acre Wood. As our balloons descend to ground-level, we bounce through the forest at night with Tigger, followed by a trackless spin through the mysterious dream-world of Heffalumps and Woozles. Suddenly, an unexpected rainstorm drops us back into reality and into the floodwaters below, all culminating in a drop down a waterfall! Pooh Corner, a Winnie the Pooh-themed superstore and bakery sits and serves as the exit to the popular attraction; home of the world-famous "Tigger Tails." Pooh's Thoughtful Spot, a 100 Acre Wood-themed playground resides in a forest clearing just nearby, allowing little ones to explore the world of Christopher Robin and the bear of very little brain. Pooh, Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger all make meet-n-greet appearances throughout the wood.
Despite the fact that we must now leave the 100 Acre Wood, the forest continues to go deeper and deeper. We have now left the comfort of the 100 Acre Wood for the thrills, chills and romance waiting to be had in
The Enchanted Forest
In this lush, near-endless oasis of towering treetops and chirping wildlife, we first find ourselves standing outside a quaint cottage. Continuing the animal theme of the 100 Acre Wood, Robin Hood’s Merry Journey transports us into the exciting world of Robin Hood, a first ever in a Disney Park. Amid the stunning music and vivid settings of Disney’s 21st animated classic, we discover this timeless tale of bold adventure, swashbuckling bravery, dark villainy and fairy-tale romance. Naturally, the unfortunate wanted posters for Robin Hood find their way around and about the attraction's distinctly thatched-straw-roof facade.
A stunning "oasis" in the midst of the Enchanted Forest brings us to the forefront of Rapunzel's Tower in all its magical glory, an icon for an entirely new generation of Disney fans.
A nearby cavern leads us to the queue and entrance of an all-new dark ride. A Tangled Tale takes us aboard giant floating lanterns for a journey through the immersive world of Tangled. The world of Rapunzel and Flynn comes to life through sets, high-caliber animatronics and effects. All of the right musical numbers are featured, as well as all the movie's most memorable scenes and sequences.
It seems only fitting that just a few feet away, we come across The Snuggly Duckling, built precariously close to the tallest, most twisted tree in the forest. This “rough n’ tough” inn takes us back to a simpler time when outlaws on the run preferred to sing about their dreams rather than act upon them. The legitimately hook-handed pianist will gladly sing about his dreams if you ask him, as will the barkeep...and the janitor, and the bouncer, and...well, just about everyone here sings about their dreams. Anyone and everyone is welcome at the Snuggly Duckling, but only if you’re ready for rowdy musical numbers and the finest in German pub food. Those with a background in piracy, debauchery, buggery, and dental problems are more than welcome to dine-in, no musical talent required.
Throughout the Forest, the likes of Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, Rapunzel and Flynn can be spotted roaming about.
The Story of Sleeping Beauty, found in a wooded clearing, takes us from the Good Fairies' wooden hut into the world of Disney's beloved masterpiece. Sitting inside a carved diamond vehicle (in red, green or blue, of course), we glide through the forests that Evyind Earle created and join the fairies as they try to save Aurora from the clutches of Maleficent...and when that fails, it's a thrilling chase back to the castle in order for Phillip to defeat Maleficent and wake Aurora up.
At the edge of the forest, sitting on the edge of the stream, is Princess Fairytale Hall, a regal country chateau where you can meet up with your favorite Disney princesses. These lavish corridors brings to fruition the dreams of many a little girl through the in-person appearances of Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel, Merida and Elena of Avalor.
A large circle festooned with banners, streamers and lights just situated outside Princess Fairytale Hall goes to prove that this is a place destined for celebrations. And throughout the day, you can join the royals of Fantasyland for a Starlit Princess Waltz.
In a celebration inspired by the show at Disneyland Paris, the Starlit Princess Waltz invites us to awaken the royal inside us all and glide across the circle like there's no tomorrow. After making their own grand entrance wearing their glittery gowns, the likes of Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Snow White and Tiana, alongside their gallant princes, bring the magic to life with a wonderful waltz – all against an enchanting evening backdrop of the Beast's Castle and Storybook Village on the other side of the stream. And yes, since we're guests for this royal ball, we're invited to come join them in the circle for a dance of our own. I mean, who hasn't wanted to share a dance with a Disney princess?
As we head out of the Forest, we notice the natural flora and fauna is gradually changing into something rather unnatural...
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What could be beyond the borders of the Forest? I think it's something worth wondering over...
Well, this is where we'll stop for now. See you in the next post; and keep the comments coming!
I just have to say, this show was one of my favorite things in Disneyland Paris so to see a somewhat permanent version of it...
I just have to say, this show was one of my favorite things in Disneyland Paris so to see a somewhat permanent version of it...
As far as I know, it goes away when the 25th ends which upsets me.
From the DLP website: "From 11th November 2017 to 7th January 2018, The Starlit Princess Waltz will be replaced by a Christmas show. Exact dates still to be confirmed, please contact us for more information." So, they may bring that back come January. Besides, I don't think the show mentions Disneyland Paris' 25th anniversary anywhere in its dialogue or lyrics, does it?
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From the misty mountains of Arendelle, we find ourselves transitioning from Scandinavia to England. This is
London Square
In representation of jolly old London, we meander through cobblestone streets and a seamless blend of varying architecture from the various periods of England's history. A bustling park in the center of town is marked by cherry trees and chalk drawings (presumably drawn by Bert). Across the street, we find The Toy Soldier, a shop filled with all kinds of British toys.
This land is quite small, because most of the area is taken up by, quite possibly, one of the most elaborate E-Tickets ever to come to a Disney park: Mary Poppins' Jolly Holiday.
Yes, this amazing ride, as designed by @kap91, would definitely make a home here. This idea was just too good not to use, frankly. Anyways, from a brick arch, we find ourselves passing through Cherry Tree Lane. Hopping aboard a vehicle designed to look like Mary Poppins' umbrella, we set off for the world only seen inside Bert's chalk drawings on an unforgettable, musical holiday through the peculiar world of P.L. Travers. In this curious world, we encounter dancing penguins, singing farm animals, nonsensical vocabulary, and even get involved in a horse-race! We exit out into Jolly Holiday Gifts, a shop selling anything that's everything related to Mary Poppins.
We are able to indulge in a yard of ale at Admiral Boom's Pub, named for the eccentric naval commander and neighbor of the Banks Family, Admiral Boom. Also on the menu - fish and chips, black pudding, bangers & mash, and more. Sea chanteys and dramatic murals portray life in the Royal Navy. A quaint garden of shaped topiaries and tall hedges provide an appropriate meet 'n' greet for Mary Poppins and Bert, occasionally joined by a dancing penguin or two...
At the southern point of London Square is the Fantasyland stop for the Disneyland Railroad, designed to look like the famous County School Railway station in England. We get to the station by walking on a ramp underneath the tracks.
As we return back to the heart of Fantasyland, we find ourselves on a three-pronged path, with one path leading to Wonderland, one leading back to Storybook Village, and one path leading to the next sub-land of Fantasyland:
Gardens of Imagination
The Gardens of Imagination are a place where nature truly reigns supreme. Manicured flowerbeds, meandering streams and charming topiaries provide a place of peace and rest, away from the hectic hustle and bustle of other parts of the park.
Passing underneath the trestle of the Disneyland Railroad tracks, we first come across the Storyteller's Nook. Here in this wooden gazebo, we can gather to here some classic Disney stories...told in a not-so-classic way.
That's right. Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones take up residence here in the Nook, and they love to tell several classic Disney stories in 25-minute shows with the help of two lovely assistants, actual characters from the stories they tell, and musical accompaniment by the renowned pianist, Sir Samuel of Morocco. Each story is presented through makeshift props, minimal set pieces, and of course, humorous slapstick, song, and dance. Unlike Disneyland in California, more than three stories are retold here throughout the day: Tangled, Frozen, Beauty & the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and for boys, Hercules.
Right nearby the Storyteller's Nook is the very thing from which Gardens of Imagination gets its name: Fantasy Gardens.
This lush, outdoor garden is as beautiful as anything you've ever seen. Here is a haven of trees, flowers, topiaries, statues and just pure beauty. Stone bridges pass over tiny babbling brooks that soon spread out into the waterways of the Hub. If you should stroll along the path's meandering pathways, you find yourself within eyesight of a picturesque gathering of five unique gazebos. At each magical destination, you’re invited to shake hands, share hugs, receive autographs and pose for photos with some of your favorite Disney friends.
As classic Disney movie music plays overhead, explore Fantasy Gardens at your own pace. You never know who you might see here in the Fantasy Gardens, because each day brings someone different!
Spreading out alongside the right-hand side of the Gardens of Imagination is a waterway, upon which you can take a tranquil cruise through the patchwork quilt-terrain of Storybook Land, land of miniature recreations of the various locales and scenery of many a Disney classic. This tranquil cruise is of course the classic Storybook Land Canal Boats, the perfect representation of some of Disney's all-time classics.
The Casey Jr. Circus Train sits at a miniature railroad crossing, constantly billowing smoke and quite literally tooting his own horn. Being a family-friendly roller coaster through the hills of Storybook Land, the Casey Jr. Circus Train is an attraction for all ages! From inside an animal cage or ornate sleigh, we careen through the hills and woods on a harrowing trip offering amazing views of the Storybook Land Canal.
On the outskirts of the Gardens of Imagination, the golden spires and fanciful shapes of a magnificent palace protrude high above the treetops. This particular palace is something we like to call...Small World Palace.
Small World Palace is the appropriate focal point of Small World Plaza, a glistening, abstract castle representing various symbols from around the world, from the Eiffel Tower to the Golden Gate Bridge. In the center of it all is the smiling face of a googly-eyed clock tower that rings off every fifteen minutes with a parade of "dancing" dolls representing a different country of the world. Topiaries in the shape of animals from around the world fill the colorful gardens and planters, while quirky instrumentals of that ever-famous tune, "It's a Small World" constantly fill the air, each time portrayed in a different form of instrumental from a different culture. Inside the palace is the star attraction of the Gardens of Imagination, a tribute to the endless imaginations of every child who comes to this happy place. Inside this magnificent palace is the "happiest cruise that ever sailed," the beloved classic, "it's a small world".
Boarding a brightly-painted boat, we set sail across the entire globe and visit the various countries and continents where children in cultural garbs and settings perform the titular song in their respective language. Better yet, the entirety of the cruise appears to be composed of toys and materials accessible to children, making this appear to be a trip of the world as seen through the eyes of a child. No trip around the world is complete without a trip through Small World Imports, a Mary Blair-esque toy store that specializes in dolls, appropriate considering that "it's a small world" itself is filled with dolls.
It seems only fitting that "it's a small world" is our final point of focus here in the Gardens of Imagination, because the eighth and final sub-land of Fantasyland devotes itself to the fantastical worlds brought life out there on the ocean...
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Well, we're almost done with this massive Fantasyland. The final sub-land is coming up soon! Until we meet to explore this area, smooth sailing!
Story wise it's brought up as "A royal ball to celebrate 25 years" but I don't think it's in the dialogue. Also, the stage is very much part of the 25 decor with the blue sparkle theme. But I digress, I'm totally in love with your Fantasyland. It's huge but it all makes sense.
I'm touched to see my project here.
Well, it's a similar mindset as that of the 1994 Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. It's a vision of the future as seen by the minds and visionaries of the past.
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Now that we've completed our grand-circle tour of Disneyland Park by foot, let's take a tour by another means: by train.
On-board the Disneyland Railroad, we'll be given a scenic, grand-circle tour of this new iteration of the original Disneyland aboard one of four authentic steam engines.
Our journey begins right here on Main Street, U.S.A. at Main Street Station. An exact of replica of the original Disneyland's Main Street Station, this friendly facade welcomes guests to Disneyland Park, its tunnels below sending them into the park for a day filled with fun. All of a sudden, we hear it...the call of a steam whistle and the chugging of wheels. The Disneyland Railroad has pulled into the station!
"Your attention please! The Disneyland Railroad, now leaving for a grand circle tour of the Magic Kingdom, with stops at Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. All passengers, board!"
With that, we hop aboard the train, ready for a trip unlike any other. As we board, we hear the voice of one of those typical old-timers, one who's been on many a train and knows the way trains work and the local landscaping and color by heart. He gives us a friendly welcome.
"Hello, folks! Welcome aboard the Disneyland Railroad! We’re now embarking on a grand circle tour of the Magic Kingdom, with stops at Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland—and featuring stops at the Grand Canyon and the Ice Age. We got a lot of travelin’ ahead of us, so remember: for a safe trip, you need to stay seated, keeping your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the train. And please, watch your children."
"¡Hola todos! Bienvenido a bordo del Disneyland Railroad! Le llevaremos a una excursión de gran círculo del parque, con paradas en Frontierland, Fantasyland y Tomorrowland. Por su seguridad y la de otros, por favor permanezca sentado con las manos, los brazos, los pies y las piernas dentro del tren, y por favor asegúrese de vigilar a sus hijos. Gracias!"
As the train chuffs out, the country-laden twangs of "Casey Jr." from Dumbo (basically, an extended version of the song heard in the video above) fills our ears. This serves as underscore for our journey. As soon as we depart from Main Street Station, the voice of our guide comes on again.
"You know, I've been riding these rails for quite a spell, and I find there's no better place to travel than right here at Disneyland. By the way, we’re traveling on pure steam power. This old locomotive is descended from the mighty trains that powered the golden age of steam. And just like me, it’s a little old-fashioned", he says with a chuckle. Suddenly, a fierce roar sounds from out of nowhere.
"Golly! Did you hear that? Where else but at Disneyland can you travel from the charm of a turn-of-the-century American town to the untamed jungles of Africa, Asia, and South America? We're traveling through the wilds of Adventureland, where you might run into all sorts of savage creatures and mysterious locales. There's lions, tigers, tiki birds...heck, I've even heard tell there's a Haunted Mansion 'round these parts! And don't be surprised if you run into Captain Jack Sparrow while you're here. He’s hidin’ out among those scurrilous Pirates of the Caribbean. Everybody best be on the lookout—ya never know just what may show up. But if your travels bring you to Adventureland today, be sure you come with an extra dose of bravery."
The jungle foliage gradually transforms into foliage commonly found in the wild frontier.
"Well, shoot! It looks like we've reached the wild west of Disneyland: Frontierland! This outpost is home to the covered wagons, cowpokes, and Country Bears. We’ve reached Frontierland Station, everyone, so sit tight until we’ve come to a complete stop. This station not only serves Frontierland, but it's also the place to stop if you want to head to Adventureland. If you’re disembarking here, please carry your strollers all the way off the platform before you unfold ’em. That’ll help make room for the new passengers joinin’ us. For those of your continuin’ on with us, we’ll be resumin’ our trip in just a moment. This is Frontierland!"
In due time, we're off once more!
"To those who’ve just joined us, welcome aboard the Disneyland Railroad! To ensure a safe ride, remember to stay seated with your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the train. And please, watch your kids!"
"As we head out of Frontierland Station, take a look around at all the unique sights. Keep your eyes peeled for the runaway mine trains of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Runaway trains… now I ask you — is that any way to run a railroad? But that's not the only mountain we've got here in Frontierland. We've also got Splash Mountain, the place where every day is a "zip-a-dee-doo-dah" day! If you look real hard, you might just find your Laughin’ Place, just like good ol' Brer Rabbit."
"We're now passing over Folktale Forest, where Pocahontas, Kenai, Koda and Br'er Rabbit make their homes and embark on fun-filled adventures. And just across the river is the French Quarter, home of jazz and jambalaya. And for all you character-lovers on-board, the French Quarter is the place to go if you wanna get up close and personal with Tiana and Naveen.
We’re traveling along the Rivers of America and into the American frontier as it looked more than a century ago. This area’s so rich with natural beauty and wildlife, you can see why the early settlers were inspired to move west! And you’re seein’ this view just like many of them did—from the comfort of a genuine steam-powered train. When these iron horses first started criss-crossin’ the country in the 1800s, the time it took folks to reach the West dropped from months to a matter of days! Why, steam power not only fueled trains, but the dreams of a whole new generation, as they settled this great frontier."
As this bit of narration is going on, we pass along Columbia Gorge, offering dramatic views of the Rivers of America.
At the edge of Columbia Gorge is a tunnel leading...well, I'll let our guide explain.
"We're just about to come up on the most magical land of all: Fantasyland, the place where some of your favorite Disney stories come to life! Here, you can fly over London with Peter Pan, hear the story of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, take a journey under the sea with the Little Mermaid, enjoy an enchanted feast at the Beast's castle, and explore fanciful locales, such as Arendelle, Wonderland and the 100 Acre Wood. Whether you’re a pixie, a princess, or just an everyday dreamer, there’s always something special about Fantasyland.
In fact, when we disembark, you'll find yourself in London Square, where you can take a "jolly holiday" with Mary Poppins and Bert. Honestly, those two are just...oh, golly, what's the word? Superfragica--no, no, superexpicali...it's a super-duper tongue twister, that's what it is! But I'm sure you folks know what I'm talkin' about. Well, here we are--London Square, right here in the center of Fantasyland. If you'll be leavin' us here, please wait until the train has come to a complete stop, gather your belongings, and carry your strollers away from the platform before you start unfoldin’ ’em. That way, we can start loadin’ up for the next leg of our trip. For those of your disembarking, please watch your step, and thanks for traveling with us on the Disneyland Railroad. Join us again real soon. If you’re stayin’ aboard, our next stop is Tomorrowland."
As mentioned before, the Fantasyland train stop is designed to look like the County School railway station in Britain.
The same safety spiel repeats, and we're off again!
"As we chug on through Fantasyland, take a look around at what else can be found here. There's the Gardens of Imagination over yonder, where you can meet some of your favorite Disney friends, and just nearby is Storybook Land. We're now about to pass by the happiest cruise that ever sailed, “it’s a small world.” It's been entertaining generations of people ever since it first opened at the 1964 New York World's Fair, and the song has gone down as one of the most beloved of all Disney songs.
Folks, ahead of us lies the future! Well, I guess we all know that… What I mean to say is, we’re headin’ into Tomorrowland, a world of the future...as seen by the visionaries of the past, like Leonardo da Vinci and Jules Verne. You know, gettin’ from place to place is a big deal in Tomorrowland, where you might board a PeopleMover, zip around on the Orbitron, or book a flight across the galaxy at our busy Starport in Space Mountain. Tomorrowland is truly a world on the move!
Well folks, we’re now arrivin’ at Tomorrowland Station. If you’ll be leavin’ us here, just stay seated ’til we come to a full stop. Gather your belongings and step carefully from the train. Thanks! Have fun in the future. For the rest of ya, just sit tight. We’ll be on our way again in just a minute!"
Tomorrowland Station is as steampunk as steampunk can be, topped with a spinning clock tower.
"To those joining us, welcome aboard! The next leg of our journey will take us along the rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s a mighty long drop to the canyon floor, so for your safety, stay seated with your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the train. Be sure to watch your kids, and no flash pictures, please."
A trip along the rim of the Grand Canyon provides passengers with a glimpse at one of the world’s longest dioramas, a re-creation of the flora and fauna of Arizona’s great abyss. To Ferde Grofé’s “Grand Canyon Suite,” curious wildlife examines our train in hesitant caution, unfamiliar with such strange creatures as ourselves.
"That was the Grand Canyon as we know it today. But it wasn’t always that way. Quiet now, as we travel back in time. Back to the great sweeping plains of the Ice Age...land of the mighty mammoth."
This is the world that once was; a world that trembles beneath giant feet… Strange mammals and hulking creatures thrive among the subtle populace of early man. Sabre-toothed cats and monstrous wolves stalk unsuspecting prey. The mighty mammoth, towering mastodon, ancient buffalo and wooly rhinoceros graze along the frozen tundra. Hunters have cornered a mammoth, ready to close-in on the trumpeting beast, all while nearby “innovators” discover fire… This is the dramatic stage that sets the fantastic Ice Age World, a kingdom lost to time itself…
As we emerge, the voice of our guide comes back on again...
"Wasn't that exciting? But after all that travelin', it’s nice to come home to good old Main Street, U.S.A., the gateway to Disneyland. Inspired by the small-town dreams of a young Walt Disney, a walk down Main Street is like steppin’ back into the early years of the 20th century. Of course, ours is a Main Street of the imagination, a charming, nostalgic tribute to a bygone era of barbershop quartets, horse-drawn trolleys and charming store windowfronts.
We’ve made a complete trip around Disneyland. For those of you who’ve been on board for the whole journey, thanks for puttin’ up with me these last few days. We sure hope you’ve enjoyed your travels with us and that you’ll come back and see us again real soon! If you’re stayin’ with us, we’ll be headed for Frontierland next. If you’ll be leavin’ us here, stay in your seat ’til we come to a full stop. And remember to gather all your personal belongings (includin’ the younguns if you got any), and step carefully from the train. For those of your travelin’ on, we’ll be on our way again in just a few minutes."
Returning back to the familiar sight of Main Street Station, we depart and find ourselves back on Main Street, U.S.A. What should we do now? Well, I say we head on over to Adventureland, for a nautical adventure with the Pirates of the Caribbean. What do you think? Are you up for it?
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See you in Adventureland for our journey with the Pirates of the Caribbean. Until we set sail, keep sending that feedback and comments, mates!
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Setting off from Port Royal, we instantly head over to Folktale Forest in Frontierland for a ride through The Rivers of Nature. This all-new attraction, created specifically for Disneyland Maine, is a gentle boat ride that takes you through a natural forest habitat, meeting all the various inhabitants of the forest, and seeing how they live. A Native-American-inspired score serves as the underscore for the ride, providing a very natural feel. There's no spoken dialogue. This ride is a truly emotional experience, relying heavily on natural sights and sounds. It all culminates in a beautiful moment where we encounter...well, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's experience the ride for ourselves.
Overlooking all of Folktale Forest, the Rivers of Nature is marked by a haven of rocks, trees, waterfalls and just all around beauty. We meander through the woods and come across a wooden dock, where a parade of worn-out wooden boats passes through, guests stepping in and out as they prepare to take their journey. Now, if the idea of wooden boats reminds you of Splash Mountain just steps away, fear not. This ride is as gentle as a quiet river. The journey begins as you pass by the Rivers of America, and into the rocky structure itself. Native American flute music fills our ears as we enter the dark caverns. Suddenly, from within the caverns, the stars appear overhead. They turn into constellations, immersing us in a beautiful night atmosphere.
Soon, we find ourselves deep in the heart of the forest. Trees, flowers, plants and small animals like snakes, frogs and bugs all reside here, living peacefully in harmony with each other and the land. The trees occasionally turn bright green and send a beautiful green beam towards a green sky-bird that flies past. What is this creature? But before we can guess, the bird flies off...for now. A few feet away, we come across a beaver colony. In a scene taken out of Nature's Wonderland, friendly beavers build their dams and chop down trees in a sense of true companionship and cooperation. The bird from before flies past, and the beavers nod their heads respectfully. Again, our curiosity peaks. Who is this bird, and why were the beavers acknowledging it? We haven't time to wonder, because we find ourselves in Bear Country. These bears are gentle, casually scratching their backs against trees, and foraging for fish. The bird again flies past, and the bears acknowledge it. Why???
Say, is the temperature rising or it is just us? That's because we've wondered out of the forest, and into the desert. Cacti and prarie dogs roam the desert, as it gives way to the prairies, where the buffalo roam, and the deer and the antelope play. As we leave, we make an unsettling discovery...is that a forest fire in the distance?
The animals desperately run through the burning branches, trying to get away. The fire rages stronger and stronger...until, the bird from before appears. With the swoop of its mighty wings, the fire stops. The animals turn round to face the bird and bow to it. Through the use of SFX, it's revealed that the bird is actually the spirit of Mother Nature, represented here as a green-skinned woman with flowers in her hair, and wearing a long green cloak. With a wave of her hand, we suddenly find ourselves in...
...the true Heart of the Forest. This is where all flora and fauna, fish and fowl, animal and human, live in harmony. The trees intertwine, the flowers blossom, it all adds up to Disney's biggest and most elaborate show scene. As we circle through the Heart, a choir joins the triumphant Native American music. It's just too beautiful, I cannot even describe it in mere words. Just close your eyes and picture a world where nature rules supreme. Isn't it beautiful?
As we head out, we come across one last scene. It's a scene similar to the "American farm" scene from EPCOT's Living with the Land, but it's night instead of dawn. A boy is casually looking up at the star-and-moonlit sky, in awe. Suddenly, the bird flies past. The trees give off the green beam again. The boy gasps. The bird turns back into Mother Nature, and gives the boy a reassuring smile. With that, she turns back into the bird and flies off into the night. We pass through yet another constellation-filled cavern and return to the old dock. As we head off towards the heart of Folktale Forest, we keep looking back at the cavern...
...let's go again!!!
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What did you guys think? Wasn't that beautiful? Now, stick around, because in the next post, we'll head on over to Fantasyland to see how Disneyland Maine has adapted those classic dark rides, beginning with Snow White's Scary Adventures. See ya then!
